Day 29: Visiting with the Matthews...

Twin Lakes RV Park

We left my wonderful hometown of Chattanooga heading for my beloved Atlanta where I spent all of my adult life.  Can’t wait to drive around the old neighborhood and visit family and old friends.  We are staying at a new campground this time, Twin Lakes RV Park in Cumming, GA.  It gets good reviews on RV Park Reviews (which George swears by) except for wifi which we are sorta nervous about.  The one key thing we have to have is good wifi because of George’s work.  Well, they went out of their way to make sure we had a spot as close as possible to wifi and it worked out great.  It’s also a beautiful park with, you guessed it, twin lakes!   We couldn’t be happier. 

Bob and Janis and ???

Went over to see our “old” friends Bob and Janis Matthews, who live in beautiful Laurel Canyon in Canton, GA.   We sat out on their new patio and enjoyed the beautiful weather.   Bob opened a bottle of  Chardonnay called “Twisted” which has become my new favorite wine. 


"Twisted"

 

 

They took us to one of their favorite restaurants, Goin' Coastal, in historic Canton.  A very quaint little mountain town where, block by block, is being restored and occupied by cute shops and restaurants.  This is obviously a seafood restaurant and the food was excellent.  I had a Shrimp Risotto that was scrumptious.  We lingered at our table until we realized that we were the only ones left.  Not the first time we’ve closed a place! 

 

We haven’t seen the Matthews in 2 years…hard to believe as, even after moving to Florida, we would get together 3 – 4 times a year.  Sad to say goodbye (for now) but they promised to come see us soon.

Day 28: Visiting with Family...

My sister fixed a fabulous brunch for us today....Belgian Waffles with assorted fruit toppings such as blackberries, strawberries and bananas with warm maple syrup, plus a side of pan seared chunks of ham; orange juice and coffee.  Yumm!

 

She also baked me a Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake with a Maple Glaze for my birthday....Yumm again!  She invited other family members over this afternoon to visit and have cake and ice cream.  It was a delightfully cool afternoon so we sat outside on her wonderful patio until the darn stink bugs ran us inside.  Where did these bugs come from?  I've never heard of them before.

 

Sisters !

Linda's Koi Pond

Anyway, didn't want the day to end and, besides, shouldn't I be waiting on her?  She is an amazingly strong big sister and I admire her even more today as she faces the biggest challenge of her life.

Day 27: Travelling through Tennessee

Best's Trav-L Park of Chattanooga

Got a fairly early start this morning and had an uneventful drive.  Stopped for gas in Knoxville and our neighbors from the campground last night were also getting gas, plus, they are staying at the same campground as us tonight - go figure.  They told us that they are headed to a TIFFIN Rally in Pine Mountain, GA.  Once we got into our campground in Chattanooga, there are Tiffin's everywhere...probably all going to the same Rally.  Glad I made reservations as this campground is FULL!

The Boathouse

Gee, it's sooo good to be "home".  I haven't been here in two years and it seems a lot has changed.  Called my sister and can't wait to see her at dinner tonight!  We met her and her husband at The Boathouse which is a great restaurant right on the Tennessee River less than 5 minutes from downtown.  We had a drink at the bar while waiting on our table outside on the patio.  It was a beautiful evening, colorful sunset and a treat to watch the Southern Belle riverboat all lit up returning from a dinner cruise.  But even more of a treat spending time with family!

The "Southern Belle"

 

Day 26: I-81 Travel Day.....

Fort Chiswell RVPark

 

Drove straight down I-81 from one end of Virginia to the other.  We are in Wytheville which is almost in Tennessee.  Not a lot of campgrounds in this area so we stopped here for the night.  Nice friendly little campground.  Decided to get a couple loads of laundry done while here as the next 5 or 6 days will be busy. 

 

The Laundry Room here gets an 8.  Nice, large, clean facility with an adjacent sitting room with a big L-shaped sofa.  No TV but a place to sit and wait on the laundry if you choose to do so.  There is a large, wide folding table and a rolling rack.  I'm in laundry heaven!  There are lots of picnic tables under roof just outside the laundry room, which is where I sat and played with the campground kittie.  He looks mean but he's a push-over.  I never met a cat I didn't like.

Mr. Chiswell

We may have missed the "love bugs" but we have encountered the "stink bugs".  Not real sure that is what they are but our next door neighbor is calling them stink bugs.  They are about the size of your little fingernail, square and a green iridescent color and, to me, look like what we used to call "June bugs".  Anyway, the little pests are everywhere!

Will be in Chattanooga tomorrow - WHOO HOO!

 

 

Day 25: Shenandoah National Park

 

Shenandoah Valley

Skyline Drive is a scenic 100 mile road winding along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park.  There are a total of 75 overlooks along the drive for viewing the Shenandoah Valley to the west and Blue Ridge Mountains to the east.   Mary's Rock Tunnel is a 600 foot tunnel made of rock (duh) completed in 1932 and is considered a scenic wonder.  Unfortunately, it's a 2 mile hike to get to it and we don't have the time.  The 2-lane road is basically a series of  "S" curves and the speed limit is 35mph.  It takes about 3 hours to complete the drive from end to end unless you stop at each overlook, then it could take days.

Blue Ridge Mtns

Goldenrod

Since we didn't get started until the afternoon, we decided to carve out the middle one-third, which just happens to be the most scenic, and take a drive.  We started at Thornton Gap and ended at Swift Run Gap.  It was a beautiful drive but without the color of the Fall season so we'll just have to settle for the little red tree at our camp site.  However, the Goldenrod is in full bloom....if you don't believe me, ask my allergies!

Tree at Campground

Wildlife.....George saw a few deer in the forest next to our campground as we were leaving, then, we saw a small black bear crossing the road just after we got onto Skyline Drive.  There's a "bar in those bushes"...I promise! 

Day 24: Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

We left camp traveling south on 13 across and through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.  Of course we had to pass a 13-wheeler while in both tunnels.  A bit tense but George did great, of course.  I was too busy taking a video of the whole experience to get nervous. 

 

Once on land, we picked up I-64 North through Newport News, Richmond, Charlottesville and Waynesboro. Then I-81 North to Shenandoah Valley Campground in Mt. Jackson, VA.  This is a new campground that just opened 4 months ago and is really nice.  They have a small restaurant in the main camp building that serves a few breakfast items; hot dogs and hamburgers for lunch and BBQ for dinner.  We ate dinner  in the motorhome but plan to try their breakfast.

 

We are at the north end of Skyline Drive and plan on driving it (in the car) tomorrow....

Day 23: Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge



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Today we visited the Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge which is roughly 10 miles from our campground.  More specifically, there is a slender strip of land from Southern Maryland into Northern Virginia,  Chincoteague being on the Chincoteague Bay side and Assateague being on the Atlantic side, divided by two states.

 

Lighthouse at Assateague Island

We took a short hike up to the Lighthouse on Assateague Island which stands 142 feet tall and was built in 1866 - 67.  Stripes were added in 1963.   We love lighthouses!

 

 

 

Pony Penning

Assateague Island is famous for their "wild horses".  The story is that they are descendants of domesticated animals brought onto the island over 300 years ago.  Every year, on the last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July to be exact, the "Pony Penning" (aka "the pony swim") takes place.  This is when the ponies are rounded up and herded across the waterway from Assateague Island to Chinocoteague Island where they are auctioned off the next day.  Those not auctioned off are returned to the island.  Proceeds benefit the Chincoteague Fire Dept who care for the animals on the VA side. 

 

Day 22: Movin' on day...

We had planned to stay longer in the Philadelphia area, however, the kids are back at work, the brothers and sister are back at work so we figured it was time to move on. 

Delaware Memorial Bridge

 

Finished up laundry and hit the road about noon.  It’s a beautiful sunny travel day.  Crossed the Delaware Memorial Bridge then the St. George’s Canal Bridge.  Got into Maryland about 2:45 and into Virginia around 5:00.  We're staying at the Tall Pines Harbor Campground in Temperence, VA.  Really nice campground right on the Pocomoke Sound on Virginia's Eastern Shore.  Too late to go sightseeng so will save that for tomorrow...

Day 21: Hangin' with our kids...

Pauline, Mark, Brett, Nicole

We're getting together with our two sons tonight - YEAH!  They are going to the Phillies game today with "the Plantiff".  Yes....52 weeks in a year and we are visiting the same exact week - go figure!    The kids are doing a great job of shuffling us around however.  So.....I'm taking advantage of the morning by doing laundry.  A very basic, very small laundry room....I'm giving this one a very generous 5.

 

 

 

 

Brett and Nicole

 

Made a quick trip to Walmart to get my prescription sunglasses fixed….I somehow managed to loose a screw yesterday, also the car was in much need of new windshield wiper blades.  It rained cats and dogs on the way home from Dave's last night and we could hardly see out the window.  Came home and fixed a pot of chili, watched part of the Phillies game and part of the PGA tournament.  Left around 5:30 to meet the kids, wives and finacee’s at Mark and Pauline’s new house.  They recently bought a townhome in Marlton which has 3 bedrooms upstairs; living, dining and a big kitchen on the main floor plus a full basement.  First time we’ve seen it and it’s very nice and spacious....perfect for them.

 

 

 

 

 

Brett and Nicole

 

We treated everyone to dinner at Joe’s Crab Shack then everybody came over to see our motorhome and cats.  It’s been a long time since we’ve all been together and was a very special time….only wish it could have lasted longer.  We discussed Brett and Nicole's wedding plans.  They are getting married next August in New Hampshire.  She is busy searching places for the reception and has several in mind.  It’s going to be wonderful and we are sooo happy for them!

Day 20: Lucky Day

Well, this is our lucky day....the campground called and someone has re-scheduled so we are able to stay here until Tuesday.  Whew!  Looking forward to staying "put" for a few days.  It's not that this campground is all that wonderful, it's just that it's pretty much the only one.  Not much to choose from in the Philadelphia/S. Jersey area...go figure.  We'll know better next time.

Edgewood Cafe, Yardley, PA

George's brother Dave and wife Sharon recently opened a restaurant called Edgewood Cafe' in Yardley so we stopped in for lunch.  The building is older and Dave has done an excellent job of up-dating.  It  was originally a Post Office, then, most recently, a General Store.  There is an outdoor patio for alfresco dining.  Inside, the upper floor was removed to reveal large wooden beams.  The flooring boasts original hardwood floors that Dave refinished and the seating is all booths with a snappy, colorful upholstery fabric.  There is also counter seating for about 8 people.  Overall, it has a cozy feel about it and an extensive breakfast and lunch menu.  Our lunch was great and Dave's policy is that family eats free....hope he doesn't go broke considering with the size of the Bell family!

Schwubby Buzzer

After lunch, we stopped at the Newtown BeerFest where brother Dan's band, Schwubby Buzzer, was playing.  Dan is a police officer in Newtown and plays in the band in his off time.  I have never heard the band play plus we wanted to surprise Dan and he was indeed surprised!  We heard the last half of a song then they took a break which gave us some time to visit.  Then, Vince (the drummer), had a heart attack and EMT's took him to the hospital.  After that, it was chaotic.  Hope Vince is going to be ok.

The Bell Family

Everyone (and I do mean everyone) congregated at Dave and Sharon's house for the evening.  Dave and Sharon, of course, with 4 out of 6 of their kids Billy, Erin, Connor and Delaney.  George's only sister, Donna, and her daughter Rhiannon were there.  Randy and Linda and their 4 kids Ian, Erin, Kyle and Lindsay plus Lindsay's fiancee'.  Dan and Megan were there with their 2 kids Danny and Torianne.  Plus Stephen, the next door neighbor, and his twin boys and daughter.  And us....Whew!  It was great being with the Bell family again, they are lots of fun and they do know how to party!

 

 



Randy, Dan, George, Donna, Dave

Party on the Patio...

Lindsay, Erin and Ian

Linda and Randy

Hey Amigo!

Like father, like daughter....



Day 19: Traveling across PA...

Drove across the State of PA today passing by Penn State, through PA Dutch Country, over the Susquehanna River and through Hershey.  I wanted to stop for chocolates but "you-know-who" wouldn't stop.  Finished listening to "Gone", a Hanna Smith novel, by Randy Wayne White. 


Ran into a little snag...called the campground in NJ where we wanted to stay for the next 4 nights and, yep, you guessed it, they are full!  They were able to put us up for tonight but are booked solid Sat night, OK for Sun night and full again Mon night. 

We talked to George's younger brother, Dave, whose wife works for an executive apartment rental company and she offered us an apt for as long as we needed.  We are pondering this as it is quite an attractive offer.  Hmmmmm

Day 18: N. Tonawanda, NY

N. Tonawanda, NY

We drove through N. Tonawanda, NY today, hometown of my dear, dear friend, Pat A. Baubonis.  Really quaint little town!  I took some pictures through the motorhome window so they are not the best (sorry) but enjoyed the drive.  Pat, I waved for you!  The rest of the drive was pretty uneventful on this beautiful sunny, warm day. 

 

Betty's, N. Tonawanda, NY

Wally's, N. Tonawanda, NY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, pretty uneventful except for the cats.  They were wound up pretty tight when we left camp this morning and, on down the road we realized that we were missing a cat so we pulled over and searched everywhere - twice.  Isa had wedged herself through a space in the slide that is basically under some kitchen drawers.  We (thought) we had plugged this space pretty good with pillows and towels, however, Miss Isa managed to wedge herself in there....little stinker!  A little further down the road, she went missing again.  Stopped for gas and, this time she managed to get under the sofa bed and refused to come out.  Started to just leave her there as punishment but she kinda liked it there....stinker bell! 

 

Made it to camp without any further incident.  We are staying overnight at the KOA Bellefonte/State College, PA.   We couldn't get into the first campground we called as there is a Penn State game this weekend.

Day 17: Niagara Falls at last!

Terrapin Point

 

Horseshoe Falls

The "Mist"

Now that "OOPS" day is behind us, looks like the weather is going to cooperate for a beautiful sunny day of sight-seeing.  

 

We started at Terrapin Point on Goat Island to see Horseshoe Falls.  This is the spot we went to Monday night to see the Falls all lit up.  You can see the mist from miles away and hear the roar as soon as you leave your car.  I got this anxious feeling like I wanted to rush down to the falls...it's like seeing the ocean for the first time in a long while. 

 

The Falls are even more amazing in daylight with multiple rainbows...you just can't stop staring.  I am surprised at how close you can get to the edge of the Falls...almost like you can reach out and touch the water.

Rainbow over The Falls



 

We then walked over to Luna Island to catch a view from that vantage point.  Luna Island is a small island between the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls and is undergoing a much needed renovation.  I would like to think that our $10 parking fee is going toward that renovation.  It was supposed to be completed last Spring but still has a long way to go.  We also grabbed lunch at the Snack Shop here before leaving Goat Island.

Luna Island

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cave of the Winds

You can also see the Cave of the Winds Complex from Luna Island.  This is where you "suit up" in your yellow slicker and take the walkway under The Falls and get soaking wet.



Observation Deck

Next, we took the Pedestrian Bridge over the river to the Observation Tower which extends out over the Niagara Gorge and is the only place to view the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Horseshoe Falls. 

The Rainbow Bridge is in the background. 

 

We took the elevator 22 stories down to the Crow's Nest.  This is also the place to catch the "Maid of the Mist" boat tours.  George has "done" the boat tour before and I just couldn't see "paying" to get soaking wet, plus I really prefer viewing the falls from the top. 

 

 

American Falls

 

Rainbow Bridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Whirlpool

 

 

Lastly, was a stop at Whirlpool State Park which is a cove where the water rushes in and forms a whirlpool before exiting.  That about does it for the Niagara Falls portion of our tour.  We stopped at Old Fort Niagara but did not take the tour as I couldn't walk another step!

 

The weather was a perfect 72  degrees today!