Up early, we readied the coach to close it up and get the repairs done, and I set off for a long walk on a country road perpendicular to the main thoroughfare we were on. Luckily the traffic had quieted the night before and we had a good nights rest. Waiting in the office we got to meet the owners young daughters, who were covering for Stephanie’s vacation, and their three dogs, who greeted us happily, pushing their way in to get their fair share of attention. We were also charmed by the father of a customer who drove his big rig in for check up before setting out. When we commented on the coach, the son was seemingly hesitant to chat, but his dad was more than happy to, and we heard all about their family all heading up to Cape Cod for a celebration. He and his wife will be making the trip in a jeep, and avoiding 95, as after all, it wasn’t even there when he met her, and he sees no need for all that traffic and congestion now! With twinkling blue eyes and a sweet smile, I can see how as a young Air Force cadet he won her over some 63 years ago, as with that same smile he regaled us, then bid us good luck and farewell.
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| The three friendly shop dogs greeted me with much enthusiasm! The little cocker spaniel is there, hidden behind the dog on right, having been squeezed out. |
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| Aw, come on, don’t stop petting me! |
So we were well entertained until Scott, the mechanic, came in and said we were set to go. He said again how he just hated to give people bad news, and would rather say you’re all set and enjoy your journey, which he now finally was able to do with an accompanied handshake a even a hug! Nice people, and we have enjoyed them and appreciated their willingness to help us as best they could. As I said, lots of good people in this world, but it seems the bad ones tend to make the most noise!
Finally moving again, we crossed over into the rolling hills of West Virginia, with beautiful farmlands, but a dense haze. We wondered if it was the smoke from the massive fires on the west coast, and at times it smelled like smoke. Much later we saw a sign for an ozone alert. Into Virginia , then Pennsylvania, where my navigator decided we should stop, as the next best place was another 100 miles and the day was waning. We don’t drive after dark, and would rather set out early, so we pulled into Western Village, and found our site on Earp Drive! So fitting, since he was a childhood hero, and an adult fascination! Brave, courageous and bold, as the song goes!
Pulling in, a man offered a directional hand, and struck up a conversation , and it turned out he was from my home town! I never meet anybody from home, and it was fun talking about all the local haunts. He even knew my Dad’s place of business, describing its location when I gave him the name. He gave me a big thumbs up for my driving skills, and told his wife I did pretty good, and even better than he did sometimes! I do get a kick out of the men’s surprise that I can handle and back up a coach. I didn’t tell him this one is a piece of cake after that the 40 footer we owned.
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| I couldn’t resist this childhood game of putting the whirligig on my nose! |
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| This mini golf looks like fun! Too bad office was closed and we couldn’t get equipment. |
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| This man found unique campground transport! He posed the dogs when I asked if I could take a photo. |
After dinner, we walked around the wooded campground, visiting briefly with some of the folks, who are usually friendly and ready to chat a bit and share stories of the road or home. The air is so pleasant, with not a hint of humidity, and the night turned a quite chilly 62, which I discovered when I woke up cold at 3am! We will be hitting the road early to make it to MA today. We need to make frequent stops for Loki, and to fill the ridiculously small gas tank, which is barely a quarter of the size of the 100 gallon one on our big rig. At 13 miles to the gallon, 20 some gallons doesn’t really get you very far!
