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.  😀

 

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."  😀  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.  😀  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!  😀  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!!