All Good Things Must Come to an End...for now

I'm home at last.  Got home Wednesday, 3/11/15, and what a beautiful day it was.  Mail, laundry, shopping, paper work, taxes, and getting back into a routine make up my agenda. Looking forward, I see a return to reality which includes an airport trip now and then (13 trips scheduled so far)....I will try to ease my way out of this hobby and pass the reins to friends, Ed and Tom, if they care to carry on; Look forward to times spent with family and friends; to the task of finding Petey a good home.  If any of my blog readers know of a good home, please let me know.  I would like my future to have more trips with Winnie and less worry that I need a 'bird-sitter.'

Looking back on a 34 day adventure that turned into a 56 days hiatus, I can sit back, smile, and take pride in my planning and timing.  Every campsite, every trip in between, every stop went without a hitch....even the day chosen for my return (in time for my mother's 96th birthday Friday, the 13th) saw temperatures in the high 60's, sunny and an absolutely gorgeous day.  Some of my reflections:

• ---Weather played a major role in all decisions.  Even upon my return I was not convinced that I would encounter a difficult time getting Winnie winterized once again for the remainder of the winter season.  And, indeed, it was a mess.  The steady rain the night before at Timberlane Campground in Jersey made the winterizing procedure a muddy mess.  Lots of laundry to do....4 loads to be exact.

• ---Since my departure 1/19/15, there have been 6 consecutive weekend storms; quite a mess for those in the northeast, Boston in particular and why, wherever I was, had no reason for complaint.

• ---Along with those storms had been the arctic blast of frigid cold continuously funneled down into the northeastern states and reached far south to affect temperatures right into Florida.  My furthest point south was Key Largo, FL and I needed heat to feel comfy.  My last days in Virginia Beach had seen temps in the low 20's and I had to take measures to prevent my water line from freezing. 

• ---I had heat on in the coach every day/night.  Only once, in Clermont, FL did I need to turn the AC on.  The rest of the time, I relied on MB's little space heater to keep the coach nice and warm.  Many nights, when temps were below 38°, I relied on propane and the furnace for the warmth.

• ---My 3,340 miles of travel were planned such that I was able to include stops for shopping and the replenishment of supplies as needed.  I learned what to do when the hot water stops running or when a never before seen idiot light on my dash indicated I needed DEF (diesel emission fluid); apparently, every 3,000 miles or so.  So now, an extra 2.5 L container is on-board as is an extra anode rod for the hot water heater.

• ---I have enjoyed driving Winnie, observing Mother Nature's weather, flora, and fauna. I've enjoyed the feeling of total independence and almost total relaxation.  The pitter-patter of rain on the roof was most pleasing.  In addition, while at Myrtle Beach and Virginia Beach, my proximity to the ocean afforded me the pleasing sound of waves crashing (well, washing, they weren't that big) on shore; an added bonus. 

• ---My time alone and my enjoyment of writing has afforded me the opportunity to document the experience with a journal/log/diary in the form of a blog.  Much to my surprise and gratification, there have been over 3,000 page views from friends and relatives who took the time out of their busy day to share my experiences. The 3,000th view occurred on Thursday, March 5, 2015.  Thank you all.  

• ---For my RVing friends (all 6 of them--3 couples), 
  and any one else I don't know about, I have provided links to all 14 campgrounds I stayed at. Each title at the beginning of a blog post (highlighted in green) will give the details they need if they decide to visit.

Craig's maroon shirt was
in the wash

      

• ---The planning and resulting success of this trip has given me a renewed desire to plan "My Summer Adventure."   I have already reserved five locations and will try to coordinate time blocks that will allow me to visit friends and family near the campsites.  So far Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, and, of course, Croton's RV sites are in the works.  That itinerary will appear some day in the future when everyone can see green lawns and leaves on trees.

• ---Here's an interesting thought:  You would think as a part of one's "reflections," there would be a list of dislikes, bad experiences, poor judgments, unpleasant encounters with people or things to avoid next time?  Ready?  I have no list. Sure, the visit to Camping World to replace a water line check valve was inconvenient; paying $4.999/gal for a  "convenient" propane delivery caused a cringe, but things balanced out:  high cost for propane vs. no cost for parts/labor of check valve.  And yes, other drivers on the road continue to baffle me to the point of cursing but what goes around comes around and it can be said with certainty, "I am a happy camper."

• As my "Winter Adventure" came to an end, I looked back at the many photographs I took to remind me of people, places, and things.  I decided to copy my favorites into a folder unto themselves: "My favorite Photographs."  These photos have appeared in my blogs from the past.  I hope my readers enjoy them as much as I did being in the moment to capture the experience.  Once I figure out how to post all of them without taking a day and a night to download, I'll post a comment.        

• ---And best of all were the many folks who stopped by, visited, and had their photos taken in front of Winnie.  Lots' of 'em and hopefully many more to come.  Those 60+ photos have been printed (with duplicates) and placed on the "Wall of Fame" inside Winnie.  If you are one of them, come by and pick up your copy.  If not, come by and visit so you can join the crowd.

• So that concludes my "Winter Adventure".  Thanks for stopping by.  See you in May, if not sooner with Winnie's "Summer Adventure."

Thank you,  MLS