Signs of Spring

We pulled up and out of the Staunton, VA Walmart this morning and had been traveling along smoothly for about 140 before stopping at the West Virginia Welcome Center. It was a very pretty one with a big dog walk, several picnic tables and a large info center where "G" stocked up on more of his "reading" material. It was a convenient place for us to rest and have some lunch. The sun had been out, but clouds gradually began to fill the skies. 

While out stretching our legs, I took a few shots to prove (to myself) that spring is in the air. 

West Virginia Welcome Center

Daffodils getting ready to pop

Yellow crocuses

Purple crocus

After we stopped in West Virginia we were plagued with rain and heavy traffic for about 40 miles due to road construction and a disabled vehicle. "G" mastered the steering wheel like a pro. He will get the official "RV Hero Pilot" Badge when he goes over the George Washington Bridge!

All-in-all, after starting out for the day in Virginia, we travelled through West Virginia and Maryland, each for only a few miles, until I-81 led us into beautiful Pennsylvania, the Keystone State.  We are set up for the night at the Jonestown KOA, which seems to be a very nice place and situated close to Hershey Park.  The KOA Market offers cooked meals and ice cream, in addition to the standard RV supplies, refrigerated items and dry goods. I may splurge on breakfast: bacon, egg and cheese on a roll for $1.85. Although the KOA menu offers grape juice, we don't plan on having any. 

Considering the time of year and the fact that this is a Tuesday, the place is packed, which is a very good sign, for sure. Since we are just ending a harsh winter, we have to envision what this campground must look like in the summer time and it's not hard to imagine how lovely it will be in a month or two. 

I recorded a couple of videos of Lucy during this leg of the voyage. She struggled these last two days with travelling, but I keep telling her, "just a little bit more and we will sit tight for awhile."

Enjoying a bit of sun on the dashboard.

A new spot, mommy's chair. 

It's too late for photos of Jonestown KOA tonight so I'll include campground pics in tomorrow's blog entry, which will be generated on the road to Croton Point Park; our home base for the next five months or so.

Deep thought for the day:  "Don't worry about what time it is....just worry about what day it is. I'm in no hurry. I'm retired." ~ "G"

FYI  For anyone to whom this pertains:  Until our next move, any mail can be sent to us in care of my brother, Will.

Mission Accomplished - 1st Wally World Stop

During this entire journey, I've wanted to spend a night at Walmart, and being two stops away from Croton, I didn't think it was going to become a reality. "G" did some research, and, believe it or not, Walmart over-night locations are rated by the people who take advantage of the free, safe place to spend the night. So, after finding a highly-rated one right off of Route 81, we decided to give it a try.

Maneuvering into the parking lot, with Ms. Parton towing the Sentra, was a little tricky, but we were able to find a great space behind a tractor-trailer that afforded us the opportunity to put our jacks down and our slides out.

We got some exercise in by walking over to the store around 9 pm. We discovered that it was one of the nicest Walmarts we have ever seen, with neatly stacked merchandise on the shelves, polite shoppers and helpful employees. The parking lot was very quiet and peaceful. We would definitely stay overnight here again, especially since the price is right!

Walmart in the distance.

Our "space" for the night.

"Where on earth am I?"

Deep though for the day:  It doesn't matter where or when the rocking and rolling ends, home is wherever my litter box lies. ~ Lucy Lu

Honeybear Campground Farewell

Our long weekend in Boone, NC has come to an end. We got a late start out of the gate this rainy morning. Honeybear Campground is probably a magnificent place in the summer and fall. If it weren't for such a harsh winter and late spring, it would have looked less dreary and cold.

We were parked on Silly Squirrel Trail, which was a big improvement from street we were parked at the last campground. 

Some beautiful shots of Honeybear. The sun wasn't out, so use your imagination. 

Entrance Sign

Site A-15

Looking up at Allie (and "G") from the lower loop

A nice site, but smaller than what we need - no sewer either.

Allie, perched on a cliff.

Cute chairs

Joan, you need these for outside the cabin..... 

The beautiful lake that the chairs and bench were placed near.

The staff were very friendly and the WiFi was the best we've encountered. Except for the ride on Route 421 that takes you up, over and around huge mountains, I'd have no problems staying here again. 

Deep thought for the day: If not for cold, damp and rainy days, how could you possibly adore the warm, sunny ones? ~ Vicki

Snow, cold, wind

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OMG. That's the best way to start this blog. It began to snow around 9 pm last night and the temperatures dipped down to 21°. We had every weatherproofing method in place, but, even with the furnace blasting, fireplace glowing and a space heater set to high, it is still a bit chilly. It looked like about 2" fell overnight,  but with the cold and wind, it looked like a blanket of ice covered the trees and car.

Allie is situated under a copse of tall pines and whenever the snow fell off the branches, it sounded like tennis balls hitting the roof. Lucy did not like it at all. 

I spent as much of the day as I could with the three musketeers, since this would be our last day together in awhile. We went to Tanger Outlets, back up to the cabin for lunch and then back to Appalachian Ski Resort. Those kids (biggest one-my son) really love to snowboard. I got tired just watching them. I especially can't believe how the littlest one keeps up with her big brother and sister. 

After the sun went down, we picked up and headed out to dinner. The first place I tried to get us a table at for a party of nine was a no-go. Joan found another place and "G" and I were so surprised to find out it is one of three restaurants with locations that "G" and I have very recently visited. What a coincidence. Or, what a small world, or what fate found us at "Six Pence Pub." The photo below was recently  taken in Savannah.

The Six Pence in Savannah, GA

Placemat from Blowing Rock, NC

Moo Moo and Pop Pop - the NC grandparents.

Joan and Cooper

Cooper, Savannah, Summer and Glenn

Saying good night was actually saying "so long, until next time." I leave my grandchildren in the very capable hands of their mom and dad, great parents who work so well together to raise independent, free-thinking, individuals.  Not an easy task, especially in these days and times. 

We are back home in Allie now and Lucy is purring softly on the ottoman, happy that her mommy and daddy are home-sweet- home. 

Deep thought for the day:  Grandchildren are like snowflakes - no two are ever alike and you adore each one for their unique individuality. 

NC Crew

Here we are, set up at Honeybear RV Campground in Boone, NC after the shortest haul yet. We found the campground (after a u-turn) and discovered that it didn't resemble the photo from the website all that much, however, in their favor, they are technically not open for the season yet. Next week is the 2015 season's big grand opening and it will be something I'll be glad to miss. 

This place must look gorgeous in the summer when the trees are full of foliage. The sites will be very privately hidden among tall trees and brush. We are in "Loop A," which is the only loop that offers sewer and is reserved for their winter guests and a few full-time residents. So far, we have only dealt with a young man, who showed us to our site and helped us with a water supply issue. We have still yet to formally register and pay. 

Last night, we had a nice little campfire and dessert with Glenn, Joan, Summer, Cooper and Savannah. It was a lovely night, the kids seemed to like the grounds and we all enjoyed the sweet treats that Joan brought. She knows me so well (or she's just that organized) that she even brought a quart of milk for the kids, because we never have milk. 

Today, "G" and I met Glenn, Summer and Cooper at the Appalachian Ski Resort in Blowing Rock, NC. It was COLD and windy with snow flurries. Our bodies were not prepared for the shock of the 34°-36° temps. Thankfully, I unpacked our heavy coats, gloves, hats and scarves. 

The "Snowboarders"

At the ski resort, we were able to watch them all show off their snowboarding skills. I was very proud to see how well they have picked up the sport in such a short amount of time. Glenn always amazes me with how much effort he puts into something he loves, and it's obvious how much he loves this sport. The kids are much more advanced than I had expected. I can't believe the way they jump on and off the ski lift and are not intimidated by the higher slopes.  

Me, FREEZING.

Summer, the most beautiful snowboarder on the slopes.

Warming up by the HOT fire.

Papa "G" and Coop smiling for the camera.

Cooper warming up after several runs.

This afternoon we drove over to Joan's and Glenn's log cabin in the woods. The reason we plan our route home this way was to watch the kids snowboard and see their mountain cabin. It was a spacious, yet warm and cozy home that made you feel warm and welcome. Good job guys!

I prepared one of Glenn's favorite dishes, Broccoli, Cheese, and Rice Casserole. It's a very "trashy" type of meal, but oh, so tasty. We had a delicious meal of grilled chicken, carrots, asparagus, salad the rice dish and garlic bread. 

We played a new card game called 9-Card, and it's a game perfect for all ages. All three kids helped to teach us the the rules. I was warned to not trust my son, and to listen to my grandchildren's instructions. It was fun and s bit sad, because the kids have grown up so much that no one cries if they lose and they understand the strategy of the game so well. So proud of them...aged 10 (almost), 8, and 6. 

We left just as the sun was setting in order to get home before dark. Their cabin is only about a half-hour from the campground, but it's loaded with hairpin turns, steep hills without guard rails and no street lights. Add all that to the unfamiliar terrain, and we were  glad to get in as dusk settled. 

Earlier, "G"  hooked up an electric heater in the basement in preparation for the 26° temperature that is forecast for tonight. Right now he is disconnecting the water line to prevent a blown hose.  Yikes! It's like being back in Croton in December!!!! Burrrr. Elite Resorts, I miss you. 

Deep thought for the day:  I complain when I'm cold and I complain when I'm hot, but it'll never complain when watching those I love doing what they love to do best. ~ Vicki

Fort Mill, SC a one-night stand

"G" wanted to have a predetermined stop to park after a full day on the road, so he booked us a night at Charlotte/Fort Mill KOA. We were just south of the SC/NC border, and about 111 miles from our next stop in Boone, NC. 

It was a surprise when our GPS told us to make a right hand turn into the campground almost as soon as we exited Rt. 77. This KOA is currently under renovations and was pleasant none-the-less. Some sites were level, some were gravel and some had cement pads. It was located within walking distance of a Publix Supermarket that had to have been very new. It was the nicest one I've ever seen. "G" and I walked over after breakfast to pick up a few necessities. 

Thinking back to that Disney ride, It's a Small World, we were very surprised to be parked right next to a couple we had met at Elite Resorts, Kevin and Beth. I think they were even more surprised than us, because last week, another couple we all  knew from Elite had also stayed overnight. What a small world indeed. 

I didn't get any photos of this stop, because after preparing dinner, I was so tired that I just showered and called it a night. 

Lucy is doing great! We have our "travel day routine" and she knows what to expect and settles in quickly for the several hours we are on the road. 

Right now, as I compose this entry, we are rolling down the highway, heading to Boone, NC where we will be visiting our NC crew at their log cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We are looking forward to the excitement that three kids and two dogs bring into our quiet little lives. It's good for the blood (and heart). 

Deep thought for the day:  "Life is what happens to you while you are busy making plans. ~ Allen Saunders

Savannah, GA

Last evening, we decided to book a "hop on, hop off" tour of Historic Savannah through Old Town Trolley. Since we were only going to have one full day in Savannah, we decided this would be the best way to see as much as possible. 

Our trolley car

At 9 am our trolley driver, Eric, picked us up right at our campground.  We made about four more stops where we picked up additional tourists who were staying at either other campgrounds or hotels, before we reached the city of Savannah. Once there, we hopped on the first of about nine trolleys that took us up, down, in and out of the streets and squares of Savannah.

We received quite a history lesson while enjoying the sights, sounds and tastes of the south. There wasn't enough time to see it all, but what we saw was amazing. 

My favorite stop was the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, which was the first cathedral in Georgia, and happens to be my paternal grandfather's name - Giovanni di Baptiste.  

St. John the Baptist Cathedrel

Upon entering, the baptismal font catches your eye and took my breath away. It is an 8,000 pound marble font that was carved in Carrara, Italy.  I immediately thought of my nephew, Jack, who will be my second-only, godchild. I would have loved to see him enter the Catholic faith in this magnificent place. 

We had brunch at one of the newer establishments, Goose Feathers, that was terrific. The owner, Beth Meeks, took our orders and rang us up. All baking is done on premises and you can taste it in the buttery croissants, grits and tasty bagels. 

Another interesting stop was the Black Heritage Museum located in the King-Tisdell Cottage. The stark contrast in the way of life for the segregated blacks back in the 1880's was evidenced through the artifacts and information provided at the home.

King-Tisdell Home

The building, itself, is an architectural gem that boasts intricate gingerbread ornamentation on a Victorian center-hall cottage. In the early 1930's, Eugene and Sarah King, both entrepreneurs, purchased the home. Eugene owned a laundry business and his wife, Sarah, operated a confectionery out of the house. 

This photo is exclusively uploaded for Leah (DeSoto) Timmons, my mother-in-law. She never told us that her family was that close to the Hilton's. Live and learn.  

No visit to Savannah would be complete without a purchase of freshly baked pralines. A pound of this sugary treat is sitting in our refrigerator and keeps calling my name. 

One last comment to mention, is something our driver, Eric, kept saying as he dropped each group off at their respective stops at the end of the day. In a sing-song voice, he said "Home again, home again, jiggity-jig." I knew I had heard that line before, so after a quick check on my iphone, I found the words and wonder if he were referring to us as hogs and pigs???? lol  Eric, a great guy, with a terrific sense of humor and attitude.

To market to market to buy a fat pig, home again, home again, jiggety-jig.

To market to market to buy a fat hog, home again, home again, jiggety-jog.

Back at home now, we sit; "G" on his laptop, me on my iPad, and Missy Miss curled up on the footstool. We are very tired, very informed and very pleased with a day well-spent. 

Deep thought for the day:  Pralines are not sugar-free or diabetic friendly.