April 19, HOME!

This morning is cloudy, 15.6C (60F) as we got on the road at 8:10.
Took the 481 N bypass around Syracuse as it warmed up to 21C (70F).

At 10:20, we were back on I-81, which is a terrible road! Fortunately had a tail wind all the way which helped the fuel consumption.

We crossed the 1000 Islands Bridge at 10:42 and arrived at Canada Customs at 10:50. There was only one vehicle ahead of us and we were through and back in Ontario by 10:54! No problem. 21C (70F).

After turning west on Hwy 401, the tail wind has become a cross wind! Rain started at 11:20 and continued most of the way to the Thickson Rd exit in Whitby. Went north & pulled in to the Home Depot parking lot at 1:50. Dad met us there & took us to their place for a visit.








We were back on the road at 3:30 and after a fuel stop in Brechin, where it is 8C (46.4F), arrived home at 7:55. From the sound of the weather forecast, we will be winterizing the trailer! Snow tomorrow!
Today's drive was 775 km. The total mileage for the trip was 11,691 km, of which 7,456 km was pulling the trailer.

Thursday, April 18, Heading home

Sunny and 16.5C (61F) this morning as the decision was made to head for home directly. We had planned on stopping in Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey in order to add those states to our "states we have slept in" map.
At 8:30, we were on the road and at 8:40 entered Virginia. Diesel in Virginia is the cheapest we have seen so far on our travels: $3.659/gallon. ($.99/L).

We followed the I295 bypass around Petersburg and Richmond as the temperature rose to 22C (71.6F).
At 11:15, we encountered a construction delay, where we averaged 10 - 15 mph for 5 miles. Finally at 11:55 we reached the end of the road work and got back up to 60mph!

After taking 495N around Washington we crossed the Potomac River and entered Maryland. Light rain has started.
We stopped in Frederick, Maryland for fuel and lunch. At 2:00 we were back on the road, heading north on US 15.

Light rain continued as we entered Pennsylvania at 2:35 and the temperature has dropped to 16C (60.8F).

We met up with I-81 at 3:40 as the northward trek continued.

This route takes us through mountains (1800 ft.), and from 4:20 - 5:05 we encountered dense fog, which made for tense driving.

One more fuel stop at 6:30. BRRRRRR it has cooled off and is a windy 14C (57F)!

At 6:55, we entered New York and continued on to Cortland. Arrived at Cortland Country Music Park and Campground at 7:55pm. Hooked up power & water but didn't unhook the truck, ready for a quick get-away in the morning. This is a nice park, so it is a shame that we won't be staying long!
Mileage today was 875 KM.

Wednesday, April 17, North Carolina

We had planned on making an early departure, but Marcel met a fellow Nortel employee. By the time they finished reminiscing, we were delayed by an hour!
After fuelling up, we were on the road at 9:50 under sunny, 21C (70F) skies.

Bursts of colourful flower beds planted through North Carolina's Wildflower Program dot many highways and enhance the state's beauty.
The program is funded by the sale of personalized and specialized licence plates.











At 1:00, we pulled in to a rest area, but it was full so we kept going. It has warmed up to 28C (82.4F), so the A/C is on!

When we arrived at the RV Resort at Carolina Crossroads in Roanoke Rapids, NC, it was 30C (86F).
We have a very nice site, complete with a gazebo!









Since it was so hot & humid, we took advantage of the inviting pool to cool off with one last swim. Thunder was rumbling around and clouds were gathering, so rain is in the offing.


Sure enough, I just got back from showering when the rain started. It stopped after a short time and we were able to BBQ.

Tuesday, April 16

The morning dawned clear and 16.8C (61.5F), and by the time we were packed up and on the road at 10:30 it was 24C (75F).

At 12:30 we stopped for a lunch break in a K-Mart parking lot in Charleston.

Crossing the Cooper River on the Ravenel bridge was an impressive experience.
The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, also known as the New Cooper River Bridge, is a cable-stayed bridge over the Cooper River in South Carolina, connecting downtown Charleston to Mount Pleasant. The eight lane bridge satisfied the capacity of U.S. Route 17 when it opened in 2005 to replace two obsolete cantilever truss bridges. The bridge has a main span of 1,546 feet (471 m), the third longest among cable-stayed bridges in the Western Hemisphere. The bridge consists of two diamond-shaped towers, each soaring to a height of 575 feet (175 m). The total length of the structure is 13,200 feet (4.0 km), with the main span stretching 1,546 feet (471 m) between the towers. 128 individual cables anchored to the inside of the diamond towers suspend the deck 186 feet (57 m) above the river.

We entered North Carolina at 4:00 and arrived at the Wishing Well campground, which is small (15 sites), clean and quiet with full hookups but no Wi-Fi. It is a very pleasant 23.5C (74F).

Monday, April 15

It rained through the night, but there is no more rain in the forecast. This morning it was overcast and 18.2C (65F).
Caught up on the laundry this morning.

After lunch, we were off to Molly & Doug's. Molly took us to Parris Island to her favourite consignment shop. We spent over an hour wandering through this fascinating place which consisted of several connected rooms full of interesting items.





Then it was back to Molly & Doug's for Happy Hour..........









........and a wonderful dinner of lamb chops
.

Then it was time to say our good-byes and return to the campground to pack up for departure tomorrow.

Sunday, April 14

I spent the morning plotting our route home - has to be done sometime!

At 12:30, Doug & Molly picked us up to go for a drive to the US Marine Corps Recruit Depot on Parris Island for lunch. Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island (often abbreviated as MCRD PI) is an 8,095 acres (32.76 km²) military installation located within Port Royal, South Carolina, approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) south of Beaufort, the community that is typically associated with the installation. MCRD Parris Island is used for the training of enlisted Marines. Male recruits living east of the Mississippi River and female recruits from all over the United States report here to receive their initial training. Male recruits living west of the Mississippi River receive their training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California, but may train at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island by special request.



We arrived just in time, as the brunch was on from 10:00 - 1:00 and we walked in at 1:05, by the time we took some pics! They did allow us in to enjoy a wonderful buffet.








After enjoying an assortment of foods from eggs benedict to strawberry crepes, we were off to Hunting Island.

At 2:40 we arrived at Hunting Island Nature Centre. The Hunting Island Nature Center features live animals and exhibits about the habitats and natural history of the park and was very interesting.












We went on the Nature Centre Scenic Trail, which was 0.7 miles to the ocean through fascinating flora. Along the way we saw a fledgling bald eagle, crabs, a turtle and blue herons.







When we got to the ocean, we saw the incredible show of force by nature - trees uprooted and blown over by wind and water.
















Several years ago, there were cabins on this beach and a road. Hard to believe where the land used to be! This was a cabin that was on ground a few years ago.


Light rain started when we got back to the car and continued all the way back to the campground.

When we got back, Molly & Doug came in for a drink. Unfortunately, we had the door open and the "no-see-ums' are a real problem. They seem to get through the screen, so we will have to keep the door & windows closed or they come through the screens & bite! Used the electronic zapper to clear them out! What fun!!!

Saturday, April 13

It was clear and 15.6C (60F) this morning as we went for a walk around the campground. We didn't see the resident alligator, only a couple of turtles.

At 11:00 we were off to visit Historic Beaufort.





It was a lovely day as we walked around the town. There are many HUGE live oak trees covered with Spanish Moss! If you look closely, you will see Marcel at the base of the tree with his arms outstretched.












South Carolina's second-oldest city has a wonderful historic  downtown district, anchored by the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. From here, you can get great views of the Beaufort River, the Woods Memorial Bridge, the western tip of Lady's Island, the eastern side of Port Royal Island, and the northern tip of Parris Island. You can stroll along or enjoy the swings in this beautiful waterfront park.




At 1:45, it was 23C (73.4F) when we returned to the campground.

Molly & Doug came to pick us up at 3:15, and after showing them the trailer, we were off for a drive around St. Helena Island and over to Port Royal.

We found a new boardwalk on the Cypress Wetlands Historic Trail, where we saw many nesting water birds.

The wetlands flow under a small bridge to bald cypress and tupelo swamps downstream. The area has the oldest and tallest bald cypress trees in the area. It was a very interesting and beautiful walk.





From there we went to the Dockside Restaurant for a wonderful seafood dinner while overlooking the Shrimp Docks on Port Royal Sound.





























It was a beautiful evening in a beautiful setting as we returned to Dataw Island for a nightcap at "Sweetgrass", the bar at the Marina.


   

Friday, April 12, on to South Carolina

At 7:45 it was cloudy and 23.2C (73.5F).
We went for breakfast at the campground restaurant: 2 eggs, 2 bacon, grits, toast & coffee. Then we got packed up.

When we left the campground at 10:12, it was cloudy and a very humid 26C (79F). Had the A/C on in the truck as we got on to the I-95 towards Savannah.

At 11:25, rain started, but five minutes later, the rain stopped and we had sunshine and 24C (75.2F).

We crossed the savannah River and entered South Carolina at 11:40.




Five minutes later, we stopped at the Welcome Centre to pick up a map. There were many Snowbirds pausing during their journey northward.










At 1:00 we arrived at Tuck in the Woods Campground on St. Helena Island. It is sunny and 25C (77F). Got set up and called Molly & Doug in nearby Beaufort.

We have a nice, big site with cable TV and Wi-Fi at the site. Went for a walk around the park and there are very few occupied sites.






At 4:20, we were off to find a couple of bottles of wine to take to Molly & Doug's for dinner.
Molly made a tasty lasagne and we had a great visit, catching up. It was 4 years ago the last time we were here.
Got back to the campground at 10:45 and it was 20C (68F).

Thursday, April 11, moving on

Looks like it will be a warm day, since it started off with sun/cloud and 22.5C (72F).
After spending the last 10 days at Fran & Emile's, we finally packed up & were on the road north at 10:20.

As we skirted around Jacksonville at 10:25, the temperature had gone up to 29C (84.2F).

At 1:20, we entered Georgia under sunny 31C (87.8F) skies. I thought we were heading north for cooler temps!



We arrived at Golden Isles RV Park at 1:50, got set up and turned on the A/C. It is a nice park with Wi-Fi at our site. It has roomy sites and a pool.

Wednesday, April 10, Emile's BD

This morning was clear and 15.3C (60F), however, it did warm up quickly. A sun/cloud mix kept the temperature to a comfortable 26C (78.8F).
I spent most of the day looking for campgrounds and planning our route.

At 5:30, Karen & Tony picked us up to go out for Emile's birthday dinner at the Horse and Hounds Restaurant & Pub.














We all enjoyed a  very nice dinner, most had steaks or ribs.










After Tony dropped us back at 7:30, we sat outside until after dark, which finished off a beautiful day.

Tuesday, April 9

Laundry day, today. It is shaping up to be another HOT day.

By 2:15, the temp has hit 31C (87.8F) as we loaded up & went off to find the dump/recycle facility.
When we finally found it, it is closed Tuesdays & Thursdays. Just our luck! We brought everything back & put it into a box trailer.

The decision has been made that we will depart on Thursday to start heading home, hoping to spend some time with friends in South Carolina.

Then we were off to Wal-Mart and Winn-Dixie to stock up.
By the time we got back at 4:45, it was 32C (89.6F). WHEW!

Monday, April 8

More raking leaves! We have pretty much filled the fire pit. It will be one heck of a fire, once lit!

It is a beautiful, sunny day with a high of 30C (86F).

We were discussing when we might be moving on before wearing out our welcome. Fran said that if we were waiting for them to kick us out, it will never happen! Emile said the only thing that would drive us away would be when it got too hot to sleep! Having said that, he got out a 30 amp cord which we connected to ours and hooked us up. With 30 amps, we can run the A/C, which we did! He obviously doesn't want us to leave!

Wednesday is Emile's birthday and we are invited to go out for dinner with them and Fran's daughter & son-in-law.

We ended up having a Happy Hour with Joan (the other camper), and Fran & Emile that lasted until almost 8:00 - another late supper!

Sunday, April 7

We haven't had much to report on lately, just laying low & waiting for the weather to warm up at home.
It was sunny & 15.3C (59F) this morning. We joined Emile & Fran for brunch in their kitchen.

Then we spent another afternoon raking leaves! Can't believe how many leaves there are! We created seven piles!
There was a high of 27C (80.6C) today.

Another gorgeous day!











Marcel & Emile enjoy Happy Hour

Friday, April 5

At 8:00, it was cloudy, dark and raining, 18.4C (65F).
I heard light rain through the night and it was dark and gloomy this morning. By 9:30, the sun was poking through.

At 1:30, we have company. A lady, travelling solo, fulltime for 7 years arrived with a Montana fifth wheel. She is driving a Ford F-350 dually with an extra fuel tank in the bed. After moving around, she finally found the best direction so she could get satellite TV!

There is room here for 8 rigs! You just pull in & pick your spot. Fran installed water taps all over the property, which makes it convenient.





When I called CAA to extend our travel insurance, I was told that North Bay got 3 inches of snow yesterday. Guess we'll stay put for a while.
It warmed up to 27C (80.6F) today, but cooled off quickly in the evening.

Thursday, April 4

It rained off & on overnight and is cloudy and a muggy 19.5C (67F) this morning.
Once again, thunderstorms were forecast, but they didn't appear. It was cloudy most of the day and the temp reached 24C (75F).

Fran & Emile had appointments in town, so I baked some cookies & muffins using Fran's oven. I can't use my convection/microwave oven since we only have 15 amp power.

When they returned, we had happy hour and worked on the jigsaw puzzle that Fran wanted to get finished before they leave.















By 6:30, we finished it!  It was a 1,000 piece puzzle & we kept thinking there were pieces missing, but it ended up that they were all there!








Of course, that led to a very late supper......

Wednesday, April 3

At 8:15 (when we got up), it was clear & 17.6C (63F), quite comfortable.
I decided it was laundry day, and that took a good part of the day, using Fan's machine rather than a Laundromat!

Basically, a "chill-axing" day. Emile had to go in to town for a test & when he returned, we sat outside, talking. Love it here, so quiet & peaceful.
The online weather showed thunderstorms for Ocala at 3:00. Amazingly enough, at 3:02 thunder started rumbling! Shortly thereafter, light rain started. We moved under the awning and watched the rain. This is about the third time we have seen rain since arriving in Florida!
The rain cooled the temperature considerably, all the way down to 19C (66.2F)!

Tuesday, April 2

It was very mild again last night as we slept with all the windows open. Woke up to a clear blue sky and 15.6C (60F).

At 9:30, we were back to raking leaves. Have to work for our campsite! After taking a break for lunch, we finished up raking leaves into piles and filled the fire pit!


It was a gorgeous day, 28C (82.4F). The forecast was calling for rain, but there was no sign of it here.








This is one, huge tree that is responsible for some of the leaves!














At 5:00, we went to IHOP for dinner with Emile & Fran. Marcel & I both enjoyed a lovely dinner of Tilapia.
After dinner, we went to visit Fran's daughter & her husband, Karen & Tony, at their new house. It was dark by the time we got back 'home'.

Monday, April 1

It was a beautiful night, as we slept with the windows open. In the morning, it was clear & sunny 13C (55.4F).

After breakfast, we got back to raking leaves. We raked them first into piles then into the fire pit, trying to do it systematically.

It was nice to get some exercise! I miss my walking!

Then at 1:30, we went in to town to Best Buy. Emile's TV in the motorhome quit, so he bought a 42" LG Smart TV. You can access the internet with it, along with many other features.

 

 

When we got back, it was time for Happy Hour and to celebrate the purchase (as if we needed an excuse!)

Another beautiful day in paradise as we wait for the snow to melt back home.

 

 

Easter Sunday, March 31

After a very dark, quiet night, we woke up to sun/cloud and 12C (53.6F). The day quickly warmed up and we went for a walk down the road, to the end. There are a few houses scattered along the road.

When we returned to our site, we started raking up the Old Oak leaves of which there are MILLIONS!

After raking for a couple of hours, we went in to town for fuel, then stopped at Winn-Dixie for some groceries.

When we got back, Emile asked us over for pizza for supper. They are trying to use up food from the freezer before they leave to go north on the 25th.
After supper, we played "Jokers and Pegs", a new game for us. Interesting game. http://www.pagat.com/race/pegsandjokers.html

Saturday, March 30, moving to Ocala

This morning was clear, sunny and 9.0C (48.2F).
Since the weather has warmed up in Ocala, we decided to make the move to Emile (Denny's brother) and Fran's place, just outside of Ocala. It is still too cold at home to head there, yet.

Got chores done & packed up. Said our goodbyes to Frank & Angela, our great neighbours for the past 2 weeks. Hoping to see them in June when we go to Syracuse, since they are from Rochester.

By 12:15, we were on the road under sunny 25C (77F) skies.
At 1:45, we turned on to I-75 and it was stopped! Not sure if there is an accident or how far ahead it is. In about 5 minutes, we were moving slowly, then it gradually picked up. Turned out to be just heavy traffic. Good thing we didn't have far to go!

By 2:45, we arrived at Fran & Emile's. They have over 3 acres of property and suggested several places where we could park.

We got settled in with water connection and 15 amp electric. It is a beautiful, private setting. All we hear are the birds - no trains, vehicles or voices! There are numerous Live Oak trees which have dropped their leaves, so Marcel set about raking an area in front of the rig to "mark" our site.