Trip to Hagerstown, Visit With Relatives

(Ft Meade, MD)  Hi 94 Lo 70  Record heat.  --  It’s been two nights in a row that we didn't sleep well. When we went to bed and settled down we heard a thump outside our bedroom window, then another. It was loud enough to not let you sleep and it was random, maybe every 5-10 minutes.  It was on the front left just under the bed area of the RV. It did it several times so Jim went out to see if he could see anything. It didn’t do it while he was outside, so he came back to bed. Within a few minutes it did it again. He went back out and stayed longer, but nothing happened.  By this time it was 2am, and it didn't do it anymore and we finally got to sleep. We’ll see if anything ever turns up, otherwise it’s another mystery.  At least the propane alarm has been quiet. :)

Today we headed about 75 miles northwest to Hagerstown to visit Jim's aunt and uncle, who he hasn't seen in many years. Jim was the ring bearer at their wedding 53 years ago, when he was 7 years old. He was very fond of his "Auntie Adele and Uncle Dick" when he was little, and was so glad to have the opportunity to see them again.

Richard and Adele


They have a beautiful home with a gorgeous view of the Appalachian Mountains.


With a pool...


...which I took advantage of.


They took us on a driving tour of the area. We crossed the Appalachian Trail.

We drove through beautiful Catoctin Mountain Park. That's where Camp David, the presidential retreat, is located. This was as close as we could get. (Click on the photos to enlarge them.)


When we returned to their house Adele prepared a wonderful lasagna dinner, with strawberries and ice cream for dessert. The whole meal was to die for!

Soon after dinner, and with many hugs all around, we reluctantly left, with the promise to not go as long between visits. I'm so glad I got to know them, and Jim was beaming all day. Thanks Adele and Richard for a great time, and for brightening our day.

The trip there and back was so beautiful, with many scenic vistas of the Appalachian range. We got home quite late. I hope we can get to bed and get some sleep tonight without anything keeping us awake.