Thursday, Halloween

Yesterday we stayed with Annelle's cousin in Jacksonville. I drove into the driveway and the miracle of being totally level occurred. Perfect.

Once Eddie and I rescued Annelle from her potential heat stroke we went back to his house and had a nice afternoon. We all went to a seafood place (thanks for being DD, Marie) on the water and had a great visit in a great space. I won a glass of wine from the singer when I was the first one to recognize a song he started. Fun.

This morning I slept in (!) and Annelle rode from Eddie's house. He and I got up later and took a nice walk in the neighborhood, had breakfast and watched an am Football program. The hosts were all in costume, which was fun. Nate Burelson did a good job as Deon Sanders.

Another super hot, super sunny day had me picking up my whooped rider on the way to the campground in St. Augustine. Really, the weather has been unbearable. It is supposed to get cooler tonight and continue for a few days. We are praying for that. Right now (7 pm) it's 85 and our AC is keeping us sane.

After getting set up we decided on another late lunch seafood treat. This time the ocean instead of the river. HOT, but there was a nice breeze.

This is a nice campground and we are happy to have trees. Some of the campers up the way are costumed and have chairs out with bowls of candy for trick or treaters. 

P.S. I am grateful that, because we had to change trip plans, we will be far enough from the GA/FLA game in Jacksonville. For those of you who don't know, it's called the largest outdoor cocktail party in the US. For about 100 miles in all directions (probably out in the ocean too) people who don't have tickets for the game still tailgate, camp and party all weekend. And they drive from all over to be close enough to be in the party zone. 

GA/FLA line

We have a nice spot with a patio today. I got hooked up before the rain. We have a cute patio that I'm not sure is going to get much use!

Then Annelle called me to rescue her from the thunderstorm. She did ride in the rain for a while, but when the thunder started she played it safe.

This is looking out onto our patio. Right now the rain has stopped. For a while. We showered and are planning to try some coastal delights for dinner. Roxy seems nice and dry. AC is going full blast. Oatmeal is cooked and cooling for breakfasts the rest of the week. 

This is the bike light charging station. There are a fair number of plugs in the trailer, but, as at home, there are never enough where you want them. It's on the ceiling right where the TV would plug in if we had a tv. We're happy to read, but I would like to see the game on Saturday. Looks like I'll stream on my Mac.

P.S. I am grateful for eggs and grits. Breakfast at the campground this morning was just right.

Rain coming. One dry Roxy.

Last night I got in bed with my book (How to Change Your Mind, Michael Pollen-fascinating) and I felt something damp. On further investigation there was not only something damp, there was one whole side of the bed (mine) that was WET. Yes, we had a big storm Saturday night in Suches. Nothing looked wet on the wood and we didn't notice when we packed up. I guess it was a good thing we didn't find it then as it would have delayed our trip by more days.

Today I found the nicest RV place in Brunswick, Newcastle RV. They not only fixed the rigged cord with a brand new one, they took me up the ladder to my roof and showed me what was the problem. Those of you who know me know I don't do well with shoddy work, especially after I had requested a reseal and the dealer had told me it was fine. I asked for something they did not even look at- I could tell the incorrect sealant (didn't know it was the wrong stuff though) was cracked and needed repair. Rocket science not a necessary degree for that observation. Needless to say, the dealer to whom I paid my hard earned money will be getting an email. Just an email, no more business from me or anyone who asks where I got Roxy. Poor thing, she's trying to be a good camper, and she's succeeding when she's not being thwarted.

As  usual, we are the smallest camper. Compact and efficient! (to the left of the tree)

P.S. I am grateful for the attitude adjusting properties of chocolate. 

Sunday, Oct 27

We are back on the road. South of Savannah tonight (it's 78 with high humidity at 6pm) after several stops for running-light checks, among other things. Need to take Roxy to replace the cord that was repaired in Maine. Back-up camera is out, probably due to the power cord.

We've been off for 2 1/2 weeks, not counting the week I came to GA before that. Annelle will commence tomorrow with a 50(ish) miler, so that should give me time to get the repair done.

It took us, together, 20 minutes from pulling in the KOA to register to fully set up. Leveling, stabilizing, power, water, sewer, inside table up! It was super smooth and efficient. AC on inside and we're all fed and watered. It is still too sticky to be doing anything outside, in my opinion. Have I ever expressed how much I dislike heat and humidity?? This part of the trip will be very different from the cool North East. I'll get used to it, I'm sure.

Adventure awaits!

Time moves on

Dad is now with Mom, as he wished. He also got his wish of going to sleep and not waking up. He is at peace and we are sad. It is a blessing he did not have to suffer and he was ready to go. He would have been 91 in December.

We are hoping to resume the last 1/3 of the trip next week. The idea is to start up in GA where we would have been on the same date and finish the final leg. Next spring we can do the middle section from NJ to  GA that we missed due to my needing to come home.

We are putting one foot in front of the other to get things taken care of. When we return we will resume those jobs. All of you who have been through this know what I'm talking about.

Meanwhile, packing and organizing is happening, along with bread baking.

Another change of plans

Annelle awoke during the night with dizziness. It got worse this morning, with nausea. She took a dramamine and went back to sleep. I went to the drugstore to get 7up, saltines and some non-expired dramamine nausea. She slept most of the day. We did the Epley maneuver. (look it up. It's for vertigo and is no fun for the patient.)

I was going to go along with the planned Liberty tour but, alas, no tickets available for today. We made a reservation for an extra night as we weren't sure Annelle would be travelworthy tomorrow either.

Then I talked with my sister. Dad is going downhill quickly. He fell (again) and, this time, hit his head. The home health nurse came today and they are planning hospice, who will hopefully evaluate him tomorrow. His mind is still all there, his body is just done with the work of living.

So, Annelle and I, if she can travel tomorrow, will head home for a while. It will take us 2 days and I hope we make it before he's gone.

The trip will resume.

Back in the saddle

Today we left Niantic, CT for Jersey City. This is the trip I've been dreading, having had to drive from there to Maine on the way up. It did not disappoint. There is nothing like driving a (even small) camper through a busy, big city. I won't bore you with details, just know I lost another week or two of  my life today.

This is the oddest place. It's a RV Park, not a campground. Emphasis on parking. But it's right across from NYC and it has its charms. We decided to walk to Liberty Park as the guy here said it was only about 20 minutes. I don't know how fast he walks, but it was 5 miles round trip. And we were not able to take the ferry to Liberty as all the doors were closed up tight. This was from the walking path.

So tomorrow we will ride the route and take the ferry. One thing I never have done in all my trips to NYC. We also plan to meet up with LeeAnne Hutchison and Grant Neale in the city for drinks tomorrow afternoon!

Dad is having a difficult time. I'm not sure if it's more mental/emotional or physical. All the systems are failing and he's tired of it. I am hoping for some comfort for him.

P.S. I am grateful for an easy back-in spot. And for the knowledge dad is in good hands.

Saturday night in the ATL

One week gap in the trip but dad is safely at my sister's house and the world continues to be unpredictable.

Will fly out in the early am to rejoin Annelle in CT. At present I'm enjoying UGA v Tennessee with a nice cocktail and a nosh.

P.S. I am thankful for the adaptability of life long curmudgeons. It has been nothing short of amazing.