Day 10 - Heading Home...

A cold front came through the Memphis & Nashville area resulting in the first snow of the season.  We got the rain and cold temperature from it so decided to pull out this morning and head home a day early.  I think we hit all the sites here anyway and are pretty much ready to get home to warm and sunny Florida.

We made it to Savannah, some 496 miles, and stopped in Hardeeville, SC - the same place we stayed last Sun, Mon & Tue.  We only have about 250 miles to go and will most likely drive on home tomorrow.

Had a nice trip.....until next time!

Day 9 - Gotta have a shopping day!

Knitting Sisters

When we have a little extra time, I love to visit local knitting shops and my wonderful husband was happy to accomodate me, so, this time, I visited Knitting Sisters here in Williamsburg.  It's a wonderful little shop with lots of beautiful yarn and great ideas for new projects.  I didn't buy anything but am anxious to complete my loop scarf orders (4 down and 3 to go) and get back to working on my wrap; otherwise, it will be Spring before it's finished and I won't need it then!

There is a Premium Outlet Mall nearby so we had lunch and did a little Christmas shopping.  The weather was very pleasant again today but a front is supposed to hit here in the night or early morning hours so, if that happens, we will probably pull out tomorrow and start our journey home.

Day 8 - Colonial Williamsburg



Colonial Williamsburg

 It was a perfect fall day for a stroll through Colonial Williamsburg.  The day started with brunch at Trellis Restaurant which was highly recommended by our neighbors, Frank & Carolyn, and what an outstanding restaurant it was.  George noted...here we are in a high end American restaurant that is painted the color you would expect in a Mexican restaurant, listening to Christmas music!

If you haven't been, Colonial Williamsburg is a villiage re-created as close as possible to the way it was in the early 1600's.  In fact, a lot of the buildings were re-built on the same exact foundations.  The people who work there wear period clothing which makes you feel like you have gone back in time....until you come to Merchants Square which is full of modern day stores and up-scale restaurants.  Also, there are outdoor portable theatre productions performed by solo actors which move about the area.

Pocahantas




Jamestown Monument

 We walked up and down every street until we were about to drop so we moved on to Colonial National Historical Park in Jamestown.  It was really strange knowing you were walking on the same ground that Pocahantas, John Smith and other early settlers walked some 400 years ago.  There is an archeological dig going on at the site searhing for period artifacts.  I especically enjoyed the church where John Rolfe and Pocahantas were alleged to have been married.

Day 7 - The Dreaded Laundry Day

American Heritage RV Park

We reached our final destination this afternoon - the American Heritage RV Park in Williamsburg, VA and, yes, it's also the dreaded laundry day.  The weather is gorgeous so, after getting set up, we had a late lunch outside on our picic table then it was off to the laundry facility.  Lucky for me, all the washers were available and it's a nice, large facility.....whew!

Since laundry will not be finished until around 5:00, we decided to stay in this evening, cook dinner, put our feet up, read all the tourist material and map our our plans for the next few days. 

Day 6 - "Dare" to be a tourist



Hatteras Island


Hatteras Island is a long, skinny island in Dare County - 70 miles long in fact and, in places, you can see the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Pamlico Sound on the other.  Also, in those same places, I swear George could hit a golf ball from the ocean to the sound.  There is only one way on and one way off this island which is route 12, a 2-lane road.

Our campground is just about at the halfway point in a town called Waves, NC.  We started out going south today to the town of Hatteras, which is as far as you can go by car.  From Hatteras, you can take the ferry over to Okracoke Island.  The line for the ferry was a 2 hour wait, then a 35 minute ferry ride so we will have to save that adventure for another tine. 



Cape Hatteras Lighthouse


The houses in this area are gorgeous and huge.  They are all at least 3 stories tall and, up on stilts, they appear even more grand.  The highlight of today's adventure was the visit to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.  It is the tallest lighthouse in the US.  Too bad we couldn't walk to the top but it is not open to visitors this time of year, however, we were able to walk inside the entryway.

The lighthouse was moved in 1999 some 2900 feet to its current location in hopes of saving it from the elements and, judging by the damage from Irene, she could have been "the big one" for this lighthouse.  We purchased the hour long DVD which chronicaled the move....we watched it tonight and it was quite a daunting task and exudes the American spirit.

As we started back north, we had a great lunch at a small local restaurant in Buxton.  While in Buxton, there was a craft fair at the local high school so, I couldn't resist...George was bored out of his mind so I didn't tarry long.  Back on the road, we continued north through several more small towns and over the temporary bridge.  Irene ripped up a section of highway and created a new inlet - hence the need for a new bridge. 





Nags Head is clearly the largest town on the island with a 4-lane highway and stop lights.  Just north of there is Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk.  We stopped at the Wright Brothers National Monument and Kitty Hawk Airport which is the site where Orville and Wilbur flew the first airplane.



Bodie Island Lighthouse



On the way back to Camp Hatteras, we stopped at the Bodie Island Lighthouse which is on the Pamlico Sound side of the island.  The sun was setting over the Sound on the drive home and was a beautiful site.  It's going to be hard to top our adventure today!





Day 5 - Happy Thanksgiving!

Traveled today to Hatteras Island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  This stop is a first for me and I'm quite excited about it.  There is still a lot of damage and debris left behind from Hurricane Irene a few months ago. 

Camp Hatteras is a really neat campground located right on the Atlantic Ocean and is quite pricey "in season".  They just moved into their newly constructed building today.  For the last few months, they have been operating out of the very small Guard House at the entrance...they have a lot to be thankful for today.

There are a dozen or so other campers here, several large families were out cooking their turkeys in large fryers the way we used to do it back home.  We were hoping for an invitation but, oh well.  There are only 3 restaurants open in the area due, primarily, to the fact that "season" is over; however, George discovered Good Winds Restaurant which served us a yummy Thanksgiving Buffet.  Afterward, we crashed back at the motorhome.

Day 4 - Things that go bump....

Today is travel day...up I-95 to RVacation, Selma, NC. This is just an overnight stop, conveniently located off I-95 so we can get jump right back on the interstate in the morning.  Nice park and looks to be almost full.  We arrived at 4:30 and got all set up before dark. 

On the drive up, we tuned back into "Black Widow", one of our Randy Wayne White books on tape.  We are quite fond of this author from the Fort Myers area.  It really made the trip seem a lot shorter, however, the last part of the journey was quite windy, and "bumpy", and a bit scary for me. 

Speaking of scary and things that go bump in the night....we think we have a ghost onboard.  Alarms have been going off at night time without reason; we found 2 bread sandwich rounds under a chair as if someone was going to make a sandwich, got spooked then hid the bread.  Actually, Abigail found the bread while snooping around under the chair and George looked under there to see what was so intriging and discovered the bread.  And then there was this strange odor that appeared just before bedtime the nights that we were in Savannah - but disappeared after we left Savannah.  I'm thinking the ghost joined us in Savannah. I had a strong urge to visit the Bonaventure Cemetary as I am a nut for the (non-fiction) movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" which was filmed in Savannah and Bonaventure Cemetary.  Also, the house featured in the movie once belonged to singer/songwriter Johnny Mercer (Moon River etal) which we saw while on our Trolly Tour.  Ironically, Johnny was buried in Bonaventure Cemetary. Johnny, if you are still with us, please let yourself be known. 

Day 3 - Trolly Tours and such...



Trolley in Savannah

  

We got an earlier start today and decided to take the Trolley Tour through the historic district of Savannah.  The Trolley makes 15 stops and you can get on and off anywhere along its route.  We hopped off on River Street and walked along the cobblestone road, checking out the charming gift shops and outdoor markets.  Had a great lunch at One-Eyed Lizzies then hopped back on the Trolley to the Welcome Center.

Hudson's on the River

In the afternoon, we drove to the end of Hilton Head Island to Harbour Town where we walked around the marina checking out the beautiful yachts, the lighthouse and the shops.  Next we did some shopping at The Village of Wexford then ended the day having drinks and appetizers at The Oyster Bar at Hudson's Restaurant. 

Day 2 - Island Day (Tybee & Skidaway)

We drove over to Tybee Island late this morning and had lunch outside on the patio at Sting Ray's.  Quite a popular little place considering this time of year is out of season. 



Fort Pulaski

Afterward, on the way to Skidaway Island, we stopped and took a tour of Fort Pulaski.  The fort was built in 1829 and completely surrounded by a moat.  Really quite interesting.




Skidaway Island


Skidaway is quite a beautiful island with lots of huge live oaks drenched with spanish moss.  There is a great RV park there with large sites, each one nestled in the woods fully shade.  We definately want to return here for a long visit.

Day 1 - 2011 Thanksgiving Trip

Hardeeville RV Paark

We are "on the road again".  This time, we are travelling up the East Coast to Williamsburg, VA (I've never been there, so its a new adventure for me!). We left Summerfield at 9:20AM this morning and arrived 5 1/2 hours later at Hardeeville, SC.  After our arrival, I vaccumed and cleaned the interior and fed starving cats while George hooked everything up outside.  Then we had a celebratory cocktail outside until the bugs ran us back inside (and they say the bugs are bad in FL....they are nothing like the little "no-see-um's" here).

Hardeeville is about 12 miles north of Savannah and 25 miles south of Hilton Head, SC.  We plan to visit both over the next two days.  Meantime, Hardeeville RV is a nice, quiet park set in a shady, wooded area and where will call home until Wed.

Day 45 - Home at last...

Not that I'm thrilled with that - I really like traveling in the motorhome and would be quite happy to just keep going down the road.  Anyway, arrived home around 4:30PM which was earlier than we thought.  I drove the coach a bit but still not comfortable with it. 

We unpacked the majority of our stuff in just a little over an hour....except for the food in the cabinet behind the TV which requires opening the left hand slide to get to it.  So, we took the coach to the storage lot and went over Mon morning to open the slide.  Not only did I take way too many clothes, I also took way too much food.  I'll know better next time.

So....all in all, we had the time of our lives and can't wait to plan the next venture.

Signing off for now.

Day 44 - Golfing with friends



Jais amd Bob


Today we we stopped at our dear friends, Bob and Janis' house.  It was great to see them again, however, even though the garage door is open, that doesn''t necessarily mean that it's OK to enter through the "back door"...ahem...my bad.

The four of us played a round of golf at Callahan Golf Links which is just a few miles from their house.  We have not played this course before and it is a typical mountain course - hard!  We liked the course but, not having played in 6 or so weeks, I think it played us.  Had a good time in spite of the score.

After golf, the four of us went for mexican food and, yes, a well deserved pitcher of margaritas.  After a fun evening with lots of laughs, it was time to say goodbye until next time - which is a trip to Lake Blackshear in the Fall...a location that is pretty much in the middle of where the 4 of us live.  See you guys then!

Day 43 - Lazy Day

OK everybody needs a lazy day every once in a while so today was mine.  I slept late then did a wash load, fixed lunch, then took a nap.  What a day!  We were supposed to have dinner with my nephew, David and wife Cornelia but they were not able to get away from work so we will see them on the next trip.

Ladies, you should all be proud of me.....it occured to me today that I have been on a 6-week trip with the same purse!  It's my favorite Coldwater Creek purse I bought last fall and just seems to go with everything.  I can't say the same about shoes, however (don't ask). 

I have learned something about packing for a long trip though.  Pack what you think you need, then cut that in half.  There are clothes I brought and never wore, oh well.  I was also happy to learn that the coach provides plenty of closet and drawer space.  Overall, it's been great traveling in this coach.  If I could change anything, it would be (1) add a washer/dryer (2) get a larger fridge with more freezer space.

We ended up grilling the sausages that Houser gave us yesterday.  Mine was perfect but George got the chorizo and it was a bit too hot for his taste.  Watching the Braves but I'm falling asleep....

Day 42 - Friends Day

Houser

Had lunch with Houser today...an old friend from ASGA.  George couldn't join us as he had to go into corporate headquarters.  We reminised about old times and caught up with each others lives.  Son Jason is doing well...Katie has been teaching school while Jason plays "Mr Mom" and teneds to his recently formed meat business which is going well.  Jason happened to call during lunch so I got to say hello.  He showed me some recent pictures of Julian who is 13 now.  Also pictures from the Tim's Ford Cup which was held last weekend.  The last day of the tournament was called due to rain so they ended up with a tie and Atlanta will hold The Cup for another year.

Shopped a bit around North Point Mall before picking up George and going to the Mactec softball game.  It was good seeing the Mactec team again.  As vote for Gwen as most improved player!

Les and Pat

Left there and met Pat and Les for dinner at the Village Tavern.  It's always great to spent time with them.  Pat and I have known each other for 30 years, yes, that's 30 years this year!  We were "runnin' buddies" back in our single days.  I was there when she met Les, witnessed their wedding and the rest is history.  Don't worry, Pat, I'm not going to tell any stories.  She is my dearest friend and I miss her terribly, however, I am considering dis-owning her if she doesn't come to FL to visit me.

Day 41 - Ahh.... Atlanta



Harvest Moon RV Park

We are in Atlanta and have a busy schedule this week but looking forward to seeing lots of friends.  Actually, we are in Harvest Moon RV Park in Adairsville, which is the closest RV park to North Atlanta.  George worked today...I knitted and did a little laundry which is gratis here -can you believe?  This laundromat gets a 10 in my book. 

 

Task Cloths

I bought this "Task Cloth" at Bryce Canyon, UT...it's made of soft organic cotton and can be used to clean, dust, wash dishes, or whatever.  It caught my eye as it was hand-knitted.  There was a basket full of them, all sorts of beautiful varigated colors, each rolled up and tied with a ribbon and I just couldn't resist.  Actually, the one I bought has become my "pattern" for making some of my own so, they are pictured to the left.  I have become an absolute knitting fool!

Day 40 - A Beautiful Family Day

Aunt A's Garden

Aunt A's Garden

I drove up Signal Mountain to my Aunt's house this morning.  Her name is Evelyn but we have always called her "Aunt A".  Have no idea where the "A" came from as others before me named her.  Her daughter, Joan, was there.  We grew up together, me, Joan, brother Jon and younger sister Judy (from Albuquerque).  We had a lot of fun together as kids...never got into any real trouble outside of making up songs and jumping up and down on beds to the rythmn.  





What is Paradise but a Garden

 

Aunt A's Garden

Aunt A has a fancy for gardening and still tends to the most beautiful garden I've seen....these days with the help of Joan.  I won't reveal her exact age as she is a very vain woman but I do remember going to her 90th birthday party a few years back. I hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed them in person today.

Aunt A's Garden

Aunt A's Garden

I invited Aunt A and Joan to lunch today but, nothing doing, they fixed lunch for me instead....that's what families do.  When I first arrived, I went to the back door as family just does not come to the front door.  Joan and Aunt A greeted me and we sat out on the back porch for a time, talking and enjoying the garden and the birds.  Yes, the birds....when you have a beautiful garden like this, you attract some very nice birds.  She attracts 5 different varieties of hummingbirds.

Joan and Aunt A



Me and Aunt A

After lunch we moved into the den where we started looking through old family pictures and laughed till we cried.  It was just the most fun day and I'll be thinking about it for a long time.

Linda, Hal, Emma, Keeley

Linda's Pond

 After saying our goodbyes, I picked up Keeley and Emma, two of my sister's grandchildren.  We headed to the campground to pick up George then on to Lookout Mtn to my sister's house.  We visited at her house for a while before going to a lovely dinner on the outdoor patio of Cafe on the Corner at the top of Lookout Mtn.  All-in-all a beautiful family day!

Day 39 - Home Sweet Home (Chattanooga, that is)

Beautiful TN River

I always get a tingly good, smiley face feeling when I cross the TN line and see the familiar sites of my hometown of Chattanooga and it was no different this time as we approached from I-24 East. As we curved around Moccasin Bend, I could see Lookout Mtn to the right and Signal Mtn to the left - both where I have family members.  I love seeing the mountains, the TN river, the greenery and all the beauty of the city.  It's good to be home...

MS River Flooding

 

There's a road there somewhere

Prior to arriving in Chattanooga, however, we took these photos of the mighty MS River flooding in the Memphis area.  Amazing how far the river is still over its banks.



MS River Flooding

 


MS River Flooding

 






Misy kissing Abigail!



On a lighter note, I caught a rare moment where Misty is cleaning Abigail's face....could it be love after all??



Day 38- Dodging Storms

We traveled 380 miles through 4 states (AR, TN, MS and AL) dodging storms.  The weather was cloudy when we left Russellville then we ran into a harsh thunderstorm in Little Rock so we pulled off the road to wait it out.  Problen is, we pulled into a school parking lot and got ourselves cornered and could not turn around.  After a while, the rain stopped long enough for George to un-hook the car, turn the coach around, then re-hook the car.  Oh well....these things happen but, most importantly, we made it safely to our destination.

It was a long day on the road so we stopped for a pizza before settling into Heritage Acres RV Park in Tuscumbia, AL.  I have a feeling we will sleep well tonight. 

Day 37 - Travel Day

We're running a day behind because of foul weather in Oklahoma City.  We managed 266 miles today and settled into Ivys Cove RV Resort in Russellville, AR.  Great little overnight park with the nicest laundry room I've experienced yet.  Talked to the couple next to us......they are from South Africa and spend 3 months in the US traveling in their motorhome.  Today is her 75th birthday and you could have knocked me over with a feather - she doesn't look anywhere near that age.  We've met so many nice people while traveling....all with different and interesting stories.

We bought a set of books-on-tape last year while in Fort Myers written by a local novelist, Randy Wayne White.  The stories are set in South FL and encompass a lot of places I'm either familar with or heard of and are quite interesting.  We have one tape left and I can hardly wait to start that one.