Stuff

It's been a while since I've sat down to compose an entry, mainly because we have been stationary for so long here at Croton Point Park, that I didn't feel that there was much to tell. However, a lot has been happening and, I guess, this is part of our Full-Time Journey, so why not document what is new, exciting, different, or just plain, "Is What It Is."

At the end of May, I fractured my ankle while exercising at the park. I had actually worked my way up to a slow jog, yet while just walking, I turned by ankle and it (too easily) fractured. Today marked my last physical therapy session and I am quite happy to have that completed. I'm determined to slowly work up to at least walking for exercise again. I am also in the final recuperation phase of a really bad virus that settled in my chest, which caused my asthma to flare up. For several nights, I was out on the pull out sofa trying not to infect "G," and give him some chance to get some sleep.  I slept with a vaporizer close by, Lucy at my side and coughed the nights away.

"G" has been visiting the dentist and suffering through a root canal, fillings and a crown. No fun, but glad it happened well before our departure date this time.

In early July, Miss Lucy went to the vet for a dental cleaning and teeth extractions. The poor thing didn't know which end was up for about 2-3 days, because she was receiving morphine for pain management. Although she is having a bit of difficulty eating hard, crunchy food, she is gobbling up her canned food and soft treats like crazy. We see improvement and even a playful kitty since the extractions (4), which may have been causing her some discomfort. 

We are still awaiting the back-ordered part to our privacy shade to arrive at the repair shop in Port Jervis. Once it's in, we will pull up stakes and head back there to get that and the furnace repaired. Since a trip to Colorado is on the horizon, we will want that furnace in good working order, because even though it will only be September when we are there, we need to be prepared for the worse case scenario - snow. A four letter word I don't like to say out loud.

Speaking of the Colorado trip, I have begun the laborious task of planning the stops along the way. We decided to make the trip with only over-night stops along the way. There will be minimal sight-seeing until we reach our first, extended stop, at Garden of the Gods RV Park in Colorado. This park is situated at the base of Pike's Peak and, if the hundreds of reviews are correct, it will be spectacular. 

The past month has found us spending our days visiting dentists, doctors, food shopping, cooking and cleaning. Just regular day-to-day living as we sit parked in our super site that allows us to see all the rigs as they pass by to either pull into the park or as they drive past us to leave. There is no one directly opposite us, or on our driver's side. It's spacious, lush and green. A beautiful site to call "home."

Deep thought for the day: I find that the longer I sit still, the more I itch to move. The foot is better and my breathing has improved. I have some scratching to do.

Cuddlebackville, NY

We decided to head up to the Port Jervis area a day before our scheduled RV repairs in order to avoid the morning rush hour traffic. We had a one night reservation for Oakland Valley Campground, in Cuddlebackville, which is just a quick 15-minute ride to the repair shop.

Let me start my critique of this campground by stating that I will try-with much effort-to focus on the positive features of this campground, which is quietly nestled in the woods off of County Road 7. We opted for a "Premium" site that promised full hook ups along the Neversink River.  

Upon arrival, we discovered that the office was closed, and in fact, only open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.  A map, indicating where to find our pre-paid site, was pinned to a bulletin board, and after a little hesitation, we figured out how to get from point A to point B. We passed a nice-looking pool, a rec building and restrooms. We pulled into a level spot that has a small picnic table, a fire ring, lots of rear privacy and a LOT of trees, mostly tall white pines, that all create a rustic and quiet haven for campers. The bird sounds at dusk were phenomenal. 

Okay, the positive comments stop there and the harsh reality hits. We paid about twice what this campground was worth. The main road leading into the property was a steep-sloping hill in dire need of paving. Allie was rocking and rolling along the whole way down to the shabby office. Along the road to our site, we needed to stop so "G" could get out our big hook and hold down a large branch that blocked half our view out of the windshield. We began to have some doubts at this point. Our site, although level, is comprised of wet dirt, weeds and pine needles. What grass that exists hasn't been cut or trimmed in awhile so sitting outside became impossible due to mosquitos and other flying annoyances. Our site backs up to a sheer cliff of which the Neversink River lies somewhere down below, off in the distance. The "Premium" site is anything but premium. There is no river view and we are situated under so many pines and oaks that we needed to have interior lights on during a cloudless, sunny day.

We find ourselves nestled in among a few older fifth-wheels and trailers that, all except one, seem deserted. The doors will be locked up tight tonight. Early to bed....no television reception...someone (who shall remain nameless) is not a happy camper. We are already wondering how Allie will make it up the rutted hill and out of The Twilight Zone. I got to drive out of Croton Point Park yesterday and it looks as if I'll be piloting Allie out and beyond the low branches tomorrow. Then, the world's worst co-pilot will take over the wheel.

The whole row had rigs, but no people

A gllimpse of the sunset

Deep thought for the day:  When God gives you lemons, make lemonade. My "lemonade" was a cacophony of tweets, trills, and chirrups. 

Poor, lucky cat

On Saturday we pulled up stakes at Croton to make the long 10-mile journey to 223. Tomorrow, we are taking Allie up to Goshen to get our brakes checked because while traversing the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, "G" felt a "drag."  When we pulled over we were hit with the stench of burning rubber and, although safe enough to continue the trek home, we knew it would need to be addressed, sooner, rather than later.  

"G" searched for a certified Ford service center that can work on a Class A motorhome, which is not as easy as you might think. We were lucky enough to find a place less than an hour away and we will head up there tomorrow to leave our baby for an indeterminate amount of time. 

Last night and today have been spent emptying the fridge, freezer, and pantry. In addition to packing  up clothes, toiletries and medications (and wine), we needed our coffee pot, toaster, and blender. Lucy even had her own baggage that took over four trips. 

My poor kitty had quite a shock to find that most of her hiding spots at 223 were gone. Her favorite box spring was sold, her window perch was removed and today, the couch and end tables found a new home. Unfortunately, her old habits of hissing at her reflection immediately resurfaced. We have the reflective surfaces covered and constantly keep an eye out for the stray cat that taunts her through the sliding glass door. 

I keep telling her what a lucky cat she is and that home is wherever her mommy and daddy are. It helped that we transferred her scratch pad, basket, bowls, water fountain, litter box and toys. Tonight, she broke out one of her favorites, a tennis ball!  

I miss my cozy Allie, but "G" seems to be in his glory. He's loving the long, hot showers and all the space.  My favorite things were a long soak in the tub and the warm, soft lighting of incandescent bulbs. The bulb thing was an interesting observation.

I have fingers and toes crossed that the time away from Allie will be short-lived. I miss her already, even as she sits in the road outside the window at 223.

Deep thought for the day:  Do what you feel, but feel what you do.  - VC