BACK TO PA FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND

We barely got home and unhitched the Airstream before we received an email that said my Granddaughter, Casey was being baptized the Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Since that Friday was my Grandson's birthday, it didn't take very long to make reservations for the Airstream at Camp Blue Diamond, a Church of the Brethren affiliated campground and retreat center where the baptism was to take place.  It is in the middle of Rothrock State Forest and is only about 35 minutes from State College.

The trip was a beautiful drive starting up the Shenandoah Valley, then Rt 522 into PA and through the mountains to the entrance to the park. In spite of my son's concerns about taking the Airstream into this park with out 4 wheel drive, the drive in was uneventful ~ only because we didn't meet anyone coming out on the very narrow road. Getting into a space was another story. We called ahead to make sure the park could handle a 34' trailer because many parks cannot. We were assured it would be no problem. I think that when I say, "34' ", the CG manager immediately thinks, "motorhome" because a 34' pull behind is a rarity these days. Airstream doesn't even make one anymore. And a 34' motorhome is ~ you guessed it 34' long.  Unlike my rig - which is a 34' long trailer, preceded by a 23' long truck.

We did succeed in safely parking in a very nice spot, reasonably close to the bath house, but only after trying several spots and almost getting stuck.

Then it was off to Tom and Ann's for Ben's birthday.  I've really fallen down on the job as photographer. TRUST ME - he just gets cuter as he gets older. I had a great time with the girls. They both showed me their doll collections and brought back many wonderful memories.

Camp Blue Diamond's lake is small but beautiful. I took canoe rides with Emily and all the grandkids. We really enjoyed just "camping" in the mountains.


Sunday dawned with gray skies amid worries about rain. But the big day came off without a hitch. Here are some pictures of Casey's baptism.

 

Rev. Bonnie is completing her 10th year at University Baptist and Brethren Church and obviously felt blessed to be able to bring 5 new members into the Church. Memories of Hancock, NY Firemens Carnivals - Chicken cooked over a big wood fire, held in wire and pipe frames. I do NOT remember ever getting juicy, fully cooked, unburnt chicken before. It was really delicious.

Thanks to all the members of the UBBC for making me and my new family feel so welcome, this time and all of the previous trips as well.

A peaceful ride home. I've finally gotten old enough that I can drive with the Airstream at a steady 60 MPH on the Interstates and just let everybody pass me. Carol calls it "our little 60 MPH bubble." Much more pleasant way to travel. And LOTS better fuel mileage, too. We parked and unpacked the Airstream. Tuesday Carol went to work with the kids and Emily went back to Salem High as a Junior. 

I rested.