Sunny Flordia and Birthday Cruise

Since we had gotten a late start on Friday due to having to pick up Ivan at the repair shop, we decided to stop at a halfway point which put us in Hahira, GA just north of Valdosta.  We found Cain Creekside RV Park through Passport-America that had a spot available.

It turned out to be a nice pull-thru site facing a small pond with privacy fences on both sides.   We paid only $25 due to our Passport-America membership for the one night and the park was very quiet and easy to get right back on the interstate the next morning.

Wekiva Falls

 

After a four hour drive, we arrived at Wekiva Falls RV Resort in Sorrento, FL.  The park is a pretty good size with over 500 full hook-up sites and they escort you to your site and help you get backed in.  The site they had originally booked us at turned out to be too narrow.  We were not able to deploy our slide outs due to a large palm tree.  The guy was nice enough to ride me around in his golf cart and let me pick out a new site from several that were available.  Our only advice to anyone visiting this park is to know that the ground is very soft, so expect your wheels to sink into the sandy soil.  I imagine if there's a lot of rain it could become an issue.  We luckily didn't have a problem getting back out.


After getting settled, we decided to head into Sanford to pick up a few groceries and items for our upcoming cruise.   Of course, we ate first cause everyone knows you never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach so we decided to grab a bite to eat first!

My sister has told me quite often that one of her son's favorite places to eat is Red Robin but since I don't eat burgers we've never visited one. 

I finally took the time to look at their menu and found out they have the impossible burger so we gave it a try.  It's been 25 years since I gave up red meat and I am here to tell you if you are a vegetarian/vegan/pescatarian and have not tried the impossible burger, you are missing out.  It is the closest I have tasted in all the years to a real burger.  I am sold on the impossible burger and I'm pretty sure we will be eating at Red Robin more often now.

Cruising with family and new friends

On Sunday morning we got up early and drove to Cape Canaveral to meet up with D's sister, Dawn, her husband Jerry, and a couple of friends that were going on our birthday cruise.  I am very excited about hanging out with Dawn and Jerry for a whole week.  Both of our birthdays are in December and this has been on my bucket list for a while.

Our cruise started out great but then on day two the sea got a little rough and yes that's when the seasickness set in.  I had lost my patch and was not a happy camper!  Who knew the ship infirmary doesn't even carry transdermal patches on board. Insane!  Luckily we got them to move us to a room closer to the center of the boat. That made a huge difference.  We also found out that eating green apples really helps settle your stomach as well! 

By the third day, the waters had calmed and I was able to join everyone again.  So back to doing what everyone does on a cruise.   Eat, drink, & repeat.  I think I have definitely decided I am not really a big cruise fan.  If we ever do decide to take another one it will be to Alaska.  Now that might be worth taking the risk of being sick on a boat! 

Papantla Flying Men

Our first port of call was Costa Maya, Mexico. We watched the aerial dance of the Papantla Flying Men in the Mayan village in the city of Mahahual.  This tradition has been around for 500 years and it is now protected by UNESCO.

Five men climb a 98-foot tall pole and then four of the five launch themselves at the same time, tied to the pole with ropes to descend to the ground. The fifth man dances on top of the pole playing a drum and a flute while bending fully backward to acknowledge the god of the sun. It was really a sight to behold.

Afterward, we walked around the village and visited the Diamond International Shop where Dawn bought a beautiful ruby ring.  By then the weather was pretty warm so we decided to head back to the ship since I was still getting over being seasick.  Plus the food and booze on the ship are free!

Our Next Port of Call was Cozumel

Once my feet was on solid ground, we decided to hit the shops in order to buy a few bottles of Mexico's famous vanilla extract.  We were told it is one of the items that is a must-buy when you are there.  I bought one bottle of clear since I have never seen it sold in clear here in the states.  Dawn bought several bottles of both! Well let you guys know if it was worth fighting the crowds for when I use it.

Afterward, we went on a scavenger hunt for charms.  Since Dawn has been on several cruises before she knew about this charm bracelet that Diamonds International give away free.  Come to find out a lot of the jewelry stores there also give you a free charm to go just for the asking.  I think all in all we got five between the two ports.

A Song and a Dance for the price of a beer! 

Once all the shopping was over we met back up for a quick drink at where else... Señor Frogs.  I think I had forgotten how insane the place is.  Not only do they make everyone wear a balloon hat but the feel you up when you get a shot.  I thought Jerry was going to die when she put her hands all over him.  I have to admit the guys were a good sport about it.  Although I can't say the same thing about D wearing his balloon hat. The man tossed it on the floor.  Who does that?  Dawn and I wore ours all the way back to the boat.  And with pride too!!

At the end of the week, we said our sad goodbyes as we went our separate ways.  We drove back to Sorrento Florida to our home away from no home and Jerry and Dawn went to spend a few more days with their friends, Deb and Bill.  We enjoyed getting to meet them and hope they decide to join us again on our next adventures with J&D.  Maybe.....Alaska!?! Hint, Hint Dawn!

Turkey and Repairs

Stone Mountain Heights RV Park

Today we moved a whole 11 miles over to Stone Mountain Heights RV Park.  Normally we only move on the weekends since D works during the week but for some reason, the park did not want us coming in on the weekend and requested we arrive by 3pm.  I'm assuming it was because of Atlanta traffic being such a bear and can cause your arrival to be unpredictable the closer you get to rush hour. Anyone who lives in Atlanta or has ever past through knows rush hour is now from 6 am to 7pm with no breaks between!  Not as bad as Boston but it's getting pretty darn close in my opinion. Anyway, D ended up taking the morning off so we could move.  

One of our nightly visitor

View of Stone Mountain from
Walmart

I have to admit I had no idea this park was even here and I grew up here! I can't tell you how many times I have driven down Hwy 78 and have never noticed this place!  So I was a little shocked to have found out that it had been here for years but use to be a mobile home park.  It now operates mainly as an RV park, is tons cheaper than staying inside the park, the sites are really huge, and the cell signal for D to work was perfect.  There are a few mobile homes still in the park but they are all very well kept.  It's also very quiet and they have deer and ducks that roam free. We did have a little bit of a time getting the 5th wheel level but finally figured it out. So heads up if you stay here make sure you get a level site.

We have in the past stayed at the campground within Stone Mountain Park but the cell coverage was not adequate enough for D to work plus they have a 14-day max.  We were pleased to have found this park and to discover it is only 8 miles from our granddaughters! Whenever we come back home we hope to stay here again.

Hanging with my BFF - aka my sister!

One of the hardest things about being on the road is leaving family behind.  I can't tell you how much I prayed over this very thing.  Not only leaving my sons and their families but also my sisters!  My sisters have been my rock during some of the hardest times of my life.  They have lived through every high and every low with me and I love them more than words can say.  With the loss of our mom when we

were all still in our 30's and then with the passing of my youngest son a few years ago, our bond is even closer.  I didn't think that was even possible but I have to say I wouldn't know what to do without my sisters to lean on. 

My oldest sister has always has been my "mom".  I tease her about it but she also knows it true.  I count on her to tell me the truth and to keep me in line.  As far back as I can remember, she has been the one who has tried to teach me right from wrong, how to dress, how to wear my hair, and most importantly, how to love.  My middle sister is the most loyal person I know.  She never judges you and will carry your deepest, darkest secrets to her grave. She is a friend for life!  I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed meeting up with her every week to shop, eat, and just hang out.  If I could only talk her into joining us on the road. Hint, hint!

I do have a brother that I don't get to see as often as I would like, so before we head out of town again my sister made sure we met up him for a quick bite.  I pray often for his health and to keep his sons in uniform safe.

Family Time

The week of Thanksgiving, the parts for the repairs to the side panel were due in, so we packed a suitcase, hauled the 5th wheel over to National Indoor RV Center in Buford, and moved in with my son and family.  Their new house that they had recently moved into is absolutely beautiful.  They had our room all made up and ready for us.  It was such a blessing to be able to hang out with them and see the granddaughters on a daily basis

During our week, we went shopping for new eyeglasses for the girls, went to see Frozen II, and prepared Thanksgiving dinner.  But before you knew it the week was over and the 5th wheel was ready to roll.  A big heartfelt thank you to my son for welcoming us into your home and making us feel so welcomed. 

D showing off O's mad drawing skillz

On Saturday, we say goodbye to family until Christmas and head over to pick up the 5th wheel - aka Ivan the Silverback - and head South to Florida to catch a cruise!  

Here's to 20 Years and Being Home

There's No Place Like Home

Don't get me wrong, I have 100% loved our first pilgrimage of exploring the USA and Canada.  But I guess the saying that "no matter where you roam your heart knows the place you call home" is true.  So coming back to my hometown of Lilburn, GA just feels right.  We will be staying at Jones RV Park for the next two weeks so we will be close to our doctors' appointments and then we will move over to Stone Mountain.

It's now been eight months since we set out as full-timers.  In some ways, it seems like we have been doing this for, well, forever and so far so good.  It has definitely been a learning experience for both of us and I'm sure there will be lots more to learn in our future endeavors.  But for now, we are looking forward to seeing family and friends and shopping and driving on familiar roads.

The culprit

I do have to confess we did have one small mishap - a $1,200 one to be exact- at our overnight stop at Hagan Stone Park in Greensboro NC. 
Dennis cut a corner too close trying to avoid folks that were walking in the street and the side of the fiver got caught on one of the posts that they use to mark off the driveway to the office.  Unfortunately, theirs did not have a rubber tip on it and dug into the driver's side panel

Luckily when we arrived here we met a nice gentleman that recommended an awesome repair shop that did a great job.  Two thumbs up to National Indoor RV Center!  If you ever need a repair on your RV in the Gwinnett County, GA area, we highly recommend these guys.   Also a big shout out to their customer service rep Amanda who was great about keeping us up to date on things.

Ted's Montana Grill

Happy Anniversary

It's hard to believe that D and I have been married now for 20 years.  I can say with all honestly that our life together has been so much more than I had ever dared to hope for.  He is by far the most patient and understanding man I know.  He is still my lifesaver and I pray we will have 20 more years together.

Comments from D:  It's true, but it feels more like 20 minutes.  Time has a way of moving into the background when you are sharing that time with your perfect mate.  

Family and Friends

My son Austin along with my daughter-in-law Ali and my two beautiful granddaughters Olivia and Isabel came to check out our location once we got settled in.  I think the kiddos had forgotten how roomy it is in here and had a blast exploring and climbing over every inch.  It felt good to be around family!  Olivia found a stray cat and HAD to feed it.  I have to admit I had been doing the same for a few days now.  Luckily, a day later, a woman came up and said it was hers.  After our catch-up visit at the 5th wheel, we all headed over to eat lunch at La Madeleines where Ali's parents and brother also joined us.  

 Twynhams and Crandalls meet again!

The next week we were surprised by a visit from Andrew and Connie!  It had been two months since we had last seen them in New Brunswick, Canada so we were excited to catch up with them again.  They too were here to visit family and friends in the Atlanta metro area.
 
On Thursday, Andrew and Connie were meeting with a friend of theirs to celebrate her birthday.  Happy Birthday, Ellen!  I hope you enjoyed your special day! 
We joined them after their dinner to see a performance of an ironically named play: Single Wide at the local Playhouse Theater in Cumming, GA.  The star of the show for me was definitely the son.  He was awesome.


During our week together, we had dinners together and also handed out candy to trick-or-treaters in the park on Halloween.  I think we had around 15 kids.  We were thrilled that we had any!  I feel this is one of those traditions that is going by the wayside.

On Friday we will be hopping over to Stone Mountain in order to be closer to my son and also my sister!  So excited about hanging out with Pam for a whole month and spending Thanksgiving with family!!! Wahoo!!

Pine Grove, PA

October 12th - 19th

As we bid goodbye to our tour of the New England states, our drive to the small town of Pine Grove in Pennsylvania took us across Connecticut, New York and finally into Pennsylvania.  Not knowing much about these states, I wasn't expecting to see such beautiful mountain views along the way.  It was worth the rough roads. Well for the most part.

As we continued west and entered into Pennsylvania, we crossed over the Delaware river where New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania meet up.  That was pretty cool!  We also got a glimpse of the Shawangunk Mountains.  This mountain ridge extends from the northernmost point of New Jersey to the Catskill Mountains.  This portion of the Appalachian Mountains continues through Pennsylvania.  The ridge constitutes the western border of the Great Appalachian Valley.

The leaves were just beginning to turn all along our trip which made the landscape even prettier.  It made me miss home even more and I can hear the mountains calling me home.

The trip, for the most part, took us on I-84 aka the Yankee Expressway.  In Newburgh, NY we crossed the Hudson River via the Newburgh–Beacon Bridge.

Newburgh-Beacon Bridge over the Hudson River

When we arrived at our campsite, the park was in the middle of a Halloween festivity.  We arrived right in the middle of trick or treating time and kids where everywhere.  And I am talking about tons of kids!  We had to be extra careful driving to our site since we didn't want to hit a goblin or a superhero!

Gettysburg

On Sunday we headed out to Gettysburg and learn a thing or two about the Civil War.  The small historic town was not as busy as I thought it would be for a holiday weekend.  We were able to find parking without an issue near the square.  We walked around and looked in some of the shops then decided to have a bite to eat in one of the cute restaurants.  We first tried the Blue & Grey Restaurant but the waiting time was over an hour so we headed down the street and found an Irish Pub called Garry Owen and decided to give it a try. They too were busy but we hung.

After lunch, we headed out to the National Military Park where the  Battle of Gettysburg was fought and said to be the turning point in the Civil War.  Gettysburg was what inspirited President Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address"speech.

Four score and seven years ago...

The Battle, fought in July 1863, was a Union victory that stopped the Confederate General Robert E. Lee's second invasion of the North.  More than 50,000 men fell as casualties during the 3-day battle, making it the bloodiest battle of the American Civil War.

Georgia's Monument

There are 12 state monuments honoring Confederate soldiers, including Maryland, which honors the men of the state from both sides. Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia.

There are 18 state monuments honoring Union soldiers.  Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Main, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, and Missouri had no units at Gettysburg.

Each monument was required to be placed at the location of its main line of battle.  Many have a secondary monument showing different locations.

 

We drove around until we each found our state.  Dennis debated whether to stand in front of North Carolina or Indiana since he was born in Indy but was raised in Asheville,  Eventually, North Carolina won mainly cause we couldn't find Indiana and we were running out of daylight.

Hershey, PA

Thursday after D got off work we visited the Hershey Park.  Even though there are tons to do there, the only thing I had on my mind was visiting Chocolate World! They claim to be the largest candy store and I believe them!  The place was huge and there was chocolate floor to ceiling. Pure heaven! 

Tomorrow we leave out at 7am and head down to Greensboro NC.  We are going to visit with my sister and brother-in-law and to see Chris Tomlin perform at their church.  This for sure is going to be a long, long day for we will be hauling for 8 hrs.  :-(