Let the Good Times ROLL!
NATIONAL PARKS ACROSS USA -
Since September 28, 06, we have seen the following National Parks:
Badlands National Park – South Dakota
Big Bend National Park - Texas
Crater Lake National Park – Oregon
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – North Carolina
Mount Rainier - Washington
Mount Rushmore National Memorial – South Dakota
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Washington
Redwoods National Park - California
Saguaro National Park - Arizona
Sequoia National Park - California
Yellowstone National Park - Wyoming
Yosemite National Park – California
National Parks and/or Monuments seen on previous vacations:
Jefferson Expansion National Memorial – St. Louis, Missouri
Lincoln Memorial & Washington Monument - DC
Everglades National Park – Florida
Grand Canyon National Park - Arizona
Haleakala National Park - Hawaii
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – Hawaii
U.S.S. Arizona Memorial – Hawaii
National Parks we hope to see:
Death Valley National Park - California
Mesa Verde National Park – Colorado
Carlsbad Caverns National Park – New Mexico
Bryce Canyon National Park – Utah
Arches National Park – Utah
Canyonlands National Park – Utah
Zion National Park - Utah
Grand Teton National Park - Wyoming
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Monday, September 14 - As the mist rises off the lake we left Lynchburg Thousand Trails Preserve Virginia, around 8 am to drive to Forest Lake Thousand Trails Preserve in Advance, North Carolina. Beautiful sunny day. Arrived around 11 am. We had a terrible time with our setup yesterday. It was 92 degrees, humidity 24 – but Ray still had difficulty with the heat. We started putting our lounge slide out (the widest) and found that we were 2” over the electric box. Not good. So we had to pull in the slides, and reposition the RV so it was well away from the electric box. I didn’t realize that we have two moving parts that extend six inches further than the slide.
We love the spot we got before all good sites were taken. This is the part of RVing that I don’t care for. We had not even repositioned ourselves when a couple came to the door (Mitzy was loose and she tried to “eat” them) Ray had the engine running so they thought we were moving and they wanted this site in the worst way. They took one across from us and down a ways. Looks like they have a Bischon.
Tuesday, September 15 - It started out at 65 degrees and now it is overcast and signs of rain coming. In mid 80s. Friday - Rainy all day until late afternoon.
Sunday, September 20 - Off and on overcast sky. Ray took the Gold Wing into town to run errands. Watched football, although we couldn’t get the Bucs game using our satellite.
Monday, September 21 - Overcast sky again today, with 66 degrees. Vacuumed coach.
Tuesday, September 22 - It is 65 degrees at 7am and the park is shrouded in fog. Fall has come to the Carolinas.
Wednesday, September 23 - Started raining heavy around 5am and has not let up with the rainy weather. Ray left in the truck to visit Boone NC and see our site location at the next park called Honey Bear. Also he wants to see Steven’s property.
Friday, September 25 - We drove into Mocksville to grocery shop at a Super Wal-Mart. Sun was shining for a change. This afternoon we started to feel a change in temperatures as a cold front moves our way. Highs in the 60s tomorrow.
While in Advance, Ray drove over to Lenoir to check out Steven and Gennifer’s land they purchased. This is a view from where their house would be if built.
Saturday, September 26 -It started raining last night and drizzle most of the day. Very gloomy and a high of 64°. With all this rain, we should see a beautiful leaf-changing season in October.
Monday, September 28 - Beautiful sunny skies and cooler temperatures and expecting 40 mph wind gusts this afternoon as a cold front is moving in. Ray took the Wing out for a short ride around 10 am.
Tuesday, September 29 - It is 47° this morning at 7:30 am. Looks like another beautiful day, with high in the 70s. Love the fall weather in North Carolina.b:if cond='data:blog.pageType !="item">
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FULL TIMING
FULL TIMING? Our first thoughts on such a monumental change of direction in our lives started with the purchase of a 32' Toy Hauler-KZ 5th Wheel early 2006. We took a vacation in May and traveled the mountains of North Carolina. We liked the fact we had our own bed to sleep in and could see surrounding areas either on our Honda Gold Wing or GMC truck. However, during the vacation, we found that the KZ 32' 5th-wheel was entirely too small, even for a long weekend. We wanted to trade up. One thing led to another and we started to question the next three years before Marsha was scheduled to retire.After much soul-searching, prayer, and financial calculations, Marsha requested early retirement for personal and physical reasons.Full timing meant we were saying "goodbye" to all that is familiar. Everything happened so quickly we didn't have time to contemplate that aspect much. We research everything thoroughly before we purchase. This would be our new home and we wanted all the "bells & whistles" within our budget. Lazy Days in Seffner, Florida had a new National, 2006 Tradewinds motorhome available at the right price. It has a 400-HP Turbo diesel engine and many amenities. We did get the "cart before the horse" purchasing the RV before selling our home. It was the worst time of year to sell a home in Florida. We sold with only a month before closing! Thankfully, we had our new "home on wheels" in our back yard for preparation.
It became clear that our personal craving for travel and adventure overcame our requirement for a traditional home with all the things that seemed so important.Getting rid of clutter can be liberating. We did not want to pay for storage. Collectibles such as our Fenton glass, sets of crystal glass, or ceramic pieces were handed over to family members or close friends for their enjoyment. We had a two-day garage sale and anything remaining went to charity. We feel the flexibility and comfort of RV travel far outweighs any pinch felt at the fuel pump. Let the Good Times Roll!
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