Gettysburg Farm Campground

Our drive into Pennsylvania from Virginia was very picturesque. We followed Hwy 301 over the Potomac River on into Maryland. I don't mind saying that my butt went a little water tight as we kept climbing the incline on the bridge to the middle of the river for what seemed like far too long. The sensation is a little different sitting so much higher in a motorhome. All of a sudden those railings between us, the edge of the bridge and the river far below looked a little weak. But we made it in one piece and then from there it was pretty much clear sailing on Interstates on up into PA. Traffic was moderate but moved right along the whole way until we turned off I-83 at York, PA onto Hwy 30.

This was our first time at Gettysburg Farm and we really like it. It is located west of York at 6200 Big Mount Road and is an actual working farm. The park was about half full. Big gravel sites with full hook ups for our motorhome. It is early in the season and things are just getting going. In fact, some of the work camper staff only arrived last week. Lots of animals and things to do for the children. We even ran into some people we met at Thousand Trails parks in Florida the past two winters.

Yesterday, Chris and I drove into the Amish area in Lancaster county and visited the village of Bird-In-Hand. We were here two years ago on a tandem cycling trip to Hershey and really enjoyed the experience. We ate at the Plain and Fancy Farm on route 340, half way between Bird-In-Hand and Intercourse. I won't bore you with my warped sense of humour but there are a few place names around here that bring a smile to my face. Fabulous food and plenty of it is all we can say. We took advantage of two $3 discount coupons that we found in a local brochure, so the price for dinner was really quite reasonable.

After that we toured the back roads for a few pictures and then stopped at the Amish Village in town for a tour of an authentic Amish farm. The photos you see here were taken at the farm which is now right next to a Target store mall on route 340.

We learned yesterday that we may have hit a wrinkle for crossing the border as well. It appears that Lazydays did not send the required documentation to the border crossing at Ogdensburg, NY in a timely fashion. They overnighted it yesterday so it should be there sometime this morning if all goes well. Everything I have read online at RIV.ca says that documentation must arrive at least 3 days prior to the vehicle being imported into Canada. We plan to cross on Wednesday afternoon, so hopefully that will be enough time for them to let us proceed on our way. If not, Chris will head back to Ottawa in our toad, so she can work on Thursday and I will wait at the border until I can cross. Stay tuned.

George Washington Birthplace National Monument

Yesterday, we had a great time touring around Westmoreland State Park and George Washington Birthplace National Monument. Both sites are within 30 minutes of this Outdoor World. Click on the title to link to the National Park Service for more information. Our ranger guide was a fountain of information and had done extensive genealogical research into the Washington family. The grounds are amazing and right on the banks of the Potomac River.

We returned to our site by mid afternoon and I just had to give this Dri-Wash I bought in Chesapeake Bay a go. Walt Fulton, who we met in Peace River last year was a few sites down at Chesapeake and I was always amazed how his coach and rig sparkled. Dri-wash is a waterless cleaning compound that works wonders both inside and outside our Phaeton. Spray on, wipe off with one micro fibre towel, and then buff with a second micro fibre towel. Results are fast and awesome. We did the whole coach up to about 7 feet high, but only because we didn't have a ladder with us. Then we tackled the Vue which was filthy. Wow! I think our photo speaks for itself.

Today, we are heading to Gettysburg Farm in Dover, PA which is another ODW park. We are going to be daring and try taking Hwy 301, I-695 and I-83 through Washington, DC and Baltimore as well. It's Sunday, so perhaps traffic will be light.

I thought readers might also like to know that I am working on a new blog as well. Ken and Faye suggested a title to us that Ken's son Mike came up with and we loved the idea. Some of you will no doubt remember the Peyton Place TV series from the 60s...... Yep, we will be introducing "Phaeton Place", but likely not until we get back to Ottawa when I will have more time to get things set up properly. Thanks Mike for a great idea!

Harbor View - Outdoor World

We are at Harbor View for a couple of nights. This is our first experience with an Outdoor World park. It is much smaller than any of the Thousand Trail parks we have been to but all in all it is pretty nice. Located in Colonial Beach, VA just east of Oak Grove on Hwy 3. Sites are a little on the small size for our phaeton but we found something on a corner lot that worked out pretty well. All pull thru sites were already full. This park is closed over the winter and only reopened last week. Lots of room. Hard seeing exactly where all the sites were actually because most are still covered with fallen leaves.

We scouted out the area a little this afternoon and are hoping to visit George Washington's birth place and Westmoreland State Park, both of which are just down the road a few miles. General Robert E Lee also grew up in these parts.

Hopefully, we'll have a few pictures for you tomorrow.