On to Jim Thorpe PA

Nice private camping site!

I'm doing a lot of posting today since I seem to have fallen behind.  Last Friday, June 3rd, we packed up Willie and were on our way to Jim Thorpe PA.  Ken and I love that quaint little village with the scenic train ride and the wonderful Lehigh Gorge Rails to Trail for bike riding and hiking.  We camped at the Jim Thorpe Camping Resort right outside of the small village.  It is a quiet, small campground that is convenient to the rails to trail and to several nearby State and County Parks.  From the campground you can walk or ride into Jim Thorpe, but the hill is a Killer!  You definitely have to walk that part of the ride.  You can also get on a beautiful trail behind the CG that goes to Munch Chuck County Park complete with a lake for fishing, boating, or renting of canoes and kajaks.  It really is a lovely area. 



The train did its job flattening
Ken's quarter.  Another
event off the "bucket list".



On Saturday Ken and I rode our bikes on the Rails to Trail for about 14 miles, stopping to eat our picnic lunch.  I heard the scenic train coming around the bend and immediately Ken ran up to the track to place a quarter on the rails.  He had recently mentioned to our friends how he always wanted to do that as a kid, and never had the opportunity, so he had it on his small "bucket list".  The amazing part was that most of the bike trail was way below the tracks and not able to be reached from the trail.  Also, there were 2 rail tracks so we didn't know which one the train would be on.  Fortunately he picked the right track and the quarter managed to stay on the rail.  After the train left the area we found the flattened quarter and Ken was able to remove that event from his bucket list!!!  Who says we don't get lots of enjoyment out of the little things in life!!!!!



Dane and Michele

 before the Triathlon!

 Our son-in-law and niece were participating in a triathlon on Sunday at Beltzville State Park, about 8 miles from our CG.  That was our main reason for going camping this weekend - to be able to be spectators and supporters at the race.  (Our niece had gastric by-pass surgery the Christmas of 2010 and has lost 140 and we wanted to see her achieve this milestone!)  So, they were all staying at a hotel near our CG.  We picked up our 4 year old grandaughter Bria and her sister, Cali so that our  daughter and her husband could enjoy an evening out and we would have the opportunity to have Bria and Cali have supper with us and then sleep in Willlie. My sister and her husband were in the area too, so they joined us for hot dogs and s'mores around an open fire.  Our campsite was right across from the playground so our grandaughters had so much fun. It was a special time for us too! 

We had to get the little ones up at 6:15 Sunday morning to get to the race.  Michele did the sprint triathlon and Dane did the Olympic one.  It is basically the same race but the Olympic one has longer distances.  Both of them did extremely well.  Michele beat the time she had hoped to complete it in by about 25 minutes.  Way to go Michele!  Bria showing her daddy's triathlon medal!  

We did more hiking and riding on Sunday afternoon and Monday before leaving around noon.  It was a fun time in the Jim Thorpe area!



The trail from the CG
to Manch Chuck
County Park



View from the riding and
hiking trail into Jim Thorpe!

Memorial Day Picnic!

Proud Grandma and PaPa with
our 4 grandaughters.  Hard
to get a photo of everyone
looking at the same place
and smiling at the same time!

In between camping trips, Ken and I hosted a picnic for my side of the family - about 20 including all our little ones and my parents who live a Masonic Homes.  They are 80 and 86 and we count our blessings everytime they are able to join us!  It was a nice weather day and all of us had a fun time.  My family likes outdoor games like ladder golf, croquet, yard darts, and our family favorite Kubb.  If you are not familiar with Kubb, take time to look it up on the internet.  It is a great game for anyone over about 10 years of age and 12 people can play or as few as 2.  It provides so much fun!  When we camp it offers great competition for the men vs. the women. 

The 3 little ones had fun splashing in the small pool and playing with the stomp rockets we had gotten them for Easter.  That is another good thing for smaller children.  We ordered it off the Internet and it is well worth the money.

The girls loved the pool
 with their cousin, Alexandra

Our daughter, Lanie, and
 her new daughter, Katelyn

The picnic was a success and now we are ready to get back on the road for some more adventures with Willie.  We are looking forward to a busy camping summer with our friends.



Samantha and Cali in Grandma's
ferns!! Happiness for
them, but not the ferns!!!



Playing with the stomp rocket!

Camping on the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg!

Again, my post is overdue, for this camping trip was the 20th of May. Unfortunately on the morning of the day we left, Ken dropped our camera and its work was over!!!!  So, we were unable to take photos while on the camping adventure.  Our friends have some photos for us, but we have not received them.  I decided to post info about our trip and add the photos later.  So, here goes!

Ken and I left on Thursday morning after a "graduation program" for our 4 year old daughter who completed her 2nd year of nursery school.  A milestone that Grandma and PaPa just couldn't miss.  It was fun to see how the children have "matured" since the program last year.  A lot less crying and shyness.

We were on our way to the Ferryboat Campground around 11:30.  Just as we left our driveway, it started to drizzle.  It had stopped by the time we arrived at our destination, about 1 1/4 hours from home.  We got out of the truck to register and Ken asked if we should take an umbrella. (It was starting to look threatening).  Of course, I said, "It won't rain till we come back".  WRONG!  Not only did it rain, it poured!!!!  We waited for 20 minutes in the office till we could run to the truck and only get damp!  When we pulled into our designated site, we were unable to get out of the truck - deep puddles on both sides.  Also, we couldn't see the sewer hook-up.  After calling the office from our truck, we discovered we were ON the sewer hook-up that was buried under the water.  Wow!!!  So, they guided us to a different site where we would still be beside our friends.  This time we were able to get out of the truck on Ken's side without losing our shoes in the puddles.  We worked together getting set-up in a light rain.  Great way to start our 4 day camping adventure, but at least we were still laughing!

Our friends, Fred and Doloris arrived in time for supper and we were able to cook over the open fire.  But, right after we finished eating at the picnic table the rain started again.  We had a fun evening playing cards and games in Willie!  Our other friends, Sam and Kathy arrived around lunch time on Friday.  The rest of the weekend was fairly rain free, but overcast.  We did go to a local winery for wine tasting and an Amish market that was nearby for homemade sticky buns and a few other goodies.  This campground would be a great place to camp later in the summer when the ferry is in operation and you can kajak, tube or canoe on the Susquehanna.  None of that was happening while we were there due to the high rough water.  They have porch type swings on the shores of the Susquehanna which are relaxing and picturesque when drinking your morning coffee.  We ended our 4 day weekend with hot dogs and s'mores over the open fire for our Sunday lunch send-off.  It was a fun weekend not far from home.

Beautiful rainbow over the
 Susquehanna River

Camping Trip to Pequea PA

Well, we finally got back to camping this past weekend.  We only traveled about 1 hour from home to the southern part of Lancaster County to the Pequea Campground.  It is owned by PPL, our electric supplier, and what a scenic, quiet and beautiful campground.  They (don't know who they are) say that it is one of the best kept secrets in the county!  The sites are large, level, and our 4 sites backed up to the Pequea Creek - very picturesque.   Part of the weekend was overcast and cool, but Saturday afternoon was warmer and lovely.  We went with 3 other couples that we camp with numerous times over the summer. 

Friday evening we had some showers so the 8 of us got into our 5th Wheel (Willie) and played Trivia Pursuit.  It was completed the next evening with the men being  the winners!  Saturday was a nicer day so we played some Bocce and the women finished the weekend winning 2 of the 3 games.  Not that this group is competitive!!!!    Saturday afternoon we drove to Shenk's Wildflower Preserve and saw many gorgous flowers, butterflies, and mushroms.  Nice place to hike!!

So great to get back to eating breakfast outdoors and making supper over an open fire.  S'mores are just the "icing on the cake"!    But most of all, the 8 of us were just excited to spend the weekend together.  Plenty of delicious food, laughter, and relaxation.  Look forward to going again in about 3 weeks to a campground along the Susquehanna River off of Route 15. 

Wanted to add a new photo of our 2 week on granddaughter and her sister and 2 cousins!  Such fun!!



3 Granddaughters riding in PaPa's truck!



Smiling Already!



Already a Steeler's Fan!



Post Time Is Way Overdue!

Well, it has been about 4 weeks since I posted anything on our blog.  Not much to report on the RVing scene, but much has happened as far as our family. 

We had a very memorable Easter.  Our daughter, Lanie delivered our 4th granddaughter by C-Section (she was breech) on Thursday, April 21st.  Katelyn Rose weighed 6 lbs. 13 ozs. and has lots of beautiful dark hair.  Of course, she is gorgeous!!!!  A week before the C-Section the doctor had talked to Lanie and Bob about trying to turn the baby.  They decided it wasn't worth any risk to try to deliver Katelyn naturally.  We are blessed that was the decision they made, for the cord was wrapped around her neck 3 times!  Lanie and Bob also have a 2 year old, Samantha, that Ken and I had at our house from Wed. until the family got home from the hospital on Easter Sunday.  We had such a fun time with her and also with our daughter Jamie and her 2 girls while Lanie was in the hospital.  Everyone lives nearby and Lanie was in a hospital about 10 minutes from our house, so we were able to visit frequently.  We returned Samantha last evening and took dinner for the family.  We miss her already, but also are ready for some needed rest.  No wonder we have children when we are younger!!!!

Willie, our 5th wheel, is still at the RV dealer waiting for the necessary parts for his needed repairs.  But, they did "pound out" the dents so that it is totally usable until the finished repairs can happen.   4 couples are going camping this weekend within about 45 minutes of our homes.  We are bringing Willie home tomorrow to get ready for the anticipated camping trip.  We have only been home 6 1/2 weeks, but it certainly seems like a long time.  We are so ready for a camping adventure and sharing the time with our friends.



Big Sister, Samantha



Happy Family!



Life in PA

We have now been back home for 3 weeks and "home reality" continues.  Spending lots of time with our daughters, granddaughters,  my mother and father and our friends.  It is amazing how quickly you get back into the daily routine.  As wonderful as it is to reconnect, I miss spending time in our 5th wheel, Willie.

Due to our "mishap" on the way home from Florida with Willie,  it is currently parked at the RV Dealer awaiting parts from Open Range so the necessary cosmetic repairs can be made.  I am sure it is typical, but it has taken quite awhile for Open Range and the RV Dealer to come up with the estimate and give it to our insurance adjuster.  They are telling us it will take about 6 to 8 weeks for the work to be completed.  But, the RV Dealer is making it possible for us to camp in Willie in April and May with them "fixing" the damage as much as possible so that everything is functional and not very noticeable until they can do the total repairs.  We are thankful for their cooperation.  After all, I am ready to go on some more adventures around our area.

Our daughter is due to have our 4th grandchild (do not know the sex, but probably another girl) the end of April, so we are staying close to home.  Wouldn't want to miss that special event!!!!  Plus, we will be helping take care of their 2 year old while she is in the hospital and when she 1st returns home.  We are excited!

We have planned numerous RV adventures for the summer many being 4 day weekends - Buttonwood in Mexico PA, Cape May NJ, Ricketts Glen, Ferryboat CG on the Susquehanna, and then a 2 week trip to the upper peninsula of Michigan.  We have 3 other couples we camp with in the summer - we plan 1 trip for each month.  Although it doesn't always suit everyone, some of us get to go.  We are going to Michigan with only 1 of the couples.

Currently we are really evaluating and trying to lower our expenses.  We want to travel as much as possible and expenses need to be cut if that is going to be possible.  This week we changed to basic cable and went from a local Internet cable provider to a MiFi card so we can use it when travel.  We also raised our health insurance deductible and those of our vehicle insurance.  This week I think we will get rid of our land telephone line.  Every little bit helps!  Our goal is to travel about half of the year.  Maybe in 2012 we will consider selling the brick and stick house, but we would have to find a good alternative 1st.  We are going to Linda and Howard's RV Dreams Rally in Hershey in the middle of Sept. to get more info on full-timing.  Looking forward to it.

Currently we are Celebrating Life Daily!!!

PS:  If you are looking to start recording your daily expenses to get a "grip" on where you money is going, our son-in-law spent several years creating a budget software program that is easy to use and so helpful.  He had me use it for the last year to make sure everything worked properly and if I had any suggestions to make it more user friendly.  I think he did a great job.  If you would like to try it, here is the website for additional information - http://www.betterbudgetsoftware.com/.   Happy Budgeting!!!!

Life Back Home in PA

It is amazing how quickly you can get back into the swing of things when you return from several months of RVing.  It is so good to see our daughters and their families, my parents, and special friends.  But there is something about the RVing lifestyle that has you wanting to be on the road whenever possible.  Our daughter asked me when we returned if we were happy to be back home.  I told her that is a hard question to answer.  We definitely miss seeing our 2 daughters, our 3 granddaughters who just turned 4, 2, and 2, and their husbands.  But, the fun times we have on the road, the wonderful people we meet, and the new things we see and experience are just hard to explain to a non RVer!  Then she said, but that life really isn't reality.  Again, that is hard to explain.  When we are on the road we meet many people who travel more than we do and I think that is their reality.  We all have a choice as to our reality.  I prefer the "travel reality" where there is less stress, relaxing days, and new adventures around every corner.  So, that is what we are trying to balance at this stage of our lives. 

We just came back from a combined birthday party for our 2 year old and our 4 year old granddaughters.  Wouldn't want to miss that special event!  Being a PaPa and Grandma has so many special rewards.  So we continue to divide our time between home and being in "Willie".  We are looking forward to numerous camping trips this summer with our camping friends - mostly 4 day weekends plus a 2 week trip in July to the upper peninsula of Michigan.  Also plan to be at Linda and Howard"s RV Dreams Rally in Hershey PA in Sept.  Then hopefully head to Jekyll Island GA  in mid October.  We will remain at home most of the month of April and May as we are expecting another grandchild, probably a granddaughter since we don't do boys, the end of April.  Wouldn't want to miss that special event!  It will probably be our last grandchild.

But I must say, I miss our time on the road.  For some reason, it really gets in your blood!!!!!