I took a good walk in the Ives Run campground and the we prepared the RV to move.
We traveled on back roads, in no hurry since our destination today was only about an hour away. We found a gas station and stopped for coffee.
We entered New York and passed though lots of small town and farmland.
We arrived in Watkins Glen at the Clute Memorial Campground just before noon.
Tim found a gym nearby and went to work out.
I went to gather a few groceries.
This evening, we went to the Lucky Hare for dinner. We sat on the back deck right on Seneca Lake. There was a wonderful breeze off the water. I ordered a cinnamon cider that was delicious. Tim found an oatmeal stout. We shared crab dip and ordered salads.
After eating, we walked along the water and out on the pier at the marina.
We took a drive along the eastern side of the lake. There were waterfalls and a burbling stream.
We prepped the RV to travel and said a tearful goodbye to Wade and Allison. We were both quiet as we left Reisterstown and our friends and family behind.
140 to 795 to 695 to 83N and then lots of wiggle waggle through Harrisburg and north through central Pennsylvania. The air was hazy with wildfire smoke that was blown in all the way from Ontario. As we travelled the smoke thickened, the acrid scent burning our throats. I was worried that it would be even worse as we went on but eventually the skies were bluer and the air quality improved. We read that unhealthy air is at 189. Baltimore was 260 and York was 411.
We stopped for a snack and to stretch our legs at a rest stop along the Susquehanna River.
We arrived at Ives Run in Tioga, Pennsylvania in late afternoon. This is an Army Corps of Engineers Campground. It sits on Hammond Lake. We found our site and after setting up, we napped.
We took a drive on the roads in the park and found a gravel road along the Tioga River.
For dinner, we packed a picnic of smoked salmon and raw veggies and berries and we found a pavilion by the water. The temperatures here are mild and there was a nice breeze. This is a refreshing change from the 90 and hotter temperatures that we have had at home.
On Saturday, we tried to take walks in the campground. Tim took the umbrella which turned out to be a wise decision. I made it past the marina and then the rain began. I hurried back to get dry! It was a stormy morning with lots of thunder.
In the afternoon, we took the Jeep to the small town of Tioga. There is a Dollar General and a post office and a bar but not much more. We drove to the Hammond-Tioga Lakes Dam. This is an earthen dam and the view from the top was gorgeous.
The Army Corps of Engineers created a channel connecting Hammond and Tioga Lakes. Hammond Lake had good quality water. The neighboring Tioga Lake had acidic water due to local coal mining. the engineers built a weir that allows the cleaner water to filter into Tioga Lake. The water in the lower lake is now healthier and is able to sustain aquatic plants and fish. This benefit is realized as the water flows into the Tioga River where fish are now plentiful again.
We drove another seven miles to Lawrenceville. This town had two dollar stores and two gas stations. We found the Cowanesque Lake and we got out to enjoy the view.
This evening, we took our dinner to another park pavilion. It rained but we were dry, There was a squirrel who came to visit. It was obvious that he was accustomed to being fed.
1328 January 4 – July 16, 2026 Unexpected Turn of Events
We were not sure whether or not we would continue this blog. We decided though that this was our story. This had been a record of our travels. The journey we have found ourselves on for the past 6 months was unexpected. I had a follow-up mammogram in December and after that, a biopsy. I was diagnosed on December 15th with breast cancer. We had planned to leave Atlanta and then we were going to spend the winter in Florida. We cancelled those plans and after the New Year, we drove back to Maryland.
It was too cold to stay in our RV. Kyle and Allison, knowing that we would be at home for a long time, cleared out the workout room and made a beautiful bedroom for us. I had an MRI and saw the surgeon within days of our return. Surgery was on January 30th.
The next day, we had a big party for Wade’s second birthday. That little boy has brought me so much joy.
We took a quick trip to Rock Hall, Maryland as I was recovering. It was very cold and the ground was covered with ice. We saw lots of wildlife at Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge.
Chemo started at the end of February. 4 cycles, one every three weeks…12 weeks altogether. Between cycles we planned trips!
At the beginning of March, on my good week, we went to Solomon’s Island for several days.
At the end of the month when I was feeling well, we went to Ocean City.
One more quick trip to Colonial Beach.
One week after my last chemo session, we went to Atlanta. We wanted to be there for Austin’s birthday.
Before radiation began, we went to Cape Charles for my birthday.
These small trips did so much to lift our spirits and to get us ready for whatever was to follow.
We also had some good quality time with Tim’s family.
More fun!
20 sessions of radiation were complete on July 9th. The past six months have taught me a lot. I value so much all of the neighbors, family, and friends who have been there to provide unwavering support and encouragement. This support took the form of texts, calls, visits, cards, lotions, sourdough bread, potato pancakes, origami talismans, Jeni’s ice cream, lunches, dinners, flowers, and so much more. I was continuously amazed by the outpouring of love and the generosity of my village. Please know that I will pay it forward!
Most of all, Tim was my constant, my rock. He was with me through it all. He saw me on my hardest days and he was there with a strong and steady manner and a Body Armor. We always promised that we would be there for one another…and the proof was in his actions. I am truly loved and blessed.
Now that we have completed this portion of our journey, we are ready to look forward and get back on the road. This last night we said goodbye to Kyle. Kyle and Allison have done so much for us, there are no words of thanks that would be adequate. We are so very grateful. We are sad to leave but we are eager for some time to explore, some time to slow down and breathe and recover.
1327 December 14 – January 3, 2026 Atlanta Christmas
We tried to stay at a Cracker Barrel on the way to Atlanta but it was just too cold. We drove another hour before we found a campground where we could utilize the electric hookup to stay warm.
We celebrated Christmas with David and his family. We had lots of fun with the big boys. They decorated a gingerbread house and we made gingerbread cookies. We had sleepovers and played lots of games. We walked at Stone Mountain and we went bowling. Oliver and Austin are all about baseball and they were thrilled to learn that they had spots on rosters for the spring. Lots of time was spent in the backyard practicing skills…in the rain and the cold…they were eager to play!
We also watched football…lots and lots of football!
We celebrated the New Year by sitting under the table and eating 12 grapes!
We watched football. Lots and lots of football…
We celebrated New Year 2026 with delicious charcuterie and by eating 12 grapes under the table!
1326 November 26 – December 13, 2025 Holidays at Home
We had a wonderful warm welcome in Reisterstown. We were invited to spend Thanksgiving with Allison’s family. Too much delicious food and lots of conversation and love.
Our time at home passed quickly with visiting and Christmas preparations. We celebrated early with family.
We had lots of fun with Wade.
Our last day at home we had double parties. We started at the D’Amato Family Annual Tortellini Night.
We ended the day at a party for our good friend Debbie who was turning 60!
On December 14th we woke up to several inches of snow. Kyle plowed the driveway and Tim scooped the snow off of the RV slideouts and roof. I went out to buy salt so that we could navigate through the icy spots. Finally, we were on our way to Atlanta.
