Our first stop, after our trek north from Florida, was Lancaster County, PA. Since it was mid-February there is only one campground open and they charge around $50 per night! That’s one more reason we love being Elks! I had called a couple of weeks ago, and again a couple of days ago, to let our home lodge in Ephrata know we were coming. They made sure the electric was turned on for us and reminded us we’d need to pull up next to the building to fill our fresh water tank. Due to freezing temps, there wouldn’t be water at the sites.
Bill had us parked and we got set-up quickly. We texted our son to let him know we had arrived, and headed into Lancaster City to see him.
Over the next several days, visiting with Billy was our only priority. He was doing well in his apartment, and since I’d seen him last, he adopted a stray kitty that followed him home one freezing cold night. He named her Jupiter, and she is a cutie! He knew she didn’t belong to anyone, as she was very skinny and dirty. He also knew she was a very young cat, just a kitten really, as she had grown quite a bit in the short time he’s had her.
I had crocheted him a blanket/bed cover for his bed, as well as a smaller one for his couch, leaving just enough yarn to make a ball for Jupiter to play with. They both loved their homemade items!
We visited some of our favorite haunts while in the area, Shady Maple Market and Fairgrounds Market, where we stocked up on some yummy stuff. I also managed to get my hair cut (it was so overdue!) by my favorite hair-stylist, Jamie. We also tagged along, joining Billy for one of his Buddhist meetings. The cold weather was perfect to get some cooking done also – something we’ve always enjoyed doing together.
Bill carefully watched the weather. Considering it was still February, we didn’t want to get caught off guard and plan our next move during a snow and/or ice event. Good thing he did, as a rain-turn-to -ice event was expected on our first choice move date. We adjusted our plan and the day we moved was clear.
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Jupiter is precious!!! The blankets turned out lovely. That is great that you had some left for a ball for kitty. I’m very jealous of those markets!
She really is a sweetie! The blankets are so warm and cozy! The farm markets are awesome! One thing I miss about living in that area!
Jupiter is adorable and Billy looks happy! How come I do not see the Shady Maple Buffet in those pictures?? I think Ephrata Elks is best in the fall and winter where there are no leaves, otherwise, you know, primordial forest.
There are two Shady Maple market pics, we didn’t eat at the buffet that trip, trying to not overeat – no promises for the future though! I don’t mind the primordial forest as much as you do! I especially like it when comparing prices – campgrounds in that area are $40+ a night! Way outside our budget!
Good thing you a nice four seasons home! Having that cat from a young age you would hope would make it friendlier and not as independent as some can be. Seems like every time we had one it picked its person to attach itself to.
We have been toasty warm in our home! Not without some doing – but nothing too crazy!
Jupiter is so friendly! She just purrs and purrs when you pet her – but she also loves to play! It’s also safe to say she is very attached to our son!
WOW – Where do the markets get all the fresh veggies in winter? Just awesome. The effort you put into the quits will always be appreciated. You’ve got talent. My mom made quilts for all the special occasions. Only Aj wore her’s out, a total security blanket, so Great-gma made another, but Aj would not use it.
I’m not sure where the markers get the produce, but they have it all winter and it’s awesome! It took me over a month to crochet those blankets, and he really loved it – which makes me smile!
Hold onto AJ’s new blanket, I’m sure someday he will appreciate it!
Stay warm!
You are right, some of the best advice we have gotten as RVers was to join the Elks. We have really enjoyed the lodges especially on our trip to Alaska last summer.
Elks are awesome! I wish we had known about them when we were on our way to AK! Could have stayed with them in CA, OR and WA!
They do have some great markets up there. We really enjoyed the laid back atmosphere of the Lancaster area. The surrounding countryside is absolutely beautiful!
It is a peaceful and beautiful area for sure! The markets are amazing!
What a great spot all to yourselves in the woods! Jupiter is so cute, and for a stray has really warmed up to Billy. Wonderful they have each other. What a great looking market (something I always appreciate on the road). We had enough cold this winter and are so happy to be in warm Arizona temps now!
We love our home lodge! Linda calls it the primordial forest and hates it! I think the only reason Jupiter has adapted is because she was so young – and I love that Billy has her! We always loved Lancaster and Berks County markets!