March 4, 2013 we took the RV to Giant Recreation World in Winter Garden Florida for service.
Re-activated Sirius radio for our California trip.
March 16, 2013 Giant finished our RV and the bill was $450 less than estimated because warranty paid some of it. Nice. Giant even fixed two things free we didn't know about. Great service!!!
The service manager Shane suggested I contact the warranty company to reimburse me for the bedroom air conditioner we replaced in Oklahoma. If I get a check back from the warranty company, I will send him lunch.
Service work done:
Read pack wheel bearings and cleaned grease from brakes.
Black tank valve - Cable replaced.
Cleaned and UV sealed roof.
Replaced toilet ball valve.
Generator service – oil change.
Installed Max air vent over bathroom fan.
Repaired propane water heater – cleaned burner assembly and checked all wiring.
Replaced wire loom holder on one slide.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
ASHEVILLE TO LEESBURG, FLORIDA
Wednesday, September 5, 2012 at 6:45 AM it is 73° and cloudy. We are heading HOME after being away 20 months !!! Asheville North Carolina to Leesburg Florida is 558 miles so our ETA is 6 pm
We passed a trucker hauling huge trees and missed the only rest area in South Carolina! At 10 AM, 35 miles from I-95 we stopped at a Hess for fuel.
At 10:37 AM we are on I 95 in South Carolina. The road is rough.
At 11:59 AM we are at the Georgia welcome center and hope for better roads. By 2:04 PM we crossed into Florida.
We have lots to do when we arrive home as we have been awake since February 28, 2011 we sent a load home in our Buick from Oklahoma ($550).
At 2:55 PM we are at the Travel Center, exit 329 for a fuel stop and to walk the kids. $4.36 a gallon when it was $3.96 in SC. WTF?
At 4:25, we took I-95 to I4W to Deland, ethen 44 to Eustis. We are enjoying the nice Florida roads. This is a very long route though going through Deland, and we now have two lane with no shoulder!
WE SHOULD HAVE TAKEN I-4 TO SANFORD.
We arrived home at 5:35 PM, 48,950 miles on the Dodge.
We passed a trucker hauling huge trees and missed the only rest area in South Carolina! At 10 AM, 35 miles from I-95 we stopped at a Hess for fuel.
At 10:37 AM we are on I 95 in South Carolina. The road is rough.
At 11:59 AM we are at the Georgia welcome center and hope for better roads. By 2:04 PM we crossed into Florida.
We have lots to do when we arrive home as we have been awake since February 28, 2011 we sent a load home in our Buick from Oklahoma ($550).
At 2:55 PM we are at the Travel Center, exit 329 for a fuel stop and to walk the kids. $4.36 a gallon when it was $3.96 in SC. WTF?
At 4:25, we took I-95 to I4W to Deland, ethen 44 to Eustis. We are enjoying the nice Florida roads. This is a very long route though going through Deland, and we now have two lane with no shoulder!
WE SHOULD HAVE TAKEN I-4 TO SANFORD.
We arrived home at 5:35 PM, 48,950 miles on the Dodge.
KENORA TO ASHEVILLE, NC
Wednesday, August 29, 2012, was a sunny 67° morning. We left at 7:50 AM, mileage on the Dodge 46,798. Our first stop was a fuel up at Rainy River Petro in Canada, at a ridiculous price!!! We walked the dogs just in case we were delayed at customs. Fort Frances (Canadian side of the border) is very pretty with hanging flower baskets all along Main Street At international Falls, we missed the turn for customs, and had to turn around on a two lane road. Tricky, with a 40 foot trailer!!!
At 11:50 AM, we were at the border with a customs agent inspecting our outside bins. They took the milk bone dog cookies as they were not in the original box, and confiscated a piece of wood that Mark had planned to make into a walking stick. 15 minutes later, we were through the border.
At 3:30 PM, we stopped in Duluth Minnesota at the Lakehead Boat Basin for overnight. We liked Duluth, and the RV park in town was very good. We would like to stay a few days to explore the area another time. 47,130
Thursday, August 30, 2012 ... 8:03 AM, after a brief thunderstorm we headed to Rockford Illinois. Exit number 53 was closed, so we had to follow detour signs. Highway 53 S. was good condition. At a rest stop, we met Jackie and John Slater, from war Eagle road, Keewatin. They have Scottie !!!
At 11:25 AM, we were in Eau Claire Wisconsin and got onto I 94 to Madison. At 12:20 PM we stop for fuel at a BP. We drove 498 miles today, and stopped at a Shell gas station on I 39 S. at exit 35. They have a few RV sites with power on. It was a good stop.
Friday, August 31, 6:10 AM we left Winona for Lexington Kentucky, 400 miles away. It is a rather hazy day, with rain predicted from hurricane Isaac tonight. While we were driving, the sun pouring into the truck cab, we could see the feeder clouds to the south. At 8:20 AM we crossed into Indiana.
We stopped at a Pilot for fuel, and said we would only use this for emergency, as it was very slow, had a long line, and was not easy to get the RV into. Then, they only gave a $75 in fuel.
At 11:30 AM, we crossed into Ohio. The roads have a few holes and bumps, but the area is hilly and green. We crossed the wide Ohio River.
11:45 AM we were in Kentucky!!! 410 miles driven today!!!
We stayed in Georgetown Kentucky, at Whispering Hills RV, exit 129. It was a decent campground for $27 502-863-2552.
September 1, 2012 at 6:27 AM we left Lexington Kentucky for Asheville North Carolina. Mileage on the Dodge 48,038 miles.
High clouds associated with hurricane Isaac are still around us, but we missed all the rain!!! This is a very nice road, and we are cruising at 66 miles per hour. We plan a break at the Tennessee border, before we tackle the mountains. So far, it has just been long hills.
Tennessee I 75 border to Asheville on I 40. Dodge mileage 48,170. 74° at 9:01 AM. We've been out running hurricane Isaac but no rain so far.
On I 40, we saw three kids on a bridge over the Tennessee River ... one boy jumped off! We didn't see him surface!!!
At 11:05 AM we are in North Carolina! It's a good Road, a few 45 mile-per-hour curves but okay. Mark is very happy he has a Jake brake.
At 12:10 PM we arrived at Bear Creek RV park where we stayed for four wonderful days visiting our Asheville family. We are finally headed HOME.
At 11:50 AM, we were at the border with a customs agent inspecting our outside bins. They took the milk bone dog cookies as they were not in the original box, and confiscated a piece of wood that Mark had planned to make into a walking stick. 15 minutes later, we were through the border.
At 3:30 PM, we stopped in Duluth Minnesota at the Lakehead Boat Basin for overnight. We liked Duluth, and the RV park in town was very good. We would like to stay a few days to explore the area another time. 47,130
Thursday, August 30, 2012 ... 8:03 AM, after a brief thunderstorm we headed to Rockford Illinois. Exit number 53 was closed, so we had to follow detour signs. Highway 53 S. was good condition. At a rest stop, we met Jackie and John Slater, from war Eagle road, Keewatin. They have Scottie !!!
At 11:25 AM, we were in Eau Claire Wisconsin and got onto I 94 to Madison. At 12:20 PM we stop for fuel at a BP. We drove 498 miles today, and stopped at a Shell gas station on I 39 S. at exit 35. They have a few RV sites with power on. It was a good stop.
Friday, August 31, 6:10 AM we left Winona for Lexington Kentucky, 400 miles away. It is a rather hazy day, with rain predicted from hurricane Isaac tonight. While we were driving, the sun pouring into the truck cab, we could see the feeder clouds to the south. At 8:20 AM we crossed into Indiana.
We stopped at a Pilot for fuel, and said we would only use this for emergency, as it was very slow, had a long line, and was not easy to get the RV into. Then, they only gave a $75 in fuel.
At 11:30 AM, we crossed into Ohio. The roads have a few holes and bumps, but the area is hilly and green. We crossed the wide Ohio River.
11:45 AM we were in Kentucky!!! 410 miles driven today!!!
We stayed in Georgetown Kentucky, at Whispering Hills RV, exit 129. It was a decent campground for $27 502-863-2552.
September 1, 2012 at 6:27 AM we left Lexington Kentucky for Asheville North Carolina. Mileage on the Dodge 48,038 miles.
High clouds associated with hurricane Isaac are still around us, but we missed all the rain!!! This is a very nice road, and we are cruising at 66 miles per hour. We plan a break at the Tennessee border, before we tackle the mountains. So far, it has just been long hills.
Tennessee I 75 border to Asheville on I 40. Dodge mileage 48,170. 74° at 9:01 AM. We've been out running hurricane Isaac but no rain so far.
On I 40, we saw three kids on a bridge over the Tennessee River ... one boy jumped off! We didn't see him surface!!!
At 11:05 AM we are in North Carolina! It's a good Road, a few 45 mile-per-hour curves but okay. Mark is very happy he has a Jake brake.
At 12:10 PM we arrived at Bear Creek RV park where we stayed for four wonderful days visiting our Asheville family. We are finally headed HOME.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
OKLAHOMA CITY TO LAKE OF THE WOODS
June 29, 2012 ... Dodge 44,120 miles, 80° at 6 AM ... Fritz just stopped by, he's off to Patoka Indiana to see Deb ... we are all hung over from tequila shots last night!!! LOL
After a year and a half of Mark working in Oklahoma City, we have decided to take the long way home as a retirement kickoff vacation.
Our Oklahoma friend, Tim Deffner, is from Blackwell. This part of Oklahoma is flat with black soil ... unlike Oklahoma City with its red dirt spreading as far as the Texas border.
At 8:10 AM we have crossed into Kansas. The tequila hangover persists. LOL. these Kansas roads are very smooth. We passed Eldorado Lake, obviously man-made as large dead trees are standing in it. In the Flint Hills area you can see for 25 or 30 miles, and cattle are everywhere. We noticed a sign for national prairie grass preserve. The scenery is pretty, it's going to be a very hot day as it is 90° at 10 AM.
Missouri at 12:20 PM. Neat rusty metal silhouettes of Buffalo, horses and Indians and covered wagons are along the N435 freeway. Kansas City is one huge city!!! At 12:45, we are finally back on I 35 north.
At 1:10 PM we had a rest area lunch stop. The dogs did their business and we ate. Missouri is kind of a no-frills area. The roads are good, and we're heading for "Terrible's" in Des Moines Iowa for overnight. We drove over 500 miles today, with hangovers!
At 3:45 PM we were parked at Lakeside Casino, 777 Casino Dr. in Osceola Iowa. We had a great sleep, and picked up breakfast at the Subway next-door.
Saturday, June 30, 2012 we are headed from Osceola Iowa to prior Lake Minnesota, 275 miles. It is 4:15 AM when we left with a bit of rain and lightning. The roads are a bit rough. We passed over the pretty Raccoon River, while listening to the Bob and Tom radio show. By 5:30 AM sunup, we are in the rolling hills. Around here you see very neat and tidy farms. It makes us want to have one! Yeah, chickens and horses and dogs!!!
We stopped around the Minnesota border for coffee and to take a picture of Mark, Robbie and Maggie in front of the rig. It's sunny and 77° at 8 AM ... It's going to be a scorcher today!
We read on Facebook that Pam and Bill Moulton welcomed Andrew, 7 lbs. 7 oz. yesterday!!! A new family member.
At 9:30 AM, we arrived at Fish Lake Camp, a lousy mosquito infested campground, cash only ... a mom and Pop operation at $68 a night. Oh well, we will stay two nights. We are excited to see Pam, it's been 2 1/2 years.
We had a fantastic visit with Pam. She came over Saturday morning before work and we arranged for her to stay over ($5) on our sofa bed as the gate closes at 10 PM!!! Sunday, Pam had the day off so we spent the day with her at the townhouse in Apple Valley. Robbie was completely awful ... he pooped four times and paid three times at Pam's !!! OMG
Monday, July 2, 2012 at 6:10 AM we left prior Lake for Grand Forks, North Dakota. The highway west of the Twin Cities was so rough that we had to run in the left lane. We got cut off and given the bird by our 1st Road Rager of this trip. We passed a lot of huge horrid looking turkey barns. It's already 83°, and forecast to be 98°. Hey, we just saw buffalo.
At 10:45 AM we were in Fargo and by 11:10 AM we were on I 29 N. strange sight was a snowmobile on a trailer. Ha ha, we haven't seen that for years!!!
We had a relaxing night, and talked to Rod and Shay and then to bed by 10 o'clock.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 6:50 AM we check the tires and fueled up and were on I 29 by 7:16 AM. The roads were decent, but not much to see ... crops and mile-long trains. We were looking forward to shopping at the duty-free before crossing into Canada. But it's closed!!! Mark bought a crown royal and five cigars and Sitco. Odd but at the border there were four vehicles I'm ahead of us from Oklahoma!!! Our papers were in order and through we went! Hooray.
In Winnipeg, on Pembina Highway, a good Samaritan adopted us and guided us through the city to our destination. Mark was flabbergasted. It is known as friendly Manitoba.
We were able to get three nights for $110 at Northgate. I swear Sue and Wayne's old Schultz is still here. Tonight we are invited for 4 PM cocktails and dinner at the Stevenson's.
Les and Lynne's house looks great. We met Ken and Dale, friends from the lake who frequently stay at their house. We enjoyed drinks, dinner and then sat on the deck until 10 PM with the 'thermacel' on. We slept great at the RV and got up to a rainy morning.
July 4, 2012 we're going to see Greg and Darlene today. We were shocked to see Greg so bloated and ill. Darlene was off work too with a trigger thumb. We brought a bottle of wine, and met Selena the rat and Foxy the pom-chi. We had lots of laughs and a good visit.
Dinner was homemade pizza with Les and Lynne. We playedp Mexican dominoes until 10, then home to the RV for bed.
Thursday, July 5, 2012 ... we hope to see Crystal today, and then we are going to Gimli with Les and Lynne and then to the Yacht Club for dinner. A busy day!
It was nice to see Crystal's new home in West Kildonan. It's in nice condition in a good neighborhood. We had a great visit and heard a different side of Gregg's condition. He may be smoking and drinking and is very depressed, but who wouldn't be?
Les drove us to Gimli, where we walked the pier, shopped at Turlgelson's old shop, and then had pickerel and fries for lunch. We cruised around Winnipeg Beach and then home. We are meeting at 6 PM at the Yacht Club for a Ukrainian dinner and drinks. Mark treated, then Les and Lynne took us for a boat ride to the redwood bridge. They have a spare boat, a 22 foot. At the dock, we saw Glenn Wright ... he had just come in from Gimli, and had his brother Brad with him. I hadn't seen them in 30 years, and it turned into quite a few laughs.
Friday, July 6, 2012 ... happy 55th birthday Mark! And happy official retirement. We went to Cabelas this morning to pick up boat seats for Wayne.
At 1:52 PM, we are leaving Northgate in Winnipeg for Flom's in Lake of the Woods, Ontario. Mileage on the Dodge is 45,583. We have a full tank of water and we're ready to dry camp for a week. It's a decent road with the gravel shoulder.
We talked to Fritz who is going to Oklahoma City tomorrow. We hope he and Tim work well together.
At 4:50 PM, we turned onto Kenrica Road and waited for Sue and Wayne to guide us to Flom's. Wayne insisted on going with Mark in the truck, so I got into Sue's car. I was glad I did as it was "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride". There was 5 miles of hilly, twisting gravel roads. Horrible!!!
Monty and Mary Beth made us welcome. That night, dinner was at Kurian's and we met Larry and Maggie Flett, married 27 years. We had plans to see them in Corpus Christi that didn't pan out. We sat on the dock with Larry's daughter Anna and had some wine.
Saturday, July 7, we had dinner at Kurian's with chicken on the barbecue. Larry and Maggie joined in.
Sunday, July 8 we had a pontoon boat ride with Monty and Mary. And then steak barbecue at Sue and Wayne's.
Monday, July 9 is our last camping night here. We are going to the guest cottage tomorrow. We had a boat ride with Monty and Mary plus Jim and Joyce Gauthier. After the ride, we played Mexican dominoes till 11:45. Fun night.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012, we moved from the RV into Kurian's guest cottage. Sue helped to sort things out as Wayne was in
Thunder Bay. His sister Bev had just passed away.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012 we had chicken and potatoes on the dock. Mark trimmed trees and we made plans to move the rig behind Wayne's.
Thursday, July 12, 2012 was a very exciting day!!! Mark and I arrived at Flom's about 10:30 AM to haul our rig to Kurian's. We passed signs "TRUCKS" and noticed new granite gravel in some areas,
We hooked up, and cold out of Flom's driveway. I was very concerned about the steep hill directly ahead of us, and the new loose gravel. I said, "Let's back up to get a running start!!!". But oh no!!! Mark stepped on the gas instead, "Let's just see how we do.". We almost made it up the hill before we spun out on the loose gravel and slid backwards 250 feet to stop with our rig off the road in the ditch.
Fortunately, there was no one behind us. I called Wayne to ask about a tow truck, but he arrived with his Cadillac Escalade 4 Wheel Dr. and a long Anchor-line! Mark dugout the loose gravel around the truck tires, and Wayne hooked up the line from his Cadillac to our Dodge. A few minutes later, Wayne had us out of the ditch and up the hill ... unbelievably!!! Wow.
We drove to Anicinabe to dump the black water tank, and then parked the rig in Wayne's spare driveway until August 6, when we go to camp at Anicinabe for a week. That evening, we had shish kebabs on the grill in the screened patio. It was hot and muggy and about 9:30 a very wild thunderstorm started.
Friday, July 13, 2012 ... Robbie was $325 at the vet yesterday. The poor guy isn't feeling well. We had no idea what was wrong, until he peed blood just as we went into the vet's office. We will have to wait for culture results, but in the meantime he is on antibiotics and anti-spasmodic medication. Poor little Scottie.
We are tidying up the guest cottage, and then going to McDermott lumber for some shelving. Mark is going to add a shelf above each of the hanging cabinets. Tonight we are going to go to Ristorante Italiano for dinner. The food was great, I had chicken Parmesan, and Mark had chicken marsala. From the restaurant, Mark saw a small Lhasa apso dog run across the crosswalk and sit on the doorstep with a drunk Indian for a moment before taking off down the side street. Wayne took a piece of his chicken, and left to see if he could coax the dog over, but no luck. After dinner, we cruised around town and based on my psychic abilities, found the dog ... now on a red leash with an Indian couple. Mark called out "did you just find that dog?". Their response was "My dog.". After that adventure, we went back to the cottage and played Mexican dominoes till 10.
Saturday, July 14, 2012, his Bev's funeral. We are dog sitting, so I did laundry at the big cottage. . We plan to cook porkchops tonight for all. On a happy note, Linda and Randy will arrive on Monday from Florida. Robbie seems to be feeling a little better.
Mark did the cooking, and I did salad and the dishes, we ate on the dock with Sue and Wayne and then played dominoes till 10.
Sunday, July 15, 2012 I cooked a delicious pancake breakfast. After, we went to McDermott lumber where I bought a few 3M hooks, a barbecue brush, and some finishing nails. It's now raining very lightly and is 75°.
Monday, July 16, 2012 we had a first text of the day from our friend Tim in Oklahoma City. We enjoyed breakfast at a restaurant called yesterday's with Kurian's. Mark and Wayne did some wiring for boat lanterns on the dock. The small guest cottage has now been named "Chippey's Hollow" ... And I am painting a tree slab sign for the doorway. Tonight, Wayne cooked salmon, chicken, sweet potatoes and garlic bread on the barbecue. We were home early to brush the dogs, Robbie is still not well.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012, Mark is helping Wayne wire for new AC in the main cottage. While I was vacuuming at chippies, the vacuum fell on the glass table and broke. Oops!
We met Linda and Randy, Bob and Jill at Boston pizza for pasta night. This is the first time to see Linda and Randy since Christmas of 2010. Fun.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012, Mark and I went to the farmers market for fresh items to make our Texas caviar for the dock party on Friday. As I later found out, the cilantro I bought was actually dill. Hmmm
There's still no word from the vet on Robbie's culture test. We started him on cranberry juice in his water, and Sue is now phoning too.
We had dinner and watched football at Heather and Bruce's place with Sue and Wayne, and Jim and Joyce. We watched the skinny CFL blue bombers. They certainly look smaller than the USA football players!!!
Thursday, July 19, 2012 we took Robbie to the vet at 7:30 AM, he couldn't inflate his bladder as it was too inflamed, so exploratory surgery was done to remove a stone. The poor little guy is in recovery but doing well. The vet called at 1:30 PM with information on a special diet, and to ask permission to send the stone for analysis. Robbie has to stay in overnight due to the large abdominal surgery.
We had a dinner of chicken and pineapple on the dock and sat on the glider till 9 PM
Friday, July 20, 2012, Maggie jumped into bed with Mark after I got up to paint my nails, she's missing Robbie!!! Tonight is Sue and Wayne's big dock party, and we are making Texas caviar.
We picked Robbie up at the vet, the poor guy has a huge incision, stitches and a hood on for 10 days. He is quite mad! And tried to attack Maggie when we arrived home. He is refusing water, so ice cubes and a dropper will have to suffice.
The dock party was fun, and we met lots of neighbors and one old friend from Angus McKay elementary school, Dawn Fraser, aka lotto lady. Dawn recalled being with Linda Malmgren at the Yacht Club in Winnipeg when dad's boat exploded. That was 1966!
Saturday, July 21, 2012, Linda and Randy came over for dinner, and we had hors d'oeuvres on the dock, followed by dinner on the screened porch at the main car. Linda had a terrible cold, so we kept out distance, but it was great to see them.
Robbie is doing well, but is still refusing water and now refusing ice. Mark is making the slurry of stink food and water.
Sunday, July 22, 2012, we had a lovely dinner at Charlie and Rose Dowling's gorgeous home. The bear carving collection is quite amazing. We met Rose's brother from Edmonton, Art.
Charlie sister, Melody and her husband Brian were also there. Earlier, Wayne took us on the Windsorcraft for a cruise down Clearwater Bay.
Monday, July 23, 2012, the Stevenson's will be dropping in this morning en route to Winnipeg. We were surprised to learn they have put their boat up for sale,
This evening, we are going on the Tahoe for a sunset cruise with Sue and Wayne. We putted along the Kendall Inlet area and enjoyed the ride.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012, the electric will be off from 930 to 130, so we are going to Falcon Lake for lunch and a trash run. We saw Marlene, Wayne's sister, and Cheryl, his niece, with Emma and Cory. We had a picnic lunch, with all five dogs and eight people. It was a nice day!
Tonight we went for Chinese food at hHo Ho's. It was okay, but not great. Everything cost extra. But we got a free beer and wine!! Ha.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012, Mark made baked ziti and we ate on the glider with Sue and Wayne. We tried heating garlic bread on the barbecue, but we couldn't get it hot enough. It read 180°, but was Celsius. Oops. Wayne crank the barbecue on high, but forgot about the bread until he saw smoke!! No bread tonight.
The rain began in earnest and cooled things off, and rained all through the night.
Thursday, July 26, 2012 was a lazy, rainy day. I finished painting the sign for chippies hollow and Mark sanded the antique coffee table. I'm going to paint a small tree on it. Tonight, Sue and Wayne are coming for a baked ziti repeat. We played dominoes till 10.
Friday, July 27, 2012 was a lazy morning. We took Robbie to the Kanora vet to get his stitches out. Later Mark went fishing with Wayne well I got organized for a job party at Gauthier's.
Gauthier's Dock party was very hot, with almost no shade. Their boathouse is amazing, with four boats and a complete kitchen.
Saturday, July 28, 2012, Mark and Wayne went fishing off zigzag island and came home with Pickerel for supper. Sue cooked macaroni and cheese with peas and we ate on the glider, dockside. Baby chipmunk was running around our feet. My day was laundry at Keewatin Place. :-(
Sue came with me, and we went to Taylor Made where I bought a chipmunk Lake toy for Maggie. After dinner, Maggie went for a boat ride with Wayne and Mark to dump fish guts. She loved it !!! She sat at the bow and we could see her ears perked up.
Sunday, July 29, 2012, Wayne cooked eggs and French toast this morning. This evening, we are going to Ash Rapids by boat for dinner. It was a wonderful boat ride, about 45 minutes. There was no air conditioning at the restaurant, but dinner was excellent. We just got home in the boat in the nick of time as a huge thunderstorm came through, and the electric went out till 930 the next morning. It was a hot sleepless night.
Monday, July 30, 2012 we went to Home Hardware with Wayne and Mark for supplies, then Walmart, then walked Shorty and Julius in town. Tonight, Mark and I cooked pizza and we ate in Kurian's screened porch.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012, Sue and I went to town and shopped at McTaggart's, the bargain bin, and Safeway.
In the evening, we relaxed on the dock with drinks and then had dinner of salad, baked ziti and rolls and more wine at Chippey's Hollow. Mark and Wayne installed shade cloth on all the windows.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012, is a no wine day, according to Sue!!! Apparently, we were overserved last night and I was the one pouring. My bad. Tonight we are having chicken on the screened porch, and tomorrow Wayne's sisters, Terry and Marlene are coming for lunch.
Thursday, August 2, 2012, Wayne popped in, his sisters had canceled, so we will go to Kenora by boat for lunch. Alright! It's 75° and partly cloudy, just perfect.
We had a great ride! We enjoyed lunch at Kenora's Lakeside Inn, good food but lousy service. We saw lots of new cottages, but many memories of boating here in the 1970s.
We had a fancy dinner tonight, which was intended to be lunch for Wayne's sisters, but someone had to eat it .. tenderloin tips, cucumber salad and raspberry pie.
Friday, August 3, 2012, Mark and I opened a bank account in Kenora at the credit union. We had chips at Ye Olde Chip truck, did a trash run, got propane, and went home to cook spaghetti and meatballs at Chippey's. It was a fun night!
Saturday, August 4, 2012, we went to Shopper's Drug Mart ... spent $75 but had two $10 off cards. Ok.
Tony and Aurela Lentz are visiting in their motorhome. We had dinner on the front porch of the main cottage, and a bonfire later. It was a sleepless night for me, with indigestion!!! It might have been the Pinot Grigio wine, or maybe that delicious peach pie that Tony baked. Hmmm
Sunday, August 5, 2012, we are packing up for Kenora. Sue and Wayne have rented Chippey's Hollow for a week, so we are moving to Anicinabe RV Park for a week. Sue and Wayne have gone into town for an antique car show, but tonight we are getting together for pork butt roast.
Monday, August 6, 2012, we finished packing, did laundry and cleaned and then joined Sue and Wayne for concrete wild rice pancakes. Ha ha. Wayne apparently bought the wrong kind of mixed. We said our goodbyes and headed to the RV park. I managed to step in dog poop while guiding Mark into the RV site. Yucky. We got set up, showered and then we're off to the Stevenson's in Northern Harbor for dinner of chicken Parmesan. Maggie and Robbie came along, and were very good.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012, we had breakfast at Tim Hortons after a good nights sleep. We had to sleep opposite on the bed as we are not level and all my dinner was coming up. Mark wasn't happy! We wandered around Canadian tire and bought a trash/recycle can for Chippey's and Mark bought fishing gear.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012, was Sioux Narrows day.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012, we spent around the RV site and Sue and Wayne came over for 4 o'clock cocktails.
Thursday, August 9, 2012 we went to Log Cabin lodge on Rabbit Lake for dinner. With Sue and Wayne.
Friday, August 10, 2012 we went to Hap's on the waterfront for lunch. We met up with Heather and Bruce, Rose and Charlie, Brian, Jack and Sue (surprise). Hot dogs on the grill for dinner tonight.
My old friend, Rick Moir, came to visit and to meet Mark!!! We had a spaghetti and Italian sausage dinner with Chianti and a lot of laughs. It was a great night. When you are great friends, it doesn't matter how much time has lapsed ... we just picked up where we had left off. Nice.
Sunday, August 12, 2012, we went to Yesterday's for breakfast with Sue and Wayne, Rick and, Bruce. Rick asked Mark to take a picture of us, us old friends. He's off fishing to Malakay.
Monday, August 13, 2012, we are washing towels and bedding In the RV them going back to Chippey's Hollow for two more weeks before we head to Asheville North Carolina to visit family.
We got moved in, and had meatloaf with Sue and Wayne for dinner.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012, we had a terrific cruise in the Windsorcraft to wWylie's Point ... except, we never found
It. LOL. We forgot the chart. We saw Crow Rock, looking pretty nice! We came home for Smokies on the dock. Gauthier's came over for a visit, then out to dinner to Italiano Ristorante, our treat.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 we stocked up on supplies today. Robbie is on Paramount 95% chicken and turkey wet food plus Purina One chicken and rice dry , plus cranberries, and cranberry pill portion squeezed onto his food with a sprinkle of calcium citrate.
We went to town today to buy a Canadian cell phone so that we can qualify for free satellite TV. Tonight, we are cooking pizzas.
Thursday, August 16, 2012, we got loaded on wine and had great laughs last night. Sue and Wayne were entertaining us, by imitating each other. Funny.
It was a cool windy day, and Mark was trimming dead branches and I painting the fish on a piece of slate rock. Sue and Wayne had a dinner party at the Dowling's, and we ate beef tenderloin tips and beans and watched the Dexter series. It was a great evening.
Friday, August 17, 2012, we arrived at 9:30 AM at Stevenson's boat, Seabreeze II, in Northern Harbour for a four hour ride, putting along back to Kendall inlet. It was a gorgeous breezy day, and we arrived at 2 PM .. Sue and the dogs were on the dock.
At 5:30 PM, we were at Joanne Dunston's for a dock party. The President's Choice chicken balls were hit with a side of sweet-and-sour sauce for the dock party We were home at nine for drinks on Stevenson's boat.
Saturday, August 18, 2012, we saw our first bear here!!! I spotted him walking down the road, and onto our driveway, past the gator and our truck. I got a picture of him before he walked up the steps to Sue and Wayne's cottage, and climbed onto their deck !! iPhone Sue right away, and she came out and blasted her bear horn and he ran off.
We went to town for laundry and a booze run and a few things at Keewatin Place. We had chicken on the barbecue tonight.
Sunday, August 19, 2012, last night we played very "noisy" Mexican dominoes with Sue and Wayne!!! When was the scorekeeper, and made an adding mistake, very rare for him , and Sue accused him of cheating. Of course this was after an awful lot of wine. LOL. so, the Kurian house rules are now no adding of scores in Mexican dominoes.
This morning, Mark and Wayne took hazardous stuff to the dump on amnesty day and then, hours later, home for my blueberry pancakes and Lynne's specialt bacon. Weekly breakfast on the dock at 11:30, and set out and enjoy a sunny but cooler day. Lynne had a special barbecue propane tank that she wanted painted with something decorative, as it's the first thing you see when you board their boat. I painted a Blue heron on it, and she was delighted. I also repainted the Indian head by the front door.
We had steaks on the barbecue, and a rather mellow night after drinking Les' special bottle of rum.
Monday, August 20, 2012, the Stevenson's left at 9 AM for their dock in Northern Harbor. I paid bills, Mark raked leaves and it was a gorgeous 18°C and sunny. In the evening, we finished leftovers and sat out till late.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012, was sidewalk and path repair day. A tedious and fussy job. Sue was not impressed with my technique, so I was relieved of my plastic knife and grout.
In the evening, we went to Pasta Tuesday at Boston Pizza then sat dockside till 9 PM. We are watching the Dexter series, a great TV series.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012, WE PAID OFF THE RV LOAN !!! Yay, debt-free !!!
It was a shopping day at Shopper's Drug Mart, $.51 Kleenex and lots of bargains! We had to go to Walmart for Paramount 95% chicken and turkey for Robbie, then Canadian Tire for two batteries for the RV, and then Tim Horton's for lunch. Today, we picked up Wayne's parcel from Shaw, which will give free local channels on TV. Next stop was Keewatin Place for laundry, then McDermott lumber for Wayne's mortar and then finally home to walk the dogs. Ribeyes on the barbecue tonight, Wayne is going to Winnipeg tomorrow with Macy.
Thursday, August 23, 2012 ... hmmm, we missed logging in an obviously lazy day.
Friday, August 24, 2012 was the final dock party of the season at Dowling's on their deck. It was a hot evening, but our Swedish meatballs and sauce for a big hit.
Saturday, August 25, 2012, Mark trimmed and raked the Grove, then we went into town on a trash run. Dinner tonight was chicken on Wayne's barbecue with fresh corn.
Sunday, August 26, 2012, we mapped our route and plan to leave Wednesday morning for Asheville, North Carolina. This afternoon is a Shriners picnic in Keewatin - a charity event. Tomorrow we shall pack up and load the RV.
Tuesday night, is a dinner party at Kurian's, so this log is closed until Wednesday morning travel.
After a year and a half of Mark working in Oklahoma City, we have decided to take the long way home as a retirement kickoff vacation.
Our Oklahoma friend, Tim Deffner, is from Blackwell. This part of Oklahoma is flat with black soil ... unlike Oklahoma City with its red dirt spreading as far as the Texas border.
At 8:10 AM we have crossed into Kansas. The tequila hangover persists. LOL. these Kansas roads are very smooth. We passed Eldorado Lake, obviously man-made as large dead trees are standing in it. In the Flint Hills area you can see for 25 or 30 miles, and cattle are everywhere. We noticed a sign for national prairie grass preserve. The scenery is pretty, it's going to be a very hot day as it is 90° at 10 AM.
Missouri at 12:20 PM. Neat rusty metal silhouettes of Buffalo, horses and Indians and covered wagons are along the N435 freeway. Kansas City is one huge city!!! At 12:45, we are finally back on I 35 north.
At 1:10 PM we had a rest area lunch stop. The dogs did their business and we ate. Missouri is kind of a no-frills area. The roads are good, and we're heading for "Terrible's" in Des Moines Iowa for overnight. We drove over 500 miles today, with hangovers!
At 3:45 PM we were parked at Lakeside Casino, 777 Casino Dr. in Osceola Iowa. We had a great sleep, and picked up breakfast at the Subway next-door.
Saturday, June 30, 2012 we are headed from Osceola Iowa to prior Lake Minnesota, 275 miles. It is 4:15 AM when we left with a bit of rain and lightning. The roads are a bit rough. We passed over the pretty Raccoon River, while listening to the Bob and Tom radio show. By 5:30 AM sunup, we are in the rolling hills. Around here you see very neat and tidy farms. It makes us want to have one! Yeah, chickens and horses and dogs!!!
We stopped around the Minnesota border for coffee and to take a picture of Mark, Robbie and Maggie in front of the rig. It's sunny and 77° at 8 AM ... It's going to be a scorcher today!
We read on Facebook that Pam and Bill Moulton welcomed Andrew, 7 lbs. 7 oz. yesterday!!! A new family member.
At 9:30 AM, we arrived at Fish Lake Camp, a lousy mosquito infested campground, cash only ... a mom and Pop operation at $68 a night. Oh well, we will stay two nights. We are excited to see Pam, it's been 2 1/2 years.
We had a fantastic visit with Pam. She came over Saturday morning before work and we arranged for her to stay over ($5) on our sofa bed as the gate closes at 10 PM!!! Sunday, Pam had the day off so we spent the day with her at the townhouse in Apple Valley. Robbie was completely awful ... he pooped four times and paid three times at Pam's !!! OMG
Monday, July 2, 2012 at 6:10 AM we left prior Lake for Grand Forks, North Dakota. The highway west of the Twin Cities was so rough that we had to run in the left lane. We got cut off and given the bird by our 1st Road Rager of this trip. We passed a lot of huge horrid looking turkey barns. It's already 83°, and forecast to be 98°. Hey, we just saw buffalo.
At 10:45 AM we were in Fargo and by 11:10 AM we were on I 29 N. strange sight was a snowmobile on a trailer. Ha ha, we haven't seen that for years!!!
We had a relaxing night, and talked to Rod and Shay and then to bed by 10 o'clock.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 6:50 AM we check the tires and fueled up and were on I 29 by 7:16 AM. The roads were decent, but not much to see ... crops and mile-long trains. We were looking forward to shopping at the duty-free before crossing into Canada. But it's closed!!! Mark bought a crown royal and five cigars and Sitco. Odd but at the border there were four vehicles I'm ahead of us from Oklahoma!!! Our papers were in order and through we went! Hooray.
In Winnipeg, on Pembina Highway, a good Samaritan adopted us and guided us through the city to our destination. Mark was flabbergasted. It is known as friendly Manitoba.
We were able to get three nights for $110 at Northgate. I swear Sue and Wayne's old Schultz is still here. Tonight we are invited for 4 PM cocktails and dinner at the Stevenson's.
Les and Lynne's house looks great. We met Ken and Dale, friends from the lake who frequently stay at their house. We enjoyed drinks, dinner and then sat on the deck until 10 PM with the 'thermacel' on. We slept great at the RV and got up to a rainy morning.
July 4, 2012 we're going to see Greg and Darlene today. We were shocked to see Greg so bloated and ill. Darlene was off work too with a trigger thumb. We brought a bottle of wine, and met Selena the rat and Foxy the pom-chi. We had lots of laughs and a good visit.
Dinner was homemade pizza with Les and Lynne. We playedp Mexican dominoes until 10, then home to the RV for bed.
Thursday, July 5, 2012 ... we hope to see Crystal today, and then we are going to Gimli with Les and Lynne and then to the Yacht Club for dinner. A busy day!
It was nice to see Crystal's new home in West Kildonan. It's in nice condition in a good neighborhood. We had a great visit and heard a different side of Gregg's condition. He may be smoking and drinking and is very depressed, but who wouldn't be?
Les drove us to Gimli, where we walked the pier, shopped at Turlgelson's old shop, and then had pickerel and fries for lunch. We cruised around Winnipeg Beach and then home. We are meeting at 6 PM at the Yacht Club for a Ukrainian dinner and drinks. Mark treated, then Les and Lynne took us for a boat ride to the redwood bridge. They have a spare boat, a 22 foot. At the dock, we saw Glenn Wright ... he had just come in from Gimli, and had his brother Brad with him. I hadn't seen them in 30 years, and it turned into quite a few laughs.
Friday, July 6, 2012 ... happy 55th birthday Mark! And happy official retirement. We went to Cabelas this morning to pick up boat seats for Wayne.
At 1:52 PM, we are leaving Northgate in Winnipeg for Flom's in Lake of the Woods, Ontario. Mileage on the Dodge is 45,583. We have a full tank of water and we're ready to dry camp for a week. It's a decent road with the gravel shoulder.
We talked to Fritz who is going to Oklahoma City tomorrow. We hope he and Tim work well together.
At 4:50 PM, we turned onto Kenrica Road and waited for Sue and Wayne to guide us to Flom's. Wayne insisted on going with Mark in the truck, so I got into Sue's car. I was glad I did as it was "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride". There was 5 miles of hilly, twisting gravel roads. Horrible!!!
Monty and Mary Beth made us welcome. That night, dinner was at Kurian's and we met Larry and Maggie Flett, married 27 years. We had plans to see them in Corpus Christi that didn't pan out. We sat on the dock with Larry's daughter Anna and had some wine.
Saturday, July 7, we had dinner at Kurian's with chicken on the barbecue. Larry and Maggie joined in.
Sunday, July 8 we had a pontoon boat ride with Monty and Mary. And then steak barbecue at Sue and Wayne's.
Monday, July 9 is our last camping night here. We are going to the guest cottage tomorrow. We had a boat ride with Monty and Mary plus Jim and Joyce Gauthier. After the ride, we played Mexican dominoes till 11:45. Fun night.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012, we moved from the RV into Kurian's guest cottage. Sue helped to sort things out as Wayne was in
Thunder Bay. His sister Bev had just passed away.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012 we had chicken and potatoes on the dock. Mark trimmed trees and we made plans to move the rig behind Wayne's.
Thursday, July 12, 2012 was a very exciting day!!! Mark and I arrived at Flom's about 10:30 AM to haul our rig to Kurian's. We passed signs "TRUCKS" and noticed new granite gravel in some areas,
We hooked up, and cold out of Flom's driveway. I was very concerned about the steep hill directly ahead of us, and the new loose gravel. I said, "Let's back up to get a running start!!!". But oh no!!! Mark stepped on the gas instead, "Let's just see how we do.". We almost made it up the hill before we spun out on the loose gravel and slid backwards 250 feet to stop with our rig off the road in the ditch.
Fortunately, there was no one behind us. I called Wayne to ask about a tow truck, but he arrived with his Cadillac Escalade 4 Wheel Dr. and a long Anchor-line! Mark dugout the loose gravel around the truck tires, and Wayne hooked up the line from his Cadillac to our Dodge. A few minutes later, Wayne had us out of the ditch and up the hill ... unbelievably!!! Wow.
We drove to Anicinabe to dump the black water tank, and then parked the rig in Wayne's spare driveway until August 6, when we go to camp at Anicinabe for a week. That evening, we had shish kebabs on the grill in the screened patio. It was hot and muggy and about 9:30 a very wild thunderstorm started.
Friday, July 13, 2012 ... Robbie was $325 at the vet yesterday. The poor guy isn't feeling well. We had no idea what was wrong, until he peed blood just as we went into the vet's office. We will have to wait for culture results, but in the meantime he is on antibiotics and anti-spasmodic medication. Poor little Scottie.
We are tidying up the guest cottage, and then going to McDermott lumber for some shelving. Mark is going to add a shelf above each of the hanging cabinets. Tonight we are going to go to Ristorante Italiano for dinner. The food was great, I had chicken Parmesan, and Mark had chicken marsala. From the restaurant, Mark saw a small Lhasa apso dog run across the crosswalk and sit on the doorstep with a drunk Indian for a moment before taking off down the side street. Wayne took a piece of his chicken, and left to see if he could coax the dog over, but no luck. After dinner, we cruised around town and based on my psychic abilities, found the dog ... now on a red leash with an Indian couple. Mark called out "did you just find that dog?". Their response was "My dog.". After that adventure, we went back to the cottage and played Mexican dominoes till 10.
Saturday, July 14, 2012, his Bev's funeral. We are dog sitting, so I did laundry at the big cottage. . We plan to cook porkchops tonight for all. On a happy note, Linda and Randy will arrive on Monday from Florida. Robbie seems to be feeling a little better.
Mark did the cooking, and I did salad and the dishes, we ate on the dock with Sue and Wayne and then played dominoes till 10.
Sunday, July 15, 2012 I cooked a delicious pancake breakfast. After, we went to McDermott lumber where I bought a few 3M hooks, a barbecue brush, and some finishing nails. It's now raining very lightly and is 75°.
Monday, July 16, 2012 we had a first text of the day from our friend Tim in Oklahoma City. We enjoyed breakfast at a restaurant called yesterday's with Kurian's. Mark and Wayne did some wiring for boat lanterns on the dock. The small guest cottage has now been named "Chippey's Hollow" ... And I am painting a tree slab sign for the doorway. Tonight, Wayne cooked salmon, chicken, sweet potatoes and garlic bread on the barbecue. We were home early to brush the dogs, Robbie is still not well.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012, Mark is helping Wayne wire for new AC in the main cottage. While I was vacuuming at chippies, the vacuum fell on the glass table and broke. Oops!
We met Linda and Randy, Bob and Jill at Boston pizza for pasta night. This is the first time to see Linda and Randy since Christmas of 2010. Fun.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012, Mark and I went to the farmers market for fresh items to make our Texas caviar for the dock party on Friday. As I later found out, the cilantro I bought was actually dill. Hmmm
There's still no word from the vet on Robbie's culture test. We started him on cranberry juice in his water, and Sue is now phoning too.
We had dinner and watched football at Heather and Bruce's place with Sue and Wayne, and Jim and Joyce. We watched the skinny CFL blue bombers. They certainly look smaller than the USA football players!!!
Thursday, July 19, 2012 we took Robbie to the vet at 7:30 AM, he couldn't inflate his bladder as it was too inflamed, so exploratory surgery was done to remove a stone. The poor little guy is in recovery but doing well. The vet called at 1:30 PM with information on a special diet, and to ask permission to send the stone for analysis. Robbie has to stay in overnight due to the large abdominal surgery.
We had a dinner of chicken and pineapple on the dock and sat on the glider till 9 PM
Friday, July 20, 2012, Maggie jumped into bed with Mark after I got up to paint my nails, she's missing Robbie!!! Tonight is Sue and Wayne's big dock party, and we are making Texas caviar.
We picked Robbie up at the vet, the poor guy has a huge incision, stitches and a hood on for 10 days. He is quite mad! And tried to attack Maggie when we arrived home. He is refusing water, so ice cubes and a dropper will have to suffice.
The dock party was fun, and we met lots of neighbors and one old friend from Angus McKay elementary school, Dawn Fraser, aka lotto lady. Dawn recalled being with Linda Malmgren at the Yacht Club in Winnipeg when dad's boat exploded. That was 1966!
Saturday, July 21, 2012, Linda and Randy came over for dinner, and we had hors d'oeuvres on the dock, followed by dinner on the screened porch at the main car. Linda had a terrible cold, so we kept out distance, but it was great to see them.
Robbie is doing well, but is still refusing water and now refusing ice. Mark is making the slurry of stink food and water.
Sunday, July 22, 2012, we had a lovely dinner at Charlie and Rose Dowling's gorgeous home. The bear carving collection is quite amazing. We met Rose's brother from Edmonton, Art.
Charlie sister, Melody and her husband Brian were also there. Earlier, Wayne took us on the Windsorcraft for a cruise down Clearwater Bay.
Monday, July 23, 2012, the Stevenson's will be dropping in this morning en route to Winnipeg. We were surprised to learn they have put their boat up for sale,
This evening, we are going on the Tahoe for a sunset cruise with Sue and Wayne. We putted along the Kendall Inlet area and enjoyed the ride.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012, the electric will be off from 930 to 130, so we are going to Falcon Lake for lunch and a trash run. We saw Marlene, Wayne's sister, and Cheryl, his niece, with Emma and Cory. We had a picnic lunch, with all five dogs and eight people. It was a nice day!
Tonight we went for Chinese food at hHo Ho's. It was okay, but not great. Everything cost extra. But we got a free beer and wine!! Ha.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012, Mark made baked ziti and we ate on the glider with Sue and Wayne. We tried heating garlic bread on the barbecue, but we couldn't get it hot enough. It read 180°, but was Celsius. Oops. Wayne crank the barbecue on high, but forgot about the bread until he saw smoke!! No bread tonight.
The rain began in earnest and cooled things off, and rained all through the night.
Thursday, July 26, 2012 was a lazy, rainy day. I finished painting the sign for chippies hollow and Mark sanded the antique coffee table. I'm going to paint a small tree on it. Tonight, Sue and Wayne are coming for a baked ziti repeat. We played dominoes till 10.
Friday, July 27, 2012 was a lazy morning. We took Robbie to the Kanora vet to get his stitches out. Later Mark went fishing with Wayne well I got organized for a job party at Gauthier's.
Gauthier's Dock party was very hot, with almost no shade. Their boathouse is amazing, with four boats and a complete kitchen.
Saturday, July 28, 2012, Mark and Wayne went fishing off zigzag island and came home with Pickerel for supper. Sue cooked macaroni and cheese with peas and we ate on the glider, dockside. Baby chipmunk was running around our feet. My day was laundry at Keewatin Place. :-(
Sue came with me, and we went to Taylor Made where I bought a chipmunk Lake toy for Maggie. After dinner, Maggie went for a boat ride with Wayne and Mark to dump fish guts. She loved it !!! She sat at the bow and we could see her ears perked up.
Sunday, July 29, 2012, Wayne cooked eggs and French toast this morning. This evening, we are going to Ash Rapids by boat for dinner. It was a wonderful boat ride, about 45 minutes. There was no air conditioning at the restaurant, but dinner was excellent. We just got home in the boat in the nick of time as a huge thunderstorm came through, and the electric went out till 930 the next morning. It was a hot sleepless night.
Monday, July 30, 2012 we went to Home Hardware with Wayne and Mark for supplies, then Walmart, then walked Shorty and Julius in town. Tonight, Mark and I cooked pizza and we ate in Kurian's screened porch.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012, Sue and I went to town and shopped at McTaggart's, the bargain bin, and Safeway.
In the evening, we relaxed on the dock with drinks and then had dinner of salad, baked ziti and rolls and more wine at Chippey's Hollow. Mark and Wayne installed shade cloth on all the windows.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012, is a no wine day, according to Sue!!! Apparently, we were overserved last night and I was the one pouring. My bad. Tonight we are having chicken on the screened porch, and tomorrow Wayne's sisters, Terry and Marlene are coming for lunch.
Thursday, August 2, 2012, Wayne popped in, his sisters had canceled, so we will go to Kenora by boat for lunch. Alright! It's 75° and partly cloudy, just perfect.
We had a great ride! We enjoyed lunch at Kenora's Lakeside Inn, good food but lousy service. We saw lots of new cottages, but many memories of boating here in the 1970s.
We had a fancy dinner tonight, which was intended to be lunch for Wayne's sisters, but someone had to eat it .. tenderloin tips, cucumber salad and raspberry pie.
Friday, August 3, 2012, Mark and I opened a bank account in Kenora at the credit union. We had chips at Ye Olde Chip truck, did a trash run, got propane, and went home to cook spaghetti and meatballs at Chippey's. It was a fun night!
Saturday, August 4, 2012, we went to Shopper's Drug Mart ... spent $75 but had two $10 off cards. Ok.
Tony and Aurela Lentz are visiting in their motorhome. We had dinner on the front porch of the main cottage, and a bonfire later. It was a sleepless night for me, with indigestion!!! It might have been the Pinot Grigio wine, or maybe that delicious peach pie that Tony baked. Hmmm
Sunday, August 5, 2012, we are packing up for Kenora. Sue and Wayne have rented Chippey's Hollow for a week, so we are moving to Anicinabe RV Park for a week. Sue and Wayne have gone into town for an antique car show, but tonight we are getting together for pork butt roast.
Monday, August 6, 2012, we finished packing, did laundry and cleaned and then joined Sue and Wayne for concrete wild rice pancakes. Ha ha. Wayne apparently bought the wrong kind of mixed. We said our goodbyes and headed to the RV park. I managed to step in dog poop while guiding Mark into the RV site. Yucky. We got set up, showered and then we're off to the Stevenson's in Northern Harbor for dinner of chicken Parmesan. Maggie and Robbie came along, and were very good.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012, we had breakfast at Tim Hortons after a good nights sleep. We had to sleep opposite on the bed as we are not level and all my dinner was coming up. Mark wasn't happy! We wandered around Canadian tire and bought a trash/recycle can for Chippey's and Mark bought fishing gear.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012, was Sioux Narrows day.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012, we spent around the RV site and Sue and Wayne came over for 4 o'clock cocktails.
Thursday, August 9, 2012 we went to Log Cabin lodge on Rabbit Lake for dinner. With Sue and Wayne.
Friday, August 10, 2012 we went to Hap's on the waterfront for lunch. We met up with Heather and Bruce, Rose and Charlie, Brian, Jack and Sue (surprise). Hot dogs on the grill for dinner tonight.
My old friend, Rick Moir, came to visit and to meet Mark!!! We had a spaghetti and Italian sausage dinner with Chianti and a lot of laughs. It was a great night. When you are great friends, it doesn't matter how much time has lapsed ... we just picked up where we had left off. Nice.
Sunday, August 12, 2012, we went to Yesterday's for breakfast with Sue and Wayne, Rick and, Bruce. Rick asked Mark to take a picture of us, us old friends. He's off fishing to Malakay.
Monday, August 13, 2012, we are washing towels and bedding In the RV them going back to Chippey's Hollow for two more weeks before we head to Asheville North Carolina to visit family.
We got moved in, and had meatloaf with Sue and Wayne for dinner.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012, we had a terrific cruise in the Windsorcraft to wWylie's Point ... except, we never found
It. LOL. We forgot the chart. We saw Crow Rock, looking pretty nice! We came home for Smokies on the dock. Gauthier's came over for a visit, then out to dinner to Italiano Ristorante, our treat.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 we stocked up on supplies today. Robbie is on Paramount 95% chicken and turkey wet food plus Purina One chicken and rice dry , plus cranberries, and cranberry pill portion squeezed onto his food with a sprinkle of calcium citrate.
We went to town today to buy a Canadian cell phone so that we can qualify for free satellite TV. Tonight, we are cooking pizzas.
Thursday, August 16, 2012, we got loaded on wine and had great laughs last night. Sue and Wayne were entertaining us, by imitating each other. Funny.
It was a cool windy day, and Mark was trimming dead branches and I painting the fish on a piece of slate rock. Sue and Wayne had a dinner party at the Dowling's, and we ate beef tenderloin tips and beans and watched the Dexter series. It was a great evening.
Friday, August 17, 2012, we arrived at 9:30 AM at Stevenson's boat, Seabreeze II, in Northern Harbour for a four hour ride, putting along back to Kendall inlet. It was a gorgeous breezy day, and we arrived at 2 PM .. Sue and the dogs were on the dock.
At 5:30 PM, we were at Joanne Dunston's for a dock party. The President's Choice chicken balls were hit with a side of sweet-and-sour sauce for the dock party We were home at nine for drinks on Stevenson's boat.
Saturday, August 18, 2012, we saw our first bear here!!! I spotted him walking down the road, and onto our driveway, past the gator and our truck. I got a picture of him before he walked up the steps to Sue and Wayne's cottage, and climbed onto their deck !! iPhone Sue right away, and she came out and blasted her bear horn and he ran off.
We went to town for laundry and a booze run and a few things at Keewatin Place. We had chicken on the barbecue tonight.
Sunday, August 19, 2012, last night we played very "noisy" Mexican dominoes with Sue and Wayne!!! When was the scorekeeper, and made an adding mistake, very rare for him , and Sue accused him of cheating. Of course this was after an awful lot of wine. LOL. so, the Kurian house rules are now no adding of scores in Mexican dominoes.
This morning, Mark and Wayne took hazardous stuff to the dump on amnesty day and then, hours later, home for my blueberry pancakes and Lynne's specialt bacon. Weekly breakfast on the dock at 11:30, and set out and enjoy a sunny but cooler day. Lynne had a special barbecue propane tank that she wanted painted with something decorative, as it's the first thing you see when you board their boat. I painted a Blue heron on it, and she was delighted. I also repainted the Indian head by the front door.
We had steaks on the barbecue, and a rather mellow night after drinking Les' special bottle of rum.
Monday, August 20, 2012, the Stevenson's left at 9 AM for their dock in Northern Harbor. I paid bills, Mark raked leaves and it was a gorgeous 18°C and sunny. In the evening, we finished leftovers and sat out till late.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012, was sidewalk and path repair day. A tedious and fussy job. Sue was not impressed with my technique, so I was relieved of my plastic knife and grout.
In the evening, we went to Pasta Tuesday at Boston Pizza then sat dockside till 9 PM. We are watching the Dexter series, a great TV series.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012, WE PAID OFF THE RV LOAN !!! Yay, debt-free !!!
It was a shopping day at Shopper's Drug Mart, $.51 Kleenex and lots of bargains! We had to go to Walmart for Paramount 95% chicken and turkey for Robbie, then Canadian Tire for two batteries for the RV, and then Tim Horton's for lunch. Today, we picked up Wayne's parcel from Shaw, which will give free local channels on TV. Next stop was Keewatin Place for laundry, then McDermott lumber for Wayne's mortar and then finally home to walk the dogs. Ribeyes on the barbecue tonight, Wayne is going to Winnipeg tomorrow with Macy.
Thursday, August 23, 2012 ... hmmm, we missed logging in an obviously lazy day.
Friday, August 24, 2012 was the final dock party of the season at Dowling's on their deck. It was a hot evening, but our Swedish meatballs and sauce for a big hit.
Saturday, August 25, 2012, Mark trimmed and raked the Grove, then we went into town on a trash run. Dinner tonight was chicken on Wayne's barbecue with fresh corn.
Sunday, August 26, 2012, we mapped our route and plan to leave Wednesday morning for Asheville, North Carolina. This afternoon is a Shriners picnic in Keewatin - a charity event. Tomorrow we shall pack up and load the RV.
Tuesday night, is a dinner party at Kurian's, so this log is closed until Wednesday morning travel.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
CORPUS CHRISTI TO OKLAHOMA CITY
December 28, 2011 at 8:37 AM, mileage 41,233
We had an easy drive to San Antonio and got set up at Travelers RV resort. We enjoyed San Antonio's Riverwalk area and an early supper at the Casa Ria after a River barge cruise.
December 29, 2011 we took a trolley tour of San Antonio. Later we took a bicycle taxi to a western saloon downtown and had a very good lunch. We drove Historic King William District and then went home for a quiet evening. San Antonio is an awesome city and we would come again.
December 30, San Antonio to Burleson
Dodge mileage 41,409
We left San Antonio at 7:42 AM and arrived Austin at 9:12 AM. We saw a flower top building near Lady Bird Lake. On I 35 going north, in future take the high road. The low road is only 13'7" clearance. We saw flower shaped solar panels which were really neat.
At 11:45 PM we stopped to walk the dogs at a picnic area outside of Waco, it was 63 and sunny.
At noon we had a fuel stop at Exxon.
12:30 PM we arrived at Burleson's Rustic Ranch RV Park. Although we had a nice night, it was very noisy with traffic. What a great park to come to with kids.
December 31, 2011 we left Burleson at 9:40 AM. At 11:05 PM we crossed into Oklahoma. Arrived home, Twin Fountains RV park at 1:30. Dodge mileage 41,895 miles. Our Christmas trip was 1582 miles
We had an easy drive to San Antonio and got set up at Travelers RV resort. We enjoyed San Antonio's Riverwalk area and an early supper at the Casa Ria after a River barge cruise.
December 29, 2011 we took a trolley tour of San Antonio. Later we took a bicycle taxi to a western saloon downtown and had a very good lunch. We drove Historic King William District and then went home for a quiet evening. San Antonio is an awesome city and we would come again.
December 30, San Antonio to Burleson
Dodge mileage 41,409
We left San Antonio at 7:42 AM and arrived Austin at 9:12 AM. We saw a flower top building near Lady Bird Lake. On I 35 going north, in future take the high road. The low road is only 13'7" clearance. We saw flower shaped solar panels which were really neat.
At 11:45 PM we stopped to walk the dogs at a picnic area outside of Waco, it was 63 and sunny.
At noon we had a fuel stop at Exxon.
12:30 PM we arrived at Burleson's Rustic Ranch RV Park. Although we had a nice night, it was very noisy with traffic. What a great park to come to with kids.
December 31, 2011 we left Burleson at 9:40 AM. At 11:05 PM we crossed into Oklahoma. Arrived home, Twin Fountains RV park at 1:30. Dodge mileage 41,895 miles. Our Christmas trip was 1582 miles
Friday, March 22, 2013
OKLAHOMA CITY TO CORPUS CHRISTI
Thursday, December 23, 2011 ... It's 39° at 11:05 AM, Dodge has 40,313 miles.
We were delayed leaving as we had a problem with one of the leg jacks on the rig, possibly bent from the earthquakes we had earlier in the season. Mark checked the lug nuts as this is our first trip on the new tires. The China bomb tires are gone, and replaced with tractor trailer tires.
At 11:34 AM we passed Norman Oklahoma 'Ooo-ooo-ooo Chrysler Jeep and Dodge'. It's a nice ride with the new tires on the rig.
12:23 PM we have a nice view of the Arbuckle Mountains, it's a sunny day and we are passing lots of horse farms. Around Turner Falls we saw a nice herds of horses in the Comanche area.
At 1:30 PM we crossed over the Red River near the Texas border. There's a rest area ahead in 2 miles. Back on the road at 1:42 PM after double wammer jammer dog poops. LOL
I35W exit 467 at 2:16 PM. At 2:44 PM we just passed a five car wreck, and saw an RV driver cut off a semi ... the semi swerved to the left ... the RV driver totally oblivious.
We talked to Diane Henry, her and Charles are en route to Louisiana for Christmas.
We saw a ditch witch off the trailer and in the ditch smashed. Traffic is heavy around this area. We are currently getting 12.2 miles per gallon at 64 mph, about 300 miles per tank.
At 4:30 PM we stopped at a crappy Loves for fuel, it had bad access and people were parked helter-skelter. The tuna subs were good!!!
At 5:30 PM we arrived at I 35 RV park for our first night.
Friday, December 23, 2011 at 7:56 AM we left Waco for Corpus Christi. It is 40° and we're hoping for a warmer climate later today. 298 miles to go.
Some things we saw were the Brazos River with Buzzard Bellies Waterfront and Baylor University. One of the overpasses was 13'8", so we ducked. LOL. we are 13'4". We saw Horny Tosd Harley in Temple Texas. At 9:33 AM we were in Austin Texas. a nice tidy area. Nice big hills, a big River and Lady Bird Lake. The Texas State troopers have a lot of cars pulled over. Austin has a lovely downtown and we could certainly spend a day or two here.
At 10:40 AM we stopped for break and to walk the dogs at New Braunfels rest area. It was cloudy with a cold wind.
11 AM, San Antonio Texas. We plan to visit here on our way back to Oklahoma. At 11:18 we turned onto I 37 toward Corpus Christi. It's 122 miles, with an ETA of 1:44 PM
At 2 PM we checked in until December 28. Nice to see palm trees and feel humidity again.
Things we did and saw while in the Corpus Christi area were: December 24 we drove Ocean Dr., Corpus Christi is a beautiful city with very accessible waterfront area, free parking and lots of pull off picnic spots and posh gazeboes. Texas A and M University and the hospital are on Corpus Christi Bay. There's a nice live aboard municipal dock with restaurants at the end of the docks.
December 26 we drove to Padre Island national seashore, and unspoiled natural barrier island with beach access here and there, huge sand dunes, and places where you can drive right on the beach. There was a red tide warning so no dogs were permitted on the beach!!! Primitive RV camping is available, and we saw several fifth wheels parked right out on the same.
December 27 we took the Port Aransas ferry to Mustang Island. Cool !!! Mustang Island has Beach RV sites. We saw a Carriage fifth wheel RV with solar panels. Nice!
On Padre Island I bought a dolphin plaque for the RV bathroom and crab and shells hanger for the kitchen wall. We had dinner at Joe's Crab on the bay.
We were delayed leaving as we had a problem with one of the leg jacks on the rig, possibly bent from the earthquakes we had earlier in the season. Mark checked the lug nuts as this is our first trip on the new tires. The China bomb tires are gone, and replaced with tractor trailer tires.
At 11:34 AM we passed Norman Oklahoma 'Ooo-ooo-ooo Chrysler Jeep and Dodge'. It's a nice ride with the new tires on the rig.
12:23 PM we have a nice view of the Arbuckle Mountains, it's a sunny day and we are passing lots of horse farms. Around Turner Falls we saw a nice herds of horses in the Comanche area.
At 1:30 PM we crossed over the Red River near the Texas border. There's a rest area ahead in 2 miles. Back on the road at 1:42 PM after double wammer jammer dog poops. LOL
I35W exit 467 at 2:16 PM. At 2:44 PM we just passed a five car wreck, and saw an RV driver cut off a semi ... the semi swerved to the left ... the RV driver totally oblivious.
We talked to Diane Henry, her and Charles are en route to Louisiana for Christmas.
We saw a ditch witch off the trailer and in the ditch smashed. Traffic is heavy around this area. We are currently getting 12.2 miles per gallon at 64 mph, about 300 miles per tank.
At 4:30 PM we stopped at a crappy Loves for fuel, it had bad access and people were parked helter-skelter. The tuna subs were good!!!
At 5:30 PM we arrived at I 35 RV park for our first night.
Friday, December 23, 2011 at 7:56 AM we left Waco for Corpus Christi. It is 40° and we're hoping for a warmer climate later today. 298 miles to go.
Some things we saw were the Brazos River with Buzzard Bellies Waterfront and Baylor University. One of the overpasses was 13'8", so we ducked. LOL. we are 13'4". We saw Horny Tosd Harley in Temple Texas. At 9:33 AM we were in Austin Texas. a nice tidy area. Nice big hills, a big River and Lady Bird Lake. The Texas State troopers have a lot of cars pulled over. Austin has a lovely downtown and we could certainly spend a day or two here.
At 10:40 AM we stopped for break and to walk the dogs at New Braunfels rest area. It was cloudy with a cold wind.
11 AM, San Antonio Texas. We plan to visit here on our way back to Oklahoma. At 11:18 we turned onto I 37 toward Corpus Christi. It's 122 miles, with an ETA of 1:44 PM
At 2 PM we checked in until December 28. Nice to see palm trees and feel humidity again.
Things we did and saw while in the Corpus Christi area were: December 24 we drove Ocean Dr., Corpus Christi is a beautiful city with very accessible waterfront area, free parking and lots of pull off picnic spots and posh gazeboes. Texas A and M University and the hospital are on Corpus Christi Bay. There's a nice live aboard municipal dock with restaurants at the end of the docks.
December 26 we drove to Padre Island national seashore, and unspoiled natural barrier island with beach access here and there, huge sand dunes, and places where you can drive right on the beach. There was a red tide warning so no dogs were permitted on the beach!!! Primitive RV camping is available, and we saw several fifth wheels parked right out on the same.
December 27 we took the Port Aransas ferry to Mustang Island. Cool !!! Mustang Island has Beach RV sites. We saw a Carriage fifth wheel RV with solar panels. Nice!
On Padre Island I bought a dolphin plaque for the RV bathroom and crab and shells hanger for the kitchen wall. We had dinner at Joe's Crab on the bay.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
2011 BIG RV ADVENTURE !
Oklahoma!!! February 28, 2011 ... 29,896 miles on the Dodge. The reason for this trip, is to pick up our new puppy Robbie the Bruce from our friend Bonnie Parker in Tulsa. Our beloved Shiloh passed away last October from bone cancer. :'-(
We left home Monday to avoid heavy weather that was predicted for Florida the next day. We had to turn around as we had forgotten our GPS!!! Duh. At 1:49 PM, we pulled into a rest area to fix the table cloth covering the spare tire. As Mark was driving, I read our old travel log.
At 1:59 PM we were back on the road, I 75. We are getting 11.4 miles per gallon so far. Fuel is nearly 3 dollars a gallon at this time because of Libyan conflict. Traffic is heavy but we hope to reach Atlanta tonight. The scenery has been very nice, with pretty purple trees in Florida, and now dogwoods in bloom in Georgia. We stopped at a Pilot, exit 60 for $50 in fuel and a sandwich. It was a grubby stop with bums all over the place. At 5:28 PM we stopped at Cordele KOA. We had a night of heavy rain and slept great. We were up and on the road at 8:29 AM. It is 50° this morning.
At 9:30 AM we were going around Macon, and I was on the computer playing Farmville. At 10:10 we stopped at a flying J, exit 201 for fuel. It was a nice stop with the travel store. We hope to put $75 in this stop. The electronic pumps often stop long before the tank is full. It's very annoying.
There was the usual Atlanta debacle. Two cars beside us slowed down ... a trucker was honking at them, so they pulled in front of us and the trucker blocked the exit sign. Long story short, he took the exit and we missed it. Rat bastard. Anyway, we took another I 20 hookup through town.
At 11:16 AM we were going through Birmingham. By 12:05 PM we had crossed into Alabama with a speed limit of 55 and choppy roads. There were no easy fuel stops between Atlanta and Birmingham. Use the pilot at exit 165 that has a travel center.
12:50 PM we passed Talledega super speedway. Wow! The flowering dogwood trees at their entrance road are beautiful.
Exit 158 is Walmart and Cracker Barrel. At 1:38 PM we were onto I 78 west. We fueled up at a Chevron and got lunch, marble cake ... it had nuts in it. Sorry Mark. He ate the slim Jim's and Carmello bar. There wasn't much choice! We still have 196 miles to our Memphis destination!!!
At 2:45 PM we blew a tire on the RV, front passenger side. We wondered if it was overinflated? Mark is checking the other tires. We're on to Plan B, change opthe darn tire and drive till 5 PM. Wa wa waa.
The entire tread portion is gone! It tore off the light by the stairs, and ripped a screw from the fender. There are terrible black marks on our white fender. Shit Chinese tires.
193 miles to Tom Sawyers and it's now 3:20 PM, oh sorry, 2:20 PM local time.
At 7:04 PM, we were jogging around Tennessee looking for Tom Sawyer. We found it, in Arkansas.
There's a great story here. We drove down a narrow, tree-lined lane a long way. Mark said "God, this looks like a scene from Deliverance !!!". We continued driving, and pulled up in front of a shack, the office. Mark said let's get the hell out of here ... but I mentioned that there was nowhere else to go, and it was now pitch black. Mark reluctantly got out of the truck to look for our envelope and instructions. Just then, a red golf cart appeared from the dark, Kathy Bates at the wheel! LOL. well, it sure looked like her. She said to follow her and disappeared down a dark gravel lane towards the Mississippi River. We got a lovely spot, right beside the Mississippi River. It was a little disconcerning as she said, "How Long Ya stayin? 'Cause ya gotta be out of here by Sunday, we're gonna flood!!".
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 ... It was a sleepless night for me with tugboat noise all night long. Mark slept just fine. The captains sounded their horns during the night and the constant drone of their engines was very loud. But we decided to stay another night to replenish our supplies. It was chilly in the morning, so I got a cute picture of Maggie wearing her blue quilt coat and sitting in front of the RV fireplace. We found Walmart and stocked up and relaxed the rest of the day. We determined our current tires are China bombs!!! They are so bad, they have a reputation.
Thursday, March 3, 2011 a chilly morning, Left Tom Sawyer at 6:56 AM. They are prepping for a 'short flood.' On route to I 40, on the west side, 2 miles east of Hughes we saw two horses standing in a muddy corral beside a rundown mobile home with junk piled everywhere. The poor horses were so very thin. I reported it to the ASPCA of Arkansas.
At 10:15 AM we went through Pres. Bill Clinton's hometown of Little Rock Arkansas which reminded us of entering Asheville North Carolina. It's now 126 miles to Fort Smith and the Oklahoma border.
We saw Toad Suck Harley in Conwary, Arkansas. At 10:30 AM we fueled up at the Flying J, exit 84.
The Ozarks, a very pretty area, had recent earthquakes. We were listening to the radio and there was discussion on fracking. At 11:58 AM, we crossed into Oklahoma!!!
We stayed at Mingo RV park ... a little noisy because the airport is close.
We drove over to Bonnie's and met the puppies, gorgeous. We picked Robbie, played for a while and then went to an Irish pub for dinner. We picked up Maggie and went back to Bonnie's for some wine. Maggie got beaten up by Rosie!!!
We stayed in Tulsa for several days and had a great time with Bonnie. She had been off work from knee surgery so had time to spend with us. One night we went to Red Lobster to meet with Vicky and Dick who have three scotties. Another day, we went to Los Cabos on the Arkansas River in Jenks for lunch. There was lots of puppy playtime and visiting.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 6:15 AM we are leaving Tulsa for Oklahoma City!!! It's a long story, but Mark has landed a job with Schindler on the new Devon tower. The drive to Oklahoma City was pretty, nice hilly area dotted with farms and lots of horses.
At 9:33 AM, we checked into Twin Fountains RV park in Oklahoma City. Mark is filling out paperwork at the union office. It's overcast and drizzly but from what we've seen this is a beautiful city.
(This Oklahoma City job was expected to be a few months, but lasted until July 2012 when Mark retired!!! You never know your luck.)
We left home Monday to avoid heavy weather that was predicted for Florida the next day. We had to turn around as we had forgotten our GPS!!! Duh. At 1:49 PM, we pulled into a rest area to fix the table cloth covering the spare tire. As Mark was driving, I read our old travel log.
At 1:59 PM we were back on the road, I 75. We are getting 11.4 miles per gallon so far. Fuel is nearly 3 dollars a gallon at this time because of Libyan conflict. Traffic is heavy but we hope to reach Atlanta tonight. The scenery has been very nice, with pretty purple trees in Florida, and now dogwoods in bloom in Georgia. We stopped at a Pilot, exit 60 for $50 in fuel and a sandwich. It was a grubby stop with bums all over the place. At 5:28 PM we stopped at Cordele KOA. We had a night of heavy rain and slept great. We were up and on the road at 8:29 AM. It is 50° this morning.
At 9:30 AM we were going around Macon, and I was on the computer playing Farmville. At 10:10 we stopped at a flying J, exit 201 for fuel. It was a nice stop with the travel store. We hope to put $75 in this stop. The electronic pumps often stop long before the tank is full. It's very annoying.
There was the usual Atlanta debacle. Two cars beside us slowed down ... a trucker was honking at them, so they pulled in front of us and the trucker blocked the exit sign. Long story short, he took the exit and we missed it. Rat bastard. Anyway, we took another I 20 hookup through town.
At 11:16 AM we were going through Birmingham. By 12:05 PM we had crossed into Alabama with a speed limit of 55 and choppy roads. There were no easy fuel stops between Atlanta and Birmingham. Use the pilot at exit 165 that has a travel center.
12:50 PM we passed Talledega super speedway. Wow! The flowering dogwood trees at their entrance road are beautiful.
Exit 158 is Walmart and Cracker Barrel. At 1:38 PM we were onto I 78 west. We fueled up at a Chevron and got lunch, marble cake ... it had nuts in it. Sorry Mark. He ate the slim Jim's and Carmello bar. There wasn't much choice! We still have 196 miles to our Memphis destination!!!
At 2:45 PM we blew a tire on the RV, front passenger side. We wondered if it was overinflated? Mark is checking the other tires. We're on to Plan B, change opthe darn tire and drive till 5 PM. Wa wa waa.
The entire tread portion is gone! It tore off the light by the stairs, and ripped a screw from the fender. There are terrible black marks on our white fender. Shit Chinese tires.
193 miles to Tom Sawyers and it's now 3:20 PM, oh sorry, 2:20 PM local time.
At 7:04 PM, we were jogging around Tennessee looking for Tom Sawyer. We found it, in Arkansas.
There's a great story here. We drove down a narrow, tree-lined lane a long way. Mark said "God, this looks like a scene from Deliverance !!!". We continued driving, and pulled up in front of a shack, the office. Mark said let's get the hell out of here ... but I mentioned that there was nowhere else to go, and it was now pitch black. Mark reluctantly got out of the truck to look for our envelope and instructions. Just then, a red golf cart appeared from the dark, Kathy Bates at the wheel! LOL. well, it sure looked like her. She said to follow her and disappeared down a dark gravel lane towards the Mississippi River. We got a lovely spot, right beside the Mississippi River. It was a little disconcerning as she said, "How Long Ya stayin? 'Cause ya gotta be out of here by Sunday, we're gonna flood!!".
Wednesday, March 2, 2011 ... It was a sleepless night for me with tugboat noise all night long. Mark slept just fine. The captains sounded their horns during the night and the constant drone of their engines was very loud. But we decided to stay another night to replenish our supplies. It was chilly in the morning, so I got a cute picture of Maggie wearing her blue quilt coat and sitting in front of the RV fireplace. We found Walmart and stocked up and relaxed the rest of the day. We determined our current tires are China bombs!!! They are so bad, they have a reputation.
Thursday, March 3, 2011 a chilly morning, Left Tom Sawyer at 6:56 AM. They are prepping for a 'short flood.' On route to I 40, on the west side, 2 miles east of Hughes we saw two horses standing in a muddy corral beside a rundown mobile home with junk piled everywhere. The poor horses were so very thin. I reported it to the ASPCA of Arkansas.
At 10:15 AM we went through Pres. Bill Clinton's hometown of Little Rock Arkansas which reminded us of entering Asheville North Carolina. It's now 126 miles to Fort Smith and the Oklahoma border.
We saw Toad Suck Harley in Conwary, Arkansas. At 10:30 AM we fueled up at the Flying J, exit 84.
The Ozarks, a very pretty area, had recent earthquakes. We were listening to the radio and there was discussion on fracking. At 11:58 AM, we crossed into Oklahoma!!!
We stayed at Mingo RV park ... a little noisy because the airport is close.
We drove over to Bonnie's and met the puppies, gorgeous. We picked Robbie, played for a while and then went to an Irish pub for dinner. We picked up Maggie and went back to Bonnie's for some wine. Maggie got beaten up by Rosie!!!
We stayed in Tulsa for several days and had a great time with Bonnie. She had been off work from knee surgery so had time to spend with us. One night we went to Red Lobster to meet with Vicky and Dick who have three scotties. Another day, we went to Los Cabos on the Arkansas River in Jenks for lunch. There was lots of puppy playtime and visiting.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 6:15 AM we are leaving Tulsa for Oklahoma City!!! It's a long story, but Mark has landed a job with Schindler on the new Devon tower. The drive to Oklahoma City was pretty, nice hilly area dotted with farms and lots of horses.
At 9:33 AM, we checked into Twin Fountains RV park in Oklahoma City. Mark is filling out paperwork at the union office. It's overcast and drizzly but from what we've seen this is a beautiful city.
(This Oklahoma City job was expected to be a few months, but lasted until July 2012 when Mark retired!!! You never know your luck.)
2010 RV ADVENTURE
Although we didn't make any RV trips, it was a very interesting year. We were in the midst of updating our cottage and keeping an eye on my mom, while the rest of the family was traveling. In November, quite unexpectedly, Mark got laid off from Schindler, after working for them for 28 years!!! At the time, I was at our cottage with our Tawns family visiting from Scotland for a week. Sue and Wayne were in our driveway with their Prevost ... so it was quite the party atmosphere when Mark arrived home. We celebrated Thanksgiving at our cottage, and then went south to the RV to celebrate Christmas with mom. Sue and Wayne hosted Christmas dinner. Christmas eve was a party at the RV with Matt, Tiffany, Hailey, Linda, Randy, Sue, Wayne, Carol, Jack, Charles and Diane Henry we had a wonderful evening with a huge crock pot of chili and all the fixins We stayed at Sunshine Holiday RV park until the end of 2010, when we hauled our rig to the cottage. At that time, we had a special RV port built to store our rig. Mark got unemployment, and we settled in to work cottage homebase until work improve.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
2009 RV ADVENTURES
May 15, 2009 we left Fort Lauderdale at 5:55 AM heading to Asheville North Carolina. Our first stop will be Savannah Georgia, 446 miles away. We had difficulty finding diesel and bought at BP Daytona Beach Shores. Later we saw Ormand Beach exit 268 had a station on the west side.
At 12:12 PM we were at the Georgia border, 17,207 miles now on the Dodge.
Arrived Savannah Oaks at 2 PM, an eight hour trip. Friday night we enjoyed Glenmorangie scotch at Churchill's Pub. "Never in the history ..." was recited. LOL. It's a great pub with a huge mahogany bar, we felt like we were in London.
Saturday, May 16, 2009 we had a Waffle House breakfast (favorite) then picked up Maggie and Shiloh and went cruising to Tybee Island. We shopped at a couple of interesting places we'd seen last year and bought cocktail napkins and two 'lighted resin' ice cubes for Shay's birthday gift. The Crab Shack lunch with the doggies was wonderful. There was a beautiful breeze it was cloudy and just perfect. Mark had baby clams, legal? I had chocolate cake and wine. My kind of lunch! We found our way back and stopped to check out Cracker Barrel, where i bought a wire frog and bee. We relaxed with barbecue brats and wine for dinner.
Sunday, May 17, 2009 we did laundry, grocery, played scrabble and went on a Savannah ghost tour at 9 PM with 45 minutes spent in the haunted Pirate House. We took ghostly pictures in the dank cellar and heard stories of pirates and privateers.
It was "a rainy night in Georgia", perfect for an open air trolley ghost tour. Savannah's historic district was beautiful at night, lit porches, chandeliers glowing inside. Mark noticed that we didn't see any bluelight from TVs. Interesting!!!
Monday, May 18, 2009 17,486 miles on the Dodge it's 8 AM and we're now headed from Savannah to Asheville, North Carolina. It rained all night, and is 55° this morning. Mark walked the dogs and put them in the truck while I packed up. The kitchen sewer delayed us by 30 minutes.
At 9:50 AM we are now on I 95 with 196 miles to go, the rain has stopped.
We bought fuel at a Pilot station which took 31 minutes for $26 in fuel. Mark had to go in three times. Dumb clerks.
We arrived at Rutledge Lake RV park, a very nice place, site 64, set up in one hour and called the girls who arrived within the hour! We had a good visit and then off to the Moose Café for supper. We slept soundly ... it's very quiet and dropped to 43° overnight, furnace set at 60°
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 we had a lazy morning, Mark cooked leftovers of meat loaf, potatoes and eggs and then we were off to the farmers market. We bought berries and wine and headed to Paula's for subs for lunch. The doggies enjoyed their visit too.
On our way back to the RV, we ate a bag of pretzels, and then got home and watched American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. Olympian Shawn Johnson won!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 we were up early and off to a lovely Walmart for food and fun shopping. We found some Capri pants for me, a bubble wand for Jackson and fishing stuff for Marshall, Jon and Jeremy.
Paula, Jon and Jeremy arrived at 11:30 to go for lunch at the train depot. We shopped at the Silver Armadillo and then ate lunch at the Paz (Mexican) as the train depot was closed. It was a good lunch with sangria pitchers. Tonight a party at the RV camp.
Thursday, May 21, 2009 is Marcy's 45th birthday celebrated at Paula's with all the family. The boys entertained Jackson with the bonfire, Olivia and her friend saw a bear ... lots of squeals! The Scottie dogs played with the boys and had a great time. We played Mexican dominoes with Paula, Jon and Jeremy until 11 PM then drove to the RV.
Friday, May 22, 2009 Paula drove us up to Chimney Rock. There were beautiful sites along the French broad River.
We bought some shot glasses and Ivy umbrella in the gift shop then climbed Chimney Rock by elevator, we cheated. LOL. There was still some climbing to the top. It was a nice day and we could see for 75 miles.
We took Paula to Carrabba's for dinner
near the RV park.
Saturday, May 23, 2009 we tidied up the camp and met Paula and Jon downtown Asheville for some shopping at The Mast store and 10,000 villages and a bead shop. Mark was very patient and looked after the dogs while I scooted around with Paula. After, we went up to Paula's mountain house. They have a baseball banquet tonight.
Marcy and the kids came over to the RV for some fun.
Sunday, May 24, 2009 Sue and Wayne arrived about noon for three nights. Wayne took us to Cracker Barrel for lunch and then barbecued pork chops for supper. We enjoyed a fire till 11 and then off to bed. Both Paula and Marcy are working tonight.
Monday, May 25, 2009, Memorial Day.
We hosted a rainy day party at our campsite. Mark connected a blue tarp to our awning to cover our picnic table. He's such a Boy Scouty.
Although it's a dry campground, much "juice" was drunk, chicken eaten and so forth. The kids swam, rented paddleboats and fished. it was fun for all with the campfire and Jackson toasting marshmallows for everyone while playing with his bubble wand. :-)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 we were off to Black Mountain. Sue, Wayne, Paula, Jon and Jeremy went for lunch at The Verandah. It was excellent. The dogs were allowed on the patio; Shiloh, Maggie, Muffin and Macy sat with us. Black Mountain is a nice tourist friendly town. We enjoyed seeing it. Next, we drove to Paula's house so Sue and Wayne could see it. We were all together for one last evening before we headed to Brunswick Georgia ... Sue and Wayne are leaving for Winnipeg and Lake of the Woods.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 was a rainy campsite wrapup. We were on the road by 830 en route to Brunswick Georgia. It was a smooth ride to Golden Isles RV park. Very unfriendly check in ! Why? Are they expecting complaints?
Well I guess so, as it was a horrible place. Ants crawling up the RV, a grassy site, derelict trailers, old tarps and junk everywhere. We walked the dogs, and saw a hillbilly cleaning his rifle in his trailer doorway. What a dump !
We enjoyed discovering Jekyll Island campground where we hope to stay if we come here again. We had dinner at Blackbeards, a very nice place.
Thursday, May 28, 2009 we enjoyed a lazy morning and took Shiloh and Maggie with us sightseeing. Brunswick is old and shabby, nothing like beautiful Savannah. We drove to St. Simons Island which reminded us of Sanibel, busy and touristy. We paid three dollars for Jekyll Island and enjoyed a couple of hours relaxing near the pier. Later we packed up and made sandwiches for our road trip tomorrow.
Friday, May 29, 2009 18,422 miles on the Dodge. 9:10 AM we left scuzzyville for our cottage for an overnight stay. We took exit 261B to 92 west but it was very rough. Next time it's i4. Arrived 1:10 PM
Saturday, May 30, 2009 we left our cottage at 9:05 AM for Sunshine Holiday RV park, our homebase while Mark is working in Miami It was a great trip!!!
At 12:12 PM we were at the Georgia border, 17,207 miles now on the Dodge.
Arrived Savannah Oaks at 2 PM, an eight hour trip. Friday night we enjoyed Glenmorangie scotch at Churchill's Pub. "Never in the history ..." was recited. LOL. It's a great pub with a huge mahogany bar, we felt like we were in London.
Saturday, May 16, 2009 we had a Waffle House breakfast (favorite) then picked up Maggie and Shiloh and went cruising to Tybee Island. We shopped at a couple of interesting places we'd seen last year and bought cocktail napkins and two 'lighted resin' ice cubes for Shay's birthday gift. The Crab Shack lunch with the doggies was wonderful. There was a beautiful breeze it was cloudy and just perfect. Mark had baby clams, legal? I had chocolate cake and wine. My kind of lunch! We found our way back and stopped to check out Cracker Barrel, where i bought a wire frog and bee. We relaxed with barbecue brats and wine for dinner.
Sunday, May 17, 2009 we did laundry, grocery, played scrabble and went on a Savannah ghost tour at 9 PM with 45 minutes spent in the haunted Pirate House. We took ghostly pictures in the dank cellar and heard stories of pirates and privateers.
It was "a rainy night in Georgia", perfect for an open air trolley ghost tour. Savannah's historic district was beautiful at night, lit porches, chandeliers glowing inside. Mark noticed that we didn't see any bluelight from TVs. Interesting!!!
Monday, May 18, 2009 17,486 miles on the Dodge it's 8 AM and we're now headed from Savannah to Asheville, North Carolina. It rained all night, and is 55° this morning. Mark walked the dogs and put them in the truck while I packed up. The kitchen sewer delayed us by 30 minutes.
At 9:50 AM we are now on I 95 with 196 miles to go, the rain has stopped.
We bought fuel at a Pilot station which took 31 minutes for $26 in fuel. Mark had to go in three times. Dumb clerks.
We arrived at Rutledge Lake RV park, a very nice place, site 64, set up in one hour and called the girls who arrived within the hour! We had a good visit and then off to the Moose Café for supper. We slept soundly ... it's very quiet and dropped to 43° overnight, furnace set at 60°
Tuesday, May 19, 2009 we had a lazy morning, Mark cooked leftovers of meat loaf, potatoes and eggs and then we were off to the farmers market. We bought berries and wine and headed to Paula's for subs for lunch. The doggies enjoyed their visit too.
On our way back to the RV, we ate a bag of pretzels, and then got home and watched American Idol and Dancing with the Stars. Olympian Shawn Johnson won!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 we were up early and off to a lovely Walmart for food and fun shopping. We found some Capri pants for me, a bubble wand for Jackson and fishing stuff for Marshall, Jon and Jeremy.
Paula, Jon and Jeremy arrived at 11:30 to go for lunch at the train depot. We shopped at the Silver Armadillo and then ate lunch at the Paz (Mexican) as the train depot was closed. It was a good lunch with sangria pitchers. Tonight a party at the RV camp.
Thursday, May 21, 2009 is Marcy's 45th birthday celebrated at Paula's with all the family. The boys entertained Jackson with the bonfire, Olivia and her friend saw a bear ... lots of squeals! The Scottie dogs played with the boys and had a great time. We played Mexican dominoes with Paula, Jon and Jeremy until 11 PM then drove to the RV.
Friday, May 22, 2009 Paula drove us up to Chimney Rock. There were beautiful sites along the French broad River.
We bought some shot glasses and Ivy umbrella in the gift shop then climbed Chimney Rock by elevator, we cheated. LOL. There was still some climbing to the top. It was a nice day and we could see for 75 miles.
We took Paula to Carrabba's for dinner
near the RV park.
Saturday, May 23, 2009 we tidied up the camp and met Paula and Jon downtown Asheville for some shopping at The Mast store and 10,000 villages and a bead shop. Mark was very patient and looked after the dogs while I scooted around with Paula. After, we went up to Paula's mountain house. They have a baseball banquet tonight.
Marcy and the kids came over to the RV for some fun.
Sunday, May 24, 2009 Sue and Wayne arrived about noon for three nights. Wayne took us to Cracker Barrel for lunch and then barbecued pork chops for supper. We enjoyed a fire till 11 and then off to bed. Both Paula and Marcy are working tonight.
Monday, May 25, 2009, Memorial Day.
We hosted a rainy day party at our campsite. Mark connected a blue tarp to our awning to cover our picnic table. He's such a Boy Scouty.
Although it's a dry campground, much "juice" was drunk, chicken eaten and so forth. The kids swam, rented paddleboats and fished. it was fun for all with the campfire and Jackson toasting marshmallows for everyone while playing with his bubble wand. :-)
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 we were off to Black Mountain. Sue, Wayne, Paula, Jon and Jeremy went for lunch at The Verandah. It was excellent. The dogs were allowed on the patio; Shiloh, Maggie, Muffin and Macy sat with us. Black Mountain is a nice tourist friendly town. We enjoyed seeing it. Next, we drove to Paula's house so Sue and Wayne could see it. We were all together for one last evening before we headed to Brunswick Georgia ... Sue and Wayne are leaving for Winnipeg and Lake of the Woods.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 was a rainy campsite wrapup. We were on the road by 830 en route to Brunswick Georgia. It was a smooth ride to Golden Isles RV park. Very unfriendly check in ! Why? Are they expecting complaints?
Well I guess so, as it was a horrible place. Ants crawling up the RV, a grassy site, derelict trailers, old tarps and junk everywhere. We walked the dogs, and saw a hillbilly cleaning his rifle in his trailer doorway. What a dump !
We enjoyed discovering Jekyll Island campground where we hope to stay if we come here again. We had dinner at Blackbeards, a very nice place.
Thursday, May 28, 2009 we enjoyed a lazy morning and took Shiloh and Maggie with us sightseeing. Brunswick is old and shabby, nothing like beautiful Savannah. We drove to St. Simons Island which reminded us of Sanibel, busy and touristy. We paid three dollars for Jekyll Island and enjoyed a couple of hours relaxing near the pier. Later we packed up and made sandwiches for our road trip tomorrow.
Friday, May 29, 2009 18,422 miles on the Dodge. 9:10 AM we left scuzzyville for our cottage for an overnight stay. We took exit 261B to 92 west but it was very rough. Next time it's i4. Arrived 1:10 PM
Saturday, May 30, 2009 we left our cottage at 9:05 AM for Sunshine Holiday RV park, our homebase while Mark is working in Miami It was a great trip!!!
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
2008 RV Adventures
February 11, 2008 we are enjoying the easy life and planning a summer expedition to Maine.
March 7, 2008 bonjour. We are getting very tired of the ill mannered, inbred French-Canadians. Mark noted they all look alike and dress alike, both men and women. LOL. there is a meeting Monday at the clubhouse to discuss future plans for the RV park. It should be noted here, that this meeting was held in French. And I thought America was English speaking.
April 13, 2008 the RV park is now nearly empty and we are planning a trip to Titusville with Sue and Wayne in their Prevost. After a weekend of fun, we will go to Giant for repairs.
April 17, 2008 we are prepping for Titusville and there're lots of things to pack up but it's good practice for our Maine trip. Last minute, Sue and Wayne can't go. Their bus is still in the body shop. We have decided to go because everything is set up already and we need to service done in Orlando.
We had three nights at a campground called The Great Outdoors. It was posh. Mark enjoyed bike riding around the trail where he saw wild turkey rabbits and deer. We dined two nights at the clubhouse and another at a Mexican restaurant, but the first night we barbecued steaks.
Monday we dropped the rig off at Giant for warranty repairs which took longer than anticipated. 11 days later, we hauled the RV to our cottage where we reloaded it for a return to Fort Lauderdale. My washer was not fixed, as it has the same problem. We hauled 65 to 70 mph and it was five hours to Fort Lauderdale.
June 16, 2008 we are double checking our Maine vacation plans. Diesel fuel is now five dollars a gallon but reservations are already made so we're going.
July 10, 2008 9:38 PM Mark says we won't sleep anyhow so let's just get started. Maybe drive to Orlando tonight and stop for a rest enroute. Our neighbor Fritz thought it would be 12 hours to Savannah. We drove two hours and 15 minutes and stopped at a rest area for a three hour nap. Our generator worked great. We were back on the road at 4 AM
Friday, July 11, 2008 we arrived at Rivers End at 10:37 AM. Site 139 was ready, we barbecued steaks and walked to the Savannah River Beach three blocks away. It was very hot and muggy. Early to bed as tomorrow is a tour day. It was an 8 Hour Dr. from Fort Lauderdale to Savannah.
Saturday, July 12, 2008 the doggies came along and we went to see the crab shack and Tybee lighthouse. We dropped Shiloh and Maggie at the RV and went for a Savannah tour. The White Trolley city tour reminded us a bit of London as it was designed by Oglethorpe from England in the 1700s. There was lots to see and do there. Lunch at the Crab Shack was great. Following lunch, we picked up the dogs and drove to Tybee Island Beach and bought a tiki bar sign. We will pack up tonight for our trip north to Virginia.
Sunday, July 13, 2008 we left the site at 6:30 AM, our alarm did not ring. We missed our turn onto Presidents and relied on Garmin, a U-turn on heavily treed Victory Street was nicely done and we got back to Islands Expressway then over a huge steep bridge to South Carolina on number 17. We joined I-95 about 15 miles up. En route to Emporia Virginia, South Carolina roads were very rough. We were airborne over one small overpass. Yikes. Yogi Bears in Emporia Virginia is a nice place. We chose shady site number 19 with lots of tall trees and dappled sun. We enjoyed cooking over an open fire and swimming in the pool. It was very peaceful except for the hourly train.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008 we left at 5:20 AM en route to Freehold, New Jersey. We arrived at Pinecone resort, a nice area, but the manager had to trim trees to get us into our spot. We drove to Pleasant City, New Jersey and Jenkinson's boardwalk with the dogs. After a nice day in New Jersey, we decided to leave at 7 PM for the Tappan Zee bridge going north on the Garden State Parkway. We never found it. Roads merge and disappear frequently. Tolls are outrageous. Our Garman was set and check before we left freehold, got us onto the Garden State Parkway alright but somehow ended up on the George Washington Bridge right into Park Avenue, Manhattan. Garmin started saying recalculating, get off at Park Avenue, U-turn if possible. Mark said screw it, I'm not getting off. The underpasses were not marked with height restrictions, so I sang it's up to you New York New York. LOL. We managed to get through there and arrived back on I 95 somehow. We phoned Randy and then Wayne to share our story. Wayne said the same thing happened to him years ago when towing a boat.
We stopped at the first rest area that said welcome to Connecticut. It's now 10:12 PM and we're on I-95 passing Bridgeport. A good Samaritan honked at us, and waved as he passed. We thought he was just being friendly, but at 1582 miles, we had chewed up the left rear axle tire on the RV. We limped off the highway and found the Marriott with the well lit parking lot. Mark changed the tire and we were on the road again by 12:10 PM. We pulled over and slept at a Walmart for a few hours and then at 8:23 AM saw a sign we were only 11 miles to Wells Beach, Maine. Since we arrive too early, we were sent to a holding area where we waited a nap with the AC going until 3 PM. It's a very nice resort, we set up and met the neighbors, and went to Billy's Chowder House for a dinner of lobster and linguine. Yummy.
Friday, July 18, 2008 we made calls about the damaged tire and drove north to Saco Maine and back along US 1 We stopped at Lighthouse Depot for trinkets. We arrived back at the RV for a severe thunder storm with tornado warnings. In the evening we did grocery shopping and found a great Dollar Tree store.
Saturday, July 19, 2008, Mark got us up early and we drove to Kennebunkport for a morning of retail therapy. We are doing our part to boost the economy. We bought a cast-iron Scottie dog, sitting up like Shiloh does, a travel bag in Old Salt, the oldest store, and a couple of neat T-shirts. It was fun. Now for lunch out.
Sunday, July 20, 2008 we are going to Portsmouth New Hampshire with the dogs. We walked around the harbor area, hazy today, nice downtown area with pretty gardens and flowers. We had lunch at a Burger King as we have the dogs with.
Monday, July 21, 2008, our new tire arrived at VIP in Arundle. Later, went to York Beach for shopping and lunch at Sandy's Purple Palace. We sat at Long Sands beach and enjoyed the gulls, four times the regular size. We had a campfire night with no bugs.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008 we went to Kittery Trading Post and Ogunquit beach where we saw Perkins Cove, a quaint lobster town from the 1600s. That evening, we had dinner at Fisherman's Catch near the Wells Harbor. There was a cool breeze from the salt marshes and the ocean. We love this place and enjoyed hot New England clam chowder, crabcakes and shrimp cakes. Back at the RV we had a Scrabble challenge and Mark trounced me 640 to 454.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008 we got an early start and brought the new tire rim to Arundel's VIP. Mark dealt with Dick, the service manager, who was well named. Enough said. I sat in the truck and caught up on our log. Then we were off to Portland head light, and it was just as inspiring on our second visit. The wild roses smelt heavenly mixed with the salt air. We collected a few rocks, one slightly large one, and watched the lobster boats while we ate a picnic lunch at a table. There was a lady crocheting and a man playing fiddle. Awesome day.
Thursday, July 24, 2008 was a rainy day, perfect for drive north to Belfast. We stopped at Fort point State Park and saw a bear, and Deer tracks. The dogs loved the soft grass. We had a picnic on the tailgate. On the drive back to Wells we stopped in Lincolnville and bought a lighthouse bell. We took pictures in Camden and would visit that area again. It was picturesque. Now at 3 PM, we are still cruising down number one highway with an overcast sky but 74°. There are beautiful wildflowers everywhere. Mark wonders aloud about a lobster boat license. Ha ha. Wiscasset has nice views off number one, and saw a realty sign $93,900 for a three bedroom two bath.
Speaking of bath, we saw historic Bath on a large port ... no billboards, no graffiti, just beautiful scenery. We saw amazing modular homes. In Freeport, the Mac Donald's restaurant is an old house, the same with the Gap and LLBean. At Portland, we got on I-95.
Sunday, July 27, 2008, Mark is checking our tires for a return drive to Florida. The Dodge odometer is 2384 miles. We left wells beach at 10:05 AM and by 11:57 AM we were on exit 22 to the Massachusetts Turnpike. We're now driving in the Poconos, and have found a place for the night. We played gin rummy until 10 o'clock, and I was the big winner.
Monday, July 28, 2008 we had a fuel stop at a Citgo just before I 84 at 8:15 AM. We're going to try for Emporia Virginia tonight.
On I 81 just north of Harrisburg, at a restaurant, Mark discovered the inner driver side dually tire was flat. Apparently, the valve stem extender had been torn off by road debris. We wonder where is the Jack? Will certainly know our vehicle after this trip. It is a beautiful sunny 81° in Pennsylvania.
It is now 12:38 PM and we were on the road again. Harrisburg on the Susquehanna is very pretty. We are driving through the Appalachian mountains at 3:10 PM. We decided to go another 194 miles to Emporia, Yogi Bears Jellystone and stay 2 nights.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008 was a lazy morning. We got the truck tire repaired at Firestone for eight dollars and made a quick trip to Walmart for supplies. We made plans for Myrtle Beach tomorrow
Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 7:15 AM Mark is finishing up his chores. We talked to an RVer who spent five days stuck in South Carolina waiting for a part. He was en route to Lake George. He was mad at Pres. Bush and filled us in on Bush removing the ban on fuel speculation. This is why fuel prices have gone skyhigh. At 7:33 AM, we are underway.
12:40 PM we are 11 miles to Myrtle Beach. Nice enough roads and there seems to be plenty to do here. We got a great campsite on the beach, number six. The dogs walked on the beach and we went to camping world.
July 31, 2008, we enjoyed Myrtle Beach and meeting Donna and Darrell Singo, also grand junction owners.
Friday, August 1, 2008, we are on route to our home to cut grass, water plants, get mail and wash the RV. 418 miles to go
At 11:48 AM, we fueled up and we're listening to Sirius outlaw country. A funny song called butt ugly slut was on. We had a half hour stop trying to pump gas at Brunswick Georgia at a Flying J. It is now 330 and we're at exit 366 near Jacksonville Florida and it's 94°
We had the first rain of the entire trip in Florida just 133 miles from home. At 3:50 PM, we were splashed with concrete sludge going under an overpass construction on I 95.
We took I95 to Highway 92 which was very rough to 44, then to 19. 4013 miles so far.
Sunday, August 2, 2008 at 8:30 AM we left our home for Fort Lauderdale. At noon we stop for a break for the dogs and we were just north of Jupiter. At 1:15 we arrived back in Fort Lauderdale 4292 miles. We got set up and then went to the pool and saw Fritz and Debbie and got caught up on neighborhood antics.
March 7, 2008 bonjour. We are getting very tired of the ill mannered, inbred French-Canadians. Mark noted they all look alike and dress alike, both men and women. LOL. there is a meeting Monday at the clubhouse to discuss future plans for the RV park. It should be noted here, that this meeting was held in French. And I thought America was English speaking.
April 13, 2008 the RV park is now nearly empty and we are planning a trip to Titusville with Sue and Wayne in their Prevost. After a weekend of fun, we will go to Giant for repairs.
April 17, 2008 we are prepping for Titusville and there're lots of things to pack up but it's good practice for our Maine trip. Last minute, Sue and Wayne can't go. Their bus is still in the body shop. We have decided to go because everything is set up already and we need to service done in Orlando.
We had three nights at a campground called The Great Outdoors. It was posh. Mark enjoyed bike riding around the trail where he saw wild turkey rabbits and deer. We dined two nights at the clubhouse and another at a Mexican restaurant, but the first night we barbecued steaks.
Monday we dropped the rig off at Giant for warranty repairs which took longer than anticipated. 11 days later, we hauled the RV to our cottage where we reloaded it for a return to Fort Lauderdale. My washer was not fixed, as it has the same problem. We hauled 65 to 70 mph and it was five hours to Fort Lauderdale.
June 16, 2008 we are double checking our Maine vacation plans. Diesel fuel is now five dollars a gallon but reservations are already made so we're going.
July 10, 2008 9:38 PM Mark says we won't sleep anyhow so let's just get started. Maybe drive to Orlando tonight and stop for a rest enroute. Our neighbor Fritz thought it would be 12 hours to Savannah. We drove two hours and 15 minutes and stopped at a rest area for a three hour nap. Our generator worked great. We were back on the road at 4 AM
Friday, July 11, 2008 we arrived at Rivers End at 10:37 AM. Site 139 was ready, we barbecued steaks and walked to the Savannah River Beach three blocks away. It was very hot and muggy. Early to bed as tomorrow is a tour day. It was an 8 Hour Dr. from Fort Lauderdale to Savannah.
Saturday, July 12, 2008 the doggies came along and we went to see the crab shack and Tybee lighthouse. We dropped Shiloh and Maggie at the RV and went for a Savannah tour. The White Trolley city tour reminded us a bit of London as it was designed by Oglethorpe from England in the 1700s. There was lots to see and do there. Lunch at the Crab Shack was great. Following lunch, we picked up the dogs and drove to Tybee Island Beach and bought a tiki bar sign. We will pack up tonight for our trip north to Virginia.
Sunday, July 13, 2008 we left the site at 6:30 AM, our alarm did not ring. We missed our turn onto Presidents and relied on Garmin, a U-turn on heavily treed Victory Street was nicely done and we got back to Islands Expressway then over a huge steep bridge to South Carolina on number 17. We joined I-95 about 15 miles up. En route to Emporia Virginia, South Carolina roads were very rough. We were airborne over one small overpass. Yikes. Yogi Bears in Emporia Virginia is a nice place. We chose shady site number 19 with lots of tall trees and dappled sun. We enjoyed cooking over an open fire and swimming in the pool. It was very peaceful except for the hourly train.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008 we left at 5:20 AM en route to Freehold, New Jersey. We arrived at Pinecone resort, a nice area, but the manager had to trim trees to get us into our spot. We drove to Pleasant City, New Jersey and Jenkinson's boardwalk with the dogs. After a nice day in New Jersey, we decided to leave at 7 PM for the Tappan Zee bridge going north on the Garden State Parkway. We never found it. Roads merge and disappear frequently. Tolls are outrageous. Our Garman was set and check before we left freehold, got us onto the Garden State Parkway alright but somehow ended up on the George Washington Bridge right into Park Avenue, Manhattan. Garmin started saying recalculating, get off at Park Avenue, U-turn if possible. Mark said screw it, I'm not getting off. The underpasses were not marked with height restrictions, so I sang it's up to you New York New York. LOL. We managed to get through there and arrived back on I 95 somehow. We phoned Randy and then Wayne to share our story. Wayne said the same thing happened to him years ago when towing a boat.
We stopped at the first rest area that said welcome to Connecticut. It's now 10:12 PM and we're on I-95 passing Bridgeport. A good Samaritan honked at us, and waved as he passed. We thought he was just being friendly, but at 1582 miles, we had chewed up the left rear axle tire on the RV. We limped off the highway and found the Marriott with the well lit parking lot. Mark changed the tire and we were on the road again by 12:10 PM. We pulled over and slept at a Walmart for a few hours and then at 8:23 AM saw a sign we were only 11 miles to Wells Beach, Maine. Since we arrive too early, we were sent to a holding area where we waited a nap with the AC going until 3 PM. It's a very nice resort, we set up and met the neighbors, and went to Billy's Chowder House for a dinner of lobster and linguine. Yummy.
Friday, July 18, 2008 we made calls about the damaged tire and drove north to Saco Maine and back along US 1 We stopped at Lighthouse Depot for trinkets. We arrived back at the RV for a severe thunder storm with tornado warnings. In the evening we did grocery shopping and found a great Dollar Tree store.
Saturday, July 19, 2008, Mark got us up early and we drove to Kennebunkport for a morning of retail therapy. We are doing our part to boost the economy. We bought a cast-iron Scottie dog, sitting up like Shiloh does, a travel bag in Old Salt, the oldest store, and a couple of neat T-shirts. It was fun. Now for lunch out.
Sunday, July 20, 2008 we are going to Portsmouth New Hampshire with the dogs. We walked around the harbor area, hazy today, nice downtown area with pretty gardens and flowers. We had lunch at a Burger King as we have the dogs with.
Monday, July 21, 2008, our new tire arrived at VIP in Arundle. Later, went to York Beach for shopping and lunch at Sandy's Purple Palace. We sat at Long Sands beach and enjoyed the gulls, four times the regular size. We had a campfire night with no bugs.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008 we went to Kittery Trading Post and Ogunquit beach where we saw Perkins Cove, a quaint lobster town from the 1600s. That evening, we had dinner at Fisherman's Catch near the Wells Harbor. There was a cool breeze from the salt marshes and the ocean. We love this place and enjoyed hot New England clam chowder, crabcakes and shrimp cakes. Back at the RV we had a Scrabble challenge and Mark trounced me 640 to 454.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008 we got an early start and brought the new tire rim to Arundel's VIP. Mark dealt with Dick, the service manager, who was well named. Enough said. I sat in the truck and caught up on our log. Then we were off to Portland head light, and it was just as inspiring on our second visit. The wild roses smelt heavenly mixed with the salt air. We collected a few rocks, one slightly large one, and watched the lobster boats while we ate a picnic lunch at a table. There was a lady crocheting and a man playing fiddle. Awesome day.
Thursday, July 24, 2008 was a rainy day, perfect for drive north to Belfast. We stopped at Fort point State Park and saw a bear, and Deer tracks. The dogs loved the soft grass. We had a picnic on the tailgate. On the drive back to Wells we stopped in Lincolnville and bought a lighthouse bell. We took pictures in Camden and would visit that area again. It was picturesque. Now at 3 PM, we are still cruising down number one highway with an overcast sky but 74°. There are beautiful wildflowers everywhere. Mark wonders aloud about a lobster boat license. Ha ha. Wiscasset has nice views off number one, and saw a realty sign $93,900 for a three bedroom two bath.
Speaking of bath, we saw historic Bath on a large port ... no billboards, no graffiti, just beautiful scenery. We saw amazing modular homes. In Freeport, the Mac Donald's restaurant is an old house, the same with the Gap and LLBean. At Portland, we got on I-95.
Sunday, July 27, 2008, Mark is checking our tires for a return drive to Florida. The Dodge odometer is 2384 miles. We left wells beach at 10:05 AM and by 11:57 AM we were on exit 22 to the Massachusetts Turnpike. We're now driving in the Poconos, and have found a place for the night. We played gin rummy until 10 o'clock, and I was the big winner.
Monday, July 28, 2008 we had a fuel stop at a Citgo just before I 84 at 8:15 AM. We're going to try for Emporia Virginia tonight.
On I 81 just north of Harrisburg, at a restaurant, Mark discovered the inner driver side dually tire was flat. Apparently, the valve stem extender had been torn off by road debris. We wonder where is the Jack? Will certainly know our vehicle after this trip. It is a beautiful sunny 81° in Pennsylvania.
It is now 12:38 PM and we were on the road again. Harrisburg on the Susquehanna is very pretty. We are driving through the Appalachian mountains at 3:10 PM. We decided to go another 194 miles to Emporia, Yogi Bears Jellystone and stay 2 nights.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008 was a lazy morning. We got the truck tire repaired at Firestone for eight dollars and made a quick trip to Walmart for supplies. We made plans for Myrtle Beach tomorrow
Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 7:15 AM Mark is finishing up his chores. We talked to an RVer who spent five days stuck in South Carolina waiting for a part. He was en route to Lake George. He was mad at Pres. Bush and filled us in on Bush removing the ban on fuel speculation. This is why fuel prices have gone skyhigh. At 7:33 AM, we are underway.
12:40 PM we are 11 miles to Myrtle Beach. Nice enough roads and there seems to be plenty to do here. We got a great campsite on the beach, number six. The dogs walked on the beach and we went to camping world.
July 31, 2008, we enjoyed Myrtle Beach and meeting Donna and Darrell Singo, also grand junction owners.
Friday, August 1, 2008, we are on route to our home to cut grass, water plants, get mail and wash the RV. 418 miles to go
At 11:48 AM, we fueled up and we're listening to Sirius outlaw country. A funny song called butt ugly slut was on. We had a half hour stop trying to pump gas at Brunswick Georgia at a Flying J. It is now 330 and we're at exit 366 near Jacksonville Florida and it's 94°
We had the first rain of the entire trip in Florida just 133 miles from home. At 3:50 PM, we were splashed with concrete sludge going under an overpass construction on I 95.
We took I95 to Highway 92 which was very rough to 44, then to 19. 4013 miles so far.
Sunday, August 2, 2008 at 8:30 AM we left our home for Fort Lauderdale. At noon we stop for a break for the dogs and we were just north of Jupiter. At 1:15 we arrived back in Fort Lauderdale 4292 miles. We got set up and then went to the pool and saw Fritz and Debbie and got caught up on neighborhood antics.
2007 RV Adventures
September 14, 2007 at 10:30 AM we arrived at Giant Recreation World in Winter Garden Florida to pick up our new RV ... a 2008 Grand Junction 37QSL 5th wheel. Following a lengthy punch list, we left at 6 PM on our first call to our Leesburg home.
September 15, 2007 6:30 AM we put Roger Ramjet to the test and hauled the RV to Fort Lauderdale. After a close shave with the clubhouse wall, we were at lot seven block seven Sunshine Holiday RV.
September 21, 2007 at 4 PM we moved into the RV. Randy came over and we drank wine beer and scotch on the patio it was a good drunk fest. LOL
September 22, 2007 let the troubleshooting begin. Giant did dubious prep work and our salesman Tom McLain had been suspiciously absent at our pick up. There was no hot water, so we showered at the pool, and phoned Giant the next day. The troubleshooting proved in effective, so Mark tried some ideas on his own and discover the hot water tank was closed at a valve hidden behind the under sink cabinet and the electrical cord was not plugged in. There were a few other minor things, such as the washer connection was only finger tight, so the first load what the bedroom carpet.
September 23, 2007 we are very comfortable here and have read many instruction manuals. The components are amazing, surroundsound, DVD, convection oven, gas oven, microwave oven etc. tomorrow, Mark goes back to work and I run the show.
September 27, 2007 our next adventure was running the clothes dryer. It ran and ran but no heat. I called giant and they tried to help but finally suggested I look up the manufacturer (Majestic) and call myself. Parts are on the way.
October 1, 2007 it's a new month with the same break-in period. This morning, there was no water. After switching our hose to another faucet, we had water again. When Mark came home from work, he discovered the water flow reducer had plugged up. That we can return to Giants store. Later that same day the living room AC quit. Mark checked the fuses and breakers but no luck. More phone calls for tomorrow. We were still comfortable with the rear air cranked.
October 2, 2007 Happy's fixed our AC, the trouble was a loose wire in the breaker panel $150 later. We enjoyed a swim and a beer and slept great. The king bed is comfy.
October 4, 2007 the dryer parts have arrived so Appliance Plus (Majestic) came to the RV to install it. The technician got lost inside the RV park, had a lousy attitude and refused the job because it would be difficult to get the appliance out of the closet. No effort was made. I called Giant to update them and they suggested I notify Majestic of the problem.
October 5, 2007 this morning, No water. Someone drove over the faucet hook up on the empty lot next door where our hose was connected since the 1st. Mark switched hoses back and we have water again.
October 15, 2007 all is well.
November 5, 2007 Mark fixed the dryer. The RV park is filling up and we are packed in here like sardines so we have decided to cancel our repair appointment in Orlando until later, maybe in the spring.
Lots of Bonjour around here but everyone is getting along. Shiloh and Maggie now have a fenced exercise pen under the fifth wheel hitch. They like it.
September 15, 2007 6:30 AM we put Roger Ramjet to the test and hauled the RV to Fort Lauderdale. After a close shave with the clubhouse wall, we were at lot seven block seven Sunshine Holiday RV.
September 21, 2007 at 4 PM we moved into the RV. Randy came over and we drank wine beer and scotch on the patio it was a good drunk fest. LOL
September 22, 2007 let the troubleshooting begin. Giant did dubious prep work and our salesman Tom McLain had been suspiciously absent at our pick up. There was no hot water, so we showered at the pool, and phoned Giant the next day. The troubleshooting proved in effective, so Mark tried some ideas on his own and discover the hot water tank was closed at a valve hidden behind the under sink cabinet and the electrical cord was not plugged in. There were a few other minor things, such as the washer connection was only finger tight, so the first load what the bedroom carpet.
September 23, 2007 we are very comfortable here and have read many instruction manuals. The components are amazing, surroundsound, DVD, convection oven, gas oven, microwave oven etc. tomorrow, Mark goes back to work and I run the show.
September 27, 2007 our next adventure was running the clothes dryer. It ran and ran but no heat. I called giant and they tried to help but finally suggested I look up the manufacturer (Majestic) and call myself. Parts are on the way.
October 1, 2007 it's a new month with the same break-in period. This morning, there was no water. After switching our hose to another faucet, we had water again. When Mark came home from work, he discovered the water flow reducer had plugged up. That we can return to Giants store. Later that same day the living room AC quit. Mark checked the fuses and breakers but no luck. More phone calls for tomorrow. We were still comfortable with the rear air cranked.
October 2, 2007 Happy's fixed our AC, the trouble was a loose wire in the breaker panel $150 later. We enjoyed a swim and a beer and slept great. The king bed is comfy.
October 4, 2007 the dryer parts have arrived so Appliance Plus (Majestic) came to the RV to install it. The technician got lost inside the RV park, had a lousy attitude and refused the job because it would be difficult to get the appliance out of the closet. No effort was made. I called Giant to update them and they suggested I notify Majestic of the problem.
October 5, 2007 this morning, No water. Someone drove over the faucet hook up on the empty lot next door where our hose was connected since the 1st. Mark switched hoses back and we have water again.
October 15, 2007 all is well.
November 5, 2007 Mark fixed the dryer. The RV park is filling up and we are packed in here like sardines so we have decided to cancel our repair appointment in Orlando until later, maybe in the spring.
Lots of Bonjour around here but everyone is getting along. Shiloh and Maggie now have a fenced exercise pen under the fifth wheel hitch. They like it.
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