Relocation day: North Carolina

 July 31, 2024

Valley River RV Park site 47

Marble, NC

What a pretty ride today....except for the short, light shower we drove through that attempted to remove our shine from our fiver.  Some traveled the high road while some took the low road.  Those with powerful engines and the desire to enjoy the mountains took the higher road.  It was a tad twisty in places as we climbed in altitude

but the views were priceless.  The camera  doesn't really come close to the first hand experience.

Momma said she was really surprised by the lack of tourists when they drove through Helen.

The last time they were here, the streets were so full you could barely move and parking was a real challenge

Hiawassee was enchanting with the views over the water.

Our set up turned out to be the real challenge of the day!  We are as far back on our site as we can get, which of course puts our steps behind the paved patio area, dumping you out on the soggy grass (must have had quite a bit of rain lately in this area).  Dad tried to stretch our water hose an additional 3 feet as the water and power hookups are located way to the rear of the site.  Twenty five feet of hose just didn't get it done.  So now we have 50 feet of hose to give us the needed 28 feet.  

Even though we are as far back on the site as possible without going over the bank and into the water behind us, we don't have room to park our truck without parking crosswise, across the front, and having the wheels on the grass.  Now Pam's site has loads of room.  She has several extra feet behind her rig and still plenty of room to park her truck in front.  That brings up the question of why the shorter rig was assigned the longer site when we made the reservations at the same time?  (Note to self:  do not take site 47 if we return here)

I have to admit, our challenges were beaten out by Jan's tire issue.  With about 20 miles to go, he developed a leak due to a leaking valve stem and had to change a tire.  Not only did he get a new valve stem put in that leaking tire, after they got set up, Dad helped him remove the other tires so those valve stems could be replaced as well.  This was the second tire with a valve stem issue so some preventative maintenance was called for.  It was a quick fix as the tire shop was only a couple miles from the campsite. With Jan's jack and Dad's jack, they had the camper in the air and the tires off  and back on in no time.

While we sat under the awning and watched the production.

After dinner, I got my same old chew bone treat while the two legged loaded up and headed to Sweet Tooth for their evening treat.

The ice cream shop was on the sunny side of the street, so they passed on the picnic tables and sat on the wall on the shady side of the street.

Another great day with friends, and another state to mark off on Pam's fifth wheel travel map.  My map already has a jewel marking off this state as I have been here before...several times.  After all, I'm a well traveled gal!

I'm Chloe

A normal travel day

 July 30, 2024

Pine Lake RV site 12

Bishop, Georgia

Travel day today, taking us further north.  We had decided to hit the road at 10am which would give me lots of time to visit the dog park....if anyone would like to take me.  Yay Dad!!

While letting my mind wander, riding in the back seat, I realized that we have been on the road for a week now and certainly have had enough issues to last the full 3 months.  Now, some of our group didn't head out as early as we did, but they have all experienced at least one issue already.  Pam received a modification to her sewer connection.  

Dale and Debby had unresponsive TV issues which Steve resolved by resetting their inverter.

Steve had the mobile techs install a replacement awning sensor that makes the awning retract when it senses wind.

Right now, it appears that the most costly award goes to Jan who wound up purchasing 4 new truck tires when a bubble was found on one and tread separation on another.  It could have been a distaster waiting to happen if the bad tires weren't noticed and he continued to travel on them.

No mishaps to report today.  We arrived at the planned lunch break location and the two legged went inside to munch on lunch and shop.

Momma said she was glad Tim and Julie introduced them to this place.

I was extremely disappointed to discover no treats for me in the shopping bags they brought out to the rig.  Peaches, watermelon, cherries and fresh ground, honey roasted peanut butter. Not even a doggie bag from the lunch plate.  I guess lunch was just too tasty!  Well, I guess I'll just have to practice up on my 'begging' so Dad will share some of his peanut butter with me.

This is a nice site.  It is plenty long and wide with some shade.  Dad and Momma decided to take advantage of the 'free to wash your rig' policy before deploying the slides.  We sparkle once again.  

I'm not sure if it was the shine of the camper or wanting to visit ME, but everyone brought a chair so they could sit around and share tales and stories.

The men were on one side of the circle

while the ladies were on the other side.

Bella and I wandered from side to side grabbing snatches of conversation, waiting for someone to say, "Let's play ball!"

I'm Chloe

And the thunder rolls

 July 29, 2024

Twin Oaks RV Park site 62

Elko, Georgia

I was quaking all over last night due to all the thunder and lightening.  Even Momma said it was loud, as she could hear those booms that sounded right after the flashes, even without her hearing aids.  Just the rain was fierce enough.  I didn't need all those bangs that make you jump right out of your skin.  Everyone was tucked away and should have been getting some restful sleep, but Mother Nature had other ideas.

I guess the rain is healthy for the grass in the dog run as well as the landscaping in this park.

This morning, Debby reported that both of their TV's weren't functioning.  Project time!!  After some sleuthing, the wizard, Steve reset the inverter and all is well once again.  

Our bedroom AC unit wasn't operating.  Momma told Dad that she thought it had quit working last night.  Well, Dale had made arrangements for a mobile tech to come out for his TV's, but since his problem had already been solved, the techs visited us.  Dad was ready to dig deep in his pockets but as it turned out it was a simple fix to tighten a loose wire and slide the transfer switch that had gotten moved when Dad put the grill away, back into the proper position.  I was getting worried that they might ration my dog bones and treats, but with a simple fix, the funds have been saved.

While we were waiting for the mobile tech to arrive, Aunt Pam had to go into stealth mode, sneaking up on and killing a big, ugly bug that was looking for a way to crawl inside her rig.   That bug didn't stand a chance of surviving the onslaught.

The afternoon game of Fast Track took place right before everyone gathered at the Griffin's for happy hour.

The rain started up again around dinner time.  I don't really mind the rain, but all the thunder and lightning is pretty scary stuff!  

Maybe we will get lucky and leave all the storms behind us tomorrow when we pack up and travel up the road.

I'm Chloe

Steak dinner

 July 28, 2024

Twin Oaks RV Park site 62

Elko, Georgia

Boy did we eat a tasty meal tonight!!  Dad got out the bbq and tossed the rib eye steak from M & T Meat Market on the grill.  Cooked to perfection with sides of corn on the cob and sweet potato.  Did you notice I said WE ate well, although, I didn't get to partake in any of the sides.  But I did help myself to that big chunk of steak just sitting on the table waiting to be devoured. They had eaten their fill.  It was my turn to take care of the leftovers.

Even though there were 3 people, I am so good at stealth mode, I snatched that delicious piece of meat without being seen.  It's called 'self-serve'.  I didn't quite get it all chewed up before Aunt Pam caught me dining on the living room floor and ratted me out.  Sure was good while it lasted.

This morning turned out to be a project morning.  Pam's sewer connection on her rig needed some adjustment so

You can see who the main worker was...Steve with his supporting team.  

From there, the team decided to remove the tire from my rig so the hub cap could be installed first, before putting the tire back on.  

Of course working under the slide made the job more of a challenge.  If my leash was a tad longer, I could have crawled under there with them to ....get in the way!!

With the temperature in the low 80's and a slight breeze, it was the first comfortable, able to sit outside day we have had since our wheels began rolling.

After lunch, the guys loaded into Steve's jeep for a Lowe's trip while the gals loaded up in Pam's truck for a shopping trip to Stripling's General Store.

Everyone was able to fill some bags with useful products off the shelves and from the fresh meat department.  

Now the guys always claim when they shop, they go into the store, pick up what they want, head for the check out and depart the store.  zip zip zip.  So tell me, how is it that the guys departed before the gals and returned to the campground well after the gals returned.  Hmmm???  The gals were able to enjoy a few games of Fast Track while the guys were still on their shopping mission.

News reached us that the 'Hime jinx' was still active.  Jan had plans to hook up and join us here at Twin Oaks, but he discovered he had to change a flat before he could head out this morning.  

I saw Jan walking Bella so I know they arrived safely...even though they had a challenging beginning to their day.  Maybe I'll get to play with Bella tomorrow.

I'm Chloe

Travel day; joining friends

 July 27, 2024

Twin Oaks RV Park site 62

Elko, Georgia

Today we backed out of our pull thru site so we didn't have to try to maneuver down the washed out, hilly exit to the front of us.  What a breeze that was, allowing us to get on with our travels to our next location and meet up with our camping friends.

To be perfectly honest, the first 20+ miles demanded full attention as we were zig zagging on small....as in narrow...country roads in an attempt to reach the wider county highway that would take us on our easterly route to the bypass around Columbus and eventually to Hwy 26 which deposited us at our destination for the day.  Not only were the roads narrow, there were no shoulders.  In other words, you'd better keep on the road.  With not much traffic coming at us, we could hug the centerline without much difficulty.  And it was early in the drive so it was easier to stay attentive.

Once we were on the roomier highway, you could relax a bit and enjoy the country scenery.

Twin Oaks RV Park has an inviting appearance as you enter the park.  Just look what you can do with a bale of hay.

Very creative!!

Knowing we would lose an hour, traveling from Central to Eastern time, we got a fairly early start as we had plans to shop at M & T Meat Market today.  (They are closed on Sunday and Monday)

Dad said when they approached the entrance, "Wow,  this parking lot looks pretty full."  Momma said, "I have never seen so many people in the market.  This will take a while!"

But with lots of help behind the meat counter, things moved along pretty swiftly.  Actually, Momma said she thought they managed to purchase their meat in a shorter time than the time spent at the Circle K pumping...every so slowly....the fuel into our tank.  

Before departing Hawkinsville, they made a blizzard stop at the Dairy Queen for a 'happy hour' treat. Even though Dairy Queen had a special list of summer blizzard flavors, both Momma and Dad stuck with their favorite flavors.  Do you think they are in a rut or just of the philosophy of 'why mess around when you know something is good.'

I was so excited to greet Aunt Carol.  And she was well prepared to greet me as her pocket was loaded with my special treats.

She's the best!!

With all that meat that was purchased, you would have thought meat would have been on the menu, but with such a full day, a meal that had been packed away in the freezer was just the thing for a quick and enjoyable dinner.

A yummy shrimp dish served over rice.  Looks like Dad will be getting the grill out for tomorrow's dinner.

The day ended with all the two-legged gathered around a table in the clubhouse for a game of Dirty Uno.  Debby, Dale, Carol, Steve, Pam, Momma and Dad not only played cards, but they shared stories as well before calling it a day.

I have to admit, they do have a nice dog park here!  

There is actual grass to romp in!

I gave Dad lots of work.  He no sooner had my 'deposit' bagged up when I humped up and dropped another load.  It was a two bagger experience.  I'm glad he came prepared with enough bags.

I'm Chloe

Pioneer Days

 July 26, 2024

Deer Run RV Park site 62

Troy, Alabama

Shhh!!  Don't say it too loud.  No calamities to report today.  Hard to believe...but of course there are still a few hours left until we flip over, into the next day.  But it appears the wall clock won't be flipping the date.  It has frozen on June 15 now and doesn't want to budge although the day of the week is trucking along just fine, swapping over from Thursday to Friday, while reporting the date as still June 15.  So now it appears the add on count will increase by one each day until we reach the end of the month and need to begin subtracting.  "Momma, just check the date on your phone and ignore the wall clock's date."

Momma's niece and her two girls joined us on an outing today. 

For a step back in time at

They had quite a collection housed in a good sized building in addition to numerous outdoor buildings.  The displays involved a wide array from farm equipment, typical pioneer bedrooms, kitchens, sitting areas, all aspects of cotton production, communication, printing and type set, travel, soldiers,

and even a hearse and coffin.

Momma said if it were fall, we could gather corn husks and make a hat for Dad to replace the hats he left at home.

Check out this corn husk mop.

There was a General Store as part of the museum and also a rolling store on display.

Well, tomorrow we relocate and meet up with  Auntie Carol and Uncle Steve along with friends Debby and Dale.  I sure hope Aunt Carol has stocked her cupboards with my treats!!

I'm Chloe