Goshen, Indiana
Elkhart County 4H Fairgrounds
Site #212
Yesterday we drove up to the RV salvage in White Pigeon, Michigan. There wasn't anything we needed other than we've been looking for a new couch. As we were scouring the boxes, to see what hidden treasures we might find, I looked up and saw Rondo aka Ron and Mary Lichtenberg. They are the hosts for the Montana Owners Club Rally. They were on their way to visit Charlie and Judy Benton, another MOC member near Colon. Due to health issues the Benton's won't be attending, but they will be missed.
We've passed this place up so many times, and yesterday wasn't anything different.
I had three places to visit from there, The Ruthmere Mansion, The RR Museum and the Super Heroes Museum. We headed for the Ruthmere Museum.
Okay, this looks good--an impressive entrance.
There was a doorbell to ring and a note that said the tours were on the hour. We missed the tour by 5 minutes.
It was a perfectly beautiful day so we decided to go to the RV Surplus store and check it out and then come back. By the time we got out of the surplus store, we were too late for the next mansion tour.
It's getting late so we decided to head back to Goshen and make a stop in Sam's Club.
After dinner we went for a walk, and stopped at LC and Marilyn Boyer's Montana. They had arrived a couple of hours earlier. We sat and only solved half the world problems before I had to get back and make my nightly call to my Dad.
This morning Bill changed the anode in the hot water tank. I will be so happy to get away from the awful water in this area. I wish I had a photo of some houses I saw that had orange stains on the side of the homes where the water from the sprinklers hit it to show you.
I had this little rod to clean out the water heater, and it is one of the things I like to do. The plastic broke on it and the water went everywhere. I was drenched.
We rode over to the fall festival in Middlebury that we attend when we're here. The festival was on both sides of the road this year. I found a neat basket that I bought. I had the camera with us, but since there were so many Amish present, I didn't take any photos since they do not approve of it. The weather couldn't have been nicer.
We decided to go try the restaurant across the street from Das Essenhaus for our lunch. We'd seen it advertised when we were with Jim and Sandie Dixon. We walked in and they had a buffet for $6.95. We looked at it and it was mostly pasta and pizza. Neither one of us was in the mood for that kind of food, so we checked the menu. Nothing sounded like anything I wanted so we left and headed for the Lux.
We've never been disappointed when we eat at the Lux. Bill and I both had the all you can eat fish dinner for $7.99.
When we returned LC and Marilyn dropped by with their three girls. We'll make the sacrifice and take them to Das Essenhaus before the rally starts since they haven't been to it. They haven't been to Shipshewana yet either. Oh, the sacrifices we make.
Our assigned site for the MOC rally is empty but the RV Dream Rally is going on so we'll wait for them to move out before we change sites.
I was just ready to post this when we had someone at our door. It sounded like John Kohl but it didn't look like the John I knew. I let him in anyway and when he gave me a big hug, I recognized him. Good to see you John but he won't read this since I didn't post any photos. Yep, he was a Marine.
Turtle Safely........
Goshen, Indiana
Elkhart County 4H Fairground
Site #212
I had made an appointment to get my hair cut this morning, so we were up and ready to go out the door by 9 am. It's hard to believe 9 o'clock makes us rush. I remember the days when I used to get up at 4:30 am. In the early days of retirement, we were ready to pull out of an RV park no later than 8 am. Those were the days.....
We had enough time to stop at the post office to send a certified letter and still get to the hair salon by my 9:30 appointment. Can you believe we drove through Goshen without encountering a train?
Next stop was the laundromat. Wearing sweatshirts and jeans like we did last week, makes for bigger laundry loads.
Now it was Bill's turn for a haircut. We've passed a barber shop that has the pole outside so it was time for Bill to try them out. No appointments and he got a very good cut. Did you notice that I didn't mention how my haircut went?
I just needed a loaf of bread so we went in Walmart. I forgot my prescription that needed refilled so we'll have to go back another day. Can you believe that loaf of bread cost $55.00?
We took a walk around the fairgrounds and I thought I'd share some photos in case some of the readers have never been to Goshen.
This fairground is old but very well maintained and probably the prettiest we've ever been to. The only drawback is trains.
You can see the train behind the trees. They run all night long.
This vine is covered in old teapots.
Purses and a birdcage are used for flowerpots
Here's what you could call a bag tree.
This photo shows boot birdcages.
What a great use of an old pair of jeans.
This was my favorite.
Here's a better shot. It's an ironing board for the body, baseball bats for legs, dryer vent for the shoulders, vacuum hose for the arms, bowls for boobs, a bucket for the head and steel wool for hair. Someone is very clever.
I thought I'd taken photos of these when we were here in May but we were so busy with all the activities from the Escapade, that I wouldn't have had time to post them.
Now that we have all of our chores done, tomorrow Bill and I can play tourist and I know just the place to go.
Turtle Safely..........
Goshen, Indiana
Elkhart 4H Fairgrounds
#212
The last couple of days we didn't do much of anything except watch the rain. We extended our stay as we were waiting for some important papers to arrive.
This morning we awoke to a lot of fog. No problem we only have to go 18 miles. The fog lifted and it turned out to be a beautiful day....well almost beautiful.
We hitched up and decided maybe it would be best if we backed out of there due to all the soft ground. Okay, so we can't go backward, let's try going forward. Well now what?
I went up to the office and they sent Gary down to help. He said they do this all the time. His John Deere came to the rescue. He attached a tow rope to the truck and it came right out. The blocks we had put under the level ups were sunk in so deep we had to pry them up. It reminded us of the Escapade in Sedalia.
Well as Bill says it could have been worse. "It could have been a Chevy pulling him out".
We've had sure great times while we've been staying here, that it's a good feeling when we arrive
Do you think the flashing sign out front had something to do with that great feeling?
Here we are all set up. We're in site #212 which is down near the 300's sites that run along the tracks. I also called that section near the "babbling brook". We'll be here 8 days before we move over to site #429. Maybe by then we'll be used to the train traffic.
Turtle Safely.....
Bremen, Indiana
Pla-Mor Campground
Site #P88
If there is one thing we love about this lifestyle it is the friends we've met. Yes, some are acquaintances, but most are true genuine friends. I still can't believe that Jim and Sandie Dixon went out of their way to visit with us. The icing on the cake was when they extended their stay. Sooner or later the party has to end, or else how would we start another one?
They are all packed up and ready to leave. Don't let Jim's short sleeve shirt fool you as it was in the 50's.
Dixon's Dinky ready for the road. I think a lot of you said you liked the name.
As Jim and Sandie pulled out Bill asked me where we were meeting Bryan and Jane Rose. I told him at McDonalds. Can you imagine that Bill wanted to know which one, the one in Bremen or Nappanee? I never thought to ask so I had to call Bryan and we agreed to meet in Bremen. I think Bryan already knows I'm a scatter brain. Wait until he finds out about my calendar deficiency!
We really enjoyed our visit with them and discovered we know many of the same people. Sometimes you just hit it off and I must say Bryan and Jane are the kind of people you feel you've known for a long time.
After our visit with them we took a drive up to Wakarusa. I must say this visit was all Karen Knoll's fault. She told us about the Dime Store a few years ago and even though we were here last year and also in May, we never had the time to visit it.
A whole store devoted to candy! I felt like I was in heaven. Even better, they had samples.
I saw candy that I remember buying for a penny at the local drug store when I was a kid.
I spent a quick $23.00 but I'm sure it will be enjoyed. Bill was disappointed that they didn't offer samples of the fudge.
This mosaic is made out of candy. My kind of artwork--candy coated.
Here's what we brought home. The licorice is for my Dad.
A brochure of the Wakarusa Dime Store that was included with our candy said "The Wakarusa Dime Store has roots in the Wolfberg Department Store. Established in 1907 by Mose Wolfberg, Mose would travel much of Elkhart County with a pack on his back, selling his wares from farm to farm previous to establishing the Wolfberg Dept Store. Soon, Wolfberg added a variety store which today is the Wakarusa Dime Store. In the late 1960's in an effort to establish a candy for the newly created Maple Syrup Festival, Wolfberg's son, Louie, came upon the idea of Jumbo Jelly Beans. Selling 100 pounds at the 1st festival. The Wakarusa Dime Store today sells over 75 tons."
As we were checking out, I saw an aquarium with gummy snakes. I thought about buying them for Polly to see if that would get rid of her fear of snakes, but Bill reminded me of my "joke" on Sandie about a rescue dog. I decided it might not be a good joke.
As we were coming home, I noticed that the Dutch Village was still open. We enjoyed walking through, but we did see that they were closing in 20 minutes so we rushed through it. It's one on those come back places.
Turtle Safely....
Bremen, Indiana
Pla-Mor Campground
Yesterday we drove over to Middlebury to the restaurant that everyone visits while in the area--Das Dutchman Essenhaus.
Bill had forgotten his hearing aids, so we were thrilled when we were seated up against a wall and off to ourselves. Jim said he just wanted chicken. We thought he came to visit us, but I'm not so sure he just wanted to come here for their chicken.
Everyone ordered the buffet and it was as good as ever. Maybe better than when we were here for the Escapade in May at least quieter.
I picked up a fun facts brochure and thought you might be interested in these facts:
"The restaurant seats 1,100 at once, and on a busy day
will serve over 7,000 guests and use 5,225 pounds of ice.
Our bakery produced a record number of 2,103 pies in one day.
Essenhaus foods makes up to 42 tons of noodles in one
week.
In only I week, our Restaurant-Bakery may use up to:
2,100 dozen eggs
2,700 pounds of white sugar
60 gallons of apple butter
3.5 tons of potatoes
3,600 chickens
3,090 pounds of roast beef
2,990 heads of lettuce."
I was too busy eating to get any more photos.
I think I could eat at least one of those 42 tons of noodles. Jim was the only one who had room for apple pie with ice cream.
Jim and Sandie were scheduled to pull out this morning. I noticed Jim got in the truck and returned a short time later. I told Bill he went down to the office to extend his stay and I was right.
Today since it was cold and dreary we went over to Newmar for a tour of their plant. We were told that they have increased production from 4 coaches last year to 8 per day. If you ordered one today, it wouldn't be produced until January. They have increased their employees from over 400 last year to over 700 this year.
We've toured Cardinal, Winnabago and Montana. I came out of the plant feeling like the right hand didn't know what the left was doing. I'm sure a lot had to do with the tour guide but I think they should have been showing us what they do better than the competition. Our guide pointed out things that weren't correct in the production making statements that this particular thing should have been done in another area and not here. One thing I was impressed with was the fact that they do not use wiring harnesses, and they have over 5 miles of wiring in some coaches which weigh almost a 1,000 pounds.
The tour used the headsets which really gave everyone a chance to hear what was being said. I think all factory tours should use them. Understandably, photos were not allowed in the plant.
I received an e-mail today from retired Escapees VCR's who are in a paint shop in Bremen. They found us on RVillage.com. I usually try to sign in to a RVillage when we arrive but after looking at our profile map of the parks, I think I've neglected to do it a time or two this year. We aren't sure how long we'll stay here, so we arranged to meet them tomorrow at 11.
If you aren't using RVillage, and you're an RVer you need to sign up. Of course you know it's free, that's why we belong. Our user name is WV2AZ. I learn more and more about the benefits of the program every time I use it.
We're getting another "home delivery" tonight. Sandie is fixing our dinner.
I failed to mention in previous blogs that we're in a huge rv park with lots of sites. There are two other rigs in this section besides us and the Dixon's. We had a huge motorhome pull in next to Jim and Sandie. Sandie said they looked "dinky" between us and the motorhome.
I said I liked the name of their travel trailer as "Dixon's Dinky" better than the "Bungalow".
I suggested to Sandie that they stay in the $20 county park in Lima instead of the fairground in Van Wert when they leave here. Last night when we were watching the news they reported that three dangerous convicts escaped in Lima. I was glad when I heard that Jim and Sandie weren't leaving today and going to Lima. As it turned out they captured the convicts, so no problem.
We've enjoyed visiting with Jim and Sandie and will miss them when they leave.
Turtle Safely.......
Bremen, Indiana
Pla-Mor Campground
#88P
How many of you can say you've had your breakfast delivered to your door? Well that's just what happened to us. We got a call this morning asking us if we wanted cheese or plain for our McDixon sandwich. The next thing we knew, in the pouring down rain, Jim came to our door with his specialty, McDixon sandwiches.
The last bite of my McDixon.
It rained most of the morning, and Sandie came over to visit while Jim went to get a haircut. It sounds like a boring day when I put it into words, but it was a nice day.
Karen Knoll called while we were visiting with the Dixon's. We may see them once more before returning to Arizona.
What do SKP's (Escapee RV Club Members) do when they get together? Of course, go out to eat. The problem was that we had too many places to pick from. Bremen had Netters and Tony's Grill if we went right out of the campground. Das Essenhaus in Middlebury, The Flipping Cow in Elkhart, and The Southside Diner and Lux Cafe in Goshen were to the left. It was raining when we left and we had it narrowed down to the Flipping Cow and the Southside Diner. The reviews were great for the Southside Diner so we decided to try it. Every time we've been in the area, it seemed like it was Sunday or Monday when we wanted to go to the diner, which is closed on those days. Tonight we got our chance.
All four of us were disappointed. The reviews raved about the Philly Cheese Steak sandwiches. We all ordered the Philly. Sandie and I asked for the spiral french fries which were hand cut. It sounded good, but definitely nothing special. At least the company was great!
I might also mention that Bill drove over in the pouring down rain. We did get a chance to show Jim how great the yellow shooters glasses are for that kind of weather. We wouldn't be without them. I was feeling so badly about how disappointed everyone was with their dinner experience that I drove back. The rain was pouring down until I went about 100 feet. The sun came out and turned into a nice evening.
Tomorrow we have an interesting day planned.
Turtle Safely.......
Bremen, Indiana
Pla-Mor Campground
Yesterday Bill and I explored Nappanee. We browsed through some antique and furniture stores. Just enjoying the small town atmosphere.
These apples were in front of the local stores.
A soda shop had this "apple" outside. The good looking guy isn't for sale!
I believe this one was in front of an auto supply shop
I tried to get the side of this mouth to show the details go completely around all sides of the apple. Must have been a dentist nearby.
I thought this apple with a worm was the cutest one. I wish I knew the story behind the apples but hopefully I'll find that answer before we leave the area.
Polly this sign is for you. We will be here on Thursday so maybe we should check this out.
It was just a laid back day and the kind we've needed for awhile.
Here's a view as we come into this section of the park. We're the closest fifth wheel in the photo. Sorry about the reflection from the windshield.
I was reading Nick Russell's new book this afternoon when I heard someone pull in next door. It was Jim and Sandie Dixon!
They had originally planned to stay in Scotsboro which is in the southern part of the state. We had talked about meeting up there a couple of months ago, but when we came here, Bill didn't want to move until the Montana Rally.
Jim and Sandie are on their way to Virginia. Sandie is having trouble with all the grass and this place has lots of grass.
We had dinner outside and gabbed for awhile until everyone agreed we were all tired. Jim and Sandie had a long drive and she said they didn't get a lot of sleep because of all the electrical storms they had.
Turtle Safely.....
Bremen, Indiana
Pla-Mor Campground
Back In #88P
Rallies are a lot of fun and it is so nice to make new friends and also visit with old ones. We didn't participate in all the activities that were going on, but we really enjoyed ourselves. This Escapee Chapter knows how to have successful rallies. It must be the reason they are celebrating 30 years.
Since we had already visited the Gilmore Car Museum last week, we didn't go again. Everyone came back saying "wow". It's one of those places you have to experience.
I have to say I didn't get many photos, but Bernie Patton took excellent ones and if you want to see them check out the chapter blog at SKPchapter6.blogspot.com.
I'm not sure what Anna was saying, but she's is never lost for words. She also goes out of her way to make sure everyone feels welcome.
Here is their banner with 49 Care patches before the rally gets underway. Each patch represents $1,000 donation to Care which is a 501.
There were 39 rigs and 80 attendees.
Social hour, breakfasts, and events were held in this building. The enclosed building was perfect for the potluck as the rains came down.
Zipline, canoes, beach, shooting range, miniature golf, tennis, basketball, horseshoes, and you name, they do it here.
The dining hall is where the 30th Anniversary banquet was held. The band also played in here and some people danced or even sat on the patio.
I thought of Don and Sharon Del Rosario when I saw the canoes and kayaks. Too bad they are so far away or they could have talked Bill into "enjoying" the water.
This is part of the patio on the backside of the dining hall overlooking the lake. The steps lead down to the beach and docks.
The beach is to the left of the docks.
Here's the side entrance to the dining hall. Notice Bill is wearing a sweat shirt.
After seeing all this green, I think the desert will seem especially brown to us when we return.
I love the "empty" playground and all the unique equipment. Did I mention besides the reasonable fee of $17 per night, they also have a free laundry?
No one was in any hurry to leave this morning as most had called home and found out that the electric is not going to be on before Monday. I had no idea how widespread the storm was nor how severe until Sharon called to ask if we were okay. I guess you get so busy you don't have time to watch the news.
Bill has had some issues with his back the last few days so I hitched up and drove today. We zigged and zagged down two lane roads, there were branches from trees strung across the roads but nothing I couldn't dodge.
We plan to stay here this week and maybe next until it's time for the Montana Owners Club. We had planned to meet up with Jim and Sandie Dixon in Scotsboro but, I think we'll stay still for awhile and get Bill's back in shape.
Turtle Safely........
Hastings, Michigan
Camp Michiawana
Back In #18
We were in no hurry to leave today as we didn't have far to go. Bill pulled out about 10:15. I offered to drive today but Bill took the wheel. As we were driving on all the back roads which were two lane, no shoulder and tree lined, the GPS told us to make a U-turn. You've got to be kidding. There were blind turns, no shoulder at all and trees everywhere.
When we pulled in, we were immediately greeted and told to back in to number 18. It was a blind side back in, but Bill had no problem getting it around the trees and parked. I was real proud when Bernie and Carole Patton pulled up and said I gave great directions.
Tomorrow begins the Escapees Chapter 6 Rally. Anna told me there were 25 rigs in last night and I think about 7 have come in today since we arrived. They are expecting 39 rigs. Last year when we attended, I couldn't believe that we were one of the last to arrive, even though it was early. It looks like being early is a tradition with this chapter.
They've picked a beautiful location. The meeting room is directly across from us. It's hard to believe you can get such huge sites with water and electric for $17 per night.
Polly Folger would be happy as the horseshoe pits are behind us.
And this is an EMPTY playground behind us. I've noticed that all the playgrounds in Michigan seem to have the wooden tractors for kids to play on.
Unfortunately, I didn't take the camera to happy hour. The circle kept growing and growing. Bob Horwood went over the agenda for the rally. It promises to be a good one.
Since my last blog, Bill decided that "the kitchen sink" was the best flavor of ice cream at Turkeyville. I learned the MOO-ville Creamery is nearby and they give tours and samples. Someone told me the corn flavor was delicious. You know I'll need to make that judgement on my own, I'll be happy to let you know what I think.
It looks like it's going to busy the next few days.
Here's a footnote. I forgot to tell you that Bill saved another life. It was a baby turkey that somehow got out of the cage. The mother was going crazy and Bill rounded up the baby turkey and got it back into the cage. The mother came over towards Bill and said something to him. Unfortunately, I couldn't translate but I think she said "thank you."
Here's another wood carving from Turkeyville
This carved wooden turkey greeted us every time we visited the fudge/popcorn/ice cream section so we saw a lot of this one.
Here's also the flea market that was held on Labor Day Weekend.
Turtle Safely.......
