Pups in tow, we left around 7:30 a.m., pointing the rig north towards Fox Den Acres Campground, our home for the next four nights.
Trying a seatbelt for Ruby instead of the crate, she did well traveling with the seasoned on I’m Rocco and Sophia, secure together in their crate.
We heard what sounded like gunshots when we stopped for diesel outside of Warrenton, VA. Walking the dogs, I saw the gun shop with firing range across the street.
“Sunday church service on the range,” Ron said as we pulled onto the road, reading the sign out front of the gun shop.
Our ears popped as we travelled through the rolling hills when heading west on the PA turnpike. Unfortunately, capturing the beauty of the lush green hills and valleys with a camera phone doesn’t work well. I did manage to get a few pics along our drive.
Freedom isn’t free.
Pulling into site 240, I saw the red, white, and blue flowers but didn’t understand their purpose. After setting up, I saw the sign. What a privilege to camp beside the site honoring those who gave all so we could have the freedom to live as we wanted.
Bev Clark, a bridesmaid at my brother’s wedding, gave her life in Operation Desert Storm. Engaged, a reservist, she got called to active duty and died when a scud misse hit the barracks six days after they arrived.
Bev had a premonition. Before leaving, she told her mom, “I won’t be back.”
Tim and Cindy, from PA, camped behind us in their Imagine. Retired, they had a well-behaved grayish black doodle.
Tom and Pam pulled in beside us, struggling to get their 42-foot fifth wheel into the site. Sage and Lily, mini pin rescues, accompanied them.
We explored the campground after feeding the dogs dinner. Thick grass, chirping crickets, and a slight breeze filled the air with the smells of summer, providing the background for our stroll.
“Great engineering!” Ron said, noticing the support system for the bridge. The bricks worked; it had no problem holding our weight.
Ron negotiating. We have different styles of communicatimg with our pups.
I choose one word commands, Ron negotiates.
No comment on who they listen to more:-)!
Ruby loves playing with Rocco. Sophia could care less.
Thursday mornimg
Thursday, we traveled to pay respects to my parents and sister.
“Right between them, that’s funny.”
Ron finds my Dad’s eternal resting place between his two wives humorous. For me, I’ve seen the tombstone my whole life, a normal thought for me
Afterward, we stopped by George and Mary’s. Ron got to see my childhood home, which still has the original wood paneling on the walls, although little else remains the same. New windows look out upon the village, and a quaint windmill sits in the front.
Mary blessed us with homemade baked goods and showed me her latest cross-stitch and card projects. Ron helped her with technical issues with her phone and iPad, and I left her with a copy of my latest book.
We had time for a quick visit with Lori before heading to town for lunch with my brother and cousins.
Butch (77) bought lunch for everyone, a reunion long in the making. Cousins Helen (88) and Kay (83), Uncle Tom’s daughters, and our lifelong neighbor Neet (83) joined us. Old stories and new ones filled the conversations.
Parking at Monroeville Mall, it reminded me that as a child, living in Tidal, going to Monroeville ranked high on the list of things to do, but rarely did. How life changes so quickly.
Walking across the bridge to the first hole and back nine, I didn’t realize it crossed the PA Turnpike. We went back and forth on the crowded bridge, ensuring we saw all the holes and our favorite players.
Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson, and Jon Rahm
Brooks Koepka and Justin Thomas
Sam Burns
Our day at the 125th US Open:
Saturday morning’s rain kept us inside. Thankfully, we sold our tickets for today and didn’t have to deal with it. Ruby made herself at home on my lap while I did a little writing.
Breakfast with Jim, Karen and Jeremy made a rainy morning bright. Catching up on all the latest news over delicious eggs and pancakes started our Saturday off right.
After breakfast walk with the pups around the campground.
The Trading Post, the campground store directly across from our campsite, boasted a wildlife museum. Animal heads adorned the walls, floor to ceiling.
Returning to the Atlas, I found Ron relaxing with the pups.
Galivanting on the PA Turnpike, we took it everywhere we went.
Dinner ar Burgatory with Dwight and Lori capped off our weekend. Dwight’s hunting stories entertained us, a new friend to add to our list.
“Off we go,” Ron said at 7:17 a.m. as we pulled out of the campground and headed home.