Cherry Blossom - Day 8

As we left Washington DC this morning, we got our last look at places we had visited. We also enjoyed a final glimpse of cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin. After that, we had a very quiet ride to York, PA. With outside temperatures in the low 40s and a brisk wind, it felt good to be inside, and the majority of the people used the drive time to take a long nap. After our coffee break, we continued into Amish country in Lancaster County. At the Amish Farm and Home, we learned so much about Amish lifestyle. We also were able to tour the out buildings, including the barn where there were 11 new baby goats. They were the hit of the farm tour. By then we were ready for lunch. At the restaurant, Good 'n Plenty, we found they took their name seriously. From the homemade bread and apple butter, to crisp fried chicken and mashed potatoes, to the five desserts, the food was good and there was plenty of it. Local specialties
served included chow chow relish, buttered noodles and shoo fly pie. Many seemed interested in the recipe which was handed out on the bus. Then we drove through the picturesque Amish countryside. All the farms, 50-75 acres in size (and valued at $1 million), gave an impression of a patchwork quilt. There were many buggies on the road with us, and almost every farm had laundry hung out on lines strung way up in the air. One man was using about 8 horses and mules to plow his field. We stopped in a tourist spot to look at quilts, crafts and bulk food items. Our final drive for the day took us along the Schuylkill River into Philadelphia. With the hotel in the heart of the city, people are able to walk just a couple blocks to City Hall with the statue of William Penn on top.-Laurel Johnson, Tour Director