Monday, December 22, 2008

December Disney Trip

We took a Great Trip to Disney World and then Cruise for Kimberly's 16th.
Awesome time!
Link to an album of pictures from the trip.
Alas, we didn't get to take RoadAbode, couldn't take enough time from work. But was still tons of fun with the girls nonetheless!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

RoadAbode - Tucked in for the Winter

After our outing with the RPC YA Group, was time to winterize RoadAbode. After Sunday services, had lunch, then started working with Amy on the process. Dumped most of the water out of the fresh tank into the Black and Grey, then added a little "Tide" for good measure to the black so it would get cleaned out well. Next, Amy crawled under the bed and set the valves to dump the remaining water from the fresh tank, while I emptied the hot water heater and flipped the valve under the galley sink to shut it off from the system. Hooked up the special "winterizing hose" to the waterworks panel. Switched all the valves back to their original places, then ran the pump enough so that the pink non-toxic antifreeze was run throughout the pipes.  We put the mattress and everything back in order, pulled out any foodstuffs, and then I headed up to do the last dump of the black and grey tanks. Filled the gas tank, and then got to her spot in storage. Put some pink antifreeze in all her drains, some in the toilet, and replaced the hot water drain plug. closed up all the blinds and windshield covers. Last step, put her wheel covers on. Was getting pretty dark when I finished. Looked around, made sure didn't forget anything, and bid RoadAbode adieu for the winter. We'll stop and run her, but basically, next real trip won't be til at least March. Was a fun camping year....plenty of memories.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

With the RPC YAs at Lancaster


RoadAbode @ Rockvale
To see the full story of Hosting the RPC YAs Group - go here. We left RPC at 9am, and met them at RockVale Outlets in Lancaster. Worked out well parked by the playground (picture above taken from playground)
We werre able to "entertain" our guests pretty well. From Coffee, Hot Chocolate, and tea, to DVD movies, Internet access to check on if prices at the outlet were good,  and to a simple but warm lunch of Mac-n-cheese, hotdogs, and chili. I even saw someone take a nap! It was blustery and chilly - 36F - outside, but quite cozy in RoadAbode.

Playground at Rockvale

Fun on da Playground
One of our shorter guests playing on the playground at Rockvale Outlets.

New Kitchen Faucet

Friday Night tested to make sure that all systems were "go" for the outing with the RPC YA Group. Well, they weren't.  When testing the water pump, heard a "pop!" and gurgle, and found that the cold water faucet handle support had cracked. With the recent freezing nights, sure it was a factor, but we had had some previous issues...so I guess it was it's time to go. Removal was easy - amazed that the whole thing was really plastic! - and then it was a trip to the Hardware store. Two hours later, and $67 dollars poorer, I had the real brass and chrome beauty pictured above installed - and a hour of that was selecting which one to install! The way the fixures components were created, it was all hand tighten, no tools even needed. Pretty Nifty!

Friday, October 31, 2008

Double, Double Toil and Trouble....

A quick update on some issue we had.
The overhead Cab window moulding we had services - fell out. Media Camping Center made good on this - and first did a temp install - so we could enjoy the weekend in Hershey, and this week did a total repacement and redo. Hopefully it will last a lot better.

While using Roadabode at the Annual RPC Hayride, and Towing RoadToad, We've been having a problem with the the Evenbrake - the Braking system when towing. The clamp that grips the brake pedal no longer will stay on during test mode. I've called the manufature, and they are sending a replacement - which they've changed the design of. Since the part hasn't arrived yet, and we are in Lancaster - Counry Acres - for the weekend, Had to figure out a way to still tow safey, so it was duct tape to the rescue! Used duct tape to attach the clamp. Worked like a charm!

Since it's Halloween, we didn't want to Drive RoadAbode thru the neighborhood this time around, so we loaded up RoadToad, and drove up to storage. Added 30 minutes or more to our travels, but at least traffic was light, and the weather was good. As we got close, since it was so late, Amy gave a buzz to our favorite pizza shop Paradiso Pizza, and Ordered our usual, Chicken Ranch Pizza, but for takeout.  As Amy picked up, I unhooked RoadToad with Kim's help. Then Amy drove RoadAbode, and me Toad the last mile or so to the Campground. We reversed roles basically, me leading to the campsite, and directing, and Amy backing in. Worked pretty well, even level RoadAbode's front end on blocks. 
So we hooked up, and watched cable, with some pizza. 
A good simple Friday night with Family

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Hershey Weekend

Almost ended up not camping this weekend. We booked this weekend late, and where we ended up was our 4th choice – all the others were booked full for the weekend. So much for high gas prices and recession.
Spending the weekend in Hershey, staying at Hershey Highmeadow Campground. Was able to break away from work at 4pm, but Amy was running late packing RoadaBode because when picking her up from storage, RoadAbode’s Cabover molding was hanging loose. The same molding I proactively had replaced while having other work done about a month ago. Amy took RoadAbode back to Media Camping Center in Hatboro to have this resolved. They temporarily fixed, but we’ll need to have the whole job redone correctly next week.
Even with running late, we hustled, packed, and pulled out from home by 5pm. Unfortunately, we ran into a good bit of traffic in Plymouth Meeting, and was slowed up by an accident cleanup on the Westbound Turnpike. We managed to pull into the campground, disconnect RoadToad, level, and set up inside and outside – including water, electric, and cable by about 8pm. We jumped in RoadToad and went a half mile down the street to enjoy a Stuff Crust pepperoni pizza at Pizza Hut. Was seated quickly, and service was great, as was the pizza! Yumm! Filled up at a Sheetz here - $2.69 a gallon. Once back to the campground, we settled in and enjoyed some cable. Emily colored something for the coloring contest. The campground is full with families, and the reason is it’s celebrating a Halloween weekend. There are contests for everything on Saturday from costumes, to site decorating, to pumpkin carving.
Saturday morning, slept til 8:30am, made coffee, enjoyed eggs and bagels, and we all started on individual projects. The girls both had homework to work on, I some articles to write, and Amy wanted to do some fall cleaning after my last foray out with “the guys”. After doing some reading and note taking, Em and Amy headed to take part in the contests, while Kimberly and I continued working on our projects.
From 1 to 2pm was time for trick and treating. So many kids, we were out of candy in 20 minutes! Nothing like at home. After Trick or Treating, we took a walk around to look at the decorated sites throughout the campground. Some were quite elaborate!
While the girls perused the camp store, I hit the showers, and then we headed to the Hershey Chocolate Factory. Went thru the ride twice, and bought some specialty Chocolates. Headed back to RoadAbode, enjoyed just waking the campground, a dinner of pulled pork, and some evening TV. Quite Restful.

Hershey Weekend

At Hershey this weekend. Saw this guy, who seems to be a cousin to the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

A Few Pics of on the Wading River

Heading Down the River
Resting on beach
View Down River
Snapping Turtle
Our transports

Swimming, I mean Canoeing The Wading River

The Weather has held out!  After a great breakfast including Banana and strawberry fruit salad by Frank, scrambled eggs by Kevin, and Sausage by myself, (I was the only one that had french toast) we cleaned up, packed a snack, drinks and other essentials, and headed to the Office. We booked two canoes, and then in about ten minutes were picked up to be taken to Hawkin's Bridge Landing, To launch off our Canoeing Adventure. Kevin and I shared a Canoe, and Frank was the lone paddler.
We crossed under Hawkin's Bridge, and started paddling down the tea colored waters of the Wading River. Actually, we drugg our canoes for the first 500 feet of the gravel of the Wading River. We each looked at the other... and thought "this is gonna be a loooong walk if this river stays shallow"
But soon, the water deepened enough and we enjoyed paddling down the river, with a few young kayakers as well. At some point, trying to get over a stump, Frank got to enjoy a refreshing dip in the river. Once he got righted, unswamped the canoe, and wrung out, we enjoyed the sights and quiet of the river. The vegetation and banks were beautiful, but we saw no fish at all. We did to get to see cranberries up close a first for me.  (They actually grow very close to the ground)
We stopped at a sand beach for a snack, and to look over the the area.  Just as we were relaxing, We were joined by Troop 201 from Haddonfield. All twenty-three of them. On our beach. But in a few minutes they were on their way again. 
Down the river a bit, as it got a little deeper, Kevin and I, jealous of Franks multiple swims by now, took our own dip. Fortunately, a beach was right there get everything righted. Stuff inside my backpack was still relatively dry!
Down by a sandbar, Frank spied a Baby snapper turtle, the only real aquatic life we saw in the river. The rest of our trip was uneventful, but very relaxing, and beautiful. We did get to pass those boy scouts again, and the kayakers. 
Exact weekend trip I was looking for.
Well, except for the swimming part. 


Wading River Canoeing

Canoeing

No Jersey Devil... Yet.

Our site @ Wading Pines

Friday, September 26, 2008

Guys Weekend

Out with Frank and Kev at Wading Pines RV Resort in  Chatsworth NJ - in the Pine Barrens. Drive here, once out of Philly, was pretty easy. A little drizzle, but not the downpour that was predicted by the weather people. Once we set up and were settled in, had some Risleling Wine and  enjoyed Peperoni Bread and Pizza.  Nice just watching others setup as we relaxed under the canopy and enjoyed our fire. Looks promising that we may get a canoe trip in tomorrow.

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Weekend in Lancaster

In one of our favorite Campgrounds in Lancaster, Spring Gulch (actually New Holland) Traveling up an Friday was not easy though. After a hectic work day, got home to fine that RoadAbode's  right turn signal is not working correctly, and even a stop at Pep Boys didn't fix the issue. This threw us late by an hour, and it started raining...hard. Pulling into the camp site was tough. By the time we  disconnected RoadToad, and setup the basic hookups, even with my raincoat i was soaked thru. Not a good start to the weekend. But dry clothes and some Cartoon Network helped take off the edge a bit.
Saturday, Got up late, and just sat around camp.  Took a shower around noon, then worked on a fishing rod holder for the Basement Storage, using a 3" wide piece of PVC pipe. Works pretty well.  After that we headed out to Goods General Store, Next to Shady Maple. We also stopped at the Farmer's Market to pick up shoo-fly pie, some specialty breads - Raspberry and Peach - and some whoppie pies - along with restocking some essentials on RoadAbode. 
Had a nice early dinner in the downstairs cafeteria. I enjoyed a local specialty - Ham Loaf - While the girls went with Turkey or chicken dinners. All big portions and delicious! We decided to enjoy  dessert at RoadAbode. 
Easy night of just snacking, a campfire, and a bit of "Man vs, Wild" on Discovery. 
We 

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Big Rigs

Desel prices may b high, but there r still plenty of people out enjoying there big rigs.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Great Day in Kutztown

Actually we were in Kutztown, Lenhartsville, Kempton, and a a few other towns along the way. Basically we are in the Lehigh Valley area, somewhere between Reading and Lancaster PA. Got up late this morning, (7:30a) made coffee, and had breakfast with the girls, and then headed for the showers. Pine Hills RV Campground (No places for tents) has the showers just like I like them, and anterior room with plenty of hooks and even a shelf – and a shower with shelves as well. The only issue is that they have a timer on your shower – looks like long ago you had to pay for the shower. The coin box is still in operation to turn on the water, but it contains a token that you use to get the water going – for a “good” 6 minutes. The instructions were a bit complicated, but I finally figured them out for a nice hot shower. Only problem is it seems I take 7 minute showers. I was at the end of my shower, just done my feet Put soap in my travel box, went to rinse my hands – time up. I had to go thru the whole process of retrieving the token, winding up the mechanism, and starting the water – just to rinse my hands. Not the worse of problems, just a silly one.
Once back to RoadAbode, grabbed another coffee, brushed teeth, and headed out to Hawk Mountain. The ride there was scenic, thru farm land and wooded hills. Does seem the tent caterpillars are in full force this summer, some trees looked like they were covered in silky down. I also forgot how close the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is to the Appalachian Trail – will have to hike this part sometime. We went into the visitors’ center there, and while Amy went to the desk to pay our visitor fee, I looked with the girls at some of the exhibits about the history of the mountain, and about raptors themselves. Perhaps it’s my age, or the level of “Political Correctness” these days, but I was a bit perturbed by the next exchange. I asked a staff member (I had to catch their attention -a group of them having a discussion about something) where a trash can was to dispose of my coffee cup. “Sir, we have a ‘pack it in, pack it out’ policy at the sanctuary, please take it with you.” I was puzzled by this, but said thank you, and headed back to the car to deposit the cup in the car, rather than have to take it on the trail. Is it environmentally better mojo, to have all guests “pack it out” – or will some – especially visiting schools, or some wise guys – fine places along the trail that they deem “packed out”? I have more on this later. The trail was very well kept, but very rocky. I reminded the girls to be care full along the way. We were rewarded with wonderful views of the mountains and valley below, but few raptors. (We are a bit early in the migration season) Amy had brought along some fruit, which once at the uppermost part of the trail – the North Face – was a great treat. The tempature and blue skys made the steep hike quite easy, and totally enjoyable. We enjoyed stopping at every lookout along the way. We headed back, tired a bit from the hike, but a good tired. One thing I noticed as we pulled out of the Parking lot. As we left the visitor lot, we passed the employee/volunteer lot. What do you think I saw there? A huge trash dumpster, the kind used for household type trash. So SOMEBODY is not “packing it in, packing it out”.
Our next stop was Crystal Cave, by request of Em. We hardly looked around the gift shop, tried to get ice cream (Icecream shop only took cash – we forgot our “big bills” at RoadAbode) and then waited for the cave tour to begin. It was the same as the last time we were there, but still enjoyable. I love watching the young teens that lead us thru the tour do their “spiel” hitting all the important points of the cavern, with a little humor thrown in. The young lady we had handled a few rambunctious kids very well – better than their own parents.
After our Cave tour, the girls didn’t even want to peruse the gift shop, we were hungry and our meal was at our next stop. By request of me, we were eating at Cabela’s Outdoors shop. They have a resurant on their second gfloor, and I had heard I could get Elk, Boar, Bison, even rattlesnake in my meal! Well the rattlesnake was not to be had, but I tried a bratwust made from bison, the girls went for mare traditional fare. Meal was good, and portions big. I wish I wasn’t filled so quickly, or I could have tried an elk burger, wild boar wrap, or duck hot wings. We wandered around a bit, gawking at the stuffed wild game displays, and the huge fresh water aquarium. The girls checked out the “bargain Cave” and the sidewalk sale, but still couldn’t find anything they deemed a real bargain. So we headed home to RoadAbode, full but ready for dessert.
Once back, we headed to the office for some ice-cream. Not cheap, but good. (told ‘em we should stop at a supermarket and get a half gallon, but there must be something special about “camp store ice-cream”) We rested a bit, took a walk around the campground, checking out other rigs as usual. We found out the neighboring farm had horses – and a llama, so we returned with carrots for them. Girls had fun feeding. We returned to our campsite, had a fire, some marshmallows and pistachios, and then a little ‘show’ with some rainbow crystals from the camp store, to have a fire of blues, greens, purples and oranges. Quite pretty! Girls are enjoying a bit of tv, and are ready for bed. A great day! Here’s a few pictures:
How they Sealed Each Sites Sewer connection at Pine Hills
Directional Plaque at Hawk Mountain
The Rocky Trail
A Stick bug on the trail
Am and Kim at North Face Lookout
A Stuffed moose
Where we had "linner"
By the Campfire

Friday, August 22, 2008

Pine Hills RV Park

We're settled into Pine Hills RV Park in Kutztown Pa. A nice little park, clean with some interesting features - will post pics tomorrow.
The Plan is to head out in the am to visit Hawk Mountain, do a bit of hiking, then hit either Crystal Cave, or Cabela's...or both!
Well see how it goes.
Already had Friday night pizza, enjoyed a starry walk round the campground, and now the girls are enjoying some Cartoon Network.
Great start to the weekend.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Everyone Arrived!!!


Camping in style- Jack in the fridge
Everyone made it to the campground. Some had to travel thru some storms, but everyone made it safely. Each family was helped as hey arrived, and everyone was set up by 6pm. Once tents were set up - it poured again, but then stopped as Jack setup the food site - with plenty of helpers, and soon was grilling burgers and dogs for everyone, plus a wonderful salad to boot! (so we won't get scurvy.) After cleaning up from dinner, we had music led by Scotty G, and a devotional led by Amy. We had a great fun icebreaker game too.
Soon we were relaxing by the fire with some s'mores. I headed to the showers - getting ready for work tomorrow. Was a great day, glad to be wit good people and good friends.
A few pictures:
Gathering firewood

Devon Setting up his tent
Em goofing
Playing Rock-Paper-Sissors for "dough"

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Playing @ French Creek

Ladder Golf - fun game!

Lunch

Lunch @ Sonic - very cool!
We headed out around 1pm for a late lunch. On the way in yesterday, we saw a few selections that we thought would be tasty. We finally decided on Sonic Burger. They have car-hops that will deliver right to your car window, But the weather was beautiful, so we opted to sit outdoors. Glad we did! Across the highway from Sonic is a small airstrip, and we got to see gliders being landed - and being pulled up into the air by small, single engine prop planes. definitely fun to watch.
Ordering was interesting, you walk up to a menu board, push a button to let them know you're there, and just like drive thru, you make your selections. Then you sit and someone brings your meal out to you. Kim and I both had burgers - she a Sonic, and I a "SuperSonic" - Em had Popcorn Chicken, and Amy went for a Coney - a Extra-Long hot dog, covered in Chili Cheese. We ALL want to go back again!
We then hit the Super Walmart to pick up a few items (Lime-aid was one - yum!) and hit Dairy Queen for dessert, and a local produce stand for tomatoes for a nice tomato salad we had later with mac and cheese.
Nice little venture out from the park!

Out Again! Yeah!

Em having breakfast @ French Creek
Arrived late last night after VBS at RPC. I usually don't like entering the campsite after 9pm, but Amy got a late start, and it snowballed from there. Neighbor across the way was nice enough to turn on his lights as we backed in (kinda blinded me, but he was trying to be nice and help) and turned out the site is exactly level! No need for level blocks this time.
Connected up, and settled in. This morning realized a few things. We didn't fill the water tank, so we needed to do that (Only pulled up our driveway a bit, the water bib is right across the street. In fact, we really didn't even black the street as we filled the tank - just coupled our two fresh water hoses together to get the job done in a few minutes. The refer seems to only work on gas... Need to check that out. (may be tied to a problem I just discovered - the gfi was tripped - which caused half the outlets - including the outside one as I write this - not to work. ) Everything else...it's been beautiful here. GREAT sleeping weather, and a slight breeze.
Will be heading to church on Sunday - then back here to enjoy a few days... well, the girls will, I have to cover at work. (But for two nights I plan on being a "commuter camper"

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

New Tires

Spent part of Monday checking prices and recomendations for tires. Finally decided on B.F. Goodrich Commercial T/A M+S E rated. Rather than get the exact same tire (Michelin LTX M+S) The BFG's were a little less money, and actually made by Michelin in the end (They own BFG) Got help from Gary and Mike at Bergey's Truck Tire Service on Penn Street in Franconia. Dropped RoadAbode off Monday Night - And she was ready by Tues Morning. Drop off/and pickup was easy with RoadToad tagging along....literally.

Bergy's Truck Tire Lot

Tires bigger than RoadAbode!

Sunday, July 13, 2008

The Blowout

While rolling along home around 11:30 or so, listening to some Bob Dylan, all of a sudden a big BANG! from somewhere below the Fridge, and RoadAbode shuddered. I rolled to the right hand emergency lane of the Turnpike, and looked at Frank in the Passenger side seat. "That ain't good" I muttered as I got out (watching the flow of traffic past) "Hope that's not my bike" Frank hollered over the din of tractor trailers. I went all the way to the rear of RoadAbode. and looked under from behind. I could see all 4 tires on the duallies. I looked back and saw a strip of Tire tread 50 feet or so back. i was still hoping it wasn't blown, but that maybe I just hit a piece of tire....somehow. Upon closer inspection, it was the Passenger-side inside Dually. We both went inside Roadabode. I pulled the card for Good Sam and called, gave them my info, they said they would call back with an ETA, and then hung up. I thought maybe I should move off the Turnpike, but I wasn't sure how far the next exit was, nor if Roadabode's remaining 3 rear tires could take the weight. "Anybody want something to drink, or use the bathroom?" I was calming down amazingly after feeling pretty shaky only a few minutes ago. Started up the genny, and ran the roof air to keep it cool since we weren't moving (plus was good exercise for the genny) and the phone rang - ETA was an hour or less by Mechanics Plus. Five mins later the phone rang again - it was Mechanics Plus to let us know that we were out of their territory (?) they only do the Northeastern Extension. Said to all Turnpike Help at *11 (?) I called back Good Sam to explain this - they apologized, and said Mechanics Plus Should have called them - not me. They said they would call back with an ETA. Meanwhile, I checked the next exit was Route 100 - only 3 miles up the road. I told them that i would meet the service at routes 76 and 100 - and
i would try to find a parking lot that the guy could change the tire in. I started up
RoadAbode and we slowly limped up to Route 100, then to a Hampton Inn parking lot at 113 and 100. I called Good Sam, let them know out location, and they let me know that Able towing and Road Service would be out within 2 hours. Rather than fret, Frank and Kevin suggested Lunch, and we walked over to Pizzeria Uno, which shared the lot with the motel. We relaxed, able to see RoadAbode out the window, and in and hour and 30 minutes, Able was there. I met him in the lot - let him know where we were, and let him do his job. 30 min later of so, we were back on the road.
Interesting ride home.

Road Trouble

Blew a inside pass tire on roadabode. Waiting on service. @ Pizzeria Uno having lunch.

Saturday, July 12, 2008

A Full Day at French Creek State Park

Woke around 6am, got coffee started, then fed the chipmunks outside the door some sunflower seeds. little fella wouldn't let me get a good picture though. Frank made eggs, I got sausage going, and soon we had a feast for all of us. Over breakfast, we discussed the day. After much reviewing of maps, we decided to hike to the pool. on the way, we re-evaluated. and took a connecting trail to Hopewell Village. Enjoyed looking at the Water Wheel (still working) and the 'living exhibits' of colonial life. Even had Colonial Dancing demonstration (yea, it's fine for three macho guys to watch a bit if colonial dancing!)



After wandering a little more in the village, we doubled back and headed to the French Creek Pool to cool off. Spent some time lazing there, had some snacks, then hiked toward Scotts Run Lake. Trail had very few people on it, but did run into a Ranger on an ATV checking the trail. Once at Scotts Run, we took a rest, then continued an upward climb (started to be a bit steep) back toward the campground. A bit tired, we all snacked on Brie, crackers and mineral water, hit the showers and had a late lunch of hotdogs. the rest of the day we relaxed, wandered the campground, and snacked. Dinner were cheesburgers and corn-on-the-cob on the grill - cooked by Kevin and a dessert of s'mores and just marshmallows. We then just mellowed out by the fire, telling stories and thinking about things from our past. Awesome day of exploring and relaxing!

Our Hike Around Hopewell Lake
Couple of pictures:
Chipmunk having breakfast
Official Sign

Huge Fungi on the trail
A Yurt at the campground

@ French Creek 4 the Weekend

Beautiful morn @ French Creek

Friday, July 11, 2008

Biking To Hopewell Lake

Frank and Kev At Hopewell Lake.
After settling in we jumped on the bikes and headed to the park office. However it was right at 5pm so couldn't get any additional trail maps or talk to the ranger. Continued on to the beaver dam (no new evidence of beaver though) and the fishing pier were i took the pic above. Then we headed down to the pool, and to the old dam and spillway at the opposite side of the lake.
That was all the easy part.
Coming down from the campground was all downhill. Steep downhill in some parts. And after two minor hills - I was done. I ended pushing my bike ther rest of the way. (And was really winded more than I felt in a while.)
No more biking for me...hiking sounds good though.

Monday, June 23, 2008

A Bit of a Storm



You may notice the picture in this post is a little different than the previous post. We had to get a new shaderoom. Saturday into Sunday at 8am sharp we had a torrential downpour. We quickly closed up everything, and I sat to enjoy my cup of java, looked out the window, and saw our year-old shaderoom collapsed under the quickly accumilated weight of the water. We went out to use the cover as a tarp to cover best as possible.
After the storm, I went out to assess the damage. the frame (which had been weakened by using on the beach once) bent inward, and the legs bent down following the frame. Only thing salvagable is the cover and screws that connected the frame rods. The other effect of the storm was cell service was knocked out. Only if I walk up to the entrace to the campground did you get even two bars of service. That seems to be restored now - Late Monday.
Amy and I took a ride out to Walmart and picked up the canopy pictured above On sale, it is a little smaller (100 Sq ft vs. 144Sq ft) but seems stronger and well made. We'll see how it holds up. Def. a good price though, a good bit less that $100, and just as easy to set up as the old one (accordion style frame)


To get online this week, using a Verizon aircard modem from work to connect - just as easy as using my cell as a modem, maybe easier. Nice sitting at the picnic table and checking in at work, researching prices for shade rooms, or just doing a bit of surfing. Quick too!

Few pics from Otter Lake:
The Lake, by the swimming beach
Em on her favorite climbing rock
Em fishing
Tammy getting outside Exercise (Tammy is Em's pet Dwarf Hamster)


Monday @ Otter Lake

Nicer skies 2day, + cell service 2!

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Otter Lake for a Few


Came Up last night to Otter Lake in Marshalls Creek, PA. Amy and the girls had RoadAbode all ready to go, I dashed out of work at 5pm, and we were eating pizza and on the road by 6pm. We pulled into the campground after an easy drive up the NE Extension, Route 22 to 33, and onto 80/209. only a bit of slowness on the Extension.

We setup, and as Amy and I finished setting up, it started to drizzle, then quickly turn to thunderstorm and downpour. Only rained hard a bit, but continued til about 1am. So glad I'm not in a tent.


We have a pull through site, meaning the site is between two roads, pull in one, out the other. It's a bit odd shaped, but it has plenty of room for RoadAbode, RoadToad, the bikes, and our Shade room, plus a place for a fire ring.

This morning - coffee outside with a bit of coolness surrounding.

And French toast for me - the girls bagels.

Our Neighbors are....interesting....

Tenting "group of womyn" from New York. Not exactly outdoor savvy. And a bit loud with their Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Christine Aguilar, and Katy Perry.

That's OK, I countered with "Oktoberfest in Bavaria" at a nice decibel from Roadabode's Stereo. Haven't heard much since.

Also, they don't seem to understand that if you leave food out....even on bags...the animals LOVE that.

I think they will learn quick though. ;)