Jan and Bill headed to the northeast in late April to see Jerry Jutras and his partner Julie Carlowe; side objectives included learning more about how others set up their vans for camping, and visiting with Lorraine Grant. On the way out of Atlanta we dropped our van with the builder who is going to convert it into a camper and picked up his van -- pictured above.

Our next stop was Mechanicsburg PA and SprinterFest East, an annual gathering of people who have campers based on the Sprinter van. Twenty to thirty vans showed up for the gathering, and a dozen or so stayed overnight to continue visiting after the formal activities were over. We learned a lot from the contacts and tours through others' vans, and found that the layout we had designed for our van fit our caming style very well.

After SprinterFest, we headed to Rhode Island for our visits with Jerry & Julie. We parked Robert's camper in Pat and Felix' driveway for the week, and commuted from there daily to see Jerry and Julie in Johnston. Here Jan regales Jerry and Julie with photos of the family during our first visit.

Jan encouraged Jerry to walk the halls as much as he could to supplement the physical conditioning "opportunities" provided by the staff.

The facility is very nice, and the staff is outstanding -- very caring and interested in helping Jerry become more self-sufficient.

The face mask was to protect us from Julie's mild pneumonia. She recovered before the end of our visit and was able to accompany Jan and I on a brief trip to Wal*Mart. Due to mobility issues, Jerry was not able to accompany us on the trip (more motivation?).

Jan and Pat setting up for dinner at Stephen LaPierre's home. Stephen is Pat's brother.

He has built the kitchen from the walls out. It is very nicely done -- good craftsmanship

We headed to Salem MA Friday to give Jan a break from the intense visits with Jerry. Bill found a campsite on Winter Island in Salem Harbor. The campsite was in the middle of the marina, and the commissioning activities were reminescent of Atlanta Yacht Club on commissioning day. It was really tough waking up to this view in the mornings.

The lighthouse was built in 1871 and operated until 1969.

I got up early and enjoyed watching boats stored at the marina being readied for the upcoming season, and put into the water.

Jan getting ready to visit with Lorraine. Note that Lion is on guard.

I was surprised at the height of the tides in Salem Harbor. This photo was taken at almost high tide. Note the rock in the center of the pool in front of the van -- you will see it again.

Lorraine and Jan

A Marblehead home. Nice living.

Blue sky above with mist rising off the water early in the evening.

Here is the rock again -- this time at low tide.

The rising "supermoon" on the evening of May 5th.

The sailboat in the foreground was launched this morning; the moon was launched many millenia ago (how many depends on which moon-creation theory you follow). Regardless, a peaceful scene.

Sunday morning was a peaceful time for a walk around the marina.

Yesterday morning there were almost no boats moored to buoys.

Looking from the end of the dock toward our camping spot (our van is to the right). The building to the left was originally a sea plane hanger.

Looking toward our camping spot (white blobs to the right) from Fort Pickering (which is at the northeast end of Winter Island) and the lighthouse.

Marblehead, which is across the harbor from Fort Pickering.

Looking past Marblehead toward the Atlantic Ocean.

Jan with the newest member of the Hetu family.

Melissa, David, and Cheryl Hetu.

Jerry, Norman, and Daniel.

Set up for camping at Pat's.

Felix has done a great job with the landscaping and stonework at their home.

Jerry at the mid-day meal on Monday.