Loudonville, OH

Loudonville, Ohio
Mohican Reservation Campgrounds & Canoeing
Back IN Site #41

What's with all these early hours?  Bill and I pulled out of Elkhart County Fairgrounds about 7:30 am.  We had an appointment with Tom at D & T RV Repair to have our skylight replaced from our encounter with a low hanging tree branch in Missouri.  As we pulled in they were just opening the doors for business.  

Since we knew we had to wait we decided to go do laundry.  As we were driving through Goshen I spotted a barber pole.  This one didn't have a number to call for an appointment.  Bill walked in and 45 minutes later he had shorter hair and $11 less in his pocket.  He said he knew the whole life story of the girl by the time she finished.  

Around 10:30 we returned to D & T with our clean laundry.  They were up on the roof sealing the skylight.  I neglected to mention that they also worked on my coax for the bedroom satellite connection. I didn't want to wait last October when they did some other work for Montana, so I told them I'd stop back in when we came to the Escapade.   They told us it would be about 30 minutes before they were finished.  Bill was smiling!  Enough time for one more meal from the Lux Cafe.  

It wasn't quite noon when we pulled out of Goshen with full bellies.  Bill drove today and took highway 33 to Fort Wayne and then came across US highway 30.  We are just south of Mansfield at a Passport America park on the Mohican River in Loudonville.  

Notice the construction on US 30 on the Indiana side of the border.  When we crossed into Ohio, they haven't even touched the condition of their roads.

The park is almost empty but what a beautiful setting.  Right outside our rear window is where the canoes trips end.  They have a livery here that does 23 miles, 14 miles and 9 miles canoe, kayak, raft and tube trips.  I'm sure by this weekend this place will be packed.  Their rates are very reasonable.  PA rate for 50 amp electric and water is $17.50.  

The view out our rear window.  

Those aren't a stack of yellow bananas, they are canoes and kayaks waiting for the weekend.  (Sorry about the glare from the windshield.)

Loudonville is a very quaint town with an inviting Main Street.  The town is celebrating it's 200 year anniversary.  

Not sure what our plans are.  I paid for one day and we can stay on the PA rate until Friday.  

Turtle Safely........

Time to Say Goodbye to Goshen

Goshen, Indiana
Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds
Site #412

Hitch up breakfast was Saturday and every one said their "see ya's down the road".  I was surprised at the few rigs that pulled out.  No one seemed to be in a hurry.  

Before we knew it, it was time to attend the VCR workshop.  Susie and Denny asked everyone to come at noon for left over chili for lunch.  The workshop lasted until 4 and then we rode with Don and Sharon over to the Amish dinner.  I can't believe how much food we ate.  Dessert consisted of two pieces of pie and homemade ice cream with caramel sauce.  

While we were at this dinner, the Chapter 51 rally also had one.  We had thoughts of coming back and going to at least listen to the music but by the time we got out of the car, all we could do was waddle home.  

The next morning, Gloria and Frank stopped over to say good bye.  We'll miss them, they're great people.  

Sunday there were some great activities planned by the Escapees Chapter 51 but we were just both exhausted.  It called for a day just to veg.  Bill slept about 4 hours got up and dozed again on the couch.  Don and Sharon called and asked if we wanted to join them and the King's for dinner but we had just had an early dinner.

We walked over to Harley Hill to say our good byes to Don and Sharon Del Rosario this morning.  They are off to a great adventure in the Maritime. 

Today the rally schedule included a tour of the Bag Factory and a luncheon at the Trolley Cafe.  Last October, the Montana Owners Club Rally had a ladies trip to the Bag Factory and it was the day we had to take the Montana in for a repair so I was glad we finally made it.

There is a lot of history about the Old Bag Factory.  

These were the original switch panels for the trolley.

There were shops from furniture to chocolate.

There would be a corner with some artifact from the factory.

I walked into this "safe" room and Susie Orr pointed out that there was a window in it.  

They made bags for lots of products.

Notice Susie nor I are carrying any packages.  

I'm sorry I forgot to take photos of the Trolley Cafe, but once again the prices for restaurants in this area are very reasonable as well as great food and service.  

By the time we returned it was time to get my dish prepared for the potluck and head over for Happy Hour.  This group had 97 people attend.  

Joe and Alice stopped by after we returned from the pot luck.  There plans have changed, but that's OK there are always alternate ones.  We said our "goodbyes" as we may pull out tomorrow or the next day.  Our tentative plans are to be near the kid's by the holiday weekend.  

Turtle Safely......... 

Escapade Closing Ceremonies

Elkhart/Goshen Indiana
Mor/Ryde Customer Service #1
Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds #412

I've got a lot of catching up to do for the last 48 hours.  There's so much going on it's hard to keep up and I keep forgetting to add things.  

Yesterday morning Tony came to our door before 7 and asked if we were ready for our disc brakes.  We woke up at 5:30 am so that we'd be ready for them.  

It was cold and drizzily but it didn't dampen our spirit. We hitched up in a light rain and  Tony pulled the trailer into the garage.  He said the job should take 10 hours.  We knew we had to be back as volunteers for the prize drawing and said we should return around 9 pm.  Tony said we could get a key and come back into the garage.  They had 30 amp electric and if they weren't finished then we could sleep in it.  He asked if we would rather be on the RV site if it was finished.  Bill and I both agreed we'd rather not be in the repair bay.  

Bill and I went back to the Lux Cafe for breakfast and then back to the fairgrounds.  The Row Party started at noon and what a great time everyone had.  I almost think the bad weather was a good thing because everyone was up at the hospitality, market or the row and socializing.  

Johnny sang at the Row Party and before you knew it everyone was dancing. 

Denny and Susie Orr dancing for 50 years together.  

Sarah and Bill seeing how low they can go.  Sarah has the energy of a teenager and she can't wait to do the row again in Tucson.

  Bill and I had bought 3 Arizona t-shirts for door prizes.  I was so glad we did that because they came by with the microphone to each chapter that had a prize drawing.  The first winner got away before I had a chance to take a picture.

We decided to walk over and see how John Knoll was feeling but when we got to the infield decided against it.  The shuttles weren't going to the infield because of the mud.  Nothing as bad as the Sedalia rally a few years ago.

After the row party we packed up the row stuff and went down to the Happy Hour.  

They have beer, soft drinks, wines and margaritas along with snacks.  

Pat Miller, Denny Orr, me and Roger Grant.  Bill said it was a picture of me drinking with the "boys".  Even though it was the coldest day, we all started feeling warmer.  By the time it was time to meet up for dinner at the wings place both Bill and I decided we shouldn't be driving.  Sharon drove the truck and she said it brought back memories of her days when she was a solo drive with a 38 foot 5th wheel.

Don and Sharon Del Rosario, Frank and Gloria King and us  went to the wings place.  The food was good but way too much.  Can you believe between the six of us, no one took a photo?

By the time we got back to Elkhart, we were happy to see the trailer set up on the lot with the electric on.  We went straight to bed after calling and checking on my dad.  

The Redwood that was next to us had a 6 am service call.  They were noisy enough to wake us up so we just got up and started our day.  We went over to check in with Tony and give him back the key to the building we didn't have to use.

He wanted us to drive the rig and make sure everything was satisfactory.  I jumped in the driver's seat and Bill jumped in the backseat.  What a difference!  I can't believe how much faster it stops.  I'm sorry I didn't get a photo of Tony. 

We walked over to pay our invoice and Sarah and Kelsey gave us t-shirts.  They wanted to know what color we wanted.  It would have been nice on a day like today if they had sweatshirts, toboggans or gloves .  

Gary Wheeler had told us yesterday that he'd be happy to give us a tour of the factory while we were there.  While we waited for him I tried to figure out the fancy coffee pot.  Note they had a sign that said if you couldn't figure it out to ask Sarah or Kelsey.  It made me feel not so stupid.

I noticed the sign on the counter that the Montana Owners Club had given Mor/Ryde last October when we were here.  

I asked Gary to stand next to it.  It was nice to see they valued it and displayed it.  

I've toured a lot of different factories but I have never been as impressed with a company as this one.  

They work on every one of the Cruise America class C's before they are delivered.

They were serving a free lunch to all the employees.

Bill drove back to Goshen and he couldn't believe the difference.

We pulled back into the fairgrounds and I asked Molly Pinner where to park.  She said anywhere we wanted.  We pulled over into the northwest area.  Nick Russell saw us pull in and said we could have his spot as he would be leaving in a half hour.  We saw an empty spot a few sites down and backed into it.  Just a slight drizzle now.  Bill got it parked and the people on the other side asked if we knew the sewer was on the opposite side.  No problem, I think we saw another site another row down.  Bill backed into it and we were set up in no time.  

Bill and I always enjoy the pet parade even though we don't have any pets.

I don't know if you can read the sign on this dog but it says, "Eat More Chicken".  This dog looked like a cow.  

I hurried over to the Chili Cook-Off to help and by the time I got there they had everything done.  The Chili was all good and the VCR's KISS (Keep it simple stupid) came in 4th.  It was a lot of fun and a perfect day for chili.

Closing ceremonies were at 3 pm.  There were 543 rigs at the rally.  Not bad considering how early in the season it is.  

Paul Evert RV hosted Happy Hour again.  The attendees really enjoyed the happy hour every day along with the nice music.

We all enjoyed Happy Hour since we knew Don was our designated driver for tonight.  

Lois and Bill Boose invited us to dinner along with Joe and Alice Knox.  Don and Sharon asked us what we were doing for dinner so they joined us.  We went back to the Lux Cafe.  I think everyone in there was from the Escapade. 

 Bill ordered a bowl of soup as he wasn't hungry. 

Sharon put her bowl of soup which was a side she chose with her dinner beside Bill's bowl.  

It was another fun day.  All the people who are in the infield get a complimentary extra day from the fairgrounds due to the mud.  They have worked hard to make everyone happy.  They also brought in gravel to help negotiate getting out.  

Tomorrow is hitch up day. 

Turtle Safely........

Ten Miles Up the Track

Elkhart, Indiana
Mor/Ryde Customer Park
Back IN

Yesterday there was so much going on I had no time to blog.  Now that I look back, I wonder where the day went. Here's some rally photos I forgot to post.

Somehow this boat looks out of place in this 1880's setting.  
The temperature was suppose to drop by 20 degrees and there was a 70% chance of rain predicted.  Bill and I normally like to walk over to the general assembly building but the mud was terrible on the horse track so we hopped on the shuttles.  

The Row, Escapees Chapters information tables, hours were 10 to 1 yesterday.  For lunch yesterday we bought the "comfort lunch".  The meal consisted of Salisbury steak, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, salad and rolls.  The daily luncheons are $7.00.  The breakfasts they have are $6.00 and we plan to have one tomorrow.  

I did attend my first seminar of the rally on tablets and smartphones put on by the Geeks on Tour.  The seminar was packed as usual when they are the instructors.  Happy hour by Paul Evert RV's followed.   

Bill and I are runners at the Escapade.  Now don't get excited, we aren't actually running.  Our job is to hand out the prizes during the prize drawing every night.  The nightly entertainment last night was Homestead Pickers.  They were very good and are from Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri.  

John and Karen Knoll

I think I forgot to mention that Bill is getting his Father's Day and Birthday present combined here in Indiana.  He's wanted to add disc brakes to our Montana.  Naturally we stopped to talk with Gary at the Mor/Ryde exhibit and after talking with him, we are scheduled for disc brakes tomorrow morning.  There next available appointment would have been in June.

We hitched up this morning and took the rig up to the parking lot by the office.  Since it wasn't raining, it was a good time to do it.  The weatherman was predicting rain this afternoon.  I'm sure we left a lot of tracks in the mud. 

Bill worked the Chapter table while I attended an excellent class on the Rand McNally GPS.  I can't believe how many people own them.   Molly Pinner and friends came by and Bill took a picture of her new hairdo.  

It's funny that when you run around with people you start to look alike.

This afternoon we drove about 10 miles up to Mor/Ryde.  They have 50 amp service including cable.  Gary said there was a lot of construction and it would be difficult to get to it.  Boy was he right!

The first street we were to make a right hand turn had it closed.  The actual address isn't there anymore.  They have taken over the whole block and the street in between is now part of their building.  We saw the trailers and came in next to a building with a backhoe and dump truck working in it.  The dump truck driver saw us and said he thought we might be able to get down to the sites.  He scooped the path and we went down it.  It had started raining so it was muddy everywhere.  Bill got it backed in in no time and the first thing we did was turn on the fireplace.  The temps tomorrow are suppose to be in the 40's but later on in the week back up to 80's.  

Tonight is the Ham-O-Rama practice so we don't have to go back to Goshen for the prize drawing.  Our tech told us they will take the trailer in tomorrow morning at 6:30 am.  Did I mention 6:30 am?  

Turtle Safely.........