Before I begin running off at the mouth I want to point you to the below link. It will take you to our daughter Cindy's blog. She is doing a Trans-America bike ride that may interest you.
http://tinyurl.com/r2ptbu
Almost a week has passed since we left Beacon Hill and returned to TT Hershey. We have a nice spot near the rec center so WiFi connectivity is strong while using the iMac. When Audrey has used her Macbook, she has had to use our new Hawking antenna to strengthen the signal.
To get the good site, we spoke with the folks who had the site before we left for Beacon Hill. We knew they were leaving the day we were scheduled return. They told us about what time they would be leaving so we made sure we were at TTH when they left in order to claim the site. It's nice when a plan comes together.
About the only day we did anything worth noting was Thursday, We left early and headed to the Cracker Barrel in Hamburg, PA to meet Audrey's brother, Jerry, and sister-in-law Judy. We have not seen them in about a year. Jerry owns an industrial insulation business but has essentially turned the business over to his son. Now he has a job I'd like. He's a pilot for a small company that flies celebrities all over the country. He's in the air about 11 days a month. He has flown Obama, Perlman and other dignitaries all over the country. Last week he spent 4 days in Bermuda while the client did business. Tough life. After having breakfast and chatting with Jerry and Judy, we made a call to my Aunt Ruth (92) in Frackville to see if she could have lunch. She said yes, so off we went to the Cracker Barrel in Frackville. (Do you sense a rut?) On the way back to the coach we stopped at the Hollywood Casino where Audrey made a dollar on the nickel slot machine.
Today, Saturday, we are seeing something strange in the sky. I think it's the sun. We have had another week of rain. The only day this week we've seen the sun and no rain was Monday. Just maybe we'll be able to ride our bikes today.
Later in the day on Saturday: Yes, the sun did shine all day, and I got to ride the Corsa into Hershey to the outlet mall where I met Audrey. We did our usual looking but little spending. Audrey, rather than ride her trike, decided to walk the campground before meeting me, and she was glad she did. She came across a family from State College, PA who have trikes and were riding them in the park. Needless to say they had a nice chat about trikes.
It's now Sunday morning, and we are at Panera Bread Hershey (thanks Myron & Dorcas) after attending the 8:00 am service at All Saints' Episcopal Church in Hershey. All Saints' is one of our favorite churches to visit on our travels. From here it's back to the TTH, change our clothing and head off on the bikes. Most likely we'll ride the rails/trails.
One last thing. Sorry John and Pat that Mine that Bird could not pull it off. We were cheering for the horse and Calvin.
Another update coming - who knows when.
All for now. Stay tuned for the next update.
After 3 fun weeks at the TT Hershey campground, we've moved on to Intercourse and the Beacon Hill Campground. http://www.800padutch.com/beacon.html We were here last year and had so much fun, we decided to return. It's a small campground about a half mile from the center of 
Intercourse.
Prior to leaving TTH, I received the Hawking WiFi antenna for the iMac, 
and I am happy to report that it improved the WiFi signal reception. A number of folks at TTH were interested in the antenna. Such being the case, I demoed the unit for them at their coaches, and the unit worked for them. Maybe I should go into the business of selling the units while we travel. The gent from whom I purchased the original antenna for the PC is no longer on the road and selling Hawking units.
Our site here at Beacon Hill is unique. It's at the entrance to the campground and along the road that passes by the entrance. It gives us a great view of all the Amish horses and buggies passing by as well as the kids on their bikes and scooters. We also have a view of an Amis
h farm where we can witness the hard working Amish till the fields and work with their milk cows. (see the pictures)
While here we've had another series of rainy days. It's been rare that we've seen the sun for a full day since we arrived in PA. Nonetheless we've had many things to do. We've visited one of our favorite bike shops, Shirks, in East Earl, 
PA. The shop is near the Shady Maple so we had to make a stop. See the picture of the menu listing.
Between showers I've been able to ride the bike near the 
campground. Audrey had hers out but only for a short ride as the clouds darkened and she had to head back to the coach. Near the campground while riding I found an Amish farm that had a petting zoo. (see the pictures)
Did you know there is a railroad museum here in central PA? Yes, and it's something. It's located about 10 miles from Beacon Hill in Strasburg. Go here to learn about the museum. 
http://www.rrmuseumpa.org/
We have been able to ride the bikes in the last couple of days as the weather has improved. . We made a second trip to Shirk's Bike Shop. I rode the bike to the shop and Audrey met me there. Yes, a few purchases were made. Audrey found a nice helmet light and I purchased a folding tire for the Corsa. After returning to the coach, we took the bikes and rode 16 miles around the Amish farm country. The beauty of the Amish farms is stunning. On the way home, we stopped at the entrance to an Amish farm where children were selling bird houses. Audrey could not miss the opportunity to get another bird house and at the same time help the family. The picture shows all the kids at the roadside stand along with their pony.
On Monday we return to Thousand Trails Hershey for 3 weeks. Our schedule during that stay will be busy. We'll give you an update so check back for the exciting news.
In addition to the pictures included in this posting, if you are interested you can find others pictures using this link. http://gallery.me.com/watkinsdl#100125
Monday, May 11:We continue our stay at Thousand Trails Hershey. Yesterday was a special day for Audrey - Mother's Day. She had very nice phone calls from Cindy (in AZ) and Dawn in NC) and had a light lunch with Denise in Mechanicsburg, PA. Later we took our bikes and rode the rails/trails beginning at the Colebrook Trailhead. Audrey rode most of the trail while I rode on the road to Cornwall Furnace.
The picture on the right shows our grandson, Connor (on left) holding a handful of money. He entered a Guitar Hero contest at the car show in Carlisle, PA on Satu
rday and won first prize. He is really good with Guitar Hero. The winnings put $800 dollars in his pocket. Second prize was $200. Needless to say, we are seeking a loan from Connor.
Earlier I spent time updating the WY&CC website - a site I maintain to keep me busy. Board of Director elections are coming soon and the membership can get details of the election via the website. Beyond that who knows what today will bring. We hope to ride the bikes later after a trip to Palmyra if the weather cooperates.
Tuesday/Wednesday, May 12-13
Tuesday was Root's Market day - a place that's just a fun trip. Lots of great Lancaster & Lebanon county produce and meats. Yes, the flea market is a fun experience too. After the trip to the market, it was time to get the bikes on the road and trail. Audrey hit the trail and I rode the roads near the campground. The pictures of the goats were taken as I rode the recumbent past a local farm. Audrey says she'd like to adopt the white-faced one.
Thursday/Friday/Saturday, May 14, 15, & 17
Thursday was a fun day as we met our daughter Denise and headed to Frackville to have lunch with my two 90+ year old aunts at Cracker Barrel . Joining us was my cousin, my sister-in-law and her mother who is also 90+. Needless to say we had a wonderful visit and hope to make another visit with them before we leave for home in mid-June. On the way we stopped at Cabela's in Hamburg where I took a lot of video of the animals on display. One of these days I'll post a movie for all to view. On the way home, we learned of a new casino in PA located at the Penn National Race Track in Grantville - the Hollywood Casino. Since this is only 30 minutes from TTH, we decided to make a quick stop to check out the place. Here again I took some video (illegally) and have converted it to a movie. The bad news is the network at TTH is so awful, it's difficult to upload the file. However, the video was finally uploaded and can be viewed using the below link. You'll see Audrey at the nickel slot machine where she made 50 cents on a $2.00 budget.
http://gallery.me.com/watkinsdl/100108
Friday and Saturday were uneventful days as we had rain and most of the time we chilled out around the coach. We were able to get in a short bike ride on Friday on the rails/trails path. Yesterday, Saturday, I got out for a ride before the rains came.
Sunday, May 17
We made it to church this morning where the sermon focused on the topic of sexuality in the Episcopal Church. Interesting comments by the rector. Now we're at Panera Bread in Hummelstown where we do have a good Wifi connection. Unfortunately I do not have any of the movies I want to post on this MacBook. The day began with rain but now the skies are clearing so there is a chance that we can ride the bikes or do something else out-of-doors.
All from here in central PA. Stay tuned for the next update.
