RoadAbode the Support Vehicle

The RPC Hayride and Bonfire was this past weekend, and RoadAbode makes for the perfect support vehicle for the evenings activities. Here are some of the ways she helped us out:

As an extra restroom - Merrymead farm has available a porta-pottie, but we decided that was just for the "guys". The ladies and families with little kids get to use RoadAbode as their Comfort station. To make sure things go smoothly, Ms. Amy played host and attendant. With so many new young families, and young ladies expecting, RoadAbode really helped in this way with the outreach.

As an "emergency" kitchen - Last few years we've only been making s'mores over the bonfire. We still have hot-dogs, but bring them preheated. We had so many people come this year the fellowship committee went out and bought additional hot-dogs while the hayride was out. We turned on the gas and just cooked them up in RoadAbode!

As a power supply - The RPC music director wanted to amplify the sing-a-long this year because of so many people. We just started up the generator, and used the exterior plug and our extension cord to get that going.

As a warm sitting area - A few of the older "saints" came along with their children and grandchildren. They decided that the hayride was a bit much for them, and sitting outside was a bit chilly this year. They were able to wait for the the hayride to return and bonfire to start sitting comfortably inside RoadAbode.

As a light source - We pulled out all our lanterns and used them on the food prep table while people served themselves. And since we had the generator already on, I ran an extension cord to the table and put a string of rope lighting on it for just a little bit more light. Made it easier and safer for everyone.

As a transport vehicle - We didn't expect it, but one of the Philadelphia Project vans - carrying Fuel After School families, would not start after the hayride. We tried to jump it, but it was a starter or fuel issue. So we helped transport a few of those people homeward as well. 

RoadAbode over the years has really shown how helpful she can be over the years. This time I really thought how she supported what we were doing - outside our family. Really thankful we've had her to do this! Many people use their RVs to optimize tailgating for sporting events. This is just another reason to be able to offer that support. What are ways that you support others with your RV, or maybe another mode of transport?

RPC YA RoadTrip

Out with the RPC YA Group to Philadelphia Premier Outlets, in Limerick PA. Close enough to theLimerick Nuclear Power Plant to see the cooling towers up close. RoadAbode made for a comfy lounge for people to grab some soup, or for a little one to watch a movie, or do some homework. I even did did a bit of web surfing. We had a great spot along a patch of lawn that Molly could enjoy. It was even warm enough, unlike last year, to sit out and enjoy the sunshine.

Was nice to enjoy time together.

Ready 4 the RPC Hayride

Waiting for the fun to begin for the Annual RPC Hayride at Merrymead Farms

A Full Spelunking day

Long day, fun day - and I'm tired!

Started off about 7am - earlier for Am with Molly. Had pancakes for breakfast, some fruit, and then on our way to Luray Caverns. Huge, with thousands of formations, this probably was the most ornate cavern I've ever seen. They now have guides along your way, and the tour is done via a small mp3 player and headphones. There are two versions of the story told at each stop along the way, adults and children. Of course I listened to both! A really recommended stop, and they had a car museum that was interesting as well. After viewing both the cavern and the auto museum, we stopped at Wallmart, picked up some additions to our lunch menu, and went back to the campground for a small feast. The girls + guy helped clean up, then played some cards. Finally, they went on the Endless Cavern tour - sans adults. They had a young college age man to lead them - and enjoyed his commentary.

Soon we had to return our guest to his home, and tried to let his parents how much we enjoyed his polite and courteous ways.

Later, a dinner to clean out leftovers in RoadAbode, to get ready to be travelling again - destination Maryland.

Then into the twilight, we started a campfire, and enjoyed some S'mores, and the overhead stars. We all faded fast, and I'm alone as the one still awake. My time to sleep has come!

Harrisonburg, VA

Great Sleeping Weather! Today! We all awoke by 7:30am or so. Breakfast was egg, sausage and cheese on english muffins. We cleaned up, dressed and headed out for services at First Presbyterian of Harrisonburg. We were a little early, so took an exploratory run past our friends home - whom we are having dinner with this evening. Once back at curch, it was a wonderful service, with a good message for father's on Father's Day, following Psalm 127 . A mix of young and old were at services, but like most congregations, were slow to greet the outsiders. Worship music was moving, and brought a sense of God's presence. After services, we scooted over to Walmart to pick up a few items we needed, and a few we did not, then to KFC to pickup lunch. We brought our poultry goodness back to camp, and enjoyed it under our canopy. After cleaning up, we all enjoyed some time to read books we brought along. I even got in a little nap! We headed to our friends aagain in Harrisonburg. Enjoyed a great meal of Pizza, then sat and chatted about old news, and new - both in Virginia, and home. Felt bad that they had just gotten back from a retreat, and were quite tired. But glad to see they look more relaxed, and comfortable in these surroundings. This beautiful place suits them! Thankful that they belong to a strong congregation.

Before it seemed possible, it was time to head back, and we gathered up belongings, and their son, to spend the night and then tomorrow with us. As I type, the girls and he are enjoying a "moviefest" in RoadAbode, as I sit beneath a star-filled sky, enjoying the night air. Another glorious day! Pictures of the church, and the movie watchers below.

RoadTrip to Zern's

Brought RoadAbode home early Saturday Morning with Am. Was a great ride, though windy. Did a quick wash and once-over, and filled/sanitized the fresh water tank.  This was for a planned RoadTrip with some RPC YAs to Zern's Farmers Market. Left around 3:30 - 4pm after Choir Practice.  The route on the way up I-76 to RT202 to RT422 to RT100 to RT73 was quite windy, and by the time I made it home, my arm was actually sore. On the way our guests got to play "RoadAbode Bingo" with cards I had created.

Once at Zern's, Am made sliced hot roast beef sandwiches. After everyone had their fill, we sent them into Zern's with a little "scavenger hunt" to do.

By nights end, everyone had fun, and we took swamp pike to 422 on the way home. Good time, and great outing in RoadAbode.

Alas, no pictures of our Saturday Adventure.

Kids went fishing, caught dinner

Escargo 4 din!

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"

Bob and Michelle DiCicco

Bob + Michele

RPC Family Camping Trip 2007 - Ricketts Glenn

Since there is no cell service at the top of Red Rock Mountain (elevation 2449 ft) I'm posting after our adventures.

This year I made the RPC Family Camping Trip - Past few I've had to be home for work.
We had quite a few "newbies" - families or singles that had not camped before. What made it even more adventuresome is the lack of electrical hookups at any of the sites.

However, more than half our sites were right on the lake - with lake access (for fishing or canoeing) and beautiful views. Ad to the mix the ranger's warning posters & leaflets about the resident black bear, and we had some worried newbies.

After getting families, the food site, and ourselves setup, we had a great evening meal, and a time of devotional and singing. Was a great time - Monday started with a great breakfast provided by Jack, and Steve took the kids fishing by the dam. Everybody caught at least a sunny, with Steve having the most interesting catch - a medium-sized pike.

After fishing, we planned on hiking to Ricketts Glenn most interesting feature, its multiple waterfalls. Rickets Glenn has 2 Gorge areas/streams -Glen Leigh and Ganoga Glen - that converge into a whirlpool named "Waters Meet", aptly enough. Along each gorge are several waterfalls - from six to over 90 foot tall.

Check here for more info.

However, as we headed toward the trail, it started to drizzle, and then increased to a gentle rain - and as we turned back - a steady downpour.

I headed for the showers since they'd be empty - knowing most campers huddle down in their tents and try to figure what to do in the rain. I figured the storm would be over in an hour or two. I was wrong. Not only was it raining - hard - but the temperature was dropping. I also found out that some of our young newbies and one leader had headed out on the trail anyway, and were now somewhere in the downpour.

It became harder for people to stay dry and warm. By nightfall, 4 families had made the decision to leave. I don't fault them - wish the weather had been better...

After helping some families pack their tents - in the rain - and then a great dinner of grilled Pork loin, pasta salad, and vegetables - I was having a hard time staying warm, and by after dinner - just wanted to crawl into bed. I managed to do that after helping to cleaning up the food site and being social for a little while. The girls and Bobbo played cards in RoadAbode for a few hours before hitting the sack.

Rain ended around 3 or so Tues AM

And Tues Was ABSOLUTELY Beautiful!

Breakfast was made to order eggs, by Jack - with plenty of bacon & sausage. Tried some poached eggs on toast for the first time (a lot like softboiled!)

The sky cleared beautfully, and after breakingdown the food site and campsites with the last families, we cleaned & packed ourselves up and drove to the trail head of the Falls Trail.

We hiked to Ganoga Falls, - which while not the whole hike around both gorges, gave us some beautiful old growth forest and gorge views. Jack and Family (both children under teen years) left earlier and did the whole hike - and we actually met up at Ganoga on their return trip. Made me feel wimpy :-)

After our hike, we stopped for some lunch at the Lake Rose Consession stand (good food!) and Emily took a dip at the Swimming beach. Before heading home, last stop was to the Park office to pickup some souvenier patches and shirts. Rangers let us know we had just missed the bear too!

Have a few pictures of our adventures:

Long Island - Day of Worship

Our day worshiping our Lord was spent first having breakfast with Sam's Sunday School Class, and then for the second service at the Dix Hills Church. The Whole service was put together well, Sam played piano along with the full ensemble praise band. Pastor's message was great - makes me want to go and reread 1 Kings and the story of Elijah being fed by ravens again. I always enjoy hearing a perspective on the intricacies of a piece of scripture I had not heard in the same way before.
After the service, we had a great 'linner' of Pot Roast Sam had prepared in the crock-pot (Sam can Cook!) it was great, full of flavor - and tender too.
We took one more walk around the church grounds, said our goodbyes, and started to be on our way - until Mike-y decided to make a run for it. Sam probably chased him a 1/4 mile down the street before he caught 'em. Glad that Mike-y didn't get hit or hurt on the road.
3 hours later - back home in PhillyTowne again.
We're planning on visiting again - We really had fun seeing Sam Again! - And I want to check out that Long Island Seafood - Next time RoadAbode is going on the Trip! - Just have to figure out all the low overpasses on Long Island.....

Frozen RoadAbode

We made the decision not to take RoadAbode up to long Island - This time. She had lots of ice & snow on her roof, and not enough time to properly clean her off. Plus, Sam had offered that we could stay in his home - so we took him up on it.
Met Ms. Lizzy at the RPC parking lot and headed out a little after 6pm.
Roads were pretty straight forward - until we crossed the bridge into Long island. Imagine driving on twisty-turny Lincoln Drive - only for about an hour. We made it though, and got to Dix Hills Church - Where Sam is the Associate Pastor - a little after 9pm.

We sat and talked for a little - Sam had to finish youth group. When he returned, watched a little of the RPC Agape Dinner DVD, Played Video Games, and called it a night.
Great to see Sam!

HayRide & Bonfire

Today was the the annual RPC Hayride and Bonfire - and RoadAbode went along to help with the fun. First everyone went on the hayride, two wagons pulled by a tractor. Then when they returned, I had Hotdogs, and 'smores fixings' all ready to go. After everyone had their fill - Sam led us in some praise songs. Was a beautiful nite, and if I could - I'd still be there - boondocking overnight. A few pictures from tonight:

Ministry and Shopping in Lancaster

We awoke this morning to a definite temp. drop! I got up and put on coffee and water for tea. Amy got herself ready for a walk to the shower house. She stepped out, and in less than a minute was back in RoadAbode - too cold! She used the shower onboard. I waited till coffee was done, grabbed a cup, collected my shower box, and headed out - was chilly - but the coffee fooled my body enough that it was not that cold outside. After everyone dressed, cleaned up and readied themselves, we went to a filling breakfast @ Bob Evans. The place was hopping, but we were seated relatively quickly. After cleaning off our plates - we continued to the reason we were in Lancaster - to help with The Gain (Global Aid Network) Ministry, specifically Operation CareLift. This ministry started by sending aid to Russia, but now sends aid in the form of clothing, medical supplies and children's ministry and school supplies to other countries in Europe, Africa, and are looking to also send to the Middle East. We met with the youth of RPC, and after a rather lengthy "rah-rah" session by the leaders of GAIN (I just wanted to get going helping) we went to various jobs. Kimberly went with some youth sewing and mending clothes - sewing buttons and such. Amy and Emily tried various jobs, from Gospel Bracelets to Packaging Seed Care packs, to Hugging Prepping and Praying over the Stuffed "Gospel Mice" that were donated by TY (The company that makes Beanie Babies). I stuck it out sorting clothing into piles - Men and women, boys and girls, toddlers sizes. Anything with stains and such - depending on what - were put for seconds, or to be laundered. The goal was to give people only what could be considered 'new' in the clothing line.
After working alongside people from Virginia, New York, Atlantic City, we left in the afternoon and headed to the Lancaster Outlets to start our Christmas Shopping. Dinner was @ KFC (Slow Service!) and then we retreated for the evening to RoadAbode for Dessert, and a movie - the Thief Lord. Great Day!

Zern's RoadTrip!

Amy & I got the idea to take some friends - Jeff, Rachel, Sam & Elizabeth - to Zerns for an evening of browsing and people watching. By incorporating RoadAbode in the mix - it was a really "Neat and Sharp" night out! Amy decided to make a turkey dinner to share - with special desserts from Zerns bakers. And I collected some quirky questions for a Zerns Scavenger Hunt. Picked up Roadabode around 2pm, brought her home and gave her a quick scrub down to get rid of blackstreaks - loaded up and met everyone at Roxborough Presbyterian Church parking lot @ 4pm. On the way we played RoadAbode Bingo, some old school video games (like Pac-Man) and had some snacks. We arrived at Zerns about 5:15pm and planned to walk around and check out the wares till 7pm - have dinner in RoadAbode - then wander around a little longer.
Got a great parking spot near the outdoor flea-markets. Amy & I wandered around, picked up some small 'prizes' for the Scavenger Hunt and then came back to RoadAbode to ready dinner - which was warming in the oven. Amy completed the stuffing, gravy and corn, I set the table and the welcome mat outside. Jeff & Rachel showed a little early, so we setup some chairs outside for them to relax in while Amy finished up inside - and I went to the closest baker to pickup some pies. Coming back to RoadAbode was great - seeing Rachel and Jeff relaxing outside - Jeff strumming a guitar - Just felt homey and so right!
Soon Sam & Elizabeth showed - We prayed together and enjoyed a great meal, and laughed about the sights and experiences that are uniquely Zerns - topped off with shoo-fly pie. We sent our guests back into Zerns, we cleaned up, relaxed, and when they returned, rewarded our Scavenger Hunt "winners" They also gifted us for our hospitality, with a special "Jesus soap on a rope" to help keep us "Spiritually Clean" (Where else but Zerns?)
We left - took backroads home, and just enjoyed some great conversation.
Definitely want to do this again!

RPC Camping Trip food pavillion + tent

RPC Camping Trip food pavillion + tent

RPC Camping Trip

Well I missed another big one - but at least I got to help setup. By error I selected the wrong days off, and by the time I realized it, someone else on my team had already planned a trip to California.

The RPC Camping Trip was to Lake in Wood again, and is a time for families from Roxborough Presbyterian to get together and enjoy the outdoors, and reflect on the wonders our Lord has laid out for us. Amy thought it was a good idea for me to enjoy at least the afternoon. So we readied RoadAbode Saturday nite - and Amy drove her to church Sunday morning, with me following in RoadToad. Granny decided to go for the ride too. After services, we hooked up RoadToad and waited for a few people that wanted to follow us up. And waited. And waited. Was a good thing, because Mr. Jack still needed a little help, he showed up to collect the church trailer (sans keys), tables, and coffee urn. Helped him a little, then got on the road - after calling the people who still were not there to follow us up. Ride was pretty uneventful, except when we got to the campground, Found out the electric umbilical had popped out of RoadAbode, and was dragging underneath RoadToad. It's pretty shredded. (Already have a new one on order).

Once at the campground, as people started to arrive, we helped set them up (those we could) and found out we had a pavillion to use! Was not the big one from last year, but with the addition of Mr. Jack's party tent, worked out pretty well. After dinner, (Huge HotDogs & Excellent Burgers!!!) and devotions around the campfire in Brotherhood Circle, Granny and I headed home.

I'm bummed about missing out, but at least had some fun with them.
Still gonna miss Shady Maple though!

RPC Annual HayRide & Bonfire

Short Little outing with RoadAbode - better than none!
Kimberly and I went after church to pickup RoadAbode, Taking RT 202 on the way, ran into a police roadblock and had to detour. Oh well, was a nice ride in suburbia.... Kimberly & I went to work scouring the special 'forks' Mr. Phy had especially made for bonfire cookouts.
Amy met us with Emily in the van at MerryMead. We setup at the HayRide Bonfire place - which is under powerlines, A few Acres from the Main Farm.
The Girls Helped Clean RoadAbode for a while, Then they played Frisbee and Card games.





















Soon, Some Friends arrived - Emily is here playing with Josh.








The Youth took a while to arrive, but as soon as they got there - they all piled in to the haywagons





























I stayed back to prep the hotdogs and S'mores fixings.
When they came back about and hour later - I was ready for them
The Tractor Driver Set us up a nice bonfire - and we had a great time cooking hotdogs (and eating) making S'mores (and eating)
And finally singing songs of Praise.
It was chilly - but a beautiful Night.
Soon the next group came in from their hayride - and it was time to go.
The ride home was cool too - first time I had RoadAbode on Country Roads - in the dark.

Our Gain Ministry Experience

We drove the "OpaMobile" to the new Gain Warehouse in Mount Joy outside Lancaster and met Sam, Sabrina, Jackie, Pam, Esther, Barb, and Vern. We signed in, and were put on 'Gospel Bracelet Duty' - making the bracelets given out to children that help them remember the Gospel message. The bracelets are explained this way First knot - our birth, black bead - original sin, red heart - Jesus shed His blood for our sins, White - forgiveness of our sins , blue - Holy Spirit, green - Spiritual Growth, yellow - The Gates of
Heaven, the last knot -Our bodily Death.
Other jobs at the warehouse included sorting and packing items like clothing, shoes, medical supplies and equipment, toys, school supplies.

After doing the bracelets for an hour or so - it was lunch time. Amy and I worked thru lunch since we had such a large breakfast. Then there was a special suprise, There was to be a dedication of the building, and one of the speakers was to be Josh McDowell - who has started the ministry some 14 or so years ago.

The speaking went on for an hour or so - with people relating their expereinces as both givers and recieves of aid. We made bracelets for another hour after that - and for us it was time to leave.

First Annual Bike Trek

We Did the First Annual BikeTrek for RPC Youth after church today.
We had only a handful - but it was a good test for a first time out. We dropped of the youth @ the Conchy Train Staion - Kevin drove the church van with some in it - and pulled the trailer full of bikes. Diane was the 'female liason" to ride with the girls. We had a few in RoadAbode and Dropped them off - then headed to Betzwood Park and waited for them to arrive. Kevin estimated it would take 1 to maybe 2 hours for them to show. We no sooner setup camp at the Park when the first two raced in - Sam and Mindy
We got them watered and snacked and started the grill for the hotdogs.

Eventually, everyone showed in about 90 minutes.
We ate, had some time for prayer, and then they headed back - and so did we.