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. 

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. 

Living the good life.

Tonight, I realized that I've been quite ungrateful for the beauty, peace and serenity that is surrounding me at Croton Point. I tend to forget that among life's daily routines, "Life is Beautiful." 

Two raging thunderstorms blew through the area tonight and even with the torrential rain, we ate our dinner outside. Had we been in a house, the last thing we would have done was to eat outdoors. I enjoyed it immensely.

This past weekend, the park was overtaken by avid followers of the annual Clearwater Festival which was started by Bob and Toshi Seeger back in 1966. Click HERE here for background info on the festival and the wonderful work the Seegers and thousands of advocates have accomplished. 

As "full-timers," we were provided free tickets to the festival, but due to my healing fractured ankle, we passed on the opportunity to mingle with the environmental activists - a unique group of people. 

Pillar outside hotel main door

We actually missed a lot of the festival, because we spent most of Friday and all of Saturday in NYC with #1 son and family - the NC Crew, who treated me to a weekend in the city to ring in my big milestone birthday (60th). The royal treatment began with a room at the Marriott East Side, dinner at Tony DiNapoli's, and a "no wait" tour of the Empire State Building." The latter was a "first" for everyone and quite breathtaking. I love experiencing something for the first time alongside my grandchildren. You get to see it, not only for yourself, but through their eyes and perspective.  I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness from all aspects of my weekend bash.

Three terrific kids that I proudly and loudly call "my grandchildren."

Tomorrow we pull up stakes and head up to Port Jervis, NY for some repairs to Allie's furnace (again) and her front privacy shade. We've been here so long, that we have put down too many roots that need to be pulled out, secured and stored away. We don't want any shifting or falling during transit. 

Even though this won't be a "vacation" excursion, it will be nice to get out on the open road. I'm hoping to get a chance behind the wheel for a little bit of this trip, even if it's just out of the park.

Some random photos of life.

It didn't look so far away, until we noticed it just got bigger instead of closer.

Catching a beautiful smile while off guard.

I'd rather look at Savannah, and not the sights...

My eldest grandchild, Summer. I learn things from her all the time. Like how to be pretty, smart AND nice, all at the same tme.

My son, my hero. I learn from him all the time, as well.. I love our talks when it's just two people talking and not mother and son. I've come to respect his opinion and admire his determination.

I need to get some photos from my daughter-in-law of the two of us together and with the kids. I realized that I'm missing the "main organizer" and the "guest of honor." Two women who, without them, the night would not have happened.  Many thanks to her, my daughter-in-law, my friend.

Cars and tents, hundreds of them.

Some photos of the Clearwater Festival follow. Since this festival began in the '60's, we discovered that many are still stuck in that era. I grew up up in the 60's, but wouldn't still wear my hair and clothes the way I did then. I guess the term, "to each his own," is appropos.

Rows upon rows of tents were lined up in the large field near the campground. Some attendees sported cool-looking A-frame towables that looked quite fun, but most were just camped out in pitched tents. 

We had quite a bit of rain, so they were real die hards to withstand the elements camping so primitively. I give them a lot of credit.

One of the A-Frames

Storm clouds in the distance didn't deter anyone.

After two heavy downpours, the skies treated those who took the time to look, with a beautiful view of the setting sun. I am truly blessed to not only see the show in the sky, but appreciate it for its ethereal beauty.

Sunset after the rain.

Ethereal, is the only word that comes to mind.

Deep thought for the day:  Stop!!!! Stop often to smell the flowers. Stop to look at the sky, to experience dinner under a canopy in the rain. Stop and listen to the birds after a thunderstorm, to look for a rainbow, or pastel painted skies. They all stand to remind us that time is not always on your side. Enjoy what you've got, when you've got it, and keep on the lookout for IT when it's hidden behind a cloud. It's there....STOP....but keep looking.

My top 10 +1 Hacks for Lving in an RV (with a cat)

I can't claim that all of these ideas were mine, however, many are the result of my own creative resourcefulness. Some came from other full-timers and a few were found on Pinterest. If you have never been on Pinterest, be forewarned that you may become addicted to searching for the next best "idea," "inspiration," or "thingy" to make you say, "yum," "hum" or "aah." 

Hack #1:  Lucy's favorite places: Her food is located on a place mat on the dashboard. This forces her to explore the world outside, especially when we change locations. It is normally an under-used area and it keeps us from tripping over her food bowls. Her canned and dry food are stored in the "basement," and restocked in the kitchen closet as needed.

Her "le Toilette" is located under the dash on the driver's side. With the seat turned to face the living quarters, it is nicely hidden from sight, yet easy for her to access.

Her electric water fountain is plugged in under the dash on the passenger side, right next to the "doggy window" and my computer. It doesn't leave me much foot room while stationary, but I've adjusted.  That leads us into Hack #2.

Hack #2:  My computer station.

I love having this set-up in the motor home. I am a die hard CPUser who hasn't been able to adjust to a laptop keyboard. Hey, I'm an old dog, so no new tricks for me.

Like Lucy's food, my computer station is out of the way and the chair can turn to face the living quarters for an additional seating, if necessary, but that's not often.  There is a ledge on my right side to hold my water bottle and phone and the convenience of an overhead light and fan. When we travel with extended stops, I just unhook it all and store it in a basket until we are stationary for awhile.  I'm getting to the point where I can hook it  up or break it down in no time at all.

Hack #3:  Adhesives. I've lumped these items into one category:  Museum Putty, Velcro and Command strips and hooks.  I have used all of these items to keep our stuff  stationary while traveling. They all work great for their intended purposes. Museum Putty can be found here, and its great for securing items to counters that you don't want to move, like a vase. However, just a twist will release the object cleanly and easily. The other items are easily found at any box store or hardware store and are used to hang art, remotes, and a myriad of other loosey-goosey items.

Hack #4: Tiny end table. We used a folding, wooden TV table as an end table next to the recliner. I couldn't live without a table or ledge at that location to hold a lamp, a glass of wine, my phone or the remote (when it's not Velcroed to the wall behind the TV). This small hack worked perfectly.

Hack #5:  Shoe bags. I need to get another one of these, but the two currently in use are proving that they are worth their weight in gold. Gee, they are awful light, so they are worth ten times their weight....One bag hangs inside my closet door to hold all my smaller personal items, like hats, belts, socks and underwear. The other was cut one pocket deep and Velcroed to the base of the bed to hold shoes.

I still need a solution for the "everyday" shoes that collect at the door of the coach.

Hack #6: My little green wall mounted metal shelf. This was always one of my favorite little organizers. It is so versatile and has been used as a knickknack shelf (facing backwards) and as a front door catch-all for keys (like it's hung in the RV bathroom). I don't care for clutter on the counter, but do like having our most-used items at arm's reach even while traveling on the road.

Hack #7: Zip Lock Space Bags: Click here for a link to this product at Walmart. Living full-time, we need to travel with four season's worth of clothes and dress clothes. A storage bin under the bed holds our dress clothes so that they don't become too wrinkled. The out-of-season clothes are shrunk and stored in the Zip Lock bags and stored in the basement area. 

Right now, all of our winter clothes, including down jackets, have been "shrunk" saving us a lot of room. 

Hack #8:  Laundry Soap and Softener Dispenser Bottles. 
I used plain, ketchup-dispenser type, plastic bottles that I purchased from Dollar General. Instead of lugging my big bottles out of the vanity every time I use my little Splendide, I just grab and go with my cute counter-top solution. When filled and labeled these make laundry a breeze.

Hack #9:  Felt-covered hangers: At first, I didn't like these hangers, but I absolutely love them in Allie. They are sturdy for hanging wet clothes, they don't have the cardboard center-roll that always collapses on me, and the closet looks neat and orderly. The clothes can't fall off the hangers, thus making the rougher roads less problematic.

Hack #10:  Charging station:

I received one of the best gifts ever from friend, and fellow RV'er, Charlie. It's an AC/USB plug-in adapter, manufactured XTG Technology, that contains three regular outlets and 2 USB ports. This very helpful toy has traveled with us to hotels and on a cruise ship, but now it is tucked away behind the recliner and we use the back of the couch to hold our currently charging electronics. We would never leave home without it.

Hack #11  Baskets: 

OMG. I saved the best Hack for last. I am not a "Dancing Queen," but anyone who knows me will tell you I can claim the title, "Basket Queen."  I have them in most of my over-head cabinets. The ones with handles are quite useful, especially in the kitchen, when you need to pull out all your spices, oils, plastic-ware or coffee pods. I would be lost without them. I have plastic, wicker and wooden baskets of every shape, size and color. So, when "G" needs olive oil, I just say, "5th overhead compartment, in the clear plastic bin, next to the white handled bin." 

Being clever and organized is a necessity when living in a RV. You are in too small a space to not know where to find what you need at the drop of a hat.

Deep thought for the day:  Benjamin Franklin must have loved baskets. This quote of his is one of my favorites:  "A place for everything, and everything in its place." Go Ben!

Home sweet home

Yesterday, we finished transferring our earthy possessions back into Allie and then returned to space 71 at Croton Point Park. Home-sweet-home.

There hasn't been much rain, so the park has taken on the appearance of a "dust bowl."  Every time a vehicle drives past, a cloud of dust rises up from the road and settles on anything outside. It's so bad that we need to keep the windows on the road side closed most of the day.  We do like the end spot, because it affords us much privacy, but each site has its own drawback - and for site 71 it's dust. Regardless, it feels great to be back. 

"G" gave Allie a bath before leaving 223, so she really stands out among all the other dusty RVs, 5th-wheels and trailers. We were welcomed back by many of our neighbors here, which was quite nice and unexpected. "G" has made many friends here, even more than me. I'm often surprised when someone I don't know walks by and says, "Hi "George!" 

Georgia - One of our neighbors

Lucy protested the entire trip down, but she is readjusting just fine. All her kitty-accouterments are back in their usual places, so life is beautiful for Missy Miss. I did made the mistake of bringing her outside the RV on a leash a few times, and she has gotten to like it so much that whenever we are sitting outside, she meows until we bring her out. I've created a monster!

Checking out the trash can

Wanting to go for a walk with dad

While we were gone, a pretty big fire broke out down the road from the campground. The wind blew a lot of black ash around the campground and firefighters were worried about embers sparking the dry ground around the RVs, so campers were advised that an evacuation order might be implemented. There was even a helicopter dumping water from the river to help douse the fire. I'm so glad to have missed all that excitement. 

Work continues at 223. Each project brings us closer to a fresh, clean and empty home, ready for its new residents. Only a few pieces of furniture remain, a little painting needs to be done and a garage sale to be scheduled down the road. I can't believe how much stuff will be going - one way or another.

Deep thought for the day: Objects are just things that we enjoy to look at, but adventures are things we look back at and enjoy - again and again. ~ vc

   

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