April 14th

After 21 states, 2 provinces, and Mexico,,—around 12000 miles, and

6  1/2 months.  We are home!!  What a trip, we’ve certainly seen some wonderful sites. Inspite of our cramped  quarters, the little camper was perfect for travelling.  Everything worked, we had no problem with anything.  This is what we came home to— snow!!  Don’t think we will be taking the 5th wheel up to sit by the cottage, any time soon.   So now it’s time to settle down and enjoy the lake, for the summer.

April the 10th Springfield Pa

So heading east-first stop is in Valdalia on the Mississippi River.   Never seen the river so high, I think they told us it was 58ft, that’s about 28 ft above normal.  It had risen over the walking path along the rivers edge the week before.  Watched the tugs pushing barges up stream.  Then on to the Natchez trace, 444 miles of lovely quiet road thru 3 states.  No commercial vehicles allowed.  In the 1700s and early 1800s growing numbers of travelers trampled the trail into a clearly marked path.  Some stopping places along the highway allow you to hike along the old sunken trail.  Green fields,  and trees in full leaf, wisteria hanging from vines, red bud and cherry trees in bloom.  Lovely peaceful drive.  Then on through Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Maryland and finally into Springfield PA.  The one view of the  lake is from the visitor center entering into Maryland.  After driving thru heavy rain, up and down small mountains ,  and terrible traffic, we arrived at our cousins house.  Walked around the streets today to see the magnolias - unbelievably beautiful!!  Soon will be heading north—hoping the snow has finally melted

Leaving Fredericksburg

Just few pics of the wonderful old homes right in downtown Fredericksburg!  Some log, some stone, but all in really great shape and lived in.   Some of them are ‘Sunday houses’.  When the settlers came, mostly from Germany, they were given farming land and also a plot of land intown to build a small house.  On Saturday they would make the long trip to town to, trading produce for supplies they might. Driving around the town is a treat

need, then stay overnight in their Sunday home, go to church, visit, and then head for home.