June 3, 2006

We made it!! Three days, all long, and Bearfoot is finally at rest in my sister and bro-in-law's yard. We arrived last night just before dark. Actually, this was the first time I had ever had to put on the new Bearfoot's driving lights. I always get parked long before dark but on the second day, the "Change Engine Oil" light came on and I realized that LazyDays( the operative word is "Lazy") didn't do what they said they were going to do when I bought the coach. I stopped and checked the oil and it was down a bit but knew it would be ok if I got it changed soon. Called Alpin Haus Rv in Amsterdam, NY and they said they could squeeze me in on Friday noon. I was camped in Harpursville, NY which is a few miles E of Binghamton. The weather up to then had been warm and lovely. Actually in the 90's the first day out of Ashland, VA. The job that the mechanic said would take 2 hrs. took 5 hrs. and I left Amsterdam at about 5:15 p.m. on a Friday night in rush traffic. I went right through the City of Amsterdam on Rt. 30 and then to Rt. 29 to Saratoga Springs which one also has to go through the Village to get to I 87, the Adirondack Northway that goes on up into Canada. I got off at the historic village of Ft. Edward, NY and then wound my way to Hudson Falls, NY and over to Hartford, NY. The entire trip is my equivalent to a serious roller coaster ride. Bashey looked at me from the passenger side one time as we blindly came over the top of a steep hill and immediately dropped down the other
side, with a look that said he was thinking of getting sea sick. Me too, I said. We arrived in time for supper however.

I cannot describe adequately though how beautiful the trip up through the PA mountains even in the heat and traffic delays was. Everything is lush and green. We stayed in Carlisle, PA the first night at a campground that has large monolithic rocks throughout the park. As you walk by you may see the image of some thing that shapeshifts and becomes another form from a different viewpoint. Lovely!! I brought two tomato plants and a basil plant with me from VA and put them outside each day and night we stopped. Bashey and I stop quite often enroute and take a brief nap to rest my eyes, a quick doggy walk, grab an iced tea from vending and we are rolling again. I really like this big engine and especially the transmission. I used it fully for the long 5-10mph descents from the mts. since we were in heavy traffic congestion much of the time due to construction projects in PA. I say, "Bout Time folks". I 81 has been in terrible shape and parts of it still are but at least they are making an effort.

Last year, I complained bitterly about our trip across I 88 in NYS but except for a relatively short section, this year it is much improved. That is another road that is incredibly beautiful vistas. It was early a.m. and there was low lying mists hanging on the mts. with the mightly Susquehanna in the foreground. I couldn't stop for pics from that road though.

Today, Sis and I drove to Albany for the Race for Life and to watch my three daughters compete. It teamed and I don't exaggerate here folks. I could barely see to drive down there. We were wet from our feet to our waists and then down our necks where the water seeped in. But the girls who all ran in the Masters division were wonderful. I am very proud of them. They are all working hard to keep themselves healthy and strong. Bash and I have the heat on and are snuggled in for the night. The rain has abated at least for now.