On a recent vacation to Mansfield, Ohio Margie & Clyde McGarva, Sandy Russell, Ron Bews and Ken Veltrop visited AMVETS Post 26 in Mansfield. We left September 5, 2008 and arrived on Saturday, September 6 in the afternoon after a lengthy ride and overnight stay in Georgetown, KY. We were, to our surprise, told that we were all going to spend the night in Mansfield so that we did not have a long drive that evening to Camp Toodik, in Loudonville, were we were staying for the week.

Tim Martin (Tim and Eileen were married at our new Post in August) picked us up from the motel in a van that Post 26 has just acquired. We were chauffeured to the Post for a night full of installation ceremonies and camaraderie. To this end, we met some new friends from Post 26 and had a great time visiting everyone.

Our week's stay was at a campground, Camp Toodik, at Loudonville, which was 19 miles from Mansfield over some very tricky twists and turns (especially at night). Clyde and Ken took a canoe trip down the river (approx. 10 miles) and enjoyed the paddling and sights. Ken toured the grounds at Camp Toodik and found lots of mysterious berries (some of which he nibbled), black walnuts, Buckeyes and some gorgeous wild flowers. He picked a bouquet and brought them to the table for all to enjoy.

Our accommodations were small but we made do. The beds were not the most comfortable. We grilled out one night and had chili one night (brought from home). We enjoyed one another's company, did laundry and spent a lot of time at Post 26.

Barbie & Larry invited us over for a cookout the following Monday, hamburgers and hotdogs and the best corn on the cob--with all trimmings. Invited guests brought covered dishes and desserts and everything was absolutely delicious.

See a few photos of our adventures.