Thursday - 21 Apr/16

We had a new neighbour this morning.

It is similar in size (45') to the Ted Cruz motor coach that we passed on the road; but it wasn't him (grin). We were sick of hearing about the candidates  on TV when we were in Florida. We just can't escape the American Presidential campaign - the Pennsylvania party delegate vote is next week.

The "Prevost" based motorhome next to us arrived either last night or early this morning.

Prevost is based in Canada (Sainte-Claire, Quebec) where they manufacture premium touring coaches and shells for high-end custom RV's and specialty vehicles. Started in 1924, today Prevost is a subsidiary of Volvo. It's on my list for things to buy after I win the lottery. That's where the first 1.5 million (or 2) will be spent.

We continued our Fabric Store Tour today starting with a repeat stop at Log Cabin Quilts. Charlotte decided to get fabric that she couldn't make her mind up on yesterday.

Our next stop was in Intercourse at the quilt store that was closed for lunch yesterday. We did not find anything there; but we bought a few small items at the antique store (at the back) in the same parking lot area.

Charlotte found another panel and necessary fabrics for a quilt at Zook's Fabric Store. This is why Sauder's no longer existed (yesterday) - they were bought by and combined into Zook's.

By now it was after 1 p.m. and hunger pangs called. Our stop for lunch was at Miller's Smorgasbord (Ronk's, PA). In existence since 1929, it was the first smorgasbord (buffet) in the area. We have eaten here several times since we started coming to this area in the '70's.

Today we were not really hungry so we opted for the soup, salad and bread bar rather than the full smorgasbord. We enjoyed our leisurely lunch while viewing the beautiful surrounding farmland.

After lunch we took a short tour of some of our favourite places that we had visited (or stayed at) in the past. We spent about an hour, keeping to the "Back Roads" to avoid traffic (but not Amish buggies). We passed familiar landmarks of which one was the Red Caboose Motel, our favourite place to stay (before RVing). Located near the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum, Strasburg Railroad (Steam train excursions), and a few model railroad attractions, it was perfectly in theme.

One of our favourite memories visiting this area was a Hot Air Balloon Ride above the patchwork quilt of colours made by the surrounding farmlands. Being so familiar with the countryside added a dimension to the enjoyment as we recognized most of the landmarks that we saw from the air. Landing in a farmer's field was a treat for the Amish family (as was the bottle of wine given to the head of the household as a token "Thank You" by the pilot). Another bonus on that trip was that we stayed on for another flight and travelled with the "Chase Vehicle". This activity is highly recommended - especially in the early autumn.

We returned to the motorhome to rest before going to the evening (6:30 p.m.) show of "Samson" at the Sight and Sound Theatre. Sold out - as are most shows.

Before Superman, "Samson" was the original superhero who slayed lions and defeated armies. Like Superman and Kryptonite, there was a catch to Samson's powers: His strength was in his braided locks. Delilah (for money), was persuaded by Samson's Philistine enemies to seductively gained the secret to his power. She pestered him until he revealed the secret. His head was shaved while he slept. After the loss of his tremendous power he was easily captured, his eyes were gouged out and he was enslaved and subjected to hard labour as a prisoner.

Philistine tradition, during a pagan ritual, was to parade prized enemy prisoners before jeering crowds in the temple. The Philistines were not mindful that Samson's hair had grown back while a prisoner. In the temple, Samson braced himself between the two main supporting pillars and pushed collapsing the temple and killing all within (including himself).

Morally, the story is one of losing the calling of God through weakness and temptation. Despite being blinded Samson humbled himself and returned to God. He recovered through "Amazing Grace...He was blind, but now could see".

This large scale spectacular, complete with special effects and live animals (on stage and in the aisles) ended as Samson literally "brought down the house." As with all previous shows we have seen, the two and a half hours passed all too quickly. It was awesome entertainment!

We were back at the motorhome in about 20 minutes. Tomorrow we head home.