Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Weekend trip to Vermont


May 20, 21 and 22: Pine Hollow Campground, Pownal, VT.




Site R6

Pine Hollow is a very nice, small and quiet campground just across the NY border at Pownal, Vermont in the foothills of the Green Mountains.    There are only 30 or so sites, with a nice pond in the middle.  It takes a little effort to get there via windy and hilly roads, but worth it.  One of Judy's daughters, Christl, lives near here on the New York side of the border, so we got to spend time with her and her family on Babcock Lake.











It was a really fun weekend visiting Christl's family, and the drive back home Monday was uneventful.  We have now camped, this year alone, twice as many days as we did last year or the year before.  It's sure feels nice to get back out now that science seems to be getting a handle on COVID.

We have several more trips planned for the summer before we take a longer one this fall.  Stay tuned.
 




Tuesday, May 10, 2022

2022 Spring Southern Trip: Gulf Shores to Home!





Tuesday May 9th, and we are HOME!!!!

But first, let's look back on the week review how we got here.

Tuesday 5/3: 265 miles, parked at Birmingham South RV Park, Pelham, AL
Site 21, Birmingham South RV Park

US Rt. 59 North to I-65, then I-65 the rest of the way.
We were on the road at 9:20 this morning.  As we were leaving, Judy commented, "You know, I'm sad leaving here.  It is just so peaceful."  I agree.  It really was a lovely, peaceful, and relaxing week.  But, time to get home.

The drive today was uneventful.  The traffic was heavy, but smooth leaving Gulf Shores, and gradually thinned out as we got further north.  Interstate 65 was an excellent road and a pretty drive.  We arrived at Birmingham South to another warm afternoon of 85 about 2:30.  

This RV park is a new stop for us.  Our site is a bit on the small side and the concrete patio is a little worse for wear, but plenty adequate for a night or two.  There is plenty of room to walk the dogs.  The park is immaculate.  There are much larger sites in the rear of the campground that I'm sure are saved for travelers who are staying for more than an overnight.  I would stay here again for a day or two, and longer if we could get one of the larger sites in the back.  It appears that at one time the park might have been a KOA.  You can always tell by the classic "A shape" of the office building.

Overnighters section with convenient pull throughs.
It is interesting how the various campgrounds have different rules and policies.  I had to sign a form indicating that I would follow their pet rules.  I had to sign another form indicating that I had read and understood the campground rules.  We needed a propane tank refilled, so I took it the the campground refill station.  Instead of standing and chatting with the attendant, I was asked to sit at a picnic table 50 feet away, I guess in case it blew up??  Then I asked him if he could lift the full tank back into the truck.  He said it was against policy for him to do that.  Compare that to other campgrounds where the attendant would deliver and install the tank in your RV.  On the other hand, most campgrounds are sticklers for having a car tag visible at all times on your dash.  This one didn't even give us a car tag.  Not complaining, just comparing.  Maybe different insurance company regulations?  Maybe CYA for legal purposes?  Who knows.

It was too hot and muggy to grill outside, so dinner was a gourmet selection of refrigerator leftovers.  ðŸ˜€
 
Wednesday 5/4: 233 miles, parked at Sweetwater KOA, Sweetwater, Tennessee.
Beautiful patio site #47, Sweetwater KOA.

I-65 to I-459 to I-59 to I75
As if the last few days were too boring, I woke with a "scab" on my neck from a bug bite.  Judy took a look, and sure enough it was a tick!!!!  It had apparently spent the night with me.  Ever since my teen years I had wanted to be a "chic magnet".  Turns out I'm a "tick magnet instead."  ðŸ˜€  Over the last several years I've had at least a dozen of them dug out of me.  Nurse Judy went to work, and finally got it out, and it didn't come easy.
After that early morning excitement, we were on the road headed to Sweetwater, TN by 9:30.  It was another warm and sunny day.  The route today was all Interstates.  We left late enough to avoid the morning rush around Birmingham.  I-59 north from Birmingham was some of the roughest road we have ever traveled on.  It smoothed out when we crossed briefly into Georgia.  In Chattanooga, Tennessee we caught I-75 north to the KOA exit at Pelham.  Back in the Eastern Time Zone now.

We arrived at the KOA about 2:30 to sun and 82 degree weather.  But there was a slight breeze and low humidity.  After setting up it was a beautiful afternoon to sit outside and enjoy the warmth and green.  This patio site is probably one of the most beautiful sites we have ever had.  In fact, this park is really really nice.  It is rural, wooded and quiet.  We would definitely stay here again for a few days and check out the area.

Dinner was burgers, hot dogs and a mix of leftover potatoes and veggies, all cooked on the Blackstone griddle. The more I use it, the more I like this griddle for outdoor camping cooking.
We had a "fixit" project to take care of.  Remember the episode of the leaning/tilted kitchen island?  Well, that rough section of Interstate 59 took it's toll on our previous temporary fix.  So we had to cob together another temporary fix.  This one isn't as pretty, but much more solid.  Looks like we will have to rebuild the entire base of the island when we get home.  Good thing we have learned to travel with a tool kit.
While our problems might seem serious, they don't come close to this couple's situation.  The entire left rear section of the camper has separated.  Apparently it caught on something.  Tree or vehicle maybe?  Ouch!!


Thursday 5/5: 233 miles, parked at Wytheville KOA, Wytheville, Virginia
Site L-7, Wytheville KOA

Interstates all the way.  I-75 to I-40 to I-81.
We left Sweetwater about 10:15, and it was smooth Interstate sailing all the way today.  The roads were in good shape and the green scenery was pretty.  The traffic generally light to moderate, and only a couple minor backups due to construction or accidents.  We arrived at the KOA and were all set up by 2:30.  It was warm and pleasant so we sat outside for our traditional after setup beer.
Wytheville is very pretty and it is immaculate.  Even has a bowling alley!

Large area of pull thru transient sites with concrete patios.
Dinner was another "roughing it" menu of seared salmon, along with wild rice and peppers and onions.

Friday 5/6:
Originally we were to start home today, with a weekend stay at son Matt and family in West Virginia.  But.....plans change.  Severe weather (heavy rain, thunderstorms, and high winds) are forecast for West Virginia and the Mid Atlantic region for the weekend.  This is what we are avoiding.
I conversed with Matt and the smart thing is to cancel our stop there.  Maybe a Memorial Day or 4th of July visit instead.  So we are staying here in Wytheville for tonight and Saturday night.  We will head to Jonestown for sunshine on Sunday and be back in Gouverneur a day earlier than planned on Monday afternoon.  We lucked out.  Our site was the only one that was open for the next two nights so we don’t have to move.  On a positive note, unlike air travel changes due to weather, at least we have our "home" with us. 

So we spent the afternoon making calls to first, cancel a Monday night stay in Westfield, NY and then to book a Sunday might stay in Jonestown, NY.  Then we had to let family know of our travel changes.  On top of that, severe thunderstorms hit us about 6 tonight, and we even were briefly (about 20 minutes) under a tornado watch.  Cross that off our bucket list of activities.  With warnings to reach safe shelter in your home,  where do you do that in an RV??  Fortunately the storm passed with only heavy rain, thunder and lightning, and to add to the mix, hail.
Seconds after I took this picture, the warning changed to tornado!!
The next morning the camper was plastered with wind blown leaves.

Saturday 5/7:
With nothing on the schedule today because of the change in travel plans, it was a catchup on reading day.  Current book is The Codex by Douglas Preston.  Judy is a much more voracious reader than me, going through at least a book a week.  There was light rain all day, but during a break, I took a walk and took some photos of the campground.  I like this KOA with it's well laid out sites, lots of places to walk the dogs, lots of activities (although for some reason they are not opening the pool this year) plus a nice selection of cabins and even a couple covered wagons to stay in.



Bowling alley and game room.

Judy received a surprise early Mother's Day bouquet of flowers.  Dinner was our home made shrimp, monk fish and white bean chowder.


Sunday 5/8: 381 miles, parked at Jonestown KOA, Jonestown, Pennsylvania.
Site 54, Jonestown KOA


Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there.  You are incredible!!

It was going to be a long drive today, so we got an early start (for us) by leaving Wytheville at 9:15.  Our self imposed rule for comfortable driving limit is usually about 250 miles.  That's 4 plus or minus hours and we don't need to stop and find a place to refuel with diesel.  Today was going to be over 380 miles and 6 hours.  But because of the change of plans caused by weather the previous few days, this was the result.  Anyway, the drive turned out to be very smooth.  Interstate 81 the entire way with no major metropolitan areas to deal with.  The roads were in excellent condition....until we hit Pennsylvania.  Then we hit some very rough stretches.  We arrived at the Jonestown KOA exactly 6 hours after we left Wytheville.  Not bad.

We have stayed at this KOA many many times.  It is very convenient right off I-81 and the rates are reasonable.  The afternoon was sunny and warm enough that we were able to sit outside and enjoy our afternoon beer.  Dinner was waffles with home made maple syrup from good friends Bruce and Donna, along with Brown and Serve sausage.  A gourmet Mother's Day dinner for sure.  ðŸ˜€  And it was delicious.


Monday 5/9: 336 miles and HOME!!!!

I filled the truck with $6.199 diesel this morning in Jonestown.  It was $5.499 at the same station about 35 days ago on April 3rd. We got a good start and left Jonestown at 9:15.  We took Interstate 81 all the way except for the last 40miles, and in general traffic was light and the roads good.  We had to buy diesel near Cortland, NY and paid a record high for the trip of $6.499.  That's compared to $5.359 on our very first fill up back on April 2nd.

After a 6 hour drive, we arrive home at 3:15 to a beautiful sunny and 75 day.  We promised to bring good weather home, and we and we delivered!  ðŸ˜€  The dogs were thrilled with their old familiar surroundings.  They are such great travelers, but like us, were thrilled to be home.  We unpacked a few necessities for the night, but the rest will wait for tomorrow.

We had a wonderful trip connecting with old friends, visiting with fellow campers, seeing new things, and especially enjoying the warm weather after a cold Northern NY winter.  Coming home is always "bitter sweet" because Judy and I absolutely love to travel, but at the same time enjoy our home and friends in Gouverneur.

We have several more road trips planned for the books, so stay tuned.  Half the fun to travel is sharing our story and staying connected.  Be well!!




Tuesday, May 3, 2022

2022 Spring Southern Trip: Gulf Shores, Alabama

Tuesday 4/26: 217 miles, parked at Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores, Alabama
Gulf State Park, Site 462.



We were on the road at 9:45 this morning.  We took US 89 almost all the way today.  We thought we would avoid the Interstate for a change and since we gained an hour on the clock by driving into the Central Time Zone, we were not in a rush.  That said, I would not do that again pulling a large camper.  On the plus side, the drive was not stressful, basically because we never able to exceed 45 miles per hour.  West from Panama City to Gulf Shores is almost one continuous city.  Lots and lots of traffic, stop lights, road, developments and condo construction.  On the down side, our mileage suffered because of the constant stop and go.  And the drive was tedious and took over an hour longer, even though it was 50 miles shorter than using I-10.  All in all, I'm glad we drove it and got to see new places, but once is enough, especially pulling a 35 foot RV.

We arrived in Gulf Shores to a warm afternoon about 2:00, Central Daylight Time.  There was a light shower as we set up, but later the sun came back out and the temperature hit 82.  We sat outside and read for awhile, until it got too hot.  Seems like we are never satisfied.  ðŸ˜€  Dinner was homemade soup from the freezer.

Wednesday 4/27:
This morning we went to the nearby Super Walmart to restock on groceries and a few other necessities.  By the time we got back and unloaded, it was lunch time.  One item I found at the Walmart was a Little Giant ladder.  Many RVers carry ladders to do maintenance work on roofs and awnings, and I have always wanted one.  But I wanted a compact ladder, and this fit the bill.  It can be used as either a step ladder or extension ladder. And this compact ladder folds up and is easy to store.

One of the real assets of this park are the paved trails.  There are so many places to walk the dogs.  You do see an occasional "Don't feed the alligators" sign, however.

But in four stays here, I have never seen one yet.   We are also seeing more and more electric bicycles on our travels.  In fact, we are looking very seriously a getting a couple.  We saw them everywhere in Savannah, Carrabelle, and here.  They almost all have "pedal assist" option that lets you choose from all pedal power to all electric power.  I met a couple who had them and toured over 30 miles of Gettysburg National Park on them, and loved it.  No problems parking, and great for pulling off and taking photos.

Dinner was salmon on the Blackstone griddle Judy bought me for my birthday last month along with wild rice topped with sautéed green beens and tomatoes.  Gourmet  dinner on a picnic table.  Life is good.



Thursday 4/28:
I went for an early morning walk and managed to catch sunrise over the long leaf pines and saw grass wetlands.



The rest of the day was a lazy and relaxing one.  However, we did have a small plumbing leak to fix.  Remember the episode of the tipped kitchen island?  Well Judy discovered a small leak under the kitchen sink today.  We finally figured out that when the island tipped, one of the plastic connections in the sink trap had stretched enough to become cross threaded.  A simple unscrewing the connection and then re-screwing it together was the fix.  That was the easy part.  The hard part was getting back up on my feet after laying on your back half under the sink for a half hour.  ðŸ˜€ðŸ˜€  I have to share this comment from a fellow RV'er he posted on an online forum:  "Sometimes it seems these trailers are called "recreational vehicles" because there's so much "recreation" in figuring out why they're broken and how to fix them."

Then the rest of the day was lazy and relaxing.  I'm finally catching up on my reading.  Current book for me is "Up Country" by Nelson DeMille.   I'm still an old fashioned paper and print reader.  Judy, however, does all her reading on the iPad.

We did decide to book a two week stay here next April.  None of the pull thru sites that we like were available, but we did find a back in site that we liked, so we reserved it.  Rv'ing is so popular now, and there are so many baby boomers like us that you have to make reservations a year in advance at many campgrounds if you want more than a one or two day stay.

Dinner was another gourmet one of sausage, peppers and onions on the Blackstone griddle.

Friday 4/29:
I caught another beautiful morning sunrise over the long leaf pines this morning.  It was so pleasant out that I decided to take Zoey the Malamute for an extended walk this morning.

Well, about a quarter mile from the camper, it started to rain, sometimes a bit heavy.  What gives??  The weather app showed nothing about showers.  Later I discovered, on weather radar that a small popup shower blew over the area.  

And while it lasted only 15 minutes, I came back drenched.  I was a sight for sore eyes.  Judy, however, thought it was hilarious!  So that's how our day started.  ðŸ˜€



The entire day turned out having small popup showers, so we didn't plan any outdoor excursions.  We did sit out and read during breaks in the weather.  So today turned out to be another slow and relaxing day.  I am getting caught on my reading list, as well as taking care of some online bill paying.

Dinner was crock pot taco soup that Judy made, and it was delicious, with enough left over for lunches for a couple days.

Saturday 4/30:
A few showers overnight and early this morning, but then clearing and sunny and 78.  Lots of Florida, Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana license plates.  Not many northern ones.  I think southerners like to camp here in the warm months because the ocean breezes of Gulf Shores cause the temperatures to be about 5 to 10 degrees cooler than inland.

Well, what to do today???  This week has been pure relaxation.  We visited no museums, climbed no lighthouses, and didn't take any tours.  We didn't eat out and we didn't souvenir shop.  Sound boring?  Yep, it was and it was pure "Heaven."  A week of complete down time with reading, napping, dog walking, and cooking meals together, which is fun, not work.  ðŸ˜€  Chores will come soon enough when we get back on the road Tuesday for the week-long drive home, and then yard work, lawn mowing, and all the other summer household chores.  Think of this past week as a vacation from retirement.  Haha.

We did venture out once today.  Dinner was a Low Country Shrimp Boil from the Gulf Shores Seafood Market.  This is a market, not a restaurant, but they do offer takeout boiled dinners.  We picked up our dinner at 5:00, and the market was almost entirely sold out of fresh fish.  We may stop some morning and pick up one last sample of fresh seafood before we start our homeward journey Tuesday.  We ate back at the camper and the seafood boil dinner was very good.  Not restaurant quality, but still good. 



Sunday 5/1: 
Another sunny and this time, an 82 degree day, and along with high humidity it made the heat index feel like 86.  A slight ocean breeze made it more tolerable.  Today's big project: one final batch of laundry to make it home with.  To be honest, laundry is not our favorite activity.  The laundromat at the park is large, but dated.  It could use some TLC.  And then there is the wait time for washing and then drying.  We did find, however, a remedy for waiting: Ice cream!!  ðŸ˜€ 


I had a couple of interesting discussions today during my dog walks.  No, not with the dog, but with other campers.  ðŸ˜€  First was with an Airstream owner who was packing up to leave.  I notice the other day that his Airstream had a slide out, which I have never seen on an Airstream.  Stupid me, I forgot to take a photo.  Anyway, he told me that only about 100 of them were ever made, and they quit making them somewhere around 2008 to 2010 due to expense and added weight.  His was original that he bought new 17 years ago.  He has camped with it in everyone of the lower 48 states except North Dakota.  Here is a stock photo off RV Trader of a 2004 28 foot Safari model that looked exactly like his.

My second discussion was with the owner of this rig.



The tractor is a used over the road Volvo that he bought with 600,000 miles on it for about $25,000.  He then put another $25,000 into rehabbing it for RV use.  So he has a $50,000 rig that gets the same mileage as our 3/4 ton diesel pickup truck, but has a 250 gallon fuel tank and can haul 80,000 pounds.  The cab had a bathroom and a microwave.  On top of all that, he has less money in his truck than we do in our 3/4 ton pickup.  Their "get around town" vehicle is a 3 wheel motorcycle, although we did see his truck at Walmart the other day grocery shopping.  They live in Florida, and travel about 6 months a year, mostly to Colorado to visit children.  It was a really interesting discussion.

Dinner was stir fry chicken teriyaki on the Blackstone griddle.



Monday 5/2: 
Today is our last full day here at Gulf State Park, and again it's another warm and sunny day.  We will be back again in October and again next April.  Big project for today??  One last grocery shopping run to restock the camper for the final run home.    As usual, the Walmart was busy.  Then we wanted to fill the truck with diesel, the first (and easiest) station was out of diesel.  GRRR.  Off we went lurching.  Finally found a Circle K with diesel, but it was the slowest pump I have ever encountered!  Probably a good 10 minutes for 25 gallons.

We spent the afternoon tinkering on a couple of little projects around the camper.  Both Judy and I started new books.  Dinner was slow cooker corned beef with potatoes, carrots, green beans and cabbage.  And we have enough leftovers to not have to cook for the next couple days.


Tomorrow we start home, with a weekend stay at son Matt and family in West Virginia.  We have had a really slow and relaxing week in Gulf Shores.  

Cheers, and stay tuned!!