Counting The Days - #100

Today is Saturday 10/26; we arrive in BSL on Thursday- 5 more days! 

I wish my 100th post could be something more exciting. I’m just laying here in bed…thinking…  

Today we leave Tennessee and arrive in Alabama. Our next two stops are at privately owned campgrounds ( not KOAs)  In the past, I really hadn’t leaned so heavily on KOA as my go to campgrounds- but I have found a consistency that I appreciate. The service has been excellent and the campgrounds are well maintained with some really unique amenities. The holiday decorations are so much fun, as well!

Tennessee actually has had some of the prettiest foliage we’ve seen so far. Maybe we just timed it right for this area. 

Last night was the first night we didn’t need heat. It reached almost 80 during the day; the nights are still a lot cooler but it remained in the mid 50’s. Alabama will be slightly warmer; we are breaking out the tank tops now. We also will also be moving into Central Time, dropping back an hour. 

We never did hear back from the local service tech but we came up with a backup plan. We cut the wires and removed the damaged brake- away switch. A few miles down the road is an O’Reilly’s and we will pick up a new switch there which Charlie will install at our next stop. Remembering our trip home from Mississippi in spring of 2023- we didn’t have use of the brake-away the whole trip - so we should be fine. Just FYI - what this switch actually does is lock the wheels on the trailer should - when traveling - it becomes separated from truck; keeps it from rolling. Apparently, it’s a common problem. 

The new switch installed by Charlie 

Also on our Sweetwater stop, we had bbq delivered from a locally recommended restaurant. It was really good! Charlie had wings and ribs ( he ate the ribs the next night) and I had a great salad with brisket. 

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We arrived around 1 pm Central Time in Gadsden, Alabama. During our travel, I had a chat with my sister about how I’ve been feeling; as you know, not good. (I also appreciate the comments and support about my discomfort- thanks everyone!) At any rate, my sis coincidentally just got over a UTI herself and although my test came back negative, in addition to the muscle relaxer I was prescribed from urgent care, I was also given an antibiotic. ( this was a just in case by the NP since my diagnosis was not conclusive) I had not taken this because I supposedly did not have an infection and antibiotics can cause other issues. However, Anne ( sister) encouraged me to take it and I have… so we’ll see if there’s any change. At this point, I’ll try anything!

Arrived in Alabama. River Rock Landing is a really pretty and active RV Resort; on a peninsula located on the Coosa River, water views are everywhere! We were so fortunate to be assigned a coveted site - on the end, overlooking the water! We were thrilled! Considering how close the sites are with no buffers in between- we feel really lucky!

 I purchased dinner from their on site restaurant ( we were starved and I just hadn’t been motivated to do much). We had chicken fingers; they were really good and easy for me. I took my first dose of antibiotic and then the second during the night. 

Although this is a two day stop for us, it’s just all about chilling at the park  We totally enjoyed the sunset! Just gorgeous! 

On our one full day on Sunday, 10/27 -we started the day walking down to get coffee at the Picque-Nique on-site restaurant; ultimately shared a breakfast - biscuits and gravy. Now I know we’re in the south! We took showers, I did some cleaning, took walks and just enjoyed the beautiful weather.  Charlie practiced his keyboard and just as the sun set, practiced casting in the river.  

Tomorrow, Monday, 10/28 - we head to another stop in Alabama, just an overnight, then 2 days in Meridian, Mississippi before we reach - Yay! - Bay Hide Away!

Navigating The Bumps - #99

Plans rarely go perfect; if you can be flexible and adjust accordingly, things will still work out in your favor. 

Leaving Harrisonburg, VA - we arranged a stop off at an urgent care along the way. We left a little earlier and got there at 10 am. I was 50% sure I had a UTI - at least I was hoping because it would be easy to take care of. Turns out I didn’t. 😐 The only other possible easy explanation was I had a muscle strain in the groin area and my back. Since I had no other symptoms- we went with that. My practitioner prescribed a muscle relaxer and we arranged to have the script sent to a CVS at our next stop in Wytheville, VA - also on our way to our next campground. ( I am thankful everyday for the power of the internet and the information it provides!!) It has been a couple of days now and I am feeling better. I am still wary that this is the answer but I’m glad to just have some relief! 

Our toilet continues to be an issue; we had been turning the water on and off all day long when we needed to use it. We finally just decided to fill water jugs and use them ( like when boondocking). Much easier. We’ll get this problem fixed once we get to Bay St. Louis. 

We arrived in Tennessee yesterday afternoon, just an overnight in the Bristol area and then onward today to Sweetwater for a two day stop. We continue to have perfect weather and feel extremely lucky. This KOA had great Beetlejuice themed Halloween decor - so much fun! They also actually had a bowling alley! That’s a first!

Minnie seems to be extremely happy. She is like a changed cat!  We noticed an alertness we haven’t seen at home in a long time and she’s been very good en route in the truck as well. 

And though Charlie and I have not spoke of it - the truck has been doing well. I keep my fingers crossed. We’ll be 2/3 of the way when we arrive later today in Sweetwater; over 1000 miles.

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We arrived in Sweetwater to discover our trailer brake away casing melted; we could not disconnect from the truck. This is a concern on several levels. We can’t separate the truck( unless we cut the cable), is there something shorting to cause it to melt; could it cause the brakes to lock? This is actually a brand new switch we just had installed. I have already been in contact with Ben, our RV guy in MS to let him know what’s going on and get on his schedule however we are going to try and get a local mobile repair person in TN to come and see if they can replace this switch before we move on. If not- we may just cut the wires. 

I am definitely looking forward to getting to our Mississippi home. 

Traveling South - #98

Traveling in the fall is such a feast for the eyes! The colors are just so vibrant, the air is crisp and you can almost smell the autumn spice coffee! We have been heading west on Route 84 and now south on 81 for several of our driving days. Such great roads when you’re pulling your trailer. 

This morning we leave our second stop, Jonestown, PA, just outside of Harrisburg. Was an overnight stop and in a couple of hours we will leave for Shenandoah, VA; staying at the same KOA we previously stayed when we visited Shenandoah National Park on our first year winter camping. We’ll see what trouble we can get into this time!  

On the downside for me on this trip is just not feeling up to par. My stomach and back having been bothering me intermittently. I can’t seem to figure it out and it interferes with my usual travel excitement. I’m toying with going to a local urgent care but I don’t seem to be feeling any worse. I’ll see how it goes.

Last night we had KOA pizza; delivered hot and tasty to our campsite. With veggies and dip on the side, it was a good meal. I remembered we had their pizza the last time we stayed here; a nice little amenity!

One thing for sure is we’re sleeping like logs on this trip. I find I’m really tired in the evening - early like 7 pm. It’s pretty dark by then and the cooler nights make you just want to snuggle under the covers. It’s hard to get moving on colder mornings too. I’m definitely a warm weather gal. But overall- the weather has been just great!   70’s, bright and sunny, blue skies. 

So today we decided to just hang out at the campground. We’ll be traveling the next two days and we haven’t had a full day to just relax - though I am planning to take a shower, do a load of laundry and make salmon for dinner.  

Next two stops - Wytheville, VA and then Kingsport, TN. At this point we are now 900 from home; about 6-700 miles to go to Bay St. Louis.

And We’re Off! - #97

The day prior to leaving is always a big push day. It’s packing the common things we use everyday; we wait until the eleventh hour to load. I like to keep things simple but Charlie has a lot of “stuff”; his keyboard and stand, his radio equipment and antennas, his bow, his tools, two laptops and more. Our apartment is cleaned, refrigerator and pantry emptied and we kiss and hug our family goodbye. We get the trailer hooked up and off we go! 

Our first stop is 2 nights at Newburgh NY KOA. We have actually stayed here several times before on our way home; this is the first time going. It’s a pretty nice campground however I never realized how big and convoluted it was; I actually got lost on my walk this morning! (a worker gave me a ride back to my road)

We arrived shortly after 4 pm which is rather late for us. Since the days are getting shorter and temperatures drop as soon as the sun begins to set, I was anxious for us to settle in. Charlie took care of the outside and I organized inside. We were already exhausted and after eating a simple dinner of soup, we both collapsed! 

On our one full day in NY, Friday, 10/18, we visited the Motorcyclepedia Museum in Newburgh. I knew Charlie would enjoy this and it was a pretty extensive collection!

This year we brought with us a small electric heater which Charlie previously had used in his shed. I figured since we are not metered for electricity usage at the campgrounds we stop at while traveling south, we could use this instead of using up our propane. Turns out, it works great in our space! We were toasty warm on these 35 degree nights. Minnie loved it too!

We also finally got ourselves a water pressure regulator for our trailer. We had noticed the water in our toilet rising very high and when I mentioned it to the RV service center- he asked if we were using a regulator. We learn something new everyday!

Update: this did not resolve the problem. We think it’s a toilet issue which we will have to take care of at our destination. 

Well - off once again tomorrow morning heading to PA for an overnight and then a KOA in the Shenandoah Valley  VA (we also previously stayed). We’re in the RV state of mind. 😀

Winter Camping 3.0 - #96

I can’t believe we are leaving in another week to travel and spend the winter on the Mississippi Gulf Coast once again. Getting ready this year for some reason, feels like a lot of work. Maybe it’s because we are just getting over illness or were very busy the latter part of the summer and didn’t give ourselves as much time as we normally do or maybe it’s just because we are getting older. At any rate, even though I am pretty well packed, well organized - it still feels like we have much left to do. Today, for example, we are moving the trailer up to the side of the garage to get it out from under the trees and all the falling debris; then we will wash it. 

Okay - done!

Last week, we cleaned the inside of the truck bed- took everything out, washed the bed liner and reorganized. 

I also spent a couple of days cleaning the truck cab- and set up things for our travel comfort. 

We are officially leaving on Thursday, October 17th and will arrive at Bay Hide Away on October 31st. Usually, we get to our destination on 11/1 - but in planning the travel - even with longer stopovers at several locations- just worked out this way. We have 10 legs to our trip; most stops are at KOAs and 80% are new places we’ve never been. I still keep a binder with a travel schedule which also includes our reservations and mileage. 

I try to pack gradually, a little everyday. Preparing the trailer involves cleaning every inch of it on the inside, washing all the contents- bedding, dishes and utensils- and then repacking  I also gradually start to shop for non-perishable items, pack clothing, and move in other items we want to take with us. Even though our trailer is set up like a separate residence ( which it actually is) there are some items I don’t have duplicates of - like my crock pot, for instance.

Besides readying the trailer, planning the travel and making our reservations, just these past few weeks, we visited drs, dentist, vet for Minnie and had our flu shots.  I had to make sure all our vehicles were registered, inspected and we also voted early. 

Then I also put everything away in the yard- lawn furniture, umbrellas, toys, and plants - to help prepare for the cold weather. Charlie will be moving his motorcycle to the shed today to make room for the van to park inside. 

So what’s left on the agenda? Still final packing, perishable food, propane for the tanks, and cleaning our apartment. 

We do have a very exciting development! Our campground is now offering storage on-site for when we return home. We will be able to leave our trailer for the summer months and we can now travel down in my much smaller car ( with much, much better mileage). It will be an easier and faster drive then when we tow the trailer. I am excited!

Wonderful Travel Experiences: More to Follow! - #95

 We are now a couple of weeks into fall.  Where did the summer go? We ask that same question every year! The weather has been dry; leaves are starting to turn, curl and drop to the ground. Ahem…

Our cruise to the Artic Circle is now a wonderful memory! Beautiful photos I had transferred to various size canvases now grace our walls with wonderful moments I can revisit everyday.  We loved the cruise and really enjoyed everything about it! You can be sure I am already seeking out future travels; I’m interested in Hawaii and Alaska. 

I did post a lot of photos on Facebook while in the midst of our travels, but here are a few of my favorites and the ports I enjoyed most. 

Qaqortoq, Greenland - this was a really pretty port, with colorful houses, interesting shops and beautiful scenery.

Seydisfjordur, Iceland - Aside from the charming scenery, this port had a very special energy; I felt drawn to it. Beautiful colors, waterfalls, great little shops and friendly people. 

St. Pierre&Miquelon, France ( off the coast of Canada)

This little known island is really special. A spectacularly beautiful seaside port, with wonderful cafe and croissants, great architecture. I was so glad to be able to visit and remains one of my favorites stops!

Honorable mention- visiting the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik, Iceland- a beautiful thermal spa excursion right near a currently active volcano. 

 Akureyri, Iceland for Godafoss Waterfall

and cruising through Prince Christian Sound. We were so fortunate to be sail through this area; it had only opened to ships in the past two weeks due to iceberg conditions and weather. 

We are big fans of ship life, too. The food, activities, casino filled our time onboard and you couldn’t beat the views!

We returned home on August 20th and after a whirlwind week at home… we were off again ( with our kids) to West Virginia for my younger grand niece’s Bat Mitzvah. Because it was such a long drive ( over 600 miles) we made fun plans to stop and stay on the way - Camelback Resort ( indoor water park). Charlie and I loved the lazy river! 

The Bat Mitzvah was held at Emma Kaufman Campground ( sleep away camp)in Morgantown, West Virginia and we had a blast!!! Charlie and I were assigned our own cabin. Boy, did this bring back great memories for me of my camp days! We did a lot of walking, kayaking, did crafts and enjoyed eating at the mess hall. The Bat Mitzvah service was held outside at the amphitheater area which was beautiful and different! I loved the whole casual feel of the event! And the party was held in the evening with a lot of dancing and celebrating! We really enjoyed spending time with family as well!

On our way home, we stopped two nights in Hershey,  PA and spent a fun filled day at Chocolate World. 

Oh

Needless to say- we had a wonderful summer!

Unfortunately, September was a really bad month for us. Both Charlie and I were sick for almost 3 weeks, upon returning home right after Labor Day weekend. He had pneumonia; I had bronchitis. We were pretty miserable and are so glad that is behind us now. 

And now onward to our next adventure!