Since leaving our February project in Texas we have
traveled through nine states and have parked our rig overnight in eleven
different locations ranging from one night to one week. A former client of mine referred to us as
choosing a gypsy lifestyle. After these past six weeks, I’d have to agree with
him if it weren’t for the fact that we do get to sleep in our own bed each
night. For this I am so very grateful!
Our granddaughter loves animals, including her pet pig. |
Watching grandson's basketball tournament. |
On our final night with our granddaughter we did something that
Bill and I hadn’t done since before we met. The three of us went to a drive in
theatre. Of course, we had to go buy some movie candy. Bottle Cap candies for
our gjrl, Whoppers for me, and ordinary popcorn for Bill. So fun to watch the
new release of Beauty and the Beast in the comfort of our car. It was nice
enough to sit outside but I could hear better in the car as we tuned our radio
to the appropriate number. That was different from the way it used…oh no, I
never wanted to be one to use that phrase (“the way it used to be”). Yikes!
Sad to say goodbye to our granddaughter, but excited to be
heading towards our next project (Camp David of the Ozarks near Rolla MO). We
had two weeks to get there and couldn’t resist the opportunity to swing by
Nashville (as Bill would say) to visit a dear friend. The normal route would be
going through Atlanta but both Bill and I agree to avoid Atlanta at all costs.
Wasn’t a high cost at all. We took a great route through the panhandle of
Florida into Alabama where we boondocked at another Wal-Mart (“park” #8) in
Troy AL. It almost didn’t happen! I always call ahead to the chosen Wal-Mart to
confirm that they allow overnight parking. When I called this place, I got an
immediate “no.” When I told her that my on-line information said that they did
alow it, she told me I would have to speak to a manager. I waited on hold for
quite awhile. Thinking she forgot about me or was trying to get rid of me, I
hung up and called back. J
Unfortunately, the same thing happened. At that point, we decided to find a
truck stop for our overnight. Until, that is, we came upon that very Wal-Mart
and we could see various semi-trucks parked along the side of the parking lot.
I yelled (sorry Bill) pull in, they must allow parking. As we pulled in to the
lot there were signs all over saying “no overnight parking.” Whaaaaat’s with
all the trucks. Because we were both pretty tired and had nothing to lose, I
went in to the customer service desk. There were three women, one of which had
a manager’s tag, so I immediately went up to her (looking as pitiful as I
could) and told her that we saw the trucks in the lot and assumed they allowed
overnight parking but then saw the signs. She was so sweet! She says they are
trying to look out for the safety of their customers but that they don’t
enforce “no overnight” and no one would bother us if we wanted to stay. Praise
the Lord!!! So glad I’m not one to give up to easily. Bill was pleased as well.
So glad we came through Alabama. It is a beautiful state.
Lots of rolling hills and valleys with colorful trees. I almost thought it was
the beginning of fall not spring. There was a lot of bad weather forecast,
but Praise the Lord (again!) we only got rain. We picked a campground (park #9)
about 30 minutes from Huntsville AL for four nights so we could spend some time
at the U.S. Space and Rocket Museum. As if we haven’t had enough of
space and rockets. What can I say? We’re big fans! Each one is different in
some ways. Besides, the one in Houston, we had limited time; the one at Kennedy
we enjoyed with our 11 year old granddaughter; and the one in Huntsville we
could take all the time we needed which was such a delight. The other cool
thing about this museum is that we got in FREE because of our EAA membership.
Had we known, we could have stayed right on the grounds of the Museum as they
have an RV Park available to the public. Oh well, we enjoyed a different
experience of being at a campground that doubled as an RV storage place. It was
nice enough and the people there were great, but the place didn’t have much of a
park feel.
We also managed to find two nice microbreweries in the area.
I even liked a few of the beers. With names like Raspberry Blonde, Pumpkin
Madness, and Vanilla Porter what’s not to like. I know Bill and most true beer
drinkers wouldn’t like these, but that’s why I did. Tastings are perfect for me
as that’s about all the beer I want. Bill, now that’s another matter. He likes
a nice dark beer once and awhile.
Finally, we’re on our way to Nashville. Well actually, we’re
staying in Kentucky. Really hard to find a nice reasonably priced campground
near Nashville (heading towards MO). I really didn’t want to travel through
Nashville but for a big city the traffic wasn’t too bad. PTL! I hardly freaked
out at all. We ended up in Franklin KY (Dad’s Bluegrass Campground park #10)
about a half hour from Nashville. Had a wonderful time visiting our dear
friend, Courtney, who left Wisconsin only last August to fulfill a dream of
living in Nashville. (No she’s not a country singer wanna be, but she does like
country music and Nashville, in general.)
She took us to a few local spots including lunch at Wildhorses
Saloon. Too fun! It was just a blast
hanging out with Courtney and having her as our first adult overnight guest. We
found a great church In Bowling Green with a lot of similarities to our home
church in Oshkosh: Community/New City. So wonderful to praise loudly and
worship and receive a powerful message.
Once again, that’s the one thing I miss most about being on the road and
that is worshiping powerfully and Spirit led with “family.” On our way back to
our rig, we stopped at a winery right off the highway close to where we were parked. So glad we did. Very homey atmosphere, extremely friendly people, and a delightful (& huge) gift shop. Made several new friends; oh, yes and tasted some delicious wine.
As many of you know, there has been some interesting weather
where we’ve been. Thankfully, the good Lord has kept us out of most of it. Our
last night in the Nashville area, Bill woke me up at 2 a.m.so he could move the
bedroom slide in. He knew I’d freak out if I awoke while he was doing that. The
winds were pretty strong and we have a tear in the bedroom slide awning. To
keep it from getting worse, Bill decided to wake me. I’m glad he did, even
though I had trouble getting back to sleep. I’m such a big baby when it comes
to wind and rain.
You would think by now, after all it’s been over a year, I’d
be a bit more relaxed about the weather and going from place to place but such
is not the case. I had a month or two when I was doing so much better but I still
get such a nervous stomach as we prepare to leave one RV park for another. I
actually enjoy the packing up part (a place for everything and everything in
its place) but I still struggle with other drivers, depth perception, and the whole
no control passenger seat. Trust me, I sure don’t want to drive the big rig but
I sure would like to enjoy the journey more. My prayer has been and will
continue to be to trust God & trust Bill. Please Lord, take away my nervous
stomach and sweaty palms!
Look closely... Bill is hugging a tree. |
Okay, so I didn’t quite get this posted last night, but I
was too tired to insert pictures and format. So I can now say we have safely
made it to our April project at Camp David of the Ozarks near Rolla MO. The
drive was absolutely beautifully but very challenging for Bill. It was very
windy today and you sure could feel it as we traveled along. Once again, Bill
did a great job. Thanks, Hon!
Until next time: Be blessed & be a blessing!
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