July 31 - Day 48 - Mitchell, South Dakota

We left Austin, Minnesota at 8:00 am and headed West on I90. The view was as it has been - corn, beans, beans, corn. Once we left Minnesota, the view changed a bit. There was still corn and beans, but there was also hay and cattle. As we got further into South Dakota, the cattle took on greater prominence. One thing that caught our eye was the "red" highway in South Dakota. The surface is covered with gravel embedded in asphalt. Very unique.

After 286 miles, we arrived at Mitchell, South Dakota, the home of the "Corn Palace" and the birthplace and current residence of former Senator and presidential candidate, George McGovern.

We booked in to the R & R Campground (which I would recommend to anyone traveling in this area) and did the standard cleaning of the front of the coach. Bugs are everywhere! We then went to the local Cabela's and purchased our recliners. What a deal! Normally $79.95, but usually on special at $49.95, but this week on special at $39.95! They are just what we had been looking for and at an unbelievable price!

From there, we went back into Mitchell to see the "world famous" Corn Palace. The first Mitchell Corn Palace was built in 1892, just three years after South Dakota became a state. The building is famous for the huge and colorful murals (made of corn) on its sides.

In early June, the border trim of rye and sourdock is removed from the building and new rye and sourdock is tied and stapled to the building - typically by the end of July. Then the new murals are laid out and specially selected corn is used to create new murals, usually by the end of August. The murals are changed each year. But in 2007, the last time we were here (going East from Sturgis) there had been a drought and the special corn was not available to create new murals. As it happens, 2007 was the only year the murals were not changed.

After touring the Corn Palace (which is a high school basketball arena in the winter), we headed back to the renovated train station at the foot of Main Street. We had visited The Depot the last time we were in Mitchell and enjoyed the atmosphere and food - nothing has changed. We had the best Nachos we had had in a long time - along with drinks of course!

Now back at the coach, we are getting all set up to head for Sturgis in the morning. Until then, Cheers!

John, Suz and Dixie the Wonderdog

July 30 - Days 46 and 47 - Austin, Minnesota

We hit the road at 8:00 EDT Thursday (7:00 CDT). The day was to be our second 380 plus mile day - not something to which I was especially looking forward. Most of the morning was spent on I80 heading out of Illinois and into Iowa. We were amazed at the lack of diversity of crops. The fields, as far as one could see in any direction were either soya beans, corn or an occasional wood lot, often around a farmers house. The lady at the Iowa reception center said that this two crop rotation had become the staple with the demand for ethanol, corn syrup and protein sources. From the looks of the farms, the rotation has been quite lucrative!

The Mississippi River divides Illinois and Iowa in Quad Cities/Moline area of I80, and it is running very high, as are all its tributaries. They have had a lot of rain in the area and flooding is a serious problem as we noted and you may have heard. Just north of I80 in Eastern Iowa is where a dam recently breached, flooding many homes and farms. We also noted a large number of windmills at strategic locations along I80 and the rest of our route.

At Iowa City, we left I80 and headed North on I380 towards Waterloo. There we picked up US63 North. The roads were generally good, but 63 became a two-lane highway as we traveled North. In the town of Adams (pop. 800) we ran across a fuel station selling diesel for $2.80 a gallon. Everywhere else it had been $290 to $3.00. Needless to say, we stopped and filled up!

Just North of Adams, you cross into Minnesota and we headed Northwest on Minn. 56 for 31 miles to I90. When we left US63, I thought we had made a mistake. Minn. 56 was a veritable washboard for the first 2 or 3 miles. But this turned out to be just a bad stretch, and the remaining 28 or so miles were on a good two-lane road, although it passed through numerous small towns along the way. the road is known as "The Shooting Star Scenic Highway." Aptly named in retrospect.

We arrived at where the Beaver Trails campground was meant to be, but the GPS pointed us at a whole lot of farmland, and no campground. On the other side of I90 was a Yogi Bear Jellystone campground, but no Beaver Trails. We searched for awhile, then called Beaver Trails. You guessed it, Beaver Trails had become a Jellystone campground! We finally got back to the right side of I90 and checked in.

The site we have is right next to the office and is fine - at least the big tree doesn't block the satellite signal! After setting up, we headed into Austin and found our perennial Applebee's, had dinner and returned for a relaxing evening - at least for us. Dixie the Wonderdog was in bad need of a bath, and the shower in the coach was the only alternative - and a good one too as it turns out. Dixie didn't really think it was such a great idea, but she smells a whole lot better! Overall, the day was a success - a long drive with a happy ending.

We had a heavy rainstorm overnight, and I used the opportunity to help the rain wash the coach. Later, while Suz slept, I prepared breakfast (the smell of food cooking has a way of getting her up). After breakfast, we headed back to Austin to visit the "world famous" SPAM Museum. Austin is the home of Hormel Foods where SPAM was invented and still produced for worldwide consumption. The museum is a fun place, with the history of Hormel and SPAM on display, and providing an unbelievable assortment of SPAM memorabilia for sale in the gift shop. Us "old farts" remember the role SPAM played in the Second World War and after. I can still remember my mom making SPAM sandwiches. Come to find out, Hormel also makes another of my favorites - Dinty Moore Beef Stew.

After the museum tour, we went across the street for lunch at Johnny's Spamarama. I had, you guessed it, a SPAM and cheese burger. It was good, albeit a bit salty, which is the trademark of SPAM (and all canned meat for that matter).

We are now back at the coach and getting prepared to head out for Mitchell, South Dakota in the morning. There is a Cabela's in Mitchell and we intend to get a couple of their lovely lounging chairs. Mitchell is also the home of the "world famous" Corn Palace, but more about that tomorrow! Until then, and since it is now Happy Hour here, Cheers!

John, Suz and Dixie the Wonderdog

July 28 - Day 45 On the road to Joliet

We left Streetsboro at 8:00 this morning on our way to Joliet, Illinois for a one night stopover on our way to Sturgis, South Dakota. As we soon learned, the entire route on I80/90 is a toll road - from Ohio into Illinois. I don't know how much the toll was, but I feel a bit angry that the Interstate system is paid for by federal gasoline taxes and then we have to pay additional tolls to use parts of it. Not only that, but in the main, the road is not in very good condition. Most expansion joints give you a jolt, and there are numerous potholes and bad joints at bridges and overpasses. In short, it was not a very pleasant drive.

At the same time, the service plazas in Ohio are very nice, and they also provide a number of facilities for motorhomes - 30/50 amp hookups, a source of drinking water and a dump station. I imagine there is a charge for the electricity, but the water and sewer seemed to be free. Quite a surprise.

We arrived at Leisure Lake RV Park in Joliet, Illinois around 3:00 eastern time (2:00 central time - one hour earlier for me tomorrow morning!). The campground is quite nice, but seems to be running on a shoestring. It is a "membership" park and doesn't take reservations. However, they accept Escapees, Good Sam and some others memberships as equivalent to their "members."

Our site faces the lake, which is nice, but I can't get satellite contact due to a big tree, and there is no cable. Oh well, another night using the antenna - and getting some "strange" channels (lots of religion for sure). But it's only for one night.

Tomorrow we are off to Austin, Minnesota for two nights at the Beaver Tails RV Park. While there, we plan to visit the "world famous" Spam Museum (Hormel is located there). Until then, Cheers!

John, Suz and Dixie the Wonderdog

July 27 - Days 40 - 44 Mansfield - Streetsboro

Our last couple of days in Mansfield were enjoyable, but the weather did not cooperate as we would have hoped. On Friday, we had to cancel a golf road trip with the guys. Saturday Ty and I got in our game at Corey Creek with 6 of our local friends and had a good time afterward (as you can imagine), but on Sunday, our annual 12-man golf trip to Towanda didn't work out as we had hoped.

The day started out fine. We left Corey Creek at 7:30 and stopped in Troy for breakfast. We arrived at Towanda Golf Club for our 9:30 and later tee times and got off to a good start. But by the 8th hole the sky opened up and that was the end. After a half-hour or so in the bar, we decided to head back to Corey Creek. But as usual, we stopped at Anthony's in Troy for lunch. The food was good, but the bar tender was better.

Sarah is an unusual girl - very bright and generally ahead of any guy with a wisecrack! We had a ball trading barbs, but our good friend Barry "Red Fox" Lauver came out on the short end a number of times. We asked Sarah if she was married and her immediate response was - "no, I'm smart. Most guys can't handle a bartender for a wife, and those that can, I can't stand." Like I said, she is quick!

Back at Corey Creek we unloaded the cars and some of us joined together in the bar for a last drink together. We have made some good friends in Mansfield and it is hard to leave them behind - but we will see them next year at the latest! After dinner at the coach, we finalized our preparations for our Monday departure.

Monday morning, we were ready to go at 7:45. All went well getting our coach out of the campground and up to the clubhouse - with some minor hitches (like having to back up to get traction to get up the hill). Then it was off to Mansfield to fuel up and head South on highway 15. From there, it was on to 220 West and I80. We arrived in Streetsboro, just outside Cleveland around 2:00 pm. We stopped at the Streetsboro/Cleveland KOA, a really nice campground. After getting set up, and taking the Wonderdog for a run in the local dog yard, we hit the local Applebee's for dinner and settled in for the night.

Today, we went in to Cleveland and visited the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center. both are worth seeing. the science center if you love science, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame if you're a "boomer" and love the music.

Back at the coach, we did the standard cleanup, fixed a leaking black water valve, and got ready for our trip to Joliet, Illinois tomorrow. It will be a bit long, but we are anxious to make the three hop trip, Joliet, Austin, Minn. and Mitchell, SD, to arrive in Sturgis on Saturday. Until then, Cheers!

John, Suz and Dixie the Wonderdog

July 23 - Days 39 - 40 - Mansfield

Wednesday we played "couples golf" with the Hauberts and had an enjoyable day. the scores weren't as good as we all would have liked, but it was a relaxing outing. that evening, the four of us went to the Harvey's house for some "beer butt chicken." Yes, the cooking technique is as the name suggests. Larry and Carol were excellent hosts, and the food was very good, as usual. It was good to have a chance to see and chat some more of the Mansfield folks who we have met over the years. It was also good to see Cliff and Mary Bixby and Canadian friends Mike and Jan Willoughby again. As you can see, the Harvey's dog, Jake, was overwhelmed by the excitement!

On Thursday, I took care of some chores around the coach and Suzanne headed back to the golf course (surprise, surprise!). Around noon, I hopped on the bike and headed West to Wellsboro. Had lunch at the locally famous Wellsboro Diner, then continued West to The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. The canyon, formed by Pine Creek is quite impressive and very beautiful. From there I headed back to Wellsboro on 362 and 660, then south on 287 through the northern Pennsylvania farmland to Morris, then East on 414 through Liberty, Ogdensburg, Grover, Cedar Ledge and into Canton. There I picked up 14 North to Alba and then on to Troy. At Troy, I headed back West on 6 through Sylvania and Mainesburg to Corey Creek Golf Club, arriving around 4 pm. A great day riding on 100 plus miles of really nice "twisty" roads.

Being Thursday, the Hauberts, Morgans and we headed for the world famous Colonial Inn for "wings" and things. Again, the wings were great, and the prices unbelievable (low). We headed home early, since the guys were to be off in the morning for a golfing road trip to the Binghamton area.

As fate would have it, Friday arrived along with a major storm front. It started raining at 4 am and still hasn't stopped (10 am). As you can guess, the road trip was canceled. Oh well, looks like a day for tidying up in preparation for our departure on Monday, and for spending some shopping time at WalMart and Tractor Supply! Until next time, Cheers!

John, Suz and Dixie the Wonderdog

July 21 - Days 37 - 38 Mansfield

Monday was an off day. The remainder of the campers departed and the site was left to Ty, Mickey, Suz and I (and Dixie of course). Ty went to Wellsboro for new tires for his Jeep toad (much cheaper there than anywhere else for some reason), then proceeded to lock his keys in the car when he returned to Mansfield for gas (glad he wasn't still in Wellsboro!). Short trip for me to resolve the problem (after getting Mickey out of the shower for her set of keys - she was happy).

The girls took a monster load of laundry to the laundromat in Mansfield and then did some shopping to replenish stocks depleted during the golf tournament. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Monday night we cooked up corn, salad and Bubba Burgers.

Tuesday morning Ty went fishing in the ponds for bass with mixed results. I took a shot at fishing for trout in Corey Creek. With the low water, there are lots of small fish in the larger pools, and too my surprise a beautiful 13 inch rainbow trout as well. After looking carefully, I could see more large fish in the pools as well (If you look carefully at the photo, you can see several nice size trout near the pipe in the water. For perspective, I am on a bridge about 15 feet above the water). I released the fish I caught, after a fun battle, and decided to refrain from further fishing since there is not much sport in catching "trapped" fish. They are sure fun to look at though!

Later, Ty and I took on Jack Alexander and Andy Lyman on the golf course. We remembered the Corey Creek lesson and lost a little to win a lot (in the bar). We all broke 80 and had a great day (on the course and off).

Suz and I (and of course Dixie, who loves to spend most of the day tethered to the coach outside) really love this area and the people. The folks at Corey Creek are a great bunch of people. Everyone is friendly and golf is as it should be - fun! We would very much like to return next year for a longer stay.

Today, we are playing "couples golf" with the Hauberts and then going to a friend's house for a Bar BQ. Until the next update, Cheers!

John, Suz and Dixie the Wonderdog.

July 19 - Days 31 - 36 - Mansfield

It's been a while since our last post. We have been relaxing and playing golf at Corey Creek Golf Club in Mansfield, PA. Actually, both Suz and I have played more golf than we had expected, but the company was great and the weather has been beautiful. Tuesday was a set up day, getting everything ready for a prolonged stay. On Wednesday, I played with local residents Jack Alexander and Tony Fiamingo (sorry for the spelling Tony!), a man with a wicked golf swing, and Andy Lyman. Tony and I won, but lost later in the bar. It seems that the local rule is if you win, you use the proceeds to buy drinks, and continue to do so even after the proceeds are used up. In this case, you can win for losing!

Wednesday night, our Florida friends Joe Murphy, alias "Mr. Goodshorts", the Adinolfis, Fulfords, Roches and Viscounts arrived from Stuart, Boston, Kingston, Ontario, Stuart and Atlantic City respectively in preparation for the annual Corey Creek invitational to be held Saturday and Sunday. The preparation includes much socializing (and drinking). Thursday saw our Florida friend Ty Haubert (who is camped in his Fleetwood next to our coach (his is bigger!), Joe Murphy, Jack Alexander and I hit the links again. Ty and I took and Murph and Jack. This time Ty and I conveniently lost a little to gain a lot - if you catch my drift (old men do learn).

Thursday night is "wings night" at the world famous Colonial Inn. You can't eat or drink for less anywhere! The wings were great as was the other food from all accounts. The Colonial has become a tradition every year on the Thursday night before the tournament.

On Friday, we played the practice round and played in the annual "skins game." My partner Morris Morgan (a local) took on partners Kenny Folgeman and "Mouse." We did well on the course, then came the bar. Oh well, you can't lose, er, win them all. Not sure which is which.

Saturday began the tournament, and the ladies departed for their one-day tournament at the River Valley Golf Club. My partner Morris and I, the defending champions in the Senior Division, shot a best-ball 74 and were tied for the lead after the first round. As part of the tournament, the contestants (190 of them) each get free continental breakfast each day, a lunch on Sunday and a sumptuous dinner Saturday afternoon/evening comprised of a dozen peeled shrimp (large), 2 dozen or so little neck clams and a strip steak, along with baked potato, corn-on-the-cob and salad.

Believe me, you can't eat it all! Most of our group eat either the shrimp or the clams and save the rest for our traditional after tournament feast in the campground on Sunday night (more about that later). Oh, and I should mention, Budweiser provides a beer trailer with Bud, Bud Light and a Birch Beer during the two days - all free. Step up and pour what you want!

On Sunday, the tournament ends. Mo and I took on Terry and Pete, with whom we were tied after day one. The match was intense. Mo and I faltered badly on the front, taking two double-bogies on the 4th and 5th holes after birdying the 3rd to go three down. But we came back with birdies on 9 and 10, and our opponents bogied a hole to bring us back to even.

We parred 11 and they bogied to go one up. They birdied 12 to bring it back to even. We halved 13. They bogied 14 and we parred - one up. They birdied 15 - all square. We parred 16 and they bogied - one up. They birdied 17 - all square. Then, on the final hole, Pete rammed in great put for birdie to top our par and the match was over. We lost one down. A great match and a deserving champion. But we will be back next year!

The girls had been off to Wellsboro to play golf at Tioga Golf Club. They returned around 4:30 and we all watched the Championship Flight finish their round (this is the flight for the "flat bellies," although a sort-of "round belly" would up the winner). The tournament is a lot of fun. After day one, the teams are divided into two Senior flights and 8 or so regular flights. The winners and runners-up of each flight get equal prizes. The winners of the Championship and Senior flights get more and also get their names put on the appropriate trophy boards in the clubhouse.

Sunday night is the traditional feast for all our group, plus many of our local friends, at the campground (about 36 or so). We BarBQ the saved clams and steaks, eat the saved shrimp and add salads, hot dogs and more. It is a great time. As the sun sets, the non-campers head back to their motels and prepare to head out in the morning. The locals head for their homes, and the campers sit back and watch a bit of TV and have a last drink together.

Monday is a "day-of-rest". No golf, laundry to do, general clean-up. Maybe a ride on the bike if the weather holds out. Until next time, Cheers!

John, Suz and Dixie the Wonderdog

Days 29 and 30 - Ottawa and on to Mansfield

Sunday was a great day. We first visited with Chris, Julie and Destin Duval, our nephew and his family. We had lunch and a good visit - after too many years. Destin is now almost 2 and this was the first time we had seen him in person. He is doing great after a shaky start at birth. He's going to be quite a young man.

After lunch, we all went to Chris' mom's house for the afternoon and dinner. Vivian and Dwayne are Chris' mom and step dad, and Viv our sister-in-law. We hadn't seen them in a few years either. It was a welcome reunion. they have a lovely house in Manotick, and we thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. In the evening, we returned "home" and finished up the preparations for our departure on Monday morning.

On Monday, we were packed and ready to go by 8:00 am, and headed East to highway 416 and the Canada/U.S. border. Unlike our entry into Canada, our re-entry into the U.S. was a bit more "formal" and rigorous. The agent,. a very attractive blonde, was very formal and took not only our papers, but the keys to the coach. Then she came inside and inspected. The only thing she took were a few tomatoes and a lemon - no vegetables or citrus into the U.S., even though they were bought there! (We figured this might be how she does her grocery shopping.)

After 10 minutes or so, she gave us back our papers and keys and we were off. Heading down I81, we stopped for fuel in Cortland (didn't by diesel in Canada - US$3.65 a gallon!), every station had diesel at $3.13.9, no choice. We picked a truck stop and started to fill. Ah, the Tiffin curse - 2 seconds and the fuel backed up out the fill tube and all over me! It was a truck hose and the flow was too great for the venting Tiffin puts on the tank. A diesel shower is not what I expected on my birthday!

After washing up and changing clothes, we were back on the road. At Binghamton, we headed West on NY 17 to Elmira, then onto NY 14 to NY 328 and PA 549. the final leg of the trip took us through beautiful Pennsylvania country side with ups and downs and lots of turns. Suz thought it would be better for the motorcycle than for the motorhome! I loved it and the Phaeton handled it with ease.

We arrived at Corey Creek Golf Club at 3:30 and were greeted by our close friends Ty and Mickey Haubert, and got set up in the middle of the golf course alongside their rig. The golf club allows us to park our RVs in their picnic area during the tournament. We have 50 amp service and water. A "honey wagon" pumps us out once a week. It is a great spot with fishing ponds and quiet solitude. Two weeks here will be most welcome!

Over the next few days, we will play golf, enjoy visiting with friends and generally relax. Until next time, Cheers!

John, Suz and Dixie the Wonderdog (who loves the chipmunks at Corey Creek!)

Days 27 and 28 - Ottawa

Friday I took a quick ride on the bike and cleaned up a bunch of loose ends around the coach. About an hour before we were scheduled to depart for our reunion at Joe and Francis Crepin's in Arnprior, the sky opened up and we experienced a real "gully washer" with the associated thunder and lightning. Dixie was apoplectic as usual. And unlike Florida thunderstorms, this one hung on - the rain continued after the front passed. After an hour or so it lightened up and we finally headed up the Ottawa River to Arnprior.

Joe and Francis had planned the reunion with several of our oldest friends: Don and Dianne Rioux, Peter and Mary Mayo, John and Doris Davidson and Dennis and Dianne Debroy. All were met when we were golfing members at Rivermead Golf Club in the mid 80's. As it happens, we were also celebrating three birthdays and an anniversary. Not bad timing!

A great time was had by all with terrific feast, complements of Francis and Joe. The ribs were great as was the chicken. For dessert, Key Lime pie and Black Forest cake! All went home a few pounds heavier - and a whole lot happier!

Saturday, I returned to the Hunt Club for a repeat beating. This time I played with old friends Peter Foley, John Hryhorchuk and Steve Cant. Steve and I took on Peter and John and had them on the ropes until the 17th hole. Nothing more needs be said, but I am $4 poorer!

The Hunt is in wonderful shape and it was good to see more of my old friends during the day. Returning to the coach, I put the bike back on the lift in preparation for our departure on Monday and gave John Davidson a tour of the coach - and a beer of course!

Later Suzanne and I headed into town for an evening together. We went to one of our old watering holes, Al's Steak House on Elgin Street for happy hour, then out West to the Boston Pizza on Hunt Club Road. We always liked their Pizza, and nothing has changed - just had the last two slices for breakfast - aah, cold pizza for breakfast!

Today, we are off the see Suzanne's nephew, Christian Duval and his wife Julie and son Destin, and later our sister-in-law, Vivian, at her house in Manotick. It will be a fitting ending to a most enjoyable week in Ottawa. We are sorry to be leaving, but looking forward to the next leg of our journey. Until then, Cheers!

John, Suz and Dixie the Wonderdog (the latter two still sleeping!)