Saturday (Sept 27th) - The 2008 Chapter 400 Fall Rally commenced today at the 4 o'clock in the Pinch Pond Campground in Manheim, PA.  Our president, Judy, welcomed everyone to the rally.  Co-hosts for this rally are Ernie & Judy Finch and Don & Ann Splain.  There are 18 rigs on site with 1 new member/first-timer and 2 additional first-timers.  Doris Williams is the  angel for Carol Clyde, Carl & Val Farley are the angels for Ralph & Gisela Jones, and Pete & Nancy Armitage are the angels for Paul & Sharon Surhoff.  Rally attendee list:  Pete & Nancy Armitage, Bob Boxell, Ben & Betsy Brock, John & Carol Burnham, Carol Clyde, Jim & Marge Eckles, Carl & Val Farley, Ernie & Judy Finch, Jerry & Terri Hopman, Bill & Peg Jones, Ralph & Gisela Jones, Glen & Flower MacMillen, Dean & Winnie Murphy, Bob & Marie Smith, Don & Ann Splain,  Paul & Sharon Surhoff, Paul & Angie Thrash, Doug & Judy Trumbull, and Doris Williams.  Following the welcoming and introductions, a soup and sandwich meal was served.  The soup was a local specialty of chicken, corn, and egg; accompanied by egg salad sandwiches.  Following the meal, the hardcore game players got right down to a game of Wizard.  As an added treat, a cake was shared to celebrate the birthdays of John Burnham and Pete Armitage.  TOP

Sunday (Sept 28th) - Some of us went to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Fair which was located less than a mile from the campground.  It was quite an event with many people attired in medieval dress.  There were also many shows which were very entertaining.  Unfortunately, the enjoyment of the day was dampened by a downpour (pun intended).  It has been raining heavily for the past few days, and although today started out fairly well, it started pouring again around 2:00PM.  As luck would have it, the sun came out after we had returned to the campground.  We had a 4 o'clock with some announcements and socializing, and then games after dinner.  TOP

Monday (Sept 29th) - A definite highlight for the day was waking up to a sunny sky - much appreciated after all the rain we have had.  The day also started with a breakfast of pancakes, sausage, juice, and coffee.  Following breakfast, there was a round table seminar where members shared their maintenance, safety, and renovation experiences with the group.  There was a lot of useful information presented.  Also, while the seminar was going on, some members brought their computers in to get some issues and problems resolved.  We met again for a 4 o'clock, and after a few announcements and socialization, many of the members went out to dinner.  Of course after dinner, it was time again for games.  TOP

Tuesday (Sept 30th) - One day a week, only on Tuesday, there is a very large farmer's and flea market held just south of the town of Manheim, PA.  So naturally, we had to take advantage of the local produce being offered.  At 3:30 PM, we all gathered for a root beer float social - seems not too many pass up a root beer float!  At 5:30 PM, we gathered once again for a potluck dinner.  We barely had the meats grilled before it started pouring again.  What a racket in a steel building with the rain pounding on the roof!  The flash from one of Marie's pictures was enough to get a rise out of one of our members - evidently she thought lightening struck inside the building.  Since we were trapped for a time being due to the downpour, Judy used the time for an impromptu round table discussion.  Then, fortunately, the rain subsided so folks could rush back to their rigs to retrieve their games.    TOP

Wednesday (Oct 1st) - Today's scheduled event was a trip to tour the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, PA.  We were treated to a fantastic guided tour which was both informative and entertaining.  The museums houses over 100 historic and vintage railroad cars and engines, from the classic wood burner engines, to the massive steam engines, to the sleek electric powered and diesel engines.  Our guide had a wealth of knowledge about railroading as both her grandfather and father were engineers.  Of course, for additional information, we had our own Choo Choo Charlie (Dean) along.  It was only after leaving the museum did we learn that the tour guide, Traci, was a relative of our treasurer, Bill.  On the return trip to the campground some of us stopped for lunch at the Caddy Shack in Manheim.  We met again for our traditional 4 o'clock, and then again at 6:30 PM for an ice cream social.  We started out with 2 scoops each, had some left over so some returned for a 3rd scoop, and few even had a 4th scoop.  Ice cream will never go to waste!  After the ice cream, the tables were cleared and the cards came out.  TOP

Thursday (Oct 2nd) - Another day - another tour - this time to the Cornwall Iron Furnace in Cornwall, PA.  Originally built by Peter Grubb in 1742, the furnace underwent extensive renovations in 1856-57 under its subsequent owners, the Coleman family, and closed in 1883.  All of the raw materials necessary for the smelting process — iron ore, limestone and wood for charcoal — were found in this self contained iron plantation.  It is truly unbelievable the conditions under which these men labored.  Following the tour, the ladies departed for their luncheon at the Bluebird Inn and the guys left for their luncheon at the Quentin Tavern.  As an added treat, Mark & Carol Kenderdine, Chapter 400 members who just came off the road, joined us for the luncheons and also our 4 o'clock.  Also, the pastor from the local ministry stopped by to collect the foodstuffs we had collected for their food bank.  He gave a nice talk explaining how the food is distributed, and also thanked our members for their generous contributions.   TOP

Friday (Oct 3rd) - Unfortunately, our new member Carol Clyde was "evicted" to make room for someone with a reservation.  Check out picture # 64 to see the rig that replaced Carol's 5th wheel!  At 10:45 AM, we all lined up for a trip to the Shady Maple Smorgasbord in East Earl, Pa for lunch.  To some of us, a smorgasbord is known as a booooffet!  This place had a fantastic selection of food items.  At 7:00 PM, we all gathered for an evening of home grown entertainment.   It was a fun filled evening with an animal act, jokes, a skit, odd things we have been carrying around in our motor homes; and last but certainly not least, a concert by our very own MacFinch quartet.    A new idea for our rallies - and a great success.  TOP

Saturday (Oct 4th) - Coffee and donuts were available in the morning for the early risers.  Most folks spent the day getting packed up for tomorrow's departure.  We gathered for the 4 o'clock which was followed at 5:30 PM by pizza and salad.  After the meal, Judy officially closed the 2008 Fall Rally.  Ernie & Judy and Don & Ann were presented with Certificates of Appreciation on behalf of the Chapter 400 membership for their efforts in coordinating and organizing this fun filled rally.  Thanks to both couples.  Most will depart tomorrow and we hope to see you again for the 2008 Christmas Rally in Arcadia, FL.  TOP