Just had 2 hot air balloonists fly over the campground. So high!
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Travels with Family and Friends in RoadAbode 2.0, Our 2019 Class C Motorhome.
Sharing destinations, travel tips, and recommendations as we pursue our version of the RV lifestyle.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Lazy Fall Weekend in Lancaster
Friday, headed up to Lake-in-Wood Campground for a relaxing weekend. Trip up was uneventful, until we came in the "back" way into the Campground. Winding, hilly roads and fog does not make it easy on the driver.Once at the campground, was led to our site, which backs up to a large Tee-pee. Not exactly the most level of sites, but we've made it work. Once we were all plugged in, we relaxed with pizza and some TV. Went to bed early, and did some reading.
Saturday woke up late, and enjoyed "eggs in a basket". Slowly got together, then a ride on the winding back roads - now in daylight in RoadToad - Past a local racetrack Maple Grove Raceway and actually had to wait for racers to pass before we could continue on - they had barriers drop across the road - and finally ended up apple picking at Hopewell Village. Plenty of families enjoying the cool weather and beautiful skies and picking in the heritage apple orchard. Everyone got a turn, got a few Rome, Stayman and others. No apple tastes better than just off the tree. Crisp, with lots of flavor.
After apple picking, headed to Sonic Drive-in for burgers, popcorn chicken, and tater-tots. While enjoying our late lunch, we were able to see a glider lifted up by a small plane and released right overhead. One reason this our favorite Sonic to visit in the Lancaster Area. We finished off with the new "mini" size Blasts, just right to top off our meal.
Headed back to RoadAbode, and enjoyed some TV, a walk around the Campground, and a Nap. Hit the showers, and then walk around in the dark to try to see the Meteor Shower. Didn't see any shooting stars, but maybe tomorrow night @ RPC's annual Hayride and Bonfire.
Need to head out early tomorrow, back for a meeting, but the girls will stay back and travel back a little later.
Great Lazy Weekend.
Saturday woke up late, and enjoyed "eggs in a basket". Slowly got together, then a ride on the winding back roads - now in daylight in RoadToad - Past a local racetrack Maple Grove Raceway and actually had to wait for racers to pass before we could continue on - they had barriers drop across the road - and finally ended up apple picking at Hopewell Village. Plenty of families enjoying the cool weather and beautiful skies and picking in the heritage apple orchard. Everyone got a turn, got a few Rome, Stayman and others. No apple tastes better than just off the tree. Crisp, with lots of flavor.
After apple picking, headed to Sonic Drive-in for burgers, popcorn chicken, and tater-tots. While enjoying our late lunch, we were able to see a glider lifted up by a small plane and released right overhead. One reason this our favorite Sonic to visit in the Lancaster Area. We finished off with the new "mini" size Blasts, just right to top off our meal.
Headed back to RoadAbode, and enjoyed some TV, a walk around the Campground, and a Nap. Hit the showers, and then walk around in the dark to try to see the Meteor Shower. Didn't see any shooting stars, but maybe tomorrow night @ RPC's annual Hayride and Bonfire.
Need to head out early tomorrow, back for a meeting, but the girls will stay back and travel back a little later.
Great Lazy Weekend.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Saturday, September 22, 2012
In Lancaster for a Fall Weekend
Drove up Friday Night to Sprig Gulch Campground in New Holland, PA. Enjoyed a crisp night and Slept later than usual. As we were getting ready to go out, found out about an issue at work that needed my attention. Took quick visits out to Good's Store and the Farmers Market at Shady Maple, took the girls back to RoadAbode, then headed down to work out the issue. Down and Back to take the girls out to dinner at the Dinnette @ Shady Maple. Not too bad.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Synopsis from the GuysTrip 2012
We had so much fun, I really did not pull out the laptop while we were in Watkins Glen. I didn't even take many photos. Really want to post a synopsis of what we got to do - in such a short time.
Friday - Left Philly between 9-9:30am - in a complete downpour. Picked up Ed, and drove to RoadAbode. Rains really did not let up, and of course, that made hooking up RoadAbode and RoadToad difficult. EvenBrake did not co-operate either - would not complete it's test cycles. So made sure the Safety chains and all for the towbar were connected correctly, then hopped back into RoadAbode. Toweled off, and changed out of my wet outer layer. Twenty minutes later picked up Kev, and we were on our way!
The four hour trip to our campsite proved unexciting, which was a good thing. We Camped in the Watkins Glen Village Campground W.W. CLUTE MEMORIAL PARK and Campground. It was Surprisingly nice - given that it was completely full with race-fans. Yep, the weekend I selected for the guys weekend just happened to coincide with Sprint Cup Series for NASCAR. We setup the basics for our campsite - which backed up to a baseball field - and then decided to go to Corning to Atlas Pizzeria for dinner, to beat any crowds in Watkins Glen eateries.We sat in the upstairs room and enjoyed an appetizer of Italian Dip - a wonderful concoction of sausage, pepperoni and diced tomatoes blended with melted cheese – served with tortilla chips. It prepared us for the Brick oven pizza we had - an " The Atlas" filled with tomato sauce, pepperoni, sausage, ground beef, prosciutto, red onions, green peppers, mushrooms, black olives and a blend of cheeses. It was so thick with toppings, we three healthy eaters could not finish the pie! After we had our bellies stuffed, We decided to do a walk around Watkins Glen Shopping district. We took the short ride back to town. Even with all the people, parking was way easier than Center City Philly. The main Street of Watkins Glen - Franklin Street - Was alive with vendors selling all types of memorabilia. Everything from Teeshirts, miniature cars, to used racing tires and parts from crashes. It made for a fun evening of people watching, and window shopping. No purchases though. After we headed back to RoadAbode, checked out the Park on Seneca Lake, and then relaxed in RoadAbode - wathing a movie. Great relaxing start to the weekend.



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Watkins Glen Pool in the 1940's |
We didn pull out until 1pm, but there didn't seem to be a mad rush to evict us either. Most of the race fans had already left, and only the Seasonal Campers were still puttering about. Definitely a campground to stay at again. A Great Guys Weekend!. Next year, might do something closer to home - maybe a bit simpler. A Few other Pictures Below:
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Watkins Glen morning
Slept well. All showered, coffeed, and,ready for breakfast. Going to hike the Gorge today. Will see what else is up today - maybe a pig roast!
Watkins Glen Last Night
After a great dinner at Atlas Brick Oven Pizzeria, in Corning, we wandered Watkins Glen, window shopping and people watching. Found a great local owned Icecream parlor, with tasty and unique flavors. Pistaccio for me! Finished off the night with V for Vendetta.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Thursday, August 09, 2012
Nothing as Constant as Change...
While I'm Planning a little RoadTrip for Just the Guys, Our Girls have a RoadTrip with Granny to California! Praying we both stay Safe, and Enjoy our times on the Road.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Haven't Finished Yet!
Haven't even completed collecting my thoughts from our June 2012 RoadTrip, but had to post this picture from Am - we had two days to clean and repack RoadAbode so Am could use her as a support vehicle for The Philadelphia Project's Trip to CreationFest 2012. We even popped in a new "house" battery to help with boondocking in the field that serves as their campsite. I hear TTP has a few churches along, - including the Youth crew from RPC
Just had to post a picture that was sent to me - even if I'm not in on the fun - RoadAbode is!
Just had to post a picture that was sent to me - even if I'm not in on the fun - RoadAbode is!
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RoadAbode @ Creationfest 2012 |
Monday, June 25, 2012
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Oceanarium and Lobster Hatchery - and Catch up Post
Last night I was tired from our Travels to Acadia and back to Bar Harbor. Molly the pup and I sacked out by 9:30pm, so I didn't get to write about the fun we had. Let's see if I can catch up on yesterday's adventures.
We headed out later than I would like (but perfect for the girls and beauty sleep) to tour Acadia yesterday. First, we stopped at the Ranger station, just a few minutes from our campsite. There we got our Park Pass for the car to enter Acadia. Not sure if before season, but it was only $10 when it's usually $20. We entered Acadia Park a few miles before Bar Harbor, and followed the road to Cadillac Mountain, the highest point within 25 miles of a coastline on the U.S. East Coast. The road twisted and turned up the mountainside, and we had to watch for the sightseers and bicycle riders along the way. As we reached the summit, we could see parts were still shrouded in cloud, and mist blew across the parking area. The vegetation was mostly short, due to the cooler clime, thinner air, and the forceful winds. We walked the summit trail, a walkway the rings the topmost part of the mountain. Even though our heads were in the clouds, we still managed to get glimpses of Bar Harbor and it's islands below. Truly a beautiful place!
After admiring the views, we stopped at the ranger station, bought some patches for our collection, and then headed back down. We continued on the road to Jordan Pond. Jordan pond is a large glacial lake, with visibility to up to forty feet in depth! The pond serves as the water source for Seal Harbor. At Jordan Pond, is the Jordan Pond House. Originally a farmhouse, it became a restaurant that members of "high society" in the late 1800's frequented. We indulged ourselves as they would have, having afternoon Tea, with Popovers. K and I also thought the seafood chowder sounded good, and had some as well. Everything was wonderful, seated on the lawn (with Molly the pup in tow) on wide benches and heavy tables, with a beautiful view of Jordan Pond, framed by the mountains.
At this point, I'd like to mention that Bar Harbor, Acadia, and the whole of MDI is very dog friendly. As long as a pup is well behaved, I think they are able to go to many of the touristy areas. If there is outdoor seating, then the pup probably can go.
After our wonderful repast, we walked a trail ringing Jordan Pond, and then across one of the many Carriage Roads in the park. The carriage roads are similar in scale and build to Fairmount Park's Forbidden Drive, just seemingly more attended to with gravel and fill.
After walking a bit, we again took to RoadToad and drove along the parks eastern side, stopping at beautiful Sand Beach (how people can dress that skimpy in cool weather, I just don't know) and to "Thunder Hole" Thunder hole is a crevass along the coastline that water enters into and whips back out with a large "thump" inside the stone. Standing beside, you can feel it within your body. We continued on after experiencing the "thunder" a few more times. We exited the park, after almost a full circle to Jordans Pond.
We headed to Bar Harbor, to experience walking out to Bar Island. Bar Island is probably 200 yards from Bar Harbor. At low tide, it is accessible by a natural gravel shoal that even cars are able to drive onto. When we arrived at Bar Harbor, we parked near Bridge Street (aptly named), got on our sandals or flip-flops and walked to the shore. Regular shoes would have sufficed, as the water was drained off, and the path some fifty feet wide, was mostly just damp - and quite solid! Some parts there were pools still draining, and we found a sea urchin or two, and plenty of snails. We made the obligatory crossing to the island, took some photos, and walked back. Quite unique and quite touristy at the same time. We drove homeward to RoadAbode, made a stop for provisions, and had a dinner of Cincinnati style Chili - a comfort food dinner.
Awesome day of touring!
Today's Journey - over the Bridge to the Oceanarium and Lobster Hatchery
Again a late start - but I didn't exactly get moving all that quick either. Had a great breakfast of Hashbrowns, bacon adn eggs, then off to the Oceanarium. We left Molly behind, as today is rather hot (in the low 80's) and figured a day in air conditioning rather than out in the hot marshland she might appreciate after traipsing about Acadia all day yesterday. The Oceanarium is right across the bridge, a mile or two away from our campground. It was interesting! We got to see mother lobsters ; baby lobsters, & the hatchery process. We also got a hands-on look with lots of local sea life, including sea stars, sea scallops, Sea Urchins, Sea Cucumbers, and Horseshoe Crabs. The other interesting part was talking with a local lobstermen, and learning about the Lobster traps and other tools. It was a neat insight to the way of life and how challenging lobstering can be.
After our tours and education in all things lobster, we came back to relax at RoadAbode, enjoy the view of the "Narrows" and check in @ work. Girls headed to the pool and some reading. For me - typing here and watching the biplanes fly overhead for their tours follow the Narrows toward Bar Harbor. Tomorrow - On the Road to Salem MA.

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Jordan Pond |
At this point, I'd like to mention that Bar Harbor, Acadia, and the whole of MDI is very dog friendly. As long as a pup is well behaved, I think they are able to go to many of the touristy areas. If there is outdoor seating, then the pup probably can go.
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Sand Beach |
After walking a bit, we again took to RoadToad and drove along the parks eastern side, stopping at beautiful Sand Beach (how people can dress that skimpy in cool weather, I just don't know) and to "Thunder Hole" Thunder hole is a crevass along the coastline that water enters into and whips back out with a large "thump" inside the stone. Standing beside, you can feel it within your body. We continued on after experiencing the "thunder" a few more times. We exited the park, after almost a full circle to Jordans Pond.
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Sea Urchin @ Bar Island |
Awesome day of touring!
Today's Journey - over the Bridge to the Oceanarium and Lobster Hatchery
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Touch Tank |
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Lobstering History |
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Overcast Morn
A bit overcast this morning on our stroll around the resort. Misting here and there as well. We'll see if it burns off, and we can head outdoors.
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Monday, June 18, 2012
Checking out a Show tonight
The Great Maine Lumberjack Show is Run by "Timber Tina" Scheer, a world champion "Lumberjill" and a past contestant on the Reality Show "Survivor" During the research phase of planning the trip, I had read about the Lumberjack show, and let the girls know. It was a "maybe" on our list, and we were all glad we went! We learned about the saws lumberjacks use to use, and some of the skills they employed in the early days of logging. Timber Tina really made the show fun, even thru some technical difficulties, and especially included kids in the fun. Some of the skills shown were timber climbing, single and two person cutting, and carving with a chainsaw. Jeremy, one of the young men in the show - had his mother attending, and Tina made sure she was included in on some of the jokes that were part of thier script. The show was local, funny, entertaining and educational. If your in the Bar Harbor Area - Check it out!
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Timber Tina & Lumberjack Jeremy |
Short Walk to Bar Island
There is an island, Bar island, that you can walk to from Bar Harbor Towne when there is a low tide. Hope the tide maps I found are correct!
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Road Trip around Bar Harbor and the MDI
After a great Fathers Day Breakfast, we took a Scenic ride along Route 3, thru small towns and into Bar Harbor and the area known as MDI - Mount Desert Island. Bar Harbor was busy with tourists, even though we are a week early than the official season here.
Bar Harbor Towne will definitely be a "shopping destination" in the next few days for the girls. We continued along to Seal and Northeast Harbors, both just as picturesque areas, with less crowds.
On most of our trips, we try to see interesting rock formations, or visit lighthouses. Here we can do both in the same place!
We passed thru Bass Harbor, and saw signs for the lighthouse. We took the short steep steps to the rock outcroppings to get a better view of the lighthouse. Girls and I climbed down the rocks to check the tidal pools. The water was amazingly clear, and we could see plenty of snails, and sea grass, but not much other marine life.We were a bit apprehensive of sticking fingers in the sea grass or crevices, so other things could have been hiding. The girls have been having more luck in the tidal pools by our campsite. Snails, mussels and crabs have been easy finds for them there.
The Coastline of MDI is beautiful, rugged, and peaceful. Easily can understand why it has inspired writers, presidents, and others to preserve it as one of Americas Treasured National Parks.
After the lighthouse, we continued to follow the coast to Tremont and Bernard. There I remembered Thurston's Lobster Pound on my Maine research. We found it, but the outside dining was not
"dog friendly" We'll need to checkout another Lobster Pound in the area. We headed home - for dinner, a little napping, some cable tv, and checking in at work. Chilly night - and lots of stars!. We'll sleep well tonight.
Bar Harbor Towne will definitely be a "shopping destination" in the next few days for the girls. We continued along to Seal and Northeast Harbors, both just as picturesque areas, with less crowds.
On most of our trips, we try to see interesting rock formations, or visit lighthouses. Here we can do both in the same place!
We passed thru Bass Harbor, and saw signs for the lighthouse. We took the short steep steps to the rock outcroppings to get a better view of the lighthouse. Girls and I climbed down the rocks to check the tidal pools. The water was amazingly clear, and we could see plenty of snails, and sea grass, but not much other marine life.We were a bit apprehensive of sticking fingers in the sea grass or crevices, so other things could have been hiding. The girls have been having more luck in the tidal pools by our campsite. Snails, mussels and crabs have been easy finds for them there.
The Coastline of MDI is beautiful, rugged, and peaceful. Easily can understand why it has inspired writers, presidents, and others to preserve it as one of Americas Treasured National Parks.
After the lighthouse, we continued to follow the coast to Tremont and Bernard. There I remembered Thurston's Lobster Pound on my Maine research. We found it, but the outside dining was not
"dog friendly" We'll need to checkout another Lobster Pound in the area. We headed home - for dinner, a little napping, some cable tv, and checking in at work. Chilly night - and lots of stars!. We'll sleep well tonight.
Bar Harbor, ME
It sounds crazy, but the sun seems brighter, or stronger here. Where are my sun glasses?
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Saturday, June 09, 2012
Spring Cleaning
A little late for Spring Cleaning - but perfect timing for Camping season. Brought home RoadAbode early this morning and gave her a through bath from top to bottom, stem to stern. Everyone helped - though not sure how willingly the younger two were. Even Molly came out and guarded the washing tools. Am washed and inspected the roof, and cleaned up inside. RoadAbode does not look perfectly clean, but she looks much better with all the quarry grime (her home is near a quarry) and last years bugs off her front. Before we go out, just need to get a new "house" battery, and should be all set. Pretty sure she's ready to go out on some summer adventures! Bar Harbor ME, Salem MA, Creation MusicFest and more are on the summer itnerary.
Saturday, June 02, 2012
2012 Project for RoadAbode - Entry Step & Door Window

In the past, my Winter/Spring Projects for RoadAbode have usually revolved around installing "new" things. Past projects included an inverter, new TV and sound system, and new table mechanism to name some favorites. This year's major project was repairing something old. RoadAbode's entry step. Am had noticed that the first step as you come into RoadAbode felt soft on it's right side. So on our Mother's day trip out I lifted the rubber tread and took a peek underneath - and didn't like what I saw.

When we got to RoadAbode, not being a carpenter, I forgot what "Nominal" means when purchasing lumber. So while Am did some cleaning and prep - I went and picked-up another pressure treated board to serve as our new step (at $9 - a cheap reminder in lumber measurements) First, we disconnected the electrical connection for our mechanical step.Am borrowed a Saws-All and after removing what was left of the bad step with a wood chisel, we cut the bolts - which were pretty rusted and not easily accessible. We setup some cardboard and padding for the mechanical step to safely fall on to. I did forget to remove the magnetic switch that let's me know if the step is in or out from the driver seat! (Doh!) After removing the glued-on magnetic switch, I could lift the mechanical step totally out of the way. Test fit the wood. It was two pieces of Pressure Treated Deck, 2X10X25" (Nominal, that made it about 3" think, which perfectly fit. The top one I needed to shave off a 1/2" of width to make the reduced area of the threshold.

Next time I could take time to work on her was a week later. I was alone on the assembly, as Am had a baby shower to attend. After a few stops, Got to RoadAbode at 11am - a little later than I wanted, but at least it was a beautiful day to work outside. Marked the Step to drill holes for the Elevator Bolts - fit perfectly! Used my car jack to lift the mechanical step in place (too heavy for me to hold AND bolt in place) Worked great in a pinch! Got three nuts on and hand tightened - easy! Except - of course - last nut was the wrong size! Back to Lowes. Felt strange to exchange one nut - but was easy, no cashier involved for that.
Back at Roadabode, fit the top piece of wood over the elevator bolts, then drilled pilot holes and screwed the pieces together using deck screws (something that wasn't done on building the original step apparently) Lastly, I tacked the rubber threshold on the front side, then used Liquid Nails to glue it down, and tacked along the edges.
Reconnected the Mechanical Step electricity and magnetic switch - looks good, sturdy and feels good to do ourselves. Took longer than if I took it in for service, but I used "better" materials, and learned more about how RoadAbode is built!

Saturday, May 12, 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Packing up
it's like God gave us this perfect opportunity yesterday to go see L
ongwood
Gardens. Today it's overcast and cool. Packing up and getting RoadAbode ready to move out .
Saturday, March 17, 2012
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