Hello everyone. I do apologize for the long silence recently. The last few portions of our winter travelling had some wonderful moments as well as some very stressful ones.We are still in a transitional stage of life with some major decisions to make soon.
At the moment we are in London, Ontario house/dog sitting for a dear friend. Our rv is in storage. Our household items are still in storage. Our car that went on the winter trip with us is now in Vancouver and up for sale. Explanation to follow. Our very ancient red car is helping us get about in London for the time being. We have recovered from bad colds and seem to be in a 'holding' pattern...discussing possibities and recovering energies. We are healthy and safely off the road for now.
To Update:
Mar 18 - Natchez/Vidalia on the Mississippi we drove to the Frogmore Plantation where we were given a tour by the owner.The tour involved much more than just this plantation. The owner had researched many areas of plantation life and was passionate in sharing her knowledge of various stages of what life was like living and working on a cotton plantation. Frogmore Plantation is still a working plantation. We had a wonderful experience on this tour and I learned so much.
The weekend was calm by the river...many mockingbirds singing...I grew to love their songs and watching their antics. There was a fabulous full moon on Sat. night shining down on the Mississippi River. Peter attempted taking a picture. Sunday was World Story telling day and Spring Equinox which was sunny...we walked along the river and took it easy on this day. I also listened to stories on the international web site.
Mar21 -23 Peter was ill. There were power outages at the camp. We were up early and sometimes in the night. One day of windy conditions and another of heavy Gulf moisture from the south. We also got a package of mail which was good to see. Wed was a day of packing up for the road.
On Thurs Mar 24 we departed Natchez at 8:30 am...we got just a few miles outside of Natchez and the rv broke down. The weather was hot and sunny. Peter checked the engine...figured out a possible solution and we drove back to Natchez in the car for a part. Back at the rv we had lunch and worked on the rv...and we headed down the road. We were heading north toward North Carolina. In the middle of Mississippi State the rv broke down again...we pulled off the road onto Goodwill road and Peter tackled the engine. The engine was hot...The temps were very hot. Our fan belt had shredded so Peter was twisted about trying to reach all the parts. I was feeling worried that we might have to spend the night on the side of this road and not knowing how safe this area of the country was. I was holding the driver's door open to let some air through to Peter when a woman in a van full of children asked if she could help us. I explained that my husband was trying to fix the fan belt. She paused and said that there was an rv place just a few miles down the road that may fix rvs...she wasn't sure but that it wasn't too far away. Bless her thoughtfullness to stop and share her knowledge! We drove to RV Source, Meadville where they sell and service rvs. We explained our problem and asked if we could pull in to their place for the night. They agreed and arranged for a mechanic(Freeman's Repair, Brookhaven, MS) to come out and look at the engine...a part needed ordering. So we camped safely overnight...got the radiator hose fixed and met some wonderful people.
We departed Fri 25th at 4:50 pm and arrived in Byram (near Jackson Mississippi) at 7;15 pm with the rv doing well. There was a drag racing center nearby that was very noisey...so we were up late and up early...off on the road by 7 am...going North. Drove through Mississippi,Alabama and camped on Lookout Mountain near the borders of G.A. and Tenn. Arrived at 3:30 central time/4:30 pm eastern time. We had pushed to get north to avoid some storm systems. As we ate dinner on the mountain a very strong down gush of wind just rocketted through the trees across from us.Made me think of someone playing with match sticks. Please note that we were camped on a mountain slope at a beautiful camp...but I was so stunned at this windy weather I didn't know if we should dash to a building or not. This condition of winds did not last for long and we settled in for the night. It did rain in the night but we slept well. In the morning we talked to the owner of the camp who is working hard to make this an even better camp. He is passionate about the area and to providing a good experience to visitors. We were sorry to leave Lookout Mountain KOA.
On Sunday 27th we departed 10 am and drove to Asheville,North Carolina. We had great weather and no engine trouble.Arrived at 5:15pm at Mama Gertie's Hideaway which was also a mountain camp...I do mean perched on a mountain!! We booked in for 2 weeks instead of a month because we had stayed longer in Natchez. The weather was cold,rainy...the camp had few campers because they weren't into their full season. Excellent facillities and wonderful trees. Peter enjoyed hiking their trails and I enjoyed the arboretum in Asheville! We explored Asheville and then had quiet evenings in the rv. I also signed up and got accepted into a full day storytelling workshop with Connie Regan-Blake on the Saturday, April 2!!! Mary-Eileen McClear, Baden Guild, had mentioned this storyteller to me. I was hoping to hear her maybe but didn't expect to be in Asheville in time for this workshop.It was a wonderful experience...a working on story workshop...nurturing...helping me to try new things and validating some ways I want to explore storytelling.While I took the workshop, Peter drove to Durham, NC to collect our 'stuff' we had stored ther in Dec . It was a very long drive there and back. Peter had packed the stuff into the rv on returning and then realized my workshop was over and he was thinking that he had another hour before picking me up. So off he dashed only to see a huge highway stoppage...he made a decision and took an exit...which led him over a mountain and on a very windy route...yes he was late picking me up...Connie Regan-Blake was so worried and sweet about leaving me. Somehow I was fine with just waiting...I knew Peter would be along soon...hey which is strange because I can worry about things a great deal. This time I wasn't worried....Just as Connie Regan-Blake was leaving Peter drove up. He explained what had happened...Connie was surprised at the distance he had driven that day. The next night we went into Asheville to an event called Synergy Story Slam which was great fun. Funky place in an artistic area of Asheville. We had fun...I got to tell a story with the theme of Home...that theme is still resonating with me.Our second week in Asheville was spent repacking and tossing some 'stuff'...we found a Goodwill depot and gave some things to them. The weather was still rainy and cold at first then sunny later in the week. We discussed our return trip to Canada and watched the weather channel closely. Some troubling weather coming in and we decided to not stay longer.
On Sunday Apr 10th we departed Asheville, NC at 9:45 am driving out of the fog patches on the highway.We were heading for home (Canada)...no more long stop overs in rv parks...we had appointments in Canada and things to decide. The weather was mostly good. We arrived 4:45 pm at Foxfire KOA in Huntingdon WV. The weather turned very wet and gusty. We left early the next morning in wet weather...following the Ohio river and had to stop once to fill the radiator.This stop was on a high hill on a bend...Peter made the best pullover he could and we put out the orange cones to warn traffic. The radiator needed some sealant to plug the leak. I was worrying with being in such hilly country...we were headed to a camp near Toronto Ohio. Peter said it was in a valley with a lake. Austin Lake Park & Campground . The drive in was an adventure...the encouraging signs saying "almost there!" brought a smile to my face. We were tired and worried about the rv...the camp was so welcoming ...staff and the valley itself! They weren't fully open for the season yet but we were made VERY welcome.The owners,Marsha & Bill Cable, came visiting with flowers and jam! They are so proud of their camp! They took us on a tour.This camp has been run by the same family for generations. It has so many varied activities I can only suggest you to look them up on their web site: austinlakepark.com. I found such peace there. We were camped beside the stream. The sun came out... the heron walked another creek and a bald eagle flew down the valley over the creek. A relaxing stay though we were still worried about the rv rad and about getting back home safely. The owner dropped by the next morning to see how we were. He was helpful and concerned about our worries. Peter had been prepping the rv and working on sealing the rad...When we were ready to depart (12:30)...I jokingly asked if there was a flatter way out of this valley! So with good wishes from Bill Cable and staff we departed. I was very stressed driving in front of Peter so I could let him know of any traffic. Again it was an adventure to climb out of that valley...we stopped to gas up locally and I phoned Austin Lake to let them know we had succeeded in getting out to the highway. We drove to Erie PA and camped in a wet site...rain had been coming down there for a while. We went to a local restaurant...met a lovely couple in line and then we asked to sit together. Great time to share stories of adventure and travel over a meal. Later I had a reaction to that meal back in the rv...so my energy and tummy were not in good condition. So on April 15 th we departed Erie PA heading for the border into Canada. We stopped and filled the rad with cold water while I took a much needed pee break at a rest stop. When we drove through New York State....I found the highway wasn't welcoming for new visitors....no information stop thus no rest stops...there was construction which created lanes with no shoulders...I was so worried about the rv overheating before we found a pullover! Finally stopped at a proper rest stop...let engine cool...filled the rad and put more gunk in rad. By this time I just wanted to get into Canada. I was concerned about crossing the border because we had never been away so long before. We were headed for a campground in Kitchener/Waterloo so I could go to a Guild meeting that evening...This is my storytelling Guild. So lots of worries...and the driving we both were doing....the highway got busier...driving through Buffalo Peter had to pull over the rv again to fill it. I parked behind him with my flashers on . Just as we were ready to go on...a policeman stopped by to inquire. We were only a few minutes from the border! Gahhh! Peter went ahead of me at the border we had lists of purchases and all our papers. We drove over the bridge. I was so happy to see the Canadian flag!!! and then looking down in the river I noticed bits of white things...ICE clumps! They were all along the Canadian side! Haha. We arrived in Canada safely and still running.
Then the weirdest few hours of driving about to avoid the escarpment climb on our way to Kitchener/Waterloo. The sun was out but it was cold!! We miscommunciated a few times. Stopping to adjust the water flow to the rad. Then as we came to a major intersection Peter quietly stated that he was out of water for the rad! We looked for a spot to pull over and fill up. It was a bar/gas station decorated in Nascar designs. The owner let Peter fill up the water tank. I ordered lunch for Peter and talked to the owner and patrons. The food was excellent! We departed with good wishes and directions for an easy back way into Waterloo. Finally arrived at Green Acres camp in Waterloo at 4:30...a long day! Then I felt tossed out into the wilds with a GPS to go to my Guild meeting for 7:30 pm. Talk about mixed feelings. I wasn't sure I could find my way back after the meeting! even with the GPS.
The meeting was so wonderful as usual. Even with all the business items, I was welcomed back and allowed to talk about my travels with story events and the workshop. I did at times feel as if I was still on the road...nervous energy but the story talk and the stories were food for my soul. I did get back to the rv camp in good time. The next morning I awoke to cold and snow in the car!
Apr 16 & 17 we drove into London to visit a friend and meet up with our younger daughter...this would be my last chance to see her before Peter moved her out to Vancouver the following week. There was a terrible storm we drove through on the way back to Waterloo. Wacky weather continues.
We camped in Waterloo for a week...spending many days driving into London for appts. It was cold...snowy cold and rainy. We voted in the Canadian elections. We were taken out to dinner by our friends who we met in Mexico Beach Florida but they live in Waterloo. It was so good to see them again and catch up on their news. Oh and the brake pad on the car needed work...eeeck driving with that for a few days was not fun....glad it was fixed.
Apr 22 we moved into Fanshawe Lake Conservation RV camp ground we moved in on Fri...picked up my ancient red car the next day and then on Easter Sunday Peter left to move our younger daughter to BC from Toronto.
The next 20 days Peter was away. It was cold and very wet in the rv park. Lonely too ....The camp may have been open but the people were staying inside their units and keeping warm or only coming out when the weather was good which it was for only 4 of the 20 days.There was one neighbour I enjoyed seeing out and about during this stay...we would wave then later chat a bit. I had some work done on my ancient car so I could get around London but I did not do very much ...stayed warm...got to a wifi cafe so I could talk to Peter and both daughters...and went to appts. Peter reached Vancouver in record time and helped our daughter settle into her new space. Meanwhile I suggested we cut short our stay in Fanshaw park...the weather was miserable and I felt so isolated. One night there was a very strong wind storm and I called a friend to ask to stay with her. Those who know me know that I enjoy storms but this one came with many warnings!!! So I left the rv for the night.
I missed Peter. Was very happy to visit a friend who was in town from the UK!! Drove my ancient car very carefully. Peter arrived back Fri Apr 13th...so good to have him back. There was some sun and then huge storms on the weekend. We drove about checking rv camps for our next stop in this area because we had things to get done. We picked a camp and visited our friends in Strathroy...a sudden visit...they made us feel so welcome.
Phone calls can change many things ... a friend phoned just to talk about her situation...wanting to visit family for awhile...she was concerned about her dog. Peter & I offered to house/dog sit for her. We needed a change...and we didn't realize but we both had colds again!! So we have been house/dog sitting...getting tasks done and discussing the future. I have come think that we have too many choices right now...but too many is better than too few. The colds have faded and the sun has come out.
Thank you for your patience. I will try not to let this go too long without some comment.
Sunshine & Laughter
Anne
PS The dog adores Peter and tolerates me.
No comments:
Post a Comment