Saturday, June 12, 2021

Trip Days 46 and 47,  Wed and Thursday June 9 and 10, 2021, Traveling from Hatfield PA, through (stop at) Emlenton PA to Grand Rapids MI

One of the cuts through the Poconos

A stop for paving on I-80

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After picking up and securing the bells we headed out on I-476 north toward the I-80 corridor west.  I-476 was very busy but moving along at a steady clip.There are many place where walls are close, and in some places construction was going on the side of the road or nearby. 

 I liked driving on I-80 as it has reasonably wide shoulders, and gives a feeling of security, where  many of the PA (and MD) roads did not provide that security.  It is heavily forested through the Pocono Mountains. Although the Poconos made the I-80  ride very beautiful, it also has many hills and  "de"clines around the curves.  The Valleys are especially good visually, and the Leheigh Valley is both an historic and  photographic area for sure.  Early strikes of oil, coal and other minerals were found here and transported by the early canals the companies built.

Leheigh Valley area.

Construction. Adding another lane?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The day early on was, somewhat cloudy but threats of rain didn't seem likely although predicted.  But in the area of Clearfield  we began to run into some very heavy downbursts. The first one was one that not only took away the visibility of the white lines on the road, but also the spray from the trucks added to the inability to see clearly. I continued to slow down as did all other drivers to 40 mph or less, and I finally told Ruth I was getting off the Freeway. We did. I got some gasoline and gave Ruth a break under the station roof, and a stretch.

We reentered the Freeway, only to have a second storm hit about  as intense as the first one. I stuck this one out and it left as quickly as it came. Lasting about 8-10 minutes it was scary driving in such a heavy downpour.

That occurred a third time, but not quite as severe. We managed to see our way through that and that was the last of the rain that we saw.

We continued to see powerful clouds and ran in the distance , but avoided any more rain. 

The only other slowdown came about 3/4 of the way to Emlenton where they were paving the road. We had a 30 minute delay as the pavers were finishing a strip of blacktop.  On the other side of the road , however, there was a backup that lined I-80 for TEN MILES  consisting mostly of trucks heading for Philadelphia. That was not pretty.

Storm never came (note next pic location)

Sunset at the same aiming point

We 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We aarrived at Emlenton PA (Gaslight RV) at about 4:00 and the drive was just 300 miles. Mazie the owners daughter put us in a spot , and when we had everything set up (hoses, levels, etc) she came running up and said she had given us the wrong spot as 4 big motor homes had reserved those four spots around me  so we had to move. The move was a quieter spot and the Orioles were singing all evening there.

It was a  beautiful sunset, and  I took a walk to listen to and see the Orioles. 

In the morning we moved out at 8:30, which helps us get on the road a bit early, filling the tank right at the corner before we moved west on the last leg of the journey. (400 Mlies)

I-80 continues well into Ohio before we exited it heading north on I-75 toward Detroit and then moving west on US 23 through northern Ohio and Southern Michigan seeing the big Cabela's store that is really a landmark.

There was a stop in Webberville for an A and W root beer float that Ruth spotted. That tasted good although I drove with the trailer to the second lane and walked up to order. 

A second stop was at a "Tank Wash"near Portland where I thought I read it did truck washes. Well, it seems that was true, only the trucks were "reefers" and tank trucks (the inside got washed) (milk and other commodities), So we headed back onto I-96 for home.  We will wash another day.

It was 5:15PM when we hit the Cascade exit and that meant slow downs but it only was a few miles and then it sped up again.

We saw many of these

and these...

And these too.We were often moving lanes.
 

Getting the trailer in the drive meant maneuvering around Maddies Jeep parked in front of the drive , so I used John's lawn to do that.  Ruth wanted as much as we could get out of the trailer before we closed it for the night and that exhausted her.  Sweaty, and worn out she retired after a cold shower at about 6:30

We were greeted by these roses on arrival.
 

I got a bite to eat and then called Eric and arranged to be at church at 7:45 to drop off the bells and he would have the "choir"(members) there to unload. Tom and Kris, Barb and Richard, Marlys, and Laura all helped carry them up to the tower room. Carole was also there with a bird question about hummingbirds. Tom had one too about hawks.

It was a good day, albeit exhausting. Mission accomplished. Thanks for reading along. Put questions in Comments , please.


Tuesday, June 8, 2021

The bells are on their way home.(Thanks Malmark)

 Trip Day 45 Tuesday June 8 2021 Moved to Village Scene, Hatfield PA

 

 

 

 

 

The  trip from  York was quite uneventful, and the rains held off, but we did not take the exit needed to get to the campground. And when you are on a toll road (I-476) that means the next exit may be 15 miles down the road which it was. Seems that the GPS lady "Margaret" stopped talking when we were a few miles away. So we drove the 15 miles to the next exit and back and still made a "landing" by 12:30.

The site is between a house and the office,but quiet.

Actually it was a very simple hook up as all was right there and all on asphalt
 

That was just in time for lunch which we did before anything else when the trailer was stationary and ready to live in. A meat, cheese and onion sandwich for me which has been my fare since we started. It contains 4 of the essentials in nutrition, is  a little heavy on the carbs but tasty with some mustard and a dab of mayo. (Sometimes I add pickle relish for an "add on"). I like some of the favored meats (smoked or peppered) usually going to turkey but do use ham or occasionally beef. For cheese my favorite flavor is horseradish with pepper jack coming in a close second. A bit of lettuce makes a nice touch.

At any rate we then prepared the truck for picking up the bells at Malmark in Plumsteadville (PA) which is just 11 miles from the campground but has 13 turns of road to get there from here. This part of PA has nothing that is not originally a trail for horses. Hence the twists and turns.


Plumsteadville was originally known as Harts Tavern. James Hart built the tavern around 1751 after he had bought 400 acres of land in the area. By the beginning of the Revolutionary War, a few houses had also been built in the vicinity of the tavern. However the English Quakers came earlier in the 1700's, and the Mennonites followed 27 years later. Both groups are still here.

Picking up the bells means stopping at the office to  let them know we are there, and then the administrative person calls Chris that we are here. We back up the truck to the loading dock, open the tailgate, and Chris arrives with the bell cases and the statement of work. (Each item that was replaced or adjusted on each bell or chime is listed. We load them into the truck and I stack them for stability and count them as does Chris. They are all wrapped with a large poly tarp to avoid any moisture accumulation. All checked out and Chris and I shared some about our respective churches. Unfortunately, his is declining with older members and very few newer ones to continue the activities of the church. It made me feel good about our church's leadership and congregation stability

 We drive back to the trailer for a brief rest before supper. (Spaghetti and fresh strawberries from Saturday. YUM.

The skies threatened but aside from a slight sprinkle we have not received any rain. These photos tell the power that was in the storm to the east of us.
 
The wind was in the clouds (C Mammatus!)

More of the same but little rain.The thunder was all around us.
 
After supper I take a walk to stretch my legs. They are beginning to get loose after Saturday's strawberry picking, (That's another story) but feeling better.

Initially we were going to stay 2 nights here ,but decided to stay only one, so will move out in the morning for the trip to Emlenton, PA just this side of Pittsburgh. It's about 350 miles on freeway all the way. (I-476 and I-80).  I called ahead to make sure there was space there and there was.

One more entry tomorrow.


Monday, June 7, 2021

 Trip Day 44 Monday June 7, 2021 Last full day at Indian Rock Cpg. in York, PA

It doesn't seem possible that the days of this trip are winding down to a "precious few" .  But, they are. It was another hot day reaching the low 90's (F) with the humidity increasing to make it one of those "summer dog days" even though summer is still "officially"two weeks away.

Ruth and I did get out one more time to a number of places but with the high temperatures , the bird life was (smart birds) hiding under cover  in the trees most of the day.  We revisited some parks and places by the waters of Lake Redman and Williams, and did find a Ruby Throat Hummingbird nest located by the park people and roped off with that 'forbidding' yellow tape seen so often at crime scenes. At that same spot were 6 "Good Old Boys"who evidently had  been here before with their cameras and chairs under a tree , trying to stay cool in the morning heat. Had I mentioned the word 'politics'. I am sure I would have gotten an earful of the election 'being stolen' and 'Biden's terrible leadership. (I did not say a word). They pointed to the area where the birds were and we were grateful. There was babies in the nest and the Mom was around somewhere.

The baby hummer is sticking it's head out.

The nest is on the upper of the 45 degree limbs.

A habitat that was becoming our favorite  had four GREAT EGRETS and a  LITTLE BLUE HERON that was close enough to get some good shots of it. In that marsh were many turtles basking in the sunny morning. Some ROUGH WINGED SWALLOWS  were hanging around an overpass nearby.

This is an immature Little Blue Heron

Many turtles (red sliders?) on the log, basking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The spot by Williams Lake did not bring any birds out in the open that we could see, That area is a good potential for Red Headed Woodpeckers but we did not see any. Our total species today was just above 20  and now our trip total of species is at 94. I think that will be the final number unless we see a hawk or songbird in the next three days.

We pulled into a shady spot at the Marsh (Kain Park) to eat lunch and then headed for the trailer a bit earlier than usual. That gave us time to download the photos and exchange ideas about some of the photos and what we had taken, and what we did and didn't like. 

Another of Ruth's barn photos on Hess Lake Road

The boardwalk where we also saw the hummer nest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About that time Kathy stopped in after work as she works just a few blocks from the campground at a Full service Retirement and Care Facility. Dressed in her black work uniform she looked quite sharp. She really likes her job in the kitchen there. It was a good time once again to share stories and hopes for the times ahead.  After supper (hot dogs), both Sarah and Emily came by for a visit and that was good too, to catch up on their lives and plans for the future.

Jim, Emily, Ruth, Sarah
 

So we end this day with a few photos and I am sure the next two night's Blog  will be short  with few photos. 




Sunday, June 6, 2021

 Trip Day 43 June 6, 2021, At Indian Rock RV Park, York, PA 

Today is the 77th Anniversary of "D Day"in France. We shall not forget.  But here I sit in a campground out in the 89 F heat under a shade tree remembering the sacrifices made by many to allow this to be possible. The Allied invasion of Europe ended the Nazi attempt to have world domination. We are grateful.

Today for us was a mixed bag of eating, birding and finding new places to explore. That is a much of what we do having never been in this area before.

Geese crossing the road at Kiwanis Park

The small Borough of Jacobus (Row houses)

 

 

 

 

 


 

Breakfast with Kathy and Emily Simmons was first and we chose "Lion's Pride" restaurant in Red Lion as the place.They met us there and for the first time on Memorial Day this restaurant eliminated the "no mask"policy. That was different but welcome. They have a full menu for breakfast up to a sirloin steak with trimmings for $27.00. No  one got that. We settled for some of the Omelet selections  as it included toast and hash browns. Ruth liked eggs over easy and bacon with her toast.

It was a good time, as many meals are and should be, to review some information, add new facts and remember things past to make sure they are correct. (Our minds get dulled when we are away from family and events.)  There is always a chance to tease and be "off base"  with some humor. We reviewed the Simmons move to PA when Steve got hired by the Corps of Engineers in an interview in West Branch some 14 years ago.  They were separated for that first year until Steve could find decent housing.

Chantel, our waitress, took care of us, even sorting out the tax on the bill that seemed to be one cent off. It wasn't,  as it was a way to balance the tax even though the sub total was incorrect (too confusing to explain here.) It was good sharing time and reminiscing as well.

 

One part of Wm. H. Kain PArk

Redman Reservoir in part.

 

 

 

 

 

 

After Ruth and I returned to the trailer we headed out to three places .Back to the Kain Park where there were limited amount of birds, but headed for another part of  Kain Park on  The Reservoir  (Williams Lake) where there was a magnificent grove of mature trees (mixed) that we will go back to in the AM when birding should be better. It was filled with many kayakers on Sunday. The Water St. entrance had a "No Through Street" sign, so we asked a local police man to see if there was another entrance, He said it was open to the Park and just "bear right"on the road. We did and found it by the Lake.

There are Great Egrets roosting ...look carefully

Look closely to see the young Black Crowned Night Heron (in the dark space)

 

 

 On returning, to the trailer,  I remembered that I had some hard boiled eggs that needed attention as they were with us before we started the trip. All but one  were still fine  so I made some deviled eggs out of them, and with the strawberries from yesterday ,we had a light afternoon snack. Those berries were delicious.

My materials for Bible Class did not come in the mail, so we may have to cancel Monday's Class.

 

 We are beginning to know our way around these curvy,winding, hilly roads, but of course will be leaving on Tuesday so tomorrow is the last full day to try that. There are a few photos from today, so enjoy them.

 

 









Saturday, June 5, 2021

 Trips Day 42 Saturday June 5 2021 At Indian Rock RV York PA


This was an early morning much like we have taken some years in the past but this time not for bird watching, but for STRAWBERRY PICKING.

Kathy had invited us to come almong and pick so we thought that 9:00 AM was good time get there if possible as they opened at 8:00. We were out the door at about 9:00, the sun was shining and the temp was rising from 64 F to 73 F quite quickly.We could get out of the fields before it too hot.

The Shaw Farm in part

 


More of the Shaw Farm

 

 

 

 

 

 was amazed at the size of this operation, as the farm from the road seemed to cover many hundreds of acres as far as the eye could see. It was huge. We found a parking spot (All grass on a side hill of course) at the end (realizing it would get  filled in about another hour),and headed for the barn to get our lugs and a ride in the long wagon to the fields. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The young man helping us get into the wagon was striking with broad shoulder a smile on his face and a warm welcome.I asked him as I often do,  was he in college, but he said no, that he was a Junior in HS.That surprised  me as he was very comfortable in talking with others and in charge of this 25 or so patrons going to the picking fields. After  my question about future plans he replied that his goal was to attend one of the Military Acadamys , which I probed again about getting good marks in school. Yes sir he said I have a 4.5  GPA at present. Good stock and I wished him well on his journey. We exited the 1/2 mile ride at the fields and you could pick anywhere.as they do not mark rows or have a "manager of the field"this was a BIG field.

We picked for about an hour and got three lugs filled  for about one each. That was 38 pounds in all. I will say that the price per pound was high compared to other places.($2.75 a pound! I all fairness they were excellent berries and the picking was good, and there were many berries in every row.
The trip back to the cashier was bumpy as it was coming out, but we paid for them and took them to the Simmons. Immediately, we helped Kathy hull the berries and when we returned in the afternoon she had already canned (jams) many jars for the winter. We took Emily with us to the trailer as she wanted to spend some time with Grandpa and Grandma.

We had alight lunch and headed for two parks that we knew about.The first was the one we had visited the day before  called Richard M Nixon Park and Nature Center. This time we did go into the Nature Center. (Everyone wearing masks) This was not your ordinary Nature Center as it had ,along with the many educational displays  and information on animals and birds, a HUGE collection of mounted heads of over 100 animals from all over the world. This was done at a time that no longer exists and a number of citizens had donated them to this Nature Center.  There was also an emphasis on all of the worlds major habitats  and examples of the animals from each of them. It certainly  is a place where a person can study many different aspects of animals all in one place.  I  had mixed feelings about seeing all these creatures that were shot in a time when it was "OK" by many peoples standards.  Overall the Center was put together very well. 

We took time to show Emily where we did the bird watching there and showed her how to use the binoculars which she picked that up quite quickly. Spotting a Carolina Wren as quickly as I told her where to look. It was afternoon and we have said that is not the best bird watching time of the day. 


We did go to look at a second Park just two miles away at Michael H  Kain Park (These are both County Parks of York Co.). Actually at the marsh we saw a GREAT EGRET  many hundreds of feet away. That was a first.


We took Emily home and picked up our two boxes of strawberries to take with us.We made plans to have breakfast together in the morning. 


That evening after supper we met at a  local ice cream dairy just 2 miles from our trailer, and had some ice cream. It was a good sharing time.

That was pretty much the day except that Emily left her purse in the truck so she and Kathy came back to fetch it.

Tomorrow we meet for Breakfast .See you there.

 




Friday, June 4, 2021

 Trip Day 41 Friday June 4,2021 Move to Indian Rock Campground York, PA


Even though the rains threatened all morning ,there was  hope that the rains of last night would not return. That was some rain. Fortunately, this entire camping facility is on high ground. The drainage is excellent. We watched the weather this morning  and as the new campground allowed admissions after 2:00 Pm we were going to wait as long as possible to, leave as it was only a 25 mile trip up I-83. So, I called Carole at the new campground and she said , sure come on along. Ruth had already washed the floor and vacuumed and cleaned the bathroom, so we were ready to go. So we bundled up everything and headed out the gate at about11:45AM.

Last night's rain on the window.

The storms building up earlier in the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The  the short miles took us  to the gate at ...whoops,we missed the entrance!!! This was not funny. We are in rural York county where the road is two lane without shoulders, trees hanging down over the road and no farmyard to turn around . All forested.  Keep driving you say, so we did and decided to make a left turn at an intersection which was fortuitous. as about another 1/2 mile down the road there was a angular intersection, which gave a large apron to the blacktop and enough room to swing around 180 degrees. The guy behind me stopped as he was not sure what was going on. At any rate we drove the two miles back and turned in to meet Carole who took our money, gave us info and escorted us to a choice of sites. With a large open area in front of the truck, it was a relatively easy back in from the right side.

Our campsite at Indian rock RV , York PA

The feeders are up and I saw a hummer this evening!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We set up in the very nice 80 F heat , and we could feel the humidity was getting lower each hour. Ruth even said she didn't sweat setting up which is unusual. I set up the water and electric (which was on the opposite side) but with just enough hose and electric to reach with one of each.

I set up the bird feeders and we were "in business". 

We made a light lunch and still had time to try a birding sot and we did find one. It was the nearest Park to the campsite. Richard M Nixon Park and Nature Center. It was worth the short time we were   there. This is a good birding spot that we will be going back. A stream runs through it (Cordorus branch Creek)  it has trails that    are special needs accessible (paved), many parking places and  a Nature Center that is A #1.

The Richard M Nixon Nature Center

One of the trails at the Nixon Park

Quite typical country side enroute to Park.
 

So it was a  good day and we are set for another 4 days.  Supper was corn on the cob with a rice and chicken casserole. The corn was not that summer sweet kind so will try again.

We will go strawberry picking tomorrow with the Simmons as that is  the plan.


See you tomorrow.


Thursday, June 3, 2021

 Trip Day 40, Thursday June 3 2021, Last Day at Morris' Merry Meadow Rec.Farm.

The morning weather was a surprise as we had fairly light fog that lasted until about 9:30 AM. The cause was a very humid night with the temps not dipping below 63F and the wind was calm.

Three things to accomplish today and it looked like minimal travel.  

Ruth reminded me that if we still have 8 days yet to be on the road then we may need a few things washed, That meant going through the laundry basket and getting some items washed but not others. We did that and headed for that "immaculate" laundry in Stewartstown, PA some 15 miles from us. It is worth the trip believe me. That meant only one washer where usually there are three washers  to use.  Wash time then is about 1 1/2 hours including the drying. Better than one washer and all day job. Not as cheap , however. I gave the lady that works there a very big compliment about the cleanliness of the place. She invited me to write a note and place it in the suggestion box, which I did. I will write a letter to the owner as well. I called it "AMERICA'S CLEANEST LAUNDROMAT". We  have seen hundreds, and that is our ranking.

That Impeccable Laundromat in Stewartstown PA

Another view of the laundromat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I did take a few photos of the old Tavern that I posted last week. It seems there is some original stones under the pavement that still show  and one cement steps that lead to nowhere ,but may have been at one time leading into the Tavern.

The right side is the original wall and structure

Close up of the original Tavern

The stone slabs that are under the driveway now.

 Cement steps lead to?




 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the way home we made a stop at the Giant store for probably our last grocery shopping of the trip.An interesting thing happened at the deli counter. Did you ever get surprised by being "out of the loop"? I stood waiting for maybe 10 minutes and the 6 clerks never even looked my way. I finally said in a loud voice " IS ANYONE WAITING ON THE COUNTER'?. One of the clerks came up to me and told me the policy. "You use the kiosk (digital), ...insert what it is you wanted (long list of cheeses and meats), leave your cell phone number ( I did not have my phone with me),  and we will call you when it is ready on the intercom". That was new to me, so I looked for an alternative method and find some cheese and meat in another counter already packaged ,but not the amount nor type I had hoped for. She said they have been doing this since the pandemic started. I had never seen that before. Certainly it is safe on the side of distancing.

Lunch was next and I finished that wonderful Crab salad that we had last night. It was excellent even on the second  day. 

I needed to fill one Propane tank and Ruth still wanted to find that "ONE"silo that she saw  on a road "somewhere". So we did that, stopping at the office to check in my Propane tank (#30). Lest you think I am complaining, I am not, but am surprised by different "rules"that this camp goes by. Again another example. When I stated that I wanted a Propane Tank filled she said "Is it empty?  I said "no, but about 3/4 full and I was traveling so needed a fill. " "Well" she said, "You know we charge all tanks for a fill",  Again I had never seen this before, They charge all tanks a full tank amount no matter the poundage put in. She said they had some reason that dates back to the new tank attachments , but it made no sense. So I told her to put it on the credit card. Again she said "Don't you want to pay cash?" I said  "No" , and she stated that there is a $5.00 charge for using a credit card except for camping fees. UGH. 

Later, I did get the tank filled and we will be on our way once again tomorrow. Ruth admits we will not use this Park again. Too bad, though,  as it is a delightful location to stay. This weekend is the motorcycle rally and the "old time" cars coming in. We will be gone!

That was it for this "Oh Hum" day in northern MD.  A heavy rain came through about supper time. and it will probably rain off and on tonight. We took down the awnings so will be ready between rains tomorrow to hitch up. Our journey is only to York, PA,  just up the I-83 about 20 miles.  Seems too short ,but Merry Meadows would not  have us stay those last 4 days as they were "full up" with Motorcycles and all. The next stop is just 6 miles from daughter Kathy and Steve.



 



Wednesday, June 2, 2021

 Trip Day 39, Wednesday June 2, 2021 At Morris' Merry Meadows MD

The morning was somewhat overcast with a high sun showing in a hazy bright sky. It was 49F last night but the heater did not go on.  It did get up to 73 F today,

After shower and breakfast  we planned to go to Cordorus State Park (No Admission fee except for camping) again as that was good birding  territory and there were some birds we had not seen. After the lunch was packed,  I stopped at the office to see if my"package"had arrived yet. It had not. (Bible study materials for  next Unit (Summer three months).

During Memorial Day Weekend

Tuesday and Wednesday AM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I also informed them that the flag on the pole at the hill has slid down yesterday and I made it more secure today. It needs some permanent fixture to secure it in place after it is raised. Lorraine took notes.

We took the "backroad" HA@! as they all are ,but this was new  and interesting with new roads, homes, hills, curves, and some beautiful valleys to look over. We arrived about 45 minutes after we started (9:30) and headed for the bird feeders the first thing.We spent most of the morning there as Ruth and I found a Northern Oriole building a nest over the road near Lake Marburg. We set Ruth up with tripod and camera and she enjoyed that for more than an hour.This was at a boat launch where we saw the feeder yesterday. It was quite a thrill to see them so close. there were two pair at least there.

Good shoulderson this winding , hilly  road.


Lake Marburg (reservoir)
 

 

 

 

 

We looked for the Furnace called "Mary Ann's Furnace" but did not find it unless it was at the end of the trail of  the same name. That trail starts just behind the Rummel Barn of Civil War fame (see yesterday's blog). I didn't mention that four founders of 'Mary Ann Furnace' were instrumental in the Revolutionary War  they were:

Northern Oriole Building nest

Same Oriole  still building nest.

A flock of BLACK Vultures

"You will not look at that Eagle through this"!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

George Stevenson, organized supplies and wagons for George Washington;  George Ross, lawyer and member of the Provincial Assembly,  P. Conference and Continental Congress, and signed the Declaration of Independence; William Thompson went from Colonel to General in the Rev.War and was captured in Quebec for 4 years, released and died a year later; Mark Bird ,son of the Hopewell Furnace ironmaster, used his money to buy weapons and munitions but, was never paid. Fled to NC  to avoid debtors.

The last short ride took us back to a site that Ruth wanted to try again. It was not successful yesterday so we tried again. Ruth hit the "jackpot" as a female Wood Duck was leading 8 young ones in the stream there (Black Rock Flats) and she was able to get three fine photos quickly before they were out of sight behind the bushes. That made her day for sure.

Wood Duck (female) and 8 little ones.

Veteran's Memorial , tree ,plaque, and flag.

Groundhogs came out briefly at Memorial Garden

We had many views like this in Southern PA
 

 

We headed back to the trailer to download photos and make notes. We had 45 species today and have 93 species for the trip.

To celebrate we ate dinner at the "NewFreedom" Restaurant that is excellent fare. We  were early and had our choice of booth. Ruth had a very tender 1/2 pork ribs and I had a crab salad in taco shell which was enough for three meals which I took home, We celebrated with a chocolate Mousse, cake that had a hard chocolate base that we had to take home to cut up it was so thick .

It was a good day for sure. One more day tomorrow  and then we head 50 miles north near the Simmons family for the last camping spot before we pick up the handbells. See you tomorrow.