Home in New Hampshire

We left Vermont and made a short 125 mile trip to our house in New Hampshire. Arriving home the sun was out and the house looked fine. Lynda and I both are kind of blue as with this arrival we face much work getting our lives back to being in our house. We would rather sell it if we could and pursue a life of travel and the adventure that goes with it. But we have to play the hand we have right now and make the best of it. We both worked hard for the rest of the day doing all the things necessary to put life back into the house after six months. We drain all the pipes and the ritual of closing all the drains, venting, hooking up the refrigerator ice maker, washing machine, etc. takes awhile. Then the TV stuff, food, pills, clothes and much other stuff has to be dealt with. The mailbox had to be put up and Lynda went into town to pick up our held mail and start delivery again. Anyway its a change. We wonder how long we can keep doing this big change. So thats, thats for this years journey. Take care all, hope this all didn't bore you too much, lots of love and cheers.




Yes Charlie we are home, he loves it here, the Magic Bus is in her spot in back.



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Alton NH

One stop away from home

A very short drive today with no rain. But that waited as it's pouring out now. We left New York State and the Catskill Elks and took the NY thruway up to Troy the route 7 and 9 to the campsite we love on top of the mountains. They haven't opened yet for the season but as we are good customers coming here many times before they let us park. Ed and Ann the owners are retired teachers and real nice folk. Their son Chris lives here and helps them run the place. It is a beautiful location on an old ski mountain that no longer has Alpine Skiing only cross country. Because it is on the route we always take to go east and west to our photo shoots we stop always.
After setting up today by the pond we took off to find a place to have a bite in town and ended up at a great place called Kevin's. We had stopped there awhile ago and enjoyed it as we did today. Met the owner after we had a nice meal and he gave me one of his glasses with his business logo and a Yankee emblem on the back, nice. Sun was out for a change and for a bit a beautiful day. Well that didn't last as awhile after we go back the rain came again.
Not much of an adventure this year coming home but will be glad to get there. Tomorrow about 180 miles then park the Bus for a bit.




Lynda posing next to a historic train station




On a walk on the camp grounds with Charlie







- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Greenwood Dr,Bennington,United States

At the Elks in Catskill New York

Getting closer to home. This leg was 205 miles with some pretty heavy rain, whats new. Sitting in the Elks parking lot feeling cosy for the night. We have stopped here many times and they are very friendly folks. We plug in to the outside back hall and thats that. Cant believe the rain again today, never had a trip like this. Hope we don't sink into our lawn when we get home. Lynda cooked a real nice meal tonight then we went for a short walk. three large different faith cemetery's up the hill. I always find the names, dates and stones tell a story and interesting. Tomorrow we head up to our regular site on top of an old ski mountain in Vermont.




The Bus behind the Catskill Elks.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:NY-23,Jefferson Heights,United States

Out in the Hills of Pennsylvania

Short ride today, 138 miles to a Passport America park along our route. No rain on todays ride but when we set up it poured for awhile. Lynda did some laundry here and its not a bad place. Full hookups with cable, thats good because the trees don't allow satellite. Stopped for fuel just a few miles before the exit as we wanted to do a last fill while its cheap which isnt the case in New York or Vermont. We should be able to make home and top off just before our house at a good price like here. Must admit the fuel cost has been great all the way, glad of that. We had a hard time at the Pilot/flyingJ where we filled though. The last one in Georgia was all set up for RVs and it was great along with their discount RV card. This one had no such RV place and we had to deal with trucker life which says you have to pay in advance a certain amount before pumping. Well I wanted to fill up and had no idea how much it would take so it took several up front payments and a refund to do that. Plus the big rigs line up at the pumps and the drivers just pull up a few feet after they have pumped and take a food, shower, rest room whatever break just leaving their rig parked in front of you blocking you in. We will call ahead next time to make sure they like RVs, not just Lorys.
When we got off the exit we passed a German resturant that served local Pennsylvania Dutch food. I was thrilled planning to come back in town and have dinner. We went down a country road a few miles and came to construction of an overpass. It had a light that let only one vehicle at a time go over a temporary bridge. Well the power's to be that made the holding area and the narrow bridge apparently didn't count on the Magic Bus pulling the little Honda. We stopped for the light and a pickup coming across barely skimmed by us. Lynda was white knuckled on the tight narrow overpass. We then got to the campsite which is on top of a few very steep hills that strained the ole Bus. But we finally made it and the site is very nice.
We left the park in the car and headed to town and the great dinner I expected. I read the reviews on my iPhone app Yelp and they were great for that local Dutch restaurant. We pulled in the parking lot and Lynda looked up at the sign in their window "Sorry Closed". Oh no, I went up to the door and sure enough closed Mondays and Tuesdays, darn now what. Of course I had an Ogee, (desire) now for that kind of food so back to Yelp. That took us over hill and dale, over eleven miles to Alexanders German Deli and Pub. In we go to an empty cold looking bar that had seen better days and a Chap sitting in a chair watching CNN. We sit at the empty bar and he takes our order for two Bratworsts, a bottle of German beer and a diet coke for me. Time crawled as we waited and waited for those sandwiches. Finally out they came on cheap hot dog rolls. Well turns out the meat was great, tossed most of the bread and we bought a frozen pound package to take with us then left.
A stop at a local Weiss supermarket in Kutzville for some things, a walk for Charlie and now its the end of the day. Tomorrow on to the Elks in Catskill New York.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Timberlake Dr,Lenhartsville,United States

At the Elks in Maryland

Off this morning with a full day of rain. Did around 240 miles. No big events to report. Pulled into the Hagerstown Elks in Maryland for the night. Big parking lot and plugged into light pole next to grass. Tonight was PER night, Past Exalted Ruler, and they had all the pizza, soda and beer you wanted for $6. Lynda only had one piece and neither of us drink beer but I ate a few. Nice folks but a really older crowd. One of the PERs said they had 1600 members now but used to have 3000 when he was Exalted Ruler. Didn't see many young at all, we felt young there. Anyway real nice grounds and people, and a nice place to park for the night. We had stopped here before years ago.
Tracey we don't usually come this way north but do coming south. We like to hug the coast but the weather supposed to be bad and some of the people we visit are not home plus we need to get right back to work on the house and maybe sell it. Thanks for your caring comments by the way. Wish we could have seen you, maybe this summer.
Tomorrow we are only going a little over a hundred miles and will stop in Amish country in Pennsylvania at a PA campground to check out the area and break up the trip. It would be too far to continue to the Elks that we go to in Catskill New York. It seems this rain will tag along all the way home looking at the weather. Can't say I love driving all day in it but whatever was bugging me has passed for now and at least I'm feeling OK.




Lining up for Pizza at the Elks




Quick shot towards the bar in the Elks




Little Guest badges they want visitors to wear




Good idea, and the door was locked.




Here is the Bus in the parking lot. Big event going on lot full.




Front of Lodge on this gray Day
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Mount Aetna Rd,Robinwood,United States

Carry me back to Ole Virginia

Early Sunday morning a good time to travel. We left the nice little country campsite in South Carolina and jumped on interstate 77 north. Before we left SC I wanted to top off the fuel tank as it is about the cheapest state for that. Well we use this iPhone app called gas buddy and Lynda saw an Exxon that said diesel for $3.49 a gallon. That is crazy as when we left the Keys is was $4.15. Anyway we filled up and I used my Exxon card which got us another 6 cents off. Wish it was that way everywhere.
Raining again today and we hit heavy traffic on route 77 with a big accident. Thing is it was Sunday morning so things moved pretty good. We did about 235 miles and got to a campsite we had used many times before because it was part of our Passport America. Well now its no longer but we payed the full price $28. Now the bad part, Lynda was walking Charlie and I turned on the water at the outside tap. I continued to hook up and heard water running. Well when we left the last campground I had opened the flush line for the black toilet tank to wash it out. Guess what I didn't close the valve for the line. So when I hooked up with no sewer hook up only a dump area and the main sewer valve was closed. The flush water went into the black tank and overflowed the toilet all over the not so now Magic Bus. Ugh. I quick shut the flush water and then saw Lynda coming with Charlie. I said go in the car and sit down till I clean up the mess I just made. She did that and I dug out the small water vacuum we carry. So for the next almost and hour I hoovered out the water, washed it all down with pine sol, rinsed it, then pine sol again, then dried. Not a good time but when Lynda came in it was done, phew. Not the first time I have left that valve open sure hope its the last.
We got cleaned up and went into this college town and found a Mexican place to celebrate Cinco De Mayo. The restaurant was good and the margaritas large, strong and cheap, Lynda enjoyed that. Lots of local college kids doing shots and enjoying the time. Back in the camper now but we noticed for the full price we are paying the electric is pretty low and we have to put some stuff on propane gas. Not going to be a stop anymore, site very un level also as Lynda had to put level blocks under tires. Nice view of flooded river though.
Tomorrow on the Hagerstown Elks in Maryland, a nice stop.








Happy hour smile




River in front of our site




The ginger boy checking out the area.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Pendleton St,Radford,United States

In the hills of South Carolina

After a very pleasant 257 mile ride with no rain or problems, thank goodness, we are now out in the woods of South Carolina. Lynda found this quaint RV campsite that was $30 a night using Google Maps. As we drove off interstate 77 and slowly disappeared into the wooded country I thought I heard Banjos in the distance. We pulled into the place and there was no one in the office. Lynda went out to find someone and I hid my Yankee hat. Of course I do that in New England also but they don't play Banjos for the most. After a bit I could hear Lynda and looked out to see a nice young Lady chatting with her. It seems this place is owned not by a Jeff Davis relative but by folks from of all places, Michigan. So much for my imagination.
The people that own it have done a bang up job of fixing the place up with many flowers and plants, smoothed trails and nice pavilions. We have no Direct TV but the hot spot on my iPhone works well and we have plenty recorded things and books. The rain has returned as I type and Lynda heats up her left overs from Ruby Tuesday. We are both a bit concerned about Charlie's worm thing and hope the over the counter pills work. We will get him to a Vet as soon as we can.
Starting to enjoy this vagabond life again with its adventures. Too long in one place is not good for me. So now to hunt up some dinner from our modest stock feeling well and happy and I hear Lynda mixing up some Mac and Cheese for me, nice.




Lynda being my Flight Attendant making me a fat free cheese and bologna sandwich on whole wheat, no crust with Mayo. What a pain am I.




The South Carolina camp site




The owner and Lynda Chatting




Charlie facing off with a fake Gator.




Bus and Toad at rest
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Ridgehill Rd,Ridgeway,United States

A Rainy night is Georgia

Seem like its raining all over the world.

Yes Tracy BP sucks but so does all of whats left of the seven sister oil companies, us for needing and using it, and most of all our government for allowing the pumping to go on without proper guidelines and overseeing. We fight wars over oil that pollutes our world and makes just a few rich. Yes I know my Bus uses oil. But those are the cards left for us to play. Not much effort has been made for a government program to get us off the oil tit. My point is BP is no different cause there name was on the well that let go from everything else. Enough.

Woke up to the fridge being all wet inside as it was off due to lack of propane yesterday driving. Lynda and I spent most of an hour cleaning that up and removing the rest of the melted ice. We strongly feel our next coach should have a regular refrigerator without the need of propane, more room for long trips, and a defrost cycle. Yes.

Even though its wet all around us we like this area of Georgia. We are only minutes from the water and there seems to be a lot to do close by. This campground is kind of rustic with full hook ups and at a great price.

We will be heading inland today starting up the mountains across South Carolina, and North Carolina then into Virginia. More later.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Blythe Island Hwy,Brunswick,United States

Tough crawl out of Florida

Day started with rain and noticing our Pup Charlie had worms. Ugh. Took a picture but Lynda won't let me post it(:
So we get the bus out of the so so campground and pull up to the attached BP. That turned out to be a solid stress trip as first we pull up to the pump only to discover a plastic bag over the nozzle. Now this station has some heavy construction going on so we drive all around it and back to a pump that works. With that I head inside to give the woman at the register my BP credit card and to tell her she should put a traffic cone in the faulty pump lane as motorhomes like ours pulling a car can't back up. She says good idea but tells no one. I go out in the rain and fill the coach. When I get back to the Nice Lady, and she was, she runs my card, it says I have accumulated $20 in bonus money for using the card would I like to get that off my charge right now. Why wouldn't I so I push yes. Bam, it says "Declined". Gulp! I call the number on the card and sure enough because I'm traveling they cut me off. Now I ask you if you have a gas card to buy fuel doesn't that come with the assumption one will "Travel"?
Anyway the very Indian sounding woman at BP assured me after I gave her my shoe size, whether I had an innie navel or outtie, mothers maiden name, and on and on that the card would work. I then hang up and ran it again with faith in BP and Gunga Dins spirit. Well again "Declined" flashed across the machine. We tried it once more and now it not only wouldn't go it removed my bonus credits, all twenty bucks. Back to the phone, navel type etc but this time I wanted a supervisor who's first language was English. To close this long story I ended up using a debit card which the woman assured me I would get the discounted cash price. Well that didn't work either so she gave me the difference in cash back feeling sorry for me at this point, she was as I said a nice Lady and the owner. We headed out onto Route 95 north.
Now what next. All winter we ran off our coaches propane tank for the stove and whatever on our trip coming down. Because gas cost $4,99 a gallon in the Keys I had planned to fill it at a campsite traveling north as we use it for our fridge on the road and of course cooking. The Zoo site and last nights so so site had no gas so we ran out. Lynda called ahead to the next RV park and they said the guy that pumps it was gone till Monday. So we got off at Daytona to stay at the place we go there. Lynda calls them before we pull in to verify they had propane and they said yes but don't pump in the rain. We make a u turn and get back on 95. I say find a Camping world as I know they sell it, Lynda calls its a yes and we head way off the road to them. I pull up to their propane pump that states no turning which means I have to unhook the car to get out, not happy. I head inside and some jerk tells me they don't pump in the rain for safety. What the -???
The only time you can't pump is during a lightning storm, at this point it wasn't even barely a drizzle, off I storm turning the rig around in a yard of theirs that says no admittance. Lynda calls a flying j by the park we are in tonight, we fill up cheaply, $3.00 a gallon, and set up in a nice place we have visited before, $18.90 (PA) a night. Then off to a pet store for worm pills, Wall Mart for food and another great meal at Ruby Tuesdays, now to relax (:
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Blythe Island Hwy,Brunswick,United States

Mims Florida PA site

We took our time leaving the Zoo park this morning and headed up the Florida Turnpike then on to route 95.
That was a trying time as it rained monsoon like most of the way. Also like I have always remembered 95 had much construction. I had to drive the 26000 pound Magic Bus on what the signs said was "Uneven Pavement" That means you are flying along at over 60 mph on what is usually the shoulder. Now this is kind of crazy as that part of the road was never meant for high speed travel with its dips, holes, thin pavement etc. Of course I could always move into the left lane but that not only is very narrow it makes everyone go around you on the right as they are always going so much faster than me. Lastly as the rain held up for a bit the famous "Love Bugs" started to hit the bus. Yes those nasty little devils that a few years ago completely covered the front of the coach and clogged our radiator came out to play. Fortunately that amounted to just about a half a dozen so our hopes are that tomorrows trip wont bring more of them or rain.
We are in a nondescript place called Crystal Lake RV park behind the BP station. Poor electric, sewer hookups to far away to hook up, sad wi fi, and much noise from 95 that is a stones throw from us. But for tonight its home and cheap at that. I wont be back here and wished we kept at it for another 40 miles to our usual stop at Daytona.
We will continue north tomorrow and I hope the weird not feeling well I have had for days will go away. It is causing us some concern and might affect how long we wait to get back.

One nice thing about tonights campground is the pond across the way from us.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Stuck Way Rd,Mims,United States

Creeping up Florida

Again after a long winter at the Florida Keys Elks we have set out to head North in the Magic Bus.  I don't know what kind of adventure we will find but I'll share our trip anyway.
Lynda wanted, as did I, visit the Miami Zoo and camp at this RV park called Larry and Penny Thompson.  We had heard about it and it is only $33 a night with full hook ups which is great for being right in Miami.
So yesterday we arrived and were both "Gob smacked" as Lynda would say by how nice it is.  Such a beautiful oasis in this hurried crazy city.  It is huge, comfortable, fully equipped with great RV parking. I took my bike off the car and peddled for over an hour all around.  We will come back.

History and Natural Assets

The park was named after the late Larry and Penny Thompson. They were avid campers and civic leaders in South Florida, their family life popularized through Mr. Thompson's daily humor column in the Miami Herald for more than two decades. The parkland, which was once part of the Richmond Naval Station, was acquired in December 1974 as part of a 1,010 acre land transfer from the federal government and included the Zoo Miami property.
In the campground, you'll see remnants of fruit groves, which once belonged to the University of Miami. These groves acts a natural buffer in the campground and feature avocado, mango and lychee trees.
Larry & Penny Thompson is one of the last portions of wilderness in Miami-Dade County, with wildflowers, palmettos, and rock pinelands. The facility truly harmonizes the recreation experience with Miami-Dade County finest natural assets.

Thompson family camping - 1966

Today we took a short drive to the north of the park, too bad you cant walk, and entered the Zoo.  That turned out to be a great place with many different animals and wonderful settings.  We worried that the sky would open up with storms as they had predicted them but it waited for us till the last few feet.  We will come back.  They rent these carriage bikes and next time we will do that as both of us were getting sore from walking.

It is a good feeling getting out of the Elks RV park after so many months.  Kind of like we are locked up there at times and so much work both with the park and the Elks.  Anyway nice to be on the road.  I think we would both like to try full timing for a few years if we could sell the house.  We will see what the future brings and plan on getting it is shape for selling this summer.  We love the old place but are getting tired of the work involved in a two hundred year old house.
So glad to be "On the road again" but adjusting to limited internet as we are both severely addicted and the hot spot on my iphone is not like the full broad band we have at the Elks and at home.  Still its is great cruising along in our home on wheels again.  Tomorrow a shot up route 95 to a small place called Mims.  Funny name but theres a PA (passport america half price RV site) there.  Ta Ta.

Can you believe this 240 acre campground is in Miami

Location:Thompson Memorial Park,Miami,United States