Monday August 8, 2016 Some of the friends we have met on our journeys have more than two legs and a stop in Dandridge, TN would not be complete without going to see our friend the Fish. Fish is a labradoodle that has a sad story with a happy ending. Fish belonged to an elderly couple that were killed in a car accident. Fish was suppose to go to family members but when they found out they were not given any inheritance they dropped off Fish in the woods were he lived for a year. People in the area and animal control tried to get Fish for a year but he was afraid and always ran away whenever anyone came close. They were finally able to get Fish when he could no longer run away because he was to weak as a stick was lodge in his throat and he could no longer eat. Fish was rescued and is now 12 years old. We met Fish last year at the antique store located in an old mansion were he greets everyone at the door. The first time we met Fish he walked right up to Jim and leaned his head against Jim's leg. Fish walked right up to Jim today and did the same thing. He is a very, very, sweet dog and when we come back to Dandridge in October we will have to bring him a special treat. This is probably our last post as we only have overnight stops after Dandridge as we plan to be home by Friday, God willing and the creek don't rise, literally. The forecast for stormy weather is not good. We have had an amazing journey, gone 12,000 miles and visited 18 states. Have visited our family and friends, have made some new friends and were able to spend time with my cousin Beth and her husband Steve and with my cousin David and his wife Tina. We feel very blest that God has allowed us to make this trip. God Bless America it really is an amazing country, we all need to work harder to keep it this way, Jim and Debbie

Thursday August 4, 2016 Hello everybody, Jim and I are still in Shipshewana, we should be getting our 5th wheel back tomorrow as we plan to leave to go back home on Saturday. Today we went to Goshen to visit the RV museum. It was really cool to see the very 1st trailer attached to an old model T, RV trailer used by Mae West, a model class A built by a man in Cape Coral, and the very first pop up tent. We then went to see the Old Bag Factory. This factory use to make all the old burlap sacks used for multiple purposes. We have enjoyed our stay in Shipshewana and admire the life that the Amish live. Staying here at the Old Carriage Inn and our host Brigette we have learned a lot about the life that the Amish live, their ways and the way the Districts work. We will definitely will be back as there is so much more to see.

Monday August 1, 2016 Hello dear friends, We had a great time at our first Shipshewana Rally. There were 136 rigs and 272 people. The rally leader Sue and Jerry Goddard out did themselves and a great time was had by all. Jim won a pair of crimpers to fix our slides if ever need be. One night we played the horse race card game which was a lot of fun even if every time it was my turn I lost money. Shipshewana has a huge flea market on Tuesday and Wednesday with an antique auction on Wednesday. I don't think their has been a bakery that we have missed, LOL. We were able to spend some great time with friends that we met last year at Dandridge, TN and new friends we made in San Antonio, TX. We are looking forward to our next rally. We took our fifth wheel in to have the delamination problem fixed and hope to be on the road home by Friday, Saturday at the latest. We are staying at the Old Carriage Inn B&B and Brigette is a wonderful host. Would highly recommend a visit here. Happy Trails, Jim and Debbie

June 26, 2016 Tuesday Howdy, Jim and I are in Shipshewana, IN at an Open Range Owners Rally. Our first rally was in Dandridge, TN last October. The good thing about these rallies is you get to see friends you met at the first rally. The rally rangers have a five day itinerary that includes, breakfast, wine and cheese greet and met, potluck dinners and tours to the Open Range factory. Shipshewana host the biggest flea market in Indiana along with numerous other shops and the best bakeries as Shipshewana is the home of the Amish. The farms are phenomenal, the food is amazing and the furniture they make is second to none. If we didn't have the fifth wheel I would bringing home a U-Haul. LOL We went to the flea market today and will go back tomorrow as they have an antique auction. This will be our last stop before heading home. More to follow. Love, Jim and Debbie

Friday July 22, 2016 Hello from Utica, IL, What a beautiful area. We are surrounded by cornfields on all sides. The lightening bugs have been in abundance. Jim and I visited the town of Utica, Ottawa, Starved Rock and the Illinois/Michigan canal. There is a lot of history here as Illinois is the home state of the great President Lincoln. Our 1st stop was to Starved Rock. There are various local legends about how Starved Rock got its name. The most popular is the tale of revenge for the assassination of Ottawa leader Chief Pontiac, who was killed in Cahokia on April 20, 1769, by an Illinois Confederation warrior. According to the legend, the Ottawa, along with their allies the Potawatomi avenged Pontiac's death by attacking a band of Illiniwek along the Illinois river. The Illiniwek climbed to the butte to seek refuge, but their pursuers besieged the rock until the tribe starved to death, thereby giving the place the name Starved Rock. The park has 2 million visitors a year and is the home to many hiking trails. Jim said that the bald eagles come back and nest here every winter. I also like the fact that they had a little history on the Conservation Corp as my Dad helped build the roads going into Glacier Park back in 1930. A lot of heavy machinery was not invented yet so a lot of the work these men did where by hand. We then went across the river and visited the Illinois/Michigan canal and dam which opened in 1848 and made Chicago and northern Illinois the key crossroads of the American mid-continent. Jim and I also drove to Buffalo Rock State Park where long before explorers, settlers and immigrants arrived in the passageway, native people lived here. Florida seashells found in this area suggest how far, and how complex the Native American trade routes were. We visited the small town of Utica and shared a drink with the locals which Jim and I love to do. Jim got some tips to the best golf courses in the area and as I write this that is where he is today. We went and had lunch in the small town of Ottawa which was as quaint as its name. Ottawa is the home of Washington Square which on August 21, 1858 is where Abraham Lincoln and Stephan Douglas had their 1st of many debates. Lincoln came to Ottawa several times throughout his career. He practiced law before the Supreme Court of Illinois at sessions held in the old LaSalle Courthouse. Lincoln also served as a claims commissioner for the Illinois/Michigan Canal. Have a great day, Jim and Debbie