A belated greeting from Savannah!!

Better late than never, we hope.......We've arrived safely to our new base here in the Peach State. The trip went relatively smoothly, all things considered. We had a chance to rendezvous with some other hosts from Boonsboro, themselves heading south toward Florida. We met up at the NC welcome center, sharing some wine and chow before resting up for the morning trip continuation. The day dawned sunny & bright ( unlike those of us that had the most wine the night before.......) We set out then, anticipating our Savannah arrival.
The park we had lined up turned out to be all that we'd hoped for, and more. Live oaks and Spanish moss everywhere, beautiful landscaping, spacious sites, and many other attractive characteris tics. It'll be a great place to winter, with much to explore & experience. We're just minutes from historic downtown Savannah, yet in a quiet setting.
You'll notice that there's no photo this time. We thought it better to provide the park web-
site, as it has many great pics of the grounds. ( www.redgatecampground.com )
Our duties here are much different than Greenbrier State Park. Joannie will be doing some office work primarily, with both of us greeting arrivals and familiarizing them with the parks' features & amenities. I am involved with many varied tasks related to maintenance and upkeep. The park is family owned, with a rich history going way back. They all have made us feel welcome, and are very laid back, easy-going folk. They're sending us on tours and to various eateries ( on them ) so we may better recommend them to clients.
We've made a few trips into town so far, and it's as charming as we've heard it to be. The many beautiful architechtured homes, the peaceful treed squares, and congenial atmos-
phere combine to make a great place to spend time in. We also went out to Tybee Island, a quiet beach town just east of here. It wasn;t at all crowded, but it's a bit off-season.
There are some pretty fancy rigs coming in, and we've met so many nice people in the process. They've been from near & far, some even from overseas. For them, the exchange rate makes it very economical to vacation in the states, and many rent out rv's and are taking a leisurely pace to see as much as they can. They're great to chat and share info with.
We'll update more later, as we get more familiar with the area in general. I believe it safe to say we'll probably be here til early spring, then who knows what's next? Anyhoo, take care all, and we'll be back at ya soon.........

southern cause

Howdy all...This post is brought to you from the Boonsboro Library again, a frequent and favorite destination of ours. We're really gonna miss this facility when we leave soon. It's a great place to while away some quality time, and learn things in the process.

Speaking of learning things, we now have a change of plan.

( RV'ers often have changes in plans......) The Delaware gig is being put off for this season. In the process of looking to the winter season, an opportunity arose in one of our pre-ferred destinations that we can't pass up. The genteel city of Savannah, Ga. is calling our names. We've always been intrigued by its' many allures, having even previously con-

sidered it as a place to put down stakes sometime in the future. So, we jumped at the chance to work camp there, at a private park called Red Gate Farm. It's close to town, and has many of the amenities that we'll really appreciate.

Among those would be cable TV and internet access. These would verify the fact that the DiCola's don't want to give up

all the aspects of the evryday life that we left behind in Pa.

In a later post, we'll provide further details of the facility, city, and how we'll pass our time. The one thing we're really hopeful of will be the warmer winter months, and shorter cold season. If we're lucky, winter for all of us will not be as bad as '09/'10.

Regarding the above snapshot, you'll be excused if you mistook it for Stonewall Jackson.

( albeit at an advanced age and with the DiCola schnoz ) I got involved with a living history project here in Boonsboro, and they needed another rebel to man a cannon crew. It took place at Fox's Gap, a battlefield at which ole' Bobby Lee wanted to detain the Federals a bit so's he could gather his armies together for the northern invasion. It was a very moving ex-

perience, and didn't take much to get the imagination going. Before long I was drawlin' all over the place and spittin' tabaccy juice over yonder. The organizers seemed to take a likin' to me and invited me to a similar exhibition taking place at the Antietam Battlefield this weekend. Only difference being that this time is I'll hafta be a Yankee. Guess I'll grin and bear it and hope the folks down in Savannah don't ever find out.

Both Joannie & I are getting the itch to hitch and move along to another adventure. The park here in MD has been great, but the time has come to hit the highway yet again. We'll bring ya'll up to date next time around. Take care!!!

A fine howdeedoo from Greenbrier State Park !! As you can see here, we're in our official duds ready & willing to do our duties. They are varied in nature, but quite easily accomplished. Part of the deal, by the way, is the very fine golf cart we're leaning against. Pretty high brow, huh? It is a neat way to get around, though.

Our responsibilities here include greeting the campers, which are primarily weekenders, and assissting with activities here at the park. They do candy bingo for the kids, as well as show Sat. nite movies that we set up for and sell popcorn at. Another popular event is an ice cream social that's usually well attended, especially during these very warm days & nites. Of course, hosts get free ice cream, ( which might very well explain why you may notice the growing roll around Tom's abdomen ). In addition, we give the bath house a spot clean between visits by contract crews that make daily cleanings themselves.

There are so many things to see & do here that there's little chance of boredom setting in. One of our regular routines is visiting a local library in nearby Boonsboro ( where I'm now writing this blog ), a quaint little burg with lots of history and charm. We are doing alot of reading, which Joannie has always done but now I'm having more welcome opportunity to do so as well.

We've made many trips into Hagerstown, itself having many sites worth checking out. The Civil War history that's prevalent here has allowed much investigation, research, and education. The Antietam battlefield is just minutes from the park, and we've also gone up to Gettysburg too, travelling through the old town of Emmitsburg and other neat areas.

Life here is good, with many friendly folks and a high level of relaxation. Nature abounds and it's fairly regular to have deer ambling by our site. The woods keep the temps cooler than in town, and we drift off to sleep to the sounds of all the insects & other critters. We're durn near feeling guilty of how nice the lifestyle is going for us, but will try to get over that aspect!

It's looking like we'll be heading for Delaware for another host gig right after Labor Day, at a park called Killens Pond, which is a little south of Dover along Rt. 13. The setup is similar to here as far as duties and amenities. We hope it's as nice, as this park is spoiling us. After the end of October, we'll probably get up to Lancaster for a short time for a visit and some work time. Then, we will try to follow the sun south in either Georgia or north Florida. Part of the fun in this is the unknown adventures that may lie ahead. We feel lucky & blessed, though we miss our friends & family at home. We've had some fun visits from some of you and look forward to more. Take care, and we'll update again soon. Ta-ta......

We're baaaaaaack!

Well, we're off again. After some regroup time in Pa., the next stage of our adventure is starting. It got pretty intense there for a bit. Besides having to liquidate our former rig and a car, we had to go thru our storage unit and do some SERIOUS paring down. ( It got pretty ugly with me on the whip and Joannie whimpering like a sick puppy with tears in her eyes..) It ended ok and we're now fine once more.

Then, with our newly acquired truck in Dallas, the fiver in Knoxville, and the hitch in Lancaster, there was much coordinating going on to bring all loose ends together. It required some bonzai driving trips and other efforts, but we "got 'er done".

The horse ( GMC diesel Sierra ) pulls strong & quiet, and the coach ( Challenger 5th wheel ) is all we'd hoped and then some. Coming out of the travel trailer into the fiver was akin to leaving a small studio for a 1br apartment that also has a basement! It's great for the lifestye we've chosen to pursue, and look forward to many years' use.

We're now set up at Greenbrier State Park, near Hagerstown, Md. Our site is wooded and the park is beautiful. The surrounding area is peacefully scenic, with many interesting things & places to explore, including many historic sites with Civil War connections.

We mainly put in our work camp hours over the weekend and have all week to ourselves. Duties include administering social programs like ice cream socials, kiddie bingo, and movies. Also, we clean fire rings and sites after campers leave, and greet them as they arrive. It's easy going stuff with lots of rewards.

We're feeling incredibly lucky and blessed to be able to do all this. We'll elaborate more on the whole experience next time around. Ya'll take care now!

winding up?

A stop in Biloxi, MS enabled us to view many of the reconstructed builings that were leveled or damaged by Katrina. This place took a big hit!! Fortunately, one of the survivors was the home that belonged to ole' Jeff Davis, former pres. of the CSA. It sits right on the gulf, very stately and regal. After then touring some casinos (none of which got any DiCola funds..) it was on to Pensacola to visit friends Jeff & Pat Leonard, who hail from Lancaster. While enjoying our time with them, we got to tour the Blue Angels museum. It was an amazing array of aircraft and other related displays. Sadly, the Angels themselves were not due to start their practice sessions til after our departure. We understand that the practice is really quite the show in itself. Bummer! Pensacola is a real nice community with a well restored downtown area including eclectic architecture with a New Orleans touch to its older buildings. The area beaches are pristine and covered with the whitest sand we've ever seen.

We then took off for Sarasota and had a great visit with our friends Bob & Cathy Secker, also transplanted Lancastrians. It was a bit chilly for a dip in their pool, but we had fun any-way. Cathy's mother Cass is undergoing some medical issues tho, so your prayers would help.

Leaving the trailer there, we ventured south to Ft. Myers, where we once resided for a bit. Weather was great, but the area has grown much and experienced many changes . Way too much traffic for us now..... We did get to drive past the old homestead and chat with some former neighbors, which was fun. Also went past the site of our old piano store, which brought back many memories.

We got together with sister Kathy & b-i-l Park, helping them to divest themselves of their excess wine inventory. ( we were happy to assist them in that regard ). Also had a nice couple days with Chet & Cathy Lowe, more lancaster natives and good friends.

After picking up the trailer once again, we headed north to Savannah, Ga., hoping to hang for awhile to check it out for future relocation possibilities. Turned out there was no room at the inn due to Savannah having the nation's 2nd largest St. Paddy's Day celebration. Big dis-appointment, but we re-grouped and proceeded to Charleston, SC, another of our favorite cities. We walked the town, basking in the warmth of sunshine and southern hospitality at its finest. The pic up top here is just one of the elegant ante-bellum mansions around South Bay. Made us wanna go up on the porch with mint julep in hand. Wisely tho, we stifled the urge lest we encounter an irate homeowner with a .357........

We then drove up the coast to our present location in Myrtle Beach to tweak the tan and mentally prepare for our return to Lanc. by the end of March. It's so hard to believe we're at this point so soon, but it's been an amazing ride, both figuratively and literally. We'll look for-ward to the next stage and still feel very blest for the opportunity.

We anticipate seeing our friends & family again, timed with the arrival of springtime. Thanks to all who followed the blog and offered good wishes & prayers. We'll pick this up once more when we hit the road for our next adventure. See ya soon Lancaster!!!

eastward ho

A bit overdue, but the blog is back! After a real good visit with Joan's brother Gerry & wife Maryellen in Phoenix, ( during which we were hit with the worst storm in AZ history ) we headed for the Tuscon area. While there, we met up with good friends Bob, Kathy, Andy & Marge Secker. It's always great to see friends & family from home.

The pic here is from Boot Hill cemetery in Tombstone. It was a neat place to visit , and the nearby town of Bisbee was picturesque and historic. We also got over to Cochise's hideout, an amazingly beautiful and boulder strewn area. From there, we ambled east thru New Mexico and into west Texas. There were many historical markers to study and we marveled at the sheer magnitude of the lands and it was a good trip thru the hill country. Then, we got into San Antonio, land of Missions, the most famous of which was the Alamo. For us, it was very moving to see and think of the events that took place there. We also did the Riverwalk, a beautiful area filled with all sorts of shops, cafes, and other unique stuff placed along a meandering waterway with landscaping and neat lighting. It was quite the experience. From there, we proceeded to Austin and visited the LBJ Library and the state capitol building. Everything caught & held our interest. Weather was not the best, but we kept remembering that we'd missed all the snow up north and immediately felt better! After that, it was up thru Waco and then into Dallas to visit my cousin Larry and his family. He's a prof at UT Dallas, involved in neuroscince and has many interesting projects he's working on. We were amazed at the scope of it all. The whole visit was enjoyable, and included a trip to Dealey Plaza, site of JFK's assassination. A great museum was housed in the old Book Depository, where Oswald fired the shots from. Being there provoked many emotions & thoughts. We explored the downtown areas after that. Dallas got hit with 12" of snow the day before we arrived, but the roads were clear for us.

Upon leaving Texas, we went into La., thru Shreveport to a little town named Gibsland, where Bonnie & Clyde got ambushed by the law. After seeing the actual car while in NV, we felt we had to see where it happened, and it was worth the trip. Turns out that the place we stopped at to confirm directions was the site of an old cafe that the pair had stopped off to get sandwiches just before meeting their maker. Hmm, wonder if they were able to eat them.......

We're now in N'awlins, also known as the Big Easy. What a town!! All of our senses are under assault, what with the great foods, beautiful buildings, and interesting folk. It's pretty wild, and we can't imagine how much wilder it was at Mardi Gras and after the Saints won the Super Bowl. This place knows how to partee'!! We also got to view & tour some of the elegant river plantations and ante-bellum mansions in the area, plus those in the Garden District of New Orleans. That was a wow-a-minute tour.

We soon leave for Biloxi, MS, then to Mobile and Pensacola. Crossing our fingers for the southern warmth, but will not forget ya'll up north as well. You'd probably be happy with the days we consider bad here. We'll check back in later.....

Continued west coast fun

We're now in the quaint village of Carlsbad, Ca., taking a trailer break at a timeshare on the beach. It's sunny & warm, unlike most of the country at this time. We feel incredibly lucky to be here, and wish we could bottle up the atmosphere for ya'll back home. While here, we took a trip down to San Diego area, including a ride over to Coronado, where I had some training before goin' over to 'Nam back in the late 60's. It's an absolutely gorgeous island with beautiful homes & landscaping. No homes under a million, so we've kinda ruled it out as a possible place to someday put down stakes.

San Diego is a great town and we walked the Gaslamp District as well as Seaport Village. Got to see a big cruise ship leave dock, and down a few berths was the Midway, a WW2 aircraft carrier that saw much action. Had an urge to don my old sailor suit, but even if found, could not envision fitting into it now.

Unfortunately, the Snyders had to change plans for their visit with us. We miss them a bunch...

We head back to the desert in a few days, in time for the resort Pickle-ball tournament. I've rested my right arm & knee sufficiently to start the process all over again. Joannie will be competing as well, so please pray we do no more physical harm than possible!

Speaking of Joannie, take notice above of her & our new-found beach buddy. We were on the Oceanside pier and he made no attempt to flee, just lookin' for a handout.

We'll be heading to AZ early next week, first going to Quartzite ( a huge RV get-together and flea market there ) then on to Phoenix where we'll meet up with my cousin Esther, then on the 21st, Gerry ( Joan's brother ) and his wife Mary Ellen will land to spend a week with us. We really are looking forward to their visit. After that, it's on to Tuscon for a bit. We'll revisit the blog a little later, so bye for now!