The End of My 2019 Winter Adventure

Only on paper was today's drive four hours. In reality, it was a five hour day of driving. A quick change of plans eliminated a stop. Awakening to a bright sunny day and a call to Leslie at Croton Point Park triggered the decision to get back on the road and eliminate the stop in East Stroudsburg, PA. The sun was bright, the clouds puffy with a blue sky background as I drove toward Croton Point Park (CPP) 293 miles to the north.  The familiar landmarks were once again part of my drive: by-passes around the large cities, the Key Bridge, Baltimore Memorial Bridge, New Jersey Turnpike, I-95, I-80 and finally, I-287. A break for a fill up on the Jersey Turnpike was all the rest I needed. I chose to drive the “Cars Only” lane on the Turnpike and I found very light traffic, if any. It was a pleasure to drive averaging 65-70 mph most of the way. With such light traffic I spent a lot of time thinking of what lies ahead for me in terms of upcoming appointments and the growing “to do” list. I thought of people. Lots of people; those I’ve visited and spent time with, those I look forward to seeing once again upon my return, those I miss and even some I’ll never see again. To break up this reverie, I was slapped back into reality when the “Check Engine” icon lit up for me…again. The cursing wasn’t so bad this time as I had a “been there, done that” attitude. A call to Sal at the Mercedes dealer in White Plains resulted in a March 14th visit for the diagnosis. It’ll be interesting to see what it is this time.

When speaking to Leslie I asked whether or not my site 49 had been plowed to make my arrival and setting up easier. She assured me it was and when I arrived it was an easy back in…albeit wet and muddy. No matter, I won’t be entertaining or spending any time outside.

The seven (6 shown) feral cats by the dumpsters
seem to be doing okay in this cold snap.
Chubby and furry, they are eating out a pan
so someone's watching over them.

As I concluded my 2,900 miles journey south and back, I arrived at CPP and was greeted by a landscape that was blindingly white and untouched; what I consider a photographer’s dreamscape, so pristine. The snow appeared wet and heavy, just the right ingredients to cause the widespread power outages in the county that I read about. But, clinging to branches and trees it had to make for a beautiful scene. Prior to my arrival, the 40+° temperature was taking its toll in making thing melt; until tonight, that is. The Arctic blast is due to arrive and hang out until Saturday. Tonight, temps will dip down to 17° and surely freeze everything and create havoc on the road. The concept of “black ice” is not yet a phenomenon most drivers have grasped.

Thanks to neighbor, Diane, who picked me up at CPP and drove me home, I now began attacking the “To Do” list.  First item on the agenda: get my Caddy up and running...if it'll start after sitting a month. Surprisingly, it started.

A 20 minute job right off the bat. Maybe it was
wet and heavy when it fell but with time and
the Arctic blast, there was a top layer of ice.
And no, I did not shovel anything, I 'bulldozed'
right through it.

           

Peekskill got its fair share

Once in my apartment, the next item of business was to confirm the weight loss I felt. I jumped on the scale and voila, seven (7) pounds lost. A shower, two loads of laundry, one month of mail discarded, a dental appointment, shopping and restocking Winnie with items from my apartment and back to CPP to spend the night, all completed by 7:00 pm. I accomplished a lot and felt terrific about the weight loss. With my Caddy I’ll now be able to go back and forth to Peekskill, run errands, dinners at Sakura and visit my mother up in Fishkill. The routine is back in full swing. Temperature currently at 24° 

So this concludes my 2019 Winter Adventure. I'm "celebrating" with a trip to Hastings this evening for a long awaited sushi dinner. Now begins my 2019 Summer Adventure. CLICK THIS LINK for a view into my future as it stands as of this writing; or click on the link in the upper right menu items but don't forget to return to this blog with your browser's back arrow should you care to make comments.

Until then, take care and have fun along the way.

Now It's All About the Weather

Day One - Friday.  I got a nice early start for my relatively short trip from Bluffton, SC to Lumberton, NC. Realizing I'd arrive about 12:30 pm, I cursed myself (you can do that when you drive alone) for not planning to drive longer and going farther. For my intellectual/grammar conscious readers I checked to see that the "quick and dirty tip is to use "farther" for physical distance and "further" for metaphorical, or figurative, distance. It's easy to remember because "farther" has the word "far" in it, and "far" obviously relates to physical distance." There, you'll sleep better tonight. Anyway, there's nothing in Lumberton for me. I had stopped here on the way down two weeks ago but I could've gotten another three hours of driving. But before I set off, I received an alert from my weather app on the iPhone stating that "heavy rains will begin in 15 minutes." Good, says I, because I packed up everything the night before, kept the awning withdrawn, chairs were in so all I had to do was unplug and go. So now I'm driving north on I-95 averaging 60-65 mph, the rain is heavy and constant. An occasional clap of thunder kept me focused. The semis drove like roads were dry and I decided I made the right decision (back in September) to limit my driving to three hours. So, for an hour and a half it was rain, rain and more rain.

When I passed through Florence, SC, the roads were dry, my fuel tank was full and there was a smile on my face. I would use my time to finish a blog, start a new one and prepare Plan B and/or Plan C with phone calls.  

The first part, Plan B, was to find another place to park and unpack Winnie. I can't use the lower lot at my complex because that's where, after plowing, the residents park while the upper lot is cleared. Parking at my usual storage area in Cross River, NY, involves a 40-mile round trip and I don't know what the snow plowing situation is there. So a call to CPP (Croton Point RV Park) assured me a site for the week. 

Now come the updates from the weather sources. My travels the next two days will be mostly rain but..."A swath of 6-12 inches of snow with locally higher amounts is forecast to extend from the northern Ohio Valley to a large part of Pennsylvania, central and northeastern New York state and northern and western New England with this fast-moving storm. An AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 16 inches is expected and most likely to occur over the mountains. However, the fast, forward speed of the storm should cap the snowfall to near a foot in most areas in the heavy snow swath."

Weather forecasts these days are enough to scare the bejesus out of you. But I'm not one to mess with Mother Nature no matter how fickle she's been these past few months, Plan C is now in place. Although I'm betting only about 3-5" back home, I called the remaining stops (3) on my itinerary and gave a heads up that I may need to stay an extra day or two OR I'll be a day or two late arriving. I knew it wouldn't be a problem for any of them because we're not in season and the Snow Birds have yet to head north. So? Bring it on. I'm loaded with food, wine/beer, fresh water always available, propane tank full should temps fall below 38°, showers, laundry and, God forbid, TV are available.

Day Two - Saturday, was another four+ hour trip from Lumberton, NC to Williamsburg, VA. I anticipated rainy, foggy travel but instead saw mostly cloudy weather with sunshine through clouds now and then with temps holding at 46°. The Williamsburg KOA is huge. I'm tucked far away from the entrance along with two others. They upgraded me to a full hookup site.

Site E78 is way out there toward top left; far from the office. Just three of us.

When I booked last year I knew that on the way home, I'd need only electricity for an overnight. I dumped and filled with fresh water so now I'm all set. Good thing too. I took a double take at my itinerary indicating a SIX hour trip from here to the Delaware Water Gap/Pocono Mountain KOA.  With word coming from back home that they're now talking 6-10" by Monday, Plan B and C are modified because there's no way I want to drive six hours in whatever's gonna happen. So I booked another KOA between the two...to break it up into two, three+ hour trips. The next stop will be where I stayed on the way down, the Washington/Capitol KOA in Millersville, MD. Mother Nature will tell me how long I'll spend at each stop. I think I'll start as early as I can to "beat" whatever's coming.

Day Three & Four - Sunday & Monday. 

Did it again. Started nice and early to "beat" whatever and I find myself at the Capitol KOA in Millersville, MD at noon.  Noon!! Nothing doing here when I arrived. Checked my weather apps and snow is supposed to start in East Stroudsburg, PA at 3:00 pm. Had I kept on driving I would have made it my then and been able to hunker down for however long this "storm" lasts. Instead, I'll stay another night and drive straight through to CPP, 4½ hours from here. I was within the 'no-refund' cancellation time for the KOA in East Stroudsburg but they'll give me a "rain check" for use within a year. Don't see it happening but ya neva know.

That's it for now. Next blog will be from Croton Point's RV park with the saga of my trip for Millersville, MD to Croton-on-Hudson, NY, 242 miles and 4 hours away (normally). Till next time, stay safe, stay well and know that spring is just seventeen days away.

Camp Lake Jasper 2/26 - 3/1

My ride today from St. Augustine, through the state of Georgia to Hardeeville, South Carolina was uneventful. Well, not quite. Of all things to happen when a) you have a great distance to travel; and b) your vehicle is brand new with only 6,000 miles, the last thing you want to see is your check engine light lit on the dashboard. The wheels and scenarios immediately began racing through my mind along with that phrase, "what are the chances." Here I am about to enter Georgia driving a Mercedes Sprinter. Nah, never happen.  "Check Engine" light. In the manual there's probably four pages on what could possibly be wrong. I had just fueled and checking the fuel cap could possibly cause such a thing to happen but upon checking and removing and placing it, the icon remained. I have an 8:00 a.m. appointment at Mercedes-Benz of Hilton Head the day before I leave and they'll do the diagnostics necessary to determine the cause. (There is no Plan B, no "What ifs", or "Supposins'". Fast forward to Thursday and the results of the diagnostics. Seems there's an "implausibility issue with a DPF, Diesel Particulate Filter". This is a diesel engine's equivalent of a gasoline engine's catalytic converter. They cleaned the sensors, took it for an "extended road test" (13 miles) and the problem was corrected. Cost for Mercedes, $114, for me, $0.00.

My three-day stay here has been an annual event. Either on the way south to Florida or returning, Bluffton, SC works out to be a convenient stop over after driving a comfortable distance and it's right off of I-95. Even before my RV travels, long time friends Roger and Wendy have extended an invitation to stop and visit. I've been accepting their hospitality for at least eleven years. Both are retired teachers from the Hendrick Hudson School District. Roger taught science in both the middle school and the high school and Wendy taught English in the middle school. After setting up, Rog and Wendy picked me up at the campground and we went to The Clubhouse at Okatie Creek.  This gathering place in Sun City is not only for golfers but for other residents. The menu has an extensive selection of bar and comfort food.  Oh, did I mention food. Yes, that's the other reason we're here. 

It's Tuesday and their favorite entertainer, singer/guitarist, Christopher Paul, performs from six to nine.  The link above will give you some background on his inspirational outlook on life that allowed him to overcome a personal tragedy. I enjoyed his music and want to share two of his many selections. These links will take you to my YouTube uploads. Don't forget to use your back arrow on the browser to return to the blog. Listen to Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline and his tenor voice will remind you of John Denver's with his rendition of Rocky Mountain High. 

Baked Brie with raspberry sauce, topped with
almonds and served with pear slices and baguettes. 

Cajun Fish Bites: Fresh seasonal fish
served with homemade tartar sauce.

Clubhouse Burger: 8 oz Angus beef
with bacon, cheese, jalapenos, fries,
pickle and homemade cole slaw

Margherita Flatbread:
Olive oil, tomato, basil and
mozzarella 

Vegetable Margherita Flatbread:
Pesto sauce, green peppers, onions,
mushrooms, black olives, tomatoes
and mozzarella 

 The dessert you didn't see was Pina Colada cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and strawberry slices. 

If you know R & W, you know they don't sit still very long. Their calendars are always full and whoever you are and whenever you visit, you get the royal treatment...places to eat (including dinners they prepare), always things to see, places to go and neighbors to meet. I know Bluffton as well as any tourist. I also enjoyed the company of neighbors, Mary Jane and Michael who live next door. Tales of careers, children and grandchildren as well as their future travels are always interesting and fascinating.

On this trip we visited the National Museum of The Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler, GA. If you're into WWII planes, air combat and the men who ruled the skies during that incredible era, click on the link above. Some of my photos follow:


Outdoor exhibits....

As seen from I-95 (background)

...as well as the indoor restorations are beautifully maintained. 

To hear either by docent or archival films what went into the war effort in
terms of men and machinery,
continues to boggle my mind. 

A "briefing room" where you were introduced to
three films depicting the planning, preparation
and actual flights over enemy targets.

Another reality struck me after hearing that the average age of these pilots and airmen was 22, I thought about today's 22-year old and was depressed.  Anyway, we enjoyed lunch there as well provided by Miss Sophie's Marketplace.  It was outstanding.

Pot roast w/potatoes & carrots served over rice,
sweet potato crunch, broccoli casserole
and a biscuit.

On the way in, my personal docent, Roger, pointed out a danger common in South Carolina...fire ants. Accidentally introduced into Alabama in the 1930's, fire ants have spread and are a real danger. They are present in all 46 counties of SC. They bite and sting leaving red welts that will be uncomfortable or painful. If you're allergic to bee stings, etc, results can be fatal. One hundred people each year die from such attacks.

What a typical fire ant nest looks like

Disturbed

Roger "disturbed" this nest and if you cannot see the video above CLICK HERE to view their agitated state. They attack en masse and bite/sting in unison. But that's just one hazard living in these parts. Let's have dinner at home tonight.

The sounds of birds and night creatures are most
relaxing and peaceful.

Their beautiful home is situated on a
peaceful man-made lagoon.

Your eye may catch a fallen log or
debris on the opposite shore...

...which upon closer examination is their
"pet"alligator, Broom Hilda.

So, as Roger prepares dinner...

...a wary eye is kept to make sure he doesn't
become one.

But what a terrific dinner it was. Once again, timing was such that I would get to see fellow Sun City residents, Margie and Henry who joined us. Margie is also a retired and one time BMMS teacher.

  

With roasted vegetables, potatoes, wine and
followed by tiramisu for dessert,
the meal was magnificent.

A beautiful meal. Thank you Roger & Wendy

And like all my other stops, the final day arrives--all too soon--. It's Thursday but do we sit and relax? Au contraire, mes ami. I cannot. At 8 am I drive Winnie to Mercedes-Benz of Hilton Island to fix the lit "Check Engine" light. Service manager, Greg, makes it painless. 8 am goes to 3 pm and thank goodness for R&W who came pick me up, I was not a prisoner. They'll call when Winnie is ready. So, off we go to the weekly Thursday Farmer's Market in downtown Bluffton. Luckily, we found a nice parking spot nearby and walked through the closed off street to see and experience the wonders of fresh veggies, fresh baked breads, the smell of freshly popped kettle corn, and "quaint" shops (you always see "quaint" with shops). Be they B&Bs, galleries or small cafes/restaurants, it's a comfy place to be. Knowing we were going out for dinner and that I have a forever supply of food in my RV, I held off buying what I wanted: baked goods and a huge bag of kettle corn. As I mention in my FB post, I was a good boy. (grrrrr)

As a very pleasant change of pace, dinner was at Ruan Thai.

Coconut Shrimp Appetizer

Veggie Mussaman Curry with
black and white rice

My dessert was a fried coconut ice cream presented flambéed. CLICK HERE is you cannot see the inserted video:

Tomorrow, an interesting trip to my next stop, Williamsburg, VA, then to East Stroudsburg, PA. I'll tell you about Plan B and Plan C in the next blog because you know what the weather is going to be like--maybe. Looking forward to sharing it with you. Stay Safe and thanks again to Roger & Wendy for the usual great time, good company and the chauffeuring.