Happy New Year from Mt Pleasant near Charleston , South Carolina. The temperature is warming up today and tomorrow...the sun is out. We are still settling into this new rv lifestyle as we explore the region. We have flown our kites on the beach at Isles of Palms which was great fun with the sun and wind and hearing the ocean waves....and the crunching of shells on the beach. Last night we drove to the Festival of Lights which is a huge light display...so exciting to see just after the sun set.
We are meeting people and exploring the area...doing this slowly due to the holiday and our energies.Also we are still organizing our stuff in the rv which may be an ongoing process!
It was so heartwarming to hear from family and friends over the Holiday through Skype and emails. We wish you all a safe and prosperous New Year.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Tues Dec 21st
We have 'parked' for a month at the KOA Mt. Pleasant/Charleston Campground which is about 10 miles from downtown Charleston. There are lots of shopping and amenities hereabouts and we did get a very warm welcome when we arrived late this afternoon.
The day started out sunny and warm then clouded over in the afternoon.
We had our Rv in for some service work so we spent the afternoon walking through a mall ...picking up the Christmas shopping energies. The line up to talk to Santa was quite long and people were checking off lists and dealing with very unhappy children or dealing with children trying so so hard to be 'good' (at least for a few more days).
There are Christmas lights here at many sites and we did learn that there are other Canadians have stayed too. We have some decorations with us and will get them up soon as we settle in.
My husband watched half the eclipse of the moon last night the second half was occluded by eyelids (his words!!). He took some pictures. I needed some sleep.
Hope those travelling this Holiday have a safe and smooth trip.
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
The day started out sunny and warm then clouded over in the afternoon.
We had our Rv in for some service work so we spent the afternoon walking through a mall ...picking up the Christmas shopping energies. The line up to talk to Santa was quite long and people were checking off lists and dealing with very unhappy children or dealing with children trying so so hard to be 'good' (at least for a few more days).
My husband watched half the eclipse of the moon last night the second half was occluded by eyelids (his words!!). He took some pictures. I needed some sleep.
Hope those travelling this Holiday have a safe and smooth trip.
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
Monday, December 20, 2010
monday Dec 20th
We drove around most of the day...gathering information about the city of Charleston and the area.
Haven't quite settled on a site for the month yet...that may happen tomorrow.
Today was warm (53) and sunny.
Ahh and the full moon shines brightly right now.
For Now
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
Haven't quite settled on a site for the month yet...that may happen tomorrow.
Today was warm (53) and sunny.
Ahh and the full moon shines brightly right now.
For Now
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sunday evening Dec 19th
Update:
We are camping in Charleston, South Carolina tonight with plans of staying awhile...but that will be decided tomorrow.The actual site is the Oak Plantation Campground just outside Charleston.
The sun came out as we drove over the state line....Yeah...a wonderful sight. Plus the trees were fabulous....there were roadside stalls with sweetgrass baskets...and the temperatures were much warmer.
to update: on Fri Dec 17th we were still at the North River Campground...I woke as the sun rose and the outside temperature was 34 degrees...after a good breakfast and a long talk... we left for an excursion to the Outer Banks off the Carolina coast. We drove to Kitty Hawk and when we entered the park discovered that it was the 107th anniversary of the first powered flight of the Wright brothers!! So free entry to the park.
My husband's comments : I was rather bemused yesterday when we took a side excursion to Kitty Hawk and stopped at the Wright Memorial, that we happened to arrive on the anniversary date of the first powered flight. Admission was free, and the staff were rather excited on their special day of the year. As it happened, the wind was from the north-east, a steady 20 to 25 knots, just the same as that day 107 years ago - the buildings along the water were rather larger - three-storey affairs (the first floor is storage and stilts, as the ocean can sometimes invade); the knoll itself and the surrounding 30 or so acres were barren except for the museum and replicas of the two canvas hangers of the Wrights. I remember in FlightSim 2004 virtual flying the Wright flyer at this site with its historical accuracy - the Flyer was very difficult to control, but I did manage one flight that went over a mile and a half, curving in amongst the buildings. Rather more than the Wrights managed, however, their engine (the original crankcase was on display) had no cooling system and would lose 75% of its power after about 5 minutes, so I had an advantage. Anne loved the details of their camping under canvas, having only two blankets and complaining of the cold, and the very organized kitchen - the Wrights considered the time at Kitty Hawk a vacation. All told, it was very nice to get the feel of the place and the wind conditions. Anne and I also walked by the seashore and enjoyed the frothy waves washing the beach. And finally, we stopped at the Kitty Hawk Kite store and picked up 2 pairs of lined Krocs for the RVing, and a set of kites - Anne got a 5-foot parasail, and I got a 12-foot acrobatic 2-liner, all for Xmas rapidly approaching.
Update continued: we departed the North River Campground around 9 am on Sat morning...I was surprised to see some hound dogs in a pack wandering about..then I noticed that they all had special collars with antennae...wasn't sure what to make of them..but I stayed in the car til my husband arrived and I could depsoit the garbage. The dogs were hunting...and their owners were close by in trucks. We said a wamr good bye to the owners of the North River Campground...they had welcomed us when we were tired and stressed from driving in the snow...they gave us good directions to shopping and they were very quick to pick up any interests we may have for the area. It was a lovely stay...peaceful and nourishing.
We drove to Wilmington, North Carolina and stayed at a KOA site which was welcoming and warm temps..and sandy grounds. We had a quiet night and a comfortable breakfast and then we took off ont he road.
Today was a lovely drive down HWY 17 to Charleston. We stopped at Camping World ( a huge store for RV items and needs) ...this time I had some ideas of items that I wanted in the RV. It was good to sere what was available. We left the RV there and drove to a CrackerBarrel restaurant for lunch...BUSY!!! but so worth it ...they have such comfort food and a fireplace!!! sigh!! plus great service!
Driving south this afternoon, I loved the sunshine...the trees...and the excitement of arriving in Charleston itself....
For now...we are safely off the road...and the moon is shining into our rv dining area!! almost a full moon!!!
Sunshine & Laughter to all
Anne
We are camping in Charleston, South Carolina tonight with plans of staying awhile...but that will be decided tomorrow.The actual site is the Oak Plantation Campground just outside Charleston.
The sun came out as we drove over the state line....Yeah...a wonderful sight. Plus the trees were fabulous....there were roadside stalls with sweetgrass baskets...and the temperatures were much warmer.
to update: on Fri Dec 17th we were still at the North River Campground...I woke as the sun rose and the outside temperature was 34 degrees...after a good breakfast and a long talk... we left for an excursion to the Outer Banks off the Carolina coast. We drove to Kitty Hawk and when we entered the park discovered that it was the 107th anniversary of the first powered flight of the Wright brothers!! So free entry to the park.
My husband's comments : I was rather bemused yesterday when we took a side excursion to Kitty Hawk and stopped at the Wright Memorial, that we happened to arrive on the anniversary date of the first powered flight. Admission was free, and the staff were rather excited on their special day of the year. As it happened, the wind was from the north-east, a steady 20 to 25 knots, just the same as that day 107 years ago - the buildings along the water were rather larger - three-storey affairs (the first floor is storage and stilts, as the ocean can sometimes invade); the knoll itself and the surrounding 30 or so acres were barren except for the museum and replicas of the two canvas hangers of the Wrights. I remember in FlightSim 2004 virtual flying the Wright flyer at this site with its historical accuracy - the Flyer was very difficult to control, but I did manage one flight that went over a mile and a half, curving in amongst the buildings. Rather more than the Wrights managed, however, their engine (the original crankcase was on display) had no cooling system and would lose 75% of its power after about 5 minutes, so I had an advantage. Anne loved the details of their camping under canvas, having only two blankets and complaining of the cold, and the very organized kitchen - the Wrights considered the time at Kitty Hawk a vacation. All told, it was very nice to get the feel of the place and the wind conditions. Anne and I also walked by the seashore and enjoyed the frothy waves washing the beach. And finally, we stopped at the Kitty Hawk Kite store and picked up 2 pairs of lined Krocs for the RVing, and a set of kites - Anne got a 5-foot parasail, and I got a 12-foot acrobatic 2-liner, all for Xmas rapidly approaching.
Update continued: we departed the North River Campground around 9 am on Sat morning...I was surprised to see some hound dogs in a pack wandering about..then I noticed that they all had special collars with antennae...wasn't sure what to make of them..but I stayed in the car til my husband arrived and I could depsoit the garbage. The dogs were hunting...and their owners were close by in trucks. We said a wamr good bye to the owners of the North River Campground...they had welcomed us when we were tired and stressed from driving in the snow...they gave us good directions to shopping and they were very quick to pick up any interests we may have for the area. It was a lovely stay...peaceful and nourishing.
We drove to Wilmington, North Carolina and stayed at a KOA site which was welcoming and warm temps..and sandy grounds. We had a quiet night and a comfortable breakfast and then we took off ont he road.
Today was a lovely drive down HWY 17 to Charleston. We stopped at Camping World ( a huge store for RV items and needs) ...this time I had some ideas of items that I wanted in the RV. It was good to sere what was available. We left the RV there and drove to a CrackerBarrel restaurant for lunch...BUSY!!! but so worth it ...they have such comfort food and a fireplace!!! sigh!! plus great service!
Driving south this afternoon, I loved the sunshine...the trees...and the excitement of arriving in Charleston itself....
For now...we are safely off the road...and the moon is shining into our rv dining area!! almost a full moon!!!
Sunshine & Laughter to all
Anne
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Thurs Dec 16
We departed Cherrystone Resort this morning with hopes of getting around some bad weather that was due to arrive in the afternoon. We were heading further south looking for warmer weather and people! The traffic through Norfolk wasn't pleasant but the local driver's were very forgiving as we corrected some decisions. As we came to the hwy that would take us South along the Dismal Swamp Canal the snow started to fall as a light dusting of flakes. We were travelling down Hwy 17 and is was pretty but the scenery got balnketed with white flakes...the snow became very wet and heavy. We stopped at a rest stop and desided to look for the nearest camp instead of going to Elizabeth City first. It began to feel miserable being on the road. I do have snowtires on my car and my husband is used to driving in snow but we could see that the North Carolina drivers were extremely cautious...and we did see a few cars off the road. So we haven't gone far today but we have made it safely to the North River Campground in North Carolina. We received a very warm welcome from the owners...the grounds are covered with Holiday decorations which we are told light up at night. We also have net coverage at our RV site! Yeah. So my mood changed quickly from grumpy and worried to bit more relaxed.
We may have only driven 95 miles today but even with the snow the temperatures are warmer outside. The owners did say that this snowfall is very unusual for this area but I do have my old winter boots from Canada. Tah Dah!
The adventure continues....
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
We may have only driven 95 miles today but even with the snow the temperatures are warmer outside. The owners did say that this snowfall is very unusual for this area but I do have my old winter boots from Canada. Tah Dah!
The adventure continues....
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tues Dec 14th
Tues., Dec 14th, Cherrystone Resort, Virginia
Hello everyone.We had an adventurous night. The winds were & are quite
high..the temps dropped below freezing. My husband woke me at 3 am to say that
he wanted to try to get on the highway before the winds got stronger. We
planned,today, to take by car some stuff to a storage place which is about 4
hrs from here and in the spring would be easier to pick up the things
there.Well we got going. I had had my silks on (yeah) but still dressed warmly.
We drove to the toll bridge only to learn that any vehicle towing a trailor was
restricted in these winds. We were directed to a nearby rest stop where many
trucks were waiting for the winds to lessen as well. We waited a while...I
tried to sleep...My husband phoned the Bridge number for info every so
often.Then we came back to the Rv and slept. A cold cold night with temps down
to 27 ish outside.
When we woke the sun was shining but the winds were still strong...the weather
report said gale warnings all day.
We discussed our plans. I suddenly felt trapped on this Penninsula after
learning of the restrictions...albeit that they are safety features...but to
think we might plan to go somewhere and be stopped felt odd. In our talks
together,we noted that this isn't a vacation...it isn't a camping trip...and we
are still settling into the RV and other routines...AND there are no other
RVers here...there are just a few staff. To me it feels very isolated. The cold
weather still goes down all the way to Florida...with temps about ten to
fifteen degrees colder than normal.So we will do the storage tomorrow and then
try to leave for further South on Thurs. We are looking at Charleston, SC.
Bless Ellen...our mail is supposed to arrive today! Here I am complaining of
the cold and our friends in Canada have been hit with 2 major snow storms! Do
hope everyone is taking care on the roads.
Acch..and a worrying note this morning...my husband noticed a missed phone call
at 6 am from the London area...with no name attached...I tried to check my
numbers and then he checked on line...it must have been a wrong number!
The sun shines...the very tall loblolly pines wobble about ...the waves
further out in the Bay are quite big...and some birds are out feeding
anyway...hey they have warm feathers.
Last Sunday, we went to a Christmas concert which included a Nativity ballet
and a sing along Messiah in a beautiful old theatre in Cape Charles. It was a
fun afternoon. We enjoyed the singing and the dancing.Delightful outing.
Hoping everyone is well and enjoying the season!
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
Hello everyone.We had an adventurous night. The winds were & are quite
high..the temps dropped below freezing. My husband woke me at 3 am to say that
he wanted to try to get on the highway before the winds got stronger. We
planned,today, to take by car some stuff to a storage place which is about 4
hrs from here and in the spring would be easier to pick up the things
there.Well we got going. I had had my silks on (yeah) but still dressed warmly.
We drove to the toll bridge only to learn that any vehicle towing a trailor was
restricted in these winds. We were directed to a nearby rest stop where many
trucks were waiting for the winds to lessen as well. We waited a while...I
tried to sleep...My husband phoned the Bridge number for info every so
often.Then we came back to the Rv and slept. A cold cold night with temps down
to 27 ish outside.
When we woke the sun was shining but the winds were still strong...the weather
report said gale warnings all day.
We discussed our plans. I suddenly felt trapped on this Penninsula after
learning of the restrictions...albeit that they are safety features...but to
think we might plan to go somewhere and be stopped felt odd. In our talks
together,we noted that this isn't a vacation...it isn't a camping trip...and we
are still settling into the RV and other routines...AND there are no other
RVers here...there are just a few staff. To me it feels very isolated. The cold
weather still goes down all the way to Florida...with temps about ten to
fifteen degrees colder than normal.So we will do the storage tomorrow and then
try to leave for further South on Thurs. We are looking at Charleston, SC.
Bless Ellen...our mail is supposed to arrive today! Here I am complaining of
the cold and our friends in Canada have been hit with 2 major snow storms! Do
hope everyone is taking care on the roads.
Acch..and a worrying note this morning...my husband noticed a missed phone call
at 6 am from the London area...with no name attached...I tried to check my
numbers and then he checked on line...it must have been a wrong number!
The sun shines...the very tall loblolly pines wobble about ...the waves
further out in the Bay are quite big...and some birds are out feeding
anyway...hey they have warm feathers.
Last Sunday, we went to a Christmas concert which included a Nativity ballet
and a sing along Messiah in a beautiful old theatre in Cape Charles. It was a
fun afternoon. We enjoyed the singing and the dancing.Delightful outing.
Hoping everyone is well and enjoying the season!
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
Sat Dec11
Sat. Dec 11/10
The temperature is a bit warmer today with overcast skies from sunrise. We slept well having a slow start to the day. About mid morning we drove off to a National Wildlife reserve at the southern tip of the penninsula to hike and see some birds. Not many there...very smart birds have moved a bit further south due to the cold weather. It felt good to stretch the legs. We stopped at the information centre and talked to the gentleman there who gave us some guidance of places to see for the whole area.We hiked to a high point where we could view the Atlantic ocean and marshes...disturbed a Great Blue Heron in a tree...and enjoyed a long time just looking about...we went to another spot and saw some water birds ( a couple of Mergansers) feeding but things were very quiet.
We had lunch at a recommended local spot where the fisherman and locals eat...a clam chowder which was very good.There were a huge pile of white rubber boots on a shelf for sale.
We have the New York Times paper and are having a tea break before getting into the next project.
Overcast today...the water line fades into the sky and the ships are hard to see further out on the Bay.
Tommorrow we are attending a local Christmas concert.
An enjoyable quiet life at present.
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
The temperature is a bit warmer today with overcast skies from sunrise. We slept well having a slow start to the day. About mid morning we drove off to a National Wildlife reserve at the southern tip of the penninsula to hike and see some birds. Not many there...very smart birds have moved a bit further south due to the cold weather. It felt good to stretch the legs. We stopped at the information centre and talked to the gentleman there who gave us some guidance of places to see for the whole area.We hiked to a high point where we could view the Atlantic ocean and marshes...disturbed a Great Blue Heron in a tree...and enjoyed a long time just looking about...we went to another spot and saw some water birds ( a couple of Mergansers) feeding but things were very quiet.
We had lunch at a recommended local spot where the fisherman and locals eat...a clam chowder which was very good.There were a huge pile of white rubber boots on a shelf for sale.
We have the New York Times paper and are having a tea break before getting into the next project.
Overcast today...the water line fades into the sky and the ships are hard to see further out on the Bay.
Tommorrow we are attending a local Christmas concert.
An enjoyable quiet life at present.
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Tues Dec 7th
Tues Dec 7th
Sunny day again. I did sleep in a little longer...the warm bed was inviting and it had beem a cold night meaning in the low 30's or close to freezing. I wrote some Christmas cards and then we went into Cheriton post office. We also went into Cape Charles and explored some more. I actually got to chat to
some people!! Bright sun all day and another glorious sunset.
We have had a lovely dinner and at the pharmacy this aft I found the New York Times paper so I enjoyed reading that before dinner.
Our energy doesn't seem to last too long during the day yet...so still very tired.
We have also had trouble with wifi pick up so I am just beginning to feel cut off from my emails!! Pant! Didn't connect yesterday...what a whimp I am really. There is so much so see and feel here...though it would be easier with warmer temperatures...even the birds aren't out in any numbers to notice. The
buzzards are though.
So we are settling in well. We have bought tickets to a Christmas concert on Sunday at the theatre in Cape Charles called the Palace.
The sea air is so gentle on my skin...the sun is wonderful.Life is good.
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
Sunny day again. I did sleep in a little longer...the warm bed was inviting and it had beem a cold night meaning in the low 30's or close to freezing. I wrote some Christmas cards and then we went into Cheriton post office. We also went into Cape Charles and explored some more. I actually got to chat to
some people!! Bright sun all day and another glorious sunset.
We have had a lovely dinner and at the pharmacy this aft I found the New York Times paper so I enjoyed reading that before dinner.
Our energy doesn't seem to last too long during the day yet...so still very tired.
We have also had trouble with wifi pick up so I am just beginning to feel cut off from my emails!! Pant! Didn't connect yesterday...what a whimp I am really. There is so much so see and feel here...though it would be easier with warmer temperatures...even the birds aren't out in any numbers to notice. The
buzzards are though.
So we are settling in well. We have bought tickets to a Christmas concert on Sunday at the theatre in Cape Charles called the Palace.
The sea air is so gentle on my skin...the sun is wonderful.Life is good.
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Arrival at Chesapeake Bay
We have arrived safely at Cherrystone Resort...during a glorious sunset over Chesapeake Bay. Three long days of driving through snow effect off the \Great Lakes and then mountains and no snow. First stop was New Stanton, Pennsylvania where we opted for a hotel stay...warmth and good bed out of the snow. It was a very restful stop.Our next stop was at the Candy Hill RV park in Winchester, Virginia...very welcoming...comfortable..and answered all our queries for shopping needs...plus they suggested "Brothers" pizza which delivered to the park...excellent meal after a long day and busy evening! Thank you Candy Hill!
We drove around Washington and then over the Annapolis/Chesapeake Bay bridge with little wind and huge patches of sunlight ... fine viewing as we drove over the water! We had a good lunch at the Cracker Barrel on Kent Island and then headed down the Delmarva Penninsula. Beautiful country...excellent road...and arrived during a fabulous sunset...we self registered...drove about to select a site...saw a heron in a pond...selected a spot under huge pine trees. It is a grand spot ...peaceful..touch coolish but we had blue skies today.
There is still much organizing inside the \rv to do but we are going slowly and enjoying the birds and quiet.
I am sitting outside a cafe (closed for the season) writing this blog.
We are at peace and enjoying this adventure.
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
We drove around Washington and then over the Annapolis/Chesapeake Bay bridge with little wind and huge patches of sunlight ... fine viewing as we drove over the water! We had a good lunch at the Cracker Barrel on Kent Island and then headed down the Delmarva Penninsula. Beautiful country...excellent road...and arrived during a fabulous sunset...we self registered...drove about to select a site...saw a heron in a pond...selected a spot under huge pine trees. It is a grand spot ...peaceful..touch coolish but we had blue skies today.
There is still much organizing inside the \rv to do but we are going slowly and enjoying the birds and quiet.
I am sitting outside a cafe (closed for the season) writing this blog.
We are at peace and enjoying this adventure.
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)