Escaping to Escapees' Rally

What a good time we had.  The Escapees Rally was held in Goshen, Indiana, in the middle of Amish country.  We so enjoyed the Amish culture we were able to experience through an Amish Minister we gained the confidence of, and thoroughly enjoyed their luscious food!!


We bought two new recliners to replace one sofa which we had removed.  These were purchased from an  Amish run business.  The recliners are also made by Amish men and women.

The Rally held so much to do also.  We were always on the go doing something.  In the morning, we like everyone else, would go to the Hospitality Tent and get coffee and a small breakfast along with visiting with fellow members.  It was nice to go in the morning and then again at lunch and meet some nice new acquaintances.  It is also a place where we gained information on the updates on new and added activities for the day.  Ken and I both took two craft classes.  These were fun for both of us, and a good way to get to know people and socialize.  There were some seminars offered on travels to places like Alaska, the Pacific Northwest and so on.  Ken attended the one on Alaska.  I was in such pain with my right shoulder I just couldn't sit there; however, he filled me in.  We can't wait to go to Alaska!

Vernon, Amish Owner of Business hangs his hat

Very well made furniture( an ad for Vernon), who deserves it for his hard work  Goshen, Indiana

Vernon's father's buggy and horse.  They will not let you photo them.

Good Year Blimp at Rally!

Over 800 RVs at Rally, Goshen, Indiana.

Another view of RVs.

Timberline RV Park in Anderson, IN.  Morning ground fog.

Pretty picture of fog in the morning.

We did go to a seminar on Amish culture.  This was very interesting, and given by a former Amish member.
We finally left on Thursday, a day early, as everyone had to leave by noon on Friday.  It would be chaos on Friday trying to get 800 RV's out of the RV facility.  We were glad we made the decision.  there was not much going on Thursday afternoon anyway.

We are at home now.  Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, Alabama is our home until this Friday.  Ken is going to Red Bay, Alabama to get some work done on the RV, while I am renting a car and staying in Huntsville for doctors' appointments and staying with a girlfriend.

At any rate, we hope you enjoy the pictures of the Rally and on our way home to Alabama!

So That Was The UP!! What A Ride!!!

Ken and I have finally experienced the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  We had dreamed of seeing it for some time, and wow did we have a great time!  Not only did we experience wonderful countryside, nice people, and fabulous times--all making lifelong memories but we look ahead to another adventure--our first RV Rally.

Leaving the UP, we crossed the Mackinac Bridge, which we had hoped to walk had we stayed until Labor Day.   I made several pictures, albeit maybe not the best as Ken was driving and going across a bridge which provided quite a bit of vibration. At any rate, the pictures turned out better than I anticipated.  We are in Harrison, MI, and no longer Yuppers!!  Following are the pictures of the infamous Mackinac Bridge with Lake Huron on the left as we crossed going south, and Lake Michigan on the right.  It's a beautiful bridge.  I am told it is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, being approximately 5 miles, and spans the straits running between Lake Michigan to Lake Huron!!!

Lake Michigan as we arrive at Mackinac Bridge

View of Support Structure of Bridge.

Another view of one of Support Structures of Bridge.  Majestic and Beautiful!!

Bad photo of Tall Ship!!

View of Support Cables & Structure with Lake Huron on Left & Lake Michigan on Right.

Lake Huron on Left.

Well!  We're no longer Yuppers!  We're at the end of the Bridge arriving on the  South Side at Mackinaw City.  Farewell!

Experiencing Mackinac Island

The Island's Grand Hotel

Primary Tourist Street a/k/a Fudge Shops

One of many beautiful butterflies at Conservatory

Ken as we leave Conservatory

Saturday, the 28th, Ken and I visited Mackinac Island via ferry.  I have delayed this post as I have had quite a problem with my right arm in severe pain, and after going to the doctor, still not knowing wholly what is wrong, and it has been in a sling.  He suggests an MRI.  I will attempt to have this done in Goshen, Indiana.

Lovely Carriage.  Want a ride?

Missionary Bark Chapel

One of our favorite butterflies.

Zebra Butterfly

Butterfly lights on my wrist, incredible!!

At any rate, we enjoyed our trip to the Island.  Upon arriving we had a good lunch of soup and salad.  We both enjoyed the food, and left to take a combination carriage tour.  This was fun; however, you are limited in what you are able to experience.  The tour host simply pointing out sights, and the only attraction we were able to stop and see was the Butterfly Conservatory.  While we enjoyed this immensely, and Ken took many nice photographs, we would have enjoyed seeing more that the Island had to offer.  They have a state park there which would be a nice place to take a lunch to enjoy, and walk the trails to get away from the tourist aspect of the Island.  There are 17 fudge shops, and as Ken and I neither care much for this concoction, it bore no interest to us.  There was little that we purchased but enjoyed the people, and when able on our tour, Ken took some lovely photographs.  We saw the infamous Mackinac Hotel but did not venture inside.  From the outside it's beautiful (LOL!!)  We would recommend that anyone go to Mackinac Island.  You can rent bicycles to ride the Island, and many enjoyed doing so.  We also saw a wedding, and it is said you see at least one a day.  It is a lovely place for a wedding!  Please enjoy Ken's photography, and we both send blessings to all!

Butterfly lights on my finger.  I was thrilled!

Early America Episcopal Church

Another beautiful view.

Carriage in which we took Island tour

View of Mackinac Island Hotel from Ferry

I'm Choctaw.  What tribe are you from?  Or can you talk?  Hey, why are you so tight lipped? 

Point. Iroquois and Whitefish Point

We took a lovely drive today to see a couple of lighthouses, the main one being Whitefish Point, as everyone exclaims over it.  We were disappointed with it.  Primarily, it was gift shops, and it was expensive to go through the museum.  A lady behind us informed us that the whole museum was not worth the fee to go through it.

Point Iroquois was a wonderful surprise.  It was not only a beautiful lighthouse but the surrounding area was beautiful with Lake Superior teeming in the background.  Several shots were taken by both Ken and I at different angles of the lighthouse, and we walked up 72 steps to the top. It did not bother us; however, it was a little bit cramped.  Ken and I absolutely enjoyed it though.

We enjoyed the drive up to Whitefish Point; however, we were more interested in Point Iroquois.
The pictures follow.

View from Point Iroquois

Point Iroquois Lighthouse

Back view of Point Iroquois Lighthouse

Point Iroquois

Whitefish Point

Whitefish Point Lighthouse

Mail boxes which we found funny,  The bottom one is regular delivery and the top one is "Winter Delivery". (LOL)

Canoe Artisans Sharing Their Skills

Canoe being built by Paul Wilson

Break time for the crew

Jane working on Kayak with Rob Smith

Rob explaining how to assemble kayak

Showing how to make a canoe rib

After touring the Les Chaneaux (pronounced Lay-shen-o which is French for "channel") Maritime Museum in Cedarville Ken and I decided to step across to peek into the sanctuary of the artisans of canoes. They are  made totally by hand in an age old technique that few take the time to learn but which the artisans would be willing to pass on.  Seeing us, they welcomed us in eagerly to tell us all about their trade, and show us the way in which they built the canoes, and in one case a kayak. They were so friendly, and offered the history of the area. One of them, Rob Smith, had seen us in the waters that very morning, and commented on how he liked our boat.  We thought that was pretty cool that he had seen us!

At any rate, we took pictures with Paul Smith who was building the kayak and let me work on it, and pictures of Rob Smith who can be seen in one picture with me (he has a furry white beard).  He is building the beautiful canoe. It will be raffled off for the benefit of the museum next year.  It's amazing that he uses his art so selflessly for the benefit of something he so dearly loves.

These are special men, and we came away blessed by the time we were able to spend with them.  What they do is remarkable! These photos depict that remarkable talent and the ease in which they give up their time to someone interested in what they do so selflessly.

Paul was appreciative of our visit

Wonderful Waters to Row Your Boat!

Ken and I went out very early in the morning yesterday on our boat to experience what was then calm waters with no wind.  It has been very windy making choppy waters rendering us unable to go out. Being two as one we experienced a special solitude in the midst of the beauty of the waters as we paddled across the bay and back-- then around the edge of the peninsula.  Unfortunately after about a good 45 minutes of enjoyment and fun the wind got up and the waters were getting choppy.  We headed back to the dock not wanting to get caught in them.  We rowed back to the dock ending our adventure.  But what a row it was!!!  We took some pictures while out on the boat which we share with you.  Thanks everyone for your emails giving comments about the blog.  We're so glad you enjoy it and enjoy keeping up with our travels.

Over the Rainbow & Sunset Dock

We experienced a beautiful rainbow after the coming of a big thunderstorm this evening.  It was absolutely glorious.  One of those wonderful, small gifts from God.  Ken also made some photographs of sunset at the dock!  You will love them! We are definitely living "Over the Rainbow" in this lifestyle. Enjoy the pics!  Oh!  Happy Birthday Eunice and Bev!!!!