Whoohoo On The Road Again

It seems like forever since we've been on a trip - actually since 2010.  We're delighted to be in our Roadtrek heading down the highway.

We had a bit of a late start due to a "metal on metal" sound we noticed as we were running last minute errands.  That's something we didn't want to ignore, so off to Palm Chevrolet to let them check it out.  The front sway bar link bushings had dry rotted. An hour later we were on our way.

We spent the first night at Chiefland RV Park - a nice, quiet Passport America park just a little off Hwy 27.  It was only 65 miles from home, but at least we were on the road.

Saturday we drove on to Tallahasse to visit my sister Faith and brother-in-law Len.  They treated us to lunch at Hopkins and we spent the rest of the afternoon visiting.  It's always great to spend time with them and catch up on
"sister" talk.  We traveled a little further to Quincy, FL and stayed at Beaver Creek Campground.  We were surprised to see another Roadtrek there.  Claude and Lise are from Montreal and we enjoyed comparing "Roadtrek" notes.

Sunday morning we were up and running.  We stopped a couple times to stretch our legs, buy a few things at Wal-Mart, have a picnic lunch, refuel, etc. and actually made it out of Florida to Robertsdale, AL.   Wilderness RV Park is another Passport America park - nice and quiet.  We debated spending another night there, but decided to head on down the road.

We passed through Mobile, AL and due to a wrong turn (I don't always comprehend what Nuvi wants us to do),  we were able to get a good picture of the USS Alabama at the Battleship Memorial.  Back on track, we made it out of Mobile without any further sidetrips.  We had picked the next stopping place because it was approximately four hours driving time.  We have determined to make this a leisurely trip.  Okatoma Resort and RV Park is a jewel tucked away in Hattiesburg, MS.  Thanks to the GPS coordinates listed in the Passport America book, we found our way there.   It is a beautiful, peaceful place with a little lake, ducks & ducklings waddling around, a nice pool, cafe and even cabins.   We definitely wanted to stay here for a couple nights.  We relaxed, I did a little housekeeping, we swam in the pool and Gene was even able to watch the men's finals of the U S Open.  We left Wednesday morning much refreshed.  We highly recommend this lovely RV park.

We had about an hour and a half of driving behind us when Gene spotted Donna's # 6 Produce in Florence, MS.  He loves boiled peanuts, so that was as good a reason as any to stop for a break.  He had an ice cream cone and bought 2 lbs boiled peanuts and some nectarines for the road.  I have never seen such huge peanuts!  We both enjoyed them immensely.  We drove over to Greenwood, MS to Florewood State Park.  We had been there about 20 years ago (or longer) when it was Florewood River Plantation.  There were folks in period dress who explained the running of a cotton plantation in the 1860's.  We were looking forward to seeing it again. However, a few years ago the state renovated it and turned it over to the county and then it closed within the year.   We headed back to I-55 and onto Coldwater, MS where we stayed at Memphis South RV Park - right off I-55.  I was concerned the interstate noise might be too loud, but we found a site on the far side of the park and it was fine. 

Thursday morning and only four hours from Cloud 9 Ranch Campground in Caulfied, MO!  This is a membership campground we belong to, and one of our favorite places.  With stops for gas and lunch, and milk & DVD's (love that $5.00 bin) at Wal Mart, we made the trip in five and a half hours.  We really know how to stretch out a trip.  We got settled into a nice shady spot and rearranged our stuff.  When we're driving, extra items are stored on the bed.  When we're stopped, everything shifts to the front seat.  I don't mind this minor inconvenience when compared to the ease of driving, parking and gas milage (average 16 mpg) of our Roadtrek camper van.

Today has been laundry and catch up day.  Sunday we will travel up to Sedalia, MO for the Escapade.  It's great to be on the road again.