While hiding out in Pigeon Forge, TN recently, we made new friends - from Ontario. I say hiding out because we were in the middle of a sabbatical and still trying to find peace and quiet in our lives.

And quite suddenly the peace and quiet were gone. Vvvrrrrooommm! A brand new motorhome came flying by (well I don't think they were holding to the 5 mph speed limit). SCREECHHH. CRUNCCHHHH. They were backing into the site next to us!

The motorhome jerked to a stop. The door flew open. Three big dogs came barking and bounding out - running wild. Into the creek. Happy to be out. Voices yelling. Five people appeared.

The Canadians had arrived.

Very friendly folks. On their first RV adventure. Introductions were made. Stories were shared. Their excitement was contagious to these old timers - after all, we have been in our RV FOR ALL OF 7 months!

Turns out they had driven all day from Canada to Pigeon Forge. What a drive! On this their maiden journey in the RV, they didn't have a water hose - we have 3 extras at all times. Their still in the box sewer hose was too short - but our extra one wouldn't fit their connectors. No worries - off to Walmart they went - in the RV.

For the next several days we watched from our site, enjoying their adventure. Like all 5 people riding bikes with 3 dogs running with them. And piling all their gear on the patio, disconnecting the electric and taking off to drive somewhere in the RV. And returning each day with new stories to share - like the Moma bear and her cubs on the side of the mountain.

I think backing into a site needs a little refinement - their water cooler and outdoor stove may never be the same after being hit a couple of times!

We learned a lot from our Canadian neighbors last week.

Plan ahead - but don't rob ourselves of the fun in the adventure.

Be aggressive in meeting our campground neighbors - everyone has a story to share.

Live our dream - be very grateful for the opportunity we have TODAY to enjoy life and our RV.