Day 4 - Indiana to Illinois to Missouri

Allie and "dirty" Duke

It was so chilly last night at the KOA in Terre Haute, IN that we actually needed to turn on our electric heater when we awoke. It was hovering about 54 degrees most of the morning and the decision to continue wearing capris led me to regret that choice well into the day. Like going from summer shoes to winter shoes, so do I resist the fashion change to pants. Alas, tomorrow, I shall succumb to wearing jeans. Meanwhile, our destination, Denver, boasts a high of 90 degrees. Go figure.

Today was a very interesting day filled with all sorts of unexpected occurrences. The first was getting trapped in a Pilot Service Station. Maneuvering a big rig that's towing a mid-sized car is quite a fete in a station that should, but does not, accommodate gas motor homes. Two vans parked in just the wrong spaces while "G" was pumping gas and blocked our only exit. "G" politely asked them to move and was met with only a bit of grumbling by one driver. 

While driving along I-70 in Illinois, we came upon the "Embarras River." A quick glance at the name had me thinking it was shy... We then came upon the cities of Montrose and Mt. Vernon, two very significant New York cities to me.

Okay, now comes the tourist-y part of our day. We stopped in Casey, IL to see the "World's Largest Wind Chime." Little did we know that we could have also seen the "World's Largest Knitting Needles," but we sure did see a pretty big rocking chair! Casey was a very quaint and charming town that had tree-lined streets, with low branches that scraped the top of Allie the whole ride down Main Street. We high-tailed it out of Casey quickly.

Observations of the day:

• Mid-America is full of hard-working farmers,
• Driving through makes me want a farm house with a Dutch Star on the unattached garage,
• I can see why you would want a gun,
• I-70 in Indiana is either decrepit or under much-needed construction,
• I-70 is the straightest interstate I've ever travelled,
• Corn grows in Indiana, Illinois and Missouri,
• Walmart is a welcome friend when you need to park your RV,
• We gained an hour and missed when it happened,
• I can prep a meal while on I-70 and have it cook in the convection oven while rolling,
• Lucy survived I-70 in Indiana and has been a terrific traveller!

Once dinner was done, we found a Walmart parking lot where we could just stop and eat. We moved to a Bass Pro Shop lot to spend the night. A better parking lot and more welcoming.

It was a long, crazy and fun day! I can't believe we made it all the way into Missouri, which means no sticker on the map for Illinois...

Hanging with the "big boys" in Indiana - do we look lopsided to you?

The photo of Missouri's welcome sign was too blurry to post.   :(

The sign says, "Chuck's Boots." I tried my best to catch the shot.

A comforting sign along the road

Casey, IL - "Big things in a small town."
The World's Largest Wind Chime and a really big rocking chair!

My only shot of the Mississippi River

The magnificent Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge that spans the Mississippi River

A shot of the Missouri River

Dinner at a Missouri Walmart parking lot.

Deep thought for the day: At the end of a long day, there is nothing so comforting as crawling into your own bed (with those you love).

Day 3 Ohio to Indiana

 No photoshop here. Just a perfectly placed rainbow. 

Today is a solemn day for our country as we mark the 14th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the USA. September 11, 2001 is a day I will never forget. I can close my eyes and be transported back in time and feel all I felt and remember all I had seen. I'd like to start my entry with a magnificent photo that was taken last night after a torrential rain storm in NY. Proof that beauty eventually emerges from the worst destruction.

                          

In spite of an early start to our day, we knew that we would not be afforded an early start on the road due to my having a little mishap last night. As every RVer knows, items shift and move while on the road, and although I'm no exception, I was still shocked when I opened an overhead compartment and was attacked by my aluminum foil wrap. I sustained a nasty slice to my right thumb that should have had a couple of stitches, but I decided to wait until morning to head over to the nearest Urgent Care. 

Although still bleeding, I was informed that it was too late for stitches. It seems that 12 hours post-injury is too late to stitch a gaping wound (at least in Ohio). A thorough cleaning (ouch), a pressure bandage and a splint were provided and we were finally on our way. 

I'm embarrassed to admit that this was my third injury of the summer, so I'm hoping that the "bad things happen in 3's" is now behind me - the ankle, index finger and thumb. 

Our free night at Cabellas was peaceful and we all slept well. One other RV showed up during the night, making for a total of four rigs in the spacious parking lot. 

We travelled along Route 70 with an unplanned detour that afforded us the opportunity to drive past the Birthplace of Wilber Wright. I guess the Wright's moved before Orville was born. 

We also drove on "Historic National Road," aka Route 40. Even though it took us over 20 miles out of our way, we got to see some pretty little towns ing the way. 

Since we wanted to shower and do a load or two of laundry, we decided to locate a KOA for the night. I found Terre Haute KOA, which is just about 10 miles from the Illinois boarder where we shall put our jacks down and call it a day. 

Deep thought for the day:  Celebrate each day as if it might be your last. Fourteen years ago thousands went about their morning, assuming it was just another day. -vc 

I couldnt resist...

I was so excited to snap this pic of the arch, I missed the Welcome to Indiana sign.

Day 2 - Second stop - Columbus, Ohio

We woke up this morning to 63° and it felt too much like fall for me. A nice, early start on the road gave us plenty of time to rack up over 300 miles today and we now find ourselves planted firmly in a Cabellas' parking lot close to Columbus, Ohio.  

Cabellas near Columbus, Ohio

At one point, I had "G" put on the floor vent for some heat to take the chill out of my toes, another reminder that fall is fast-approaching. A couple of milestones we passed along the way today were the Allegheny River and the highest point east of the Mississippi, which was at mile marker 111 on Route 80 - elevation 2250. Allie made it all the way up without a hitch, even though she is teetering on the heavy side.

We passed mile after mile of beautiful windflowers. A little research led me to discover that in 1982, the Audubon Society partnered with the PA DOT and created a magnificent view for travelers. Some of the wildflowers currently in bloom were, Goldenrod, Cattails, Fairy Wand and Ragweed, to name the few I knew. 

        Beautiful Fairy Wand 

              Goldenrod 

Once Route 80 turns into the Ohio Turnpike, it becomes a toll road. However, on the bright side, for only $20 per night, an RV can pull into one of the many rest stops where electric hook-ups and a dump station are provided. We surely are not in Kansas (NY) anymore. Even with that cool option, we decided to veer off south to Route 71 to avoid the tolls and eventually make our way to Route 70, the major Route just south of 80, which runs directly into Denver. 

The whole trip, the song, "Ohio," by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, kept playing over and over in my head, which caused me to research the awful Kent State College Shootings that left four young, unarmed Americans dead and nine wounded during a protest over Nixon's moving troops into Cambodia. National Guard Troops were called in even before the protests began, because anti Viet Nam Conflict sentiments were high among the kids that were being deployed to fight a battle they knew would never be won. I end that topic here, as I do not like to discuss religion or politics in my blog.

Lucy has adjusted very well to being "at home" in a Cabellas' parking lot. It never phased her appetite or curiosity one bit (or bite). We are very fortunate that she has adapted so well to this adventure.

Tomorrow, I'm hoping for a quick departure and a few more hundred miles behind us. I'm guessing that my next entry will generate from Indiana. Stay tuned.

Deep thought for the day: No matter where you go, or how far you travel, all roads are better than the ones in NY.

Look close to see her licking her lips!

Day 2 - one day closer to CO

Checking out her new "digs."

Yesterday, we got a late start, had a little difficulty connecting the tow bar, and needed to stop to check on Sir Duke a couple of more times than normal due to the tow braking system's frequent flashing alarms.  We're not sure if,  1. The vehicle is braking,  2. The brakes are locked, or  3. If we lost Sir Duke all together. A quick look in our rear view camera, shows him smartly keeping pace, so we know there is a wiring issue that "G" will need to troubleshoot before we head out on the road.

Last night we stayed at a place I had researched previously, Gram and Pap's Campground. In Bellefonte, PA. We are close to Penn State College and they are getting ready for a big game this weekend and a full campground. Unfortunately, the many fans arriving today will be arriving in intermittent rain. 

We were provided with a lovely, full-hook up, pull-through site with 50 amp service at the top of the property. The staff (and neighbors) were all as friendly as could be. We were greeted by a black cat, who didn't appear to want any attention bestowed upon itself and a boxer, named Posey, who couldn't get enough lovin.' We experienced several large-sounding nuts hitting the roof during the night, which perturbed the spoiled one - Lucy, not "G!"  lol

A fill-up at a local A Flying J gave us the MPG verdict for the first leg of our journey. The magic number is 5.3. In Allie's defense, we did traverse the Pocono Mountains, so the next computation should be higher. We drove for about 6 hours, including the stops, and racked up 265 miles. 

It was so nice that after a long day of driving, we fiound ourselves comfortably at home, with our own bed, shower and kitty cat. No luggage to carry, no frightening remote controls, and no fear of bedbugs. Life is, indeed, beautiful and home is wherever we park it.

Today finds us hitting the road just after 9 AM, and bound for our next stop which most likely will be somewhere in Ohio.

To be continued...

Deep thought for the day:  A long journey begins with one small step. Here's to hoping we make a giant step today.  

Different, but okay, I guess.

Westward Ho

The long anticipated "Second Great Big Adventure" is finally underway. According to the GPS, we should be arriving in Larkspur, CO in 1810 miles or by 2pm tomorrow. Quite an optimistic prediction that doesn't take u-turns and detours into consideration. After all of our final goodbyes, well wishes, and warm embraces, we released the brake and rolled out of Croton Point Park. Although we left behind family and friends, they will be safely tucked in our hearts until we either meet again or return. 

We decided to just "wing it" this trip and did not make any reservations along our route, thus giving us the opportunity to stop whenever and wherever "G" has had enough time behind the wheel.

Our departure time from Croton was delayed due to some last minute errands and inexperience with our new tow set-up.  We no longer tow my little Sentra on Miss Dolly Parton, but flat-tow our Jeep Grand Cherokee. After we hook and unhook it a few more times, we will be able to save a lot of time and energy using this method. "G" outdid himself this time with hours of thorough research and self-installation of the flat-tow bar system, which saved us over $1000.  

Now that we are towing the Jeep, I needed to come up with a name for it. "G" would say, "it doesn't need a name," so without consulting him, I've decided to name it "The Grand Duke of Burgundy," or, in honor of Mr. Ellington, Sir Duke, for short. 

We have finally ended the northern course of the trip. From this point on, we are heading towards the setting sun. Our first pit stop was at the Pilot weigh scales, in Newburgh, NY where Allie weighed in just under her max gross weight.  Yikes!

Allie and Sir Duke, "G," me and Miss Kitty are now officially off on our Second Great Big Adventure: to Colorado and beyond and then on to Florida, where we will hibernate until spring.

Deep thought for the day:  "May the force be with us."

A last few photos of our last few days.

Mr. Stromboli!  Cugina Maurizio

Dear cousin Lisa

Happy times

Jon - fellow Tiflin owner

Cheers! "Charming" Charlie

"G" and Butch - where there's a will, there's a way.

The Chardonettes!

Saki buddy.

Officially on the road again.

Oh poop, I'm not in Kansas anymore. Lucy looking for all her doggie friends.

                    Sir Duke, in royal fashion 

The countdown begins once more...

July 31 - Blue Moon

I noticed on the calendar today that as of today that only three weeks remain to our extended stay here at Croton Point Park. Thus, the countdown begins...3, 2, 1, GO WEST YOUNG MAN. Well, I'm not a man, but "G" is, and neither of us is young anymore. However, young-at-heart is what matters most and westward-ho we are planning to go.

I have made three preliminary trip routes out to Colorado, one via Route 70, one by way of Route 80 and one a mix-up of both, turning the trip into a roller coaster ride. I think we may just head out and see which way the wind blows (figuratively, not literally). 

We know the first stop will be at the Newburgh Walmart for an overnight-er which will allow us to get a jump start and avoid the morning rush hour bridge traffic. The last stop, Yogi Bear RV Campground, in Larkspur, CO, has already been booked for an RV site and a "Boo Boo" Lodge for the grand kids and their mom. I'm soooo looking forward to seeing those little faces that I haven't kissed in almost two years.

Right now, we are tidying up loose ends, organizing, purging unneeded or unused items, stocking up on meds and getting all last minute tests and doctor appointments completed. The privacy shade was finally repaired last month and we are still awaiting the arrival of the new thermostat. The furnace was working when the thermostat was bypassed, so we are hoping that once we get that part, we will be up and running. Time will pass quickly with all the last minute necessities from now until September 8th. 

I figured I would capture our summer in Croton Point Park with a few photo collages. 

Enjoy, we certainly did, and looking back, it flew by. 

It was a year of many milestones!

Leah's 80th, Teri's 75th, my 60th, "G's" 50-something, and not pictured, Glenn Jr.'s 40th)

My special gift from NC crew.

Jack's Christening and Willow's 2nd birthday

It was a summer with great food - the best PIZZA!

Pizza frenzy, courtesy of Moe and Lisa. 

Flour imported from Italy makes a difference. 

Tip: never put sugar in your homemade dough!

It was also a summer filled with furry friends..

Clockwise from top left: Sweet Georgia, Handsome Bo, Gentle Ruger and Cute Chloe

Buddy. AKA The Budster, Bud-man.

It was full of wine experminentation!

 (with a little help from my friends - you know who you are)

My new summer favs

  Magical skies were in abundance

And, of course, Lucy...

Deep thought for the day:  Enjoy today for today, bury the negative past, release the ghosts and look forward to the wonder of what is yet to be. - vc

KOA New York City North/Newburgh a.k.a. Plattekill, NY KOA

The name of this KOA is a bit deceiving, since it's about 85 miles from New York City, but it's probably one of the nicest and closest to The Big Apple. We are situated in a level, gravel, wide, well-shaded, site that has a stone fire ring and a new-ish picnic table. There is a path alongside our rig that leads to the pool area and serves as a short cut to most of the amenities, which are geared to families and family fun. It boasts two pools, a cafe, a very eclectic General Store and wine store. Unfortunately for me, the wine shop is closed on Sunday's, the only day that we will be here, thus preventing me from picking up a bottle or two from some of the local wineries. 

Our drive up was uneventful except for the terrible, NY roads. You can only blame last winter's harsh weather for so long. Summer is coming to a close, and the roads will be going into the next bout of snow and ice in very bad shape. I'm glad we won't be rumbling around these roads much longer.

Tomorrow we head to Alpin Haus for our privacy shade and furnace repairs. Then, back on the road and back to Croton Point Park, our New York campground - rough gravel sites, no fire rings, old picnic tables, but a welcome spot to park Allie, our home-sweet-home on wheels.

Deep thought for the day: After taking a stroll around this lovely KOA, I entered Allie and greeted Lucy with, "Mommy's home," and smiled, because I truly feel that no matter where we park, I'm home as soon as I climb aboard. Life is beautiful.