When we left out of Exmore, we had a new route in the GPS. For the first time, we were heading straight to Hickory Hollow – not stopping in Lancaster at our home Elks Lodge in Ephrata. It was a bit strange. Instead, we stopped at a new Elks Lodge in Hagerstown, MD. We probably could have made the trip in one day, but why? We arrived early enough the next day that my girls could come and see us for a few hours – YAY!

Within the first couple of days, we also headed to Pittsburgh to pick up our son so he could come for a couple of days for a visit. It was wonderful to have my family together again!

Since we’ve arrived, Bill has worked on installs. I’ve done some panel prep, but he does most of the installation work. He’s had a variety of RVs to work on, including a Sprinter Van, Airstream, and a travel trailer. It’s always nice to meet new people and get them off-grid ready. If any of you are interested in getting solar on your RV or know anyone else who is, please look us up at RV SOLAR SOLUTIONS. We still have a couple of prime spots open for PA and FL!

On one of our days off, we decided to take a drive. We did hesitate due to gas prices, but sometimes you have to just to find a new place to explore! We headed south toward Frostburg, MD. I had found an overlook spot called Dan’s Rock that I wanted to see. It did not disappoint – the views were amazing!

We hung around for about half an hour and then decided to find some lunch. In Cumberland MD, we found a few options near the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. We decided on Crabby Pig, which boasted good reviews and offered outdoor seating. At this point, I don’t even remember what we had for lunch, so while it wasn’t terrible, it clearly didn’t leave a worthwhile impression.

We walked around the depot and gathered some information for a potential return trip. The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has various day trips for people to enjoy the beauty of the Cumberland area. Bill and I discussed taking the girls on the Frostburg Ice Cream Train. It’s only a 35-minute trip, so a good first-time experience. Plus – BONUS! – ice cream!

While scrolling Facebook one morning, I noticed that friends of ours, Harry and Vicki, were nearby. I immediately reached out and we made plans to have dinner with them that evening – I just love being spontaneous!

We’ve been to Pittsburgh a couple of times to pick-up/drop-off/visit with Billy. One rainy day, Michelle and the girls joined us and we had lunch at Square Cafe. I LOVE their Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Pancakes! Another day, just Bill, Billy, and I ate at Mad Mex – delish!

It’s been an amazing spring/early summer here in SW PA. We’ve been seeing the usual wildlife of geese and chipmunks (who are way too fast to get a pic), and bunnies, but we also had skunks this year! Needless to say we didn’t get close to them.

Hickory Hollow hosted a chainsaw “artist” one Saturday. It was very cool to watch him create a bear out of a big log. He also had other items for sale, but nothing grabbed me enough to buy it.

One evening we took a walk and discovered the campground was having karaoke at the pavillion. We hung out for a little while.

Other than that, we’ve been loving our time spent with the girls! They are growing so fast! Michelle has them signed up for day camps and they are really enjoying them! Freya goes by herself, but a parent has to stay with Arwen, since she is still too young to stay alone. I love all the little crafts they do, and Freya has been learning some new songs.

By the time you read this, we will have gone and come back from our yearly trip to NJ. We spent time with our friends, the Infosino’s for the 4th of July holiday. After that, we met up with my parents, my sister (who came up from FL), Michelle, Derek, the girls, and Billy, and my brother, sister-in-law, and niece in Ocean City NJ. It’s been a long time since we were all together, some of that was the physical distance, some has been COVID. Either way, it was WAY TOO LONG!

We hope you all have been enjoying your summer and have found somewhere not too hot!

Previous Post: Eastern Shore of VA

Next Time: Family Time Fun in NJ

Still to Come: Dealing With Ken’s Estate, Yearly Summary Post(s)

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