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| Each comments entry box in the guest book is limited to approx. 250 characters including spaces. For longer messages please e-mail us at morton@rmortonc.com |
Island past the capitol building (see photos and travel route). Within a few hours we were already in Hartford, the capital city of Connecticut. A little west of Hartford we spent the night at a Wal-Mart, followed by a trip to the nearest Aldi in Torrington, CT and then headed west. That afternoon we crossed into New York State and near Gardiner, NY began to search for a campsite for the night. As we pulled over to ask for directions, we discovered that the awning had become unrolled and was flapping loose as we were riding down the road. This was a really strange occurrence since the arms were still secured but the rolled-up awning had unrolled itself. We did learn of a Yogi Bear campground nearby and drove there. When we arrived at the campground we discovered that it was closed for the winter. It was almost dark and we decided that if possible, we would spend the night in front of the campground. Chuck walked to a nearby farmhouse where the lady informed him that the campground was empty so no one could object to our presence. Upon returning to the RV, we discovered a nearby electric socket which we used for the evening. The following morning was a beautiful fall morning without a cloud above us, only a few sky divers (see photos). We left and drove through the Minnewaskwa State Preserve, enjoying the autumn scenery and view of the Catskills. That evening we arrived at Chenango Valley State Park. Finding that it was still opened, we spent two nights there. Since we were unable to find a clear sky for Internet and we were too remote for a cell phone signal, we spent a few completely quiet days. On the sixth, we left and spent an afternoon in Corning at the Corning Ware museum and outlet. We had hoped to find a replacement for a small pot that was broken a few months ago, but it is no longer being produced. Trying to find it gives us the excuse to stop at flea markets, etc. along the way. Some day we might find it! |
That evening we again had difficulty in finding a campground and spent the night at a Wal-Mart. This gave us the opportunity to replace the RV batteries which were wearing out. It snowed a little before it got dark and the weather report predicted a lot more. We had located the Red Oaks campground near Warren, PA that was open year round and as we arrived there the ground was already covered with snow. Parking an RV in a back-in space on slick ground isn’t exactly easy but we finally made it and decided to spend a week to wait out the weather. The water had been turned off because of the temperature but we had a full fresh water tank. However, before the end of the week there, we had to carry water from the bath house. We spent the week catching up on the travel journal, long walks with Lobo, a shopping trip to Warren and switching from summer to winter clothes. The latter requires a major unpacking and repacking of storage space under the RV so it isn’t done until absolutely necessary. On the 14th we left Red Oaks, filling up our fresh water tanks at the bath house on the way out. We drove along the Allegheny River through the Allegheny National Forest to Alliance, OH where we again spent the night at Wal- Mart. The following day we arrived in Winesburg, OH in the Amish country. During the following week the Amish Country Campground, run by Ruth and John Wile, a Mennonite couple, was our home. On Sunday we discovered that restaurants were already closed at 3 PM. The following day we visited the “Swiss Valley” area, eating a supper of Wiener Schnitzel, Rösti, Bratwurst and Sauerkraut at the Country Chalet in Sugar Creek. Cooking a Thanksgiving meal would have been quite a bit of trouble so we opted to visit the Shoney Buffet in New Philadelphia. The following day we left, driving to Grand Lake St. Mary’s State Park, southwest of Lima, where we spent a night directly on the lake. The following day we arrived in Fort Wayne at Michael’s house, planning to stay until December 5th. On the day after our arrival, Michael cooked a full Thanksgiving meal which was quite a treat and a lot better than the buffet at Shoney’s a few days before! The time in Fort Wayne flew by with all the Christmas preparations, a trip to Elkhart to visit the RV Museum (see photos), and minor maintenance issues. But one event that must be mentioned was a trip to the “Back 40 Junction” restaurant in Decatur, IN. This is one of the best buffet restaurants that we have ever had the pleasure to visit! To be continued in December… . |
Travel Journal November 2007
Our Motto: Home is, where our RV is.
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| Seen at the Red Oaks Campground in Pennsylvania. (There are many overweight people who have the urge to mow their lawns on riding mowers. Now here is a product that may actually solve their problem while fulfilling their urges.) |