09/21 -10/8 Croton Point RV Park

 

286 miles - 5 hours

What a pleasant surprise to leave the "Land of the Chill" and five hours later, step out into temperatures hovering around 70°. It was a great day driving made better knowing that I drove the 286 miles on one tank of fuel. I refueled right here in Croton at the BP station. As for the campground? It remains unchanged. My favorite row has 16 sites; about 8 are occupied including my site 35.

Since I first began this new part of my life, that of RVing, this stay at Croton Point Park (CPP) marks my 26^th stay with each one being as pleasant as the one before. For those who haven't read my blogs, they go back to 2014 and as I look back on them, I’m rewarded with the sights, sounds, friends and memories that were captured and the realize it’s exactly the reason why I decided to write them in the first place. I have to laugh at the enthusiasm I had "way back then" as I tried to capture everything that I experienced; get-togethers with friends, meals prepared and enjoyed and the photos that enriched the entire experience. Writing about them, everything from weather to food took on such importance.  And so, six years are recorded for just this one location.

Yes, they still are important to me but, while here, I'm not moved to writing about it anymore. The seventeen nights I'm spending here alone "are nothing to write home about." Very pleasurable for me but maybe not for those who haven't experienced the magic of RVing. My Floridian friends who are still in the area include Viki/George and because of family activities in the area, I get to see Trish/Craig up from Celebration, FL, here as well. Both are here with their brand new RVs and the times we've gotten together were relaxing and enjoyable.

But, for me it's a period for winding down from another great RV season. I've been out of my apartment for 89 days, almost 13 weeks. I've traveled over 1,700 miles just in the states of NY, PA, NH and ME.  With the new paradigm of life called “living with a 'pandemic'”, my routines continue to allow me to pretty much remain isolated and protected from large gatherings and crowds. Masks and personal hygiene continue to be high priorities.

Even when I was among my RV group of friends in all those states, I've successfully (so far) been able to "self-quarantine" by spending more time alone than "in public." Publicly, I've sat around campfires, enjoyed the snacks of "Meet and Greets", "Pot Luck Suppers," I've shopped, gotten haircuts, had doctor appointments, visited family and, in each case, observed good personal hygiene and the protocols that are in place for "safe distancing" and the wearing of a mask. So now, I’m content to sit back, soak in the warmth of the unusual warm spell so far this fall and go about my daily routines.

A special event coincided with my stay here at CPP. I've been fortunate to enjoy years of Cadillac elegance and their smooth and quiet ride. In 2003, it was the CTS, in 2007, the DTS and in 2013, the ATS. After enjoying seven years and about 150,000 miles with the ATS, I said good bye and, with the help of my daughter, MB, said hello to a "Summit White" 2020 Cadillac CT4. 

2020 Cadillac CT4

2013 Cadillac ATS

Because the vehicle was shipped to a Pennsylvania
dealership, there is no bracket for the license plate.
PA does not require a front plate.

One is on order and will be installed by the dealer.

The listing of options is impressive. In addition to the "Standard Equipment", there are 32 options listed under "Performance," "Luxury & Convenience" and "Safety & Security" that went into the MSRP. Additional options with this vehicle include 13 more in various "packages." There's a lot to learn but the learning curve is not steep because of my pervious ownership of the ATS. 

And so ends my stay here at CPP. Because of Covid infections in the CPP main office, there'll be no more reservations taken here for the remainder of the season and when the few of us "temporary visitors" leave, only the long term folks will be here to endure the winter. Tomorrow I leave for Florida, NY and the Black Bear Campground to meet four other members of my group that would like to eke out one last hurrah in this 2020 RV season. All of us live within an hour of this campground. See your there.

Oh, one last thing. Took the photos, so I thought I'd satisfy the few "Foodies" that read my blog.

One of my favorites: English Muffin Pizzas

From Sakura: the Hastings Roll and...

...Rocky Shrimp Tempura (which must be eaten right from the kitchen)

Stay safe.