Lebanon, Pennsylvania - August 13 - 27, 2015

Lebanon, Pennsylvania - August 13 - 27, 2015

August 13 - 27, 2015

We are back at the Thousand Trails Hershey Preserve in Lebanon.  We found our site – the same one that we had the last time we were here.  It is a pull thru, which we like.  Since we went to most of the touristy things when we were here last time, we decided we would start by relaxing a few days. Of course we need to clean and do repairs on the motorhome. 

The weather when we arrived was in the 90’s – quite a change – nice change - from up in Newfoundland. 

When we arrived, the first problem that we encountered was that we lost the Direct TV remote control – panic – we couldn’t figure how to change channels without it.  Well, now we know.  But we ordered a new one from Direct TV, which is a good thing, since we still haven’t found the original remote control.(PS – Aug 28, we found the remote control in a kitchen drawer in the Gallon Size Zip Lock Bag box – anybody’s guess on how it got there.)
 

Since we are here, we had Stacy & Brian send our mail (three months’ worth) – can’t believe we have been gone that long.  There was 19 pounds of mail. It kept us busy for a couple of hours. 



Duplex with interesting paint job



We did a lot of driving around the area.  There are so many cute old towns around and lots of farms – corn, beans and animals.  This is a beautiful part of the country.   We have also enjoyed going to the Farmers Market here.  They have great melons (best cantaloupe we have ever tasted), tomatoes, corn, peppers, peaches & onions.  We loaded up.





One of the small town streets





Residential area with doors close to the sidewalk



Cool building
 

 



Toilet in need of repair



One of the big problems that we had was a broken part in one of the bathrooms.  We took the time here to get it fixed.   Stan tackled it, and tore the whole thing apart, only to find that we didn’t have the correct part for repair.  He contacted a guy that had been out to make repairs for our next door neighbor.  Luckily, the part came in and we were able to get it fixed the evening before we left.  Thank heaven we had a second toilet to use.




Our Bon Fire

There was a part of the tree in our site that was dead, so Stan asked if we could have that portion removed so that we could put out our awning.  They were there within 30 minutes to get that done.  Rather than have them take the dead branches away, we agreed to clean it up for them.  This was an opportunity to have a bon fire in the fire pit.  See our pics.



 

 

 

 

Soap Box racing

 

 

 

 

The park had many activities for the kids at the Preserve.  One Saturday, they blocked off one of the hills and had a Soap Box Derby.  The kids, as well as some older people, sure enjoyed that.
 

Old ladies did it too. 





 

Watkins Glen, New York - August 12, 2015

Watkins Glen, New York - August 12, 2015

August 12, 2015

Today was a driving day.  We have reservations at the Thousand Trails Preserve in Hershey, Pennsylvania tomorrow, so wanted to get half way.  We hadn’t planned ahead, so didn’t have any reservations.  Luckily, we got into the KOA in Watkins Glen.

It is a good thing we weren’t thru there the weekend before, since there was the NASCAR race in Watkins Glen.  We drove by the road to the raceway, but the gates were closed and we didn’t get a chance to see it.  Bummer.  Seeing the area, it is hard to believe that this is the location of the raceway.  It is such a rural area, with not much infrastructure. 

Paisley, Ontario - August 7 - 11, 2015

Paisley, Ontario - August 7 - 11, 2015

August 7, 2015

We got back on the road heading to see our friends, Cathy & Gary Lund.  It is 300 miles from Sturgeon Falls to Paisley, so a big driving day for us.  Also, the roads are two lane so a little slower going.  

Also, we had a bit of a hitch, since Stan needed to use the facility (or wiz as he calls it), so pulled into a parking lot.  The bad part was that the turnaround in the parking lot was a little tight, so we had to unhook the car, get the motorhome around the bend and hook up again.  Not a big deal, just takes time.

Finally, we arrived at Cathy & Gary’s – Gary was starting to wonder where we were, since it was after 5:00 p.m. when we got there.   The house address that Bev had in her records was one digit off, so we had to call to confirm the address, and Cathy & Gary were waiting in the driveway for us.  It was so good to see them again.

They took us down to the Paisley Rotary RV Park that is just a few blocks from their house.  It was a perfect place to stay, right along the river.  We didn’t even have to unhook the car for a day or two.

Next we went to dinner at Marty’s, a restaurant in Paisley.  It was a good thing that they had made reservations, because the place was packed.  Not a wonder as the food was good and plentiful.

Back to Cathy & Gary’s for more chit chat. 

 

 August 8, 2015

We had such a great dinner at Marty’s that we decided to go there for breakfast too.   They opened at 9:00 a.m.  We got there a few minutes early, so we walked down the block to the Back Eddie’s Coffee Shop to get coffee.  The breakfast was just as good as the dinner.  Real down home cooking.

From there we decided to go to the Paisley Farmer’s Market.  They have baked goods, fresh produce, homemade fritters.   We bought some maple syrup and maple sugar from one of the Amish families there.  Cathy & Gary actually have a booth there from time to time, so know all of the vendors.  Actually, Cathy & Gary know about everyone in town.

We went back to Cathy & Gary’s, since their friends, Ross & Diane, were coming over for coffee.  Stan had met them when he was in Paisley for Cathy & Gary’s wedding.  Bev met them for the first time.  Ross & Diane were celebrating their 45^th Wedding Anniversary.   We had such a good time and lots of laughs.  We found out that Ross had been Cathy & Diane’s teacher when they were in High School.  It was early in his teaching career.  Cathy told about Ross passing her over for the Glee Club, and she kiddingly said that she had been scarred for life. 

In the afternoon, we went for a ride around area.  There are so many little communities near Paisley.  With the large Amish & Mennonite population, It was fun to see the buggies out on the road. 

Ross, Gary, Cathy & Diane
 

While we were out and about, we just happened to visit the MacLean Brewery, with a tour and samples.  That was so much fun we continued on to the Neustadt Springs Brewery, again with samples.

Since we were in the area, we stopped by to see Cathy’s brother, Wayne and his wife Lynn.  Stan had met them before, but this was the first time for Bev to meet them.  Upon Gary’s request, Wayne took Gary & Stan out to see his truck.  The boys were in their glory.   Lynn, Cathy and Bev stayed inside and visited about families.

Stan had gone to a burger joint in Paisley, when he was at Gary & Cathy’s wedding, so he wanted to try going there again.  We picked up the hamburgers and headed back to Cathy & Gary’s.

Boy kayaking in river by the RV Park

Mennonite Buggy
 

 

 

August 9, 2015

Gary & Bev started out the morning by taking a walk along the dike in Paisley.  Gary walks four miles a day and Bev was happy to get some exercise.  We walked out and back on the dike, then Gary continued the rest of his four miles, and Bev headed back to the RV Park.  The only problem is that Bev was talking on the phone to Shannon, so missed her turn to the park and had to double back.  The good news is that she probably got in four miles as well.

After a shower we went to Gary & Cathy’s for breakfast on the patio.  Bacon, pancakes, the works.

Gary surprised Stan with a gift of prints that he had acquired over the years at Olympia Brewery and Anheuser-Busch.  They are wonderful pieces that will look great in the bar.  Also, Cathy gave Bev two prints of her water colors, to add to the Cathy Lund gallery in the dining room at home.

We brought some lobsters from out trip to Canada, so we had a wonderful  Steak & Lobster dinner at Cathy & Gary’s. 

In the evening, we drove to Port Elgin to listen to the music in the park.  It was cute to see the families enjoying the music and the kids dancing.   The music finished at sunset.  We got some great pictures.

Stan had been fighting a cold, so we decided to turn in early since we have more plans for tomorrow.




Sweet Bella  - Gary & Cathy's Cat




 

Cathy & Gary's Koi Pont

 

 

Bank at Port Elgin, Ontario

 

Sunset at Port Elgin

 

 

Sunset at Port Elgin

 





 

August 10, 2015

Gary & Bev went for a walk again to start the morning.  This time Bev did not get lost.

After showering, we are brought Irish Bacon over to Cathy & Gary’s for breakfast.  They are nice enough to do the cooking, since the kitchen in the motorhome is a bit limited.

Bev asked Gary if he had any interest in learning more about his family tree.  When he said that would be good, Bev was more than happy to dig in.  Of course, we all know that she can spend hours.  That led to Cathy’s family tree too. 

From there we went to pick up Pat, Cathy’s Mom.  Stan & Bev took Cathy, Gary & Pat for dinner at the Chinese Restaurant, in Owen Sound, Ontario.   We had a great time.

Stan, Gary, Pat, Cathy & Bev

Cathy and Mom, Pat

Stan & Bev

Cathy & Gary 

 

August 11, 2015

Gary & Cathy told us about the Farmers Market in Keaty, Ontario.  We wanted to go see all the produce and other items that are available.   The Amish and the Mennonite’s are wonderful farmers.  The produce that they have available is absolutely beautiful.  Unfortunately, we didn’t feel that we would be able to take produce over the border so we didn’t buy any. 

After the market, we went to visit a Mennonite farm where Cathy & Gary buy their eggs.  The eggs cannot be sold at the market.   Again, we would have loved to buy eggs, but couldn’t take it over the border.  The twin daughters of the farmer were so cute. 

Again, we went back and worked on Genealogy.

 

 

August 12, 2015

When we got ready to leave the park, we went by to say goodbye and thanks again to Cathy & Gary.  They were such incredible host & hostess for our visit.  My, oh my.

We were just going to stop by, but true to the Cathy & Gary style, they had “made from scratch” Banana Muffins, fruit, juice & coffee. 

It was hard to tell them goodbye as we had such a wonderful time, but needed to get on the road.        

 

                                                                                                                                                                           

Sturgeon Falls, Ontario - August 6, 2015

Sturgeon Falls, Ontario - August 6, 2015

August 6, 2015                                                                                                                                             

Today is a driving day.  Starting from the RV Park, Bev is not sure that she made the best choice for the next destination.  The roads leaving Camp Hither Hills RV Park, heading north were rough and under construction.  There also were many, many stop lights, and it seemed that we hit them all on yellow.
We are heading north to Sturgeon Falls, Ontario.  It is quite a bit north, but again territory that we have never seen before.

As it turned out, the RV Park was very nice on the river.  It appeared that most of the residents there stay for the summer and have their boats docked there.  Not a bad place to spend your summer.

Ottawa, Ontario - August 5, 2015

Ottawa, Ontario - August 5, 2015

August 5, 2015

We left Quebec City earlier than we normally do.   It was a good thing because we ran into a real traffic jam in Montreal.  Our friend Cathy Lund had warned us about that, but we didn’t see any other alternative.  Our mistake – we must have been in Montreal traffic for about two hours. 

We got to the Camp Hither Hills RV Park at about 4:00 p.m.  As we were getting parked, Bev wandered over to visit with the people sitting at the next site from us.  Of course, the first question everyone asks is “where are you from?” and “where are you going?”.  We told them we had come from PEI (Prince Edward Island) and they were heading that way, and were anxious to hear more about it.

After we got settled, we grabbed a cocktail and some of our trip information and went to join them.  We compared travel stories.  There were three couples traveling together in two coaches.  Bob & Suzanne were from Florida, traveling with Bob’s brother Jim & wife Joanne, from Wisconsin.  In the other RV were Joyce & Rob from California.  They had their two pups, Marco & Polo.

Stan "walking" the kittens
 

Later the guys started a bon fire and we continued visiting, laughing and of course drinking.  Finally, we decided we best get a bite to eat and turn in for the night.  We slept soundly.

Quebec City, Quebec - August 3 - 4, 2015

Quebec City, Quebec - August 3 - 4, 2015 

August 3, 2015

We were so lucky to get a reservation for an additional day at the KOA in Quebec City.  Bev had reserved August 4, 2015, a few months ago, but on the recommendation of Cathy & Gary Lund, we decided to take the tour of Quebec City tomorrow. 

Dry camping the night before at the Truck Stop is not our idea of a good time.  We were anxious to get a shower and clean up some.

When we got settled, we decided to hit the Walmart that we had passed along the way.  The cats, once again needed food.  We decided to really stock up, so we don’t have to do that again soon. 

From there we checked in at an RV dealership for parts for the front bathroom toilet.  They didn’t have any, but at least we know what we need – or closer to knowing – so when we stop for a longer period of time, we can get the part ordered.

We made arrangements to catch the shuttle at 9:30 a.m. and take the tour of the city tomorrow. 

Stan went out visiting and Bev went to bed early.    

August 4, 2015

We caught the shuttle from the KOA RV Park at 9:30 a.m., which took us to downtown Quebec City.  We walked around for a bit, went on got our wrist bands for the City Tour we were taking.  We were on the top layer of a double decker bus.  The tour guide told us about all of the amazing buildings and areas of Quebec.  Of course, he told it all in English and then in French.  Most of the signs and information was in French, so some of it we didn’t totally understand.

We would have been able to get off the bus and catch another one 30 minutes later.  However, being cowards, we stayed on the bus and road around the whole tour which took two hours.  We were in good company, since nearly everyone did the same thing.  It was so interesting seeing the architecture, with both English and French influences. 

There is a ferry that travels across the St Lawrence River.  We opted not to take that, since we have ferries at home, and we have been on them before on the trip.

We were glad not to be driving down there, since the roads are very narrow and there is a lot of construction.  At one point, the bus driver had to get out and move a construction fence to get around a corner, because a car had parked illegally on the street.  After we got moving, a worker on a back-hoe, applauded the driver for such a good job.

After we got back to the center of town, where the buses and shuttles all do their pickups, we decided to go get a bite to eat.  There were many choices for food, but Stan was in the mood for pizza and Bev wanted Poutine one more time.  It was very good.  From there we decided to take the Funicular (escalator) down to lower Quebec, which we found was a bunch of shops with lots of people taking pictures. 

In the square, there were people doing various performances, which we watched for a while since we couldn’t catch the shuttle back to the KOA until 4:00 p.m.

Stan with the Quebec Trolley
 

 

 

Cavendish, Prince Edward Island - July 29 - August 2, 2015

Cavendish, Prince Edward Island - July 29 - August 2, 2015

July 29, 2015

We got up early this morning to start our travels to Prince Edward Island.  It is only 133 miles from Elm River to Cavendish, but we wanted to stop at the Anne Murray Center on the way.  Also, we needed to be settled at the park to go on a bus tour at 2:00 p.m.

We hadn’t realized that Anne Murray, the singer, was from Springhill, Nova Scotia.  We were so glad that we stopped at the center.  We were able to see all about her life.  She is the daughter of a doctor and nurse from the area.  She has four brothers, is married and has two children.  There were pictures of her family and career, including her many Golden & Platinum Records.   They played the music of her many hits throughout the tour.  She is a beautiful woman inside and out.

Anne, still has a cottage in the area and comes here every summer.  We were told that she had been at the Center the previous Saturday to celebrate the anniversary of it’s opening.  Too bad we missed seeing her, but it was wonderful.

We continued our trip toward PEI.  Along the way, we had got to go over the Confederation Bridge, which is the longest bridge over ”Ice Covered Waters” in the world.  Truly amazing.  From there it was only about 35 miles to the Marco Polo Land Inn, Resort & Campground. 

We had about an hour before we got on the bus to for a tour of Charlottetown, PEI.  The driver and guide did a great job of telling us about the area. 

After suggesting several places to have dinner, he then dropped us off in the area.  We went to dinner at the Old Dublin Pub.     Stan had a Lobster BLT and Bev had a Baked Potato stuffed with lobster.  Yum.   From there we had to have dessert, of course.  We walked down the block to The Cow Ice Cream Shop.  It is rated number one Ice Cream in the world.  Very good.

At 7:00 p.m., we met at the Confederation Center to see “Anne of Green Gables”.  The performance started at 7:30 p.m.  We had great seats and the performance was absolutely outstanding.  The cast had great voices and energy.   When the cast was doing there last bows, Bev made the mistake of taking a couple of pictures.  They had announced that there was no recording, but since Bev had seen several others taking pictures, figured that pictures were ok.  Big mistake – a guy came to her seat and told her to delete the pictures and watched as she did it.  How embarrassing. 

We were picked up at the front of the theater by the bus and returned to the RV Park – we got back about 11:00 p.m.

July 30, 2015

Even though we got back at 11:00 p.m., we needed to be ready to catch the bus at 8:15 a.m.  Yikes, we all were tired from the short night sleep.

We were first taken to the Green Gables Home Tour, which was the setting for the “Anne of Green Gables” book.  Although, author, L. M. Montgomery, never lived at the home, relatives owned the farm and she used it as the setting for her book.  It was fun to see that.  Bev had never read the book, so bought it, so that she could put all the pieces together and maybe pass it on to the Granddaughters to read.

We were so amazed by the beautiful green countryside.  There is a lot of farming done on the island.  The ground has a reddish color.  This is caused by the large quantities of iron oxide in the ground.  This makes for very rich ground for crops.  We especially noticed it after being in Newfoundland, where there is so much rock.

We went to the PEI Preserve Company for lunch.  The Preserve Company makes, as you guess, preserves, as well as salsas, BBQ sauces, etc.  There was a window, were we could see them actually making the preserves.  There were samples as well.   At lunch, many of those that ordered the Fishcakes for lunch, including Stan, were disappointed.  However, Bev’s Chicken, Broccoli  Crepe was wonderful.  Of course, there was dessert.

From there, we went thru the PEI National Park, North Rustico, and visited the Dunes Garden and Gift Shop and a Cheese Factory.   We were back to the RV Park at about 3:00 p.m.   Everyone was pleased to get some well-deserved rest.

We were pleased to finally have a day of sunshine – with no wind.  It was probably the most beautiful day that we have had during the entire trip.

We BBQ’s steaks and made an early night of it.

July 31, 2015

Sleeping in, watching TV – we finally have some here – is on the menu for today.  There is no WIfi yet, so we have to wait for that.

Stan got up for a while, but decided to go into take a nap, getting up at noon.  They have had us running so much that he really enjoyed catching up on his sleep.  This gave Bev some time to do some reading.  Then she decided to do more washing and ironing. 

The weather started out rather windy, but it was warm and sunny.  It turned out to be another beautiful day.  Stan has been looking for a barber shop, so we started on the hunt.  We found the closest one in the GPS, was in Kensington, PEI.  It gave us a chance to drive around and see more of the island. 

We decided to stop and try to get some batteries for our key fobs, since they both died, and we found ourselves locked out of the car with the alarm going off.  Not a great way to get attention.

At 5:30 p.m., was time to ride share to the Fisherman’s Wharf Lobster Supper.  Jim & Connie Lund asked us to ride with them.  What a fantastic dinner.  They have a 65 foot salad bar.  There were so many wonderful salads, as well as Seafood Chowder and mussels.  We tried many salads but pigged out on the mussels.  Yum  After that we were served a lobster – best tasting one that we have had on the trip.   There was also a huge selection of desserts, but Stan & Bev both resisted having any.  That’s a first.

August 1, 2015

The day was open for us until the 6:00 p.m. Farewell Dinner which was held at the dining room at the Marco Polo RV Park. 

We wanted to run several errands during the day, so started out heading to North Rustico.  We wanted to buy a few souvenirs that we hadn’t purchased earlier.  Also, we wanted to buy some lobster to take to Cathy & Gary’s in Paisley.  We made several stops then went back to the motor home to freeze the lobster.

Jennie, one of the Wagon Masters, had also told us about a North Rustico Country Music Festival that was being held and the North Star Arena, so we headed back to catch that.  Even though it was rather warm in the Arena – since they don’t have to worry about air conditioning when they are having hockey games – we had a great time. 

There were many local artists that performed.  We got to hear a bunch of fiddle players, accordion, key board, and guitars in addition to many great voices.  It was a hit with Stan especially, he really enjoyed it.  After the dozens of gardens and lighthouses, Bev was so glad that he had a good time.

We got back to the coach in time to freshen up before we went to the Farewell dinner.  We got to have lobster one more time.  Also, we once again, pigged out on mussels.  It doesn’t get much better than that.  After we ate, Mike played his guitar and Karen Anderson (from Cle Elum, WA) sang a song that she had for Jon & Jennie to the tune of Old McDonald Had a Farm.  We had time to say some good byes to everyone, since some were leaving early in the morning.

 

 

 

 

August 2, 2015

The Wagon Masters hosted one more meal – a Good-bye Continental Breakfast, with Tim Horton donuts, coffee, fruit, juice, etc.

The allowed for another round of hugs before we all head out from the trip.  We were already scheduling when we were going to get together the next time.

We had problems getting our jacks to go up again.  Finally, after putting silicone on and running them up and down a few times, we got them working at last.

Finally, we got hooked up and were on our way.  We left the RV Park at about 9:30 a.m.  Our plan was to drive as far as Fredericton, NB.  Unfortunately, we didn’t have reservations, since Bev was not able to get through to them when making reservations before leaving home.  This was a Canadian holiday weekend, so no room at the inn.   We decided to keep driving – thinking that staying in a Walmart parking lot wouldn’t be that bad.  

We got to go over the Confederation Bridge to get back off the island.  Luckily, Fantasy paid the toll going over the bridge, since it is $68 to go over.  But it is seven miles long. 

Well, we got to the Walmart and it was packed with cars, and didn’t have ample parking for us to even consider stopping.  We were heading out of the lot, and it was SOOO close, we were thinking that we would have to unhook the car just to get around the last corner before we got out of the lot.  Thank goodness, just as we were ready to unhook, the car owner came back to the car, so we were saved from a real hassle.

Down the road we go.  Keep in mind there is not a lot of opportunities up here in New Brunswick.  We ended pulling off in an Irving Truck Stop.  We hope that we don’t get kicked out of here before morning.

 

This gives a whole new meaning to two-holer.  We found this in a restaurant on the trip.

 

Elm River, Nova Scotia - July 28, 2015

Elm River, Nova Scotia - July 28, 2015

July 28, 2015

Monte & Max decided it was a great night to be up umpteen times to beg for food.  After about the third time, Bev was about to boot them outside.  She decided to get up and start preparations.

Getting ready to head out went quickly.  We left the park at 8:30 a.m.  Bev wanted to get a picture on the huge Adirondack chair for the Christmas card before we left, but unfortunately that didn’t happen.  She did take a rag out and wiped off a spot, so they got a picture of Bev only.  Nobody was around to con into taking a picture and a selfie was not an option.

Down the road – 202 miles to Elm River, Nova Scotia.  We had stayed at this park one night before and it was nice.  We got a little Direct TV and Bev could go to a spot in the park to get Wifi. 

When we got to the park, we went to get into the Jeep and the fobs wouldn’t work.  We found that if you open them up there is an emergency key inside – however, that starts the car alarm blaring.  Nice way to draw attention to ourselves.  We never did figure out how to replace the fob battery.  We ARE getting old and the technology is driving us nuts.  Finally, Stan got the alarm blaring to stop – only after the neighbor came out to ask if we were stealing the car.  It was one of our group, so they were only joking of course.

The boys (Monte & Max) had been locked up long enough, so Bev decided they needed a little walk.  BIG MISTAKE.  After we were out there for a few minutes, another coach came down the road and scared Monte.  He slipped out of his harness and went running.  We had at least six of the caravan trying to catch him.  Can you imagine all of the senior citizens on their hands and knees trying to catch a cat.  Finally, we succeeded and we caught him.  No more outdoors for him for awhile.

Tonight, is another drivers meeting.  We all gathered in the meeting room at the RV park.  We were given the schedule for the next couple of days.