Day 30, Sunday, Millis, MA

Now, being the second day after the black water fiasco, it is time to try to again to dump.  The grey tank now being completely full, I decide to release some of the grey water first.  I pull the valve and nothing.  Not a drop.  Seems like bad news but it is actually great news.  It means something other than solids was preventing the black water from emptying.  The first thing that comes to mind is the leveling jacks.  The jacks had lifted the driver’s side of the coach to make it level.  The tank dump valves are on the driver’s side.  We pull in the slides and pull up the jacks and voila, WE CAN DOO DOO AGAIN.  The black water gushes out.  Black tank emptied and now the grey water gushes out.  A simple, no cost cure to the problem.  That’s a rarity.  Also, a valuable lesson - always pull up the jacks before dumping.  I don’t remember that being mentioned in our 25 lbs. of manuals.  I should recheck the manuals but they’re too heavy to move.

Head back to Davis clan where a delicious lunch spread is served.  Afternoon is lady’s choice, the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets.  Girls had fun (and did some damage) and Bob D. and I had some bonding time.  Dinner at Lilac House Chinese Restaurant with the entire Davis clan, including Brian and Jamie.  The fortune in my cookie would have been prophetic if it had come a day earlier (see photo).  After dinner I had a black cow at Black Cow (see photo).

Day 29, Saturday, Millis, MA

In Millis to visit the Davis clan.  After bagels and lox for brunch, we head to Boston Harbor by car then by train/subway.  Take Harbor cruise out of the Long Wharf to Georges Island where Fort Warren, a Civil War era fort, awaits.   The cruise is about 45 minutes and although the weather is beautifully sunny in mid 70's, it is actually quite cool in the harbor breeze.  But not too cool to enjoy a Boston brewed Harpoon IPA on the way.  Catch a guided tour of the fort and some magnificent views of the Harbor Islands and the city.  Back to the city and an Italian dinner in the North End.  Train ride back to the car for a silly ride laughing about the black water experience of the prior day to the Dooby Brothers’ tune of Blackwater. “Oh blackwater, keep on flowing...”  A beautiful but exhausting day comes to an end.  No solids added to the black water this day.

Day 28, Friday, Millis, MA

Depart Albany for about 3-1/2 hours on the Mass Pike.  Thought we were going to shake apart. Talk about crumbling infrastructure.  Can’t we borrow a little more from China to maintain our interstates? Maybe if we stop supporting the rest of the world - but I digress.  Virginia, PA and NY interstates were not so good either.  Makes me appreciate Florida and its fairly well maintained roads.  Northerners claim freezing weather is the cause.  Just another reason to live in the south.  Why did we ever leave?  Oh yeah, heat.  High today mid 70's with expected low tonight 49.  Ok for those who have been waiting for our Robin Williams “Motorhome” moment, it arrived today.   As we fill up the grey water (sinks and shower wastewater) faster than the black water (you can figure which wastewater this is), we catch dish water in a basin and dump it down the toilet.  Well on this day (still in Albany) as I was dumping it, a butter knife appeared and down it went.  On our drive, thinking I would like to know if the knife passes out or stays in the tank when we get to the campground and dump the black water, I determine the only way to do this is to let the black water out slowly which is against the normal procedure as you want as much pressure when you dump as possible so any solids get flushed with the liquids. I figured with the 3-1/2 hour drive on a bumpy road with our little added “bugs” who are supposed to eat up all the solids we would be ok.   Get to the campsite, hookup and dump slowly.  No knife.  Then I begin adding water through the flush out valve but a bit of a problem.  Nothing is coming out the drain.  Time to call RV Medic in Tampa.  Speak to owner Johnny who informs me the knife is probably stuck just below the toilet.  I open the toilet flush valve and look down and there it is, maybe 10" down.  The opening would fit Rosemary’s hand easily but I decide not to ask her.  Down my hand goes with a little effort I am in about half way to the elbow.  Got it.  Able to lift the knife with my fingers enough to grab the knife with my other hand.  Now with a little more effort after Rosemary threatens (jokingly, I think) to cut off my arm my hand is free at last.  Rosemary washes the knife 3 times and I get to wash off outside.  With the knife rescued, we turn to the problem of the black tank not draining.  We add extra bugs and wait for them to do their magic, at least overnight but I will probably wait at least two nights.  If that does not work, we will have to fill the tank about half way and take a drive on a bumpy road (not a problem in MA) and hope that breaks up the clog.  If not a bit of a problem as we would have no toilet and Walmarts would take on a different purpose (not in the parking lot).  To be continued.  Sorry, no photos today.

Day 27, Thursday, Albany, NY

Reluctantly we departed from our overnight stay at Chateau LaFayette Reneau Winery with the beautiful view of Lake Seneca.  Next stop Howe Caverns about 40 miles west of Albany.  Howe Caverns is about 4 miles off the interstate on a winding, hilly two lane road.  We were about 1/10 of a mile away when we round a bend and there before us is a low clearance bridge of 12'9".  We being 13'4" come to a complete stop.  Since backing up is not possible towing a car 4 wheels down.  We get out and detach the car and Rosemary gets it out of the way.  I then slowly go backwards while signaling approaching cars with my left arm out the window to go around the coach.  Most get it promptly.  Those who don’t get it promptly finally get it when they realize I am going in reverse and they must either get out of the way or else!  After a few hundred yards I reach a parking lot in which I can enter and turn around.  Luckily, the parking lot is in front of a business that is temporarily closed until the following Saturday.  We lock up the coach and proceed to the caverns in the car.  The caverns entrance is an elevator trip down 156'.  Two unique features of this caverns is firstly, an underground river on which we take a boat ride.   Secondly, the “winding way” which is a narrow, winding pathway for single file only with heights from 5' to 50' carved by rapid water movement as opposed to the slow movement of water that wears away the limestone which formed the caverns.  Onward to Albany and a visit to Tram.  Tram’s driveway is flat and more importantly, long enough to accommodate the coach.  We had a delightful dinner at a Japanese restaurant about a 5 minute walk from Tram’s.  After dinner we all returned to the coach for some wine and conversation.  We enjoyed the quiet residential parking spot when lights out.

Day 26, Wednesday, Watkins Glen, NY

After a night at the museum we head to Watkins Glen State Park, a ½ hour away.  It is incredible.  1-1/2 mile walk along the base of a gorge with waterfall after waterfall, 19 in all.  A couple of them you walk behind the falls.  A little rain caused us to use the ponchos but they came in handy walking the trail during which one does not stay completely dry.  Afternoon we head to Hector (about 7 miles away) and the Chateau LaFayette Reneau Winery, a Harvest Hosts host, for a tasting and an overnight stay.  Wine was very good and we made a purchase.  The winery is in a beautiful spot overlooking Lake Seneca away from any city noise.  Attended 2 more wineries and one distillery for tastings with more purchased.  Since the coach gets a little hot at times, our purchases go into the fridge which is getting full of bottles - must drink more.  Also had a tasting of local cheeses and also made a purchase.  Dinner in Watkins Glen at Nickel’s Pit BBQ.  The ribs and pulled pork made it a winning choice and served with local brew Original Nut Brown Ale from the Rooster Fish Brewing located in the restaurant.  Back to the coach and find we are all alone.  Open the coach up to admire the view - no noise but us, the birds and the frogs.  This is our first Harvest Hosts winery and definitely won’t be our last.  What a great deal Harvest Hosts is.

Day 25, Tuesday, Corning, NY

3-1/2 hour drive to Corning and the Corning Museum of Glass.  Eat lunch in museum parking lot and enter museum at 1:00.  AAA book says to allow 3 hours and I thought 3 hours would be overdoing it.  6 hours later we still did not quite see all we wanted to see but hunger wins out.  One interesting piece was a glass chess set with the Jews against the Catholics (see photo).  It seems the Jews always are the black.  Dinner in museum parking lot and with darkness approaching decide to stay the night.

Day 24, Monday, Harbor Creek, PA (near Erie)

Late start departing New Stanton so arrive Erie area and check into Harbor Creek Walmart, go grocery shopping and eat dinner.  Then drive around Erie and Presque Island.  See Lake Erie and walk on “beach” - no threat to the beautiful white sandy beaches of Florida.

Day 19-23, Wednesday-Sunday, Pittsburgh

On way to Pittsburgh to visit kids and grandkids stopped at Flight 93 National Memorial.  In Pittsburgh visit Phipps Conservatory and gardens.  4 trips to Home Depot.  3 dozen bagels purchased, not at Home Depot.  Mowed Daniel’s lawn.

Day 18, Tuesday, Harrisburg

Depart Philly and arrive in Harrisburg and park at Walmart.  Visit the State Capitol building for guided tour.  Building completed in 1906 is very impressive with an entry rotonda about 5 stories tall and very ornate halls for senate, house and supreme court.  House was in session and got a brief glimpse.  PA legislature meets year round and no term limits.  And I thought Florida was scary with a 2 month annual legislative session.  Afterward drove around Harrisburg - not too pretty and not much to see.

Day 17, Monday, Philadelphia

Last day in Philly and a visit to the US Mint.  Self guided tour.  Surprising to find out that the copper penny blanks are outsourced.  All other coins are cut in-house.  No one to answer questions such as what it costs to make a penny.  Also, the coins being mass produced are poured together as soon as they are struck so I inquired how “proof” coins are made and the person I asked could not provide an answer.  I was also disappointed that no free samples were offered.  Time to get back to the wineries.  

Our next stop, believe it or not, was City Hall.  We arrived just in time to take the guided tour.  This building took 30 years to build and was completed in 1901, a skyscraper of concrete and stone, no steel.  It was incredible.  Topped off by a ride from the 7th floor in a 4 person (skinny persons only) little elevator up to the observation deck over 500 feet high for an outstanding view of the city.  Lunch at Reading Terminal again but not until 3 pm.  Then back to the coach for a little rest something in short supply since we arrive in the big city.

Day 16, Sunday

Visited the historic Congregation Mikveh Israel synagogue.  Greeted by a member who gave us a tour and a brief background of the longest continuously operating synagogue in the US.  Near the synagogue is the National Museum of American Jewish History.  The museum had a special event, “Chasing Dreams”, which told the history of Jews in baseball.  Admission was free.  Lunch was back to Reading Market and “Sang Kee Peking Duck” for triple dumpling soup.  Then back to Chinatown for more bubble tea.  Afternoon was a visit to the portrait gallery at the Second Bank of the US, our own driving tour including a stop at Elfreth’s Alley which claims to be the oldest continually inhabited residential street.  Also stopped at Fairmont Park for a nice walk along the Schuylkill River.  Dinner was back to Chinatown and Malaysian food at Penang.  Spicy Mango Chicken was delicious as was Shrimps with Lady Fingers (that’s okra) also delicious.  Not so sure about that calorie offset as my baby bump seems to be growing. Fortunately, we have no scale on the coach.

Day 15, Saturday

Wow, 10 hours in downtown Philly and wanting more.  I am one to avoid big cities but I must admit today was a great day.  We began at the Masonic Temple with a guided tour.  Seven different lodge halls in seven different styles.  Egyptian, Corinthian, Ionic, Italian Renaissance, Norman, Oriental and Gothic.  The inside of the building took 33 years to complete.  Wow and double wow.  The photos don’t due justice to the place.  If you’re ever in Philly I suggest this is a must see.  Then a quick visit to the Wanamaker organ to hear the huge pipe organ in Macys 7 story atrium.  Then lunch in Reading Terminal Market which competes favorably with Pike’s Marketplace in Seattle. Name a type of food and it is there.  Also, wall to wall people.  We had special corned beef and roast beef sandwiches at Hatfield Deli piled high and smothered in coleslaw and a special thousand island dressing.  Rosemary ate a half which means I had to eat 1-1/2 sandwiches.  Only left room to split a walnut fudge brownie for dessert.  Then on to the important stuff, Independence National Historical Park which includes Independence Hall, Congressional Hall, Old City Hall which was the home of the US Supreme Court from 1791-1800 and the Liberty Bell Center.  Finish about 5 pm and head to Chinatown to get Rosemary her Asian food.  Before dinner, stop for a bubble tea.  The owners, a very friendly young couple, advised us of their favorite eating spots and we now have the next several days restaurants all selected (all Asian-that’s the best way of keeping Rosemary away from chicken).  Tonight was Spice C, a Szechuan noodle place.  Ordered 2 dishes, one stir fry with hand pulled noodles (we actually watched the noodles being pulled akin to tossing pizza dough but with a lot of pulling and twisting) and one Szechuan soup with shaved noodles.  Both interesting and delicious.  In spite of all the food, it was probably, hopefully, a wash as to calories in and calories spent walking all over the place.

Day 14, Friday

Decided to vary from the planned itinerary and head to Philly.  Only 65 mile trip which we turned into 85 with a couple of wrong turns.  But I now know how much room I need to make a u-turn with an approximately 60 foot rig - a lot!  About 4-1/2 lanes.  No campgrounds in Philly area so we checked into Timberlane Campground in Clarksboro, NJ, only 18 miles away and 25 minute drive in the car, all interstate.  After lunch, head into Philly and first stop, Rosemary’s must see, the Barnes Foundation.  A private collection of Dr. Albert Barnes includes the largest collection of Renior paintings, over 180, and also many Cezanne, Matisse, Picasso, VanGogh, Rousseau and many others.  We spent 3-1/2 hours and I actually enjoyed it too.  Who knew!  The museum was laid out in ensembles in smallish rooms with brochures in each room identifying each piece and also an i-pad audio of a lot of the pieces.  Also, very importantly, a bench in the center of each room facing all directions - my back thanks that aspect.  Museum was open late on Friday and we did not finish until after 7 pm.  Starving, we head to my “must see”, Pat’s King of Steaks, which claims to be the originator of the Philly cheesesteak.  It’ll take a good scrubbing to get the grease off my hands.  Not sure it was worth the 2 years the cheesesteak took off my life.  Maybe an extra statin tomorrow.   As sandwiches go, I’ll take the Tampa Cuban any day. 

Day 13, Thursday

Slept in until 9:30.  Then short drive to the Strasburg Railroad established in 1832 for a ride on a restored 1800's train with plush velour seats, stained glass windows and an original steam locomotive.  45 minute ride through beautiful Amish farmland was very cool and relaxing.  Afternoon was spent at the Landis Valley Museum and Village - a collection of 1800's houses and other buildings including a gun makers shop, general store with original items, blacksmith shop, tavern and one room schoolhouse.  

Day 12, Wednesday

Depart Manheim and travel to Lititz to visit the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Factory, which claims to be the oldest pretzel factory in America.  Twisted our own pretzels and received another degree in pretzel making.  Becoming real academics on this trip so hopefully we can become gainfully employed again when we return home.  On to Lancaster and the Amish area.  After checking in at the Walmart Lodge, we went straight to Intercourse.  Intercourse PA that is.  Toured an Amish house and one room schoolhouse.  After the excitement of seeing the horsedrawn buggies a few times (and being held up by them on the road) and seeing the manure strewn roadways, the novelty wears off and one realizes this is just a tourist trap.  The Amish food is bland American so we decided to eat in.  Yes, Rosemary had chicken.