Little travels & big travels

Labor day weekend & New Jersey

Friday August the 29th we headed for New Jersey. We just cruised and enjoyed the scenery. The day started out nice, sunny and cool. We had the top down and I loved the cool breeze. We drove next to the Delaware river on the Pennsylvania side. At lunch time, we pulled into a Mom & Pop place on the side of the road, but all they took was cash, so we continued on our way. We ended up grabbing lunch at a Wawa. I think we may be addicted.

Cruising to NJ

Country Highway

We found that this was defiantly not the way we want to come in Freeda, but it was a great road to travel in the Cruiser. Very pretty and scenic. We got stuck in some nasty construction traffic. It also got pretty hot. I was happy to get out of the traffic, and finally cross into New Jersey.

Delaware river

Here we come NJ

Palmyra bridge

Eddie in the Cruiser

We crossed over the Palmyra bridge on the out skirts of Philadelphia, and into the Garden state. Becca had left a key in the mailbox at their house, so we let ourselves in and unloaded. Vegas greeted us, and seemed happy to see us and Suzy. Becca and Andrew live in a row house. There is about five steps up to the front door, then once in, there are five more steps up to the main level. On that level you will find the living room, kitchen & dinning room. Off of the dinning room is a door that leads to the downstairs. Some of the row houses use this as a garage, others have converted it into another living area. Becca and Andrew's is a studio apartment that they are improving and working on. Back on the main level is another staircase that leads upstairs to the three bedrooms and the only bathroom in the upper area. Lots of stairs in their house. We are going to get a work out here!!!!! 
Andrew got home soon after we arrived, and then Becca got home pretty fast for a Friday before a holiday weekend. All of us were hungry by then, so we headed out for dinner. We went to an Italian place down the street from the kids house. It was REAL good!!!!! I had the Lobster Ravioli-YUM!!!!!!!! 
Saturday we all got up and dressed to get an early start. We were headed to Avalon Links Country Club in Cape May Courthouse. That is where the wedding will be held. They had an appointment with Dawn, the events coordinator to go over wedding plans. On the way, Becca took us to Atlantic City so we could see the Atlantic Ocean. Eddie and I walked out so I could put my feet in the water. Another awesome and special moment for me.

Atlantic City New Jersey

Atlantic City boardwalk

beach at Atlantic City

Eddie at the Atlantic ocean

Awesome!!!!

So beautiful

my feet in the Atlantic ocean

Me in A/C, Atlantic City that is!!!

The water was PERFECT!!!! If I could have, I would have gone right in. It wasn't to hot or to cold. The sand was soft and smooth. We had to get going though to make the wedding stops. Before hitting the country club, we had to stop at the florist. We hit some traffic, and that put as about fifteen minutes behind schedule, but we made it. The venue is perfect!!!! We saw the arbor where the ceremony will be held, and the "Tea Room" where the reception will be. We decided to eat lunch there to check out the food. When we were finishing up, our server, Bill, informed us that Dawn took care of the check!!!!! They like to take care of their Bride and Groom's. Pretty cool if you ask me!!!! The lunch was good, and didn't cost us a thing. Win-win!!!!!
After lunch, we drove by the Shore house they will be renting for the weekend. It is gorgeous!!!!!

Shore house

Becca, Andrew, Elizabeth, Rob, Warren, Susan and some of Becca's friends will all be staying there. It is going to be one full house!!!!! We also drove by the the campground in Ocean View that Eddie an I will be staying at. It is called Lake & Shore. It looks AWESOME!!!!! It has a water park in it!!! Don't know if we will have time to indulge it in, but cool none the less.
Sunday Andrew had to work. We went with Becca while she ran a couple of errands. Then we drove to Timberlane campground in Clarksboro, New Jersey. That is the one we will be staying in when we leave Bruce & Paula's. It is about half an hour from Becca and Andrew's. It is going to be GREAT to be so close to them!!!! The campground is nice. the pool is small. But big enough to get wet in. It has been hot, so I am totally looking forward to jumping in the pool. The three of us went to Burger 21 for lunch, and then a yogurt place for dessert. I stayed up to greet Andrew. He didn't get home until almost midnight. Long day for the boy!!!!
Monday Eddie and Andrew took the cruiser to Andrew's work shop and FINALLY got the motor mount fixed on the Cruiser. While they were gone, Becca modeled her wedding dress for me. OH MY!!!!!!! It is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!! I shed some tears. My baby is going to be one drop dead beautiful, rocking bride!!!!!!! 
Tuesday the 2nd of September, the kids went back to work, and Eddie and I headed back to Freeda. It was supposed to be getting hot, so Eddie wanted to get an early start. The drive back was faster because we just wanted to get home to Freeda. We were home by 12:30. We unloaded and cranked up the A/C. It was H-O-T!!!!!! We vegged and stayed in the cool air the rest of the day. It was great to visit the kids, but both of us were thrilled to be back in our little home!!!!
The 3rd, both of us worked on projects around the rig. Eddie hooked up the CB. We have power, but no reception. We may need a new antenna. He also change the oil filter in the geni, and finished Bruce's milk can painting. I took care of phone calls and the such. We both started to get ready for our travel day tomorrow. 

Finished milk can painting

Milk can painting

Milk can all done

Bruce just loves the milk can. Now all Eddie needs to finish is the heater. We are going to take it with us so he can work on it in New Jersey. Our stay in NJ is going to be a busy one. We want to spend as much time with Becca and Andrew as possible. Then there is that little thing of a wedding to attend!!!!!! We are SO looking forward to that joyous occasion. Becca and Andrew make such a wonderful couple. You can tell they are VERY much in love with each other!!!!!! They are adorable together!!!!
Thursday the 4th we drove to Clarksboro, NJ. It was a pretty smooth trip. We crossed over the Commodore Barry Memorial Bridge. As you know, I don't like bridges. especially in the rig. but I did real well. I kept taking pictures to keep my mind off of it. Even Eddie said I did good.

Here we go!!!!

bridge ahead

oh my!!!!

crossing the Delaware river

that is Philadelphia in the distance

under the bridge

more of the Delaware river

my honeybunch

almost over, almost over!!!

 Just before getting to Timberlane, we stopped at a TA travel center and filled up. Gas is CHEAP in New Jersey!!!! It only cost us $120.00 to fill up. That is the best price so far. New Jersey is like Oregon, and you do not pump your gas, an attendant does it for you. We pulled into the campground and as I was registering us, Eddie and another worker filled us up with propane. When they came back into the office, Eddie had some bad news for me. Our front passenger side tire was all but totally flat!!!! I went out to take a look at it. Yep, flat!!!!! We didn't want to chance it and drive to our site. As it was, Eddie had to pull forward about ten feet. He pulled out our compressor to add enough air to get us parked. A fellow camper, Walter helped us and was very sweet.

flat tire

crap, crap, CRAP!!!!

Eddie adding air to the tire

After there was enough air to at least get to our site, Walter helped Eddie put the compressor in Freeda, and we got to our spot. I mentioned to Walter that I wanted to get settled and then jump in the pool. He told me that the pool is closed. WHAT??? They close down the pool after Labor day weekend. I am totally BUMMED!!!!! I texted Becca to let her know we had arrived. She had errands to run, so wouldn't see us until Saturday. Friday night, her and Andrew had plans to go out with friends. Eddie set up the outside, and did the hookups while I cleaned and set up the inside. It was hot and sticky, so we closed up and turned on the A/C. Eddie took a cool shower, and just as he was getting out, there was a knock at the door. My first thought was that there was a problem, but it was Becca!!!!! No problem there!!!! She decided to drop by and visit on her way home. After all, how often are we this close. It was so great to see her. She stayed and visited and cooled off. After she left, it was my turn for a nice cool shower, and then bed!!!!
September 5th. Our site here at Timberlane is a pull thru, so no need to unhook the dolly-yippee!!!!! Eddie unloaded the Cruiser and replaced the awning arms with the new ones we picked up in Northampton. He found that one of the handles on the awning is also broke. We found a Camping World close, so we drove over there to get a new handle, and the bracket that holds the awning when retracted. We stopped to get a bite to eat, but the heat and humidity was really getting to me. Eddie dropped me off at Freeda, and he went to finish up some errands. He had noticed a place that does CB radio's and wanted to talk to them about our radio. Once back at Freeda, and in the cool air, I felt better. The guy at the CB shop said that our radio need to be tuned, and that we will need a new antenna. The guy tuned it for us, now we just need the antenna.
Saturday the 6th Becca and Andrew came over with Vegas. We went to the Amish Market at Mullica Hills. It was indoors, so we thought at least it be cooler. We thought WRONG!!!! I don't know what was up, but it was HOT in there!!!!! We ate lunch at a little cafe. The food was good, but we were dying of heat. The owner, Miriam, did bring a fan over and that helped.

Andrew & Becca trying to cool off

Miriam's country Kitchen

Once our bellies were full, we checked out the rest of the market. Eddie and I got a couple of things. Andrew and Becca were to hot, so they went into the drug store next door to enjoy the A/C. We all met up at Becca's car and headed back to Freeda to get cool. Eddie went to the bedroom to watch a football game. Andrew ended up in there with him, and fell asleep. It was to cute!!! I took a quick picture. It didn't come out good, but you have to see it.

a sleeping Andrew, and a silly Eddie

 At one time, both of them were asleep, to funny!!!! It started to rain, and that cooled things off a bit. When Andrew woke up, he decided to fix the awning bracket for us. You have to climb on the roof, and we didn't want Eddie to have to do that. Eddie can, but he is wobbly, and his balance isn't the greatest. So Andrew hopped up there and had it done in a flash. The rain stopped long enough for him to do it, then started up again. After dinner, the kids headed home. It was a fun day with my baby and her love.
Sunday morning I found that Suzy had gotten into some chocolate chip cookies Eddie had left out. She had cookie mess all over her bed. So we were on Suzy watch to make sure she was going to be okay. Becca came by and got me. It was mani & pedi time!!!!!! We went to a place in Voorhees that she goes to. The gal who did mine was real nice. The lady that did Becca's manicure must have had a bad day or something. She started out being plain old rude!!!! Becca was about to say something when her attitude changed. We never really figured out why she was the way she was. Becca said that she had gone there before, and even had the same lady, and not be treated that way. Strange!!! The woman that did her pedi was nice enough. Our mani & pedi's did come out pretty though.

Becca with the nice lady

pretty toes

my mani

We went back to her house and Eddie with Suzy met us there. Becca washed Suzy's bed and blanket for us. Eddie said that Suzy had been doing good. Becca wanted to get some cleaning done before guest started to arrive. I visited with her, and helped a bit where I could. Eddie helped Andrew in the basement to get it ready for the company. The weather had cooled off nicely and was easier to take. Once Becca and I were done downstairs, we headed up to her room. She has a window A/C unit, and her room felt GREAT. I was laying on her very comfy bed, and feel asleep. Becca was a love and let me be. When I woke up, I was surprised I had fallen asleep. I don't usually do that, but the nap felt good. Becca told me that Suzy did get sick while I was asleep, but seemed better now. Eddie and I helped Becca do the cord for the wedding ceromony. It came out really good. After dinner, and a bit more visiting, Eddie and I headed home. It was a very productive day.
Monday Eddie taught a fellow camper, Joanna, an art class. Then he went to the kids place to finish up the wall he was helping Andrew with. I had some much needed quiet time. Andrew had arranged with John, his best man, to have a look at our tire. John owns a tire shop. So just after 5pm, John's worker, Dan and Andrew showed up. Dan got right into seeing what was wrong. Eddie was home and lifted up the rig on the jacks so Dan could take the tire off. Becca showed up with pizza for all of us. What a sweetie!!!! Dan got the tire fixed. It was just the stem. Thank heavens we didn't need a new tire!!!!!!! Andrew said that the service call was taken care of by him and John!!!! Andrew also said that John may be able to help us get a spare at at reduced price. At about $300.00 a tire, that is good news.
Tuesday we went back over to Becca and Andrew's. Eddie cleaned up the basement as much as he could, then Andrew helped when he got home. I tidied up some more for Becca. When Becca got home, we ordered Chinese food for dinner. Everything seems to be ready for the wedding travelers to arrive.
September 10th Eddie and I started the packing up process again. Our week here seemed to go by FAST!!!! Becca had invited us over again, so we went to their place. Becca and I went to Kohl's so she could get a couple things for the honeymoon. The boys went to Radio shack and Home Depot. At Kohl's, I mentioned to our cashier that Becca was getting married on Saturday. She gave us some scratchers to get more discounts. So we ended up getting an additional 30% off. After shopping was done, Eddie and I headed home. We wanted to get an early start. Tomorrow we go to Ocean View New Jersey and will be at the Lake & Shore campground. It is in the RPI system. Timberlane is privately owned. The parks we stayed at in El Cajon, Escondido and Indiana were also privately owned. They were all nice, but all VERY expensive!!!  We do try and stay at parks in our system. We have been looking for a place to park near Becca and Andrew so we can stay longer. So far nothing has turned up, but we have hope. 
The next week is going to be the big event in our family. Eddie and I are looking froward to seeing family and friends. We are also looking forward to sharing in Becca and Andrews big day. This is where I am going to close this chapter. The up coming one will be the wedding adventure, so stay tuned!!!!!
Love to you all, Eddie, Darlanne & Suzy.

Boondocking in Northampton, PA

Bruce & Paula Smith's

On our way out of Gettysburg, we stopped by Walmart to stock up on supplies. We were pretty low, and needed a lot of things. Our outdoor mat had come apart in several places, and I had tripped on it a couple of times, so we knew it needed replacing. The old one was about ten years old, and it had served us well. They had mats at the campground store, but the prices seemed high to me. Sure enough, at Walmart we found one for half the price. After getting that and our other goodies, we were on the road. I was keeping my eyes out for a gas station so we could fill up. Just off the highway, we spotted a Sunoco. We pulled in. The gas was $3.37 a gallon. What a deal. When we went in, the fellow behind the counter asked if we had a Sunoco discount card. We do not. He said if we wanted one, it would save us ten cents per gallon making it only $3.27!!!!!!! What a BETTER deal!!!! Of course we now have a Sunoco discount card to go along with our Flying J/Pilot discount card. We filled up and it came to $156.00. That is one of the cheapest fill ups we have had. The other one was in Oklahoma. 

A bit down the road, the weather started to change. It had been muggy, but dry, and now the rain started. We pulled into a Pilot for a break. Eddie wanted to stretch his legs and eat some lunch. While there, Eddie was talking to a truck driver, and was able to pick up a very new CB radio. We had been wanting to get one to be able to check on weather, traffic etc... The plan is for him to install it while we are at Bruce & Paula's. The list of "projects" for Eddie to do is getting longer and longer!!!!!

driving by Allentown, PA

We finally arrived at the Smith's just after six. Okay all I can say is WOW!!!!! What a nice place they have. Bruce is always working on it and it shows. He had us park under a cover. We stick out the front a bit to get satellite reception. We have electric, water AND sewer hook up!!!!!! They are even letting us tap into their wifi. Now THIS is my kind of boondocking!!!!! Eddie showed Bruce the painting he did for him, and Bruce loves it. Bruce has an old saw blade, milk can and heater that he wants Eddie to paint scenes on. That is good, because I felt bad that we are getting so many amenities for free. There goes that Eddie "to do" list growing again!!! Bruce assisted us in getting settled in and hooked up. Once that was done, we were down for the day.

The next morning we were up and headed out to explore the area and do some errands. First we dropped Suzy off to be groomed, then stopped at a Wawa to get gas. This was our first Wawa experience. We were pleased that the gas price was as low as the Sunoco. I got one of their Italian sub sandwich's. They make it fresh, and the bread is baked there. It was YUMMY. Hard to believe it came form a gas station!!!! For those of you who don't know what a Wawa is....well it is a 7/11 on steroids!!!! They have a cool ordering process, and really good food. Plus everything else you would want at a convenience store. It was nice.

Wawa in Bethlehem, PA

After gassing up, we headed to Supercuts so Eddie and I could also get groomed. All three of us had been looking a bit shaggy and it was time to get trimmed up. Odessa was the gal that did my hair, and she did a GREAT job. A young man cut Eddie's hair, and he went for a different look. I went SHORT. Easier to take care of and style. Eddie even bought some product for his hair!!!!! That is a first!!!!! Once we were all pretty, we headed back to Bruce & Paula's. Eddie made us burgers for dinner, and we settled in for the night.

all pretty

even suzy was all pretty

August 22nd, Eddie went out to run some more errands. He wanted to get some paint for Bruce's projects, and canvas's to do some more paintings on. I wanted to finish up some cleaning around Freeda. The last time we did the living room slide in and out, it got some scratches on the hard wood floor. John, the previous owner, had left us some scratch repair stuff. So after everything else was done, I thought I would put it down and see how it would look. WOW, it came out GREAT!!! The wood floor looks darker and shiner. To prevent scratching, there are five little old rugs that we have to put down every time the slides go in or out. So while at Walmart in Gettysburg, we bought a "runner" and small area rug to see if we can cut down on the rugs we have to deal with. Also, the five old rugs were coming apart and made a huge mess. I had not planned on using these rugs for any thing else than when traveling. But after seeing how nice the floor looked, and wanting to keep it protected, I decided to see how the new rugs would look being used all of the time. Again, WOW. The rugs really make it look homey. When Eddie got home, he just loved it. He also thinks it makes Freeda look more like a house.

runner on the nicely polished floor

area rug

Eddie got home about lunch time, and after eating, we went looking for a RV store Bruce had told us about. There we picked up items to fix the geni, replace the electrical cord, and new tire straps. The electrical cord has a burn area by one of the prongs that is getting worse, and has been a concern of Eddie's for quite some time. The tire straps are being held together by knots and prayers!!!! They have been a worry for me every since the one totally broke. This time we got heavy duty straps!!!! Safety, safety, safety!!!!! They didn't have the awning rails we need nor the stove knob, but they can order them in. Like I said, Eddie's to do list is getting longer and longer!!!!
The weekend we mostly hung around the coach. Eddie worked on the drawing he is going to do on the saw. Saturday we did a quick run to Home Depot. Eddie needed a tool. Right by Home Depot, there was a White Castle. I had never been to one, so we stopped there for a bite to eat. It was pretty good. MUCH better than the frozen ones you can get. Sunday I Skyped with Becca. We made plans for us to visit their place for the long weekend. We are going to leave on Friday, and stay until Tuesday. I am EXCITED!!! Bruce had already told us we are more than welcome to leave Freeda here so we can make a quick trip in the Cruiser.
Monday, August 25th Eddie started painting the saw blade and I did laundry. It was a bit warmer, but at least not muggy. Three of Bruce and Paula's daughters were around, and they all ohed and ahed at the painting as it was being done. Bruce's grandsons helped him raise the American flag, it was SO cute!!!!

Eddie painting the saw blade

raising the flag

Tyler and Suzy

Tyler, one of Bruce's grand-sons, came over to see the painting. Suzy went right up to him, and when Tyler sat in a chair, Suzy jumped up to be next to Tyler. His mom, Kelly, told me Tyler has been very wary of small dogs ever since one nipped at him. But Suzy had decided that Tyler was her buddy and warmed right up to him. Tyler was so sweet with her. The two of them were ADORABLE!!!!

our spot at the Smith's

backyard

the pond

Eddie finished the Saw blade, and Bruce already knows where he wants to hang it. He is going to put it in their Fifth wheel. That way they always have their home with them wherever they travel to.
On the 27th, we drove over to Bethlehem, PA to check out the "Steel Stacks" it is an old steel mill that is now more of an artsy fartsy place. They have a stage there, and do concerts and the such on weekends. 

Steel stacks and part of the stage

old steel mill building

We also visited an art center called the Banana factory. It was kinda like Emily Carr on Granville island in Vancouver. So I was bored and Eddie was in 7th heaven!!!! We drove around the area some more, and then stopped at a little place to eat. They had the BEST fajitas I have had in a long time. Both of us enjoyed our lunch, then we headed home.

Horseback police officers in Bethlehem, PA

Thursday the 28th I cleaned Freeda, including touching up the paint on the bedroom walls. The paintings had scratched them up a bit. Eddie worked on the projects for Bruce. We then headed out to Walmart for meds and supplies. The brakes were making a HORRIBLE scraping noise. Seeing as how we were to drive to New Jersey the next day, we figured we better get them checked out ASAP. We found a Meineke right by the Walmart. They were AWESOME. They got us in and fixed the brakes in no time at all, and all without an appointment!!!!! It did set us back a bit, but the brakes were shot, and HAD to be done. Once back home, we got things ready for our mini trip to Becca and Andrews. We are excited to see them and their home!!!
This is a good place to go ahead and post. I am a bit behind and want to get something out for you all. Be safe and be good to each other always. 
Eddie, Darlanne & Suzy.