actually started in April, with a trip to Pennsylvania and Assateague Island while Russ and his sister Debby were bicycle touring on the GAP and C&O Canal trails from Pittsburgh to D.C.

Cell service isn’t very strong here (I’ll tell you where in a minute) so you will have to wait for more pictures of Longwood Gardens

and of the ponies of Assateague. That trip was lovely, although it was sad to be exploring without Scooby, who we lost earlier in April. He had lived a life full of adventures, but at 17, old age had taken its toll. He went peacefully, cradled in my arms.

IN MEMORY OF SCOOBY, THE HAPPIEST DOG EVER

It was after that trip that the trouble started. My Dodge Durango, a notorious money pit, needed new tires and new rear brakes. ($$$) Then an electrical problem popped up again. I caused a ruckus at the Dodge dealership; they promised to fix it, and offered to do the work for “just” the cost of the wiring ($1,200). Three weeks and $1,200 later, and not only was my original problem not fixed, but they told me I had another problem that would cost an additional $1,100. And I had a red rejection sticker that was a month old.

That was the last straw. Off I went and, wonder of wonders, someone was willing to give me money for that Durango in trade for a nice V6 Kia Sorento, equipped with a tow hitch! So far, it has been great—tows a fully loaded camper and all of Russ’s gear, plus my kayak, without even breaking a sweat. Rides nice, too! I would be remiss if I did not mention how awesome everyone at Hyundai of Keene was. They were the best—even upgraded the electrical connector to my camper for free!

All that mucking about delayed the start of our trip by a good three weeks: I think Russ had just about given up hope, and I’d rescheduled some campsites two or three times before we finally headed out on June 5th for a stopover with my brother and sister at Mount Gretna, PA before our first campsite at Raccoon Creek State Park, just outside of Pittsburgh. Russ was to have started riding the next day (Sunday), but true to the way this trip started, it rained all day, so I finally sent him on his way today. He should meet up with me in a couple of days.

Which brings me (finally, but when have you ever known me to tell a straightforward story?) to Dillon State Park, just west of Zanesville, Ohio. Nice campgrounds, if a bit noisy with all the families just released from school. I arrived just in time to get set up before one of the worst deluges I’ve ever seen hit. It rained so hard, there was water dripping from the roof vent, even though it was closed and locked!

Which brings me up to date. I’ll post more pics as soon as I have the bars to do so. Hopefully, kayaking with Moe tomorrow!