June in NYS and NYC – 6/06 - 6/26

We have settled into our normal work schedule here at the NYC North/Newburgh KOA. We are learning our way around and feeling comfortable with suggesting sightseeing opportunities that exist for visitors to this part of New York. Of course, with each week, we’ll be visiting other places on our bucket list while adding new ones as we go along. We have even revisited one spot so we could take more time and learn more about some of the history of the area.

The KOA here at Newburgh isn’t on the “beaten path” in that we’re a few miles from exits on Interstate 84 or New York State Thruway (Interstate 87). We’re even a few miles from US-9W that is the western north-south route parallel to the Hudson River. Though the campground is the closest campground to NYC (with grass and trees) it is still 65 miles or so from “the Big Apple.” By contrast to other KOA’s in the system, this one attracts a great deal of campers from the region who make this their weekend home. In fact, more than half of the census on any given weekend are residents within a thirty-minute drive. To accommodate the frequent campers, we have many activities for the various age groups through the week and especially on weekends.

On many days the firetruck makes a run through the campground

drawing riders of all ages.

We’ve enjoyed getting to see three groups of young Canada geese

lose the fluffy down as they gained their feathers. In fact,

the whole flock left the park for several days as one, lone

goose kept watch. Upon return, we noticed that a few

were missing. Apparently, they didn’t survive the

trip since they were too young to fly.

On our visit to the US Military Academy at West Point we learned much about the institution, it’s history and some of the illustrious graduates. The USMA is on the edge of the small city of West Point, New York. It was founded in 1801 soon after the inauguration of President Thomas Jefferson. Prior to that time, the federal property was one of the several forts used during the Revolutionary War.

The Point sits on high ground overlooking the Hudson River on the western shoreline.

Though just 50 miles north of New York City, the scenic area gives no hint of being
so near such a highly populated area. During the American Revolution,
a heavy chain was placed from West Point to Constitution Island to block
the flow of British ships up and down the Hudson.

Today, the entire central campus is a national landmark and home to many historic sites, buildings, and monuments including a military cemetery. Most of the campus’ Norman-style (military gothic) buildings are constructed from gray and black granite. The visitor center and museum are open to the public. A variety of escorted tours is available.

Tours are conducted by a vendor under contract with the Academy. Tour buses with driver and guide are used to travel around the grounds. We elected to take the longest tour known as the “cemetery tour.” On this tour were three stops; the Cadet Chapel (Protestant), cemetery, and parade grounds (for a walk to the northern view of the Hudson).

This aerial view of the Academy provides a comprehensive view. Most of the buildings, including the dormitory (barracks), are clustered along the southern portion of the campus on the hillside.

The athletic fields, parade grounds, cemetery, and faculty residences lie across

the flatter, northern portion. The Cadet Chapel can be seen rising on the left.

This view also provides an excellent perspective of the high and scenic hills

that line either side of the Hudson.

Our first stop was at the Cadet Chapel. It is the largest chapel on the campus and

serves the Protestant community. The flags hung on the sides represent the various

regiments as well as flags used during the history of the US.

There is also a Catholic and Jewish chapel as well as an Orthodox chapel and

an Interfaith Center. Each is located separately from the others.

No visit to this fine edifice would be complete without a look

at the massive organ console. The Cadet Chapel houses the

largest pipe organ in the world used for religious purposes.

Originally built by M.P. Möller of Hagerstown, MD. Today, the

instrument consists of 874 stops controlling 23,236 pipes

distributed across 12 divisions.

Our second stop on the tour was at the Old Cadet Chapel. It

now serves as the office for the cemetery though the

interior still appears as it did when first constructed.

One of the more unusual monuments (and the reason size restrictions

were enacted) is this mausoleum of Egyptian influence.

Probably the most photographed monument is

this one erected on the final location for the

remains of General Custer.

 Immediately across from the large parade grounds is a park-like setting on the northern edge of the campus. From here one can see straight up the Hudson for several miles. From this point the river makes it’s relatively narrow curve around the rocky point southward.

Several links from the chain that was stretched across the Hudson
are displayed in the park that also displays cannons used
in wars throughout American history.

Looking across the parade grounds, an open view of the barracks is available with

the Cadet Chapel in the background.

The Coat of Arms of West Point U.S. Military Academy

prominently displays the motto of the institution: Duty, Honor, Country.

The year of 1802 is displayed in Roman numerals.

Our next jaunt was on the northern loop of the Shawangunk Scenic Byway. Though the drive is less than forty miles it can take a while to cover since there are several interesting stops along the way. The Shawangunk Mountains are a relatively short chain separating the Adirondacks from the Catskills. The northern loop surrounds the Mohonk Preserve and goes through the city of New Paltz, which is on the northeastern edge. Also within the northern loop of the Scenic Byway is the Minnewaska State Park and Wallkill Valley Rail Trail.

On the northern edge of Mohonk Preserve is the resort known as Mohonk Mountain House. It began operation in the late 19th century. Though we didn’t visit the Victorian-era resort with its castle-like appearance, we did drive past the old, now defunct, gateway that was used from the early 1900’s through the 1930’s.

Testimonial Gateway, as it is called, once served as the

official gateway on the drive to Mohonk Mountain House.

The private road was approximately ten miles in length

stretching across the valley to the Mountain House

which sits high atop the Shawangunk Ridge. The Gateway

is in the process of being restored although most of the

roadway was abandoned many years ago.

With the mountain on the northern edge and the valley and Mohonk Preserve along the south, Shawangunk Ridge may be viewed many miles away since it is so prominent in the landscape.

On the drive, we stopped at one of the farm businesses to get some fresh strawberries. Since the land isn’t appropriate for large fields of corn or soybeans so other forms of farming are prevalent. There are  many vegetable and fruit farms. To say the least, this is “apple country” since dozens of orchards are scattered throughout this portion of New York State.

We also stopped in New Paltz to visit Historic Huguenot Street. A visit to this area will be covered in more detail near the end of this post since we returned there for a follow-up visit. 

Finally, on June 16, we made our way into the City, “the Big Apple.” Along with nearly 30 other visitors from the KOA, we took the escorted tour by motorcoach. After weeks of telling registrants about the trip, we finally got to experience it for ourselves. (During the summer months the KOA hosts two or three trips per week into NYC using a bus and tour guide from West Point Tours).

As an aside, we need to fill in a few blanks. First, the many references to “kill” in the names of locations. The term comes from the Dutch language and references a body or water or creek. Second, “Big Apple.” During the Roaring 20’s when gambling, horse racing, and the rise of the stock market was prevalent, any major increase in winnings was referred to as “getting the big apple.” At the same time Jazz music was spreading in popularity from its base in New Orleans. When it hit New York many Jazz entertainers wanted to get to the City to “take a bite” out of the big apple; a piece of the action. Perhaps the most famous of these was Louis Armstrong who certainly took advantage of his turn at profiting from appearances in a few nightclubs.

Leaving the campground at 7:30, we journeyed down the New York State Thruway into New Jersey entering Midtown Manhattan through Lincoln Tunnel. Once in Manhattan, we traveled along the eastern shore of the Hudson to Battery Park. At that point, we exited the bus to catch the ferry to Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The day-long tour doesn’t allow for time at the museum on Ellis nor does it provide time to visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. However, we were provided 45 minutes to walk around Lady Liberty once arriving on Bedloe’s Island (Liberty Island).

This was the first time for both of us to see the Statue though we had each been in New York City as children. Talk about thrilling! Seeing the Statue in person from the ferry boat is a heart-warming experience. One thing for sure, we weren’t prepared for the great variety of foreign languages to be heard on our walk around the Statue. We’re rather proud of the fact that the USA is still a land of opportunity.

It was, indeed, a pleasure to be on Bedloe’s Island for a visit to the Statue of Liberty. This has to be one of the world’s greater monuments if not the greatest.

The Upper Bay around Statue of Liberty is busy with boats and ships.

This photo was taken as we were going from Liberty to Ellis Island

on our Statue Cruises ferry which was built in California.

The Jersey City skyline serves as a backdrop to Ellis Island. Around the base of the island are the buildings that comprised Ellis Island Hospital and Morgue. To the right can be seen the Main Building of the former immigration station complex. It now houses the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and tells the stories of the 12 million immigrants who entered America through the golden door of Ellis Island. Today, the descendants of those immigrants account for almost half of the population of the United States.

From Battery Park, we traveled through Lower Manhattan past the Hamilton Customs House and Trinity Church where the community services were held following the 9/11 attack. Though the distance from Battery Park to Grand Central is just over three miles, through the crowded streets of Manhattan it took our bus nearly 90 minutes.

At Grand Central Terminal our tour guide ushered us to a hallway where he talked about the building, the subway and train system and how important this location was to the commuter system. After his talk our group scattered for lunch to the food court located on the lower level. Following our lunch, we headed up to the main lobby to take some photos and gaze at the expanse and admire the architecture. On one end of the Terminal is a large Apple store that Byron felt we had to visit.

Two gentlemen in business attire took time from their

lunch time to get this photo of us in Grand Central Terminal.

That was an unexpected pleasure in that one asked

us if he could provide assistance.

From GCT we headed to the Empire State Building. Our group entered the building and rather quickly made our way to the elevators that took us to the observation area on the 86th floor. Our guide was surprised that the number of visitors on this particular Thursday was somewhat less than the Tuesday’s trip of that week. He mentioned on days when there is a chance of rain that tourism seems to drop. The path to the elevators takes visitors through a winding display that tells the story of the building and the modernization effort of recent years to make it a more efficient space for the 21st century. Also of interest is that the many hosts and hostesses are dressed in uniforms based on the style of the era in which the building was erected; something a Disney employee appreciated since it makes it part of “the story.”

The two-story visitor entrance to the Empire State Building.

Looking south from the Observation Deck of the Empire State Building one can easily see

1 World Trade Center, now the tallest building in the US. To the left is

Verrazano Narrows Bridge on the horizon. To the right are

Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Though cloudy, it was still a spectacular sight.

After the Empire State Building we boarded the bus for a brief tour around Midtown Manhattan. After going past Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the lower portion of Central Park, we arrived at our final stop; Times Square.

Late in the afternoon, we arrived at Times Square, our last stop for the day.

Of course, this photo doesn’t show the complete spectacle to be

observed at this famous intersection. “The Ball” can be seen

immediately above the 2016 lettering near the upper center.

One afternoon we decided to drive northward through Kingston to Saugerties. One of the employees at the KOA suggested we have lunch at Ole Savannah Southern Table and Bar. With a name like that, we had to give it a try. After all, who would give a restaurant that name unless they were really from the South? The restaurant is located in an old shipbuilding warehouse on the edge of the Wallkill River near the its entry point to the Hudson.

Ole Savannah offers great Southern cuisine and seasonal dining

on the dock in Kingston.

What a relaxing feeling – waiting for lunch to be served at the

dock of Ole Savannah Southern Table and Bar.

At Saugerties we drove down some twisting, curving streets to see one of the

lighthouses on the Hudson. The structure is on a point that juts out into the river

in a fashion similar to West Point. The lighthouse can only be reached by

foot across a marshy path through some wetlands. Optionally, the

bed and breakfast can be reached by small boat. This and one other

lighthouse on the Hudson are surrounded by water having

been built on a man-made island.

Just south of Kingston is a small town called Port Ewen.

It is the community in which a young slave girl lived

from the time she was separated from her parents

as a pre-teen until she was nearly 40. At that age she

changed her name to Sojourner Truth and became

a popular speaker for equal rights of both

African Americans and women.

We’ll end this lengthy report with a few photos taken on our return trip to Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz to learn more of its history. We took a walking tour with a rather new guide who did relate several facts about this group of Calvinists and their struggles before leaving France to find a place of acceptance in Colonial New York. The original twelve families purchased land along the Wallkill River from the Esopus tribe, natives of the area.

Huguenots were French Protestants of the 16th–17th centuries who suffered severe persecution at the hands of the Catholic majority in France. Many thousands emigrated from France through Belgium before eventually coming to Colonial New York. By the time they came to America the group had dropped French as their language and adapted to using the Dutch language. As a result, they were able to assimilate with the Dutch in the area as well as the Native Americans with whom they experience no hostility.

The original church structure for the Huguenot immigrants was

moved to this location at the cemetery.

Bevier House is one of six or seven buildings preserved for visits to

Historic Huguenot Street in New Paltz, New York. Originally, this house

began as a small, single-family dwelling built by one of the original patentees.

It was later doubled in size to accommodate another family as well as

a slave couple. A third addition was added to provide

more living space and a root cellar.

Another of one of six homes preserved for visitors. This dwelling

also served multiple families as well as a store. Native stone

was used in the construction of the houses.

— The End —

Our First Weeks Along the Hudson – 5/15 - 6/5

As mentioned in the previous entry, we traveled some of the backroads and highways of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York to get to our place of seasonal employment for the summer — NYC/Newburgh KOA. While we didn’t encounter any bad roads, we did encounter lots of curves and hills on a rainy, overcast day. It is a drive like this that can make “living the RV dream” less than thrilling. At one point Byron remarked that the difference between east Kentucky/Tennessee and the Appalachian range in these states is the accent. Otherwise, the area consistes of houses (a wide variety), trees, curves, hills, and small communities not more than nine miles apart.

Our campsite at the end of Rally Row has trees across the rear

and along the driver side of the motorhome. Byron is shown 

getting things from one of the storage bins which is why

his back is toward the camera in this photo.

One needs to understand the naming scheme for KOA campgrounds to understand where we are located. This is the closest KOA to New York. In addition, the nearest town with a population greater than 10,000 is Newburgh. Hence, the name. In reality, we are about 9 miles north of Newburgh and about 70 miles north of New York City, depending on where the metropolitan area begins.

This particular KOA is owned by a company instead of a husband/wife team (such as Wisconsin Dells). The company is Recreation Adventures Company which is the largest franchisee of KOA. They also own and operate about a dozen other locations. As someone said, NYC/Newburgh is like a state park that was sold to a non-governmental agency. Using an earth view of Google Maps it is only possible to see a small portion of the campground with RVs present. Nearly 80% of the sites have a tree canopy.

We are working five days each week. We do consider that full time. Unlike last year, we are both working in the office/store and are responsible for closing. Closing involves anything to do with cleaning, doing end-of-day reports, and counting the register drawers and safe.

Like last year, we’ve encountered guests from England, Germany, China, Nova Scotia, Florida, Texas, and California. One couple came through from Australia. They had shipped their vehicle to Argentina where they started their travels. They have driven up the western side of South America, through Central America, and will sell small motorhom (known as a caravan in other parts of the world) to a buyer in Maine. One day a couple from Belgium arrived in a rental RV around 3 PM to be followed by a couple, also in a rental, from Holland at nearly 4 PM. At times, the world can seem rather small.

On our days off (Thursday and Friday) we have traveled around the area and will do so until we’ve “seen it all.” In the process, we are getting used to the patchy roads and paying tolls to cross the Hudson River. Some of our trips include visits to Sam’s Club (across the river in Fishkill) as well as the nearby grocery. We have visited two United Methodist churches, one Reformed Church in America, and helped conduct a worship service here at the campground. Everything but the campground is a few miles in another direction.

Our first, day-long venture was to Hyde Park which is across the Mid-Hudson bridge and north of Poughkeepsie. We went to visit the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. It sits high on the eastern shore of the Mid-Hudson Valley more than 300 feet above normal river level. Also on the property is the home in which FDR lived as a child and remained through his adult life. Nearby is the house Eleanor acquired so she could get away from Franklin and his mother in order to write (she was prolific). The library and museum are in a building designed by Roosevelt. In it is one room that served as his personal office and has been preserved for viewing. The Welcome Center is the only building on the property that didn’t exist during Franklin’s time.

Bronze statues of Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt are seated

as though on their lawn overlooking the Hudson River.

The statues are located at the Welcome Center.

The Roosevelt family home, as it currently exists, was greatly expanded

from original size after Franklin and Eleanor were married. Wings

on both sides were added as well as a third level to the center

section of the home.

Typical of the “landed gentry” of that era, Franklin Roosevelt’s father

owned and managed a large farm. Typical of the buildings

is this stable which sits next to the carriage house.

The Library and Museum (one building) is constructed of native stone as are many buildings throughout this portion of the USA. It also has a slate roof which is also quite common.

Our second excursion was actually a cruise on the Hudson River from a landing at Newburgh. The two-hour trip took us southward past Pollpel Island to West Point and the US Military Academy.

Our cruise down the Hudson was on this small excursion yacht,
Pride of the Hudson. It is powered by a pair of diesel engines.

On Pollpel Island lies the remnant of a Scotsman’s fortress called Bannerman Castle — built not as a home, but as an arsenal for his immense collection of weapons acquired following the Civil War. Public access to this island is limited since the proper sat abandoned for many years. It is now the property of the State of New York with a Trust attempting to restore portions of what remains of what was a grand structure.

But two walls remain standing at Bannerman Castle on Pollpel Island.

The island and building were sold to the State of New York in 1967.

A fire of unknown origin destroyed the main structure. Fortunately,

most of the holdings (cannons and other Civil War memorabilia)

were cataloged and sent to the Smithsonian.

Just south of Bannerman Castle is the northern-most point of an aqueduct that was built to provide more fresh water to New York City. One of the maintenance buildings can be seen at the edge of the river to the right of the water inlet. Note also the cliff that reveals as a cut in the mountain range.

Approaching the Military Academy from the north one begins to think that it is rather compact as this view from the cruiser reveals. To the left is the Cadet Chapel. In the trees on the right, the spire of the Catholic Chapel can be seen. In the foreground is the roof of the field house. On the north side of the roof is the wording “Beat Air Force.” On the south side is “Sink Navy.” To the right of the scene is the barracks which includes four main wings that meet in the center.

Our third trip was back across the Hudson to visit a Vanderbilt mansion built by one of the sons of Cornelius as a spring and fall retreat. Now under the care of the National Park Service, it is officially the Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site. The story of how it became the property of the US government is interesting. A niece of the childless couple inherited the property during the early 1930’s. It was first offered for sale at one-quarter the cost of the original property purchase and building construction costs. The price was reduced a second time without any interested party coming forward. As she was considering dropping the price to $100,000 FDR approached her with the idea of allowing the federal government to purchase it for $1 and turn it into a historical site. As a result of this action, one of the Hudson Valley’s oldest mansions is available to the public.

While a high percentage of the mansions in New York from the “gilded age” of US history have fallen into disrepair or disappeared, this example of architecture, interior design, mechanical systems, and landscape remains as an example of a childless couple’s country place. It illustrates what was common among the very wealthy during the industrialization of America following the Civil War. It is also a testimony of how one man’s tremendous financial legacy was spent by two generations that followed without concern for perpetuity or wise investment. As was pointed out by our tour guide, there are only a very few Vanderbilts living from any of the wealth that was squandered by the second and third generation family members of “Commodore” Cornelius Vanderbilt.

The property, formerly known as Hyde Park, was purchased by Frederick W. and Louise Vanderbilt in May 1895. The 54-room mansion was designed and built between 1896–1899. The house is a good example of the Beaux-Arts architecture style. Not open to public access on the property is the boat house that sits along an inlet where Vanderbilt’s yacht was docked when they were present during the spring and fall months.

A view of the Vanderbilt Mansion at Hyde Park from the northeast corner.

The portico, shown in the photo, is at the rear of the structure.

After stepping through the front door visitors encounter the welcome area

of the home. The interior is furnished with many “throne chairs,” tapestries,

statuary, and other furniture made in Europe -- an example of how

the super-rich valued product from Europe over those fabricated

in the United States -- a result of trying to keep pace

with European nobility.

Believe it or not, this is a guest bedroom. When several couples were

invited to the mansion, the ladies stayed at the main house

while the men stayed in a separate house decorated like a

hunting lodge. This was done so the men could stay up late 

smoking and drinking without disturbing the women. Of course, visiting

couples also brought their servants who stayed in other sections

of the dwellings under the same roof as those they served.

The ceiling in one of the parlors shows the opulence of the mansion.

This smaller structure is where male guests at the estate spent some of

their evening hours and slept. There were sufficient beds to accommodate

up to 11 overnight guests and servants in each house.

This photo of the front of Vanderbilt Mansion, though not showing the total width

of the edifice, gives the clue as to the scale. From this one can imagine how

there was adequate entertainment space for the couple, their guests,

and the servants of the guests and well as the servants of the Vanderbilts.

As to our Sunday worship activities, we have attended a few, different churches. Since we work on Sundays beginning at noon we have attempted to find a congregation that has a service that fits our work schedule. We have visited United Methodist churches and a congregation of the Reformed Church in America. The RCA denomination is very similar to Presbyterian in that they were followers of the theology of John Calvin and were first known as Huguenots in France.

Our next post to this blog will cover our visits to West Point, the Shawangunk Trail and Historic Huguenot Street (in New Paltz), and our KOA tour into New York City, the “Big Apple.”

From Kentuckiana to New York - 4/15 - 5/14

After leaving the GMCMI motorhome convention in Dothan, we drove to Northeast Georgia to spend a night in the yard of Martha’s sister and brother-in-law, Beth and Greg Hearn, in Franklin Springs. The next day we left for a short trip to Gaffney, NC for our service appointment at Freightliner Custom Chassis. While in Gaffney we drove to Spartanburg for dinner with some of Martha’s classmates from Emmanuel College.

While our motorhome was being serviced, we took a tour of the Freightliner factory. The Gaffney plan is home to several chassis assembly lines. For instance, they build walk-in van and front engine bus chassis, rear engine bus chassis, motorhome chassis (which accommodates single and tandem rear axle designs), and cab. By the way, they refer to the rear engine bus and motorhome section as “RV and Bus Ladder Assembly.” The reason is that the chassis ladder is assembled before mating the rear axles, engines/transmissions, and steering axles. During the process of doing all of this miles of cables that make up the wiring harnesses are put in place. We found that it was an amazing process. Also amazing is that Freightliner has now achieved a “zero landfill” rating.

A glimpse of one of the assembly lines at Freightliner Custom Chassis

in Gaffney, South Carolina.

From Gaffney we drove on to Eastern Tennessee where we stayed at the Rivers Edge RV Campground on the Nolichucky River. We had stayed there last year and did again this year. While there we got to spend time with Byron’s brother and sister-in-law, Lewis and Marcia. On Saturday we celebrated Byron’s 69th birthday.

We traveled on Sunday afternoon to Renfro Valley near London, Kentucky. After one night there we had an easy drive through Louisville to Clarksville and Add-More RV Park where we have decided to stay when in our home area. The campground is five miles north of the Ohio River across from downtown Louisvlle.

We were in time to enjoy Derby Festival time in Kentuckiana. This includes Thunder Over Louisville which is touted as the largest fireworks display in the country. This year was special in that the Louisville Orchestra had recorded a soundtrack used for synchronizing the fireworks display. By the way, the display makes use of what we call the Second Street Bridge as well as three barges up river from the bridge and three barges down river.

To assemble a show the size of Thunder, Zambelli Internationale utilizes eight tractor trailers filled with nearly 60 tons of fireworks shells. The physical setup includes 250 tons of launching tubes in addition to the “waterfall” strings set up on the bridge. Almost 700 miles of wire cable connecting 20 firing boards are tied to the command post for synchronization to the music. As mentioned, this is the largest show the Zambellis perform each year, and Zambelli is the largest fireworks group in the world. The whole production takes 30 minutes from beginning to end. For viewing, hundreds of thousands of people line the Indiana and Kentucky sides of the Ohio River.

No photo can do it justice; Thunder Over Louisville.

While in the area we worshipped at St. Matthews Baptist Church on two Sundays and Highlands Baptist Church on another Sunday. St. Matthews is where we attended while living in sticks and bricks (what motorhomers call a house) and Highlands has always drawn our attention. The problem was, and still is, that we can only be in one at a time. (For those of you that don’t know or need a reminder, the pastor at Highlands, Joe Phelps, performed our wedding ceremony 12 years ago.

April 9, 2004 - Highland Baptist Church with Joe Phelps, officiating.

During our seasonal visits at “home” we take care of appointments with doctors, see to some needs with regards to Candice, get the dogs to the veterinarian, spend some time with Jeremy and Jody, vista a few friends, and take care of other issues. One big issue was getting new tires on the motorhome, which requires planning with respect to both budget and time. As to visits with friends we spent time with Roger and Cheryl Basham as well as Hilario and Sandra Solis and their four children – Mimi, Ana, Miguel, and Antonio. Byron helped Ana with school work one year and we cared for new-born Antonio when Sandra was hospitalized and recuperating.

Sandra likes to cook outside. We don’t mind, especially

when we get to enjoy it. By the way, the boys were

running around somewhere else when this was made.

On Monday, May 9, we took off for our summer in Newburgh, New York and seasonal work at the KOA. To get there we traveled on I-64 to Catlettsburg, KY where we spent the night in the RV area of a Flying J. (The big difference between a Flying J and a Pilot is the RV parking area that’s away from the truck parking). On Tuesday we continued through West Virginia. We had planned to stop near Hagerstown, Maryland and park for the night amid the trucks Pilot. Since we got up earlier than normal, we decided to make the whole trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania. This would allow us to have an additional night in the area giving us two, full days to explore. (Normally we consider 250 miles or less a full day unless we have to be in a hurry).

In the Hershey area we stayed at a Thousand Trails campground. It was one of the nicer ones for this chain in that the facilities and sites were very nice. The large lake on the property provided a relaxing feel. Of course, it was still in Pennsylvania Dutch territory which meant lots of barns, silos, and herds of milk cows.

Because of the cold spring, the geese were late in having their young.

This lake was on the property of the Thousand Trails RV resort.

While in Hershey we drove to Lancaster for a self-guided driving tour of the county which still has several covered bridges in use. The roads wind around the hills and creeks between the many dairy farms. At one point we saw Amish farmers working to take up hay. Mules and horses were used to pull the machinery though some had a motor to drive the mechanisms. Though most Amish shun electricity for daily living purposes, we did see some generators near the barns for “productivity” purposes. Apparently some modern ways are best. By the way, “Amish” is being used in a generic sense to designate the ancestral heritage.

A typical barn in the eastern Pennsylvania. Approximately one-third

are built with native stone. All have the cantilevered overhang

to provide protection from winter weather as well as access

for throwing down hay to feed the stock.

Perhaps the most elaborately constructed barn seen on our driving

tour of Lancaster County was this which was made with limestone,

brick (with the inlaid pattern), and wood siding. It sits across

from a shopping area the entrance of which copies the brick

pattern for the fence and entrance sign.

Pictured is one of the many covered bridges still in use on main thoroughfares

throughout Lancaster County. This one, in particular, has been raised

two times to get the floor above flood stage.

Of course, no day in Hershey would be complete without a visit to the factory and related facilities in a and around the community Hershey. While visiting here we learned that a “new” factory was built nearly twelve years ago with all production being moved away from the center of town. Gone is the aroma of chocolate in the air. Still, visitors are treated to a “factory tour” which is near the amusement park in the Visitor Center. The ride takes you through the experience of creating milk chocolate, molding the chocolate, making the kisses, and packaging the product for shipment. By the way, the Hershey plant keeps 50,000 cows busy producing milk to meet the daily quota.

We were quite impressed to learn how Milton Hershey definitely believed that when the water level is raised, all the ships rise with it. Not only did he provide employment for the area while creating a supply-line business for milk production, but he also saw to it that employees could buy houses for a modest price, enjoy the benefits of culture at a large center that housed an indoor pool, bowling lanes, exercise rooms, two movie theaters, and a performance hall. Not to be outdone, Hershey was also responsible for the building of an amusement park that is still open to the public.

Hershey and his wife, who died after less than 20 years of marriage, also began a K-12 school. In fact, Mr. Hershey gave practically all of his wealth to the school making it the majority stockholder in the corporation. The Milton Hershey School, a cost-free, private, co-residential school and home for children from lower income families located, still operates in Hershey today providing opportunity to more than 2,000 students from across the USA.

In addition, Hershey encouraged employees to submit ideas for products or method to improve production. One such suggestion came from a man named Reese who had many children. When Milton was presented with their idea of putting peanut butter inside a chocolate piece, he responded by encouraging Reese to start his own company since Hershey wanted to focus strictly on chocolate. Hence, Harry Reese started making the peanut butter cup. It would be much later, after the retirement of Reese, that Hershey would buy the company and continue with distribution of the innovative product.

What follows are a few photos taken around Hershey. The only thing not directly developed under the guidance of Milton Hershey is the Museum of the Antique Automobile Club of America.

The museum building where the Hershey Story is retold with

pictures, displays, and descriptions of the man, the factory,

and the community that surrounds the benevolent empire.

The Hershey Mansion was built nearly 100 years ago at a cost

of $80,000. The couple furnished it with locally-made furniture

and items ordered from catalogs of the day - Montgomer Ward

and Sears Roebuck and Company - a modest and practical approach.

This view from the Hershey Hotel overlooks the formal gardens.

The hotel, itself, sits on the highest hill in the area.

Our visit to Hershey Gardens happened just after the blooming

of many builds but in time to see the azaleas and rhododendrons

at their fullest. In the summer one is treated by thousands of

rose bushes representing hundreds of varieties as well

as many annuals and perennials displaying their best.

This photo is but of three of the nearly 100 cars and busses available

for display at the AACA Museum.

No display in Hershey would be complete without a tribute to

Milton Hershey. This mural is displayed behind a model of

the rail system built by Hershey to make it easier for

employees to get to and from work.

After leaving Hershey, we traveled across backroads and highways through New Jersey and into New York to make our five-months home in Plattekill, New York. While in Plattekill Martha and Byron will be working in the campstore and office of the NYC/Newburgh KOA. This will be our second year as work kampers for Kampgrounds of America. From our location in the Hudson River Valley it is about 70 mile to The Big Apple where, we are sure, we’ll make a view visits.

Past Due: Lo, the Winter Has Passed - 12/23 - 4/14

It has been a long time (four months) since the last post. There are reasons. The greatest reason was that we “never got a round to it.” That being said, some things were a repeat of last winter with one exception. This past winter Martha worked full-time at the Chick-fil-A in Celebration and that took some time and energy. In fact, more energy than time. Byron returned to his seasonal assignment in the Magic Kingdom. A change for him was taking on the task of teaching a Sunday School class in addition to conducting a Bible study at First United Methodist Church in Kissimmee.

Since Ashley and her family moved from Gulf Breeze to Weston, Florida, we were able to visit with the grandchildren more than last winter. Weston is about a four-hour drive from Kissimmee making Okeechobee a meeting point where we’d meet to either get a child or return it (one of the advantages of being a grandparent). While Candice was with us after Christmas, we all made the trip to Weston for a few days with Ashley, Michael, Jada, Chapel, Ben, and Luc (which is short for Luciano).

What follows are a series of photos showing some of the highlights of the previous four months. After we get to Newburgh, New York, where we’ll spend the summer, we’ll post another blog of our time in transit.

Ashley, Candice, and Martha pose in their Minnie Mouse shirts,

which were a Christmas gift.

Roger and Cheryl Basham, their son (Chris) and Chery’s sister (Lori)

came to the Tampa area for a Christmas visit. We met at Texas Roadhouse

near Kissimmee for lunch one day.

The leaders of our full-timers group within Newmar Kountry Klub

were in the area on the day we met other Newmar owners

we met in 2014 in Escanaba, MI.

We don’t always eat, but, it does provide a time to get together.

We drove to a restaurant south of Lake City for a luncheon

with other snowbirds that are members of

Tri-State Traveliers, our regional FMCA club

in the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana area.

Last year we went to Plant City to enjoy the fresh and delicious

strawberries at Parkesdale Farms. This year we decided to make

it “annual trek number two.” Since it seems like a good

tradition to keep, we’ll shoot for another visit in 2017.

Martha got to play house and baby sitter. As a result

she got to enjoy time with Luc, the youngest grandchild.

We took Ben and Chapel for ice cream on a visit with them.

Not leaving anyone out, we had Jada for a few days

and enjoyed time with her at Epcot. This photo

was taken just prior to the evening’s sound,

light and fireworks extravaganza.

For our 12th anniversary we had a “character dining experience”

in the Ohana restaurant at the Polynesian Resort.

On Friday morning, April 1, we pulled out of our site, hooked up

the Honda Element, and headed northward.

After leaving Florida we spent nearly a week with

GMC Motorhome friends at a convention

in Dothan, AL where we enjoyed a 50’s night.

Fall Update: The Snowbirds Return - 10/25 - 12/22

Yes, folks, it has been nearly two months since our last post. Though the intention is to provide an update more frequently that goal has been missed this time around. So, here is what has been going on with us.

We arrived at the RV resort where we spent our time in Kissimmee last year, Great Oak RV Resort and Park, on October 31. While taking our dogs for a walk we commented to each other about some changes made since leaving in April. We also commented about what hasn’t and wondered when some friends would be returning. It takes a process of about six weeks for things to return to normal for the snowbirds that return here.

We learned, through the application process and talking with other WDW employees, that no seasonal people were being added this year. In fact, some employment policies have changed and the benefits granted to “recurring” employees were being modified. As a result of the changes, Martha didn’t get a job at Disney that we had planned. So, on the search she went landing a position at the Chick-fil-A franchise in Celebration. She generally works mornings but also can be assigned afternoons.

To coordinate our schedules, Byron set his availability for work at Magic Kingdom to afternoons from 3:30 to 10:30. Since Disney uses a 24-hour format, that’s 15:30 to 22:30. During November he worked at Tomorowland Terrace when it was opened providing a full menu as well as during the evenings when Magic Kingdom was hosting Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and TLT became a complimentary refreshment station.

One of the special “treats” for the Christmas Party is the seasonal

Electric Light Parade and the lighting of the Castle, which is a

grand production unto itself. Of course, there are specially-themed

fireworks held at 9:30 pm during Christmas Party.

Ashley, Michael and family came to WDW for several days in the early days of November so we got to spend some time with them as well as a niece and her family from Vero Beach. We didn’t pay extra for the Christmas Party but did enjoy a couple of character dining experiences.

Martha and the grandkids with Donald Duck at Chef Mickey’s 

in The Contemporary during breakfast.

We both started working at our respective jobs before Thanksgiving. Martha, as a new hire in a fast food (Disney calls it quick service) environment soon found that the pay isn’t in line with the responsibility and shear physical staring it puts on the body. Byron refrained from saying “I told you so.” (We both wonder if pay in the service industry would change if those at desk jobs spent two weeks in the food service industry.) At any rate, Martha is suddenly aware that her body isn’t as young as it used to be though she has always considered herself a hard worker. Byron had that certain “baptism by fire” experience last year. For sure, it keeps us fully aware of what is required to help make people happy and fed.

Speaking of eating, Martha was able to attend the Thanksgiving meal in the RV park. Byron, who was working at Tomorrowland Terrace, got to enjoy a take-home plate when he got off work. For Thanksgiving TLT changed the menu to a traditional turkey dinner with the trimmings. Oddly, several guests were upset that Angus burgers with cheese weren’t available.

With Chick-fil-A being closed for Sundays and Byron making himself not available on that day, we are both able to go to Kissimmee First United Methodist Church each week and enjoy participation in the Hugh Embry Sunday School Class. The regular teacher of the class has asked Byron to take over for a few months giving him a bit of a sabbatical. Byron also agreed to guide some Bible studies on Wednesdays at the invitation of the church’s pastor.

The image at the top of this blog is our greeting to you. It was created by Byron so it’s coming as a personal expression to each of you. By the way, if you’d like to see his posting of the history and commentary on some hymns for the Advent/Christmas season, go to the following URL –  http:songersmusic100.blogspot.com

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!