We left Conroe, TX. late this morning and headed North and then West. It was a long day of driving...nothing exciting. I got to read the book I bought yesterday and Mike got to drive. Sounds pretty equal, doesn't it?
We're camped out in Walmart again in Wichita Falls, TX. and so we should be in New Mexico tomorrow....probably another day of driving. Sorry there's nothing exciting to report! Happy Halloween.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
An enjoyable day with Fred & Beth
We spent the day with Fred & Beth just hanging out. We visited in the motorhome for a while and then went to lunch. We requested Mexican food (of course) and they said there are alot of good Mexican restaurants around, but took us to one of their favorites called "Chuys". It was delicious!!!! Mike thinks it was better than the Elko, NV. restaurant, but I don't agree. Either way, it was a great lunch.
After lunch, we went on a hunt for a book store as I was looking for a particular book. We eventually found it at Barnes & Noble. I wanted a good book to read on our long drive home thru the deserts!
We came back to the MH and visited until dark and then they had to leave because Fred worked all night and only slept 2 hours this morning. He really needed to go home to sleep.
We had a very enjoyable, relaxing day. It was a nice visit. We hope they come out our way to visit in the near future.
Right after they left, I got a call from Rachel saying that Ben got kicked out of school today! My perfect Ben! I cannot believe that. I wish I was home to talk to him. Apparently he was in a fight at school....which doesn't sound like him at all. I can't wait to hear the details as Rachel learns them. She just found out as she left work and got the messages on her cell phone. (She's not allowed to have her cell on at work.) He is going to miss out on all the Halloween parties tomorrow at school. So being kicked out of school during this particular week is extra bad. He can go back on Thursday. Stay tuned for details....
After lunch, we went on a hunt for a book store as I was looking for a particular book. We eventually found it at Barnes & Noble. I wanted a good book to read on our long drive home thru the deserts!
We came back to the MH and visited until dark and then they had to leave because Fred worked all night and only slept 2 hours this morning. He really needed to go home to sleep.
We had a very enjoyable, relaxing day. It was a nice visit. We hope they come out our way to visit in the near future.
Right after they left, I got a call from Rachel saying that Ben got kicked out of school today! My perfect Ben! I cannot believe that. I wish I was home to talk to him. Apparently he was in a fight at school....which doesn't sound like him at all. I can't wait to hear the details as Rachel learns them. She just found out as she left work and got the messages on her cell phone. (She's not allowed to have her cell on at work.) He is going to miss out on all the Halloween parties tomorrow at school. So being kicked out of school during this particular week is extra bad. He can go back on Thursday. Stay tuned for details....
Monday, October 29, 2007
We're in Conroe, Texas
We made it to Conroe, Tx. by mid-afternoon after about a 3 hour drive from where we were camped out in a Marshall, Tx. Walmart. We found a nice campground near Fred's house and chose a private spot that they call "a premium lake front lot". We laughed when we saw the spot. It was very nice, but the lake is really a pond. Oh well, it looks pretty.
We quickly set-up the MH and then spent the rest of the day at Fred & Beth's home. Lincoln went too. It was the first time met his Texas dog relatives as they have two large dogs. Of course, Lincoln thought he was big and tough....but they all got along fine after the initial nervousnes of meeting new dogs.
It was good to see Fred & Beth. They are both looking good, Fred as thin as always. Mike commented that you can't tell they're related! Fred barbequed rib-eye steaks and made garlic bread from the bread that he personally made. He works at a large Texas supermarket in the bakery dept. Dinner was good as well as the Texas ice cream called Blue Bell. We left their home late and headed back "home". We planned to meet tomorrow and spend the day together. Fred has to go into work tonight at 11:00pm and work until 7:30am....so we'll see tomorrow what time he's ready to get together. While we wait for them to call us, we'll sit and enjoy our "lake views".
"
We quickly set-up the MH and then spent the rest of the day at Fred & Beth's home. Lincoln went too. It was the first time met his Texas dog relatives as they have two large dogs. Of course, Lincoln thought he was big and tough....but they all got along fine after the initial nervousnes of meeting new dogs.
It was good to see Fred & Beth. They are both looking good, Fred as thin as always. Mike commented that you can't tell they're related! Fred barbequed rib-eye steaks and made garlic bread from the bread that he personally made. He works at a large Texas supermarket in the bakery dept. Dinner was good as well as the Texas ice cream called Blue Bell. We left their home late and headed back "home". We planned to meet tomorrow and spend the day together. Fred has to go into work tonight at 11:00pm and work until 7:30am....so we'll see tomorrow what time he's ready to get together. While we wait for them to call us, we'll sit and enjoy our "lake views".
"
Sunday, October 28, 2007
We're in our 28th state!
That's the big ole state of Texas!
We left Hot Springs this morning and headed towards Crater of Diamonds State Park, about an hour and a half away. The weather was perfect and it was a bright, sunny day. We walked around the visitor center, admiring all the photos of the diamonds that have been found there, including a 1.55 carat found just last week! We felt out of place after seeing people coming in with their digging gear. Apparently these were serious diamond seekers. They said that some diamonds are just found laying on top of the dirt, some are found with minor dirt moving and others with serious digging.
So, we just headed out there hoping of course to find diamonds just waiting for us to see them. That didn't happen. We turned down a row and I found a spot and just started kicking the dirt with my shoes. I found some rocks and bent down to inspect and fell over. That would have made a funny video, but we didn't bring the camera in with us....just the digital. And, we forgot to take photos at that! Hoping no one saw me fall, I just sat down and starting digging with my fingers. Mike was looking elsewhere, so luckily he didn't see me fall either, so I was saved from being made fun of. I really got into it. I loved playing in the dirt. I wished I had a trowel or something to use. I found a small rock and dug with that. Then Mike saw me digging away and gave me his pocket knife to use. He wasn't too enthusiatic and wanted to leave. He was tired and hungry and kept asking me how long I was going to dig. So, I only dug for about a half hour and quit. If I had been prepared, I could have dug for hours. I found some rocks for the grandsons and I to clean and check out....but nothing that looks like diamonds. So we left as diamond poor as we came in. Oh well. It was an experience. Sorry Mom....no diamonds!
Then we continued on our journey south and ended up in another Walmart parking lot in Marshall, TX. We're probably about 4 hours from Conroe, TX., where we are headed tomorrow to visit Mike's son Fred.
We left Hot Springs this morning and headed towards Crater of Diamonds State Park, about an hour and a half away. The weather was perfect and it was a bright, sunny day. We walked around the visitor center, admiring all the photos of the diamonds that have been found there, including a 1.55 carat found just last week! We felt out of place after seeing people coming in with their digging gear. Apparently these were serious diamond seekers. They said that some diamonds are just found laying on top of the dirt, some are found with minor dirt moving and others with serious digging.
So, we just headed out there hoping of course to find diamonds just waiting for us to see them. That didn't happen. We turned down a row and I found a spot and just started kicking the dirt with my shoes. I found some rocks and bent down to inspect and fell over. That would have made a funny video, but we didn't bring the camera in with us....just the digital. And, we forgot to take photos at that! Hoping no one saw me fall, I just sat down and starting digging with my fingers. Mike was looking elsewhere, so luckily he didn't see me fall either, so I was saved from being made fun of. I really got into it. I loved playing in the dirt. I wished I had a trowel or something to use. I found a small rock and dug with that. Then Mike saw me digging away and gave me his pocket knife to use. He wasn't too enthusiatic and wanted to leave. He was tired and hungry and kept asking me how long I was going to dig. So, I only dug for about a half hour and quit. If I had been prepared, I could have dug for hours. I found some rocks for the grandsons and I to clean and check out....but nothing that looks like diamonds. So we left as diamond poor as we came in. Oh well. It was an experience. Sorry Mom....no diamonds!
Then we continued on our journey south and ended up in another Walmart parking lot in Marshall, TX. We're probably about 4 hours from Conroe, TX., where we are headed tomorrow to visit Mike's son Fred.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
We're still in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Well, today was rather a boring day for those wanting some exciting information.
Both of us were feeling drained...I think all of the traveling has caught up to us and on the same day! Good news....it NOT humid! The weather is absolutely perfect. I actually had a good hair day.
We didn't even even leave the MH til about 11:00 and then headed out to find this Mexican restaurant that is advertised as the best Mexican food in the entire State of Arkansas. So....I had to try it. It took us a while to find it, getting lost twice. We found it, yeah! Anyway, it started off well with very good chips and so-so salsa. Actually, my food was good. Mike didn't care for his too much and brought part of it home for Lincoln. Lincoln loved it by the way.
Then we decided to drive into the Hot Springs Nat'l Park, expecting to find spectacular sights as in most National Parks. However, we drove and drove and realized that all the shops and things we kept seeing WERE the National Park. We can't really understand why they call it a National Park other than the hot springs that they've apparently turned into resorts. Oh well.
After driving all around and feeling drained, we decided to come back and do laundry. We had 5 loads to do. Or should I say "I" had 5 loads to do. Several hours later, laundry clean, we ventured into town to find dinner. (Too tired to cook too.) We found a cheap Chinese buffet and ate there. It was good for the price. Although we feel hungry now just an hour later!
I'm filling in alot of my time working. I know...I'm not supposed to work. However, I love my work and I love helping people find what they are looking for or getting my listings sold. I'm working on some deals and that's keeping me busy while Mike relaxes and watches TV.
BUT, tomorrow I'm looking forward to something that is exciting to me. And MOM, you're going to be jealous. We're going to the only DIAMOND mine in the United States. Its about an hour from where we are now and you better believe we'll be going there! I bet I'll keep you all checking in tomorrow to see if I'm rich with diamonds! Stayed Tuned,
Jeri
Both of us were feeling drained...I think all of the traveling has caught up to us and on the same day! Good news....it NOT humid! The weather is absolutely perfect. I actually had a good hair day.
We didn't even even leave the MH til about 11:00 and then headed out to find this Mexican restaurant that is advertised as the best Mexican food in the entire State of Arkansas. So....I had to try it. It took us a while to find it, getting lost twice. We found it, yeah! Anyway, it started off well with very good chips and so-so salsa. Actually, my food was good. Mike didn't care for his too much and brought part of it home for Lincoln. Lincoln loved it by the way.
Then we decided to drive into the Hot Springs Nat'l Park, expecting to find spectacular sights as in most National Parks. However, we drove and drove and realized that all the shops and things we kept seeing WERE the National Park. We can't really understand why they call it a National Park other than the hot springs that they've apparently turned into resorts. Oh well.
After driving all around and feeling drained, we decided to come back and do laundry. We had 5 loads to do. Or should I say "I" had 5 loads to do. Several hours later, laundry clean, we ventured into town to find dinner. (Too tired to cook too.) We found a cheap Chinese buffet and ate there. It was good for the price. Although we feel hungry now just an hour later!
I'm filling in alot of my time working. I know...I'm not supposed to work. However, I love my work and I love helping people find what they are looking for or getting my listings sold. I'm working on some deals and that's keeping me busy while Mike relaxes and watches TV.
BUT, tomorrow I'm looking forward to something that is exciting to me. And MOM, you're going to be jealous. We're going to the only DIAMOND mine in the United States. Its about an hour from where we are now and you better believe we'll be going there! I bet I'll keep you all checking in tomorrow to see if I'm rich with diamonds! Stayed Tuned,
Jeri
Friday, October 26, 2007
OK, so now we're in Arkansas!
So, its not somewhere I ever envisioned myself going.....however, since we are heading back west via Texas, it made sense to go via Arkansas. We are heading towards the Houston area to visit Fred, Mike's son.
We left the nice campground in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee after taking a walk around the area. It was a nice campground with lots of picnic areas. I wish we had areas like that near us. It was very inviting for get-togethers. We just decided to keep heading west on route 64...a scenic byway. It was a long day of driving. the terrain in parts of Tenn. was nice and rolling and then flattened out and was flat all the way thru Arkansas. We went thru Little Rock and then veered southwest towards Hot Springs National Park. We figured that we may as well check out another National Park even tho we never thought of doing so. It started getting a little hilly as we grew closer to the park area. It was dark and found a KOA near the park. We got settled in the nice park and were told that we can even order pizza to be delivered to our MH! Can you believe how we are roughing it? I ordered the pizza and it was delivered about 25 minutes later and can you believe, it was one of the best pizza's I've ever had! Wow. What a pleasure and a surprise at that.
We ate and then I had to take Lincoln out for a walk. The weather is absolutely perfect. It was 8:30pm and 67 degrees and perfect. Great sleeping weather. I love it. We'll check out the Nat'l. Park tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.
We left the nice campground in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee after taking a walk around the area. It was a nice campground with lots of picnic areas. I wish we had areas like that near us. It was very inviting for get-togethers. We just decided to keep heading west on route 64...a scenic byway. It was a long day of driving. the terrain in parts of Tenn. was nice and rolling and then flattened out and was flat all the way thru Arkansas. We went thru Little Rock and then veered southwest towards Hot Springs National Park. We figured that we may as well check out another National Park even tho we never thought of doing so. It started getting a little hilly as we grew closer to the park area. It was dark and found a KOA near the park. We got settled in the nice park and were told that we can even order pizza to be delivered to our MH! Can you believe how we are roughing it? I ordered the pizza and it was delivered about 25 minutes later and can you believe, it was one of the best pizza's I've ever had! Wow. What a pleasure and a surprise at that.
We ate and then I had to take Lincoln out for a walk. The weather is absolutely perfect. It was 8:30pm and 67 degrees and perfect. Great sleeping weather. I love it. We'll check out the Nat'l. Park tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
It's Tennessee today!
We left our Walmart campground in Perry, GA. this morning and headed north. We had no idea where we were going...so we just went north. We decided to get into Tennessee and then get on the side, scenic roads going West in Tenn. As soon as we entered Tennessee, the rolling hills began. Gone were the flatlands. The further west we went, we started seeing the green trees turning colors. The homes started getting more stately too; large, beautiful and statuesque on huge green lots. I must say, it was pretty impressive.
We ended up in Lawrenceburg, TN. at the Davey Crockett State Park. Its a very nice campground. Apparently this is where Davey Crockett was from and eventually became a Congressman in the early 1800's. I didn't know he was a real person before today. I thought he was a fictional character. (Well, I was known to sleep thru History classes!)
Anyway, we'll probably leave in the morning and head towards Memphis and then who knows where. It was a pretty uneventful day otherwise. Mike caught me sleeping several times during his long driving day. (Note the photo on the right.)
We ended up in Lawrenceburg, TN. at the Davey Crockett State Park. Its a very nice campground. Apparently this is where Davey Crockett was from and eventually became a Congressman in the early 1800's. I didn't know he was a real person before today. I thought he was a fictional character. (Well, I was known to sleep thru History classes!)
Anyway, we'll probably leave in the morning and head towards Memphis and then who knows where. It was a pretty uneventful day otherwise. Mike caught me sleeping several times during his long driving day. (Note the photo on the right.)
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
We're in Georgia now.
We went to the beach shortly after 8:00 this morning. It was already 78 degrees. We found this other beach where you could drive right onto the beach. That was cool. We walked over to the water and I got in up to my knees. Mike had enough just at his ankles and had enough after 5 minutes. (He's not a huge ocean person.) I talked him into walking along the water (me up to my knees and him just around his feet) for about 20 minutes and then we had enough and left. The sand was so soft and the water was warm. Still, there was no "ocean smell" that we have on the Pacific. No one has been able to tell us why? Its really bothering us not knowing why.
Anyway, we packed up and left after deciding to head to Tennessee. Tonight we are about and hour and a half south of Atlanta, camped in a Walmart parking lot. When we pulled in, we noticed a BBQ place right there too! Guess what we had for dinner? Finger licking good ribs. Actually, they were "OK". The macaroni and cheese it came with was very good.
After dinner, our big night ended up with us shopping at Walmart! What a nice evening in Georgia. We finally hit rain about 5 minutes after we left our campground this morning. Then it was off and on for most of the drive north. It got scary at times.
I had Mike take a photo of my "growing hair" today. I wish I wouldn have thought about taking a picture in the past week when its really been huge. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy it. Please note that I am sitting at the table in the MH with the computer in front of me in the Walmart parking lot.
Anyway, we packed up and left after deciding to head to Tennessee. Tonight we are about and hour and a half south of Atlanta, camped in a Walmart parking lot. When we pulled in, we noticed a BBQ place right there too! Guess what we had for dinner? Finger licking good ribs. Actually, they were "OK". The macaroni and cheese it came with was very good.
After dinner, our big night ended up with us shopping at Walmart! What a nice evening in Georgia. We finally hit rain about 5 minutes after we left our campground this morning. Then it was off and on for most of the drive north. It got scary at times.
I had Mike take a photo of my "growing hair" today. I wish I wouldn have thought about taking a picture in the past week when its really been huge. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy it. Please note that I am sitting at the table in the MH with the computer in front of me in the Walmart parking lot.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
We're in Florida
We left Charleston this morning to head south. No real destination.....just south. We were hoping to find less humid weather...but it wasn't looking that way as we continued on our drive south.
We went thru the eastern part of Georgia and entered Florida. It started getting late and we
ended up finding a campground in St. Augustine, FL., which is south of Jacksonville. It was even hotter and about the same humidity. So, we settled into the MH, turned on the air and just vegged out. I don't remember if I mentioned a while back the the front air conditioner stopped working. I may not have mentioned it because it was a non-issue due to the cool weather we had in the northeast. But, now it IS an issue since we're into the hot, muggy weather. Luckily, once we stop driving and get the diesel engine from producing heat, we are able to cool down the whole MH just from running the bedroom A/C.
So, we were cooled down and relaxed and Mike suggested we take a drive to check out the beach. I was up for that because I'd at least like to say I had my feet in the Atlantic ocean and see what it feels like. We took the Jeep for a 15 minute drive to the beach, by now it was almost dark. The sign said no dogs were allowed, so Mike said he'd stay at the car and I could go dip my feet in the water. (We couldn't leave Lincoln in the car because it was too hot.)
WOW! I could not believe it! The sand is white and soft, not hard on the feet like the Pacific Ocean sands. Then I walked to the water and WOW again! It was so warm! I didn't want to leave! I wanted to just stay there for hours! Can you believe that this 50 year old never felt this kind of beach before? We're going to head back to the beach first thing in the AM tomorrow, leaving Lincoln in the MH. I'll let you know how it is.
A funny thing happened though when we got back from the drive to the beach. We pulled up to the MH, I opened the door and my glasses fogged up!!!! I've never had that happen like that before. It was certainly weird (and humid).
Late night update: Its about 10:20pm and I just took Lincoln out before I went to bed. Its still 81 degrees out and probably 90% humidity. I was out just 3 minutes with him and my skin was wet and clammy. We are so spoiled in our dry climate, but this makes me love it even more.
We went thru the eastern part of Georgia and entered Florida. It started getting late and we
ended up finding a campground in St. Augustine, FL., which is south of Jacksonville. It was even hotter and about the same humidity. So, we settled into the MH, turned on the air and just vegged out. I don't remember if I mentioned a while back the the front air conditioner stopped working. I may not have mentioned it because it was a non-issue due to the cool weather we had in the northeast. But, now it IS an issue since we're into the hot, muggy weather. Luckily, once we stop driving and get the diesel engine from producing heat, we are able to cool down the whole MH just from running the bedroom A/C.
So, we were cooled down and relaxed and Mike suggested we take a drive to check out the beach. I was up for that because I'd at least like to say I had my feet in the Atlantic ocean and see what it feels like. We took the Jeep for a 15 minute drive to the beach, by now it was almost dark. The sign said no dogs were allowed, so Mike said he'd stay at the car and I could go dip my feet in the water. (We couldn't leave Lincoln in the car because it was too hot.)
WOW! I could not believe it! The sand is white and soft, not hard on the feet like the Pacific Ocean sands. Then I walked to the water and WOW again! It was so warm! I didn't want to leave! I wanted to just stay there for hours! Can you believe that this 50 year old never felt this kind of beach before? We're going to head back to the beach first thing in the AM tomorrow, leaving Lincoln in the MH. I'll let you know how it is.
A funny thing happened though when we got back from the drive to the beach. We pulled up to the MH, I opened the door and my glasses fogged up!!!! I've never had that happen like that before. It was certainly weird (and humid).
Late night update: Its about 10:20pm and I just took Lincoln out before I went to bed. Its still 81 degrees out and probably 90% humidity. I was out just 3 minutes with him and my skin was wet and clammy. We are so spoiled in our dry climate, but this makes me love it even more.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Last day in Charleston, SC
We stayed in Charleston yet another day today. It was hot and humid. The 80+ degrees wouldn't be so bad if not for the humidity. It sure makes us appreciate where we live. AND, I have not had a good hair day in so long. Not only does Mike laugh at my crazy hair, it makes me laugh hysterically. Its wild and huge! I am also being eaten alive by mosquitos. I just took Lincoln out for a 4 minute bathroom walk and I have about 6 bites!
We started out our day going on the Harbor cruise of Historic Charleston. It was nice. If I have to compare, for those of you who haven't been on the east coast, the West is much better. The harbor cruise we took in Seattle a couple of years ago was so much more interesting with so many beautiful sights than anything we've seen here. Oh well. We wouldn't know unless we tried it. This trip is given us a great appreciation for the West. And still...we were on the Atlantic ocean today and NO smell? No one has given us an answer as to why there is no ocean smell?
After our cruise, we went down to Market Street to do some shopping. It was so funny because we are not used to paying for parking. So when we felt fortunate to find a parking space on one of these tiny city streets, we parked, got out of the car, and started walking to the shopping area. We were gone about 45 minutes when all of a sudden it dawned on me that we didn't put any money in the parking meter! Our hearts started racing thinking that either we were going to find a ticket on our windshield or find our car towed away! We were afraid to look as we got closer. I got there first and saw the car and no ticket. Then I went to the meter and you wouldn't believe it.....there was ONE MINUTE left on it! Apparently whoever parked there before us still had time on it and we got back with one minute to spare. Can you believe it?
We felt fortunate and hungry so we found a place called "Tbone Bar & Grill" and went for lunch. It was very good. I had a shrimp salad and it was the best shrimp I have ever had.
After shopping and our late lunch, we decided to go back home rest and get in the airconditioning. We stayed there the rest of the day. OH, and I got my e-mail fixed, finally. So feel free to e-mail! Tomorrow we'll be leaving and heading towards Florida. We'll let you know where we end up.
We started out our day going on the Harbor cruise of Historic Charleston. It was nice. If I have to compare, for those of you who haven't been on the east coast, the West is much better. The harbor cruise we took in Seattle a couple of years ago was so much more interesting with so many beautiful sights than anything we've seen here. Oh well. We wouldn't know unless we tried it. This trip is given us a great appreciation for the West. And still...we were on the Atlantic ocean today and NO smell? No one has given us an answer as to why there is no ocean smell?
After our cruise, we went down to Market Street to do some shopping. It was so funny because we are not used to paying for parking. So when we felt fortunate to find a parking space on one of these tiny city streets, we parked, got out of the car, and started walking to the shopping area. We were gone about 45 minutes when all of a sudden it dawned on me that we didn't put any money in the parking meter! Our hearts started racing thinking that either we were going to find a ticket on our windshield or find our car towed away! We were afraid to look as we got closer. I got there first and saw the car and no ticket. Then I went to the meter and you wouldn't believe it.....there was ONE MINUTE left on it! Apparently whoever parked there before us still had time on it and we got back with one minute to spare. Can you believe it?
We felt fortunate and hungry so we found a place called "Tbone Bar & Grill" and went for lunch. It was very good. I had a shrimp salad and it was the best shrimp I have ever had.
After shopping and our late lunch, we decided to go back home rest and get in the airconditioning. We stayed there the rest of the day. OH, and I got my e-mail fixed, finally. So feel free to e-mail! Tomorrow we'll be leaving and heading towards Florida. We'll let you know where we end up.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Tours in Charleston, SC
We took two tours today. The first was of the Bigelow tea growers. Their place is called "Charleston Tea Plantation". You probably heard of Bigelow tea, but perhaps not Charleston Tea Plantation. It is the only place in North American that grows and processes and packs the tea all in one place. Because the area is so hot and humid, it is the perfect place to grow the tea. We toured the factory where it goes from picking the tea leaves you see in one of the photos on the right, to processing and packing them. We learned that green tea takes very little processing, then Oolong tea that we normally get in a Chinese restaurant, takes the next amount of processing and finally, black tea, takes the most. However, the most is about 18 hours. So it goes from picking to processing that quickly for the longest procesing tea.
From there, we went to Historic downtown Charleston. We signed up for a small bus tour of the downtown area and for a harbor cruise. We didn't have time today for the cruise, so we will take that tomorrow. We had to chose between a bus tour or a buggy tour, but after we saw the people packed on the buggy like sardines, we decided to take the bus tour. We saw some beautiful historic homes. As tour guides go, they can either make or break a tour and this guy kind of broke it for us. He drove the bus and talked at the same time, so he wasn't very enthusiastic and quite monotone and sometimes hard to understand. I watched people around us and they were also making comments about him. But, we just concentrated on the sights and tuned him in and out as needed.
Sometime between the tea tour and the bus tour, Mike got a headache. It apparently got worse and by the end of the tour, he couldn't stand the pain anymore. We had planned to go to this ribs restaurant that is supposedly the best ribs around, called "Sticky Fingers." We did go, but he couldn't eat. So I ate a little bit and then boxed up the rest to take back home. As soon as we got back to the MH, he took some Advil and went to bed. He slept for several hours and woke up feeling much better.
Tomorrow we will go on the harbor cruise. I am really looking forward to that. I love cruises....no matter how big or small the boat is or how short the ride is!
From there, we went to Historic downtown Charleston. We signed up for a small bus tour of the downtown area and for a harbor cruise. We didn't have time today for the cruise, so we will take that tomorrow. We had to chose between a bus tour or a buggy tour, but after we saw the people packed on the buggy like sardines, we decided to take the bus tour. We saw some beautiful historic homes. As tour guides go, they can either make or break a tour and this guy kind of broke it for us. He drove the bus and talked at the same time, so he wasn't very enthusiastic and quite monotone and sometimes hard to understand. I watched people around us and they were also making comments about him. But, we just concentrated on the sights and tuned him in and out as needed.
Sometime between the tea tour and the bus tour, Mike got a headache. It apparently got worse and by the end of the tour, he couldn't stand the pain anymore. We had planned to go to this ribs restaurant that is supposedly the best ribs around, called "Sticky Fingers." We did go, but he couldn't eat. So I ate a little bit and then boxed up the rest to take back home. As soon as we got back to the MH, he took some Advil and went to bed. He slept for several hours and woke up feeling much better.
Tomorrow we will go on the harbor cruise. I am really looking forward to that. I love cruises....no matter how big or small the boat is or how short the ride is!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
We made it to CHARLESTON, SC.
We came to Charleston by way of Myrtle Beach, SC. We wanted to check it out as we've heard of Myrtle Beach, but didn't know what it was about. Well.....you really couldn't get to the beaches unless you were at one of the hotels. It seems that these large hotels monopolize the beachfront. The town itself was just tourist trap after tourist trap....so we decided to move on to our original destination of Charleston. One good thing is that the weather is so beautiful. It was about 80, sunny and clear. BUT, we still don't smell the ocean. Doesn't the Atlantic ocean have that ocean smell that we are so accustomed to on the West Coast? Does anyone know? Its a very strange feeling to be at the ocean and not have that wonderful smell! And that's especially strange for my native Californian husband.
I neglected to mention what we were looking for while checking out the town and at the same time see the beach.....a Mexican restaurant! I've gone thru withdrawals after almost 4 weeks with no Mexican food and as we were driving closer to Myrtle Beach, we started seeing advertisements for Mexican restaurants. By the time we got there...I NEEDED Mexican food. Nothing else would do. Well, we found them....however, none of them seemed to open until dinner! We started out at 10am, thinking we'd have breakfast....then it was lunchtime and so we were sure they'd open for lunch...but..oh no.....for some stupid reason, they all chose to open for dinner. By this time, we were really starving and I reallllly needed Mexican food. I was ready to settle for Taco Bell, I was so desparate. Then we couldn't even find a Taco Bell!!!!
Now it was around 1:00 and we decided to just go back to where we had parked the MH, reattached the Jeep and headed to Charleston. We were about 10 minutes out of Myrtle Beach and lo and behold...there was a Mexican restaurant that was open! Mike didn't even have to ask. He pulled the motorhome into the adjoining shopping center parking lot and I was out the door! I have to say....it was sooooo good! And pretty cheap to! Oh, I felt so much better and was once again, a "happy camper".
We arrived in Charleston, after going over some very high (and scary) bridges and stumbled across an RV park. It is very reasonably priced, has cell phone and internet reception, but no satellite. Oh well. There's nothing on Saturday's anyway. We ended up watching a movie that I bought at one of the Walmarts on clearance.....The General's Daughter. It was pretty good.
Oh, before we watched the movie, we went for a walk, but had to cut it short as the mosquitos were enjoying me for dinner. Mike didn't even get one bite, as ususal. I guess its my sweet blood. We've picked up a bunch of brochures of things to do and there's so much to see....you'll have to stayed tuned to see what we end up doing. I think we'll be here for a few days at least.
Until tomorrow...
Jeri
I neglected to mention what we were looking for while checking out the town and at the same time see the beach.....a Mexican restaurant! I've gone thru withdrawals after almost 4 weeks with no Mexican food and as we were driving closer to Myrtle Beach, we started seeing advertisements for Mexican restaurants. By the time we got there...I NEEDED Mexican food. Nothing else would do. Well, we found them....however, none of them seemed to open until dinner! We started out at 10am, thinking we'd have breakfast....then it was lunchtime and so we were sure they'd open for lunch...but..oh no.....for some stupid reason, they all chose to open for dinner. By this time, we were really starving and I reallllly needed Mexican food. I was ready to settle for Taco Bell, I was so desparate. Then we couldn't even find a Taco Bell!!!!
Now it was around 1:00 and we decided to just go back to where we had parked the MH, reattached the Jeep and headed to Charleston. We were about 10 minutes out of Myrtle Beach and lo and behold...there was a Mexican restaurant that was open! Mike didn't even have to ask. He pulled the motorhome into the adjoining shopping center parking lot and I was out the door! I have to say....it was sooooo good! And pretty cheap to! Oh, I felt so much better and was once again, a "happy camper".
We arrived in Charleston, after going over some very high (and scary) bridges and stumbled across an RV park. It is very reasonably priced, has cell phone and internet reception, but no satellite. Oh well. There's nothing on Saturday's anyway. We ended up watching a movie that I bought at one of the Walmarts on clearance.....The General's Daughter. It was pretty good.
Oh, before we watched the movie, we went for a walk, but had to cut it short as the mosquitos were enjoying me for dinner. Mike didn't even get one bite, as ususal. I guess its my sweet blood. We've picked up a bunch of brochures of things to do and there's so much to see....you'll have to stayed tuned to see what we end up doing. I think we'll be here for a few days at least.
Until tomorrow...
Jeri
Friday, October 19, 2007
No photos today...driving all day.
We made alot of distance today as we left Virginia, drove thru North Carolina (there wasn't anything we really wanted to see there) and went half way thru South Carolina.
We kept hearing about tornados to the south and west of us and we were trying to get out of the pathways of any bad storms. Apparently we outran them as it is almost 9:30pm and we are once again camped out at a Walmart, this time in Florence, South Carolina,. Its not too far from the coast. We will get there in the morning. However, its still 77 degrees and about 80% humidity.
I spotted a nice looking steak house not too far from Walmart, so we went there for dinner. Everything about the meal was fantastic. From the Ranch dressing on my salad, the great homemade whole wheat bread and to the unbelievable steaks we had. No complaints here....except when the bill came. Actually, the prices were pretty comparable to any steakhouse we normal go to. Mike ordered a Margarita, so I thought I would order a drink. For those of you who know me well.....I do not drink. But, I was relaxed and daring, so I chose a Pina Colada. I thought I couldn't go wrong with that sweet choice. Well, that too was excellent and I drank it all. However, a short time later I started to notice that I was getting a hot flash.....and I haven't gotten hot flashes.....so.....now I've got one more reason not to drink! (And I'll save alot of money and calories too!)
Lincoln always gets excited when he sees us carrying a "white box" when we come home from eating out. He saw the box and then got a whiff of the steaks inside and went crazy. He was so excited that I felt guilty about not giving it to him. But it was so good, we are looking forward to the left overs for lunch tomorrow! Sorry Lincoln.
After dinner I went into Walmart to look for a Temperpdic pillow for Mike. Not for his head...but for his rear end. You see, ever since we left, it seems that when he sits for more than a half an hour driving, he gets a pain in his lower back that radiates down his hip and to his rear end and down his leg. It seems he has a pinched nerve and all the driving is aggrevating it. So, we thought that if he sat on one of those pillows, it may help relieve some of the pressure. I'll let you know how it works tomorow!
Oh, while Mike was doing all this driving thru the states today, I was daydreaming about my next vacation! Its been just about 5 weeks already and I'm liking vacations! Anyway, Rachel has booked a weekend cruise to Mexico on Feb. 29th on Royal Carribean, Friday-Monday to celebrate her 30th birthday. So...I started thinking that I would join her and take Lauri with me as a gift for her upcoming 50th birthday. (She doesn't want a party). I talked to David and he wants to go too. So.....anyone who wants to join us,let me know. The more the merrier and the prices are great. Anywhere from $229. per person on up...depending on the cabin you book. Its pretty cheap for room and board and entertainment! Lets plan a big gathering that weekend! Come on everyone!
We kept hearing about tornados to the south and west of us and we were trying to get out of the pathways of any bad storms. Apparently we outran them as it is almost 9:30pm and we are once again camped out at a Walmart, this time in Florence, South Carolina,. Its not too far from the coast. We will get there in the morning. However, its still 77 degrees and about 80% humidity.
I spotted a nice looking steak house not too far from Walmart, so we went there for dinner. Everything about the meal was fantastic. From the Ranch dressing on my salad, the great homemade whole wheat bread and to the unbelievable steaks we had. No complaints here....except when the bill came. Actually, the prices were pretty comparable to any steakhouse we normal go to. Mike ordered a Margarita, so I thought I would order a drink. For those of you who know me well.....I do not drink. But, I was relaxed and daring, so I chose a Pina Colada. I thought I couldn't go wrong with that sweet choice. Well, that too was excellent and I drank it all. However, a short time later I started to notice that I was getting a hot flash.....and I haven't gotten hot flashes.....so.....now I've got one more reason not to drink! (And I'll save alot of money and calories too!)
Lincoln always gets excited when he sees us carrying a "white box" when we come home from eating out. He saw the box and then got a whiff of the steaks inside and went crazy. He was so excited that I felt guilty about not giving it to him. But it was so good, we are looking forward to the left overs for lunch tomorrow! Sorry Lincoln.
After dinner I went into Walmart to look for a Temperpdic pillow for Mike. Not for his head...but for his rear end. You see, ever since we left, it seems that when he sits for more than a half an hour driving, he gets a pain in his lower back that radiates down his hip and to his rear end and down his leg. It seems he has a pinched nerve and all the driving is aggrevating it. So, we thought that if he sat on one of those pillows, it may help relieve some of the pressure. I'll let you know how it works tomorow!
Oh, while Mike was doing all this driving thru the states today, I was daydreaming about my next vacation! Its been just about 5 weeks already and I'm liking vacations! Anyway, Rachel has booked a weekend cruise to Mexico on Feb. 29th on Royal Carribean, Friday-Monday to celebrate her 30th birthday. So...I started thinking that I would join her and take Lauri with me as a gift for her upcoming 50th birthday. (She doesn't want a party). I talked to David and he wants to go too. So.....anyone who wants to join us,let me know. The more the merrier and the prices are great. Anywhere from $229. per person on up...depending on the cabin you book. Its pretty cheap for room and board and entertainment! Lets plan a big gathering that weekend! Come on everyone!
Quick Comment
If anyone tried to e-mail me and it was returned to you...try it again. I called my e-mail server and he said that if my trash was full, then it was reject any new e-mails. So, I emptied the trash and hopefully I can get all of your e-mails.
Thanks,
Jeri
Thanks,
Jeri
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Blue Ridge Mountains
We hardly slept last night as the traffic going by the Walmart campground (parking lot) was soooo loud. We country folk are not used to all the traffic noise plus Mike discovered that it was at a lighted intersection going uphill, so everyone had to rev their engines as they started from the green light. Mike fell asleep quickly at first (from driving exhaustion) so I was left to my own accord.
Leaving this fraidycat awake alone in a busy parking lot left me constantly watching out the windows. As it was getting quite dark, I noticed a trashed out van parked nearby and facing our motorhome. I saw two people sitting in it for quite some time and I started to wonder what they were doing. So I got out the binaculars and tried to play detective and watch them without being spotted. It was quite funny if anyone had seen me. I'm glad they didn't. Nothing ever came of it and I went to be around 11:30 with a headache from the binoculars. I think all the adjustments I did to see clearly hurt my eyes and then my head!
So, we arose early and left to tour the Blue Ridge Mountain Range today. It was a feast for our eyes as the leaves were changing and were beautiful. The reds were so vibrant it was unreal. We took video and photos but after looking at the photos to download, I noticed that the camera didn't capture the colors. I hope the video did because they were awesome.
We decided to end the day early and found a quiet campground in Roanoke, VA. Its in Southern Virginia. Tomorrow we'll continue south and into North Carolina and then into South Carolina. Our next destination is Charleston, SC.
Leaving this fraidycat awake alone in a busy parking lot left me constantly watching out the windows. As it was getting quite dark, I noticed a trashed out van parked nearby and facing our motorhome. I saw two people sitting in it for quite some time and I started to wonder what they were doing. So I got out the binaculars and tried to play detective and watch them without being spotted. It was quite funny if anyone had seen me. I'm glad they didn't. Nothing ever came of it and I went to be around 11:30 with a headache from the binoculars. I think all the adjustments I did to see clearly hurt my eyes and then my head!
So, we arose early and left to tour the Blue Ridge Mountain Range today. It was a feast for our eyes as the leaves were changing and were beautiful. The reds were so vibrant it was unreal. We took video and photos but after looking at the photos to download, I noticed that the camera didn't capture the colors. I hope the video did because they were awesome.
We decided to end the day early and found a quiet campground in Roanoke, VA. Its in Southern Virginia. Tomorrow we'll continue south and into North Carolina and then into South Carolina. Our next destination is Charleston, SC.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
We're in Virginia
We took a tour in Gettysburg yesterday and drove around ourselves, checking out the town. There's alot of interesting homes. Alot of them have the plate on the front of them certifying that they were there during the infamous civil war in 1863. Can you imagine they're still standing?
We left today, heading south. We drove thru the Western section of Maryland & a part of West Virginia and now we're in Charlottesville, Virginia. We're going to drive along the Blue Ridge Mountains tomorrow. Today was a long driving day. We're parked/camped once again in the Walmart parking lot. We actually found a great buffet restaurant down the road. All the food was great and there was so much to choose from. We couldn't possibly taste it all, but it was well worth the try!
We left today, heading south. We drove thru the Western section of Maryland & a part of West Virginia and now we're in Charlottesville, Virginia. We're going to drive along the Blue Ridge Mountains tomorrow. Today was a long driving day. We're parked/camped once again in the Walmart parking lot. We actually found a great buffet restaurant down the road. All the food was great and there was so much to choose from. We couldn't possibly taste it all, but it was well worth the try!
Monday, October 15, 2007
More Chocolate today!
Since Mike hadn't had a chance to check out Hershey World, we went there this morning. We had to leave the campground or pay for another day, so we parked the MH in the Hershey Outlet Center parking lot and drove over to the park with the Jeep. Yes, not only does Hershey have a Chocolate World, they also have an outlet mall!
Mike was like a kid in a candy store...oh, he was in a candy store, but not a kid. Anyway, he wandered from shelf to shelf checking everything out and then decided it was time to pick up a basket and start filling it. That exhausted us and made us hungry, so we discovered another Friendly's restaurant and felt better.
After hooking up the Jeep to the MH, we headed south and ended up tonight in Gettysburg. We'll check things out tomorrow and perhaps take an area tour. In the meantime, we're tired...probably from too much sugar. So, we're just relaxing tonight.
Mike was like a kid in a candy store...oh, he was in a candy store, but not a kid. Anyway, he wandered from shelf to shelf checking everything out and then decided it was time to pick up a basket and start filling it. That exhausted us and made us hungry, so we discovered another Friendly's restaurant and felt better.
After hooking up the Jeep to the MH, we headed south and ended up tonight in Gettysburg. We'll check things out tomorrow and perhaps take an area tour. In the meantime, we're tired...probably from too much sugar. So, we're just relaxing tonight.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
We're in Hershey, PA.
We're in Hershey town where chocolate kisses line the streets. I'll try and get some photos of that tomorrow.
Its a clean place and actually smells like chocolate. Mike took a nap while I went to the Hershey Chocolate headquarters. It was like a big candy store. I stocked up on enough chocolates to last us til we get home. Then the diets begin! We may go there in the morning so Mike can see it....he's not too excited tho.
We got a great campsite next to a creek....no, not a chocolate creek, but that would have been awesome. The weather was absolutely perfect...around 70, no windy and perfectly clear skies. I think we brought the California weather with us on this trip. With the exception of a few wet days, we've had great weather.
Its a clean place and actually smells like chocolate. Mike took a nap while I went to the Hershey Chocolate headquarters. It was like a big candy store. I stocked up on enough chocolates to last us til we get home. Then the diets begin! We may go there in the morning so Mike can see it....he's not too excited tho.
We got a great campsite next to a creek....no, not a chocolate creek, but that would have been awesome. The weather was absolutely perfect...around 70, no windy and perfectly clear skies. I think we brought the California weather with us on this trip. With the exception of a few wet days, we've had great weather.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
We're in Pennsylvania
We left Mystic, CT. this morning to head down towards Hershey, PA. Any guess as to why this chocaholic would want to go there?
So, we drove thru Conn. and New York and are camping out again in a Walmart parking lot 4 miles from Hershey. The campgrounds were pretty full for the weekend, so we figured we'd let people clear out tomorrow (Sunday) and then we could head into a campground and then start eating my way around Hershey!
What we discovered on our long drive today was that Conn. was a pretty boring drive, but once again, New York surprised us. It has more greenery, rolling hills and some small mountains. Then it even got prettier when we entered Pennsylvania...more rolling hills, small mountains and lots of greenery. We had expected flat lands but are pleasantly surprised.
Sorry there's nothing exciting to report nor any photos...its just one of those travel days.
So, we drove thru Conn. and New York and are camping out again in a Walmart parking lot 4 miles from Hershey. The campgrounds were pretty full for the weekend, so we figured we'd let people clear out tomorrow (Sunday) and then we could head into a campground and then start eating my way around Hershey!
What we discovered on our long drive today was that Conn. was a pretty boring drive, but once again, New York surprised us. It has more greenery, rolling hills and some small mountains. Then it even got prettier when we entered Pennsylvania...more rolling hills, small mountains and lots of greenery. We had expected flat lands but are pleasantly surprised.
Sorry there's nothing exciting to report nor any photos...its just one of those travel days.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Our toilet is fixed...YEAH!
Thank goodness I bring along my mechanic/handyman with me as I now have a working toilet again....oh, the simple pleasures in life! The part arrived at noon today and so while I watched All My Children, Mike fixed the toilet!
This morning we took Lincoln to the vet and he got a shot and some pills. So he is on the road to recovery! What a nice day.
After all the repairs, we decided to take a drive to Rhode Island which turned out to only be a few miles away from where we were staying in Conneticut. On the maps, its looks so far, but in reality, these states are so close together. Within a minute of entering R.I., we encountered awesome homes. I couldn't get my cameras out fast enough. I grabbed my video camera first and therefore have alot more on video. The digital only captured a few homes as we were driving too fast to get many photos and people were behind us, so we couldn't stop to oogle and take pictures. Sorry. You'll al just have to come to the video watching party!
Then we came back to Mystic and went to a bunch of shops. I usually don't like shopping, but these shops were each unique and next to each other. It was fun. We walked up an appetite and went for dinner at a steakhouse nearby. It was delicious. Speaking of delicious...David asked if we've been enjoying our food or if we're watching what we eat. Well, we are enjoying our food as we watch it go into our mouths. No one will recognize us when we return as we feel so fat! But, we decided this is a trip of a lifetime and we were going to enjoy it totally, and that includes eating whatever we so desire. Its been very enjoyable. And we're addicted to the Friendly's restaurants!!!!
So, tomorrow we will be moving on and heading towards Pennsylvania.
HEY, does anyone know why we cannot smell the ocean? We noticed this as soon as we got to the ocean in Maine and in each state at the ocean, we can't get over the fact that there is no good ocean smell like we get at the Pacific Coast. Can anyone explain this? Its a very weird feeling.
This morning we took Lincoln to the vet and he got a shot and some pills. So he is on the road to recovery! What a nice day.
After all the repairs, we decided to take a drive to Rhode Island which turned out to only be a few miles away from where we were staying in Conneticut. On the maps, its looks so far, but in reality, these states are so close together. Within a minute of entering R.I., we encountered awesome homes. I couldn't get my cameras out fast enough. I grabbed my video camera first and therefore have alot more on video. The digital only captured a few homes as we were driving too fast to get many photos and people were behind us, so we couldn't stop to oogle and take pictures. Sorry. You'll al just have to come to the video watching party!
Then we came back to Mystic and went to a bunch of shops. I usually don't like shopping, but these shops were each unique and next to each other. It was fun. We walked up an appetite and went for dinner at a steakhouse nearby. It was delicious. Speaking of delicious...David asked if we've been enjoying our food or if we're watching what we eat. Well, we are enjoying our food as we watch it go into our mouths. No one will recognize us when we return as we feel so fat! But, we decided this is a trip of a lifetime and we were going to enjoy it totally, and that includes eating whatever we so desire. Its been very enjoyable. And we're addicted to the Friendly's restaurants!!!!
So, tomorrow we will be moving on and heading towards Pennsylvania.
HEY, does anyone know why we cannot smell the ocean? We noticed this as soon as we got to the ocean in Maine and in each state at the ocean, we can't get over the fact that there is no good ocean smell like we get at the Pacific Coast. Can anyone explain this? Its a very weird feeling.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Pizza anyone? That's "Mystic"!
Well, we had an interesting night last night.
First, we "camped" out at Walmart in Norwich, Conn. It was our first Walmart "campground" on this trip....but free. All was going well..Mike was in the bedroom sleeping and I was in the livingroom watching tv (Private Practice) and all of a sudden, the toilet started flushing....and flushing...and flushing. It wouldn't stop. It was possessed.
It woke Mike up and he asked what I was doing....I said that the toilet was going crazy. So, he groggily got up, and not too happy I might add, to see what was going on. He couldn't stop it so he unplugged the fuse. It stopped. Then he plugged the fuse in again and it wouldn't work. After reading thru the little instruction pamphlet and Mike trying to fix it, to no avail, he gave up and said we'll have to call the manufacturer in the morning.
To make a long story short, he called all around this morning, from our campsite in the Walmart parking lot, and no one had the part, a controller, in stock. So, we had to order it and have it overnighted to us. But, there was another problem. Where was it to be delivered???!?!?!? We decided to make a decision on where to go, find a campground, make reservations and then have the part delivered tomorrow. Thank goodness for computers with wireless internet and cell phones! How did people travel before?
So, we're now in Mystic, Conn. Its a little resort community on the water in So. Conn. And yes, its where the movie was filed. Of course, we went there for lunch. You'll see an awful picture of me standing in front of the restaurant. It was actually pretty good food.
Since we're staying put for a couple of days awaiting repairs (thank goodness for Mike), we decided it was time to find a vet for Lincoln. No.....not for that. But his terrier skin allergies have been acting up rather terribly due to being exposed to grass everywhere. He's not used to the grass at home since our grasses don't start growing yet. I found a vet and he has an appt. tomorrow for an allergy shot....poor baby. He's been on his best behavior since he was grounded after the incident in a few weeks ago.
We just rested the rest of today as Mike didn't sleep much last night due to the toilet issue, so it was an uneventful afternoon. Tomorrow, after our vet appt., we'll go sightseeing.
First, we "camped" out at Walmart in Norwich, Conn. It was our first Walmart "campground" on this trip....but free. All was going well..Mike was in the bedroom sleeping and I was in the livingroom watching tv (Private Practice) and all of a sudden, the toilet started flushing....and flushing...and flushing. It wouldn't stop. It was possessed.
It woke Mike up and he asked what I was doing....I said that the toilet was going crazy. So, he groggily got up, and not too happy I might add, to see what was going on. He couldn't stop it so he unplugged the fuse. It stopped. Then he plugged the fuse in again and it wouldn't work. After reading thru the little instruction pamphlet and Mike trying to fix it, to no avail, he gave up and said we'll have to call the manufacturer in the morning.
To make a long story short, he called all around this morning, from our campsite in the Walmart parking lot, and no one had the part, a controller, in stock. So, we had to order it and have it overnighted to us. But, there was another problem. Where was it to be delivered???!?!?!? We decided to make a decision on where to go, find a campground, make reservations and then have the part delivered tomorrow. Thank goodness for computers with wireless internet and cell phones! How did people travel before?
So, we're now in Mystic, Conn. Its a little resort community on the water in So. Conn. And yes, its where the movie was filed. Of course, we went there for lunch. You'll see an awful picture of me standing in front of the restaurant. It was actually pretty good food.
Since we're staying put for a couple of days awaiting repairs (thank goodness for Mike), we decided it was time to find a vet for Lincoln. No.....not for that. But his terrier skin allergies have been acting up rather terribly due to being exposed to grass everywhere. He's not used to the grass at home since our grasses don't start growing yet. I found a vet and he has an appt. tomorrow for an allergy shot....poor baby. He's been on his best behavior since he was grounded after the incident in a few weeks ago.
We just rested the rest of today as Mike didn't sleep much last night due to the toilet issue, so it was an uneventful afternoon. Tomorrow, after our vet appt., we'll go sightseeing.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
We went thru 4 states today!
Well...after meandering and taking our time in the Northern US, we left Maine, went thru southern New Hampshire, thru Massachussets and down into Connecticut. We're mostly thru to the Southern part of Conn., towards the coast. Our goal tomorrow is to go checkout the Mystic area. Have you heard of the movie "Mystic Pizza"? That is where the movie was set. Its supposed to be a quaint waterfront town. So, I'll let you know.
What we did discover since we finally got on the highways (verses the side roads we've been taking), is that its expensive!!!! There are costly toll roads, especially in Maine and New Hampshire. We decided we don't like that at all. California is looking better and better all the time. We (and most everyone else in CA.) take our beautiful state for granted. You all must travel away from CA. to truly appreciate all that our state has to offer....mountains galore, deserts, oceans, valleys and great weather.
No photos today as we were just on the highways all day.
What we did discover since we finally got on the highways (verses the side roads we've been taking), is that its expensive!!!! There are costly toll roads, especially in Maine and New Hampshire. We decided we don't like that at all. California is looking better and better all the time. We (and most everyone else in CA.) take our beautiful state for granted. You all must travel away from CA. to truly appreciate all that our state has to offer....mountains galore, deserts, oceans, valleys and great weather.
No photos today as we were just on the highways all day.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Still in Maine
Well, we didn't make it to far south as we ended up in Camden, Maine. In searching on the internet, it stated that this town is the "Jewel" of Maine. So, we thought we'd check it out.
The weather couldn't have been more perfect. It was sunny, clear, no winds and in the 60's. This town is small and is on the ocean and is a pretty place. Wonderful homes along the water are beautiful to observe. The water was sparkling from the sun shining and reflecting. It was just a wonderful day. We camped at a state campground and drove around the area. I'll try and download some photos, but the internet is working very slow from here....so they may not make it tonight.
Tomorrow we plan to really leave Maine and head south. Who knows how far we'll get.....you'll have to stay posted.
Jeri
The weather couldn't have been more perfect. It was sunny, clear, no winds and in the 60's. This town is small and is on the ocean and is a pretty place. Wonderful homes along the water are beautiful to observe. The water was sparkling from the sun shining and reflecting. It was just a wonderful day. We camped at a state campground and drove around the area. I'll try and download some photos, but the internet is working very slow from here....so they may not make it tonight.
Tomorrow we plan to really leave Maine and head south. Who knows how far we'll get.....you'll have to stay posted.
Jeri
Monday, October 8, 2007
Acadia National Park Today
We had a nice day driving around Acadia Nat'l. Park today, including driving ALL the way up to the highest mountain along the Atlantic coastline......and it was at 1500 ft. Its called "Cadillac Mountain" and its where the President's daughter recently got engaged. You'll notice the picture of me at the sign and yes, it was very cold, about 41 degrees and windy.
We've got some nice scenery on video....I'm telling you...we're going to have to have a video viewing party when we return. Any no, I don't know when that is yet. We're having too good of a time. Can you believe this workaholic is not ready to go back to work yet?
We went for lunch today at a restaurant called "The Log Cabin" and it was all uneventful until an apparently disgruntled customer started yelling at the waitress and a fight started. The waitress turned and walked to the kitchen and the customer followed her. Shortly thereafter, the customer came running out with some staff following her. The she (the customer) came back in, yelling some more, getting the owner out there and threatening to call the police on the waitress and all we heard was the owner saying that they should be the ones calling the police on the customer for assault. We don't know what it was about, but it was quite entertaining for about 15 minutes. The only problem was that the waitress was OUR waitress.....so our service was quite delayed. We just laughed since we weren't in any hurry and commented that we didn't know we were getting lunch and a show!
Our campground closes tomorrow for the season and so we'll be packing up and moving on., We're heading down Hwy 1 along the Maine Coastline. So, I'll be in touch as the journey continues.
We've got some nice scenery on video....I'm telling you...we're going to have to have a video viewing party when we return. Any no, I don't know when that is yet. We're having too good of a time. Can you believe this workaholic is not ready to go back to work yet?
We went for lunch today at a restaurant called "The Log Cabin" and it was all uneventful until an apparently disgruntled customer started yelling at the waitress and a fight started. The waitress turned and walked to the kitchen and the customer followed her. Shortly thereafter, the customer came running out with some staff following her. The she (the customer) came back in, yelling some more, getting the owner out there and threatening to call the police on the waitress and all we heard was the owner saying that they should be the ones calling the police on the customer for assault. We don't know what it was about, but it was quite entertaining for about 15 minutes. The only problem was that the waitress was OUR waitress.....so our service was quite delayed. We just laughed since we weren't in any hurry and commented that we didn't know we were getting lunch and a show!
Our campground closes tomorrow for the season and so we'll be packing up and moving on., We're heading down Hwy 1 along the Maine Coastline. So, I'll be in touch as the journey continues.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Bar Harbor, Maine (pronouced "Baa Haabah")
We started today driving to downtown Bar Harbor to walk around to the shops. The skies were clear and sunny, but windy and cold. Us Californians were not prepared for the chill. You could tell who was from the New England area as they were the ones in shorts and sandalls. Oh, well. We still enjoyed walking around to the shops. We saw a cruise ship docked and realized that this is probably one of the ports of call for the New England cruises.
Then we left downtown and decided to drive around the areas. We had a nice time viewing the sites (you'll see some on the photos), but we have alot more on our video camera, including some nice area homes and a special sight we witnessed today.....a fox! As I was videotaping the homes, a fox ran out between them! And I got it on film! I grabbed my digital to take a picture just when a car stopped next to us to ask Mike directions! Darn!
On the way back to the motorhome, I got a call from a prospective buyer that saw some homes on my website. He was transferred to the Fresno area and he and his wife were driving around to check out our area. I asked where he was coming from and shockingly, he said "Schaumburg, IL.! For those of you who don't know where that is, it is where I moved from to California!
Then it was dinner time and I decided it was time to try lobster. How could I go to Maine and not have the lobster. I had it and it was OK. I guess I'm not a lobster lover as it has been about 30 years since I tried it before. Mike had ribs and as always, they were good.
Now we're back home in our little motorhome with the heaters running and settling in for the evening! Tomorrow we'll go out and explore Acadia National Park here at Bar Harbor.
See ya. Jeri.
Then we left downtown and decided to drive around the areas. We had a nice time viewing the sites (you'll see some on the photos), but we have alot more on our video camera, including some nice area homes and a special sight we witnessed today.....a fox! As I was videotaping the homes, a fox ran out between them! And I got it on film! I grabbed my digital to take a picture just when a car stopped next to us to ask Mike directions! Darn!
On the way back to the motorhome, I got a call from a prospective buyer that saw some homes on my website. He was transferred to the Fresno area and he and his wife were driving around to check out our area. I asked where he was coming from and shockingly, he said "Schaumburg, IL.! For those of you who don't know where that is, it is where I moved from to California!
Then it was dinner time and I decided it was time to try lobster. How could I go to Maine and not have the lobster. I had it and it was OK. I guess I'm not a lobster lover as it has been about 30 years since I tried it before. Mike had ribs and as always, they were good.
Now we're back home in our little motorhome with the heaters running and settling in for the evening! Tomorrow we'll go out and explore Acadia National Park here at Bar Harbor.
See ya. Jeri.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
An answer to some comments/questions
No one was able to guess what was sticking out of my shirt back in the New York photo by the lake. Rachel asked what it was.....it was a Bounty dryer sheet. I've read many places that those sheets repel mosquitos. So, I packed a bunch of them. Aparently they work, because I haven't gotten a bite yet when I've remembered to put one on me. (I have gotten many bites before I remembered about the dryer sheets. Ohio was the worst place we've seen so far with the mosquitos, in case anyone was interested.
Yes Rachel, we miss the boys and we WILL take them as much as possible when we get home. You must be getting tired having them so much with no breaks....you poor things. No, we have no idea yet when that will be. Were still speaking to each other and enjoying our trip. Imagine that.....21 days, or almost 500 hours together, and we're still speaking!
Yes Rachel, we miss the boys and we WILL take them as much as possible when we get home. You must be getting tired having them so much with no breaks....you poor things. No, we have no idea yet when that will be. Were still speaking to each other and enjoying our trip. Imagine that.....21 days, or almost 500 hours together, and we're still speaking!
We're FINALLY in MAINE!!!!!
Finally...we're here! After 3 weeks of traveling, we finally got to where I've been wanting to go for so long. Yeahhhhhh. We actually crossed over the Maine border in just about 15 minutes after leaving our campground in New Hampshire, but our goal was to get to Bar Harbor on the Eastern seaboard and we're here! Little did we know that most places are closing down Tuesday, after the Monday holiday. Little did we realize it was a holiday weekend either! Anyway, we will stay here til Tuesday morning when the campground is shutting down for the season.
BUT, we found the most awesome campsite! We are in Bar Harbor Campground and we overlook the water and islands. Its awesome. And guess what.....we have satellite, phone and internet!!!!!!! I'm a very "happy camper". We didn't get settled in til just about dark, so we'll start exploring tomorrow. I am soooo excited.
BUT, we found the most awesome campsite! We are in Bar Harbor Campground and we overlook the water and islands. Its awesome. And guess what.....we have satellite, phone and internet!!!!!!! I'm a very "happy camper". We didn't get settled in til just about dark, so we'll start exploring tomorrow. I am soooo excited.
Friday in New Hampshire
I had resolved myself to not getting TV, cell or internet as we chose to stay the Forest Service Campground just south of Berlin City, New Hampshire. To my surprise, I had some internet and cell service...not a strong signal, but something was better than nothing. Satellite reception was out of the question as we were swallowed up by beautiful trees and the satellite dish needs a clear view of the southern sky to get reception. In the past, we've had what we thought was clear views, but the farther north we go, the harder it is to obtain.
To make a long story short, Thursday night we took a walk around the area as when we came back to our site, I laughingly said, "Wouldn't it be something if satellite could get thru that tiny break in the trees over there?" Mike said, "Well it doesn't cost anything to try." So, I turned on the satellite and it searched to no avail. I grabbed a magazine and just as I sat down, the TV came on with a clear picture!!!!! We were frozen in disbelief! Here were were in the middle of nowhere with thousands of trees and one small opening to the sky and we got satellite!!!!!!!! Unbelievable, as I got to watch AMC and Greys Anatomy!
We got up early Friday to head down to North Conway and check out the scenic train rides. The swesomely beautiful and warm weather continued, making it a concern about leaving Lincoln in the motorhome or the car while we took a the train. Lo and behold again, when we checked out the train rides...they allowed dogs! The rule was they only allow "well behaved dogs", but Lincoln feels that describes him. So, we bought our tickets (Lincoln was free), and went for breakfast til it was time to board. I'll fill you in more on the day later.
OK...I'm back....I lost internet for most of the day. Anyway, not to change the subject, but this is related to having breakfast before our train ride. Back in Parma, NY, we discovered a restaurant called "Friendly's". (By the way, I don't remember if I mentioned Parma before, but its a small town in Upper NY that I absolutely loved. It had the small town atmosphere, yet had shopping, etc. I wish I could find a town like that in California. The homes were awesome and I kick myself for not taking photos or video as we went thru. We actually came upon it unexpectedly and weren't prepared for photo taking til it was too late. Its not easy to turn around and maneuvre around in the huge bus towing a car that we are in.
Getting back to Friendlys, it was great food at great prices. It also specializes in all of its ice cream desserts, some of which we had to try. Needless to say, we waddled out of there that afternoon and were still full til bedtime. So, everytime we were hungry and started looking for a place to eat in various towns, we looked for a Friendlys. That takes us back to breakfast Friday morning....we were looking for a quick place to eat near the train station and wouldn't you know it....there was a Friendly's. We hadn't tried breakfast there before and were so pleasantly surprised when their breakfast special was so much food for only $3.29. It was the cheapest meal we've had on this entire trip! For those of you who know me well....you know how much I loooovvve a bargain!
The weather was perfect, low 80's, so we rode in the open car. It was just perfect. The scenery, the views, the weather and so very relaxing. Lincoln really enjoyed it too. He received so much attention from everyone. People were coming over and asking if they could pet him. He acted stuck up as usual. There was an extended family seated all around us. The parents were in their early 70's and their 3 grown kids and their families were there too. They were all taking this trip together. It was nice visiting with them and fun watching the family interact. They were from Maine, so they were filling us in. I just daydreamed about how awesome it would be if MY family could all take a trip together. (Hint, hint...family).
After our relaxing train ride, we headed back to camp to just relax. It was then that I found out that I could no longer get internet which drove me crazy. Nothing changed, so I couldn't understand why I didn't get it then when I had it the night before....plus I had cell reception. Go figure.
To make a long story short, Thursday night we took a walk around the area as when we came back to our site, I laughingly said, "Wouldn't it be something if satellite could get thru that tiny break in the trees over there?" Mike said, "Well it doesn't cost anything to try." So, I turned on the satellite and it searched to no avail. I grabbed a magazine and just as I sat down, the TV came on with a clear picture!!!!! We were frozen in disbelief! Here were were in the middle of nowhere with thousands of trees and one small opening to the sky and we got satellite!!!!!!!! Unbelievable, as I got to watch AMC and Greys Anatomy!
We got up early Friday to head down to North Conway and check out the scenic train rides. The swesomely beautiful and warm weather continued, making it a concern about leaving Lincoln in the motorhome or the car while we took a the train. Lo and behold again, when we checked out the train rides...they allowed dogs! The rule was they only allow "well behaved dogs", but Lincoln feels that describes him. So, we bought our tickets (Lincoln was free), and went for breakfast til it was time to board. I'll fill you in more on the day later.
OK...I'm back....I lost internet for most of the day. Anyway, not to change the subject, but this is related to having breakfast before our train ride. Back in Parma, NY, we discovered a restaurant called "Friendly's". (By the way, I don't remember if I mentioned Parma before, but its a small town in Upper NY that I absolutely loved. It had the small town atmosphere, yet had shopping, etc. I wish I could find a town like that in California. The homes were awesome and I kick myself for not taking photos or video as we went thru. We actually came upon it unexpectedly and weren't prepared for photo taking til it was too late. Its not easy to turn around and maneuvre around in the huge bus towing a car that we are in.
Getting back to Friendlys, it was great food at great prices. It also specializes in all of its ice cream desserts, some of which we had to try. Needless to say, we waddled out of there that afternoon and were still full til bedtime. So, everytime we were hungry and started looking for a place to eat in various towns, we looked for a Friendlys. That takes us back to breakfast Friday morning....we were looking for a quick place to eat near the train station and wouldn't you know it....there was a Friendly's. We hadn't tried breakfast there before and were so pleasantly surprised when their breakfast special was so much food for only $3.29. It was the cheapest meal we've had on this entire trip! For those of you who know me well....you know how much I loooovvve a bargain!
The weather was perfect, low 80's, so we rode in the open car. It was just perfect. The scenery, the views, the weather and so very relaxing. Lincoln really enjoyed it too. He received so much attention from everyone. People were coming over and asking if they could pet him. He acted stuck up as usual. There was an extended family seated all around us. The parents were in their early 70's and their 3 grown kids and their families were there too. They were all taking this trip together. It was nice visiting with them and fun watching the family interact. They were from Maine, so they were filling us in. I just daydreamed about how awesome it would be if MY family could all take a trip together. (Hint, hint...family).
After our relaxing train ride, we headed back to camp to just relax. It was then that I found out that I could no longer get internet which drove me crazy. Nothing changed, so I couldn't understand why I didn't get it then when I had it the night before....plus I had cell reception. Go figure.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
We're in New Hampshire, Thursday, 10/4/07.
It didn't take too long to drive from Stowe, VT. into New Hampshire. What took a while was to find a campground. We did and found a nice one in the beautiful White Mountain National Forest, south of Berlin City.
What we noticed so far of N.H. is that it seems a little more mountainous and the colors on the leaves seem a little more vibrant. We're still having unbelieable weather...high 70's. So, they may need some cooler weather to really get the leaves to change color. This weather is atypical for this time of year.
Tomorrow we're going down to North Conway and hope to ride one of the trains for a sightseeing tour. I'll keep you posted.
What we noticed so far of N.H. is that it seems a little more mountainous and the colors on the leaves seem a little more vibrant. We're still having unbelieable weather...high 70's. So, they may need some cooler weather to really get the leaves to change color. This weather is atypical for this time of year.
Tomorrow we're going down to North Conway and hope to ride one of the trains for a sightseeing tour. I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Another day in Vermont
We decided to stay another day and take off in the Liberty to check out Northeastern Vermont.
As you can see by the lack of photos from today, we weren't that impressed. We have found Northwestern Vermont to be much more beautiful. Now I regret not taking more photos yesterday.
Oh well. We got to relax some today after our touring and so you'll see some photos of our campsite. We're still enjoying the beautiful weather and will be heading out towards New Hamphshire in the morning.
Until then, Jeri.
As you can see by the lack of photos from today, we weren't that impressed. We have found Northwestern Vermont to be much more beautiful. Now I regret not taking more photos yesterday.
Oh well. We got to relax some today after our touring and so you'll see some photos of our campsite. We're still enjoying the beautiful weather and will be heading out towards New Hamphshire in the morning.
Until then, Jeri.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Still in Vermont
We decided to stay another day here in Stowe, Vt. Its nice not having to pack up and move everyday. However, we drove around in our Jeep Liberty for hours viewing the countryside and taking photos and videos. We have some great videos....so we'll have to arrange a video viewing party when we return.
For those who didn't know what is in Watersbury, VT., I will tell you since we went there today. It is the original Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory. We did the tour thing and had our sample of a new flavor and then left. Whoopi! We thought it was going to be much bigger than it was. It was perhaps on an acre or two and the whole tour was less than a half hour. Well, at least we can say "Been There, done That."
Then we spent the rest of the day driving around. It was very nice. Apparently there's a huge ski resort here....we discovered....and they're starting to get things ready for the upcoming ski season. Right now we have the most perfect weather. The weather people keep saying they can't belive this weather. I think we brought it with us. Anyway, its in the low 70's which they say is the typical weather for a month ago.
We may stay here another day and explore another area...I'll keep you posted.
Jeri
For those who didn't know what is in Watersbury, VT., I will tell you since we went there today. It is the original Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Factory. We did the tour thing and had our sample of a new flavor and then left. Whoopi! We thought it was going to be much bigger than it was. It was perhaps on an acre or two and the whole tour was less than a half hour. Well, at least we can say "Been There, done That."
Then we spent the rest of the day driving around. It was very nice. Apparently there's a huge ski resort here....we discovered....and they're starting to get things ready for the upcoming ski season. Right now we have the most perfect weather. The weather people keep saying they can't belive this weather. I think we brought it with us. Anyway, its in the low 70's which they say is the typical weather for a month ago.
We may stay here another day and explore another area...I'll keep you posted.
Jeri
Monday, October 1, 2007
We finally left New York
We left the campground at Fish Creek Lake, situated between Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake. We didn't have internet access or satellite and hardly a cell reception. Needless to say, I was a very happy camper!
After a nice walk this morning, we packed up and headed out. We crossed over into Vermont......finally one of the states I've always wanted to see. We crossed over via a bridge across Grand Isle Waterway on Lake Champlain. I took a photo and have been trying to download it.....but it hasn't worked yet. I'll keep trying.
We are now in Watersbury, VT.....does anyone know what that town is famous for? I'll let you know tomorrow in case no one can answer that.
So....gotta go...Dancing With The Stars is coming on and I have TV reception tonight!!!! Yeah!
After a nice walk this morning, we packed up and headed out. We crossed over into Vermont......finally one of the states I've always wanted to see. We crossed over via a bridge across Grand Isle Waterway on Lake Champlain. I took a photo and have been trying to download it.....but it hasn't worked yet. I'll keep trying.
We are now in Watersbury, VT.....does anyone know what that town is famous for? I'll let you know tomorrow in case no one can answer that.
So....gotta go...Dancing With The Stars is coming on and I have TV reception tonight!!!! Yeah!
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