Reviving the sparkle

October 26, 2024

Albany RV site 12

Albany, GA

What a busy day!  We hitched up by 9am and headed southwest making a stop at Pam's request.  We had introduced her to M & T Meats on our way north.  It made such a great impression she wanted to stop on our way south and load up her freezer.  The gang arrived at just the right time and received immediate service at the counter, but the parking lot was beginning to fill up as we departed.

As it turned out, our stop marked the half-way point for today's travel.  When we arrived at the campground, we found the office was closed for lunch so we just settled into our sites as we had paid in advance.  

Momma and Dad were beginning to feel a tad embarrassed.  I can't ever remember our rig being this dirty.  Dad said it was getting close to the Alaskan trip dirty....but I wasn't born when they had that adventure.  Our site has our camper sitting on a wonderfully large area of concrete ....large in length as well as width.  Being in the shade, without the sun shining directly on us, it was the perfect location to wash the 5er without having the sun dry the soap before it could be rinsed off.  

With three sets of hands, the job was completed in no time.  We sparkle once again.

Then it became my turn.  Dad said I could easily be called black foot.

I really didn't care because I had so much fun acquiring those dirty paws.

I guess you could say I sparkle as well after my tailgate experience.  

That outdoor shower provides just the right water temperature for a comfortable tubby.

Tomorrow we will sparkle our way to Dad's high school buddy's land for a short stay in Defuniak Springs.

Catch you down the road....

I'm Chloe

'Milly' the Milledgeville Trolley

 October 25, 2024

Scenic Mountain site 72

Milledgeville, GA

I guess you could say the highlight of the day for the two-legged was the trolley tour

That departed from the Visitor's Center on Hancock Street.

You could actually call it a private tour as no one else joined them on the trolley.

The tour was loaded with history as shared by the informative tour guide

Milledgeville served as the capital during the civil war period.  The old capital building is now part of the Military College.

When they visited St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, built in 1843

the tour guide shared the story of the damage that Sherman caused by housing the horses in the church building and blowing the roof off when his men blew up a nearby arsenal.

The church has undergone some improvements over the years, including a new organ.  It seems the molasses poured down the pipes during Sherman's destruction destroyed the old organ.  

The two-legged  may have enjoyed their tour, but I really enjoyed a great time chasing my ball when they returned to me. I wonder if our next campground will have a great ball tossing area.  I guess I'll find out when we arrive there tomorrow.

I'm Chloe

Watch where you step

 October 24, 2024

Scenic Mountain site 72

Milledgeville, GA

You could see it in the smile on Momma's face.  She really thought today's travels over the Georgia roads was a win.  No josling today as the roads allowed us to glide over pretty smooth surfaces.  Complements to Georgia Highway System.

BUT...and you just knew a but was coming......when they opened the door and entered the rig, there on the floor to greet them was a bag of cranberries.  They both love cranberry chutney, and spotting fresh cranberries at the market was a sign that fall is definitely here. The cranberries were still sealed in their plastic bag, so no real issue there. 

Now the blueberries were a different issue.  The top to the container was no longer in place and there were blueberries scattered everywhere, almost like a competition to see which berry could roll the furtherest, or tuck away in an unsuspecting location just waiting to cause havoc.  

Both of these items had been thoughtlessly tossed in the refrigerator as second layer items.....resting on top of another item.  The obvious conclusion drawn was the refrigerator door didn't get closed tight/locked, allowing those second tier items to escape.  

Now stop and think for a moment.  Consider the possibility of a carton of eggs sliding onto the floor with tender shells to crack allowing whites and yolks to spread over the floor.  Now THAT would have been a true mess to clean up.

Taking things in perspective, I think we escaped with just a minor inconvenience.  It could have been been so much more goey and messy for sure. 

Our site is level, but it has been built up to be level.  Our power post is actually located next to the built up area.  In other words, while plugging in the power cord, you can get a good view of the underside of the rig without having to bend over.  That view led Dad to the discovery that a bolt had broken on the extra shock that Dad had installed. 

The one on the refrigerator side of the rig.  Hmmm.  Does that discovery have any bearing on the escaped items from the refrigerator?  

All in all, it was a delightful day that began with a scrumptious breakfast.  Seeing as our travel was on the short side today, a decision was made to depart at 11:00.  Lots of time for a leisurely breakfast of stuffed French toast with sausage.  

That layer of maple cream cheese is divine.

It was a great start to another day of adventure as we enjoy our summer/fall travels.

I'm Chloe

Activites in Augusta

 October 23, 2024

Heritage RV site 44

Augusta, Georgia

It seems Helene took out the dog park here at the campground.  I guess it's going to have to be inside play for me.....IF I can find a willing playmate.  What do you say Pam?  

Please, oh pretty please, toss my fox for me.

Maybe if I get in your lap I'll get your attention away from your phone.

Ah, yes....just a bit to the left with those scratches please.

So today's excursion took the two-legged to on a treasure hunt visiting several antique shops in Augusta.

Most of the items were more home decor/kitchen items

Things that Dad zipped passed as he toured the shop.

But Dad found the coffee shop to be much more interesting, with offerings such as Pumpkin Spice muffins.

And pecan praline muffins...check out the surprise inside

Momma said she just couldn't resist snapping a shot of the dance studio's door next to the coffee shop.

Just another sign that Augusta is well on the way to recovery after the blow dealt by Helene.

I'm Chloe

Augusta, Georgia

 October 22, 2024

Heritage RV site 44

Augusta, Georgia

We relocated today.  It has been close to a month since Helene passed through this area, Augusta, Georgia, twisting/downing trees and knocking out power and they are still in clean up and repair mode.  As a matter of fact, this campground is turning people away who are requesting to make a reservation as they are at capacity with all the workers and insurance personel taking up many of the sites. The office building here has roof tree damage.

The campground owner stated that they luckily only lost 3 campers due to Helene.  They really didn't know they were in Helene's path until just before her arrival.

You are hard pressed to find a street without a collection lining the curb, but the crews are hard at work with removal.

The campground owner stopped by Pam's site....just 3 sites away from us...to check on her seeing as he was aware that she is camping solo.  The office personnel complimented her on her ability to back right into her site while he spotted for her.  They thoughfully assigned a site with a street right across from her site entrance which set her up for good alignment with her site.  The staff is definitely very attentive and welcoming, making sure our needs are met.  The only improvement I can think of would be free dog bones upon arrival.  They did have a candy dish for the two-legged in the office, but alas, no consideration for me or my four-legged friends.

The cement patio area is marked with orange cones that light up at night with a solar light resting in the top hole.  Cool looking at night!

  Clever way to assist in staying clear of the pad while backing in.  An attempt to avoid cracking the edges of the patio.  

The two legged decided to make use of the suggestion for a great place to dine.  Good southern cooking at Goolsby's.  Momma called it cafeteria style as you picked your meat and two sides as the gals on the other side of the counter loaded....and that should probably be all capitals...LOADED..  your plate with your choices.  Leftovers once again.

Dad said he appreciated the recommended directions on the campground website.  We could have followed the GPS, but the campground's directions took a much easier route for a softer landing.  

The only downside to this area is all the traffic.  Augusta is a highly populated area for sure...but with all the people, you have the opportunity to locate anything you might need with loads of choices for restaurants, gas stations, shops etc.  

I'm Chloe

 

Enjoying time with friends

 October 20 -21. 2024

Sweetwater Lake CG site 4

St. Matthews, SC

I got to visit Gram and Gramps....well, my adopted Gram and Gramps.  Ted and Colleen always welcome me into their home.  They are just so sweet and loving. 

The campground we stay at in whenever we are in this area is a first come, first serve...pay by honor system in the red box.  We were lucky to find two available spots amongst all the others camped here.  Come to find out, many are working in an area 30 miles to the north and have found this location to meet their needs.  I guess that is why there are are so many staying here.

The sites are all back-in up to the fence line with a slope that forces the front jacks to do a major extension.  This brings the motor homes wheels off the ground so there is a lumberyard of blocking under those motor home front wheels and jacks.

Would you believe Colleen decided to celebrate Momma's birthday with homemade ice cream and cake.

We all know her birthday falls the end of September, but you all know she celebrates for at least a month every year.  And what better way than home churned, smooth and creamy ice cream.  

Colleen is a great cook and treated the four legged to fall off the bone ribs and then topped that off the following morning with her famous baked French toast with a caramely sauce on the bottom.

Not only did they eat well during their visit, but they enjoyed several different games as well, as did I making use of their large back yard.
 

Pam asked how long ago they had met.  No one could come up with the exact year, but it had to have been at least 12 years ago and probably closer to 14 years.

I know they were friends long before I was even born.

I'm Chloe

South Carolina

 October 19, 2024

Swamp Fox CG site 411

Florence, SC

What an improvement over yesterday's round about arrival.  We sailed right into the campground, assisted by excellent signage.  And would you believe we even had an escort to our site!  Of course the site could use some better planning as far as Dad is concerned, as the sewer connection is WAY in the rear of the site.  But at least we have full hookup.

Our arrival was preceeded by a trip through Bucee's prompted by a last minute decision when the signage announced Bucee's ahead, right off the interstate.  Somehow that steering wheel just turned onto the exit ramp and there we were.  We didn't even have time to give our shadow, Pam a heads up but she followed us without questioning our exit from the interstate.  Actually, if the truth be known, she had sent a mental message to Dad to turn off and grab a brisket sandwich.  It was a busy place with everyone else seeing the Bucee's sign and deciding to stop so Dad just drove by the entrance door while Momma slid out to grab some of those delicious brisket sandwiches.  Hey, Momma, don't forget to get an extra on for me. 

By the time Dad and his shadow had made a loop in the parking lot, Momma was ready to slide back into the truck and we were off to our original destination ...... a Travel America Truck Stop for some cheap diesel fuel using our Open Road card.  $2.97 didn't sound bad at all.  

Just another 8 miles to go to our smooth arrival at the campground where everyone quickly set up so we could bite into those brisket samdwiches.

Seeing as we had a late lunch, Pam did some research and came up with a 'dessert/dinner plan'.  

They offer tasty beignets decked in your choice of toppings as well as ice cream treats.

Momma and Dad opted for a strawberry shake.  A really thick shake with a large holed straw.  

That shake was so thick, Momma had thoughts of using a spoon, but that thought was just a passing consideration as the server had used a machine to install a top on the shake container.  There was no way to remove that top and to allow the use of a spoon.  You just had to suck until the top of your head caved in ....or wait a tad for the ice cold drink to warm a bit.  Needless to say, it was tasty right down to the last drop....and crumbs.

Another day of adventures in a different state as we continue to head in a southerly direction.

I'm Chloe