Day 88 and 89 with Ruby and Rocket

I had a beautiful drive to Moorings RV Park with sunny skies. I arrived there after Bill as I had to do my shopping and an extra shop at the liquor store. Lots of markets here only carry wine and beer and sometimes we need the hard stuff.  Bill is hooked on premixed margaritas which taste really good after several miles or so.

I love this small RV Park. As you might remember we were here a couple of nights and I left in the morning in a thunderous storm. Well we’re now here with a beautiful view of the bay. We had a nice little trip in to Belfast on Rocket and did a little shopping and had lunch at the wharf.

Later we walked up the way and had dinner at Papa J’s again. Yes, Yes I ordered lobster. Well this is probably my last meal (of lobster) so I couldn’t resist. They do have the best!! They didn’t disappoint!

Wednesday – Well today is overcast and a little misty.  It’s laundry day and lots of it.  It’s kind of been Bills job so he’s at it pretty early.  For me – I had a gown day! If you don’t know what that is well you’ve been missing something! This came from one of my mom’s longtime friends from Ruidoso, NM who practically owned Midland/Odessa. She wouldn’t get dressed and just had a gown day. It’s wonderful! I read my book looking out my bedroom window at the ocean and didn’t feel guilty one bit!

However, I did want to attend Papa J’s wine tasting tonight so I had to take a shower and get dressed.  I took a shower and washed my hair. Just to let you know that I haven’t been to a salon since our trip began so I had my in house stylist trim the back of my hair which turned out as a little improvement.

The wine tasting was lot of fun and we met a few of the locals. We also ended up staying for their great burgers.  Not done a lot of cooking lately however even though it was a gown day I did make breakfast.

We made a couple of adjustment to our July 4^th schedule so took care of that this morning after several calls. We take off for Thomas Point Campground tomorrow which we visited for one night previously. Hopefully the weather will be better and we can explore a little.

Take care -

Day 85, 86 and 87 with Ruby and Rocket

Chucks – leaving Bar Harbor is a bummer! The scenery is breath taking, lobster wonderful and the shuttle bus system is amazing. Just to recap our little mini-vacation –

Saturday – It was an easy drive north to Bar Harbor from Belfast even though I did get rained on a few times. Bill beat me by about an hour so he was waiting in the laundry room at the Hadley Campground and by the time we got parked he was freezing. Of course it was raining pretty good by then. Since it was dreary day, we kind of hung around Ruby and planned our activities. No Papa J’s tonight – hamburgers. We did get our awning lights in the mail and put them up.  They’re kind of cute with the bunches of grapes and bottles of wine.

Sunday – A little better weather wise so we took the shuttle in to town. Let me just remark on their shuttle system. It goes everywhere around Bar Harbor and is free. They’re friendly and accommodating and it’s a wonderful thing as traffic right downtown Bar Harbor is congested.  Definitely no RVs. Thank you to LL Bean for supplementing the costs. Shopping is fun and lots of restaurants with a very pretty village square. Lots of flowers!!We walked around the shops and down to the harbor. Enjoyed lunch on the patio of this pretty restaurant. Bill was able to get his bike in to the repair shop which was also downtown. The Bar Harbor Inn is right on the edge of the harbor and is a beautiful hotel and spa. I would have liked to stay there but Ruby would have been hurt! Anyway we made reservations for dinner and had planned to come back that evening. No biggie since we had the shuttle to take us back later.

 Looking out at Frenchman's Bay - Bar Harbor

 Bar Harbor Inn - Reading Room Restaurant

 Fun Times

Lunch Upstairs Patio on the Square

Village Square

Dinner was wonderful in their restaurant called the Reading Room. Beautiful views of the harbor even though it was overcast. They had a live pianist playing the entire evening. Very elegant but not stuffy at all. Of course you know what I ordered! I do have to say that from all my lobster adventures, Papa J’s has been the best.

Monday – we took the shuttle to the Acadia National Park which is between the campground and Bar Harbor. From the visitors center you can take other shuttles that take you in to the park. There are miles trails for hiking, biking and horse drawn carriage rides. One stop is Jordan’s Pond which is really a huge lake. It provides drinking water for most of the Bar Harbor residents. No swimming is allowed in this pond. It’s a beautiful setting with a restaurant so we stopped there for lunch. It’s a long tradition to order tea and popovers . Well we needed something a little more but a popover came with Bill’s sandwich. He was gone from the table when it arrived just out of the oven and I think I inhaled it. It was really, really good!!!! Of course we got another one and I ate a lot of it too. I bought a couple boxes of popover mix and I’m going to learn how to perfect them. I think I tried many years ago and can’t remember what happened. But I’m going to try to make it a tradition on the river. Don’t know how long that might last!

 Max on the shuttle in Acadia National Park - for you Suzanne

 Sand Beach in the Acadia Park - very cold water!

Bill having a popover with ice cream and chocolate at Jordan's Pond

Jordan's Pond

We finished our tour and headed to town to pick up Bill’s bike. Also buy something for dinner as we are out of food. No lobster tonight.

Tuesday – we head back to Moorings RV Park today for 2 nights so an easy drive and my favorite Papa J’s. After that we go back to Thomas Point Beach for 1 night then we head west to NH.

Bar Harbor has been a great place to visit and so glad we’ve made it this far. Seeing Key West and Bar Harbor have definitely been highlights. Soon we’ll be seeing our friends, Kim and Lindy, in Niagara Falls and then on to Wyoming to see the family. I need these things to look forward to.

Have to make my stop at the market today for some major shopping. Hope all is well with all of you.

Take care -

Day 84 with Ruby and Rocket

I had a beautiful drive north with a little rain along the way to Moorings RV Campground which looks over the ocean. Check out the view from our living room!

 Our view yesterday

Our view this morning

I did a little house keeping from the dirt tracked in from the previous days’ rain storm. It’s not sunny here but at least it’s cleared for a while.

Bill arrived and had a wet day as well. For dinner we walked up the drive to Papa J’s. This is the restaurant located at the entrance to the RV Park and is owned by the RV Park people. He’s also the chef. This was a hopping place with lots of atmosphere (check out the deccorations in the women's restroom) and lobster dinners!!!! Of course that’s what I had – 1 ½ for $26.00. It was even better than the lobster we had a Nunan’s in Kennebunkport. Think how good it’s going to be when we get to Bar Harbor!

We come back here after Bar Harbor for 2 nights!

Well it rained most of the night and is overcast, rainy and foggy this morning. Bill left in a little window of no rain but it’s starting up again. I’m sitting here looking out the window bundled up with a comforter listening to the heater come on. I think it’s in the low 50s.

We finally arrive in Bar Harbor today for 3 nights and hopefully will get some sunshine. We changed the schedule a little and are not venturing up in to northern Maine. I think didn’t want to push his luck with me driving these tiny little roads. Good call! So we stay for 3 nights and then we head back this direction and WEST!!!!!

Take care -

Day 83 with Ruby and Rocket

Yikes – I had to look at my phone to know what day it is! I arrived at the Thomas Point Beach Campground in dreary weather and things haven’t changed.

We spent a quiet night inside Ruby. Bill had picked up some fresh strawberries and tomatoes so I made strawberry shortcake – Yummy! There’s hardly anyone in the campground. We do have one neighbor, Lenny and his wife. I think there are only a couple sites with the power we need. There’s no water or sewer but power is good.

The heater has come on several times this morning and it’s still drizzling. Hopefully Bill is somewhere not getting wet! We travel to Moorings Oceanfront RV Resort today where we have a spot on the Ocean. Probably won’t be getting a tan! It’s in Belfast, Maine. The great thing about the place is that they have a restaurant with a LOBSTER BAR!!!! I told Bill if he didn’t find with Ruby that’s where I’d be.

I thinking I’m going to get packed up and leave pretty soon. I heard a couple rifle shots and have seen a couple trucks go by and I’m getting a little nervous. Of course it’s probably because it’s raining and I’ve been reading mysteries. My imagination gets carried away.

After Moorings, we’re in Bar Harbor for 3 nights. Hopefully the weather will clear and they’ll have set out extra lobster traps in anticipation of my arrival.

Wish I could send some of this cool weather your way Phoenix! Take care -

Day 82 with Ruby and Rocket

Yesterday started out kind of interesting as my cell phone wouldn’t turn on. Not good when that’s how we know each other is still moving safely forward. I also needed some groceries so Gabby got me to a Walmart and a Verizon store on the way going north and in the same center. You just don’t know how nice this is when you really have no idea where you are. Anyway got my new phone, groceries and awning clips for the lights I’ve got ordered. Walmart has a nice little RV section that I always rely on.

I was then off to Kennebunkport and arrived at the Salty Acres Campground just a little before Bill. It’s very pretty here and definitely no AC needed. The campground lady told me where to eat lobster and how to get in to Kennebunkport which is just a short distance from the campground. So we got set up and launched Rocket. We walked along the many fun shops, restaurants, etc. This is a quaint little town with lots to see. We left town and headed back toward our campground and dinner. We passed George and Barbara’s home on Edwards Point (beautiful). This is definitely a high rent neighborhood. Took a picture of this beautiful inn. Architecture is all New England.

 Town of Kennebunkport, ME

 Inn looking out over the ocean. Nice neighborhood!!!

Barbara and George's House. No dinner invite

Nunan’s Lobster Shack was recommended and not far from our camp. Well Paula – eat your heart out! 1¾ lb lobster with butter - $22.95! OMG – it was wonderful!!!!!! I hate the whole thing. I want to move here except its kind of cold and this is summer.

 I'm in heaven!

 Great place!

It rained most of the night and is overcast today. Glad we had yesterday and some sunshine while playing tourist. Hopefully Bill will stay mostly dry. I'm typing this while laying in bed listening to Duncan snore. The heater has come on a few times!

We’re off to Brunswick, Maine today. I hope they have lobster!! Take care -

Day 81 with Ruby and Rocket

I arrived in Kingston, NH just afternoon after a fairly uneventful drive. I so look forward to those! It’s warmer here and not as many trees in the campsite. I’ve had a day by the pool.

Yesterday in Boston was great fun. We rode Rocket a couple miles to the train station and then took the train in to Boston. Our neighbors at the campground said they had a great DUCK tour so we signed up for that and were not sorry. It was fun and we got to see a lot.  Reminded me of our DUCK tour in Seattle!!

Then we walked around the Marketplace and saw the Old North Church where the signal was given to Paul Revere about whether the British were advancing on the ground or on the water. The church is still active today along with the original pipe organ.

We then made our way to Hanover Street and the Italian Restaurant area. We dropped in to Mike’s Pastries which is famous and of course made a purchase. Then made our choice of one of the 100 Italian Restaurants for dinner. Really Great! Of course we had to go back to Mike’s for a little treat so we could take our original purchase home. Hopefully my clothes still fit tomorrow!

It was a good rest day for Bill as I think he needed it. Tomorrow we’re off to Kennebunkport, Maine and I’m sure George and Barbara will be having us for dinner!  Take care -

Day 80 with Ruby and Rocket

Well I haven’t blogged for a while as I was still recovering from Day 73. The last couple of days I’ve been on highways so no scarry back roads. Thank you very much!

We arrived at the same time yesterday – the Minutemen RV Park in Littleton, MA just outside of Boston. It’s a beautiful campground with lots of trees and the weather is perfect. It’s Father’s Day and our 29^th Anniversary so I plan to celebrate. (yes – we’re still married but barely) I stopped at a wonderful market before getting set up and bought champagne and lobster! That’s lobsta in Boston!

The lobster was great and of course Korbel Champagne and we had a fire. I had washed my hands and the stupid mosquito found me without my skin so soft. Will have to remember that.

So today we plan to ride Rocket the couple miles to the train station to get to Boston. It takes us down to where all the action is and then you can take a Trolley tour. Maybe we’ll have dinner there.

Anyway – we’re almost to Maine and then we get to turn WEST!!! YIPPEE. Homesick right now as the kids are on the river having a grand ole time wine tasting and enjoy the canoe parade. Thanks to Chris for hauling a truck load of our stuff up there. He also managed to install the dock, kayaks, patio table and a bunch of other stuff. I believe Casey’s job was to keep his glass full! Gotta love em!

So fun day today and off tomorrow to Kingston, NH – take care

Day 73 and 74 with Ruby and Rocket

Let me just say that Day 73 is to be forgotten. I do believe Gabby was on crack!

However, Day 74 yesterday was a lot better.

I left Green Lane, PA for Upper Black Eddy, PA and had an OK drive, still on small roads, but better and only about 20 miles. It’s amazing how much the weather has cooled. We’re in a lot of trees and have periodic little sprinkles. We got to use our new awning for the first time and sat under it watching our little fire.

Our former neighbors from New Jersey, Ken and Elaine Schmidt are headed our way for dinner and I’m so excited. We lived on a flag lot in Jersey and shared it with the Schmidts. When we would get snowed in we’d take turns eating at each others’ houses.  Elaine and I shared a pregnancy together. Her middle daughter, Emily, was born exactly 4 weeks after Chris. We had many afternoons shared together drinking mommies juice.

We had a great dinner together and Elaine brought her Kentucky Derby Pie which we requested. They also brought the most delicious Jersey strawberries and homemade jelly which I will have to bust out soon. It was great catching up on the kids and careers. At least those with careers!

We brought out the down comforter last night which felt great and had a few more showers.  We even have the heater on this morning. It’s really nice!!!!!

Bill has taken off and I have about 60 miles to go today. Need gas!!! I hope I see civilization today and a gas station. I’m almost over Day 73. It will take me a little while.

Ken and Elaine - really good seeing you.

We're off to Montague, NJ today. Another state!!

Take care -

Day 72 with Ruby and Rocket

I took a picture before leaving the Merry Meadows overflow lots just to remember it. See below –

I had a relatively easy drive up I83 and crossed the border in to Pennsylvania shortly after leaving the campground. It is so beautiful here with lots of rolling green hills, farms and trees. It’s cooler today so thankful for that. Pretty soon Gabby had me getting off the freeway and started me on country roads. Well this went on for quite a while and I thought for sure this is the right way. I mean we went up and down and around for miles. I almost started laughing thinking how ridiculous I must look driving this huge motorhome out in all this farm country. What people must think! I was wondering if I’d see some Amish. Bill said he did.

Anyway I got settled at the Pinch Pond RV Park and Bill arrived soon. We launched Rocket and went to a local winery only a couple miles away for some tasting. They had a great wine store so did some browsing too. Of course we start to leave and its drizzling. Our first ride in the rain! We made it back safely and had to put on some more clothes at it was getting cold! Do you believe it!!!

 Pinch Pond

Wine tasting before we in - after it was raining

Well it cleared up and was a beautiful day and I even had long pants on. We did a BBQ and opened up the windows. Yeah – no AC!!

This morning Duncan and I went on a walk and I had to wear long sleeves. I’m sitting here typing and my legs are cold. I love it.

We’re off to Green Lane, PA wherever that is. Take care -

Day 71 with Ruby and Rocket

Best Day Ever!

I was about ready to leave our RV Park about 9:30 and thought I’d give Earl a call as he said he’d see us around 8 am to install our awning. Well good thing I did as he was almost there with our new awning. I must say it looks great! I've ordered grape and wine bottle lights for it!

I was on the road a little later than I’d anticipated and a little nervous about not having reservations. I drove on I95 (my not favorite) and then to 83 and exited to Freeland, MD. Well this is gorgeous country with beautiful rolling hills, farms, housing communities, etc. I arrived at the very beautiful RV Park and no cancellation but able to park at the overflow parking lot thing with a 50 amp. This is next to the office and kind of a gravel parking lot. There’s some old time tractors and I think they’re making it a museum kind of attraction. I get settled and Duncan I take off to explore. They have everything here from a golf range, pool, pickle tennis and activities for all.

Thankfully it’s not as hot today and Bill arrives after climbing lots of hills as did Ruby. We have a relaxing afternoon and decide on a BBQ and set up our little happy hour in our parking lot. Well pretty soon comes a minivan moving very slowly through our parking lot and we’re hoping they see us. This is the best story ever –

One thing that I regret most is not being able to call my parents and tell them where I am and what we are doing. They loved to travel and would have been with us I’m sure for some of our adventure. They were lots of fun! I’ve thought about them a lot on this trip and miss them dearly. This is where it gets good!

This couple (old) slow down and we say HI and they ask us where we’re from. I tell them we’re from Arizona and the man says WOW. I tell them Bill has bicycled from there and he’s really impressed. He’s got his USS whatever Navy hat on like my dad use to wear.  He says he looks for people from California. Then I tell him I was born in Long Beach and he nearly faints. He says did you ever go to the Rainbow Pier? I say well I went to the Pier when I was a little girl with my parents (I don’t remember it being called that but whatever) He gets so excited. Then he asks me about San Pedro and I tell him we use to go there and play on the rocks by the water and he’s in heaven. So then he tries to remember the place he was at in San Diego and remembers Point Loma. He also tells me about his little trip to Tijuana to see the girls! Well it’s a trip down memory lane for him and me. His wife is with him and I ask them how many years they’ve been married and she answers – 63 I think.

So I ask him if he’s from here and he says he lives in a farm not too far away in the house that he was born in. Then he tells me that he started this campground 40 years ago and his daughter runs it now. I ask him if these tractors were his and he says yes and gives me this brochure of a museum he has on his property. We talk about that a little as my uncle has the same dang thing in Oklahoma with his barbed wire collection. He said he figured out that he had all this property and a good way to make an income was this campground and he didn’t have to farm. Smart guy!

Anyway he tells us a couple more stories and then he finally gets his car in gear and we say goodbye and I think – that was just a little gift from heaven.  My parents are with me. Bill and I both had tears in our eyes as we loved hanging with my parents.

Off to Manheim, PA. YES another state!

Day 70 with Ruby and Rocket

The best part about this day is that we went somewhere and I didn’t have to drive!

We took a bus from our RV Park to the Metro Station and then on to old town Alexandria.  It’s a cute little area with lots of history, shops and restaurants situated on the Potomac. We had a great lunch and did a little shopping. Don’t tell anyone but I bought a pair of Birkenstock sandals. I have a foot problem sometimes from when I broke my ankle and they seemed to help. After one of my surgeries to remove the plate, they wrapped my foot too tight and damaged some nerves so it will hurt after walking a lot. Really I’m just old!  

Potomac from Alexandria

Then we found this cute little cupcake shop. As you can see from the picture Bill is very excited. I ordered the devils food chocolate with pinot noir and cherry chocolate frosting and Bill had the lemon curd and cream cheese frosting. They were really, really good! Of course I could only eat a little so Bill had to polish them off! He’s denying this but it’s true. Evidence below!

 Look at his eyes - don't they look excited!

Someone was hungry!

We’re tired so we make our way back to the RV Park via someone else driving. Yeah!

Ruby stayed cooled today and it’s nice outside for happy hour but had to move inside as a nice little thunder storm came up cooling things off a bit more.

Hopefully I’ll get the awning this morning. But if not I need to move along as we don’t have confirmed reservations in Freeland, MD tonight and it’s a first come first serve kind of deal. I’m hoping they’ll have a cancellation.

Take care –

Day 69 with Ruby and Rocket

Well OK not the best day!

Left Fredricksburg for Washington, DC and not too far along the way there was a nice center with Kohls, Marshalls, Ross and Target.  Goodie! I did a browse through at Marshalls and looked for plates to replace those that broke but no luck. So I head to Target and this is a super Target so was able to get a little food shopping done as well.  They had very nice plates that go with the 4 still living and they had nice plastic wine glasses. We seemed to have a lost a few of those as well but not by falling out of the cabinets! Hit the jackpot.

So I leave Target and start my travel north on I95 which is my least favorite as very fast and lots of traffic but oh well.  I get on down the road and then it stops for a mile or so as there’s an accident. Finally get through that and then the fun begins! I’m starting in to downtown Washington DC and thank you very much for Gabby as it was a challenge. I went by the Reagan International Airport, the monuments, across the Potomac and everything else on crappy highways with construction, traffic and heat! I know if I didn’t have my child locks, the floor would have been covered with dishes! I must have transitioned on to 4 different highways and then to have to get back on to I95. Luckily it wasn’t too far until my exit to College Park, Maryland. Very happy that was easy.

I get Ruby all set up and it takes forever to get it cool inside and I have no power to the TV, Microwave and rear AC (not that it works anyway). So I call Earl who is suppose to install the awning just to see if it’s arrived (it hasn’t) and I tell him my current problems. So he’s in the Park here working and says he will stop by. Well come to find out half of my outside breaker is not working so he calls the RV Park people and they come replace it.  Yeah for our side!! However he checks our rear AC and thinks it’s probably a coolant leak but not sure. As I’ve mentioned before these things are not really field serviceable so probably need a new unit and he doesn’t have one in stock.  Will have to order ahead and have taken care of at another destination. Yuck!  However he will come back and hopefully install the awning Saturday morning.

Bill arrived (6:30) while all this was happening. I was getting pretty worried as he’d left so early. He was hot, exhausted and hungry. I quickly fix him his usual beverage of choice (premixed margarita) and hear about his fun for the day.

Well the sun goes down and it finally cools off inside so hopefully it will stay that way tomorrow. We’re going to head to old town Alexandria. Hopefully we won’t melt!

I think I not only deserve the remodel in Guerneville but a whole new house!!!

Day 67 and 68 with Ruby and Rocket

Well we’ve been to Richmond and now will be leaving Fredricksburg. We’ve been in KOA Campgrounds at both places so very wooded and green. It’s been very hot and humid so we haven’t ventured out and this one in Fredricksburg is rather isolated. (but at least no freeways or trains)

I had a visit to Home Depot yesterday and did some maintenance. Our toilet seat brackets were breaking so replaced that. Also bought some child locks for our cabinets. My brother told me about this a long time ago but things were going so well I just didn’t get around to it. Well had a little crash on my way to the ferry in the Outerbanks. Actually it was a big crash as all our plates landed on the floor. It’s a little unnerving having a crash like that when you’re toodling down the highway. Anyway we are now down to 4 plates instead of 8! Really big mess. You may need to bring your own plate if you come to visit.

We head to Washington DC today for 2 days. Do you believe it!!! I think Bill needs a rest as he’s had some long hard days. We’re in to hills now.  Hopefully our awning arrives and Earl comes to install late this afternoon. Also having a little problem with the rear AC. It’s not blowing cold air. Since the front is working great, it cools the rear but hopefully Earl can take a look at it. Details Details!

Pray for cooler weather. This apparently is a heat wave. Bill left very early this morning as it’s at least a 100 miles.

Take care -

Day 66 with Ruby and Rocket

I had a pretty drive from Kittyhawk NC and crossed in to Virginia on my way to Davis Lake. Lots of trees and farm country. Davis Lake is very pretty with 3 lakes together. Looks like permanent RVs surround all 3 lakes. Duncan and I went on a nice walk and scouted the lakes. See below -

Bill arrived and it was cool enough to sit outside and have a BBQ. We’ve made a little adjustment to our schedule for today. We’ll be heading to the KOA in Richmond instead of Amelia. The mileage wasn’t correct and it took us too far off the bicycle map.

Oh I forgot to mention that we saw your twin, Brad, at the Black Pelican in Kittyhawk. Also a big Happy Birthday to Debbie and Suzanne. (thanks to Deanna’s calendar!) Hope you all have one for me!

I have to do a little business this morning. Earl from Cherry Hill called back about our awning and I'm hoping he can get it in so it can be installed on Friday. Also have to make some adjustments in reservations while we're in Jackson Hole so we can stay longer. Busy morning!!

So we’re off to Richmond, VA – Yippee!!!

Day 64 and 65 with Ruby and Rocket

I arrived in Kittyhawk after a beautiful drive up the Outerbanks seeing lots of water and sand dunes. Quickly changed and headed across the street to the beach. We have a beautiful view from our RV and it is literally across a little tiny street. I’m in heaven! Bill arrived maybe an hour later and joined me even though I know it’s not his favorite thing to do! Our neighbors in the RV Park who helped me back in (tight fit) told me about a great place around the corner for happy hour. Shrimp – 10 cents each and wings 25 cents each.  We couldn’t pass that up so headed down the street after the beach. We met the Norwood family sitting across from us. Lots of fun!!! They were amazed and very impress with what Bill was doing. They started telling us about some of their travels west and this story how they were stuck in Wyoming. Well come to find out it was Bill’s home town and they were stuck at the little Podunk airport in Riverton, WY and it went on and on. We were laughing so hard – anyway they are our new friends and really enjoyed meeting them.

Yesterday we planned to go to the Wright Brother exhibit but it was raining and overcast so had a lazy morning. Luckily it cleared up by noon so we were off in Rocket. It was pretty cool and saw a video of the actual events that took place along with actual footage. This was the first film taken by –I think it was Edison. Bill probably remembers. Anyway kind of cool. We explored Kittyhawk some more but not a lot to see except a lot of rental homes.

 Beginning of first flight.

We had dinner down the street again only across from our happy hour place at the Black Pelican. Pretty good seafood.

This morning it’s beautiful so Duncan and I had a long walk on the beach. We’re off to Virginia today. YES!!! Another state.

Take care -

Day 63 with Ruby and Rocket

It is so nice to wake up listening to the birds instead of the air conditioner!

We survived our ferry trips but it was exhausting. I left Newport, NC around 11ish as it wasn’t terribly far to catch the ferry and it wasn’t to leave until 3:30 even though I had to be there early. Bill was able to catch the 1 PM ferry but there wasn’t a reservation space for Ruby available at that time. I did a little marketing before leaving Newport and then headed north to Cedar Island. I wasn’t sure what to expect but it wasn’t that bad as you get there and they put you in a line and then you just wait for the ferry to arrive. Then the fun begins! Driving Ruby on to the ferry – OMG! You don’t make any decisions you just do exactly what they tell you. They did make sure I could get out of the door if I wanted to. I actually had a lovely view from my spot and since it is so windy, Duncan and I only ventured out once. The crossing was OK – just one time I got a little nervous about the swells. I don’t do well with swells. I stuck my head out the window and calmed myself and all was good. We arrived and then I had to drive Ruby off the ferry which was another moment of anxiety but didn’t hit anything. So I’m off to the next ferry which is about 10 miles. I drove through the little town of Okcracoke on the way, which is hosting a folk festival this weekend. Things were really buzzing and wished we could have stayed for the fun. Bill met some entertainers on his ferry ride. This drive was beautiful as I had water on both sides and lots of sand dune. I wished I could have stopped to take pictures but no where to pull over and only 2 lanes.

 Waiting for the ferry at Cedar Island

 Ferry loading ramp

Arriving at Okcracoke

I arrived for the ferry from Okcracoke to Hatteras (only 30 minute ride) and only had to wait a few minutes before we boarded. Another few minutes of anxiety – no decisions just do what they say! This was a quick trip and I drove off again (more anxiety) but didn’t hit anything and off to Avon and the Sands of Time RV Park.  Said a few prayers of thanks!!!! This was also a beautiful drive and lots of fabulous looking houses for rent. Would definitely come back here.

Ferry from Okcracoke to Hatteras

Bill and I arrived at about the same time. It was about 7:30 but thankfully still daylight. I had called the RV Park in the morning to let them know we would be arriving late and they left instructions on their bulletin board. Got all set up and Bill had seen a place around the corner that delivered pizza so we were set. Pizza and large amounts of beer and wine!!!

We never slept so good! The weather was really cool so windows open and no humidity.   I think this was my most challenging day and I know Bill fought headwinds most of the day. It’s beautiful here and an experience I’ll never forget. Glad we came but man does he owe me big time!!!

We’re off to Kittyhawk today for two days. I think we’re on the ocean so beach time for me!

Take care – Good luck to Casey and Stephanie who are running in the PF Chang half marathon tomorrow in San Diego.

Day 60 - 62 with Ruby and Rocket

Wow! I guess I better catch up. Glad we weren’t travelling on Monday, the 31^st. We spent the day on the beach still in Myrtle Beach, which is my favorite thing to do and had a quiet night in the RV Park as most people had already taken off.

Tuesday I headed for Wilmington and the KOA. Got all set up and they only had 30 amp power available. We like 50 amp. So I main cabin AC starts doing funny things so I’m thinking it’s the power. It’s not looking good so we turn it off and live with the bedroom AC. Not too bad as it’s very shaded.

Tuesday I drove to Jacksonville where we camped next to some people who were expecting their son home from Iraq the next day. They were making signs and banners as the base is just across the highway. Anyway, we had 50 amp at this park which is what we like and still had AC problems. This is not good as it’s really hot and no trees. Our RV Park recommended a service center so I called them and was to be there this morning at 8 am so they could work us in. Great! So I take off early this morning as I’m worried about rush hour traffic and luckily I did as I thought I was in downtown LA. I had to drive past the Marine base main entrance where it took about 20 minutes to go 2 miles. I looked over at all the signs on the fence and saw the sign from my neighbors at the RV Park.  Very cool!!! I arrive on time but  they’re swamped so I’m a little nervous about things. However they tell me the AC guy should be there in about 5 minutes. Sure enough he comes out and we talk about things. He pulls Ruby around and plugs her in and thinks right off it could be the compressor. Not good!  He said he’d check it out so I sat in the lounge with Duncan and in about an hour he came in and said it was all fixed. I almost fell over as we had backup plans A, B and C! So it was just the capacitor that had burned out and they replaced it for not a lot of money which is even better.

So it’s 10 am and I am on my way to my next destination. Pretty soon I look at Gabby and I only have a few miles to go! The next night of camping was only 10 miles from the RV Repair Place – lucky me. So we’re staying at the Whispering Pines RV Park and it’s very pretty and very cool in our lovely RV!!!! Bill got in early too so we launched Rocket and headed to Historic Beauford, NC, about 18 miles away. It’s a fun little seaport town at the beginning of the Outerbanks. We did a little shopping and had a fru fru drink on the water. Bill bought fudge and I bought earrings!

Tomorrow we head to Cedar Island where we catch the ferry. I hope Ruby doesn’t sink it!

Take care -