October 13, 2010 Tuesday, Day 28 NJ Turnpike Rest Area

Captain’s Blog

We spent the night at the rest area parked right in front of the sign that stated – Two Hour Parking Limit – All Violators will be towed. We woke this morning to a chilly 38 degrees. And to think, Ronnie was swimming in the ocean 36 hours ago.

WE SPENT THE NIGH HERE:

            --ONLY KIDDING--

Our original plan was to get up around 2 am and drive through NYC and over the GW Bridge but Ronnie was too tired so we went back to sleep planning to leave here around 9:30 am. Hopefully the morning traffic will have thinned out and eliminate the long waits in traffic.

The traffic was very light and we managed to get through NCY and over the GW Bridge in record time. Of course the toll for the bridge was $32.00!!!!! The tolls charged from NC through NY were $119.65. Highway robbery at its finest. Round tolls totaled a whopping $180.65. Ronnie is rethinking this route. There are other options without tolls and he will do the calculations gas miles versus toll miles for the future.

We ran into a lot of stop and go traffic and arrived at home around 3pm. Our visit to the NURSING HOME was sad. My Mother is now only 94 pounds and looks pretty rough. She did recognize us and managed a smile but she has lost her spirit. She cannot even lift her glass anymore to drink and did choke on her water. A sad ending to an otherwise great trip.

HOME THE END

 

October 12, 2010 Tuesday, Day 28 Emporia, VA Jellystone CG

Captain’s Blog

Traveling Day

OK, we both needed a restful night last night with the long drive ahead of us, but that didn’t happen. Ronnie didn’t sleep and I tossed and turned all night. It is 6:30 am and I am up and Ron is trying to get a couple of good hours of sleep. We won’t leave here until a little later to try to avoid the traffic on the beltway in D.C. and Baltimore, MD (this time we did NOT go thru the restricted tunnel).

 

THIS IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF TOWN.

The drive home without stops is a long and arduous one. I95 is miserable but we did get through all the hot spots without difficulty and made it into NJ by 6:30 pm. The tolls will kill you especially towing a car. Over $50.00 in tolls in less then 50 miles.

Spent the night at, Emporia, VA Jellystone CG. I was hoping to watch Monday night football seeing the campground had cable that included espn + a sport channel unfortunately both had collage football broadcasted

October 11, 2010 Jellystone Park Camp Resorts

Captain’s Blog

Monday , Day 27

Emporia, Virginia

r0n Note:

My last ride on the beach!

Jeep V Sand

Day 2 Jeep 1.. Ron asks Deb do you need me to review how to use the camera to video tape?

 

 

Jeep 2. the end!

I am just a man I must understan? (YES)-(NO)

 

Ronnie routed us through the back roads and countryside for this leg of the trip. The plan is to get over to the Blue Ridge Parkway and do some leaf-peeping. Because we are still so far South there has been very little foliage color change.

 

 

 

 

 

We took the very nice scenic route and stayed away from the high traffic areas arriving at the CG around 4 PM. Shortly after another RV with MA plates parked next to use. They were from Western Ma and are heading South. Mille and Al are very nice people and we shared conversation as well as cookies rhubarb squares.

I call the Nursing Home twice weekly to check on my Mother and tonight’s call was not so good. I was told that she is failing and has lost quite a bit of weight. This was the first time I was informed of this and asked why I hadn’t been called. No reply! Well, we will not be heading home in the morning. Since we are still 660 miles from home we will not get home until Wednesday.

Ronnie has been doing well and today was the first day he felt 100% but I don’t think he should push himself to drive that distance in one day.

October 10, 2010 Sunday , Day 26 Oregon Inlet NP Campground, NC

Captain’s Blog

Outer Banks

Much to our surprise, despite the good weather and lots and lots of campers in the area the CG is closing tomorrow. Since we have to leave tomorrow  anyway we decided we should stay tonight and continue to enjoy the summer weather in October.   We headed out to the beach with the Jeep. Ron is enjoying driving on the beach and also decided he should take a dip in the ocean.

The CG has 120 sites and was very full last night. This morning many of those people who set up last night were breaking down this morning and leaving. Seems like a lot of work (especially for the tenters) to set up for one night and leave. Ronnie talked to some people when walking Jewel and I guess the theory is to get out of Dodge before the holiday traffic tomorrow.

  Later in the evening we decided to head back over the dunes and take one last walk on the beach.

 

 

 

The end to another wonderful day!

October 9, 2010 Saturday, Day 25 Oregon Inlet NP Campground, NC

Captain’s Blog

Outer Banks

Since we have run into such great weather staying here is really the only and best choice for us. We are so lost in enjoying the good weather and Ronnie feeling so well that we didn’t realize this is a holiday weekend.

We have not been able to post our blog because our internet connection is so poor. Phone service is not much better so have not been able to make any phone calls.

Today we packed a lunch and drove to the beach. We have never taken the jeep on the beach so it was a new adventure for us. Ronnie insisted we did not have to decrease the tire pressure but did make sure we had a shovel and tow rope if we got bogged down in the sand.

We were told that if you stay in the tracks of another vehicle there should not be a problem. So that is what Ronnie did. He is not used to the Jeep in low gear and four-wheel drive so it was a little nerve-racking getting on to the beach. Once on the beach he stopped to talk to someone about driving on the beach. Fifteen minutes later we knew all of the man’s personal business including his job history, divorce after 25 years and on and on. Everyone wants to share their life story and they have all been very nice people.

We decided to stay where we were enjoying our lunch, collecting shells and spending several hours being mesmerized by the wave. Jewel enjoyed being on the beach and away from the prickly thorns. She doesn’t like the water so was not interested in getting close to the waves.

When driving out of the beach I was in charge of doing a video clip of us riding in the sand. I received a set of instructions from Ronnie on how to video-tape with our camera and off we went. Well, I guess I’m not too good at video –taping but then again neither is he.

INSURT VIDEO  7485

RON NOTE:

Remember I had instructed her on how to video tape.

THE AGONY OF DE FEET (LOL)!!

Back at the MH we had a late dinner and continue to enjoy the good weather. Ronnie decided to check out what he had written down about the art gallery (and forgot to bring) so when he looked realized that the gallery we went to was the wrong one. WHAT!!! How could that happen especially since the owner of the ice-cream shop knew the artist we spoke of so swell and then sent us to the wrong gallery. I guess we should have plugged the gallery into the Tom-Tom. Live and Learn!

October 8, 2010 Friday, Day 24 Oregon Inlet NP Campground, NC

Captain’s Blog

Outer Banks

We awoke this morning to another beautiful, sunny day in the low 70’s. Everyone that has been in the area for any length of time told us the weather here last week was brutal with the rain, wind and flooding. We had been watching the weather and are glad we stayed in Richmond for a few days before venturing down here.

Ron was on-line last evening and found an Art Gallery for us to visit in Nag’s Head. But first Jewel needed her daily walk. Oh Boy, another traumatic event for her despite being carried onto the road. Those little prickly beasts are blowing all over the place and she was covered again. Ronnie brought them in on his shoes and now we are pulling them off the rugs and Jewel.

Our neighbor has three little dogs and they were limping around too. Not very hospitable terrain and definitely not the place to walk barefoot. We usually walk barefoot in the MH but not here. We have had too many yelps from Ronnie and I stepping on the spiny creatures.

We drove into town and stopped to check out the Kite Store. Ronnie had aspirations of buying a kite but that didn’t happen. Mr. Frugal couldn’t bring himself to purchase a kite for the prices they were asking, especially since the one he really liked was $189.00. We left the store empty handed and Ronnie did not “go fly a kite” despite my many requests that he do so.

He spotted an ice-cream store so of course we had to stop. The owner of the store was more then happy to tell us her life story, all about her kids, business and anything else that she thought we should hear. Everyone is very friendly and more then happy to tell you all about themselves. We asked her about the art museum and she told us that her son took art and was so good she was amazed. She has his art hanging in her living room and she knows the artist and his art gallery well so she directed us to the “Yellow House Art Gallery” down the road.

We toured the art gallery and were very impressed with the eight rooms of art including original paintings of art dating back 4 centuries to those of local artisans. The woman at the gallery was very talkative and also gave us a brief synopsis of her life. I did purchase a Cape Hatteras lighthouse watercolor to add to my collection of lighthouse paintings.

Back at the CG we had dinner and ventured back out to the beach via the dunes. You can drive your 4-wheel vehicle on the beach and there were many parked along the shoreline. We stopped and talked to a few of the fisherman –all with life stories to share.

We feel so fortunate to be able to be here and the trip has been especially good for Ronnie. He is getting some sun and has a tan. Looking more like himself every day.

October 7, 2010 Thursday, Day 23 Oregon Inlet NP Campground, NC

Captain’s Blog

Outer Banks

Early this morning I walked to the office to check on the possibility of staying another night at Ocean Waves. Not a chance, they are filled for the next month with the snowbirds coming for one and two month stays. The price for a one-month stay with utilities is $496.00 per month or a mere $16.00 a night. What a great deal and right on the ocean.

Since we had to move we had to decide if we would go to the $74.00 per night KOA with our KOA discount or the RV Resort next door for $ 54.00 per night. Instead we decided to go to the Oregon Inlet NP Campground 17 miles north. We have stayed there in the past and enjoyed it despite the lack of utilities. But, for $10.00 a night one cannot complain.

Once at the office the “old” Ranger asked me if I had an “old peoples” pass that qualifies for the $10.00 rate. UGH , I guess I now look “old” enough to qualify. I pulled out my pass but wanted to whack him for asking.

We secured what we thought was a great site against the dunes. Once we were set up we discovered that the site we chose was overrun by little plants that are loaded with sticky birds – painful sticky-birds that are actually some type of small cactus.

 

Poor Jewel was loaded with them and could not walk. Ron and I spent the next 20 minutes picking them off of her. She was so traumatized she hid under the table. We had thought about moving but after some consideration decided to stay put and work around the prickly beasts.

 

 

Later we walked over the dunes (carrying Jewel over the grassy areas) to the ocean. It was a beautiful evening so we walked the beach for about 90 minutes. Good exercise and fresh air for all of us. Back at the MH we had a nice meal and relaxing evening enjoying the good weather.

October 6, 2010 Tuesday, Day 22 Ocean Waves Campground

Captain’s Blog

Outer Banks

Rodante, NC

Link to  OUTER BANKS, NC

We woke to a great, sunny warm day.

Had a lazy morning but we did walk the beach and sat and watched the waves crashing on the shore-line. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable day.

 

 

 

 

See the Birds Run!

October 5, 2010 Tuesday, Day 21 Ocean Waves Campground

Captain’s Blog

Outer Banks

Rodante, NC

We got into the Rodante around 4pm. The sky is blue and the sun is shining. We lucked out and got a great site at Ocean Waves Campground.

CLICK TO SEE HOMEPAGE

It is a 68-site family owned CG. We were surprised to find that it is completely booked for the next month except for the one site we managed to get for two nights. The management here is very nice and very accommodating.

First on our agenda – out to the beach for a walk. The tide was coming in so the strip of beach was very narrow. We walked about ½ mile but then cut through the KOA because the waves were lapping at our sneaker-clad feet. One wave actually got us so we did get wet but that was ok.

We spent a quiet night at this very quiet CG. Since the CG caters to the retired most everyone was hunkered down by 7 PM.

October 4, 2010 Ashland, Virginia

Captain’s Blog

Monday, Day 20

KOA

We cannot believe that tomorrow we will have been on the road for 3 weeks and we’re only in Virginia. As I said before, we don’t usually travel this way and are generally running from campground to campground to rest area to Wal Mart parking lot running around like crazy and getting little to no rest. Well, we’ve proved to ourselves that we can lounge with the best of them and still get to see and have new experiences.

Today is day four at the KOA and it has been an interesting stay. When we arrived we booked two-nights. Should have beeen easy – NOPE! The woman at the counter named Minnie was less then friendly – more like a snapping turtle. She was very abrupt, rude and obviously didn’t want to be doing her job. She assigned us site 38, gave us directions and off we went. Well, site 38 had a camper in it, so Ronnie proceeded to site 39. I walked back to the office to let Minnie know that site 38 was occupied and was it OK to park in site 39. She didn’t believe me and proceeded to look in her computer – then again telling me site 38 was available. You could see the sites from the window in the office and when I pointed that out to her she took great offense and stated that she wouldn’t have given us site 38 if the computer didn’t indicate it was empty. I wanted to say “LOOK OUT THE WINDOW ! , but I didn’t. I asked again if we could stay in site 39 – her reply “ Well, you have to stay somewhere so it might as well be there. Uggh, I wanted to smack her for being so rude but I don’t look good in stripes and down here they put you on chain gangs. We believe that this campground has been a KOA for a very short period of time because it is still listed on the street signs as Americamp and every KOA we have stayed at had personable, helpful and knowledgeable staff.

Well after our two- day stay was completed we decided to stay for another night. Oh Joy! Ronnie went to the office to extend our stay and when he came back I asked if Minnie was there again. He said no- worse – what! - how could anyone be worse. Well, she didn’t know how to add a day to our stay, had trouble with the computer and spoke so low and mumbled that Ronnie could not understand a word she said. Understand that Ronnie is hard of hearing so I thought maybe it was him, so when we stopped at the office on our way out to check if she was able to add another day I went in with him. OMG he was so right. The woman mumbles in such a very low voice that I wasn’t sure if she was really talking or just grumbling. She finally got us entered and off we went,still not knowing what she said.

 

Well today is another day and we decided to spend one more night. There were two men in the office today and despite the wait for the computer to come on-line we got re-registered for another night without too much difficulty.

During our entire trip we have had great customer service with smiling faces but no way with Minnie and her friend.

 

Last night we had a little “event” with Jewel and only wish we had it videotaped. She was laying on the bed comfortably and I was in need of paper towels. Since we store our paper goods under the bed I didn’t want to disturb her too much so asked Ronnie to lift the bed “just a little” so I could reach in and grab what I needed without scaring the dog. Of course that didn’t happen. Ronnie picked the bed up, Jewel went rolling into the pillows, quickly scrambling up the bed and believe it or not she was holding on to the mattress edge with her two paws looking like her eyes would pop out of her head. Well, Jewel was not happy but we both laughed until our sides hurt. I’m not sure if she will forgive us but somehow I think she’ll get over it.

r0n Note:

Made a run over to the Bass Pro shop ACROSS I-95. Not as nice as the one in Foxboro, MA

CLICK TO SEE BASS PRO SHOP

October 3, 2010 Ashland, Virginia Maymont

Captain’s Blog

Sunday, Day 19

KOA

We woke to overcast skies today with rain predicted for later this evening. We got a late start and had planned on two separate activities today but probably will only get to do one.

We left for Maymont Mansion Museum around 10:30 am. Upon arriving at the complex we were first taken by the many lovely structures that are part of the complex.

Our first stop was at the Carriage House with several pristine carriages and sleighs on display. Then we ventured over to the Mansion but were too early for a tour so decided to take advantage of still calm weather and tour the grounds.

The Mansion sits on acres and acres of rolling hills overlooking the James River. The gardens and parkland is an oasis in the center of the city. It is said that Maymont is one of the most elaborate Victorian landscapes on the East Coast.

We decided to trek to the animal and nature exhibits, the furthest from the house, and work our way back. In the animal and nature exhibits we saw lambs, black bear, multiple birds of prey, owls and a beautiful gray fox.

 

We then walked to and enjoyed the Japanese Garden with its 45- foot waterfall, huge koi fish in the koi pond, multiple fountains, gazebos and the Japanese Grotto. Then it was on to the Italian Garden with its multiple terraces and blooming flowers. 

We stopped at the mausoleum where the previous owners of Maymont are buried and took in the wonderful views from the hilltop. Thankfully, despite the dark clouds overhead the rain held off for the three hours we walked the grounds of Maymont.

LINK: Maymont Mansion

http://www.maymont.org/Page.aspx?pid=217

Maymont Mansion has 33 rooms that reflect the lavish lifestyle of American millionaires in the 1890’s. From 1893 to 1925 Maymont was the residence of James and Sallie Dooley. A native of Richmonder and son of prosperous Irish immigrants James Dooley made his fortune after the Civil War in railroads and other business ventures. Sallie Dooley was a published author and an amateur horticulturist and played an active role in many women’s organizations.

LINK:  PHOTOS OF INSDE

http://www.travelphotobase.com/s/VARHR.HTM

In keeping with the taste of American millionaires of the Gilded Age, the Dooleys created Maymont with its elaborate gardens, spectacular outbuildings and in the middle of it all, their 33-room mansion.

There are thirteen rooms available for viewing and they are – to say the least – incredible. Every room is done in a different wood with walls painted soft colors. Mrs. Dooleys receiving room is glided in gold with a magnificent fresco painted on the ceiling. There are transom windows in every room and the transoms are done in Tiffany stained- glass, with different motifs and colors in each room. On the ground level we visited the drawing rooms, library, dining room with a 12’9’’ armoire with Presidential china and living hall the mansion’s principle reception area.

On the second floor we were amazed at the beauty and size of the stained glass window that lights the hallway. There were three bedrooms, one with a magnificently carved swan bed in Mrs. Dooley’s bedroom.

Of interest are the chandeliers throughout the house. Besides being extremely ornate they were set up to run on electricity and gas. There is a gas pump in the basement that looks scary. Given that wiring was not as well insulated as it is today and the thought of gas and electricity running through the same lamps leads one to think that this was definitely a potentially dangerous situation.

The basement houses a reception room, kitchen, pantry, laundry room, cold room, butlers bedroom, wine cellar, maid’s room, drying closet and butler’s pantry. The household employees cleaned the 12,000 square foot mansion, fed seven to twelve people on a daily basis and hundreds on occasion, washed and ironed all the clothes and linens, helped the Dooleys dress, and performed ceremonial functions such as serving at the table and answering the door.

The majority of the furnishings in house were acquired by the Dooley’s on their many trips to Europe. Maymont today provides an unusually complete representation of a Gilded Age estate.

This was another estate/mansion that both of us thought we could live in quite comfortably given the opportunity.

We then went to the Nature and Visitor Center where several fish tanks re on display with the local fish from the James River.

On our way home we stopped at the River City Diner for lunch/dinner. We not only got great service with a more then friendly waiter but great food as well. Another good day for both of us.

October 2, 2010 Day 18 Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens & AgeCroft Hall

Captain’s Blog

Saturday Ashland, Virginia KOA

It was a beautiful day yesterday and projected to be the same today. It did get chilly last night with the temps in the low fifties but our heat pumps work extremely well and we were nice and warm and cozy.

Today we visited the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond that blooms year round with more then 40 acres of spectacular gardens. It is the mid-Atlantic’s only classically styled Conservatory with a new Children’s Garden that has been truly geared toward the many children who come to play.

LINK: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden http://www.lewisginter.org/

We were first amazed at the beauty of the fountain and flowers leading to the entrance of the visitor center. Once inside we were greeted by very friendly staff and learned that there were special glass exhibits throughout the Conservatory and gardens.

In the Visitor Center, Education and Library Complex, Conservatory and Treehouse we were treated to incredibly beautiful Ikebana arrangements (Japanese art of floral design) that we were completely enthralled with.

In the Visitor Center we were impressed with the blown glass masks done by Frabel, a German glass blower, who came to the US and began his career blowing glass for laboratories. He later decided he wanted to use his trade for art and began his well renowned career.

As we walked the Main Garden Path we were greeted with glass Highwheeling Longfellows or glass men atop a unicycle. We viewed more Clown Longfellows set on brightly colored spheres in the Synder lake as we walked over the beautiful Lotus Bridge. Throughout the park there were Longfellows in different arrangements representing different aspects of fun activities.

We stopped at the Children’s garden and were impressed with thought put into an area for the children to enjoy. They had a water feature and an incredibly beautiful tree house that we were more then happy to explore.

As we walked along we were impressed with how well maintained everything was and how beautiful the paths, waterways and lakes were. When we arrived at the Rose Garden the vast number of varieties of roses still in bloom was amazing. Ron kept snapping photos of each variety as we walked. We were told there are 1800 varieties of roses in the Rose Garden. Today at noon there was a wine tasting and expert Tango dancers in the Dance Square. We stopped and shared a sandwich and watched the dancing.

We then went into the Conservatory with its beautiful glass dome and more then incredibly beautiful tropical flowers and trees. Among the live florals were glass florals and one of a kind sculptures made by Frabel. We were in awe of the beauty of the place and were fortunate enough to be here on the weekend that the glass sculptures were here on display.

After many Oohs and Aahs we headed to the Lora M. Robins Library to take in more amazing floral arrangements and glass sculptures.

Once back outside we stopped at the Sunken Garden with its Large cube with imploded glass spheres, the Healing Garden, a place of spiritual healing and the studying of medicinal properties of plants and the many 19th century hand carved gazebos throughout the gardens.

We both gave this a five-star rating and would recommend visiting the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden to anyone and everyone. It is a spectacular, beautiful and restful place to visit. We would love to come back in a different season and see what else the gardens have to offer and what other fantastic exhibits that may be available to impress.

ENJOY

**********************************************************************************

AGECROFT HALL





Next we stopped at AgeCroft Hall. The house is a Tudor manor house that was actually built in Lancashire, England in the late 15^th century. For hundreds of years AgeCroft Hall was the distinguished home of England’s Langley and Dauntesey families. At the end of the 19^th century the house fell into disrepair, and in 1925, it was sold at auction. Hearing of this great opportunity Richmonder Thomas C. Williams, Jr. purchased the structure and had it dismantled, crated, shipped across the Atlantic and then painstakingly reassembled it in a Richmond neighborhood known as Windsor Farms. Unfortunately, Mr. Williams enjoyed his home for only one-year prior to his death.

We were very fortunate to have an enthusiastic tour guide who gave us an extensive, two-hour tour, even into rooms we should not have been. The furnishings were authentic pieces dating from 1485 to 1660 with ornate carvings and inlaid woodwork. The beds were hand made with ornate bedposts and carvings in the wooden canopies Of course, the beds were made for only those that could afford them. Most people in those days slept on straw or layers of cloth when available.

The house was huge with lots and lots of dark wood paneling. We could only get pictures of the outside. The windows were beautiful and original to the house. Not one pane was broken on transport from England.

***********************************************************************

AgeCroft Hall
LINK:
http://www.agecrofthall.com/


We then toured the gardens. Nothing was in bloom but one could imagine how beautiful the gardens are in the Spring and Summer.

We walked to the back of the Virginia House directly next door. Tours are not available of the Virginia House without an appointment. Our tour guide told us that the exterior of the house is a façade and that the interior is a typical 1940’s house with lots of furniture and stuff. We did poke around the gardens and Ronnie wanted to get closer to the house but someone does live there so I vetoed that idea.

The neighborhood itself is beautiful with huge homes, yards and fancy cars in the front yards. It is a very typical high-class neighborhood for people with lots and lots of money.

We then went into downtown Richmond to look around. We stopped at The Hill City Chop House where we enjoyed terrific steak and ribs. Back at the MH we settled in for the night both tired from the days’ activity.

October 1, 2010 Day 17 Ashland, Virginia KOA

Captain’s Blog

Friday

Around 8 pm last night the new torrents of rain started and seemed worse then the previous days’ rain. The wind picked up and because of the water leak over the bed (on my side) I slept on the couch. Ronnie slept in the bed but did not like having me on the couch. The rain poured, the wind blew, the roof leaked and another poor nights’ sleep was had by all.

We had planned on going to Cape Hatteras but according to news reports there is a lot of flooding there as well so we will stop in the Richmond Virginia area and see if there is anything of interest to do there.

It is predicted to be a nice sunny day today. Hopefully, we can dry out the roof and patch it up.

We drove a little over 100 miles today and as predicted the sun is shining brightly. We stopped at the Virginia visitor center and got some great info on things to do in the area. Normally Ronnie would have researched and had all kinds of excursions planned but Virginia was never an intended stop.

We decided to stay at the KOA in Ashland 15 miles outside of Richmond and right off I95. It is great to have full hook-ups after 6 days of boon-docking and very short showers. Amazingly we never ran out of water and running the generator worked well for TV watching and web searching.

As we were taking the exit to the CG we noticed a huge RV place that sold RV’s and did repairs. Ronnie was going to drive over but I wanted to set up at the CG. Wrong move!!! Once we got a site Ronnie suggested we didn’t set up and take a ride over in the Jeep to see if they could give him any ideas on what to use to fix the roof or maybe get it fixed there.

We spoke to a great woman named Jay who was more then helpful. She didn’t think it could be repaired that day but would speak to the manager. He wanted to see the MH so we went back to the CG and drove the MH over to the shop.

Amazingly, the manager, was a man that came from Massachusetts and was the former manager at Campers Inn in Raynham, 10 minutes from our house. He recognized us because we had been to Campers Inn several times looking to purchase a Winnebago.

He told us that with the turn-down in the economy he and six other Campers Inn employees from the Massachusetts and New Hampshire stores were working here in Virginia. How lucky for us. He evaluated what needed to be done and had it fixed for us in one hour at a mere cost of $125.00.

 

The entire team at McGeorge's Rolling Hills RV SuperCenterwas amazing. All very friendly, helpful and they even treated Jewel to dog biscuits and lots of petting – which she loved. We were happy to get the roof fixed and in such a timely manner. This place was amazing with its’ great customer service and it is open for service 6 days a week and will open on Sundays by appointment if someone needs a repair in a hurry. This is unheard of in MA. When we called for a simple oil change at Marty’s they told us we would have to wait two months – no service there.

McGeorge's Rolling Hills RV SuperCenter

LINK:

http://www.mcgeorgerv.com/

The day ended well with the roof fixed, me being able to do the laundry and taking a very, very, very long shower.

September 30, 2010 Day 16 A rainy day camping is better than a sunny day working!

Captain’s Blog

Thursday

Greenbelt Park, MD

Well, as predicted the torrential rains started last evening around 7 pm. The rain was coming down so hard through the night it kept waking us.

I’m not sure if I mentioned that we had a corner of the fiberglass roof that had lifted and Ronnie had made an attempt at fixing it before we left. Well, it didn’t work and we had water dripping through the AC vent over our bed. Not a lot of water but enough to be an issue that we couldn’t ignore. So at 7 am in the pouring rain we were outside with the ladder, plastic and duct tape trying to cover the area and stop the leak. Well, that didn’t work all that well and the rain kept leaking in. There was nothing more that we could do so we put a bucket under the leak, plugged the vent with towels to soak up the water and rode out the storm.

It was a long miserable day and since we had no utilities we ran the generator for a good part of the day to listen to the weather reports regarding flooding and the tornado watches and warnings issued for the entire Washington DC area. Yeah, just what I wanted to hear – tornado warnings.

Around 4 pm the rain slowed, but not the leak and we decided we needed to get out of the MH for a while. So off we went to the grocery store buying stuff we didn’t need.

 

Back at the MH we settled in with some junk food and waited for the second round of storms to hit us. Some parts of the area had already received 6-7 inches of rain and roads were washed out. Now another band of rain was expected to drop 3 or more inches on the area.

 

r0n Note:

NAN the Witch, dropped by our Campsite bringing rain tornado warnings and the like.

 

September 29, 2010 Day 15 Mount Vernon

Captain’s Blog

Wednesday

Greenbelt Park, MD

 

We decided to visit Mount Vernon today the home of our first president George Washington. Mount Vernon sits on several thousand acres of land overlooking the Potomac River. It is a very regal looking building that started out as a small farm cottage that George Washington inherited from his brother. Over the years it had several rooms added making it the large home it is today.

LINK:

http://www.mountvernon.org/

George Washington was an extremely interesting man who never really wanted notoriety. He was very content living at Mount Vernon managing his farm and the various enterprises he would eventually become involved in like raising tobacco and developing a whiskey distillery.

At a young age George was an independent thinker and terrific strategist. He was originally in the English Army but eventually fought for the US with its rag-tag army. Despite the many set-backs George led his non-professional group of civilian soldiers to victory over English Rule and won the freedom of oppression from the English for the original 13 colonies and then the rest of the US.

During his time as a soldier he met and married Martha, a young widow with two children. It was love at first sight and seven months after meeting they married. They were an interesting looking couple, he at six feet two inches and she at four feet eleven inches.

After his victory many wanted to crown him king but he would not hear of it. He formally retired giving back the rule of the country to the people as he felt it should be. He then proceeded to live his life to the fullest at Mount Vernon with his wife Martha and her two children. He was a very intelligent man and was always trying to develop new and innovative ways to improve life on the farm. It was said that if he were alive today he would love all of the technology that would be available to him.

After a brief four years in retirement and because of the problems facing the country he returned to public life and was soon elected President of the United States. As President he was highly respected by many and scorned by others – no different then the Presidents of today. I guess that is called history repeating itself.

George Washington had a history of poor dental health despite his vigorously caring for his teeth and having access and treatment by several dentists over his lifetime. When he was sworn into office as President he only had one tooth left in his mouth and had a set of dentures made for the day. It was told that the reason his mouth look somewhat deformed in the pictures that were painted of him is because his dentures were ill fitting and caused tremendous discomfort.

After eight years in office President Washington officially resigned refusing to run for a third term. He set the standard for a two-term presidency but it was never put into law until after Roosevelt, who served 12 years died.

At 65 years of age he returned to his beloved Mount Vernon. At his home he entertained and fed over 400 visitors annually. In that time it was rude to turn away travelers who needed a place to sleep or eat for the night so many would stop at Mount Vernon and enjoy the good food and hospitality afforded to them by George and Martha.

George Washington Life LINK:

http://www.earlyamerica.com/gwlifemovie2.htm

 

George was a big strong man and despite his many accomplishments he considered and called himself a farmer. After a particular harrowing day in his cold, windy wet fields he came home for dinner soaking wet complaining of cold symptoms. He stayed in his wet clothes for dinner and refused any of the remedies available at that time. Within two days his condition worsened so much that three physicians were called in. Despite “bleeding” him several times his condition worsened and he was unable to swallow or breathe. At age 67 President Washington was dead of what today we know was bacterial epiglottis possibly from contact with one of his many visitors. Unfortunately there were no antibiotics available at that time that would have saved his life.

 

We noticed that the interior walls of the home were painted in extremely bright colors. At that time paint was hard to come by and if the walls in a home were painted it represented great wealth. After touring the home with its gorgeous view of the Potomac we walked through the gardens and fields of the property. It is a beautiful property and you could understand why he loved it here so much. While touring the outside a light rain was falling but it was still warm and very muggy.

The next stop was the museum with its fifteen theaters and multiple venues depicting the life and history of George Washington. We knew it would take us several hours to tour the museum so stopped for lunch at the Mount Vernon Inn. The Inn was very old and the food quite good but once again we were plagued with the loss of power. The staff did not know why the power was out as this was not usual except during severe weather. After about 30 minutes the power was restored and we finally got our meal.

The day outside was deteriorating rapidly with an advancing storm predicted to bring several inches of rain to the area so we were glad that we toured the outside first.

It took us two more hours to finish touring the museum with its artifacts from the sword that George Washington used in battle to the silver wine coolers used at his dinner parties and of course his infamous dentures. Power was lost on another two occasions but was restored quickly. It was a great day and learning experience. We would recommend Mount Vernon to anyone interested in the history of our country and especially of George Washington.

 

We can’t believe that we have again been at another campground for six days. It is totally out of character for us to stay put for so long. We planned on leaving tomorrow but the weather conditions are predicted to be very severe with flooding and poor visibility. Instead we will ride out the storm here and leave on Friday.