This Really Happened

I have not been blogging because I  have started the second stage of my life and it has been a
 whirl wind.  The plan was that a friend was flying in from MO and I would take him  home in the RV.  How nice it would be to have someone with me on my maiden voyage.  My son-in-law gave him a five minute lesson on the operations of the RV and the next day we were off.  We had calculated that this would be a 17 hour drive.

Day 1-  the direction we were going to start was discussed but because my son wanted me to see him race his radio control cars before I left, we would go  to Virginia and decide when we were leaving as to the direction to start.  We  got on the highway  about 10AM when my son called to say that it was raining and the race was cancelled.  After about a second deliberation we decided that since we were going south we would continue.

First stop would be  Front Royal, VA for the night, I checked for campgrounds while we drove.  I found a campground that used Passport America called North Fork Resort.  I made a reservation and the night's campground was secure.  Because I will not have my tow car until I get back to MD, we decided to do our sightseeing before checking into the campground.  At the visitors center, we  picked up brochures, got some good information from the staff and set out for the State of Virginia Arboretum in Boyce, VA.  There were no signs to help you know where to turn so after several false turns, we made it.  At the Arboretum there was a sign saying large vehicle parking but we could not find it and finally parked in the field in front.   The arboretum is free, dog friendly, but most of all...beautiful.

We took the Natural Plant trail after we had wandered awhile,

walking along the wet land area, and through a lush garden,

sat in the lookout tower

and marveled at the landscape.

 As we were leaving, my friend said that on this trip we would stop and smell the roses every time we could.

We made it to North Fork Campground which would be our home site for the night.   The place was nice as far as facilities but the ground was unlevel .

The shower and bathroom was clean but the site itself was nothing to write home about.  A gravel site is not a problem but it would have been nice if there had been an attempt of level.  It was full hookup, 50 and 30 amp no different in price.  Because I use my Max Burton induction hot place when the price of electric is in my site fee, I was glad I got the 50 amp service because we used the microwave, induction cooktop and air conditioning with no problems.  My friend decided it was time that I learned how to make a campfire

so I got my first lesson.  I  told him before the trip that I could not cook well and he said  we would just have to eat Arby's.  That night he cooked and I found out he was a gourmet chef.   I told him that he ruined it for himself because  there would be no Arby's  on this trip.

Day 2-  Still heading south, we decided to go to the New River Gorge  in West Virginia to see the bridge that you see in so many movies and Beckley, WV, to go to Tamarack so I could get my craft fix.    I texted my daughter to find us a campground near the Gorge because our cell service, even through one of us had Verizon and the other AT& T,  was not consistent.   My daughter texted back that she talked to the owner of Rifrafters Campground in Fayetteville, WV   and he was near the gorge and would not be there when we arrived because he had to take the dog to the vet but we could pull into any open spot except #3.  There was 7 full hookups, out of the 12 sites, 6 sites had 10x30 concrete pads and a 10x10 fire ring.  The entrance road is a little steep but very manageable.

It was decided that we would take the back way, to go through the heart of WV.   We would  head south west and would figure out the the rest later.  The drive was beautiful, trees, and curvy curvy curvy roads (thank goodness I was not driving). It started to rain so concentration of the road was necessary.  I was actually quiet, I know you do not believe me but I was.  He decided to mess with my daughter and if you have  not seen the Jeff Gordon video , then check it out before I tell you what we did.

I texted my daughter that it was raining which it was and  these were winding roads..  I said that I feel like a passenger in a Jeff Gordon video and that I was crying  because he was driving Miss Kitty like a Ferrari.  My daughter texted back, 'Gas Mileage Dude.'  I told her that I told him that and he said that he brought the gas and  he would drive anyway he liked.  She texted back, ' that it was not his house.'  By that time, we were laughing so hard that he had to pull over.  Kidding aside, Miss Kitty did get a nice needed shower and handled her self admirably.   I was given a lesson on straightening out curves and driving on these types of roads.

We got to the area early enough to go to the gorge and found out that this was a national park.  The view of the bridge was amazing.   We both wished that they allowed walking across the bridge.  This was also the first time we realized that a tow car was needed.

You can drive the old road before the bridge was built but we were told that it was not big truck and RV friendly so we  only look at the map.  We did pick up the free CD talking tour in case we had a chance to come this way again.

In order to get to the campsite, I was happy that it had been my turn to drive and have  the privilege to drive the RV across the bridge, it was exhilarating.   We were late arriving because  we went to the bridge first so the owner had returned.  After checking in, the owner got in his golf cart to show us our site.  My friend backed in like he had been doing this forever,  he said that the owner was watching so he did not want to embarrass himself.  I highly recommend this campground if you are in the gorge area.  This is a small campground but the sites were level, most being concrete, wi-fi, cable, clean rest rooms and showers, friendly staff and the part I did not know about until the next morning,...the police drive through during their patrol.
 Miss Kitty at her spot.

  Excellent dinner again (don't get excited, I did not cook), beautiful surroundings, great company...what more could I ask for.

Day 3.  Now I would get to go to my idea of happiness. .. TAMARACK.  Tamarack showcases the best artisans in West Virginia.  You can also watch some of them work.  I had to leave my wallet in the RV because I knew that I would be broke.  We admired the collection of handmande crafts,

original art, local home made  specialty foods that included jams, jellies, etc.,  then toured the gallery that rotates every six to eight weeks.  This is a "Don't Miss" if you are in the area.

Another call to my daughter to see what she could find near the Makers Mark distillery in KY.  I had joined Harvest Hosts and she thought that this would be the best time to try it out.  What is it you say!!!!!!  The best secret out there if you have a vehicle that is self contained, no  tents.  The fee for the year is $40  and the list is over 400 at the moment of places like vineyards, farms, orchards, restaurants, etc. across the country  you can park for free overnight.   They do ask that you buy something but it is not required.  Frankly, I will not be able to describe my first experience the way you will truly understand how spectacular  it was but I got my $40 worth on the first try.  My daughter called and said that she had found us a winery called Acres of Land Winery in Richmond, KY.  The owners would not be there but we could park on the left of the building.  They could accommodate up to 4 RV's any size, gravel parking area, they gave tours, tastings, there was a restaurant, gift shop, picnic area, wagon rides and a wild turkey.  The drive to the winery was pleasant on a paved road so Miss Kitty was purring after her trip on the back roads of West Virginia.  We pulled up and I was given a lesson in backing up since the parking lot was empty and all I could hit was the one light pole in the lot which I was no were near.  Okay, I did it but I enjoy batting my eyes and playing Scarlet O'hara so all these nice men can have an opportunity to prove how chivalrous they are.

With Miss Kitty in boondock mode,  it was time to explore.   Just think, we had an entire winery to ourselves,  the winery is also a restaurant with a wrap around porch that overlooks the vineyard on one side. The deck was immaculate  with chairs and tables artfully arranged however, one table had an ashtray, we sat there so he could smoke and admiring the tranquility. He decided to make dinner and bring our plates to the deck to eat.   While  listening to music and having our dinner, the ceiling fan above our heads came on and the light behind us came on...WOW!!!!  The rest of the deck was dark.   The sounds of the night was hypnotizing, I also got my first lesson in quill sleeping habits, at least the Bob White quill,  from my friend.  I listened  and watched in fascination for what seemed like hours.Even the cat was relaxed and had no cares.

I texted my daughter she was 2 for 2 and that it was very stressful here.

I remember looking up disappointed that there was no stars and I said that I had ordered stars but I guess my order did not go through.  I went back to Miss Kitty to take the dishes and when I came out, he was standing there and told me to look up and he was sorry that my order did not go through but he went ahead and ordered the moon.   I looked up to a beautiful bright full moon.    The night could not get better.   All I could think was....this is my life now.

Day 4 - I woke early, put on my jacket and sat on the deck to watch the morning.  Workers started to arrive and waved at me.  That gave me the courage to start exploring by myself.  I saw a vine covered archway that attached the restaurant to the building were the wine was made so I thought that was the place to start my exploration.  I found a line of wooded chairs facing a meadow and rolling hills that seemed to go on for ever.   The rain started but I could not move because I was so happy and did not want to spoil the moment.  The need for coffee got me moving finally so I went back to Miss Kitty.


Once Miss Kitty was  travel ready and so were we, we walked over to the tasting room/restaurant.   He did a tasting while I wandered through the building.  Wine was purchased as well as a wine glass for me (I decided that all my wine glasses would come from a winery that I had visited).

`

I am sleepy so I will get the next installment of  the maiden trip up shortly.   I am sitting in a tree house at my friends home writing this, well...it is not a tree house but he has cut back the branches of the tree over his deck to make a canopy so it feels like a tree house.

Another Day in Paradise

My son and I went car shopping.  I test drove the Ford Fiesta and the Ford Focus.  I came home with the Focus.  My son got me a great deal so I just went for it.

I am naming my car as well.  I would like to introduce

R. T.   I decided to name the car after my father.  He was right there with me while I dreamed of the RV life.  Anyway, he will keep me and mom, Miss Kitty, in line.

After I went to the doctor, I picked up a friend and we went to the neatest store/museum, Thomas Bros. Country Store.   I do not know how anyone finds anything to buy.

  

It was fun browsing and trying to figure out just what we were looking at.  The store is located in Biglerville, PA.  I guess you can call it a store.

I also came back  to find what looked like a burn hole in my outdoor chair.  Of course, no one saw anything.

The good news is that my friend, who had been on the wait list for vacation and had not heard whether he got it until he called a dozen people, did get his vacation and will be flying here on Saturday.  My daughter and son-in-law will be bringing him up to my campground in  PA from the Baltimore, MD,  airport and we will barbeque.  On Sunday, we will start our trip to Missouri by driving to Manassas, VA, to see my son race his remote control car.   Okay, that is not the most direct route to MO but we have 10 days to get there.

I plan to have lots of pictures of the trip.  Unfortunately, I will not have my hitch so I can not take my tow car.  My daughter will keep the car until I get back to  MD .  I have made the appointment to get the  hitch installed since I was told that the closest appointment will be 10 days away.   Once I get that all squared, Miss Kitty, R.T. and I will  be  heading to Ohio to see my sister.  From there, I have a friend that is working in Chicago, I want her to see Miss Kitty and an on line acquaintance has invited me to a get together  (outside Chicago) so we can play with each others spinning wheels.  She said that she has 50 amps and a charkha that she was dangling before me.  The Charkha was invented by Mahatma Ghandi  so that every Indian family could own one and spin the yarn for their own cloth.

See I have already started changing plans in mid stream.   I just have to remember that I have to be in Maine the first week of September.

I Can Get Use To This

When I went to the our ladies group meeting, Kathy made cappuccino for me the morning before everyone arrived.  I immediately purchased a frother and now a cup of cappuccino is my morning routine.  Makes me feel so sinful.   I get up make my drink, sit outside if the weather is nice and listen to the morning sounds.    Oh how nice.

In the evening, I sit outside listening to the evening sounds of the campground and have a glass of wine,

and talk to neighbors as they walk their dogs or out for an evening stroll.

The night before Father's Day,  I picked up my daughter and son-in-law and went to the Eastern Shore of Maryland to surprise his parents with Miss Kitty.  We boondocked in their yard and had a marvelous time.

My son-in-law's brother Steve which would be father #2

Bryan's father, who is father #1

Of course there was food.

We let the father's go first.

We left on Monday morning after a nice hot shower in his in-laws bathroom and breakfast.  We tried to find some nice places to take photos of Miss Kitty since my friend, Peggy, is going to be making my RV cards.  We took a couple but I think that I want to see her in some more settings before I send them on to Peggy.

In the parents' yard

Also, in the parents' yard

At a museum 

Also at the museum.

Going to test drive tow cars this evening with my son.  I will keep you informed.

First Time Boondocking

Yeah, I boondocked (no hook ups for electric, sewer or water). it was also my first time of 'Now What Do I Do.'   I am quite sure there will be more of this as time goes on.

On Sunday night, I went to a friend's farm to boondock because I was using Miss Kitty as my show and tell for our group meeting.  I also wanted to avoid driving in rush hour traffic to get there to set up, etc.  Her driveway is a mile and a half long, one lane, gravel, up and down little hills,  and low branches.  I told her that if I had gone down the wrong driveway, I was going to ask the owners to just let me spend the night because I was not going back that night.  When I set up in front of her house,  the circular driveway looked level, however, I just could not get the hydraulic jacks to level my home.  The next morning, my daughter, TeAntae called BlgFoot ,the makers of the leveling system, and told them that only the back jacks was coming down.  He told us that the jacks had bottomed out and could not go higher so the fronts were not able to do anything,  we would need to move Miss Kitty to a place a little more level.  TeAntae backed her into an area on the side of the house and the jacks worked perfectly.    A lesson learned if that ever happens again.

Yesterday, Monday, was our Assemblage group meeting that meets once a month at different homes.  The group consist of women artist of any medium.  We talk about what we are working on, get advice if we are stuck on a project, talk about lectures or events that we are part of, etc.  For instance, one lady is a high end jewelry maker and she has been hired by the World Bank to assess the needs of  the village women of Uganda to make and market their jewelry to tourist, as well  as set up instruction.  Another lady just won first place for her photography.  I tell you that she is the best photographer I have ever seen.  Her work is phenomenal.   Another lady in the group is a printer, I am going to the eastern shore this weekend and will take plenty of pictures to send her so she can make RV cards (business size cards that I can hand out to other RVers that I meet that want to stay  in touch )  and note cards.  The photo will also be the new heading for this blog.

I received 26 red roses from State Farm for 26 years of service.  Because they came to my daughter, by the time I got them, they were almost dead so I only got a couple of days to see them pretty.








I really must start taking pictures of Miss Kitty in different surroundings,  I just get overwhelmed and forget.  She looked so pretty at the home I boondocked at and I did not take a picture. Here is Miss Kitty dressed in her sun gear.

I also wanted you to see a little of the campground here at Mountain Creek Campground.  I have a question, how do you keep the RV floors clean?  I know I am sitting on grass and dirt but I have to mop everyday.  

I really wonder how far this rig had to go.  I saw it at the dump station and could not stop laughing.

I spend a lot of time on the Women RV forum, the forum is just women but a lot are married, this is just a place for us to get together,  Lori and her husband, Ernie, are at a Conewago RV campground 15 miles away in a town called Biglerville,  so they invited me for lunch.   They are full timers and also sponsoring the get together at  a campground in Liverpool, PA at the end of the month.  I have booked for a week at that campground to get to know some of the people that I talk to on the forum.  She has reserved 10 spots for us.  Can't wait.....This is also a good time to check out another campground.  I simply loved Old Mill Stream but you paid for it. There is nothing wrong with this one, the owner and staff or just lovely, I just want to stay at another one.  If I can get into RV driving school on July 19 at Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, PA, I will need to stay in the area and start the great adventure after that time.

Arrived at the campground at 11:30AM, Ernie's directions were perfect.  This campground is really out of the way with no cell service no matter what carrier you have and no wi-fi.

The three of us having a great time.

After a lot of chit chat, tour of their RV, and doing a lot of craft envy looking at Lori's portrait counted cross stitch projects,  Ernie showing me what to get because I will be in a lot of areas that leveling will be a problem, we got down to the main and important thing...food

While Ernie went to get the mail, Lorie took me on a tour of the campground if I wanted to switch to theirs

I really enjoyed myself and can hardly wait to see them again at the end of the month.  They gave me a list of things that I need to pickup for the RV so I will make a Walmart run tomorrow or the next day.  Before leaving, I stopped at Ernie's father to say goodbye.

What a perfect day and such wonderful new friends.  If this is the hospitality and the type of people I will meet on my travels...what a fantastic life I am going to have.

The Christening Of Miss Kitty

                                               Today was truly a special day...

The beginning of my new life

Surrounded by new acquaintances

Miss Kitty was christen

I attended the 15th anniversary of the RVing Women MidAtlantic Chapter Spring get together at Old Mill Stream Campground.   Fun was the name of the game, we roasted hot dogs, watched fire works, went on hikes and had our black and white dinner on Saturday.

Yes we ate very, very well.  The lady that won first prize for most original outfit  was Beverly in her black and white clown costume.

We also had a social hour on Friday with even more food, the theme was Mexican with make your own tacos.

Since we are on the subject of food, my daughter and I cut out from the group and went to a fabulous little restaurant in downtown Lancaster, PA, called On Orange.  The menu was small and very delicious.  I think I really liked the touch of giving you your check on a saucer with a cookie for each person at the table.  I highly recommend this restaurant.

I forgot to tell you, the get together of RVing Women was held at the Old Mill Stream Campground, Lancaster, PA.   The grounds are very well maintained, very good wi-fi,  cable,  excellent security, good water pressure, the sites are not huge but comfortable distance from the next rig so that you can put out your awnings and slides and still be a comfortable distance,   a very friendly and helpful staff.  I would come back here again with no problem.

On Saturday, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, the Amish Pie wagon comes full of wonderful treats to buy like homemade pies, cookies, bread, jellies and also eggs.   My daughter twisted my arm so badly that I brought oatmeal raisin cookies, snickerdoodles and some wheat bread.  The funny thing is that I only eat bread in a sandwich but it looked so good.

You do realize I have been retired for two days. Two beautiful, wonderful days.

I leave this campground tomorrow and go back to the one I am staying at until the end of the month. 

 Next Monday, I will be hosting our women artist groups in Miss Kitty, I hope to have lots of pictures then.