Mon., Dec 31/12

Charlotte was up and ready early and departed with Liz for their 9:30 am appointment to get their nails done. I told Charlotte to treat Liz. Liz had the same idea and treated. Great children are a blessing - we are blessed with Liz and Kat.

The girls returned before noon. Charlotte was now sporting dark cherry coloured toenails - all set for sandals. They also did some grocery shopping.
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Today the temp is in the low 70's F and sunshine.  There is a light breeze and a few very light clouds. Temps will be moving up to the high 70's by Wednesday. LNM headed for the outlet malls in Orlando a few minutes before we took the top off the Del Sol and set out to explore area RV resorts for our long term stay.

We had a few choices that we had explored on the internet. We also stopped at several that we spotted along the way, We were looking for a park with a high proportion of RV's. We found that this would mean a more active and friendly resort. Whne the resort is mostly park models they tend to be filled with older, less active folks that are also less likely to mix.

We found a few parks that had most of the amenities; however, we were looking for the "deal maker" - quilting. We settled for Clerbrook Golf and RV Resort - an Encore Resort near Clermont, FL. They had a nice list of activities including a day (Friday) for quilting.

We toured the RV resort on our own and picked out several potential sites. We were looking for shade and a lot that did not point the huge motorhome windshield into the sun. Rather than wait until we left Fort Wilderness (Disney World's RV park) we decided to book and pre-pay today to get the ideal site while it was available. We though the little extra for the premium lot was well spent for the location we reserved.

Another bonus is the Clermont area (US-27) isn't in a traffic overload situation. It will be easier and more enjoyable to get out and go places compared to the 24/7 crush of traffic around 1-4 near Orlando, Kissimmee,  and the Disney World area. We will be an easy half hour drive to the Disney Entrance at World Drive.

I knew Charlotte was too tired to cook after such a busy day touring (I'll use anything for an excuse) so we stopped at Golden Corral on US-192 just north of the I-4 (near the Disney World turnoff) for supper. Nothing like a great buffet to fed a hungry soul.

After eating our fill (literally) we were back at the RV in less than an hour. Again, a little TV before bed.

We are tired from the fresh air and sunshine and won't make it until the Ball Drops in Time Square!

Happy New Year Everybody!!!

Sun., Dec 30/12

All 4 RV's pulled out from Ocean Grove RV Park at the same time \(mid-morning) all heading for the Orange Blossom KOA in Apopka, FL.. As usual traffic and stop lights soon seperated us.

For the most part I was only a few cars behind LNM when I wasn't directly behind. Bob was soon a good distance back and Linda was nowhere in sight. We took SR-312 to US-1 to I-95 and the I-4 at Daytona Beach, FL.

The travelling was good. Despite the heavy traffic there were no slow downs. LMN pulled off I-4 about 10 miles from Apopka. We thought they were headed off to gas up.

We arrived at the KOA first. LMN (Liz, Nick & Marty) were in a few minutes behind us. There GPS just took them on a different route.
Bob was right behind them - his GPS took him on a route different than both of us. A few minutes later Lynda was in line at the registration office as well.

Our lot was beside LNM and Bob and Lynda were at other lots somewhere else in the park. We couldn't be all together as the park was full. We got the last 4 availabe sites. Soon we were set up. We and LNM were right across from the office & pool.

I came in a different way than LNM and spotted a Harbor Freight (Tools, etc.) a few miles before arriving.

Naturally, I did my duty and told Nick and soon we were off shopping. We both made purchases there and at Lowes. Next a stop at Walmart for some food items. We were too late at the quick lube for Nick to get an oil change for his truck. The front was open; but they were in the process of closing early and the back (entrance) was locked.

Back at the KOA I helped Nick wash his RV. We just kept on going and washed the Del Sol and then my motorhome.

Charlotte made supper in the RV - Macaroni Tuna Casserole - mmmm good! The we watched a little TV.

Later Marty knocked on the door to tell us they were having a campfire. We were sorry we could not accept the offer as  we were tired and were just heading to bed. Charlotte had to be up early as Liz made an appointment for both to get their nails done. A well deserved treat for the ladies.

The campground is right beside a major road (US-441). The traffic is continuous - even throughout the night. The rhythm of  the tires "slap-slapping" over the highway "seperator strips" was almost like rain on the roof. Being tired we were soon asleep.

Sat., Dec 29/12

We are at Ocean Grove RV Park until tomorrow.


LNM (Liz, Nick & Marty) left early in the morning to hit the St. Augustine Outlet Malls.

We didn't make the same move until almost noon. So nice to have the top off on the Del Sol allowing us to enjoy the warmth of the sun.

"Old Town" St. Augustine was packed. Folks come here not only for the Outlet Malls; but also for the "Nights of Lights" and the Fireworks on New Year's Eve.

It was much easier today navigating through the Outlet Malls without the 60 feet of motorhome with car in tow. A lot easier in the car. Our lesson from yesterday - go to the west entrance to avoid the "crawl" at the first entrance; but come out the East Entrance as it has a traffic light which the wst entrance does not.

Walked the mall and had a slice of pizza at the food court for lunch. Our only purchases were silicone oven gloves at the kitchen store and a set of Pyrex bowls at the Corningware store.

My plan for the "Nights of Lights" in Old Town was to stop at the Visitor Center (straight east (SR-16) from the Outlet Malls to Ponce De Leon (US-1). Here there is free parking and if you buy your ticket before 5 pm for the Old Town "Holly Jolly" Trolley it is $8 each not $9. A shuttle picked us up and brought us downtown to the "Nights of Lights" departure at the old town parking garage.

For the tour each person receives "Magic Glasses" that turn the over 2 million decorative lights into "Snowflakes". The glasses turn all lights into snowflakes - the best are the traffic lights. If you move your head "side to side" slightly the snowflakes will rotate a little in each direction.

The trolley snakes in and out of the streets (many - narrow and one way) in Old Town. A few stopping points let folks off and on. One venue offers free hot cider and cookies. The historic Bed and Breakfast homes were all beautifully decorated.  The trolley plays upbeat christmas songs and many join in singing. Everytime we pass a restaurant or other trolley everyone shouted "Happy New Year".

The shuttle returned us to the visitor center. From there we were able to take US-1 to SR-312 an avoid the crush of traffic in Old Town.

SR-312 at US-1 has virtually every major chain restaurant that exists. We ate at Chili's.

SR-312 to AIA and back to Ocean Grave RV Resort. Although we both travelled  on our own LNM arrived back within minutes of our return. They also enjoyed the  "Nights of Lights" Trolley Tour.

Soon we were bedded down as we had a busy day and will need to be up early to prepare for departure. Liz reserved for all 4 RV's at the Orange Blossom KOA in Apopka, FL.

Wed., Dec 26 - 29/12

Wi-Fi was bad last night. Everybody in the park was probably on-line. Waited until this morning.

We made it safely to Florida. We are now in St. Augustine for another day - then ???

Liz, Nick & Marty made it as well - we are beside them - they are on our right. Two of their friends that followed them are on our left.

 

Day 1 - Wed., Dec 26/12 (Boxing Day)

We made it through to the first Flying J (New Milford, PA) with no problems. We skipped breakfast there at Denny's as the storm was coming in from Ohio.

When the storm hit it was freezing rain. There were 2 solid lines of traffic going south on I-81. When we weren't stopped we moved at between 5 and 15 mph.

 

It was like this for the next 3 hours. A dozen or more cars in the ditch when we went through.

Finally, the snowplows were out in Maryland near Hagerstown. The roads were just wet and we were back up to 55 mph. Amazing how salt and moving traffic clears the roads.

 

Unfortunately, Maryland in this section is very narrow - less than a half hours worth of travel. West Virginia wasn't quite as good; but at least plowed. WV is only about 15 minutes wide in this section and soon we were into Virginia.

Filled up at the Flying J (Clear Brook, VA). It was now raining. This created 4-6 inches of wet slush.

We pulled into our traditional Walmart SuperCenter stop at Winchester. Liz pulled in about 15 minutes later. All 4 RV's were in within a half hour. Another 2-3 RV's here with us. This is not a "No Stay" Walmart - it is a "No permission" Walmart. For legal reasons they can't give "permission" to stay. In other words - don't ask - just stay! 24 Hr. SuperCenters - especially on the first night - allow us to shop or use the washroom at any time - great! We don't leave with anything that freezes so it was Walmart shopping for these essential items.

Nick got an email picture from Bernie (neighbour) - Wow! We just made it out before the major dump!!! Hwy 401 and Hwy 2 were closed, as well. Don't mind missing a few feet of the white stuff!

Day 2 - Thu, Dec 27/12

Another tradition - breakfast in Liz's trailer before we head out - mmmm, good!

Normally, we wave good-bye to Liz where I-66 to Washington, DC meets I-81 and we head to Arizona. This year we are going to Florida for a change.

I-81 to I-66 then US-17 through Warrenton, VA to join I-95 at Fredericksburg, VA is the best route for RV's. It gets us out of the mountains and potential snow quicker. It is also a lot less of a strain as the terrain is a lot more level and we miss the crush of traffic around Washington.

This just means less time in the crush. It was 3 lanes of stop and go traffic on I-95 from Fredericksburg until to near Ashland, VA. No accidents - just real slow downs at every on ramp. I-95 at Richmond isn't too bad on the weekends. We take I-295 around being this is a weekday. Travel from here was fairly normal except for a few slowdowns to 5 mph due to rubberneckers. One slow down was 8 miles long due to them slowing down to look at a cop with a car in the median - unbelievable!

We filled at the Flying J at Kenly, NC and had a late lunch at their Denny's (2 pm). The food has improved at Flying J's since Pilot bought and brought then out of bankruptcy. This lead to many getting Denny's as well. NC also has the cheapest gas - $3.09 a (US) gallon.

Good driving all the way into another tradtional stop - Walmart at Walterboro, SC. Still down to freezing at night. This Walmart does not allow Transports - RV's are OK. There were around 30 RV's in here for the night.

Day 3 - Fri., Dec 28/12

On the road again for day 3. We filled up at the Flying J in Brunswick, GA just before the FL border. Florida fuel is more expensive. We all met at the Florida Welcome center. Then all left for Camping World at St. Augustine. Amazingly - I was the only one of the group that didn't make a purchase - I must be slipping. I'll catch up soon.

 

We had lunch in the Food Court with Liz & Family at the Outlet Mall near Camping World. There is a much larger Outlet Mall on the other side of I-95 as well. We went in with the RV before going to Camping World. It was totally packed. No room for an RV to park. One RV that did park had cars park directly in front and behind leaving them no space to pull out. So considerate!?

 

We decided to reserve 2 nights at Ocean Grove RV Resort in St. Augustine, FL for a break.

 

 

St. Augustine is the oldest city in the USA. Ponce De Leon landed here looking for the "Fountain of Youth". It was stop and Go through "Old Town". St. Augustine is rated by National Geographic as one of the Top 10 places in the world for Christmas Lights. Once under Spanish rule, this 16th-century city fetes its heritage. Single white candles once flickered from colonists’ windows; during Nights of Lights, the 144-square-block historic district twinkles with two million bulbs (each white, per city ordinance). November 19-January 31. (See Attachment)

 

Day 4 - Sat., Dec 29/12

Liz is off to the Outlet Malls at I-95. We may decide on our next stop tonight or tomorrow. We plan to visit the lights in Old Town this evening.

Next update - probably from our next stop on Sunday - someplace south of here ????

 

Sun - Apr 29/12

Our final day on the road. After being away for over 4 months it is nice to get back home.

Leaving The Drummer Boy RV Park in Gettysburg, PA we saw that all the Class B Roadtreks had departed and their spots were now taken by trailers and Fifth Wheels.

As we passed through York, PA where a Harley-Davidson Factory is located it was fitting to see a procession of at least a hundred motorcycles passing on the other side. It must have been a fund raising "run" of some kind.

Stopped to fill up at the Flying J in New Milford, PA a few miles before the New York state border. State prices vary widely due to taxes. Pennsylvania is always lower so I fill here before entering NY state. This time the savings was about $0.25 a gallon compared to some NY state prices along the interstate.

Our next stop was at the rest area (lightly raining) on I-81 just after we passed Cortland, NY. The stop here was to phone my daughters to see if they had any last minute requests for items from the USA. Nick (Son-in-Law) wanted a 20 Ton (combo Air/Manual) Bottle Jack (He's an RV tech). I phoned Harbor Freight in Watertown, NY to see if they had any in stock. If they did not I would check with the Syracuse, NY store. Watertown had it  (easier to get to this store) so we motored on.

At Watertown, NY we parked at the Walmart SuperCenter which is a parking lot away from Harbor Freight as we wouldn't fit into their parking lot. We picked up a few items at Walmart and a few items at Harbor Freight. Then we walked to the Olive Garden for supper just down the street.

After supper we continued towards home. Although we leave by the Thousand Islands (Ivy Lea, ON) border crossing when going to Arizona, we return through the Ogdensburg, NY crossing into Canada. This way we stop at the Parkway (Valero) Gas Station. This is the closest stop to home when coming from the West that we can easily get into and fill-up both the RV and the Car. This usually saves us close to $1 a gallon.

Our final stop before entering Canada was the Duty Free Shop just before crossing the bridge at Ogdensburg. Two bottles of Tequila (considerable savings compared to the LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) prices and we were on our way over the bridge into Canada.

Just 45 minutes later and we were passing the "Half Way to the North Pole/Half Way to the Equator" sign. Our daughter's home is just a few hundred yards south of the 45th parallel. Our home is also close to the 45th; but 10 minutes to the East . We unhooked the car leaving the RV at their home. We will return tomorrow to unpack the RV and have supper at their house. This is always fun as we also distribute their share of items we bought for them while away. It's like a second coming of Santa!

Despite Charlotte's short stay in the Heart Hospital in Arizona the winter was great. The trip home was also a lot of fun. We have our reservations for next year at Canyon Vistas for January 1st. through until April 1st. We will once again plan something to use the whole month of April for coming home.

The RV will now be parked except for July (Wedding Anniversary - 43rd coming up), August (my birthday - 18 'til I Die), September (Charlotte's Birthday - 29 w/a few years experinece) and maybe October (Autumn Leaves Trip) when the RV will only be out for a about a week at a time.

May do a short blog for these trips. The main blog will start, if all happens as usual, on Boxing Day (Dec 26/12). So long until then!

Sat - Apr 28/12

Today was a "Surprise Day" for Charlotte. When I plan a "Surprise Day" I do not let her know what is on the agenda.

Our first stop was the Central Market in Historic Downtown Lancaster. Here Charlotte found a few "Fat Quarters" (material in squares for quilting) and some sewing notions at a neat little store in the market. Then we went to the main "Farmer's" Market. We could not believe how crowded the market was - we could hardly move!

We enjoyed some fresh apple cider and Baklava (Almond and Walnut) from vendors. Then we were off to destination #2 - Shady Maple Market and Smorgasbord. These facilities are beyond large! The market is the size of two Walmart SuperCenters combined. The meat counters alone would fill any of our grocery stores back home. The grocery store has both a restaurant and a snack bar. The "Home Goods" store,  in a separate building, is also the size of a Walmart Store. Equally as large is the Gift Shop that is situated under the "Smorgasbord" which is on the second floor of a building larger than most hotels.

The "Smorgasbord" is not only the largest in Lancaster County, I believe it is larger than all the others combined. The entrance is more like that of a 5 Star Hotel! I am still amazed at the size of this complex!

Yes, we managed to once again "find items we didn't know we needed". Now it was time for a few familiar stops that are a must on any trip to the "Pennsylvania Dutch Country". We filled a box with quart jars of preserves from the Intercourse Canning Company. They will be moving to larger quarters just a few blocks away in June.

Our next stop was at the Bird-in-Hand Farmer's Market. Again, we had a sample of apple and apple/cherry cider (small cup for $0.25). A few purchases later we were on our way to the two Outlet Malls a few miles away in Lancaster, PA. Again, a few purchases at each before moving on to our last destination of the day.

Our final stop was for supper at Bube's (boo-bees - okay - "Boobies" if you prefer - grin) Brewery in Mt. Joy, PA. This was a unique experience to say the least.

We had reservations for supper at 6 pm in the Catacombs. The Catacombs Restaurant is several stories below the surface of the street in the ageing (in more ways than one) cellars of Bube's Brewery. A costumed guide greeted us and lead us on a tour of the brewery on our way to dinner. We descend 43 feet under the building into the stone-lined vaults of the Catacombs. There, years ago, the beer brewed above was stored in casks to age for about 6 weeks in the natural coolness of the cave like catacombs. 

Rumour has it that the entrance to a tunnel through the Catacomb wall beside where we sat was used for a hiding place for slaves on the "Underground Railroad". It is also rumoured that alcohol was hidden here during prohibition (a likely story - I mean - really likely - grin). A third rumour is that their are "Spirits" (another grin) in the Brewery - of the ghostly kind. In fact, a few weeks ago paranormal researchers detected "presences" in the building.


Bube's current Micro-Brewery is located within the original brewery's icehouse. The mash/lauter tun and kettle have a 3.5 bbl capacity (approximately 110 gallons.) The brewers usually brew two consecutive batches to meet the capacity of the 10 bbl fermenters. In the brewery there are two 10 bbl fermenters and one 10 bbl conditioning tank for lagered beer.



The selection of Bube's handcrafted beers on draught changes frequently - the favourites are described as:

• Kolsch: Clean, crisp, easy drinking Colonge, Germany style ale. Kolsch's smoothness comes from special Kolsch yeast, German Hallertau hops, a slow fermentation and lager like conditioning.
• Red Ale: This was the first draught on tap in November 2001. It has developed to a very quaffable ale. the slight sweet malt flavor is balanced with East Kent Golding hops to produce this delicious reddish-amber ale.
  
• Stout: This dark full bodied stout is perfect with a meal or as a meal. Rolled oats give this beer an enjoyable mouthfeel while chocolate and roasted malts lend to its distinctive flavor.
  
• Brown Ale: Another one of our first recipes, which we have improved with experience. This ale is pleasantly malty with nutty and toffee like undertones. East Kent Golding hops were used to compliment this English style ale.
  
• Heffweizen: This traditional German-style wheat beer is rich in banana and clove undertones, with a wonderful frothy head.
  
• India Pale Ale (IPA): Bube's rendition of this classic style is made with fine 2-row malted barley and West Coast hops. A wonderful malt finish with a delicate citrus aroma, reminiscent of its Old-World cousin. 
• 
  

Charlotte order a draught sampler which consisted of 5 of the above brews each served in a small glass. 


For supper Charlotte ordered the "Brewmaster's Special" which tonight was pork tenderloin with a Rosemary/Mustard glaze served over mashed potatoes with green beans. I had the 8 ounce Certified Angus Filet Mignon (Medium-Rare) served au poivre (pan broiled with a cracked peppercorn, mustard brandy sauce). I also opted for the sautéed mushrooms. It was also served with mashed potatoes and green beans.

The meal began with an excellent salad and ended with an equally excellent chocolate pecan pie. What an excellent dining experience in a unique candlelit (only) setting. Perhaps next visit we can have "The Feast" (Sunday's only) or come for the "Murder Mystery".

A few off-and-on light showers on the way back to the RV. Tomorrow we are heading for home after being away for over 4 months.We should arrive before dark. It will be good to be home again!

Fri – Apr 27/12

Set the TV to wake us at 7:00 am. Breakfast in the RV and we were off to York, PA for the Harley-Davidson Factory Tour.

On the way out I noticed the park was full of Class B Motorhomes (Van Conversions). It was a RoadTrek Rally! There must have been 30 or 40 in the park that I saw.

The Harley-Davidson Factory offers two tours. The regular tour runs Mon-Fri at regular intervals from 9 am-2 pm. The tour is free. The factory basically runs on a 4 day week meaning the regular production line was not running today although several machines and areas did have activity.

The Steel Toe Tour only runs Mon – Thu at 9:30 am and 12 noon. This tour costs $35 and has a “dress code”. Check the website for details.

Our tour started with a short video history. An ID Pin (a keeper) and Safety Glasses and a communication earphone are provided. The last to items are returned at the end of the tour. Cell phones must be turned off and all cameras are required to be left in a secure (deposit) area before proceeding to the factory floor. The tour had several viewing areas with informational videos. We were required to stay between the yellow lines (walkways). Part of the complex even had traffic lights which must be obeyed. A guide leads the tour and provides instructions and descriptions while a second (Safety) guide follows. We really enjoyed this excellent informational and visual tour.

Our next stop was the Family Heir-Loom Weaving Factory in Red Lion, PA only a short distance away. This tour was a step back in time. David Kline, the owner, provided an insightful and educational tour. The modest $5 admission goes to charity (World Hunger) which was very thoughtful.

This is perhaps the last facility in North America that provides custom weaving on looms that date from the 19^th and early 20^th century. David’s years of expertise are evident as he stopped, started and demonstrated several unique looms and bobbin winders from various eras. The workmanship is flawless and in high demand. Historic homes showcase many of his products or authentic reproductions of era carpet and stair runners. When Dvid found out we were from Ontario he showed us a carpet that was just completed for Upper Canada Village (Morrisburg, ON) which is less than 15 minutes from our home. It is a small world!

The store next door was actually a home that showcases many carpet, runners and materials (Huck Toweling) that is for sale. Charlotte found a lovely runner that will grace our hall entrance table when we return home.

Our next stop was another Factory (Tour). This was Wolfgang Candy Company in York, PA. This is a small family operation that has a quite interesting history. An early delivery truck was on display.

We bought some neat individually produced chocolates (Turtles on a Rock, Pigs in Mud, Ducks in Pond, Cows in Grass, a Shark and a Penguin to mention a few.) One package of Cashew Brittle didn’t even make it to the next stop.

The temperature had warmed up enough that we took the top of the Del Sol (Honda) and enjoyed the warmth of the sun. We made a few other “Factory” stops today. Included were the UTZ and Snyder (Hanover, PA) Factories that produce snack foods (Potato Chips, pretzels, cheese puffs, etc.). Of course, we sampled and made additional purchases.

We returned to Gettysburg, PA and parked at “The Square” (actually a roundabout) downtown. We took a picture at the Lincoln (and friend) Statue. This is the most authentic in existence as the head and hands were made from actual casts of these features taken from Lincoln during his lifetime.

We decided on supper at Cafe St-Amand just a block away on Baltimore Street. This French Bistro appears to be a local favourite as there were several tables already reserved when we arrived. The atmosphere was charming and the food (and service) was excellent. We both enjoyed the (classic) French Onion Soup which was a blend of caramelized onions and red wine in a rich beef broth that was topped with garlic crostini and gratineed gruyere cheese.

This was followed by the Warm Goat Cheese and Apple Salad which was a mix of spring greens, goat cheese, Fuji Apple slices and Walnuts with a very tasty Honey-Mustard Vinaigrette Dressing.

Our Entrée was the Beef Bourguignon. The slow braised beef in a Burgandy Wine au-Jus with lardon bacon and root vegetables served on mashed potatoes was also excellent.

Our choice for dessert, Crème Brulee was the perfect light finish to the meal.

While talking with our waitress we found that she and her husband (the chef) were from Watertown, NY which is just a short distance (across the border) from our home. It is a small world! (again).

It only took a few minutes to make our way back to the Drummer Boy RV Park just a few miles away.

It was an enjoyable day in PA!

Thu – Apr 26/12

Woke up to rain on the RV roof and it was heavy.

On the weather channel the bottom of the screen was scrolling a Thunderstorm Weather Warning! Quarter size hail and 60 mph winds going through the area.  We decided to wait for a few hours as it was moving fast and to the east.

We left around 10 am when the rain lightened significantly. A few miles later and we were on I-81 heading north. The driving wasn't too bad. I settled in at 55 mph while it was raining. We did pass a transport being pulled out of the median on the other side which had the traffic backed up for miles.

A few slow downs for patches of heavy rain and construction and we soon arrived at the Flying J at Max Meadows, VA. This flying J did not have a dedicated RV lane like most. It indicated for RV to “Please use the outside lane”. I declined and took the inside lane. My gas filler is on the driver’s side of the back end or the motorhome and the gas pump hoses would not have reached. There was truck parking for the transports in the diesel side but not RV parking like most Flying J’s so we passed on Denny’s for lunch. This stop is right at the I-81 exit so it was a quick off and back on.

I programmed the GPS for the closest Cracker Barrel Restaurant in Christiansburg, VA. Most Cracker Barrel Restaurants have RV parking spots in the back. They are suitable for a pickup with a boat or short trailer; but not for a Motorhome with a Toad (car-in-tow) totaling nearly 60’ in length. 

I usually find an empty row and take up 8-10 regular spots. If none is available, at least I know the parking lot is set up so I can get back out. Unlike RV’s with trailers a motorhome with a toad cannot be backed up. It must be unhooked. This is not as easy as it sounds as turning takes a lot of room. It is best to try a situation where to avoid you cannot turn around in the first place.

We noticed the Motorhome that came in to the RV park and set up across from us last night was already at the Cracker Barrel – what are the odds of that? We saw the motorhome leaving as we ate.

Charlotte enjoys Thursday at Cracker Barrel – the lunch special is Turkey Breast w/Dressing and Cranberry Sauce. We both ordered the special. Good thing it was only lunch size as it was a large portion. After lunch Charlotte went through the store which always has a neat array of various items. She found a sign for the RV that she liked: “Wherever You Go…There You Are!” (How True!)

There was another slow down several miles down I-81. Traffic was down to a single lane. Two fire trucks were at the scene. Wow! It involved a Fedex Tandem (Double) Trailer and ….the same RV from the RV Park and Cracker Barrel….even more of a coincidence? Thankfully, it did not appear to involve injuries.

A few more construction sections slowed us down. The RV park in Gettysburg, PA closes the office at 7 pm. We made it with just 5 minutes to spare. Whew! We will be here until Sunday morning.

As mentioned (often) before - RVers are a great bunch. While hooking up a neighbour saw I was looking for the cable TV connection. I was looking for a green post on which the lady at the office told me I would find the connection. I assumed it was a wooden post. He pointed me to a green cylindrical metal structure and informed me the connection was at the very bottom. 

After all was set up and the car was disconnected we decided to just take it easy instead of going out for supper in Gettysburg. The leftover pizza from the previous night (RV Park Delivery) was even better tonight. 

It didn't take us long to fall asleep.

Wed - Apr 25/12

We were up and out of the Walmart parking lot before 8 am. We crossed under I-40 to fill up at the Pilot Truck Stop. A few Pilot truck stops, like this one, have an RV lane.

Once filled we were back on I-40 eastbound to visit the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge, TN. We arrived about two hours later at 10 am. The museum tells the story of energy, in particular, atomic energy. It gives the history of the Oak Ridge, the "Secret City" where Y-12 was created. Y-12 was the World War II code name for the electromagnetic isotope separation plant that was secretly developed to produce enriched uranium as part of the "Manhattan Project".

Construction began in February 1943 and by the early summer of 1945 enough uranium 235 was obtained for "Little Boy" which was dropped on Horishima, Japan by the "Enola Gay" (Superfortress Bomber).

Imagine keeping the construction of an immense facility a secret! Amazingly, it was so secret, only a few knew the real reason for it's existence other than it was for "The War Effort". Those few did not even include the Vice-President of the United States. Harry S. Truman was only told of this facility when he became automatically assumed the Presidency upon the death of FDR (Franklin Delano Roosevelt).

Initially the plan called for a population of 13,000. It soon blossomed to 75,000 requiring  thousand upon thousands of  "Flat Top" pre-fab houses be brought to the area for the workforce in the new community. All this was constructed in just a few years. An authentic house of that era is on display at the museum.

Y-12, in it's modern version, still exists here. Visitors still require special clearance that may take up to 18 months to be approved. Workers, besides their scientific expertise, also require an extensive background check that may take even longer to process. Today the facility has over 550 security personal - Wow!

This was a very worthwhile and interesting stop and reasonably priced (Senior - $4) as well.

We returned to I-40 after the museum visit and continued eastbound to connect with I-81. We were now northbound. Our final destination for today was the KOA (Kampgrounds of America) Bristol / Kingsport RV Park where we arrived shortly after 5 pm.

As a treat we ordered a Pizza, Wings and Mozzarella Sticks for supper from the park restaurant. Like Domino's - they delivered to the site! It arrived just after we were all set up and settled down.

We still haven't decided on our next destination. We will have to do that by tomorrow - check-out is at 11 am.

Tue - Apr 24/12

We left Movietown RV Resort around 8 am. There were many trailers and motorhomes in the park; but only a few had an accompanying vehicle. Many folks probably rent by the season and come on the weekend.

We gassed up a few miles from the resort before getting back onto the Natchez Trace Parkway. The price - $3.64 - was $0.40 cents less per gallon than in Arizona.

We continued to enjoy the light traffic, slow speeds and lovely scenery on the Trace. One section of forest that extended on both sides for several miles was just recovering from the devastating effects of a  tornado that struck in April (last year). Thankfully, this was an unpopulated area.

Our planned stop for the day was to exit the Trace at Tupelo, MS to visit the Elvis Presley Museum. Having been to Graceland twice we could not pass Tupelo without a visit to the birthplace of  "The King".

The museum displayed interesting artifacts of his early life including the two room house were he was born. We couldn't resist sitting on the porch swing!

The "Assembly of God" church that Elvis regularly attended is also on the grounds. A multimedia display of a typical church service of that era is shown throughout the day.

We next made a stop at the Tupelo Walmart for lunch at their "Subway". Soon we were back on the Trace enjoying the drive north. We were brought back to reality a little over 3 hours later when we arrived at the terminus of the Trace at SR-100 southwest of Nashville, TN. Traffic!

We followed SR-100 until I-440 which we took to connect to I-40. We continued east on I-40 until we exited at Lebanon, TN to see if we could "overnight" in the Walmart parking lot. Following the "Boondocking Protocol" we checked with the Walmart "Duty Manager" to get permission and instructions as where to park. As at most Walmarts it was on the "Garden Department" side of the store at the far edge of the parking lot.

Once parked we walked to the Applebee's (Restaurant) that bordered the parking lot. After a relaxing meal we returned to the RV and were soon asleep.