Dale & Patti Schumacher's Travel Log: Lancaster County PA

We're in College Park MD this week, with day trips we'd like to do to Lancaster County PA; Gettysburg PA; Mt. Vernon (Washington's Home); and, Monticello (Jefferson's Home). We were up earlier than normal this morning to make the two hour trek to Lancaster County PA. We've always heard so much about it and seen it in the movies; while we're in the area we want to see "the simpler life" first hand. We headed north.

It is about two hours to Lancaster County PA. As we arrived, we were greeted by the Susquehanna River and the Veteran's Memorial Bridge - Stunning! Of course, we are here near the peak of fall color, so we see beautiful trees at every turn. Our first choice to see this new to us world was in a horse drawn carriage. Experienced it first hand. Jewel pulled us around for about an hour. Great sights.

We learned a lot about the Amish Culture. First, no motorized vehicles; no traditional electric power. They have indoor plumbing and running water. We were told they are not afraid of electricity; only what electricity can bring to their culture - TV, Radio, Internet. They do use generators to power battery chargers and air compressors. Most cooling for milk, etc. is done with propane.

Children are educated in Amish schools through the 8th grade, in one room schoolhouses, one teacher, one room, all grades. No other classroom education is provided. They can all read and write three languages: English; German; and, Pennsylvania Dutch. Interesting. When the youngest son in the family is married, he and his wife take over the family residence with the expectation that he and his family will care for his parents as they age. The house is expanded to accommodate the size of the growing family.

We had lunch at a local restaurant and sampled a variety of authentic foods. Two things we'd heard a lot about is Shoo-Fly Pie and Whoopie Pie. Both were tasty; but, didn't live up to the hype.

Time to head back to our temporary home in Maryland.