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About this blog

On the road

Entries in this blog

 

Melvin's on top of the world

FL 4-5-15 Quite a bit has happened since my last writing. After 2 days of rest we moved from Lexington SC to Asheville NC on Friday April 3rd. The drive was of little note until the last 10 miles or so. For some reason it's always those last few miles in the day that present the most stress. As we entered metro Asheville the traffic really picked up. We didn't see any reason other than heavy volume. The slower speed itself isn't much of an issue until it comes time to exit left or right in four

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin's on the move again

We are headed for warmer weather in FL. Our dog Oscar is going on a trip with us for the 1st time. He's a bit restless but otherwise he did fine on the first leg. We stopped in Danbury CT for our first overnight at a Walmart. Sub shop was walking distance so supper was easy. Stopped in Walmart to make sure it was OK to stay. 30 outside but comfortable 70 inside. Furnace works great. Ruth says my driving has improved Last week I moved the TV to the curb side behind front seat. Now we can watc

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin's gone missing!

11-23-14 Now we have a mystery on our hands. I went to retrieve Melvin from the closet and he was missing. Either I can't remember where I put him or he's on the lamb. Daylight was wasting and t-storms threatened, so we left without him. If he isn't found tonight, I'll by several milk cartons tomorrow and put his picture on them. Anybody know John Walsh's cell phone number? First stop was The Fountain of Youth. The rain held off and we had a long relaxing stroll through this wonderful attract

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin's first ride

6-3-14 Down the driveway and parked to hookup Lucy @ 11AM. 2 hours behind schedule. The first leg took us to campers world in Chichester. Dropped a few hundred on had to haves and a bit more on want to's. Next leg took us to a rest stop near Wells ME. Had an nice sandwich from the fridge and stretched our legs. Also picked up a slew of travel flyers. Best selection I've ever seen. Now it gets interesting! Rush hour traffic and everyone wanted our space. Got past exits every 2 miles and all o

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin will be getting a timeout

6-25-14 Our trip down from Bar Harbor to Wells included getting struck in a Denny's parking lot. We missed the first entrance and should have passed by the second. Not enough room to turn around without backing up. That meant unhooking disabled Lucy and pushing her uphill to a parking space so we could turn around. Oh well, we had a good breakfast, hooked up Lucy and continued on. One piece of advise, if you think taking Rt 1 will be a scenic coastal drive, forgot it unless you plan on several

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin visits Spring Garden

6-10-14 Our morning began with French toast on the stove and bacon from the grill. Both were delicious! After a bit of tidy up in the coach, and putting away some laundry (imagine a washer/drier in the coach), we headed Lucy back to Halifax. First stop was the Spring Garden. Ruth and I took a 45 minute stroll and loved every part of it. I added some pics if the WiFi lets them through. Melvin posed for a few selfies. In the afternoon we visited the Nova Scotia archives to do some research. Fou

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin visits relatives in Berwick NS

6-11-14 Another beautiful day in Nova Scotia, so we took a drive to Berwick about 90 miles from our campsite to see Dorothy and Jimmy Sheriffs. About four generation back, her grandfather Hussey is the same as Ruth's. James Hussey settled in Aylesford less than 10 miles away. It was very interesting to learn about the area and hear about the farm James owned. After a few hours at Dorothy's home we took them to lunch at a nearby restaurant. When our visit ended, we took off for Morden on the Bay

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin takes an unscheduled boat ride

FL 2-19-15 Our March to Corpus Christi continued today. We both slept in and we're ready to leave Beaumont by 10 AM. I punched in the address of Galveston State park and at the second turn I knew we were not heading towards I-10. However, I felt adventurous so I let George (the GPS) have his way. Well, in no time we were cruising down a state road at 60 MPH with very little traffic. About 50 miles into our 125 mile trip we spotted a digital sign stating "Ferry traffic on schedule". With no wat

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin takes a powder

6-6-14 Woke up to another day of rain and news they caught the cop killer. Moncton is open for business again. Ruthie and I were getting cabin fever, so we left Melvin on the sofa as I unhitched Lucy and we took off for Alma NB ... Sweet little fishing village...about 80 miles away. Many wonderful views and vistas of the bay of fundy along the way. At the end of Rt 114 (the road to our home has the same #) we had lunch at the Parkland Village Inn, Ruth had a lobstah roll and a bowl of seafoo

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin smells something funny

2-23-15 Today we took off in search of Billy's swamp tours. That didn't work out so well. Garmin could not find him and after 120 miles and 3 stops for directions I gave up. Perhaps I'll try again when we head for alligator alley next week. We did manage to see quite a bit of the country side. At one point we even stopped to watch sugar cane being harvested. Interesting machine for that task. As we left the fields we spotted the processing plant in the distance. Lake Okeechobee is easy to fin

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin see's maritime museum and attends Mass at St Mary's Basilica.

6-9-14 Staying at a KOA near Halifax. Free WiFi, you get what you pay for. It's slower than a modem and works when it feels like it. I see last nights blog never uploaded. Here it is again. Today started off with another blue sky. Later in the day it got a bit cloudy, but no rain. After our Blueberry muffin breakfast we. Headed for Halifax. After driving by St. Mary's, to get the times for Mass, we headed for the Maritime Museum. Many displays of Canada's naval history, the story of the 191

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin rides a Gargoyle

FL 2-21-15 When I watched this mornings weather I decided the best use of today's warmer temperature was to visit a few more things in Galveston. Plan B was to go to the Space Center. That is now on Tuesday's agenda. Once I remembered I had picked up a stack of brochures at the Texas visitor center my task became easier. The Bishops Mansion peaked my interest so I did some further research on the web. Feb. 21st is a special guided tour from attic to basement at 11 AM. Oh, that would be today

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin photobombs Biltmore

FL 4-6-15 Today was a return to Biltmore. We just had to see the gardens before we left. It's early spring here so blooms were limited. However the landscape itself is worth the trip in any season. Rolling hills, winding paths and majestic trees all blend together for visual overload. A large conservatory anchors the entire maze of gardens. Inside were hundreds of species of plants and flowers, most in full bloom! Several areas had striking arrangements with benches, making the perfect picture

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin on a Mission

FL 3-7-15 First I need to give a thumbs up to Travelers RV park here in San Antonio. It's easy to find, staffed with friendly and knowledgeable people, and has spacious lots that are clean as a whistle. Today was mission tour day. We began at San Jose's. It was like a step back in time to the 1750's! Much of it is as it was then. Some restoration has taken place over the years, but one is hard pressed to find where. As we entered through one of several gates in the wall that surrounds the mis

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin meets a mate

6-21-14 Today was another low key day. I could get use to this FAST. I started out by putting away a few things that I bought yesterday. A filter wrench, some oil and 4 more small propane tanks. Those buggers are only good for 3 meals. Then I did my pre trip checks, engine and generator fluids. And, to my surprise the grey tank was full again. Guess we are water hogs! Ruth and I discussed it and decided we're not changing, except for no more sites that don't have full hookups unless we're only

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin makes it past Canadian customs

6-4-14 Up early and watch the news while I set up new GPS. Sorry Jenn I took the one from the burb. Use Waze on your phone. After coffee and a raisin bagel we went for a walk about. Then I mounted our plates "Castle3". Kind of a dreary day, so we'll watch a movie after lunch. First cooked meal in the Castle was spaghetti, yum yum. 6-5-14 No WiFi in Maine and cell service was intermittent so my version hot spot only worked for one up date. Today we got underway at 11 AM after a fillup of pro

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin likes the view from Mt Battie

6-22-14 Today was just too nice to sit around. Ruth an I put a few more miles on the rental car by traveling to Owls Head, with a few stops on the way. Our first surprise was crossing the Penobscot Narrows Bridge near Fort Knox. It's amazing how something man made can still give you a scenic moment. We continued on through Belfast and then saw signs for a State park in Camdon. After paying the old folks fee of $3 dollars we scouted out the campground, used the cleanest public restrooms I've se

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin joins the RCMP

Woke up to blue sky today. After a review of points of interest on Garmin we decided to head for the water front. Melvin has been good, so we took him along in Lucy. The pier was bustling with activity. Musicians, brake dancers, and vendors in the beautiful 70 degree weather with a gentle breeze. When we stopped to enjoy a solo bag piper,Melvin had a spiritual moment. As amazing grace was played, he decided to join the RCMP. IN NO TIME AT ALL HE WAS IN FULL UNIFORM! To celebrate the occasion we

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin joins Blue Angels

2-10-2015 Today was a great day for Melvin. He finally got his leather flight jacket and goggles. In celebration we took several photos at the National Naval Aviation Museum. While there we reviewed a wonderful display of vintage aircraft dating back to 1909. Not only is this a must see if you are in the Pensacola area, it's FREE! We spent about 5 hours there, but could have stayed for a couple days if we wanted to study every display in detail and take the guided tour. They also have an IMAX

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin is King of the mountain

Woke up well rested today to 70 degree weather and blue skies. After morning coffee, Ruth choose to hit the laundry mat. Yes we have a combo washer dryer on board, but this way she says it's done in 1 hour. That gave me some time to tinker, so I attached the tie downs to the awning and figured how to put the sunscreen over the windshield. The hardest part was figuring out the folding ladder. All done just as Ruth returned. We packed the car and took off for Acadia National park. ( less than 10

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin is in St. George SC

FL11-21-14 Today was a Lazy day. We decided to just stay put and relax. We're at Jolly Acres CG in St George SC. There are several full timers here, so I asked what the rates were out of curiosity. Monthly rate is $325 plus metered electric. Storage is only $65 per month. Yes it's outdoors but so much cheaper than NH rates. I spent some time on the iPad while Ruth slept in. We both needed to catch up. About noon we freed up the Burb and headed to town for lunch and some groceries. I hate it wh

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin hits the bumpy road

6-18-14 Melvin At 6 AM I woke up to pouring rain. With visions of being stuck on this hilltop due to wash outs, I asked Ruth to get us ready to go. First time I got stuck prepping the outside in a downpour. Frankly that sucked. So, down the mountain we went. First gear only, frequent braking, and dodging trees that were drooping from hard rain weighting them down. What a relief to see that last turn. Water was running the ditches full and spilling onto the gravel one lane road. Next another

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin has a Lazy day

Melvin has a lazy day. Today was a no events planned day. We started off by sleeping in and then had BBQ bacon and blueberry pancakes. Then we ventured into Ellsworth, did some grocery shopping, Ruth got a hair cut and I hung out at the auto parts stores. Before we knew it the day was nearly gone. But, we couldn't resist another drive. This time we searched out the light house in Bass Harbor. It's a steep descent to it from the parking lot and tough to get a good photo so we spent our time loo

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin goes to sea

6-14-14 We were up early today and off in Lucy by 8:30. The weather on the web had forecasted a cold rainy day, but as we woke there were patches of blue sky. So we took a chance and drove to Englishtown so we could take a boat ride to Bird island. Sometimes we just make really good choices. Within 10 minutes of leaving the pier, we spotted an eagle. Then the first mate threw a fish into the water. Almost at once the eagle swooped down and grabbed the fish. GREAT photos of that and about 5 more

Castle3

Castle3

 

Melvin goes to Sarasota

FL 1-31-15 Today was fairly simple. I spent some time replacing the connector for the Burb lights when towing. I crunched it the last time I folded up the hitch for storage. About 2 PM we took off for Yoders restaurant in Sarasota. We called some more Bradford friends, Jarna any Gary Perkins and Joyce and Perry Tiel, to meet us there. We thought we we meeting half way for both of us. But as it turned out they stay in Venice and it was out of the way for all. Who cares? The food was plentiful

Castle3

Castle3

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