The Long Road Home

September 9 – The party is once again over!  Ugh!  Back to reality and all the ups and downs that go with it.  We were up early since we’d have to go to the dump station before leaving.  I think by the time we closed up the RV, drove around the loop and back to get in the correct direction to dump, dumped and drove out the 2 mile canopy of trees, it was 10:00 – 10:30 when we actually got out on the road.  We didn’t stop at all on the drive home and arrived at our driveway at 2:30.  

 

It was almost 2 hours to empty the 2 fridges, all the compartments inside and get it all in the house and the fridge stuff put away.  There were bags stacked all over the dining room.  The utility room was full of clothes, bed linens, rugs in addition to all those things from in the house since the cleaning lady came after we left.  I managed to do 3 loads of wash before bedtime.

 

The yard and my garden were a mess.  There had been so much rain my sister could not keep up.  We had a big tree down across the front along the road.  Kerry trimmed enough to be able to see to get out of the driveway.  The worst problem we found was the downstairs bathroom sink had leaked all summer and the bottom was ruined.  What a mess.  The joys of coming home!  Once we emptied it out and set up a fan on it we left to take the RV into Camping World for tire rotation and to have the bearings repacked.

 

Needless to say we were both exhausted by the end of the day.  We both fell into bed.  Dreams of another summer behind us and who knows what the next one will be!

Last day on Amelia Island

September 8 – Our last day of leisure for the summer!  Bill, Paul, Jean and I loaded in their

Bill, Paul and Jean waiting for sunset

car and checked out the original Fernandina which is still quite quaint.  It’s on the river side of the island and some of the homes are pretty old.  The original fort is gone but there’s a marker for it.  Then we drove around Historic Fernandina Beach with our tour book this time to indentify the houses.  There are some very nice homes there.  Some were sea captains. 

 

We stopped in a couple of stores along the way and had lunch at a seafood place on the sea side of the island.  Charlie had recommended we drive on down that way but he led us to believe it wasn’t so far.  We eventually came to the end of the island and crossed over the bridge and were heading in closer to Jacksonville, so we turned around and headed back to Ft. Clinch. 

 

Sailboat at Sunset

We retreated to our respective RV’s and later joined efforts for dinner.  We have enjoyed eating outside at the picnic table and just talking.  We all wanted to see the sunset tonight since we missed it last night.  We checked on what sites we all thought we could get into and liked and made notes on the camp map.  Then we headed to the beach at the river.  Jean and I picked up lots of nice shells while the guys sat on the bench.  As it was closer to time lots of people showed up, many with cameras to catch the beauty of the island.  That is when I wish I had a nicer camera.  I did get a sailboat approaching and then passing in front of the sunset.  It was pretty nice.

 

When the fun was over we all headed home and started putting some things away in readiness for our sad departure tomorrow.

Flea Market Day

September 7 -  Everyone was up early and ready to leave at 8:30 to go to the flea market in Jacksonville.  It was OK but we all agreed it was not as good as it looked from the road.  We got some produce and I found a small green leather purse and a phone cover. 

 

On the road heading back we spotted another flea market so stopped there.  First order of business was finding where to eat.  They had a good little place in the center of the complex with tables so Bill and I both had the grilled chicken salad and it was excellent.  Then we set a time to meet back at the door and headed out.  Bill and I bought books (and both forgot our book lists) and we got a rug for the RV and a Christmas gift.  Jean and Paul were waiting when we got to the door and had already loaded their haul in the car.

 

We got back about 2:30 and I think everyone was tired from the heat today.  Bill and I each had a huge glass of beverage and he eventually took a nap while I finished my book and got on the computer.  Bill and I were going to dinner with the couple we met in Sherando who also volunteer here, so around 4:30 we started showered to be ready to meet them at their RV at 5:45.  Tonight they suggested Peppers Mexican Restaurant in Historic Fernandina Beach.  The food was good, the service was good and the company was excellent.  We got to know Charlie and Arlene much better and after dinner they invited us in for ice cream and we ended up chatting 2 more hours.  We figured Jean and Paul would think we got lost.  On the drive in we had a mama deer and 1 baby cross the road.

 

It was too late to go visit next door so we just read and headed to bed.  I was having internet issues so have not gotten to post in a couple of days.

Touring Amelia Island and Ft Clinch

Amelia Island lighthouse

September 6 -  After everyone had breakfast we loaded into the truck and went to the Amelia Island lighthouse.  Wouldn’t you know it was closed?  It’s only open every other Wednesday!  I did get some photos through the trees and they had a sign posted where to get your lighthouse stamp.

Entrance to the fort

 

We took the cooler to the post office to drop it off and then stopped at Wal-mart for a couple of things.  We found the museum where the stamp was and I got my book stamped.  We drove through some of the Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach on our way back to Ft. Clinch.  We went on a tour of the actual fort which we all enjoyed and then back to our RV’s for lunch. 

 

Musical re-enactors and ranger

Jean was outside making some calls and I found a good signal outside so I called Wal-Mart and think I have resolved my parts problem.  The customer service girl called Igloo and arranged for them to send the part to me at no charge after I email them my info and my proof of purchase.  I was also surprised that Wal-mart was crediting me back $20 for my trouble.  Nice!  Then we all migrated over to an empty campsite across from our 2 sites and sat at their picnic table for over an hour chatting until the owners of the site showed up and wanted to set up.

 

By the time we all went to our RV’s it was time to get the grill going.  Paul did the cooking for all of us and Jean and I put together the rest of a great meal.  There’s never a shortage of food.  Then we sat at their picnic table for at least an hour chatting more.  There never seems to be enough time just to talk.  It was nice.  All of the sights in our loop were filled and everyone was cooking or sitting around their campfires.

 

We all finally cleaned up and headed inside for the night.

Welcome to Ft. Clinch

September 5 – This was not the best of days.  We had a small issue last night with the leveling leg that was replaced a year ago by Camping World so this morning before leaving we wanted to make sure it was working properly.  Everything was a wet mess from all the rain last night and in our haste to get away, Bill forgot to rinse out the poop hose after emptying all the tanks.  So there was some residual “doo doo” liquid pouring out when he put it back in its holder and it poured all inside the compartment.  Nasty.  It was his job to mop it up.

 

Then we got on the road and the weather was great all day.  Bill called Jean and Paul to see where they were and poor things, they left after dinner last night to drive part way to avoid love bugs this morning but had a tire blow out on I-10 and finally got the spare on and to a garage where they spent the night.  They waited for them to open today to get 2 new tires but they didn’t carry what they needed so they were on their way to a different place.  We still thought they would get to Ft Clinch before us.

 

We stopped once at Love’s to top off the tank mainly so Bill cold get a jar of his favorite beef sticks that we have only found at Love’s Truck Stops.  The rest of our ride into Ft Clinch was uneventful.  Bill went in to register and I was waiting and saw the Fed EX Ground truck pull in and around the building.  I watched him open the rear of the truck and he got out a box that I was sure was our replacement cooler.  I locked the truck and went in and Bill was coming out and I said I thought that box delivered was ours and the ranger said it sure was, so that was great timing.  However, later when we opened it, the part we needed was not in that one either.  That leaves us to believe that it won’t be in any of the boxes.  Now I need to call Wal-mart online AGAIN.

 

The road to the campsites is over 2 miles into the area of the campgrounds and there’s a warning sign about the canopy of  over the road might cause clearance issues.  We did not want to hear that after our first bad camping trip to Tomoka State Park.  I proceeded with extreme caution, going to the left, to the right, in the middle and all over the road for 2 miles.  I did stop once and wave the 2 cars behind us to pass.  We made it without harm to our camping loop only to find it was not the ideal shape for our RV and we had to be more in the middle so we could open our slide.  It took some maneuvering but we managed to get in and have just enough room left for the truck.  Bill had asked at check in if Jean and Paul were here and they had not checked in yet and were to be right beside us. 

 

We did hit a patch of love bugs and Bill has some cleaning to do before we leave here.  We got set up, had lunch and it was thundering out but Bill rode his bike up to the volunteer village to see the couple we just met at Sherando.  He was forever coming back.  Jean emailed at 2:11 that they were 92 miles away.  We found out when they finally got here that he had to have some brake work done at the same time and that took longer than planned.  They are still having some problems so will see how it goes.

 

We decided to go out to dinner and Cedar River Seafood was recommended and we all enjoyed it.  Bill had gator tail and I had frog legs.  It was delicious, every bite.  There was a Diary Queen next door so we walked over there for some soft serve to top it off.  We were all more than ready to get some sleep for a full day ahead.

Getting closer to Florida

September 4 – Bill set the alarm for 7:30 this morning.  It’s been a while since we got up that early.  We had our breakfast and it didn’t take long to put away what little we took out.  Bill brought in the dish and stand, unhooked the water and electric and by 8:37 we were on the road. 

 

Our first mission was to find fuel.  There are not really big truck stops on Route 220 so we drove about 40 miles further south and there was a sign for 2 gas stations but when we exited there was a Citgo on the right where we could see tractor trailers so we headed there.  We fit right under the roof on the pumps.  Bill was relieved that we found diesel and were set for the rest of the day.

 

We went from 220 to US 1 to 52 and that led us right to I-95 at Florence.  Just before noon there we stopped at a REST AREA and had lunch and used the facilities.  Then it was just drive on to Yemassee, SC to The Oaks at Point South campground.  It was OK.  The spots were level but Bill says it’s depressing.  Lots of big oak trees but not all that well kept up.  It was another Passport America for half price.  We paid the $2.50 extra for cable so we could watch our shows.  It rained pretty good about dinner time and after it stopped we went for a walk to check out the RV’s.  Quite a few new units are here so we went to take a look.  One was from Lazy Days in FL and one from Giant Recreation World, maybe from the Winter Garden location.

Packed up and heading south

September 3 -  Today’s the day to head back down the road.  We got up at 8 and managed to be in the RV by 10:30.  Kelley came by to collect our jackets, keys and radio.  Bill had him put us down for August of next year.  Once we know for sure we will confirm with him.  I have mixed feelings about it.  It’s a beautiful park and everyone was very nice.  The lack of cell service it just a pain.

 

The drive was almost uneventful.  We didn’t go on the Interstate.  We took a route recommended by other Floridians who travel it every year.  There were no rest areas, not like on the Interstate, so finally I said I was ready to use the bathroom and have lunch.  We got off at a rather congested area and Bill was not happy.  I saw a hotel on the left and figured they had a lot big enough for us to park in as well as drive around the building.  In front of it was a Chick-fil-a so I thought that would due for lunch.  Bill was afraid I’d have to back all the way out.  He walked up to get lunch and checked it out and we were fine to get out.  Lucky me!  I used our bathroom and we ate in the truck.

 

The roads were nice in that the traffic was less than on the Interstate and you passed through some nice towns, but we can’t do much stopping in the RV due to parking.  Also the roads were up and down and it destroyed any reasonable gas mileage.  As we were approaching our stop for the night in Asheboro, NC at the Zooland Family Campground the skies opened up and we could barely see ahead.  I slowed it way down and fortunately it didn’t last long.  I didn’t want to set up for the night in the rain but it was totally dry once we arrived.  The place was OK, not far off the highway and with Passport America it was half price.  We found out that our friends Linda and Fred had camped there the night before. 

 

We took a walk around the park and it’s a large place but some live there and it trashes things up with 4-5 bicycles, grills, chairs, blocks, tools, just doesn’t look good.  There were nice trees and plenty for kids or adults to do but the sites were not all that level.

 

We had our leftovers and watched our shows.  I set the dish up for the night and got it on the first try!

Laboring Labor Day

September 2 – No rush to get up this morning since we wanted everyone done with the showers before heading out to clean.  Once we saw 2 RV’s pull out we figured it was time.  We gave the bathhouse a good cleaning and pinesol on the floors.  Then it was time to head out to rake 16 sites.  Of course by then it was a sunny day out too.

 

The bear and the scat

Then I looked out our back window to see if anyone had left yet I spotted what appeared to be a BIG pile of bear scat.  I told Bill to come with me to look and sure enough that is what it was.  That darn bear waited for me to go to bed then promptly did his business directly behind our RV.  What a bugger!

 

One site had a tent left on it but appears the people have left.  So that one didn’t get raked.  Then before I could rake one of mine a new camper claimed it so we only had to rake 14.  I did 6 and he did 8 but that was OK with me.  I took the trash to the container and leveled it out.  Bill had talked to Kelley, our boss, and he said our replacements were arriving today so we could leave first thing tomorrow and not do any cleaning.  Yeehaw!

 

I made lunch and gathered up the laundry for the last 2 loads to get us home.  Grabbed my laptop and headed up the hill.  We decided to change our reservations for the trip to Ft Clinch.  It’s a pain without a phone but I did cancel the first night and pushed about 80 miles further down the road.  Doubt we will cancel the other as there is a one night fee for cancellation and I hate paying it.  Still should get us in to Ft Clinch around noon, so we can live with that.  Makes that second travel day shorter so we don’t have to rush to leave that morning.

 

 I got a fire going in the fire pit while Bill washed the truck.  We put everything away outside and I did a lot inside.  We grilled enough for 3 nights so we wouldn’t have to cook along the way.  We walked after dinner and said good bye to our set of return campers.  Bill saved their Coleman torch they left behind as they said they were coming back.  She was very happy to get it back.

Only a couple more days

September 1 – Word was this morning that the bear headed up to Group loop where he torn open a motorcycle side bag and the guy’s cooler on his bike.  The bear got an apple and a peanut butter sandwich.  The biker patched his saddle bag and left with the rest of the group.  The bear trapper for the US Forest Service was notified.  We guess they will trap the bear and put it down.  How sad!

 

Mushroom or not?



Bill and Smokey

We only had to clean the bathhouse this morning and it really wasn’t too bad.  Tomorrow will be a pain doing as many sites as we will have leaving.  We walked up the road to take a photo of the stump carved into a mushroom.  Well, I say it’s a mushroom and Bill says its part of the male anatomy.  Sicko!  Then we walked the trail back and watched a group performing a baptism in the creek and stopped to visit Fred and Linda.  They are getting their RV ready to pull out in the morning.  How sad.  They are nice people and we have enjoyed meeting them.  Hope to do more camping with them.  Since they are only an hour away in Brooksville we hope to get together.

 

After lunch I took a load of laundry to do and to try and make some calls about the campout.  It’s becoming a pain without a phone but Nancy has been great to make calls and keep me informed via email.  Our group has grown from 14 rigs to 17 and maybe one more.  Of course the more, the merrier!  I had to wait for the rain to stop so I could get my clean dry laundry back to the truck.

 

C & B Loop Hosts

We walked our loop and checked on the TP in the bathhouse.  It’s a mess so tomorrow’s cleaning will be a bear due to so much tracking on the floor from all the rain.  We had planned to grill out tonight but the fire pit was soaked so got out George and did our chicken inside.  We went to say good bye to Fred and Linda but looked like they went out to dinner.  Radioed them later and told them to have a safe trip and we’d see them back in Florida.

 

I sat up until about 11:30 with the lights out after Bill went to bed but no sign of the bear.  I think there were too many people walking around with flashlights still for him to pay a visit.