We left Lebanon, TN on 6.25.22 and began the rest of our journey, one that would take us thru Tennessee, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, and eventually to Brattleboro, Vt. The first two stops were just overnighters, the first at Rocky Top Campground in Blountville, TN and the second at Shenandoah Valley Campground in Verona, VA. Both trips were mileage wise in our comfort zone between 250 -300 miles each day. And both were relatively easy on/off I 81. Our next destination was the Pennsylvania Dutch Country and Country Acres Campground in Gordonville, PA. We had stayed there before so we knew what we were getting ourselves into. It truly is a special place and one that we enjoy. Of course, the best testimony is the fact that we were return visitors. And would gladly do so again, given the opportunity. The RV sites are more than adequate. The park is clean and peaceful. And the area - amazing.
 |
| Our site at Country Acres |
 |
| Amish farmer raking hay |
 |
| Mary outside one of the farm stands |
 |
| Part of the farm tour |
 |
| Another part of the farm tour |
 |
Our bus for the tour
One of the perks of the Park, are bus tours through the Amish farm country. Tours last about 2.5 hrs. Our driver/tour host was an actual member of the community(she was a Mennonite so she got to drive). We actually visited a few farms where you could purchase anything from Quilts to furniture to vegetables, to hot out of the oven soft pretzels. I did buy a soft pretzel and it was GOOD. Quite an interesting trip. Below are some pics of the trip.
One night we took a trip into Strasburg and had dinner. This place was special. |
 |
| A really nice place and one we would definitely go back to |
 |
| With Covid still a factor in our lives we elected to eat outside. The tree over our table was a member of the Oak family and was one of the most proportioned trees I've ever seen. Almost all branches were perpendicular to the trunk, making for an almost perfect canopy. |
 |
| The food was awesome. I splurged with a local IPA and a seafood plate. Mary did OK too! |
The next day we took a ride to the infamous town of .......
Our primary destination there was Stoltzfus Meat Market.
 |
| Besides a fantastic meat market, they have an exceptional Deli. Which we took advantage of with lunch. |
Country Acres got a 5 Star rating from us and well deserved. So after 4 enjoyable days here we were off to New York State and Belden Hill Campground in Harpursville, NY. Driving distance 204 miles.
 |
| Our home for the next 12 days |
 |
| Our site at our new yard. REMEMBER: ALWAYS HOME JUST THE YARD CHANGES |
We had what the owner described as the nicest site in the park. It was spacious with the luxury of no neighbors on the one side. The park has 3 ponds which are loaded with Bass, Blue Gills and whatever. The views from the area of the ponds is really quite nice.
I got my moneys worth out of those ponds. And Lexie absolutely loved the walks through all the grass.
On July 13 we departed and headed up I 88 to the Albany / Troy area and eventually to our new yard in Dummerston, VT.
 |
| Our site at Kampfires Campground in Dummerston, Vt |
Kampfires was a pleasant surprise. We had a nice site, and in a good location to do what we planned which was to relax, enjoy the beautiful area, and meet up with old friends.
That first week Mary didn't waste any time, meeting up with a group of former co-workers from Grace Cottage Hospital. They had so much fun, they did it again the next week. As for me I took advantage of fishing opportunity. Got my pontoon boat set up and headed to both Somerset Reservoir and the Connecticut River.
 |
| Already for some fishing |
 |
| A Loon came to visit me.... |
 |
| This Loon couldn't have been 10' from me. |
Fishing was slow, but still fun.
We visited former neighbors of ours from Camp Arden Rd in West Dummerston. Hard to believe we have been gone for over 7 years now. The area has changed but old friends are still old friends. We enjoyed visiting with Calvin & Sam and Susan. We spent a quite a few hours talking about our travels and their neighborhood. We really enjoyed that.
I took a day and traveled to Cavendish, Vt to visit with old friend Stan. Stan & I both worked at St Johnsbury Trucking until they closed and went out of business. We had shared many a day traveling to and attending NASCAR races in Dover, DE. Stan is now retired too, so we shared stories about enjoying retirement, grandchildren, old friends. We finished up with a nice lunch at a local Deli. And of course with a good cold beer. Stan is truly a good old friend and I really enjoyed our get together.
 |
| Me and Stanley |
One night we traveled to Wilmington, Vt and met up with our son's Ex wife Amanda and her son Asa and her mother Candy. Again, it was a good night visiting with old friends and sharing stories and updates.
 |
| Mary and I with Amanda and Asa |
Another night found us visiting with old friends Hollie & Paul for dinner at Brattleboro Country Club. Updates on ours and their travels were a good part of the discussion.
Another day had us at
The Marina restaurant in Brattleboro for lunch with one of Mary's old high school classmates, Susan. Susan's mother, before she died had a place in Albuquerque, and Mary and I recall visiting with the both of them there. This also was a good visit.
 |
| 2 old classmates |
 |
| View from The Marina outdoor deck |
That took care of our visits. Very enjoyable. While we were doing all the visiting, poor Lexie was relegated to "guarding the fort". When we were back I enjoyed sitting outside with her.....
 |
| Lexie in her space |
One day I traveled into Brattleboro and visited with some former co-workers at The Richards Group. What a change that had taken place. COVID changed everything. What was once a bustling office was now almost deserted. Where once there were 30+ people, now was 6-8. Everyone else was working from home. I sure hope that does not become the norm. It just didn't feel right. I visited with Ben, Mike and Mark. It was good to see them and talk with them. They had a surprise for me when they introduced a new receptionist- one who also had New Mexico plates on her car. When I talked to her I found out that she had just moved to this area from Socorro, NM- an area that we were familiar with.
Can't leave this part of the trip discussion without mentioning the
Walker Farm. During our short stay in the area, regular trips to The Walker Farm were a regular occurrence. They have the best sweet corn. Without a doubt!
 |
| If you are into plants, trees, flowers- this is the place. |
 |
| Baskets of the good stuff- fresh picked sweet corn. |
With departure day fast approaching, it was going to be tough to leave the area and our friends. But something better was coming. We would soon be leaving for Tamworth, NH and Tamworth Camping area where we would be staying for 2 weeks. This campground is located in the White Mountains and is located pretty close to where our son and his wife have a camp on Silver Lake. What was going to be really special was that they had arranged for all 3 of our grandsons to be there- including Peter who was coming up from South Carolina. Laissez le bon temps rouler.
