Last day of 2014

The weather today was cool and damp with constant drizzle and overcast skies, but it didn't stop us from having one of the best days in awhile. After breakfast, we made a quick stop at Bealls, a clothing store, because I needed a pair of sneakers. I ended up buying the first pair I tried on, and "G" thought it was his lucky day, but on my way to the register, I passed the clothing racks and grabbed a few cute tops to try on "real quick." After three trips to the dressing room, I ended up finding two tops that were on sale that fit. It's always a good day when you get to buy shoes AND clothes.

By the time we left Bealls (actually pronounced Bells), "G" was famished, so we decided to stop by a pizzeria that some friends of ours, Patsy and Mya, had opened about 8 years ago after moving down here from Peekskill. They didn't know we were in town, so we took them by surprise when we walked in the door. After catching up with info about kids, friends and life, we were ready to eat. 

Luigi's

To our good fortune, we arrived at the same time as a close friend of theirs, a Romanian man named, Catalin. He had brought with him all types of Romanian, German and French delicacies as an end-of-year celebration for our friends and their staff. We were invited to join in and we were treated to Russian Caviar on buttered toast rounds, French Champagne, Blood Sausage, Romanian salami, dried-smoked pork, pigs in pastry, cheese twists, and cabbage in flaky, buttery pastry. 

Of course, we had to try a piece of Patsy's highly rated pizza, so we each had a slice and the reviews were spot-on. It had to be one of the best pizzas I've ever tasted (Moe, you will forever be #1). Both "G" and I were stuffed and felt as if we couldn't eat another bite, when out came the highlight of the feast - French Custard with a flaky pastry topping. OMG. I have never tasted anything so delicious. This has moved into my #1 slot for all-time favorite desserts. It's been about 6 hours since lunch and I'm still full.

Patsy (aka Luigi) and Catalin

Mya

Romanian sausage and dried pork

French Custard - My #1 Favorite Dessert

Once we said our good-byes, we decided to take a ride to find the campground our friend, Charlie, will be staying at once he makes his way down here. I took a few shots that I sent to him with the hopes that he would reconsider his choice of campground, but he says he will make the best of it, and I know he will.

Driving along Daytona Beach

Our next adventure found us driving down the main drag along Highway A-1A, which runs along the ocean. We drove past hotel after hotel, soaring up in the sky, higher than my head could lift - virtually erasing the view of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. "G" managed to fix the lack of ocean view by doing something neither of us had ever done before - drive on the sand, along the ocean. 

Atlantic Ocean Sounds - missing the smell salty sea air.

It was a spectacular delight for the senses. Even though it was drizzling and chilly, it felt, sounded and smelled fabulous to drive and walk on the sand.

Our last stop for the day was at Ponce DeLeon Lighthouse Museum. We took the self-guided tour and saw the living quarters of the light keepers' and their families. It turns out that this lighthouse is the second tallest in the USA.

We made it to the top!

Video of the fresnel lens of the lighthouse

Looking down from the top. Not an easy thing for me to do.

Quite a day, the last day of 2014. I'm so glad we ended it in such a fun and exciting way, perhaps paving the way for how we shall spend 2015. Tonight will be spent quietly watching TV, getting some computer time in with our free wifi, and early to bed.

Next post shall be generated from Clermont, FL, our home-base for the next two months.

Deep thought for the day:  Love what you do and do what you love. ~ Ray Bradbury

Welcome to the Sunshine State, but please pardon the clouds...

We pulled out of Brunswick, Georgia this morning, leaving behind a beautiful sun-shiny day. It was a terrific day to travel down the I-95 corridor to Daytona. The only traffic we encountered was in Jacksonville, and that didn't last for too long of a time. The whole trip was a straight line...no hills, dips, valleys or cliffs, much different than our Virginia drive.

Blue skies and signs for Daytona!

The further south we got, from the time I snapped the above photo, the denser and darker the clouds became. For the next two days we will be camped at Daytona Speedway KOA, which is located just off of I-95 and 7 miles from an airport! The constant hum and whooshes of traffic sounds are never-ending, and the roar of jet planes will be a new experience for us. Eventually, we will get used to the sounds and not even notice them. I hope. 

Lucy has made it perfectly clear that she does not like it here. At the sound of the fIrst tractor trailer that rumbled by, her eyes opened wide and she ran under the covers. She did travel very well this trip, only coming out twice to express her displeasure of being on the move, but she quickly settled down and finally acquiesced.

The staff here are very friendly and courteous. The site we are in is very close to not only 95, but a major road. The site, itself, is quite nice. It has a gravel pad, small picnic table, fire pit, park-style bench and plants. If it were summer, we would be afforded the shade of a tree draped with Spanish moss. There is a huge Farmers' Market across the road, within walking distance, but we will unfortunately have to miss out since we are leaving before the weekend. I would have liked to have stocked up on some nice fresh fruits and vegetables.

Space 181

Our little patio area...

I don't think I would stay here again due solely to the noise, but it shall suffice for this trip.

Deep thought for the day:  No matter where I am or what the environment is, once I enter Allie with "G" and Missy Miss, I'm home sweet home. 

From "Peachy-Keen" to " Rotten Tomato"

Sunday, December 28th turned out to be the best weather-day of our trip. Temperatures reached 81° and the sun was shining down from blue skies. One couldn't ask for a more beautiful day.

Unfortunately, we were unable to enjoy any of it, because at 3 AM, I suddenly and fiercely, came down with the flu. I felt as if I were simultaneously stuck in a freezer and hit by a Mac truck. The body aches were unbearable, even my eyeglasses hurt my nose and ears. Light, of any kind was painful, and I could not stop shivering for hours. I had those cartoon-type teeth chattering chills.

We were scheduled to spend another day here, but in another site, because the place is packed and there is a big rally just starting. So, timing became a priority. I needed medical assistance and the rig needed to be moved. Poor "G" had the job of juggling all the balls alone. 

Luckily, we found a terrific urgent care facility, ERgent Med 1 and was treated by a very competent Physicisn's Assistant and nurse. I really lucked out, because having Type 1 Diabetes and receiving treatment in "foreign territory" can be tricky. I can't praise this place enough and would highly recommend it to anyone if they find themselves in this area and not feeling well. I was diagnosed with the flu and dehydration and sent home after two bags of IV fluids.

"G" proved to be quite the caretaker, by searching for a pharmacy that had Tamiflu, preparing me the best Lipton Noodle Soup (with extra noodles), preparing dinner and hot teas, sanitizing and changing out the sheets. I slept through most of all he did.

Today, it feels as though a week has passed instead of just one day. I awoke to no sun, all clouds and cooler temps, but feeling more like myself. "G" decided we both needed a day to recoup before completing the journey into Florida, so he booked us another night her, but, guess what?  Yup, we have to relocate again. "G" thinks this place may have contacted the girls at Croton Point Park Office and were told to keep moving us from site to site. Lol

As pretty as this place is, and even though I would stay here again, I don't think my personal rating will be a 5+due to a couple of reasons. We are located just of I-95 and you can hear the constant hum of traffic, especially at night. Now that we are in an interior site, I feel a bit claustrophobic. I miss my big messy trees at Croton Point Park where you can enjoy the shade and nature. Here, you can hear conversations from neighboring RVs as if they were sitting in the room with you, and Ihaven't seen a bird or squirrel yet. I'm beginning to think I may prefer National, State and County parks. We shall see.

Tomorrow's destination will remain TBD for now. We may head to either Bay Lakes Resort in Polk City, or a campground in the Daytona Area. We won't plan this time, as much as just go with the flow.

Deep thought for the day: Just like in baseball, when you get up to bat, you get a chance to hit a single, double, triple or home run. You can also pop out or strike out. If you end up doing the latter, you will usually have another chance to get on base in the next rotation. Living an RV life, if you don't make it to your next destination as planned, you just need to wait for the next opportunity to come around. I'm always rooting for a homer, but will deal with strike outs if necessary!  vc

Reached Georgia-and it's peachy keen!

We were able to clock over 250 miles today and we have landed in another RV park of "G's" choosing. This time, he apparently did his homework and we are hooked up in the best campground thus far. It will rate a 5+ star.  We have a pull-through site at the end of the main road leading into the grounds and we overlook a pond, shuffleboard courts and indoor pool.  The roads are blacktop and the sites are cement pads with grass, patios, BBQ grills, shrubs a picnic table, wifi and cable. There are Crepe Myrtle bushes dividing the spaces, thus affording nice privacy.

Parked in site 210

Our patio, picnic table and grill

All-in-one hook-up station

Looking up from our site

When we checked in, we were given wifi access codes and a television directory! One of the many challenges of RV life is finding your favorite TV shows when you want to put your feet up at the end of the day. The directory will save time and prevent frustration. We will be spending the night and possibly tomorrow here, at Coastal Georgia RV Resort, in Brunswick, GA. We will definitely stop over here in the future.

The ride from Swamp Fox was mostly smooth sailing, but we did have a rubber-necking bottle-up at one point, which caused about a 45 minute delay. 

Bumper-to-bumper traffic due to rubber-necking

For our travel day, we were afforded a bright, sunny day with temperatures gradually warming up from 34° to 67° as we headed south. First, the gloves came off, then the jacket, the windows were opened and then the fans were put to use. It is such a great feeling to be wearing less clothes and breathing fresh air!

When we stopped for gas, we were surprised to find it prices at $2.49 per gallon. We had seen signs earlier and later boasting a $1.99 price, but we figured $.50 per gallon wasn't going to change our life-style all that much.

Tonight, we shall unload the Sentra and go out to dinner and the supermarket to stock up on a few essentials for the next few days.

Lucy began the first half of the trip rather disconcerted, but she gave up complaining around the SC/GA border. Now, she is very content looking out the screen door. Something she hasn't been able to do for a long time.

Unhappy kitty

Deep thought for the day: "If, at first, you don't succeed (in finding a good spot for the night), try, try, try again."* Good thing "G's" second try hit the mark.  I'm not sure I would have given him many more attempts after Swamp Fox!

*While William Edward Hickson (January 7, 1803 – March 22, 1870), is credited with promoting this proverb, its origin has actually been traced back to the writings of Thomas H. Palmer.in his 'Teacher's Manual' and 'The Children of the New Forest' by Fredrick Maryat.

I'd like to set the record straight, that Hickson is credited yet Palmer coined it...:

'Tis a lesson you should heed:

Try, try, try again.

If at first you don't succeed,

Try, try, try again.

Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas.

Well, as I compose this entry, we are parked in a less-than-desirable campground that "G" chose - Fox Swamp RV Park. I'll let the name speak for itself. Until tonight, I have picked the locations or made reservations at the last three places we have stayed, and all of mine were 5-star rated. This one finds us locking all basement storage bins and not planning any after-dinner walks. Even finding it necessitated another u-turn. I give it a 2-star rating, due to the fact that we have a pull-through site.

A lot has happened since my last entry. A quick update of the latest annoyances that are again plaguing us are the electrical hot water heating element not working and the privacy screen stuck 4/5"s of the way up. I am ever so grateful that it's not stuck 4/5's of the way down!  Best to think positively.

We were finally able to legitimately place the North Carolina sticker on our map. We stayed at the Raleigh State Fairgrounds and, although it was about a half hour away from our grandchildren, it was clean, new and quiet.

We spent most of the visit eating our way through 4 nights with son #1 and family. It was a fabulous experience, full of laughter, fun, instrumental concerts, dogs, presents, games and food. The perfect combination for a holiday visit. 

Our first night in NC found us eating dinner at Shuckers, a seafood restaurant where "G" and I ate too much rich food. I had shrimp and grits, and "G" had shrimp scampi...Cha-ching...a couple of pounds into the weight bank.  The next evening, my daughter-in-law allowed me to take over her kitchen and I made chicken cutlet parmigiana with capellini in marinara sauce. Cha-ching.

The next night, we treated ourselves to dinner and a movie with our three grandchildren. Penguins of Madagascar, and Leli's Diner. Cha-ching....more calories. We tried to drive around, looking for houses decorated for the holiday, but we were stuck in torrential rain, and couldn't see or feel much "comfort and joy," so we headed back to the house that had the very best decorations in town!

Christmas Eve was finally upon us and food was at an all-time overload (Cha-Ching). We contributed Italian Antipasti and home-made zeppolis, and it was accompanied by sushi, shrimp cocktail, ham and cheese melts, crab cakes, and piggies in a blanket. We had home-made Sangria and Chocolate Martinis.  Yummy, yum, yum.

It was fun watching family traditions being handed down, new ones being created and everyone having a great time. As much as I cherished and enjoyed the time spent with my family, I did find myself missing my usual Christmas Eve spread and those whom I've celebrated the night with for the last few years - Leah and Charlie, Lisa and Moe, Laura and family, and Charlie. 

Today, Friday, December 26, we pulled up stakes and headed south. Our first stop turned out to be exciting, because something big must have gone down at the Shell Gas Station we pulled into. It had been overtaken by five police cars and we had a little trouble maneuvering to a pump, so a quick stop, wound up being a long delay. We were able to pass the time watching the "perp" empty his pockets!

The next stop we made was a rest area off Route 95 South and wouldn't you know it, but two NC State Troopers had a tractor trailer blocked off in the space next to us. It was becoming a bit unnerving. 

So, here we sit, awaiting sunrise, when we can get back on the road and head towards warmer weather. The temps here are in the 50° opposed to 43 degrees back home and 46° in Raleigh. Not much of a difference, but we are headed towards 70° that can't come soon enough. 

A few photos of the last few days.

Raleigh State Fairgrounds Campground

"G" and his new best friend, Tucker

The girls

My little Miss Color-Coordinator

Daddy and daughter #1

Jolly-Holly, Summer and Savannah

Lucy checking out the tree

Buddy getting in some exercise.

The "Sting" at the Shell Gas Station in Raleigh

Deep thought for the day: The holidays come and go, the seasons change, the sun rises and sets, and the the moon waxes and wanes, however, love continues to grow and flourish, in spite of it all.

The Eagle has landed...

We have finally reached stop #3, and our first extended stay, in Raleigh, NC. We will be firmly planted in space 26, at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, until December 26th. The original campground is being relocated to this spot, which is higher on a hill, peaceful and quiet, with level sites, full hook-up, security patrols, and newly planted trees that will eventually afford nice shade. This new area is just Phase 1 of 2. Another leveled area will eventually offer an additional 100 sites. I would rate this campground high, even though there are no amenities, other than the basic full-hook up. We really didn't need any, as we were only looking for a nice place to park that was close to family.

The bumps in the road that caused us to delay our trip, afforded us the opportunity to spend Christmas with the NC crew, something we haven't done in quite a few years. A change of plan can be delightful or disappointing...lucky for us, it turned out to be delightful.

We had to go up and over that mountain in the distance!

Yesterday's journey was a quiet one. Lucy did much better than the day before, and I think she knows we are not moving today, because mommy and daddy spent the morning savoring cups of coffee. We did travel on quite a long and windy road - up and over a portion of the Appalachian Mountain Range yesterday that would have frayed the nerves of the most stoic of personalities. If you have watched my video of the Goat Trail, consider this much higher, much longer, and a tad scarier.  I will rate this as the 3rd scariest road I've had to traverse.



The remainder of our day will be spent restocking the fridge and pantry, catching up on laundry and relaxing.

Almost deserted campground at Raleigh State Fairgrounds

Future site to accommodate 100 additional RVs

Our home base for the next week - Space 26

Deep thought for the day:  From the movie/play Annie, "The sun will come out tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar, that tomorrow, there 'ill be sun."...(we hope).

First day, first U-Turn - second day, smooth sailing

Leaving Croton

The Adventure begins...

Day 1 - Well, we weren't off to a great start. Lucy meowed for about two hours and I messed up the GPS coordinates when downloading the trip from the Good Sam website to our Rand McNally GPS. I don't know how the glitch happened, but we were sent over an hour out of the way before turning around and getting back on track. I can't tease "G" for this one...it was all me. Since we lost time, we ended up staying at a different campground from my previously researched ones, but found it to be an easy in and out and the best part - it only cost $20.

Had to capture this one - Smithville Diner

Appalachian RV Resort

Night 1 - We were exhausted - mentally and physically. No water hook-up, no shower, no late-night TV.  I crawled into bed at 9 pm and was sleeping soundly before "G" made his way to bed.

We had the whole place to ourselves

Day 2 - Much easier to get an early start. No need to hook up the car. Just unplug the electric, pull in the slides and pull up the jacks. We made good time and are staying at one of the stops I had on our original itinerary. I have learned a very cost-saving lesson: Don't book parks or campgrounds until you are getting ready to stop. Apparently, many of them use the "honor system," and let you stay and pay, or pay and stay, even when the office is closed for the day. I am composing this entry, with Lucy planted firmly on my lap, from one of the four most prime sites that offer a fire ring, paved picnic area, table, grill and landscaping, in addition to the usual W/S/E and free WiFi. The last minute price was only $33! Lucy did much better today.

Lucy's tent area. 

Hiding in her favorite spot - her travel bag

Observing the sites from mommy's lap

Night 2 - "G" treated me to dinner from Sheetz. Lol. For those of you who have never heard of this place or seen it reviewed by Zagats, you are missing a special treat. You can get gas, wash your car, shop for souvenirs, get toilet paper, and pick-up ready-made or made-to-order sandwiches and salads. Yum.  Dinner was good...especially since I didn't have to prepare it, serve it or clean up afterwards.

1st time seeing ducks!

Tomorrow, we pull up stakes and head for the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, at $25 per night.  So far so good. Under budget and over tired.

Go, go!!!

Well, the day has finally arrived and I feel like a horse at the gate, ready to go! Or as Willow says, before running, "Go go." We need to unhook, pull in slides and bring up leveling jacks and we should be good to go, go.

What follows is the 9th revision of our route for the way down, however, all are still subject to change.

I think neither of us can believe that departure day has finally arrived. I think even Lucy knows that something big is going to happen today. She has been meowing more than usual. I have fixed several locations within Allie for Missy Miss, so she can choose her favorite and most secure-feeling spot during the journey. 

Next blog entry will be generated from another state. Hip-Hip-Horray.

And we're off...

Deep thought for the day:  “Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.”   ~ Greg Anderson (American best-selling Author and founder of the American Wellness Project., b.1964) 

Dentist update - ready to 'go"

"G" had a successful visit at the dentist yesterday, thus, allowing me the honor of starting the official countdown to "G's and V's Great Big Adventure." Baring any unforseen events, we are finally ready to get on the road tomorrow. We had little time to get the last minute stocking, cooking and storing chores completed, because I refused to plan ahead until I got the "green light" on Monday afternoon.

I took stock and inventory of the items I chose to have on board and got rid of anything I haven't used in the month and a half we have been down here. Listed below are my top six "must have" RV items since these six have made living aboard Allie much easier for me:

1. Salad Spinner. Thank you Lisa and Moe. This handy-dandy item has been one of my favorite kitchen items. I use this often and for many different purposes. It not only strains, spins, and stores salad, it folds up, taking minimal space in my closet, thus making it an even better addition to any RV kitchen.

Salad spinner! OMG!

2. Keurig Single Pod Coffee Server. Thanks Leah and Charlie! Mornings just wouldn't be the same without my Keurig. This takes up such little space on our counter and stays put when traveling. Can't beat that cup of java in the morning. I wouldn't leave home without it.

Keurig One-Cup Coffee Pot

3. The Day of the Week Clock.  Thank you Auntie and Uncle Tony! Well, it actually speaks for itself. I don't know what I would do without this clock. I had found myself asking "G" what day it was much more often than what time it was.

"When the Day of the week is more important than the hour of the day."

4.  Left-Handed Knives.  Thanks Charlie. Whether you travel in an RV or not, if you are a "leftie," you must get yourself one of these babies. You will finally discover how cutting or slicing is supposed to feel. I was amazed with the ease of cutting. I never realized how many knives have the blades honed for a right-handed person. Discrimination, I tell you!!!!!

5. Crock Pot.  Love this little "original." Set it and forget it. It is a wonderful way to free up the day while not using up a lot of propane. Since it takes upso  little space, it is a "keeper." So far, I've used it to make soups, stews, chili, oatmeal and pot roasts.

6. Presto (Chango) Electric Skillet.  This baby is my most frequent "go to" kitchen appliance (except for the Keurig) when preparing breakfast, lunch or dinner. Every RV should have this versitile appliance. Pancakes, bacon, grilled cheese, chili, pasta sauce, sausage and peppers...you name it. I heard you can even bake a cake in one.

I also wanted to end our Croton tour with a couple of photos to mark the passing of time and capture some interesting shots.

Fall photo of tent-camping area

Winter view of tent-camping area

Photos of the Croton Point Park "Toll Booth." I took close-up photos of the artwork that adorns the perimiter of the building.  Our friend, Charlie, blogged about the murals on the bathhouse, and the ones on the Toll Booth are strikingly similar in design and composition. I was unable to connect the artist to these small murals on the Toll Booth, but here is a link to her work and more info about artist, Mariah Fee.  Winnie & Me Blog Entry about art on Croton Bathhouse  and/or Artword by Mariah Fee

Toll building

Depiction of the brick-making building?

Indiginous creatures of the Hudson River?

The Wine Cellar!

Insects and Fauna?

Early tools

Oyster shells

Henry Hudson's ship, The Half Moon

The Roundhouse at Croton Harmon

Deep thought for the day:  Good things (eventually) come to those who wait.