Back home safe and sound

 We had spent part of the evening Sunday packing up clothing from drawers and getting organized, and set out early Monday determined to reach home in enough time to unload then return the coach to its owner in West Palm Beach. I couldn’t help but think of the horse anxious to return to the barn, as I pushed the pedal and the speed limit a bit harder.  

I noticed a sign on the road for Georgia Peach World at two different exits, gauged  the gas situation, and figured I could manage to catch the second one at just the right time, and did! I left Clem to fill it up and check Loki’s needs, while I headed next door and bought peaches and peach fudge and peach tea, and pecans! Score one fun stop at least on our marathon trek for home! 

The rest of the trip was uneventful, save for one of those blinding downpours, and one gapers block for an overturned truck going in the  opposite direction. Thankfully we were not on that side, as the backup went for many miles , and those people were going nowhere soon. 

As we turned the corner into our neighborhood, noticing the lush green and familiar sights,  our friend Terri was just leaving and waved us down for a quick hello, and a promise to see each other when we got settled back in!   What are the odds of such timing?  We  pulled into our driveway  in the late afternoon, started unloading, and the afternoon Florida thunder storm moved in! At one point it was such a heavy downpour that Clem got stuck in the house and I was in the coach! I continued to put things at the door so we could more easily finish when it let up. 

The rain sheeting on the windows, coach parked in our driveway. It’s a bit wide! 

Just stack  it by the door and wait for rain to let up! 

I had packed all manner of pots and pans and spices, imagining I would cook like I did in our coach, but the space was not conducive, and now it seemed like such a waste to have taken it all!  That and far too many clothes. While that may be a pretty common occurrence for any trip, when your time is cut a week short and your itinerary slashed, I guess it exacerbates the situation. 

I thought about listing all the places we did not see on this trip, but I decided it was better to focus on all the good times we did have. And we did have a lot, despite it all!  If you are a first time follower, I’m sorry I didn’t have more funky attractions and historic places of interest as in our previous journeys!  Check out some of my older blogs for more of that if you’re interested. We have had some great trips and seen some amazing things. I’m thankful for each and every one of them, including this one.  Thanks for coming along on  the ride! 

Morning coffee back at home. 

   A Post Script for this trip.  This was our first time to go anywhere since the Covid Pandemic hit and we were locked down in March of 2020.  It was a long year for everyone, and while vaccinations became available and many of us scrambled to get them, many were hesitant or non believing, and as this trip progressed, so did the Delta Variant.  People are once again falling sick in record numbers, and mask mandates are being reinstated, just as we were all feeling free once again.  Sad to say, people are dying, requesting the vaccine, which it is obviously too late for.  But many are now finally lining up  to be vaccinated, and I leave this with the hopes that we can get it under control.  

The road to home

Our trip is often delayed with the amazing volume of traffic and of course the ever present summer construction on roadways, but the scenery is spectacular! I can’t help but think about the view from an airplane seat where it all looks like big squares.  Beautiful farmlands, fields of corn, rolling hills, and beautiful mountains, cows dotting the hillsides, pretty farm houses and miles and miles of white fences where horses roam, made for a lovely day of driving, despite the backups. It does kill me to pass all those brown signs pointing out historic sites, and the names of towns I had  planned to visit on this trip, But Clem is so determined to just be home at this point, he won’t even entertain the thought of a stop on the route to explore a point of interest. Though disappointed, I understand, and we push on, stopping for gas and to give our precious cargo a break and a chance to eat and drink, which he does not usually do when we are moving.

Spotted the obviously home made “Wily Moose” as we pulled into a rest area and had to walk back for a photo, which got even better when  its cowboy owner appeared. 

I’ll just sit up here so I can get a look around for a bit! 

Clem decided he would try to use our bathroom for a change,  and while he thought he could maybe get in, he wondered if he would get back out! With the slide in, it’s a real tight squeeze even for me. 

I keep a list of roadside attractions we have visited, and when we came upon these three huge crosses, I wondered if they were on it. I had my navigator snap a shot to document and will see, and submit if not!!

 Clem started looking for a campsite for the evening, and recognizing where we would be, I suggested one we had often stayed at, as it’s a good stopping point along the way, and quite pleasant. It’s a nice feeling returning to the same places, where you know it will be nice and there is a certain familiarity. We even have memories from this one, having seen a gorgeous coach with huge unique graphics of horses painted on the sides, and then seeing them again at a campsite in CT!  We had approached them there and told them we had seen them in Virginia, and they invited us to have a glass of wine.   They had a horse farm, were traveling with her 90 year old mother who joined us, and she was a hot ticket and we had a lovely visit! 

We normally pulled our big rig into the pull through sites out front, but they were full! Traveling in shoulder seasons, we rarely saw this volume, but again a lot could be post pandemic travelers. They had two sites and offered a ride on a golf cart to see them before deciding, which is a bit unusual. When I saw the first, I understood!  It’s a lovely site, but maneuvering in from the crest of a steep incline would be a challenge!  Since the other site was in a high traffic area, and we only had 24 feet to maneuver, I decided I was up to the challenge. We were  told that most people declined that site, even though it was nice and level and  afforded full hookups and a great view, and she offered a fifty percent discount! I think we were sold anyway, but appreciated the better rate on the more desirable site.  

Photo cannot do it justice, as you can see the Shenandoah mountains peeking over the trees. 

The mechanical problem we have can send mixed messages to the transmission, which it decided to do climbing the grade and hesitating, and I got a little nervous and decided to shift manually.  I got it up the steepest part of the incline and backed in, accompanied by a few butterflies in my belly, where we had a great view from the top of the hill. 

We broke out the wine after a long day on the road, and toasted our friends who we were NOT with, and sent them a selfie. 

The weather was beautiful and we sat outside and enjoyed our wine as the sun set. 

 I walked around the campground  getting some exercise and of course looking at all the different coaches. The variety is amazing, running the gamut from tiny tear drops with  just a place to sleep to 45 foot monstrosities with all the bells and whistles! The cabins were also large and quite nice, and sometimes fairly large groups were enjoying a BBQ at them.  

Nervous about the steep climb up to exit the next morning, having experienced the back in, I was also examining my options as I walked.   I had seen a golf cart loaded with people climb that last little bit, and the front wheels actually lifted off the ground! Sometimes roads are one way, but once assured I could get out in that direction, I opted for an exit going downhill, which turned out just fine with a slow wide turn,   with less rock and roll than I anticipated, and way less nerve wracking! 

Dash stocked with driving necessities, and we're ready to go! 

Yesterday was another travel day, with some really heavy rains at times causing limited visibility, but fewer traffic jams. 

A group apparently traveling together in these very cool cars, were lined up resting at the gas station. 

Clem spares no expense showing a girl a good time, and sprung  for lunch when we stopped for gas. Hot dog chips and a drink..$4! 

We stayed the night near Beaufort, SC, which had been on my list to see, but will have to wait. I was pleasantly surprised to pull into a lovely shaded campground with none other than a caboose at the entrance!  I snapped a photo while Clem registered us, but later realized while walking around that it’s equipped with beds and you can stay the night! There is a trolley at the back of the park similarly outfitted, and some really nice full size cabins. Another novelty of this park is the fresh baked pizza! Clem placed an order, and 20 minutes later picked up our dinner! 

Right in front of us checking in, the same coach we used to have, and even the same tow car! Clem is never shy about striking up a conversation, but I totally got this one! 

What a treat! A fresh pizza! Two meals “out” in one day!  We have had plenty of good food from the freezer and refrigerator, so no complaints, but the pizza was definitely fun. 

The not so good news is we have returned to heat and humidity. We left this morning from 66 comfortable degrees, and arrived to 95 humid ones in SC. How quickly one forgets. We walked around the campground and inspected the caboose and trolley, but soon returned to the comfort of the air conditioned  coach. 

Inside caboose has a bed and bunk beds. 

Another very unique feature of this campground! 

An unplanned day

 Always up early, we were determined to get an earlier start than normal, gas up the coach, return the rental car, and head to a historic attraction then on to meet a group of our friends from PGA who have all gathered in NC near Cashiers and friends Cori and Bill who own a vacation home there. Along with provisions to stock the larders, we had hit a wine and liquor store and had fun selecting several different varieties to share, and were anticipating some fun  with all of them. 

I can tell you guys are getting ready to leave, sigh! I’ll just hang here until we hit the road, then I’ll find my riding nook. 

I started the engine, released the parking brake, and the dashboard lit up with the hazard lights!  NO! Ok, maybe just an anomaly, and they’ll go off. Engine on  and off, gassed up, and lights still on. A ride around the area, and they were still on. Clem was talking to people in the office and making calls when I got back, and informed me that the mobile techs didn’t work on engines, and two Mercedes dealers couldn’t even look at it until August! I was beginning to think we could just leave it there and get another rental and let the owners take over! Clem said maybe a rental car and hotels!

Ben was a nice young man in addition to a knowledgeable technician, and we enjoyed chatting with him while waiting to see if they had a part.

We finally found a dealer who could at least diagnose it, though repairs would have to wait until next week.  We figured knowing was better than not, and it could be faulty sensors, so we headed an hour in the wrong direction to see what they could tell us. The first repairs included a sensor replacement for anti lock braking on the  left rear wheel, and now it seems the right rear wheel sensor failed!  That set off the engine light, because as the tech said, it’s German engineering!  It had bucked badly when we headed there, and dropped into low gear, which I admit scared me , and I pulled off the road. My tension increased as I could not see a safe place big enough to stop, until I spotted a 16 wheeler in a lot, and pulled in.  The tech said that could happen, and I may need to shift manually, but it would be safe to drive as long as I didn’t stand on the brakes, as then they could lock up. They didn’t have the part, of course! 

We made the decision to drive on,  but to head for home. Enough is enough. I wasn’t sure I trusted it in the mountains anyway, but now I was sure we didn’t need any more trouble, especially at three thousand feet in the middle of nowhere!  So we sadly told our friends we were headed home and would not be there, and finally got going at 1pm, having lost half of the day. 

There was so much traffic and construction delays, and around Hartford such awful backups that we sought alternate routes. Well, we toured all the little towns of Connecticut that I remember from our days living there, stopping at lights, and finally getting back on the highway to more traffic jams!  Clem finally found a campground with space for the night, and we pulled off at half past seven, having only gained under three hundred miles for the day!  The good news is Loki has regained his travel legs, and did very well, so didn’t add to the stress of the day. 

Pretty building for a rest stop! Beautiful day and bright blue sky, warm temps and no humidity. Lovely. 

Could you get my water flowing while you stretch your legs please? 

We are in a big field at this campground which is used for so called rallys, where RV clubs gather for weekend outings together. It’s quiet and dark, and was 66degrees when we got in last night and a very chilly 50 this morning!! While we were cold and reluctant to get out of bed, I’m  trying to enjoy it and remember where we are headed! It will be a while before cooler temps set in there. 

Plenty of privacy here! Basic water and electric hookups, but that’s just fine. I thought we might be boondocking at a Walmart when all the campgrounds seemed to be full! 

Ok Mom....we’re cuddled up and ready to sleep, come join us! 

Last Day in MA

 Getting ready to leave, we had some packing up to do, and wanted to do a bit of shopping where we know the stores before heading out.  Clem and I finished our tasks  and I set out for a walk while he wrapped up and went to take a shower in the campground wash room. He hates the little shower in our coach! 

Walking  my accustomed route past a farm stand and field of corn on a rural road, I heard some rustling and looked up to see a corn stalk being bent, and wondered if maybe a neighbor was helping themselves to a few ears! Well, maybe a worker in the field. The rustling continued, and I kept my eyes peeled to see what was happening, when suddenly out of the field came a very large female deer!  She was maybe 100 yards in front of me, and I stopped and watched her, as she seemed to check the road before darting across and into the woods on the other side. She was so pretty and I was so stunned, I didn’t even get a photo.   

Something to be said for front porches.  We should bring them back! 

I always imagine the farmers hiding behind these walls while the redcoats marched down the roads!

I walked on admiring the houses and stone walls, remnants of early settlers who marked the boundaries of their farmland.  I had stopped at the farm stand a few days before and admired the beautiful produce and skillfully merchandised gifts, and sampled some of the homemade baked goods, so I brought some cash along on my walk in order to make a quick stop on the way back for a few goodies to take on the road. We could really use some farm stands in Florida! Back to camp for a shower before heading to Acton Arboretum for a nice walk in the woods with Cindy and David! We have had lots of fun with them this trip, and I’ll miss our nearly daily relaxed outings! 

The old stone walls are everywhere.

 

All the flowers were pretty, but I love the Bee Balm. 

The kids planned a special dinner to celebrate Clem’s birthday, and we headed out to Gibbetts Hill, a farm to table restaurant at an actual farm, and in a barn!  Marcia had reserved the silo, which seated just the six of us, and it was a very special final evening with all of them! We have had a great time with them, and were missing them already as we said goodbye. 

It was raining, so not good for photos, but this was taken from the silo windows on second floor. Cows are on the hillside. 

Looking down from silo onto bar. 

A lovely afternoon for some Golf

 The day started out rainy, so it seemed like a good day to get the laundry done.  Our coach had a washer and dryer, but  that chore now requires the  campground laundry room and plenty of quarters, but also affords me the opportunity to meet and chat with fellow campers, which can be entertaining. One gregarious woman chatted away, and told me she had 5 grandchildren staying with them! I’m picturing five little ones cooped up in a coach of some sort on a rainy day, when she tells me the 3 girls slept in a  tent , and the boys slept in the trailer, but were headed out early to play golf. They are all in their 20s!  

The sky cleared in time for our afternoon tee time, and it turned out a beautiful afternoon to play nine holes. The course was hilly and pretty, with trees and flowers, and tees required hitting up hill or down to the greens. Very fun, actually!  

After golf, we had a glass of wine at Dave and Cindy’s condo, then basically walked across the street to an Italian restaurant for an early dinner. Living downtown  is a pretty neat experience!  

Boston Seaport

 

A beautiful day for a stroll exploring the new Boston Seaport area. We had set out to meet David and Cindy to drive into town, but this trip being what it is, our car was dead!  Not used to the car, I had apparently left the headlights in the on position!  

I’m still amazed somebody didn’t come knock on our door and alert us! Luckily we had a jump start battery charger on board, but every time we tried to turn it on, the car horn blew!  I’m sure we woke anyone still sleeping , but again, no one to the rescue! A call to the office brought the owner with his charger, but same results. He finally discovered it was because we had not unlocked the door with the key fob, but used the key, and the system was operating like it was still locked. Once that was corrected, we were finally on our way.

Pier 4 as it appears now with ultramodern buildings. 

The seaport is completely changed, with pier 4 and the famous Anthony’s restaurant completely gone, replaced by multimillion dollar high rise condos, restaurants and shops. I have always loved the juxtaposition of the old and new in Boston, and this creates a division, actually marked in the walkway, of the old and new piers. We encountered a woman walking her King Charles puppy, and struck up a conversation and she said it’s like an adult playground living there! She shared some local insights and we set off for a walk and a recommended restaurant for lunch. 

Neat sculptures showed what the sailing vessels looked like at the time coming into port. 

The barking Crab was quintessential fish shack on the water, with great seafood.  

We didn’t go farther , though I would love to on another day when we have more time and it’s less warm, but returned along the same path, stopping into the Glass fronted Contemporary Art Museum to check out the gift shop. Even if we had the time to explore, Clem would not appreciate it! 

Coming out, I saw some young men enjoying swiveling chairs and photographing each other, and since they were leaving, I decided I had to try them.  I didn’t realize one  of them had hung behind, and apparently amused by the white haired lady spinning, encouraged me to keep going while he recorded me!  

I spotted these guys through the museum window  having a ball on these chairs. 

It only spins with the help of outstretched appendages! 

Window washers preparing this new building for occupancy. 

We headed back to the coach for a bit of rest and to feed Loki before heading to Pub 99 in Westford, where we met the family and Emma in her first job as waitress served us! I’m slipping! I did not take a photo!!  We Enjoyed a leisurely meal, with her visiting when not busy with other tables. A whole group of her friends came in and took up two booths in her section as we were heading out.  A fun and full day, we headed back and were lulled to sleep by the sound of rain on the metal roof.