Lancaster County, Pa

Good Thursday morning to all our family and friends  out there in Blogger land! We have safely made it to Campbell, New York. We are close to the towns of Corning and Watkins Glen and will be here for at least 3 days. We are staying at the Camp Bell Campground, a nice park not far off I-86. Only issues with the park is we only have 30 amp service and no sewer so we are having to ration our electricity and water use. The plus side to that is, this park is a Passport America park and we can stay for half price.
              I want to finish up our post and pictures of our time in the town of Intercourse, Pa. and of Lancaster County and will be the subject of today's blog. The weather there, was for the most part, was very pleasant but turned very hot and muggy the last two days.
              I'm sure most of you already know this area is primarily known for the Amish and Mennonite populations. The area is primarily agricultural, but has a strong tourist attraction with many stores and shops that are Amish owned or supported. Their reputation for being hard working, god fearing people is right on and are known for their strict moral values and craftsmanship. The Amish have parishes and each parish has a Bishop who is their leader. Each parish has a one room school used to educate their children until age 14.  They have strict beliefs that they do not wish to be "connected" to the outside world with electricity or telephones in their homes. They typically have propane gas for lighting and heat and make use of generators and air compressors to operate their equipment. Most of their farming is done using mules and horses, although small gasoline driven equipment is permitted to a degree. Their primary transportation is horse and buggy and scooters. They are extremely crafty and resilient people that deserve our respect and admiration.

Couldn't pass up taking this shot. This store is typical of the ones found in the town of Intercourse and other small towns in the area.

Typical horse drawn buggy. Now for you horse folks out there, you will be interested to learn the American Saddlebred is their preferred breed  due to their trotting gait. The buggies do have lighting on front and back along with turn signals. A lot of the roadways have lanes established for the horse and buggy travelers.

Amish farm. Check out the clothes line that is operated with a pulley on a high support. The clothes are attached on the porch or other low point and then pulled higher on the line until it's full. You can also see a horse and buggy hooked up beside the barn. Very ingenious folks.

Amish cemetery. Notice all the grave markers are the same. They believe one person is no more important than another, even in death. A good lesson for all of us. All of the markers have the born and died date and the length of their lives, like 75 years, 6 months and 22 days.

One room school. All the Amish schools are identical. The teachers have to be single and are usually less than 30 years old since they cannot teach after getting married. The children finish school at age 14 and then go to work on their families farm.

Crickett with a bouquet of flowers we purchased at an Amish roadside stand for $2.00. 

We purchased this clock from Kauffman's Clock Works. It has several selectable chimes when it strikes on the hour. Crickett wants to use it on our mantle at home, but who knows, it may wind up in our RV!  Mr Kauffman didn't make this particular clock, but the ones he did make were immaculate. he imports his movements from Germany.

Mr Kauffman's home was beside his 'Clock Shop" and was impeccable. I'm sure he's not Amish, but guessing he's Mennonite.

Typical Amish farm with alfalfa in the foreground and corn in the background. Most have silos to store the silage made from corn. These crops are used to feed their dairy cattle, which produces their primary source of income.  By the way, Hershey Chocolate is nearby and is one of their primary users.

Pretty swan in a pond on one of the Amish farms.

Not sure of the flower's name, but I thought they were pretty.

Pretty sure these are Hydrangeas.

One of many picturesque Amish yards. The pink and white flowers were very popular in the area. The bloom looked like a miniature Petunia. 

Bus from an Amish tour company.

Annie's Kitchen that sold all types of preservatives, baked goods, quilts and quite a few other goodies.

Beautiful, but expensive quilts. It wasn't unusual to see a price tag of $1,000 or more on the quilts.

Crickett and Bailey in front of the Visitor's center

One of several original covered bridges in the area. This bridge is known as The Pinetown Bridge and was built in 1868. It has been restored but still retains most of the original framing. The workmanship inside the bridge was amazing with tight fitting joints and peg construction.

Inside bridge

Storefront of Rehiels Crafts and Quilts.

Scooters for sale. The Amish don't believe in using bicycles, so they convert bikes into scooters and are used by children and adults alike.

Couldn't resist this one!