Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Once we returned from our Thanksgiving trip it was time to think about Christmas so since it was a nice warm weekend we decided to put up the outside decorations and add a little something to our new Arctic Fox, AF, camper.

Hang in there Santa

We get a call/e-mail from our friends Toby and Mary and the told us that they were coming up for an overnight and would take us out to celebrate our 39th anniversary. That was very thoughtful of them and we enjoyed a very nice visit and a wonderful dinner at the Bavarian Chef.

The following weekend it was off to select our tree along with our friends Carl, Susie and their 4 children. Then it was to set up the tree and the rest of the inside decorations.

Logan takes a break

Thanksgiving

Well I have been chastised for not updating our blog for some time. So I will start with our trip to Vermont for Thanksgiving.

A few days before Thanksgiving we received a call from our good friends Jerry and Donna asking if we had plans for turkey day. Since we didn't they asked us to join them in for a family get together. This worked out well since we are considering returning to Vermont. Our plan is to spend part of the summer in Vermont and travel the remainder of the year. So this trip provided an opportunity to meet with a real estate agent and look at some property, visit with our son James and have lovely visit with Donna, Jerry and their family.

We took two days to travel to Vermont because we wanted to overnight in Oneonta NY and have BBQ chicken dinner at Brooks. Then the next day, Wendnesday, we would arrive in Burlington Vermont about Noon which would be a good time to make a visit to the Christmas Tree Shops in Williston before we have lunch at Al's French Fries in South Burlington. Yes food and shopping are an important part of travel.

Then it was off to Morrisville with a stop at Blue Spruce Reality to meet Don Foote. We learned that Don was the husband of Lindsey Adams Foote who was a member of SNSC, Smugglers Notch Ski Club and we knew her and her parents Barb and Jim. Then just to show how small the world is the other agent is an ex-IBMer Clyde Burdick whom I knew from my years at IBM. I knew his dad who also worked at IBM.

We discussed our plans and got a list of homes and properties and arranged to meet on Friday.

Thursday we woke to a power outage. Dinner was planed for about Noon but that plan was dashed when the power did not come back on until about 10. About noon our son James arrived and we spent some time visiting with him and talking about property and houses in the area. We went over the drawings we have of our current house since if we can not find anything built that meets our requirements we will build basically what we currently have. Then it was time to mix with Jerry's family and await dinner.

Jim relaxes with Molly

Jerry and Donna prepare dinner, I supervise

Looking towards Madonna Mountain at Smuggs from one of the properties we looked at

A view down the road. Can I get the AF30U TT in and out?

Another property near Fletcher on Shaw Road.

Another view of the Shaw Road property near the top of the hill.

Logan and Molly beg for a treat.

Camping Day 75

Lake Anna SP
Sunday October 21, 2007

This started out as another lazy day. Since it was a very nice day we decided to extend our stay another day and spend some time today paddling our kayaks on the lake. After lunch we headed out with a stop at the park office to pay for our extra day.

Nice to see some color.

Once we had our kayak's launched we headed down the lake with the idea that we would paddle around the point and up the cove where the camping cabins are. Well we didn't take a real good look at the map/chart and after a good hour of paddling we still had not reached the cove where the cabins are. So we headed back to the launch area to pack up and head back to the camper and see if we could catch a few laps of the Nextel Cup race at Martinsville.

After supper we watched a little more TV while Suzette knitted and I read a few more chapters of "State of Denial".

Camping Day 74

Lake Anna SP
Saturday October 20, 2007

A little cool this morning so we turned up the heat while we took showers. Cooked a breakfast of sausage, eggs and pancakes. Something about food cooked outside, even on a gas grill.

Neither of us were motivated to do much this morning so after we put up the awning and set out the mat we sat outside and Suzette knitted and I read. After walking the dog and a light lunch we left to drive to Mineral to see the museum that we had passed on several occasions while traveling on US522. Well it wasn't open and we did not find a sign for the hours of operation so we took a tour of Mineral. That didn't take long. It is interesting that the GPS shows streets that nolonger exist. I guess I will have to look into getting map and POI updates.

On our way to Mineral we stopped by the Lake Anna Winery and tasted a few and bought what we tasted. Nice wines.

We spend most of the afternoon doing more nothing, well the same nothing we did in the morning. Then it was another dog walk and we decided to take a bike ride to the waterfront on the new paved path. Since our last visit a campfire ring and outdoor classroom have been added. When we returned from our ride we started supper.

After supper we watched TV waiting for the playoff game to start. It is now the top of the 8th and it is Cle 2, Bos 10.

Camping Day 73

Lake Anna SP
Friday October 19, 2007

We got a late start today for our trip to Lake Anna arriving about 3 PM. We found that there were a number of campers already set up and more were to come for the weekend. We were told that a no burn order had been issued, not even a charcoal fire, because of the drought conditions.

We picked a pull-thru site, 32, just to make life easy. We had hardly stopped and the camp host arrived to get our name and make sure that we were going to stay at this site. We positioned the trailer about 3 times before we were satisified. Not really much of a show for the folks in the 5er across the way but they watched anyway.

We choose not to extend our awning or put out our patio mat and chairs since the forecast was for rain and high winds from a front coming thru later in the night. We did get a few minutes of rain and wind about 9 PM.

The fall colors were just starting and the maple trees were quite colorful.

Watched some TV while Suzette knitted and I started to read "State of Denial" by Bob Woodward.

Home again home again

Belle Isle to home
Monday October 1, 2007

Travel days to home don't count a camping days since we will not spend the night in the camper.

After a breakfast of english muffin, egg, ham we stowed a few items and decided to take another bike ride around the park. We went to the picnic area and enjoyed the shore along the river and watched a couple of Osprey glide on the air currents above the river. They looked like they were fishing. We did not seem them dive for a catch though.

After the picnic area we decided to ride over to the boat launch again. We watched a small sailboat tack in Deep Creek and studied the chart that was in the kiosk. We wondered if that chart/map was for sale at Camp HQ so we biked back there. They don't have that chart/map for sale.

We packed up and headed for home.

You can see all the pictures of this trip here.

Camping Day 72

Belle Isle SP
Sunday September 30, 2007

This is also our 100th day camping since we purchased the Flagstaff last June.

Today we had a group breakfast which we cooked in dutch ovens. We made Mountain Man breakfast while Doug and Athena made the biscuits. I started the charcoal inside the fire ring and started to cook the bacon but it wasn't doing very well. So I decided there wasn't enough air flow for the charcoal and moved to my standby hubcap method.

Mountain Man Breakfast with biscuits

Doug used the coals in the fire ring to do the baking. After we finished breakfast Doug and Athena along with Glenn and Sue started to pack up to leave. We had chosen to stay another day so after saying our good bye's we headed for the boat launch to put the kayaks in the water and spend a few hours exploring areas of Deep Creek that we did not do on our last visit.

As we were loading the kayaks after our paddle we noticed a class C with Vermont plates making a tour of the park. A while later they pulled in to the camp ground and choose a site several away from ours. After we finished supper we took a walk with Logan and visited with the folks from Vermont. They are from the White River Junction area and we had a good visit and exchanged information on various campgrounds. They were not familiar with North Beach in Burlington Vermont so we described it and suggested they reserve early if they plan to spend time there.

Camping Day 71

Belle Isle SP
Saturday September 29, 2007

52 and clear when we got up this morning. Turned the furnace on to take off the chill. We visited with the group over coffee before returning to cook breakfast. We cooked pancakes, sausage and eggs on the outside grill. The rest of the gang brought over their breakfasts and we ate and visited.
After all was cleaned up we biked over to the car top boat launch to check out the water condition since it was blowing pretty good. There were no white caps since the wind didn't have much fetch in the little creek/bay.

We decided to go to Morattico to visit the General Store museum. We encountered a large number of bikers on our way over. Once there we found that the museum was a stop on the "Bike Virginia" route. The museum is very interesting with 3 floors of of stuff from the area. The ground floor was the store and is pretty much as it was when it closed some years ago. The upper two floors have a wide variety of displays and pictures from those bygone days.

Once we completed our tour it was off to Capt. Tom's Seafood in Bertrand. Almost at the end of VA 354. It was a long trip because we kept having to slow for the biker's. All of us bought some seafood. By the time we got back to camp it was about 2:30. Suzette and I decided to just kick back since we were to get dinner started about 4:30 or so. The rest of the gang went on a marriage encounter, well really a canoe paddle up Mulberry Creek.

While they were gone on their canoe trip Bob and Flo from the Springdale that was camped near by came over to take a look at our Fox. They were quite impressed. Bob told me they wanted to put a slide topper on their unit but there was nothing to bolt it to. They also wanted to install an entry assist handle but again there was no structure to fasten it to.

We got supper preparations organized and went to the launch are to get pictures of Glenn, Sue, Doug and Athena as they returned. Their marriages survived intact. They had a good time paddling in Mulberry Creek. At the canoe launch there was a couple that were camped a few sites from us with their Nash. I didn't get the model but it looked to be about a 25 footer.

Supper consisted of a great salad, chili-mac and corn bread prepared in dutch oven's, with pineapple upside down cake also baked in a dutch oven. We had way more food than the 6 of us could eat. As I was putting up some of the left overs we saw folks from a near by campsite arrive. They hadn't eaten so we invited them over to help us out. So now we have new friends Dave and Dottie from Gretna Virginia. We had a nice time visiting with them and they were very happy to have dinner with us.

Doug set up his telescope so we could look at start, planets, and the full moon. When the batteries went dead and we had seen enough of the moon we had another campfire at the Lilly's.

Camping Day 70 back to Belle Isle

Belle Isle SP
Friday September 28, 2007

We had pretty much packed the camper on Thursday so we could get a decent start. That was a good thing because we had 1.48" of rain overnight and it was damp with light showers this morning. However the skies were clearing by the time we left at 0910.

The trip down was uneventful and we arrived a little after noon. We decided on pull thru site 9 which would allow our friends to pick sites on either side of us. After we got setup we had lunch and relaxed that afternoon. We did use the awning tie downs since the wind was somewhat gusty. I had to add rope extensions to the tie downs since this trailer sets about 6" higher than the Flagstaff we had.

We got a call from Glenn and Sue and talked the directions over with them. We expected them at about 1730. When it got close to their arrival time we decided to ride our bikes to greet them as they came in. We rode, waited, rode some more and managed to miss them arriving. We had gone out the "back exit" of the camp ground when they had already made the turn to come in the entrance drive. So much for the escort service.

A little after 1800 Doug called and said they were leaving from Bealton. An electric fuel pump gave up the ghost. It took Doug some time to find the problem and get things in order. He was able to run on the mechanical pump.

About 2045 the Barth arrived carrying Doug and Athena.


After they got set up we had a campfire and sat around and talked for some time.

Camping day 69 - Shakedown IV

Belle Isle SP, Virginia
September 19, 2007

After breakfast we took a bike ride to the boat launch area of the park and then on a trail that follows the shore and passes by the new visitors center. It looks like it will be a nice center. It should be open a little later this year.

After returning from the ride we had a light lunch and took Logan for a walk. We did see the camp hosts today as they rode by in their gator. They waved but in all of the dog walks we have not seen them outside of their camper. I guess when you have satellite you just stay inside.

Our afternoon consisted of exploring Mulberry Creek. We were nearing high tide so we were able to go a long way up the creek. Along the way we found a sunken boat. It looked like an old wooden flat bottomed row boat based on what we could see in the muddy creek.

Once we returned to more of the bay/river area we decided to paddle on over to Morattico and look at the town and condo's from the water. It sure gives a new perspective. We returned after about 3 hours of paddeling and both of us were quite tired.

That evening we readied things for our departure tomorrow.

Pictures of our day's at Belle Isle are here.

Camping day 68 - Shakedown III

Belle Isle SP
Tuesday September 18, 2007

It was a bout 46 this morning and the heater kicked on a few times over night. One day that new smell will be gone, won't it? When I was up for a nature call I could hear owls calling near by. Neat.

After breakfast we were visited by one of the rangers and we had a nice talk. We asked about seeing the Mansion, a 1942 farm house and guest house. They can be rented, week at a time in prime season and a 2 night minimum at other times. It is a nice house and well furnished. The view over the Rappahannock River is fantastic.

After our tour we took a ride to Morattico to see the museum which is only open on weekends. We wanted to check it out so we could let folks know about it on our next trip. Looked really cool. I think we will tour next time we are here, oh, that is two weeks from now.

We took a long bike ride, well a couple of miles, and enjoyed that. I had broken my shifter so I was stuck in one gear on the rear but could change the front chain ring.

We cooked the meat portion of our dinner over a wood fire. So I guess we are really camping now.

Well that's about all for now.

Camping day 67 - Shakedown II

Belle Isle SP
Monday September 17, 2007

Campsite 10, pull through

Overnight the temperature got down to 44. Why didn't we "burn out" the furnace before we left on this trip? Well we now know it is a new system. After coffee we are about to take showers but no hot water in the shower. Hummm hot water in the galley sink, hot water in the bathroom sink. What could be wrong? Let it run a while. Hummm, DW is not happy. I'm not happy. We didn't check this at PDI. Damn.

I turn on the COLD water and walla hot water. Some turkey at the factory reversed the hot and cold water lines in the shower. Clean and happy we prepare breakfast.

With breakfast eaten and cleaned up, the dog walked we head out to Reedsville to visit the Fishermans Museum. Only $3 for seniors. We can do that. A nice little museum.

Suzette and the Docent discuss the organ. Just a little over $25 when new. It still works.

The sewing room

The skipjack Calud ?????

We have lunch at Cockrells Creek Seafood and Deli, Eat-in, Eat-out Take-out. We had stopped there about 10 years ago when we took a motorcycle ride to Reedville. Good food. We were glad to find it again. Funny the folks behind the counter didn't remember us. Well we didn't remember them either. They served us anyway.

As we made our way home we stopped in Kilmarnock to pick up a few grocery items. Then we made a stop at Capt-n-Toms seafood and bought a pound of fresh sea scallops. We will enjoy those a little later. Tonight it is left over stew and baked rolls. Might as well try out the new oven.

Camping day 66 - Shakedown

Belle Isle State Park
Sunday September 16, 2007

This is our first trip with our new 30U. It was about a 130 mile tow mostly on rural roads. I was quite pleased with the way the rig handled. Of course there was no cross wind and I did not have any big trucks to deal with.

We are the lone fox in the park. Actually there is only the campground host and a tent camper here with us.

Tonight we cooked a great stew in our dutch oven. Now we have enough leftover to last a couple of days. We really enjoy our dutch oven cooking but most recipes feed 8 or more. Maybe tomorrow we will make a peach cobbler.

Another travel day

Promised Land to home
Saturday September 1, 2007

We got a good start with clear weather. We did a good rinse of our holding tanks and were on the road and home by 2:30 or so. Suzette mowed the lawn twice. It rained a little since we had left so it was a tall mess. We removed food and dirty clothes from the camper and went for supper at Red Hot 'n Blue in Warrenton. Desert was at Carousel ice cream then it was to kick back and watch a little baseball and NASCAR.

Look here for all the pictures of our trip.

Now to get ready for our next trip.

Camping Day 65

Bonnie Brae to Promised Land
Friday August 31, 2007

We got a good start and work our way via US20, I90, I87 to I84 and into Pennsylvania and Promised Land State Park we registered and went to site 339. We had electric but no water. After we were setup I took the 5gal can and put some water in our fresh water tank to get us through the night. Since this was the beginning of the holiday weekend there were folks arriving at a fairly consistent rate. We went Fox hunting but didn't find any.

The skies cleared and we took a tour of the park. We found the museum which focused on the CCC and the construction of the camp. After we returned to our campsite we took Logan for walks and met several other campers as well as the camp host, a PE teacher from NJ. Earlier on a walk with Logan her pit bull, Susie had broken her leash and Suzette retied her.

Camping Day 64

Bonnie Brae, Pittsfield MA
Thursday August 30, 2007

Trust your GPS and use a little common sense. That is what we did to find a way around Pittsfield MA to get from the campground to Hancock Shaker Village. We arrived about 10 minutes before they opened at 10AM. We looked around the entry complex and then bought our tickets and watched the short video about the Shakers and the village.

We took in the talks at the brick dwelling where up to 100 Shakers lived.

Then we went to the round barn to learn how it was built, why it was round. Being round had nothing to do with evil spirits hiding in corners. It was round to make efficient milk production. Hay was stored in the center, cows were more easily fed and the hay wagons could deliver their cargo by going around the second floor and unloading into the center storage area. Really neat. Remember they didn't have bailers at that time.


We learned that the Shakers were all about efficiency and were early adopters of technology that made their life easier. They used a water turbine when others were using water wheels. We talked to ladies, "sisters", in the weaving area and discussed how yarn was made, dyed and woven into fabric. I was able to take a picture of the distaff assembly that would go on the wool wheel that we have. Maybe we can make Logan yarn.

Across the road, US20, there are more buildings. We went to the sisters basket making area and met JoAnn Catsos who also knows a friend of ours that lives in Manassas, Sandy Anastasio. We had a long visit and learned several things about making baskets and using forms.

On the return to the campground we stopped for diesel and found a little store that had fresh corn so we picked up a few ears. After supper the thunder storms started and continued on and off throughout the night. A great visit.

Camping day 63

Burlington VT to Pittsfield MA
Wednesday August 29,2007

Got things packed up and out of the site by 0917. We basically followed the GPS route which took us down 22a and 22 and ...
Well we were to make a left on NY2 but the trusty GPS had the turn in the wrong location and we missed it. So we just kept going until we reached US20 and then basically followed our nose to the campground.

We must have taken an hour to get set up. The site angle and curve in the road gave me fits. We finally called it parked. The tounge jack had to go all the way up to unhook and all the way down to level front to back. A lot of cranks.

After a light late lunch we decided to find a farm stand and buy some corn and maybe a few other things. Long story short. We drove a lot before we found one on our side of the road. We also took a side trip to Mt. Graylock and the visitors center. The summit road is closed until 2009 for repairs.

Back to the camper and fixed supper.

Camping day 62

North Beach Park Burlington VT
Tuesday August 28,2007

Great day!

After breakfast we went to the office to inquire about making reservations for 2008. We are in. Our first camping reservation is North Beach for 9 nights starting 8/20/2008.

We rode our bikes to the Burlington Waterfront to meet Glen Finholdt on his gaff rigged Friendship sloop for a 2 hour sail on Lake Champlain. The winds were light and there were 12 other customers on board. I assisted with sail handling and had an opportunity to be at the helm and tack the boat. We did have to use engine power on some of the trip but we had a great time.

We got back to the campground about 2:30 or so and called Ann to set a meeting time and place at the Champlain Valley Exposition. After arriving at the fair we made a quick stop for food because we didn't have a lunch. We walked around and looked at several exhibits, ate Al's french fries, onion rings, and cheese burgers. We watched the fair parade, it only took a minute or two to pass by. Then off to the pulling ring to watch the draft horses pull a few ton. Boy they want to pull. As soon as the hook up device was close to the sled they were digging in. They reminded Suzette and I of the sled dogs we saw in Alaska.

Back to the main fair grounds and more building walking. Then ICE CREAM from the dairy barn. Good stuff. After a last pass thru the grandstands we said our good bye's and headed for North Beach.

Camping day 61

North Beach Park Burlington VT
Monday August 27,2007

Took the kayaks and rack off the truck and stored almost everything from the truck bed under the camper and loaded up the bikes. We were off to meet with Wally and Ann to take a bike ride on the fill. This is the old railroad fill that defined Mallettes Bay. The railroad is long gone and the fill had been made part of the Burlington bike path some time ago. We never rode it when we lived here. Now was the time.

Earlier we had called Ann and she told us how foggy it was in Essex. It was clear over the lake. So we decided to meet at Mills Point. Wow what a neat ride. We saw the lake and bay from an entirely new vantage point. We had sailed near here for years always looking from the lake to shore. It was just a beautiful day.

After the ride we returned to the camper to have lunch and give Logan some time. After lunch we put the kayak rack back on the truck and loaded the kayaks. We went to the boat launch near Biscayne Heights near the mouth of the Winooski River. With the kayaks launched we headed for the broad lake. We had a nice paddle and most of the area is quite shallow, 1.5 to 2 feet deep. We paddled north into the wind and had a nice paddle and drift back to the rivers mouth. We went up river past the launch about a 1/2 mile before returning.

Back at the camper we freshened up, fed Logan and headed for Breakwaters Cafe which is near the ferry dock for dinner. For desert we decided to go to Al's for ice cream before returning to North Beach to see the sunset. We missed the sunset but Logan had a good time chasing wavelets.

Camping day 60

North Beach Park Burlington VT
Sunday August 26,2007

Jim arrived for breakfast so we mixed up pancakes and added blue berries while they were cooking. I also fried up the left over steak and potatos from last night and eggs. Good breakfast. Jim said he had to get back to finish his chores before his work week started tomorrow. So after a short visit we said our good by's. A little later I called the Hamel's to get an idea what time they would be arriving, about 1300 they said. Good enough time for Suzette and I to paddle around the bay/beach, so off we go. No sooner do we get the kayaks launched and the clouds darken. We paddle to rock point and notice a squal line moving from North West to South East. We round the point looking for the Champlain Thrust. The weather doesn't look to inviting so we turn back. In the shadow of the point we are safe from the wind and only get a very light sprinkle. We notice that the squal has moved down the lake so we headed back around the point. We did see the fault but the wind had picked up quite a bit. After bouncing around in the waves we decided to return to the beach.

About a half hour or less after returning to the camper the Hamel's arrived and we spent the rest of the day visiting, cooking, eating, cooking, eating. Oh Jerry and I had a few beers too. We looked at their Alaskan vacation pictures. We showed them pictures of our new camper as well as our James River trip.

A good visit.

Tomorrow the weather should be very nice and we will play some more.

Camping day 59

North Beach Park Burlington VT
Saturday August 25,2007

After breakfast Suzette sent me to the store to get milk. We didn't notice that we needed any during yesterday's grocery run. I also got a for sale sign for the camper. I talked to Jim and he said he would arrive for lunch. Suzette and I had lunch because we were hungry even though Jim had not arrived. About a half hour after we finished lunch Jim pulled in. We fed him and he just wanted to rest. The day was gray with storms on the New York side of Lake Champlain so we talked and kept an eye to the weather. We heard an alert on the commercial radio station and wondered why there was no alert on our weather alert radio. Well I had it set for multiple counties in Virginia. Changed the setting so we would get all counties that the NOAA station covers. Jim and I also removed the awning lights and lowered one end of the awning.

Just before supper we did get a little downpour but not much wind. The storms had went south of us. After supper the weather cleared so we decided to launch the kayak's for Jim and I to play while Suzette and Logan watched. We had fun trying to surf the boats on the small waves. Then Jim decided that Logan needed a ride in a kayak. Logan had been biting at the waves so he was already quite wet. After getting him in the kayak, head facing the stern, Jim paddled him out about 100yds. On the return trip Logan turned around so his head was facing the bow. He did not look like a happy camper.

I decided that Logan needed another ride so we got him in my kayak, this time he was facing the bow and I took him out about 100yds before returning. He seemed a little more at ease but he still thought he should get out before we reached shore. We made it all the way back and he jumbed out when the boat beached.

Back at the camper we visited for a little and I gave Jim and dry shirt for the drive home. Jim said he would be back for breakfast at 0800.

Camping day 58

North Beach Park Burlington VT
Friday August 24,2007

Shopping day.
We loaded one of the propane tanks and the laundry and set off. First a to the bay and then to Brigantees for locally grown stuff. Next stop was Stevens Gas to fill the propane then Essex Discount Beverage to return empties we had collected in VA for the last year. Now out thru the North Williston Road and the Christmass Tree Shoppe. I had wanted to get a Magic Hat mixed 12 pack for the neighbor that has been taking in the paper and mail for our last few trips so we stopped at the brewery. They only sell one style of bottled beer there now so we headed on to Tuesday Morning where we bought a blanent for a bargin price.

We had talked about going to Al's for lunch but decided on the Shandy near the ferry dock. We went back to the camper to unload our treasures and check on Logan. Then off to do laundry and get some other groceries for the weekend and some screws and screw covers to make a minor fix.

Put things away and relaxed the rest of the day.

Camping day 57

North Beach Park Burlington VT
Thursday August 23,2007

Today was big breakfast day, bacon, eggs and pancakes. Then it was to get the bikes off and pump up the tires so we could ride the bike path with Ann and Wally when they arrived.

Went to North End Plaza to see what was there and get some groceries. It was still blwoing hard so we walked to the beach and watched waves and people. Not much going on.

Ann and Wally arrived a little after lunch and after we visited a bit we headed for Oak Ledge park on the bike path. On the return trip we went past the campground to Leddy Park and then returned. It was a nice ride. We didn't do much site seeing along the way because of the threat of rain.

After more visiting we headed to Centennial Field for a Lake Monsters game and 25 cent hot dogs. Of course while we were buying the dogs it started to rain. So now what? After an hours delay the game began. The Monsters drew first blood and at the end of the third inning were 2-0 against the Staten Island Yankees. Top fo the fourth and the Monstors allow a home run so we are at 2-1. They change pitchers. The new pitcher only gives up 8 more rund before they take him out. We left after the 6th inning. We found out the next day that the Monsters lost 9-13.

Camping day 56

Glimmerglass State Park NY to North Beach Park Burlington VT
Wednesday August 22,2007

We got a decent start and headed for North Beach Campground in Burlington Vermont. The trip was uneventful for the most part. It was interesting to travel across US20, a section that we had not traveled in years, and saw that not much had changed. There was a new Wal-Mart distribution center and an expansion to a gas supply facility. We made our ususl stop on the northway, I87, at MM14 and another stop at the Vermont welcome center on US4.

Ok now how to navigate Burlington to get to the park. The GPS, as well as the instructions from the park web site, suggested US7 to Main Street then to Battery and then North Ave. Ok we have been here before so I decide to take Pine St. forgeting how rough that street has always been. Then add some construction on water or sewer an you have the making of a small adventure. We arrive just fine and get checked in and go to site 7. When we reserved the person taking the reservations said he thought 7 was the best site. I think he was right. Although you are on the main road to the beach and there is some traffic the site is set back about 50 feet or so and you can get a glimpse of the lake.

After we got set up I talked to Jim's cell mail box to let him know I needed to know when and where to meet for the evenings sailboat race. A little after 4 he called to let me know that K2 would leave the mooring about 5:45. We had already started to cook hamburgers so I quickly ate mine and left Suzette to finish up. I got to LCYC and did not see Jim so I went to where the launchs were taking folks to the boats. I made it to K2 with a little time to spare. We had a great race with Louis and his crew. I helped with sail take downs and stowing things after the race.

On shore I found Dick Goff whom I worked with at IBM and we visited for a time before I returned to the campground.

Camping day 55

Glimmerglass State Park NY
Tuesday August 21,2007

It is a gray day with morning temp of 58. We made coffee on the stove and got hot water. The coffee pot we were using on the stove needs a lot of water, more than 2 cups. So we poured the hot water in a pyrex measuring cup and then poured thru the basket and had drip brew instead of perk. Better that way anyhow.

After breakfast we put some paddling clothes in the truck and headed for Cooperstown via the Farmers Museum. We were a half hour early so I made a couple of phone calls to check on some things and then off to see what was new at the museum. One thing is the ice cream history display at the main entrance. There was a Ben and Jerry's moped card along with other Ben and Jerry's information and a lot of history on other ice cream makers and serving items. Next was the Empire State Carousel. This is built on a 1940 Herschell Company mechanism and has 24 hand carved riding animals. It is really neat and is ever changing. The idea is that it is never done. I will add a link later.

We then toured the 1840 village and talked with several of the interpreters, weavers, carpenters, cooks, ... soon finding it to be 12:30 and our stomachs complaining. So we headed off for Oneonta. But we had to take a drive along the lake front to look for kayak launching sites incase the weather changed. For $10 we could launch at the town dock. For get that. So we drove looking for another place. All the old spots are now gone. We continued on our way to Oneonta stopping at Ommegang Brewery where I tasted all their offerings and bought a few. Then it was off to Cooperstown Brewing, which is not in Cooperstown, and made a purchase there also. Now with Dad's shopping complete we headed off to Brooks House of BBQ for our chicken dinner, at about 2 PM. After that most excellent dinner we headed to Fly Creek and the Fly Creek Cider Mill for some desert. We tasted some hard cider, 4%, tasted some cave aged cheader cheese, $12.00/lb, and bought $4. Sharp cheader that bites back. Yumm good. Then we used our 10% discount to sample a couple of their apple pastries.

Back at camp we fed Logan and took him for a long walk and looked at the oldest covered bridge in NY, if not the nation, Hyde Hall Covered Bridge. Back at the RV I checked the battery level and found that we have 2/3 power left. Hope we can get the slide in in the AM. If there isn't enough battery I will have to look for some jumper cables to borrow. Once we get pack on power the built in inverter will charge the battery.

Note to self: pack jumper cables, check battey H2O.

Rolled up the awning and expect to be in bed early so we get an early start.

Oh, while out and about we decided to fill up with diesel. Found a place in Oneonta for just $3.09, our highest so far. On the return to the State Park we passed 2 stations that were under $3. Oh well, get it when you find it not when you run out.

Camping day 54

Ives Run Camp to Glimmerglass State Park NY
Monday August 20,2007

Since we didn't have a long way to go, only about 200 miles, we didn't try for an early start. Since we were dry camping, how did that happen, we dumped our holding tanks before leaving Tioga-Hammond.

We followed the GPS route as far as Elmira Heights but didn't pass any place with diesel. Now when we get to 1/4 tank I start to get, shall we say, concerned. Ok now we are at the last white mark before the red mark at E so we decide to check with the trusty GPS for the nearest fuel. A QuickFill is closest but does it have diesel? Ok the GPS provides a phone number and we have cell service. I call the station and they don't have diesel. But the lady on the phone is willing to help and tells me that a Hess station near our location has diesel and is RV friendly. I find it in the GPS lookup and punch in the GoTo feature and off we go. We arrive. Where is the diesel pump? off to the right but the trucks fill in on the left. Is there enough hose? No matter. It is a kero pump. We spot the diesel and I make a U turn around the pump island without hitting anything. Oh $2.999/gal. We did see $288.9 in PA but couldn't get the RV in. Oh well we need it so I fill up. I'm happy. The GPS wants to send up the quick back road way but we want NY 17 thru Binghamton to catch I88 to Oneonta so I punch in a way point and we head off back tracking most of the route that got us to the Hess.

On our way Suzette suggests that we stop at Cracker Barrel and have breakfast for lunch. Good idea. After our brunch we continue up Front Street to a grocery store that is in a plaza. I wind around and find 10 parking places to occupy while she goes shopping. Loaded with speide marinade and corn she returns and I make a tight right turn missing cars and landscape rocks. I'm getting better at this towing thing.

We head on to Cooperstown and pass by 47 Chestnut St. which is where Suzette lived. Then on up the road to the state park. Another narrow back road and we are there. We are assigned site 22 in loop 2. Nice site and easy to back into.

Now what do you do on an overcast rainy day? Sleep is good. Suzette knits, logan sleeps also.

We take a walk around and later decide to ride thur the park and then make a loop up thru Springfield Ctr., East Springfield and back to the park and dinner. We find that the range hood is 12v. Nice to know that after a year.

After dinner and doing the dishes we grow tired of the local radio station and just for fun I punch the on button on the AmM/FM/CD player and find it is also 12v. So lets see if the CD works also. It does so we put in a Prarrie Home Companion CD and I fire up the laptop and Suzette knits.

Tomorrow we will .... well that's tomorrow.

Camping day 53

Ives Run Camp Ground Tioga-Hammond Lake PA
Sunday August 19,2007

On our way to Vermont and we choose to make this Corps park, near Tioga PA, a stop on the way. They have about 68 sites with full hookup. For those with a Golden Age Lifetime Passport we get the half price rate, $13. The area is very nice and easy to get to. The sites are reasonablly sized and easy to back into. There are several LARGE class A's. Most of the sites are taken and we may be the only ones that are just staying one night. We could make this a destination.

Tomorrow we head for Glimmerglass State Park near Cooperstown NY.

Home for three days, then ...

A Time With Friends
August 12 thru 16, 2007

Ok so we are home for a few days to catch up on laundry, mail, and lawn work. There is not much lawn work since there has been very little rain but the weed's need to be topped off and weed wacked.

Then off to visit with the Ommundsen's in Seaford VA. We had a most excellent visit. Good food, time to play with dogs, good visit, good shopping at the outlet mall near Williamsburg, paddling at York River State Park, sailing and kayaking on Chismans Creek.

Mary and the boy's

Kayaking at York River State Park

Kayaking at York River State Park, well resting in the shade adn taking a drink

Kayaking and Sailing on Chisman creek

Since the winds were fluky we choose to only fly the main

Mary at the head of Chisman creek new VA 173

Mary has their full attention

If there is a cookie , we'll listen

Girls just want to have fun

Wednesday night is race night so Toby and I went to the marina and the girls had a girls night out.

Pre race time on a J40

Post raceNear the start. There is a Sea Sprite 34 on the left

Great time, the boat we were on finished first, uncorrected time, and likely also made first on corrected time since we were almost 6 minutes ahead of the second place, uncorrected. We reached 9.6 or more knots. Man what a rush.

All of the pictures of this trip can be found here.

Camping Day 52

Holliday Lake and Appomattox
Tuesday August 7, 2007

After breakfast we headed for the town of Appomattox ( Appomattox Station) and the visitors center there. It was a small museum in an old train station. There we watched another video about the area and learned that the bridge we crossed over on US60 contained elements of the Union and Confederate flags. Can you see them in the picture below?

Elements of the Union and Confederate flags are in this Appomattox river bridge

Then off to a grocery store for a few things. Since they had fresh local corn we bought a few ears for tonights dinner.

On our return to Holliday Lake we stopped at several historical markers along the road to complete our history lessons.





Then it was swim and kayak. During yesterday's kayak adventure we found 2 beach balls on the shore across from the swim beach. I was able to retrieve one then and decided to return today and get the other one. Success.

After dinner we watched a little TV before going over to Bywaters RV for S'mores.

We had talked to the camp host while she was at the dump station, no sewer hook up for the camp host, and she said it was a weekly chore for her but she didn't mind. She also told us there was a new RV camping area in the plan and that monies had been approved for the construction of the new shower house. No idea when the new camp area would be completed.

All of the pictures that we took on this trip can be found here.

Camping Day 51

Holliday Lake and Appomattox
Monday August 6, 2007

It was rainy this morning so we had a light breakfast and chatted with Doug and Athena as well as the folks from South Carolina. The S.C. folks were headed for Appomattox and then were moving to James River State Park.
After things were picked up from breakfast we also headed for Appomattox Court House. Since we have a golden age passport we were able to get into the park for free. There is normally a $10 fee.

The sign says it all

After viewing the video in the welcome center we went on the talk that was given by the Union Solider. It was very informative and of course had a Union slant. We learned that the terms of surrender of the Army Of Northern Virginia were very fair and that all the men received paroles if they promised to end hostilities and return home.

A Union solider is about to tell us about Bobby Lee and the events at Appomattox Court House

After our history lessons we returned to the campground to get wet and paddle around.

RV campground area at Holliday Lake State Park

We invited the Bywaters' over for desert, pineapple upside down cake prepared in a dutch oven with ice cream. Ummm.

The cake is ready

While the cake was baking we presented Doug with a scout safe chain saw.

Doug seems to like his chain saw.
(there is a section of chain between the bow)

Camping Day 50

James River to Holliday Lake
Sunday August 5, 2007

Today is a travel day but since the parks are only about 25 miles apart we don't have any issues with time. So we had a cooked breakfast and got things ready for the move.

Holliday Lake is one of the CCC parks so it is somewhat dated. The sites are small and there are only 8 sites that are rated for our rig. After we checked in we found our way to site 19 which looked passable from inside the truck. We pulled into the site and played move the trailer attempting to find an area that resembled level. It is hard to believe that they paved the sites but didn't bother to grade them even close to level. So we gave up and moved to site 20 and spent about an hour in 91 degree heat getting the trailer positioned in what we thought was the levelest area. We used about 3" of wood to get the camper close to level side to side. Once unhitched from the truck the trailers tongue jack was almost all the way down to reach front to rear level. The rear stabilizers were almost fully extended while the front were lowered just a few inches.

Campsite as viewed from the shower house

Once we were done we rested a bit and then rode over, in the air conditioned truck, to the swim beach and boat launch area to check things out. We thought about taking a swim but the beach was crowded with weekenders, them working folks, so we decided we would swim Monday when it was less crowded.

The beach area on Monday

As we were waiting for our friends Doug and Athena to arrive another motor coach pulled in to site 19. So we watched that show. Actually that coach made a couple of passes looking for a suitable site before they took 19. They used a stack of 3 2x6's under the rear wheels to get front to rear level.

Since there was very weak cell service in the park we headed to Appomattox to look around, make a call to Doug and Athena and find some diesel. When we returned we found that Barth had arrived and was on site 21 so Doug and I toured the bus while the ladies toured our Flagstaff. Doug and Athena and the kids have done a lot of work to repair and update systems and correct mechanical problems. Nice job. Since it was dark, well overcast after the rain, we did not take any pictures.