Anderson, SC Aug 2 - 4 2012

From Bulltown, we had a very scenic route thru the mountains along I-77, I-81, and I-26, especially  in Tennessee and NC, and ended at  Springfield  Campground, another Army Corps of Engineers park in Anderson, SC, on Lake Hartwell. The water level was quite low, but we were told it fluctuates from week to week.  Friday we spent most of the day taking care of some maintenance on the truck.  We enjoyed campfires both nights until thunder storms forced us inside. Saturday, we connected with Bob's brother, Leon, and his wife Amy.  We had a fun afternoon at Jockey Lot flea market and visiting at their home, along with their two dogs, Smoky & Shelby.  Tomorrow we'll start the trip home.

Leon & Amy's home

The brothers looking over model plane designs, a passion both share

Leon & Amy 

Amy and her new found friend, Wayne, a jolly vendor at the market.  Amy bought the porcelain cowgirl doll she's holding from him, making him even jollier.  Glad she didn't want to buy his hat!

Amy and I

Fishing at Burnsville Lake

Tuesday evening, we tried our reels on the banks of the lake, and Wednesday Bob got Rubber Ducky up and running.  We decided there are no fish in Burnsville Lake or maybe they couldn't read the t-shirt I had on (given to me by a good friend, Audrey).  Bob very ingeniously has the wheels rigged to the boat so that we can tow it and pull it into and out of the water without taking them off.  He also devised a sliding platform in the storage section of the travel unit so he can  take out or put away the boat motor easily.  Since we didn't have any luck fishing, we decided to take a ride to see the dam, about 20 miles away.  Tomorrow, we'll leave and head for South Carolina.

 

Bulltown Historic Site - Day Two con't

In the afternoon, we took a walk through the historic site of  Bulltown, where on October 13, 1863, there was a 12 hour skirmish between 800 Rebels who were trying to capture an encampment of 400 Union soliders in order to block Union communications between two valleys.  The Confeder ates finally had to withdraw. Moses Cunningham, who owned the farm where the battle took place, was shot in the leg when he ran from his house to yell "Hurrah for Jeff Davis."  The battle is re-enacted on the grounds in October each year.  Several buildings were on the grounds including a granary, root cellar, springhouse, barn, church, the Cunningham home, and  other cabins from the surrounding area that were bought by the Army Corps of Engineers and moved to the park.  The trail is part of a 10 mile historic turnpike.

Cunningham Home

Day 2 at Bulltown

Tuesday morning we went into Gassaway, to see about getting fishing licenses.  It was about 25 miles away, but there wasn't much else around Bulltown.  We were able to get them at a small TruValue Hardware store in town.  Gassaway is rather old fashioned, but had a nice home town feel, and an establishment that Bob would really like if he lived there.  

Bulltown Campground West Virginia

We arrived at the campground about 4 pm.  Bob had reserved site #24 on Burnsville Lake, but it didn't have a water connection, and we weren't prepared to use tank water from the unit, so we moved to a different site.  It was shown as being a water site, but a berm blocked the view.  However, the space was much larger and very private.  We had to share it only with a jack rabbit and a deer.  Although we couldn't get cell phone or computer connections while at the park, Bob was able to find the Direct satellite signal, so we were able to watch some television.

The space Bob originally chose

The site we moved to so as to have water, but not water view

Mahlon and ride to WVA

Monday we took off for Bulltown, West Virginia, to a campground run by the Army Corps of Engineers.  After getting off I-81 at Hagerstown, MD, there was not much traffic, but lots of scenery along I-68 and I-79.

The campsite at Mahlon Reservation in New Jersey

I couldn't believe we were in Maryland, just outside of Hagerstown

 Gap near Cumberland, MD in I-68

Saturday July 28, 2012

Carol & Nelson invited us to their house in Highland Lakes for a bar-b-que on Saturday.  Adele, Michael, Sean and Jill joined us and we celebrated Jill's birthday.  As luck would have it, a terrific rainstorm broke out, so once again, the party was inside.  Everything was delicious:  cheese & crackers, chips & salsa,  hot dogs, cheeseburgers, grilled chicken and country style ribs plus salads and home made brownies for Jill's 25th.

Matt, Annie, Sean & Jill playing Wizards

Carol found an old photo of Adele, Carol, and me taken in Adele & Michael's first home in November of 1982

the 3 of us 30 years later...

Jill, the birthday girl

The birthday girl and the birthday cake

When we got back to the unit, we were without power.  We used the LED light Donna had given me when Bob and I first started our travels two years ago, and it sure came in handy.  Luckily, the power came on before we went to bed.

Today (Sunday)we went to the cemetery for one more time before heading south, and later at the campground, we started getting things organized for the trip back tomorrow.  Once again, we had a terrific stay in Jersey, and loved seeing all of the family.  Thanks to everyone for the good time!!!

 

 

Joe & Melody's Big Day July 27 2012

The wedding festivities were being held at F.E.A.S.T on Round Hill Road in Washingtonville, NY.  The ceremony was performed in the gardens under white clouds and blue skies. After, everyone went into the grand hall for appetizers, drinks, dinner, and of course, dancing.  Joe & Barbara have 5 children: Al, Joe, Christine, John, and Luke.  Al got married last year; Joe today. Adele & Michael have three children: Rachel, David, and Jill. Rachel was married this past May. Carol and Nelson have two:  Annie & Matt.  With 3 of the 10 kids married within the past year,  folks were taking bets on who would be next! ( I found out later Annie caught the bouquet...)

The grounds 

Bob

Me

The bridal party

Melody & her dad

Melody & Joe

Mr & Mrs Joe Piascik

Baumstamm Sagen (an old Bavarian tradition wherein the newly married couple saws a log in half which symbolizes that together they can accomplish anything)

Inside the hall, wedding photos of family members and friends were displayed.  This one is of Barbara and Joe, parents of the groom

Barbara

 Barbara's parents, Mr & Mrs Jones

Uncle Mickey & Rita

Alex & Christine

David & Kim

Adele with a vegetarian "ice cream cone" appetizer

Carol, The Groom Joe, and Adele

Sue Ann & Lynne, Melody's aunts

Bob & Joe,  father of the groom

Bridal Party Table

Uncle Mickey & Rita Rockin' & Rollin'

Jill, Kim & Annie

Melody designed the programs which were a fan used by many during the ceremony, favors and name place cards.  Joe is a high school chemistry teacher in Warwick, so she used the periodic table for the place cards and test tubes for the favors.  Very clever!

Melody & Joe had rented a photo booth, like ones on the boardwalk.  Although Bob was reluctant to have pictures taken until Annie dragged him to it, once inside, he mugged so much I couldn't stop laughing.