Goodbye Elkhart - It's Been Fun

Wow - I can't believe how long it's been since my last post. The saying "time flies when your having fun" must be true.

When our friends left one week ago today for the Escapade in Goshen, I thought that we would be bored after a day or so - not true! Truth is, I think I could spend a month in this area. I guess it's the draw the Amish have on me. I'm truly fascinated by their lifestyle and could just drive the country roads looking and watching them. I find it truly amazing how they blend in with our modern society.

When you look at the pictures I've posted, you'll see one of the new Farmers Market just south of Elkhart. It was build by the Amish and most nearly built with wooden pegs. In the pictures you will see some beams that are supported with steel and bolts - this was done because of the commercial use of the building and building regulations, but most of the structure was done using wooden pegs instead of nails. It is a beautiful place and the pictures just don't do it justice. Of course there are many stalls inside with great produce, meats, cheese and baked goods that make it heaven here on earth! The second floor has a lot of crafters with merchandise for sale. A must see if you are in this area.

We visited the Doubletree plant again - our third time there (our 3rd time in Elkhart). We like to go to see what they are doing different in the Mobile Suite 5th wheel since that is what we have. Well, this year there were some big changes. 8000 lb axles with 17.5 in. tires for starters which makes it better because of the overall weight of the Mobile Suite. They have come out with new floor plans that I really like - one with a totally separate living room. They are offering a new refrigerator/freezer that is awesome - even has water dispenser in the door. Of course the price for all their improvements is somewhat higher than it was in '04! Compared to other manufactures that we visited, I still feel that for the money, this company builds the best 5th wheel that we have seen.

Shipshewanna, IN is a really neat place to visit and always full of Amish and their buggy's. We have made several trips there including one for Dean to get a haircut. I never tire of watching them driving their buggy's or riding their bikes. I didn't get a picture of one but a lot of times you will see them pulling a little wagon behind the bike - for all the goodies that they are buying.

When you drive the county roads in this area you will encounter numerous buggy's and pass many Amish farms and schools. Every time we passed a school this time I was reminded of the tragedy in PA. where the innocent Amish children where killed by that sicko. Our public schools have guards, metal detectors etc., and here just a fence around the playground. The kids out playing baseball, dodge ball etc., or gathered in a corner talking - just being kids without fears.

On Wed. morning we drove over to Goshen to walk through the vendor area of the Escapade and to visit our friends that were attending it. Before leaving for lunch with Bill and Helen, I noticed that there was a pet parade. I walked over to the area and got a picture of a cute dog in a Santa suit and a beautiful parrot. You can see them in my picture albums. After lunch we strolled through the new RV's on display but I didn't see anything that I liked. After all the in and out of the 5th wheels and class A's we came home tired.

Saturday was Nappanee Apple Festival day. Helen called in the morning and we arranged to meet them at noon for lunch in Nappanee. We drove over and arrived in time for the parade. It was a typical small town parade except that they had a lot of commercial vehicles near the end - like a Waste Management Truck, vehicles from a paint company etc. After meeting up with Bill and Helen and checking out the 7 foot apple pie that was baked for the festival, we had lunch in a small cafe there in town. Well, what an experience it was. Our waitress had never waited tables before - she said she had washed dishes - and couldn't answer any questions, like what was the soup of the day. Funny thing is she didn't even attempt to find out - she just said "I don't know". Finally, after suggesting she find out she went to the kitchen to check. There were several "funny" incidents like Bill asked what came with his ham and cheese sandwich and she said, well, ham and cheese! A real airhead in bad need of training. After receiving our meal, one order at a time, we ate and got out of there! No tip for her. We bid farewell to Bill and Helen and took off to check out the vendors/crafters. Mostly typical stuff with a few nice crafts thrown in. The only thing left were the carnival rides and we opted out on that so decided to drive to Amish Acres which is just out of town. It is a neat place if you arrive at the "right" time. They have a apple cider mill, they make apple butter etc., but when we got there, the only thing "cookin" was the apples for the apple butter. They do offer tours of the original homestead if you want to see inside a "Amish" home. It's something to do when you've done everything else.

Well, I think that about catches you up on what we've been doing the last week+. Tomorrow we are heading south on I-65 - wow, it's been 10 months since we've been on that interstate and it takes us back to home ground. I'm not sure about our stops along the way - it will depend on how my father is doing. We do have friends in Nashville, Brent & Jackie, that we want to stop and see. Brent has been battling cancer for over two years. Then there is the Tiffin plant in Red Bay that we want to see. That is where they build the Phaeton class A motorhome. Then there is Montgomery where my son and daughter, and my sweet granddaughter lives. At the end of the road is Summerdale and Rainbow Plantation Escapee park. You know, it almost sounds good to think about being there for a few months, we have really been on the go this year. We've seen so much and I'm so thankful that we have been given the opportunity to do so but sometimes you need to stop and regroup. That time is just down the road.........

Pictures can be seen at - www.picasaweb.google.com/SchultzTravelPhotos