Twin Lakes to home

Today we finished packing things up, dumped the holding tanks, and headed for home. Of course the GPS wanted to take us on some back roads that it thought was faster but we went our way and not Iway None the less it was an uneventful 130 mile trip home.

Pictures will be added to the respective days later today or tomorrow. I will also upload more pix to google's thing and post a link here.

Good to be home if only for a couple of days.

Twin Lakes, Tuesday June 25

Off to see another battlefield and state park. This time it was Staunton River Battlefield. This park has 2 visitors centers and we found the one at Randolph first. It was closed. We looked around the rebuilt train station and read many of the placards about the battle and fortifications. The map showed the Staunton River bridge to be close to the other visitors center so we decided to drive rather than walk. Hummmm no flag on the flag pole. Not a good sign. This visitors center was also closed so we drove further down the road to the fort and bridge area. This covered railroad bridge was the last to be burned so says the sign. It was rebuilt as an iron bridge in 1902. The tracks and trains are things of a bygone era. We marveled at the remains of the earthworks of the fort. We took a few pictures which will be posted later. We returned to the Randolph Station visitors center to find that it was still closed. I talked to the postmistriss and she said that the center was open on weekends and if staff were present for other work they would open it for visitors.

We retraced our route heading back to camp. We stopped in Keysville for lunch and to fuel up for our return home tomorrow. Afer we got back to camp we took a swim in the lake followed by a short nap before supper.
.
Tomorrow we head for home so we packed up the things we don't need this evening.

Twin Lakes, Monday June 25

After breakfast we decided to visit Sailor's (Saylor's) Creek Battlefield State Park. This battlefield is of the battle that was fought 72 hrs before Gen. Lee's surrender of the Army of Virginia. We arrived at The Hillsman House only to find it closed and no operating hours posted. After we looked over the area and were about to leave a State Parks person arrived to do maintenance. He asked if we wanted to see the house and of course we said yes. He gave us a very good tour of the house and description of the battles.

Since we were in the area of Bear Creek State Park we decided to take a look at it and see if we could camp there. From the online information it sounded like our almost 30' rig was to large. It is. The ranger said they have had rigs leave with bent bumpers dented sides and other damage. This campground was also built by the CCC and is quite small. However the lake front recreation area is quite nice and looks like it would be a nice place to kayak. One of the staff told us that you can get up some of the feeder creeks and see a lot of wild life.

We decided to go to Farmville on our return and stop at the Wal-Mart super center to pick up a few items. The trusty GPS took us to the old Wal-Mart location but a mile or so further on the same road was the Super Center. We did a little shopping and headed back to camp. After a late lunch we to Prince Edward Lake which is one of the Twin Lakes that make up the park. We spent about 2 hours paddling around the lake shore and going up the feeder creeks as far as we could. I attempted to get out of my kayak to move a log and realized that the water and muck were much deeper than I had guessed so I abandoned that idea and we returned to the main lake.

More thunderstorms over night with a lot of heavy rain. About 3 AM I woke up and decided to check that all was well. Wel lit wasn't. There was not enough pitch in the awning for the water to drain off so I dropped one end and several gallons of water spilled out. I only was a little damp. Scared the heck out of Logan and he jumped on the bed for protection from Suzette.

Sunday June 24 a travel day.

Today we had cereal for breakfast at about 10:45. After coffee we had taken Logan for a walk and got to talking with the Lilly's and Kane's and lost track of time.

We got packed up by 12:00 noon and followed the Kane's to the dump station. It was about 12:45 when we left Pocahontas and headed to Twin Lakes State Park arriving about 2 PM. Since there were still a number of campers who had not yet checked out we were assigned pull thru site 17. Good thing since the many of the sites are quite small. Twin Lakes is an older park which was also built by CCC, however it is not one of the six original parks built by the CCC.

After lunch we explored the campground and the day use are which includes the picnic area, play ground, swim beach and concession stand. Since we had walked from our campsite we did not go to the boat launch areas. After a supper of left overs we met 2 couples from Savahnah GA that are camped near us. We had thunder storms over night.

Triathlon day 2

Sausage, pancakes and eggs were the breakfast today. However there was some oversight and there was NO MAPLE syrup. After breakfast we visited with the Lilly's and Kane's for a short while then went for a bike ride to the CCC museum and nature center. After we returned we had another short visit with the K's and L's before they headed off to WW to get some needed supplies. We had some snack's and veg'ed for a while then it was off to the pool and another ride down the water slide. After about 3 hours we had our fill of sun and water so we headed back to camp. We passed the K's and L's on their way to the pool.

After supper there was more visiting before we headed off to the launch area. The Kane's and Lilly's had signed up for an evening guided canoe trip and we thought we might tag along. However it took a long time for the guided group to get going so Suzette and I did our own thing. We saw an Eagle fly over, heard another one, saw a deer in the lillies eating, and saw about 20 geese parade by our Kayak's as well as the beavers swimming and slapping the water.


The guided tour and our self guided event both ended about the same time and it was back to the camper for a pineapple upside down cake prepared in the dutch oven. With a scoop of ice cream it was a big hit and we sat and visited until about 11:15 PM.

Triathalon day 1

We started the day with a breakfast of bacon, eggs, hash browns, and English muffins. After breakfast we checked in the Lilly's and Kane's and tagged the sites we selected for them. We then biked about 6 miles on the trail system. Many were not marked very well and often were gravel forest roads.

After lunch it was of to the pool complex to swim, cool off and relax. The water slide looked like to much fun and since we're "... growing older but not up..." (Jimmy Buffet) we both took a couple of trips down the slides. Very cool. Then back to camp to rest and have an early supper.

After our supper we decided to head to the boat launch and do a little kayaking. On our way to the launch we met the Kane's in their Winnebago as they were heading to their site. We continued to the launch area and once the boats were in the water we kayaked up the stream as far as we could. We then headed down stream where we saw a duck, geese and saw the slap of several beavers.

As we were heading back to camp we met Glen and Sue at the ranger station as they were arriving. We led them to their site. After they were set up all of us inspected all three rigs. Since the last rig inspection was ours we visited there until about 11 PM.

We were able to have the A/C off for the night.

Summers beginning June 21, 2007

What better way to celebrate the first day of summer than to begin a 6 night camping trip to two of Virginia's state parks? Today we drove to Pocahontas State Park south of Richmond. This park was built by the CCC as Swift Creek Demonstration Camp and later named Swift Creek Recreation Area. The National Park Service donated the park to the state of Virginia in 1946 and was renamed Pocahontas State Park. The name was selected from entries in a contest to rename the park.

We arrived about noon and checked in at the ranger station. We selected site 102 because it was close to the shower house and other facilities and there were near by empty sites where some friends from our motorcycling group could join us. We got backed in, disconnected and were in the process of leveling the camper when we noticed that we were to close to the number post. So we hooked up and moved forward about 2 feet and continued with setting up the camper.

After lunch we headed off to the pool complex. Man what a complex. There were 4 circular pools, 3 were mostly kiddie pools, one with a water park palyground type area. There were also 2 water slides so since I am "growing older but not up..." (Jimmy Buffet song) I had to take a plunge on the longer one. Cool.

Kissy and Mark arrived about 7PM and we quickly got our dinner of speidies, potato and bracoli salad. Desert was a peach cobbler prepared in a dutch oven. It was a big hit. Since Kissy would be 50 tomorrow we re-gifted a 50 T-shirt and coffee mug. We had a very nice visit with Mark and Kissy.

I cleaned the dutch oven at the bath house slop sink while Suzette did the other dishes in the camper. Since it was a cool evening we were able to turn off the A/C and open the windows for sleeping.

Paddling the Shenandoah June 18

Today we decided to go to the Shenandoah River State Park for a morning of paddling on the Shenandoah River. There is currently no RV camping at this park. As we were driving in we stopped at the Culler overlook. What a magnificent view.

Looking South West from Cullers Overlook

Looking North West from Cullers Overlook

We drove around the park to see what the facilities looked like and they are very nice. Several picnic shelters well separated from each other as well as the primitive camping area.

We couldn't help but think the John Denver song Take Me Home Country Roads should be playing as we paddled up the river.

Suzette Paddles up river

Once we got through the riffles just off the launch area we headed up river, well that is South since this is one of the rivers that flows north. We went as far as the next set of riffles and then drifted back. I did work my way above the riffles just to say I had done it.

We didn't keep track of the time but we think we were on the river a little after 10AM and we had the kayaks back on shore about 12:30PM. After a short break we loaded the kayaks and headed to Front Royal for lunch at the South Street grill.

You can view the pictures we took with our new Hero.

Of Steam and Gas Engines, June 11

Today is checkout day but before we break camp and head for home we have to take a GPS ride to find Darden's Country Store. I was quite surprised that the Points Of Interest, POI's, in the GPS actually had Darden's Country Store. Of course you must include the 's so the search engine gets the correct place. We followed the GPS right to the door, well almost, it was damn close.

The lady in the store told us that they did not have any ham's ready. The were "resting" and would be ready in July. We also found out that they don't raise their own hogs but purchase the ham's from the commercial packers in Smithfield and cure them their own way.

So next we asked the GPS to take us to the VirginiaDiner. So without looking at a map we headed our following the GPS directions. Over dirt roads and around robin hoods barn and we finally reached US360 and Wakefield. The address in the POI database was no where near the actual diner but the GPS did get us from the back woods of Darden's Country Store to US360 so that was OK.

Across the street from the Virginia Diner was the Plantation Peanuts store. There you could graze on their offerings, all kinds of roasted peanuts, Cajun, Jalapeño, ... along with double dipped chocolate peanuts and double dipped chocolate peanut brittle. Umm good. We bought a good supply.

Then it was back to Surry for a ham sandwich at Edward's Ham. We also bought some gifts for us and others. As we were making our way back to the park we stopped to top off the fuel, $2.79/gal, and another stop to pick up some strawberry's. Alas the strawberry farm is closed Monday's. Our bad.

We ate our sandwiches at the camper and then hooked up and headed home. When we took a break on I64 we noticed dark clouds to our north west. Yep we would have some rain as we made our way home.

It was dry when we arrived at home and we left the rig hooked up because we needed to have the state inspection done on the trailer on Tuesday. So it was just empty the fridge and bring in the dirty clothes.

We had a great extended weekend. Follow this link for more pictures.

Of Steam and Gas Engines, June 10

After coffee and showers we again cooked breakfast outside on the grill. Today it was sausage, eggs and pancakes with real maple syrup. After we did the dishes we rode our bikes to the visitors center and then over to the plantation on the college run trail. It was a nice paved trail with a good change in elevation. We were not prepared for the steep ascent to the plantation. Another bike walk. We continued on to the mansion and headed out the James River trail. This trail was quite flat and along the edge of one of the fields. When a blow down covered with poison ivy blocked the path we turned around and headed back to the junction of the Lower Chippokes trail. This trail had a lot of big gravel and was quite rough. The horse files tried to eat us alive when we slowed below about 5 miles per hour. When we felt we lost enough blood to the files we turned around to head back. As Suzette was swatting horse files her bike fell and the front chain sprocket put a cut about 1" long in her calf. We rinsed it off with water we had along and applied two bandages before returning to the plantation buildings and Steam and Gas Engine show. We rode about 3 miles.

While waiting for Toby and Marry to arrive I attempted to use my key fob just to keep my fingers busy. What I didn't expect what that the darn thing would work. Happy day I don't have to buy a new one.

Toby, Mary and their sheltie Tucker arrived and after lunch and a visit we headed to the visitors center and then to the show. We took in the show sites and made a couple of purchases at the vendors. We watched the tractor pulls for a while. Mary was fascinated with them.

As we were headed to the mansion for the free tour we stopped by a peanut picker and had an interesting talk with one of the participants. Really a neat old time machine and a good explanation from the gentleman. He also told us about how much better peanut fed hogs are and told us about Darden's Country Store.

We made the tour of the plantation mansion. Mirrors were strategically located so the lady of the house could see who was at the front hall from her second floor sitting room, office. Very interesting house. See here for more information on Chippokes Plantation.

The Mansion at Chippokes Plantation

The kitchen, now used for staff

The Mansion at Chippokes Plantation

Of Steam and Gas Engines, June 9

Up early to the call of "bobwhite's" and choose to do a hearty breakfast on the griddle using the gas grill outside. This would keep the camper from smelling like a diner. This worked really well and we have Jackie of the UWTC to thank. Look at an earlier post in the spring break postings for the definition of UWTC.

Bacon, eggs, hash browns, english muffins

After the dishes were done and logan was walked we headed for Hog Island Wildlife Management Area. Not much to see. There is only a straight road back to a boat ramp and the horse files were deadly so we didn't look for any trails. The WMA is near the Surry Nuclear Power station. The are had been closed for security reasons after 9/11 but was recently reopened to the public.

On our return from the WMA we made a stop at Bacons Castle which was built in 1665 and took the tour. The house was named for the rebellion in 1676 lead by Nathanial Bacon.

Bacon's Castle

After our tour we headed back to Surry for a few groceries and to top off with diesel. On our way back to the park we stopped at a farm stand and had fresh homemade strawberry ice cream. Eat desert first.

After lunch it was off to the pool where we actually swam, most folks were just splashing around. We did watch sever teen age and younger folks make various attempts at diving and cannon balls. It looked like some were engaged in self inflected child abuse. Then we returned to the camper for a nap before supper.

After supper we rode to the visitors center and took the trail down to the river and spent a little time on the beach. After our beach walk we headed for the historic area to see what was set up for the show and take a look at the river house.

Suzette on the beach along the James River

Of Steam and Gas Engines, June 8 addendum

Rather than edit the previous post I thought I would make another post for my omissions.

I found that a quick stop for a traffic light will cause the kitchen counter stools to tip over. I sort of expected this but we hadn't made a sufficiently quick stop before. It wasn't an emergency stop but I didn't want to run a very yellow/pink light.

Logan was feed his regular breakfast and just before we reached a rest stop on I64 he gave it up and made the truck his. We think the twisty section of US522 just north of I64 may have done him in.

When going swimming it is best to leave your vehicle keyless entry fob in your swim bag and not the pocket of your swim trunks. After our swim, I think it was the second trip to the pool, I took the fob apart, removed the battery and dried things out the best I could. It didn't seem to help.

We have added a few more pictures of tractors that were at the show.

This 1941 Packard was at the gift shop/museum being restored. I remember having one when I was in high school. I had been my grandfathers but he was no longer able to drive.

Of Steam and Gas Engines June 8, 2007

Well the master bedroom is painted and the old carpet has been removed so it is time for another little vacation. This weekend we are off to ...Where they are celebrating the early days of farming.


After we get our campsite set it's time to beat the heat in the Olympic size pool. There isn't much of a crowd which is fine with us since one can actually swim.
The temp was 94 with a heat index well over a 100. Sure glad the camper has A/C.
After a swim we take a tour of the park making the visitors center our first stop and take a look at the trail down to the James River.

Then to the historic area to see what is going on with the Steam and Gas engine show which is just getting set up.
We continue on to the mansion but are to late to take a tour.
So we go back to camp and head for the pool to take another dip before supper.

Cats-Cade June 1-3, 2007

Cats-Cade is a gathering of motorcyclists that have "met" on the GL1800riders web site. I believe that it started 3 years ago as a way point for those attending Americade. As good things happen they grow and take on their own identity, such is Cats-Cade. Since the location in Woodburne NY is in the Catskills and on the way to Americade Cats-Cade was born. Now in it's third year and being called Last-Cade it grew in attendance to about 250 friends.

Four of us from our club, Shenandoah Red Riders, took part in the festivities. This was a chance to renew old friendships and make new ones. We met a couple from Haymarket VA and invited them to our next club meeting. Nothing like riding 400 miles to meet folks that live within 20 miles of us.

We had a great time riding, meeting people, talking motorcycles and eating. One of the main reasons that we decided to do this trip was the Saturday evening dinner, Brooks House of BBQ catered with their famous chicken and ribs.

The evening campfires both at the hotel, Days Inn in Liberty NY, and at the firemans park were highlight event. You can view many pictures by clicking here.

The ride up was uneventful and the weather was very good. I did argue with the GPS since it didn't want to go my way. Perhaps it's was was shorter or faster and we may find that out on another trip. There was a shower just after we checked in but by the time we were ready to head to supper it was over.

Saturday after breakfast we went to the firemans park to meet with Byron and Ed and do some riding. At breakfast Suzette noticed a water color of a 3 arch stone bridge and remembered it from pictures her dad had taken over 40 years ago. So the quest was on. After finding the bridge and taking pictures of it we headed for Hancock NY and lunch then more riding before returning to the park for the evenings activities.

The forecast for our return on Sunday was rain from TS Barry and by the time we arrived in Port Jervis we were in it. The remainder of the ride was in an out of rain which was heavy at times on our way across I84 heading to Scranton. South of Scranton we had less rain and indeed had dry pavement for about a 100 miles before hitting light rain and drizzle.

Byron and Ed's campsite

Ed puts a route into his new GPS as I look on

NY 55 near Neversink

Dual sport challenge. There is always road work in Liberty NY

The 3 arch stone bridge

NY 97 on our way to Hancock NY

You can have a great lunch here

NY 10 out of Hancock

Dinner is on

Over 126,000 in 365 days and 4 accidents.
She needs a new bike.

Wheels arrives. He is a paraplegic.

I have my food

Ed and Byron chow down

Singing in the rain.
WVA rest stop on I81 south. Almost home