Leaving Silver Lake tomorrow, maybe

Jim's bike is supposed to be finished today, but the part isn't supposed to arrive before 2pm.  We hope the part arrives today.  Tomorrow rain is expected (30% chance) but we're going to do it anyway.  We have enough experience in poor weather now, so we should be tough enough.  

Before I forget for the rest of the trip--

     When we rested in Fort Loudon, the cottage we stayed at was actually on historic property.  James Chambers, the son of the founder of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania.  On this property, James lived with his family and operated an iron forge using the energy from the Conococheague River.  The Martins live in the original dwelling, and Kelli can tell you more about its own history including the old Maple tree by the river.  For more information about this historic property and renting the Gatehouse at the Forge, contact Kelli Martin at kellismartin@comcast.net.  

     Chambersburg is also where we found Hari Howard, our beloved elephant.  Fort Loudon is about 7-9 miles north of Mercersberg and 9 miles east of McConnellsburg.  The hospitality and friendship we found at Fort Loudon was outstanding, and we hope if anyone travels the 30 in Pennsylvania they stop in and get to know the Martin family.

     When we camped in Ohio, we stayed at a site by Grand Lake near St. Mary's.  Grand Lake was hand built using shovels.  It measures 12 miles long and 3 miles wide, and the men who built it were paid 37 cents a day and a bottle of whiskey.  

     If you ever find yourself in Winona Lake, Indiana, check out Kelainey's Sweet Dreams Coffees & Creams.  They have reasonably priced sandwiches and salads, and they're located near the bike shop where Jim's bike is being fixed in the Village at Winona Lake.