Wow, a lot has happened since we left Akron and started heading to the Escapade in Goshen IN. Ken and I made the trip with my sister, Cindy, and her husband John. They have had their new Motorhome for less than 2 weeks and going with us on this adventure! They also bought a new Jeep and got that all hooked up for towing before we left. So, we left our tow vehicle at home!
We drove 400 miles on Saturday with only 1 stop - imagine that! Around noon, Wendy called to tell us that she scheduled some showings for our property, one at 3 that afternoon, plus several others for Sunday and Monday. Ken jokingly said - I would like a full price offer, no inspections, and a cash deal. Wendy's reply was "Right, just like every other seller"! We arrived at the CG in Milan Ohio around 4, got into or pull through sites, and did just the necessary set-up for a 1 night stay. After dinner, the 4 of us got together in Waldo to chat. Soon after that, Wendy called with good news - the 1st person that toured our property signed a contract to purchase it. Wow! The real shock was yet to be had - what the offer was that the prospective buyer made! It was an above list price offer with no mortgage needed (a cash deal), NO inspections, and a settlement date of June 6th. We could not believe it - this was a dream come true! Wendy said it was just what you asked for!!! No debating on this offer! Just sign quickly! The buyer, a young gentleman who is getting married in October also asked if we would be interested in selling any of our furniture, outdoor "stuff", etc! Are you kidding???? We need to get rid of so much of this "stuff". Another dream come true! We play Up the River before calling it a night!
Today, Sunday, we did not get to finalize the deal! The buyer did not want to do business on a Sunday, and we were fine with that! We know he is committed to buying the property with his unbelievable offer, so we enjoyed our day here at the Rally. All the activities really only begin midday tomorrow, so we tried to relax and enjoy some free time. We got together with Cindy and John to cook our dinner and eat together at Harvey (their RV). Then we came to Waldo to play Skip-Bo. We didn't get to finish the game (probably a good thing cause the guys were winning!) because it started to storm and they were predicting some major rain and wind. Escapees sent us an e-mail telling us where to take shelter if a tornado hits the area - Wow! Fortunately, we didn't get the severe weather, only lots of rain.
It is a bit tough to get a good night's sleep at our site. No one is behind us and it appeared to be a great site when we pulled in. Just like so many CG's, we were surprised when a train flew by right behind Waldo! The tracks are no more than 40 feet from us and trains go by all the time both day and night! We think there must be about 6 per hour! Waldo actually does a "little dance"! It is crazy!
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Friday, May 9, 2014
What a Crazy, Busy Time!!!!
Well, I haven't updated this blog since we got home from Elk Neck, but so much has happened!!!!!
We have been debating what we want to do as far as housing, since we plan on doing a lot of RVing in the next 1 1/2 years including Florida this fall, snowbirding in Florida in the winter of 2015, and then heading out west from May to October of 2015. So, we won't be in our home most of the time! Hence, a discussion about housing!
Before we had left for Florida this past winter we talked with a landlord in Lititz, a nearby town, and she added our name to a list of people looking to rent an apartment in her 8 unit building. We didn't expect to hear anything for quite awhile. But, Tuesday a week ago, she called with availability for a 2nd floor apt. At this time in our lives, we are "able" to go steps, so we were very happy to take a look at it. Thus the saga begins!
This past Tuesday, we took a 2nd look, got measurements, shivered in our shoes, and signed a 1 year lease! Lititz is one of the top 10 small towns in the US and Ken and I always said it would be a great place to reside! So, we are excited about our decision but a bit nervous at the same time. We had considered being "gypsies" for the next 1 1/2 years and living in our Motorhome. But, we really want a place to come home to from Thanksgiving to Christmas and early April till we leave for the west, so we can spend time with our daughters and their families. Renting an apartment seemed like the right solution. We knew that we no longer want to maintain a home and do the necessary work both inside and out!
Today we listed our home and put the sign in the front yard! It's official, we are moving. The apartment is ours July 1st, so we are going to hope that our home sells quickly! The last 1 1/2 weeks have been crazy getting the property ready for showing to prospective buyers. We have done many things, several that should have been done many years ago. Our garage, storage area, basement, etc., have never looked so good! Gee, maybe we should stay - just kidding!!!!
We leave early tomorrow morning for the Escapade at Goshen Indiana. Both of us are ready to relax and get away from here for awhile. We are so tired! We know there will be plenty to do when we return - garage sales, getting some things ready for an antique auction, and sorting thru everything we own - but getting away from this for a short time is a needed change. This is a big "downsize" for us and there is very little storage in the apartment, so we will have to be very "selective" with what we take with us. Purging is the name of the game!!! But, we can keep a lot more than if we would have chosen to live totally in our Motorhome! At least that is what I keep telling myself! We will hope the house gets shown and sold while we are away - wouldn't that be great! We can only hope!!!!!
We have been debating what we want to do as far as housing, since we plan on doing a lot of RVing in the next 1 1/2 years including Florida this fall, snowbirding in Florida in the winter of 2015, and then heading out west from May to October of 2015. So, we won't be in our home most of the time! Hence, a discussion about housing!
Before we had left for Florida this past winter we talked with a landlord in Lititz, a nearby town, and she added our name to a list of people looking to rent an apartment in her 8 unit building. We didn't expect to hear anything for quite awhile. But, Tuesday a week ago, she called with availability for a 2nd floor apt. At this time in our lives, we are "able" to go steps, so we were very happy to take a look at it. Thus the saga begins!
This past Tuesday, we took a 2nd look, got measurements, shivered in our shoes, and signed a 1 year lease! Lititz is one of the top 10 small towns in the US and Ken and I always said it would be a great place to reside! So, we are excited about our decision but a bit nervous at the same time. We had considered being "gypsies" for the next 1 1/2 years and living in our Motorhome. But, we really want a place to come home to from Thanksgiving to Christmas and early April till we leave for the west, so we can spend time with our daughters and their families. Renting an apartment seemed like the right solution. We knew that we no longer want to maintain a home and do the necessary work both inside and out!
Today we listed our home and put the sign in the front yard! It's official, we are moving. The apartment is ours July 1st, so we are going to hope that our home sells quickly! The last 1 1/2 weeks have been crazy getting the property ready for showing to prospective buyers. We have done many things, several that should have been done many years ago. Our garage, storage area, basement, etc., have never looked so good! Gee, maybe we should stay - just kidding!!!!
We leave early tomorrow morning for the Escapade at Goshen Indiana. Both of us are ready to relax and get away from here for awhile. We are so tired! We know there will be plenty to do when we return - garage sales, getting some things ready for an antique auction, and sorting thru everything we own - but getting away from this for a short time is a needed change. This is a big "downsize" for us and there is very little storage in the apartment, so we will have to be very "selective" with what we take with us. Purging is the name of the game!!! But, we can keep a lot more than if we would have chosen to live totally in our Motorhome! At least that is what I keep telling myself! We will hope the house gets shown and sold while we are away - wouldn't that be great! We can only hope!!!!!
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Time to Leave Elk Neck!
Sunday morning was a bit chilly when we got up, but it warmed up quickly. We did some more preparation for heading home, visited with Martins, more work for heading home, and then we played some ladder golf. The men just can't beat the women!!
By 12:30 Ken and I were on our way back home. It was an easy drive of only 60 miles, just a nice distance to travel. By 3, we had everything back in the house and in its proper place. At 4:30 we headed to church, ate at Subway, and went to our small group from church!
Our time at Elk Neck was certainly a very special adventure. Enjoyed our time with Fred and Doloris and were so happy that Gary and Marcia were able to join us last evening.
Did talk to my sister and her husband John numerous times while we were at Elk Neck. They left Florida with their new motorhome on Friday and arrived back in PA today. I believe all went well and they are certainly excited to begin their camping adventures. We are looking forward to having them join us for the trip to the Escapade in Goshen IN, leaving May 10th.
By 12:30 Ken and I were on our way back home. It was an easy drive of only 60 miles, just a nice distance to travel. By 3, we had everything back in the house and in its proper place. At 4:30 we headed to church, ate at Subway, and went to our small group from church!
Our time at Elk Neck was certainly a very special adventure. Enjoyed our time with Fred and Doloris and were so happy that Gary and Marcia were able to join us last evening.
Did talk to my sister and her husband John numerous times while we were at Elk Neck. They left Florida with their new motorhome on Friday and arrived back in PA today. I believe all went well and they are certainly excited to begin their camping adventures. We are looking forward to having them join us for the trip to the Escapade in Goshen IN, leaving May 10th.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Saturday - A Fun Day at Elk Neck
Saturday morning was another leisure time after rising a bit late. Ken and I decided to do some clean-up inside and outside Waldo to get ready for our trip home tomorrow! We walked over to see Fred and Doloris around 9:45, then we each did some more clean-up will 10:45 when we decided to play some ladder golf. What a wild competition, but the women were victorious!
While we played golf, we had a little "Happy Hour". Really enjoyed the delicious cheese and crackers, trail mix, and bugles with red pepper dip. No lunch for the Happy Hour folks!
We took a bike ride around several of the loops at the CG, but it is pretty hilly in the area, so we didn't go very far! Ken and I did stop at an overlook and saw a tugboat "pushing" a barge! As soon as we got back, Ken started a campfire and it was mild enough that we enjoyed being outside.
At 5, Gary and Marcia arrived and spent the evening with us. They had planned on camping with us some of this trip, but Gary has not been feeling 100%, so they just came down for the evening. The 6 of us played some ladder golf, ate a delicious supper, played more ladder golf until it got too dark, and a few rounds of cards. Kreiders left around 10:30 after a very fun evening. So glad they could join us, even if it was for only a short time! We played a game of cards with Martins and then called it a night.
Another special day at Elk Neck!
While we played golf, we had a little "Happy Hour". Really enjoyed the delicious cheese and crackers, trail mix, and bugles with red pepper dip. No lunch for the Happy Hour folks!
We took a bike ride around several of the loops at the CG, but it is pretty hilly in the area, so we didn't go very far! Ken and I did stop at an overlook and saw a tugboat "pushing" a barge! As soon as we got back, Ken started a campfire and it was mild enough that we enjoyed being outside.
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| A ladder golf battle between the men and women! |
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| Waldo in the background. Look how far apart and large these campsites are at Elk Neck! |
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| This barge is on the Chesapeake Bay! |
At 5, Gary and Marcia arrived and spent the evening with us. They had planned on camping with us some of this trip, but Gary has not been feeling 100%, so they just came down for the evening. The 6 of us played some ladder golf, ate a delicious supper, played more ladder golf until it got too dark, and a few rounds of cards. Kreiders left around 10:30 after a very fun evening. So glad they could join us, even if it was for only a short time! We played a game of cards with Martins and then called it a night.
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| A nice mild evening for eating outside and enjoying the campfire! |
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| After the ladder golf, it was time for s'mores! |
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| Ken and I found over 1100 pieces of seaglass between Thursday and Friday! |
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| This is Martins seaglass "stash"! |
Friday, April 25, 2014
Our 2nd Full Day at Elk Neck
Ken had one of his best night's sleep in a long time. Only woke at 7:30 - wow!! Another slow paced morning with a later breakfast. By 10:30 we drove to the Lighthouse Trail and began the mile plus hike. Another very beautiful setting.
After we got back to the truck, we decided we would like to return to the sandy beach area where we were yesterday to look for additional seaglass. So, we found the White Banks Trail southern path that eventually got us to that area but gave us a different part of the trail! The view of the White Banks was incredible. Eventually we arrived at the same beach area and we found many more pieces of seaglass. Had such a good time!
We hiked back to the truck and arrived at the CG around 5:15. We had walked over 15000 steps. By then it was getting cloudy and cooler so we decided not to start a campfire, but cook on our grill. Most of today was sunny with less wind and milder temperatures - a very nice day! It started to rain while the men were cooking dinner on our grill. Will be a rainy night, so another time of card playing.
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| Here we are hiking on the Lighthouse Trail to the Turkey Point Lighthouse. A great trail! |
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| Quite a nice view when you get out to the lighthouse! |
After we got back to the truck, we decided we would like to return to the sandy beach area where we were yesterday to look for additional seaglass. So, we found the White Banks Trail southern path that eventually got us to that area but gave us a different part of the trail! The view of the White Banks was incredible. Eventually we arrived at the same beach area and we found many more pieces of seaglass. Had such a good time!
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| Love my hiking poles! |
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| Gorgeous photo of the White Banks from the trail! |
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| This butterfly is black and white! |
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| Our camping buddies, Fred and Doloris! |
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| The happy, hiking campers! |
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| The sandy area where we found all the seaglass! |
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| Another view of the White Banks! |
We hiked back to the truck and arrived at the CG around 5:15. We had walked over 15000 steps. By then it was getting cloudy and cooler so we decided not to start a campfire, but cook on our grill. Most of today was sunny with less wind and milder temperatures - a very nice day! It started to rain while the men were cooking dinner on our grill. Will be a rainy night, so another time of card playing.
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| Waldo at the campground. Very nice sites! |
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Fun Day at Elk Neck!
What a relaxing morning! We didn't get up very early and our cooked breakfast was rather late! It was very windy and fairly cool this morning, so we decided to play Skip-Bo and go for a hike this afternoon. Ken and I had learned how to play Skip-Bo in Florida with Chuck and Melissa so we decided the 4 of us should try it. Martins enjoyed it so we played 2 games. Unfortunately the men won both.
After lunch, we drove to the beginning of the White Banks Trail, parked the truck, and began the hike. What a great trail! It started near the Beach area and then we started an upward hike overlooking the Chesapeake Bay - gorgeous views. Then we got down to a sandy beach area and Bingo, we had our surprise and reward for the day - the best seaglass we have ever found and there was so much of it!!!! Almost every step you took you picked up a very etched piece of glass - amazing!! It was so much fun!
We got back to the truck around 6 and went to check out the beach area here at the park. Quite a nice setting and large area complete with a snack bar (of course it isn't open this time of year so there was no ice cream for the hungry hikers!!!!)
The men built a campfire when we returned and we had a delicious supper. Got together in Waldo for more card playing.
We are sad that Sam and Kathy couldn't be with us this trip. Kathy has been in pain with a pinched nerve in her neck that affects her arm and hand. After an MRI, they discovered she has a herniated disc and after seeing a neurosurgeon she has to decide whether to have surgery or do steroid shots and physical therapy. Not an easy decision. Marcia and Gary were supposed to arrive tomorrow afternoon, but Gary is having some health concerns and they hope to be able to join us for dinner and a fun evening on Saturday night. Time will tell!
After lunch, we drove to the beginning of the White Banks Trail, parked the truck, and began the hike. What a great trail! It started near the Beach area and then we started an upward hike overlooking the Chesapeake Bay - gorgeous views. Then we got down to a sandy beach area and Bingo, we had our surprise and reward for the day - the best seaglass we have ever found and there was so much of it!!!! Almost every step you took you picked up a very etched piece of glass - amazing!! It was so much fun!
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| The start of our hike! |
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| Combing the beach picking up seaglass! |
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| A view of the white cliffs from the sandy beach area! |
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| There was seaglass everywhere! |
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| Some large Canada geese! |
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| 1st time I used the hiking poles that Ken bought me 2 years ago for Christmas. They are very helpful! I think I should have used them before!!!!!! |
We got back to the truck around 6 and went to check out the beach area here at the park. Quite a nice setting and large area complete with a snack bar (of course it isn't open this time of year so there was no ice cream for the hungry hikers!!!!)
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| The beach area is rather large and has lots of picnic tables, grills, snack bar, and modern bathhouse! |
The men built a campfire when we returned and we had a delicious supper. Got together in Waldo for more card playing.
We are sad that Sam and Kathy couldn't be with us this trip. Kathy has been in pain with a pinched nerve in her neck that affects her arm and hand. After an MRI, they discovered she has a herniated disc and after seeing a neurosurgeon she has to decide whether to have surgery or do steroid shots and physical therapy. Not an easy decision. Marcia and Gary were supposed to arrive tomorrow afternoon, but Gary is having some health concerns and they hope to be able to join us for dinner and a fun evening on Saturday night. Time will tell!
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| This is our seaglass "stash" for today. This is only what Ken and I found. Doloris and Fred have a lot too!!!! |
Elk Neck State Park in MD
We met Doloris and Fred for breakfast at 8 before heading out for our camping adventure. We were on our way by 9:30, arriving at the Elk Neck around 11:30. This CG has wonderful sites in the full hook-up loop - very level and totally stoned or macadamized. Amazing how quickly we can back in and be leveled, and all set-up. So much easier than it used to be!!
It is a rather cool, very breezy day, but we are camping so it really doesn't matter. After we ate our lunch together outside, we went for a walk to the park office to get info on the walking trails. We continued walking till we accumulated our 10,000 steps. Then it was time to get inside play some cards!!!! We each had won a game when we stopped to have dinner. It was too windy and cold to have a campfire, so we got out our grill.
Back to Fred and Doloris's 5th wheel to continue our card playing. Again, we each won a game. I guess the tie breaker will have to be played tomorrow. The guys wore their safety belts, which they thought brought them good luck depending how they wore them!!!! What is wrong with them????? We must have married a bunch of duffesses!!!!! (not sure how you spell that word but it certainly applies!!!!)
Another fun day of camping with the Martins!!!
It is a rather cool, very breezy day, but we are camping so it really doesn't matter. After we ate our lunch together outside, we went for a walk to the park office to get info on the walking trails. We continued walking till we accumulated our 10,000 steps. Then it was time to get inside play some cards!!!! We each had won a game when we stopped to have dinner. It was too windy and cold to have a campfire, so we got out our grill.
Back to Fred and Doloris's 5th wheel to continue our card playing. Again, we each won a game. I guess the tie breaker will have to be played tomorrow. The guys wore their safety belts, which they thought brought them good luck depending how they wore them!!!! What is wrong with them????? We must have married a bunch of duffesses!!!!! (not sure how you spell that word but it certainly applies!!!!)
Another fun day of camping with the Martins!!!
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