DeBary, FL.
75 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy with a chance of a thunderstorm and a chance of rain. High of 95F. Winds from the SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
After dumping and flushing the black and grey water tanks a much as possible, we pulled out of the Chiefland RV Park about 9:40 yesterday morning. Once back on US 19, we followed it South for a few blocks and then turned off on Alt US 27 which took us over towards Ocala. A little Williston, we turned off on FL 326 which took us around the North side of Ocala and to Rt. 40. 40 then brought us East to Barberville where we turned South on US 17/92, which brought us down to DeBary and the Highland Country Estates where the house is located.
It was 12:30 when we pulled up in front of the house so it took us 2 hours and 50 minutes to travel 120 miles and stop near Ocala and get Bobbie T a drink of 87 octane.
Yes, Jim and Linda did decide to head straight to the house instead of going to Laura and Lindsey's. There really wasn't any reason not to even though Bobbie T. was parked on the street in front of the house for awhile. The streets are wide enough for cars or even trucks to get past.
Jim and Linda had called Laura and Lindsey and told them of our change in plans, so a little after we arrived at the house, they came and everyone went to work, moving food and "stuff" out of Bobbie T. and into the house.
Jim and Lindsey were outside in Bobbie T.. Jim packed things into tote boxes and Lindsey would carry them into the house. Meanwhile, Linda and Laura were busy trying to get everything put away inside as Lindsey brought things in.
Jim and Lindsey took breaks every once in awhile as the temperature was up in the mid 90's, but by about 3:00, most everything was inside the house and Jim was driving Bobbie T over to the storage lot and backing her into site #2.
Lindsey followed Jim to the lot and helped Jim get backed in, and soon they were back here at the house, enjoying a cold drink. ;-)
Laura invited Jim and Linda over to their house for a spaghetti dinner, so about 5:30, Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over there, stopping at Winn Dixie to pick up some bread to bring back here and some Italian Bread and a Banana Cream Pie to take to Laura and Lindsey's to have with the meal.
About 8:00 CLT brought Jim and Linda back here to the house where they relaxed until about 10:00, and then went to bed, very tired.
Again, Laura and Lindsey came through when Linda and Jim needed help. Thank you so much, all your help will be remembered. ;-)
So, , , , , , that officially ends our time as Full-timers. It's been 12 years and 3 months since we pulled out of the driveway up in Illinois and it's been a blast!!!! Oh, there's been times when things haven't been too good, but the good times far outweigh the bad times. After things settle down around here a little, I'll try to do a recap of those 12+ years on the road in a few posts.
In the next few days, Jim and Linda will try to get things organized here in the house. They also need to buy a TV and a few other items, so they'll be busy, busy, busy. Then, on Thursday, Linda will have her first doctor's appointment that will determine what medical procedures need to be done.
Keep your fingers crossed!!!!
Would you believe that it's been 12 years and 3 months since Jim, Linda or I have slept in a house?
Woof!!!
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Friday, August 30, 2013
A Doctor Located and GA To FL
Chiefland, FL.
73 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy with a chance of a thunderstorm and a chance of rain. High of 90F with a heat index of 95F. Winds from the West at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Finally after many telephone calls, including calls from Laura to some connections she has, a doctor was found that could take Linda in for an appointment. Yesterday, an appointment was finally made with a doctor in Daytona Beach for next Thursday. This is a preliminary visit to do further tests to see just what has to be done, and also to find out for sure if there is cancer or not. Then the report will be sent to the doctor that Laura originally found for Linda and decisions about further procedures will be made.
Again, things started to happen after Laura started calling people. Thanks, Laura!!! :-)
We left Thomasville, GA about 9:50 yesterday morning and headed South on US 19. Following 19 brought us down into Florida and eventually here to Chiefland and the Chiefland RV Park.
It was 12:20 when we pulled into the park, so it took us about 2 1/2 hours to travel 127 miles.
The Chiefland RV Park is nothing special, but we have a full hook-up site with cable TV at the Passport America rate of $17.44. We're also parked under a huge live oak tree that gave us some very nice shade that was greatly appreciated, as the temperature was in the mid 90's when we arrived here.
Being that we had a back-in site, Jim had to unhook CLT from the back of Bobbie T for the first time since we left Rantoul. So, since CLT was unhooked, for dinner, Jim and Linda took him and went to Mya's Chinese Restaurant for dinner. They said that the food was good and the service was very good.
And it gave them a chance to get out and about a little. ;-)
Today, we'll get to DeBary. Jim and Linda have decided that they're going to try get enough "stuff" moved into the house so that they can stay in the house tonight. They may not have quite everything they would like to have for the house, but by temporally taking some items from inside of Bobbie T into the house, (that normally would stay in Bobbie T), they should be able to make the house livable. By doing that, they won't have to worry about running the AC on a 20 amp circuit at Laura's tonight.
Then, hopefully by tomorrow, most of rest of the "stuff" will be moved into the house and Bobbie T can be parked in the storage lot.
Did you know that today is "National Toasted Marshmallow Day" ?
Woof!!!
73 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy with a chance of a thunderstorm and a chance of rain. High of 90F with a heat index of 95F. Winds from the West at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Finally after many telephone calls, including calls from Laura to some connections she has, a doctor was found that could take Linda in for an appointment. Yesterday, an appointment was finally made with a doctor in Daytona Beach for next Thursday. This is a preliminary visit to do further tests to see just what has to be done, and also to find out for sure if there is cancer or not. Then the report will be sent to the doctor that Laura originally found for Linda and decisions about further procedures will be made.
Again, things started to happen after Laura started calling people. Thanks, Laura!!! :-)
We left Thomasville, GA about 9:50 yesterday morning and headed South on US 19. Following 19 brought us down into Florida and eventually here to Chiefland and the Chiefland RV Park.
It was 12:20 when we pulled into the park, so it took us about 2 1/2 hours to travel 127 miles.
The Chiefland RV Park is nothing special, but we have a full hook-up site with cable TV at the Passport America rate of $17.44. We're also parked under a huge live oak tree that gave us some very nice shade that was greatly appreciated, as the temperature was in the mid 90's when we arrived here.
Being that we had a back-in site, Jim had to unhook CLT from the back of Bobbie T for the first time since we left Rantoul. So, since CLT was unhooked, for dinner, Jim and Linda took him and went to Mya's Chinese Restaurant for dinner. They said that the food was good and the service was very good.
And it gave them a chance to get out and about a little. ;-)
Today, we'll get to DeBary. Jim and Linda have decided that they're going to try get enough "stuff" moved into the house so that they can stay in the house tonight. They may not have quite everything they would like to have for the house, but by temporally taking some items from inside of Bobbie T into the house, (that normally would stay in Bobbie T), they should be able to make the house livable. By doing that, they won't have to worry about running the AC on a 20 amp circuit at Laura's tonight.
Then, hopefully by tomorrow, most of rest of the "stuff" will be moved into the house and Bobbie T can be parked in the storage lot.
Did you know that today is "National Toasted Marshmallow Day" ?
Woof!!!
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Alabama To Georgia, Doctors and A Plan
Thomasville, GA
69 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy with a chance of a thunderstorm and a chance of rain. High of 88F with a heat index of 93F. Winds less than 5 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
After a pleasant stay at the Deer Run RV Park near Troy, AL, we continued heading SE on US 231. Just before getting to Dothan, AL, Jim pulled Bobbie T into another Gas station and topped her tank off with 87 octane. (Priced at $3.29 per gallon). Taking the belt route around Dothan, brought us to US 84 where we turned East and followed it into Georgia. When we got to Thomasville, we turned South on US 19 and followed it here to the City Of Roses RV Park.
We've been coming to this park for a long time. It's an older park, with a bunch of permanent RVs around the edge of the park. Some people don't feel comfortable with the people who are living in these older RVs, but we've always found them to be friendly and have never caused us any concern. It's a Passport America Park, so for a full hookup site with 30/50 amp service and free cable TV, we're only paying $15.00.
It was 9:00 when we left the park in AL, and 12:30 when we arrived here in GA. so it took us 3 hours and 30 minutes to travel 160 miles and stop for Bobbie T's drink.
Linda has been talking to doctor offices, trying to set up appointments. It's starting to look like it will be awhile before she can get in to see anyone. So far, the earliest appointment that she has found would be about 3 weeks from now. :-(
Jim and Linda have also been talking to Laura. She's going to do some inquiring and see what she can come up with.
Speaking of Laura, it's been decided that we take Bobbie T to Laura and Lindsey's house on Friday and park her in or along side of their driveway. Then, the plan is to take most of Jim and Linda's "stuff" over to the house from there, hopefully getting all the essentials moved by Friday night, so that we can stay in the house.
You know, I've been thinking. When we move into the house, it'll be the first time we've lived in a house for over 12 years!!! It's going to be quite a change for me, and I'm sure it'll be a big change for Jim and Linda too. I think one of the things that I'll have to get used to is the amount of room that I'll have to roam around in. That house is so much bigger than any RV!!
Oh well, I've lived in 4 different RVs in the past 12 years, I'm sure I can get used to living in a house again. ;-)
Did you know that in Atlanta, GA, it's against the law to tie a giraffe to a telephone pole or street lamp?
Woof!!!
69 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy with a chance of a thunderstorm and a chance of rain. High of 88F with a heat index of 93F. Winds less than 5 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
After a pleasant stay at the Deer Run RV Park near Troy, AL, we continued heading SE on US 231. Just before getting to Dothan, AL, Jim pulled Bobbie T into another Gas station and topped her tank off with 87 octane. (Priced at $3.29 per gallon). Taking the belt route around Dothan, brought us to US 84 where we turned East and followed it into Georgia. When we got to Thomasville, we turned South on US 19 and followed it here to the City Of Roses RV Park.
We've been coming to this park for a long time. It's an older park, with a bunch of permanent RVs around the edge of the park. Some people don't feel comfortable with the people who are living in these older RVs, but we've always found them to be friendly and have never caused us any concern. It's a Passport America Park, so for a full hookup site with 30/50 amp service and free cable TV, we're only paying $15.00.
It was 9:00 when we left the park in AL, and 12:30 when we arrived here in GA. so it took us 3 hours and 30 minutes to travel 160 miles and stop for Bobbie T's drink.
Linda has been talking to doctor offices, trying to set up appointments. It's starting to look like it will be awhile before she can get in to see anyone. So far, the earliest appointment that she has found would be about 3 weeks from now. :-(
Jim and Linda have also been talking to Laura. She's going to do some inquiring and see what she can come up with.
Speaking of Laura, it's been decided that we take Bobbie T to Laura and Lindsey's house on Friday and park her in or along side of their driveway. Then, the plan is to take most of Jim and Linda's "stuff" over to the house from there, hopefully getting all the essentials moved by Friday night, so that we can stay in the house.
You know, I've been thinking. When we move into the house, it'll be the first time we've lived in a house for over 12 years!!! It's going to be quite a change for me, and I'm sure it'll be a big change for Jim and Linda too. I think one of the things that I'll have to get used to is the amount of room that I'll have to roam around in. That house is so much bigger than any RV!!
Oh well, I've lived in 4 different RVs in the past 12 years, I'm sure I can get used to living in a house again. ;-)
Did you know that in Atlanta, GA, it's against the law to tie a giraffe to a telephone pole or street lamp?
Woof!!!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Poor Internet Connection and Still In Alabama
Troy, AL.
64 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 91F. Winds less than 5 mph.
My Internet connection is not good here at the Deer Run RV Park near Troy, so this will be a short post.
Before we left the Cullman RV Park, Jim drove Bobbie T over to the Propane filling tank and had the men from the park fill Bobbie T's propane tank up. By the time this was done and the propane paid for, it was 9:15 when we pulled out of the park.
Once back on I-65, it was a straight shot down to Montgomery, where we turned East on I-85 for a few miles to Exit #9. There, we turned back South on Taylor Rd and followed it until it dead-ended at US 231. Then, we just followed 231 down here to Troy and the Deer Run park.
Along the way, we stopped and got Bobbie T another drink of 87 octane and pulled into the Alabama Welcome Center for a "pit stop".
It was right 1:00 when we arrived so yesterday, we traveled 187 miles in 3 hours and 45 minutes.
All of the roads yesterday were pretty good except coming through Birmingham. There, the road was terrible!! It was cement, and it should have been resurfaced about 5 years ago. There was also a lot of construction, so maybe they're trying remedy the problem.
We've been to the Deer Run RV Park before. It's easy to get to, has nice sites and the lady in the office is friendly.
Today, we'll head into Georgia where Jim has a Passport America Park picked out.
Did you know that today is "Race your Mouse around the Icons Day"?
64 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 91F. Winds less than 5 mph.
My Internet connection is not good here at the Deer Run RV Park near Troy, so this will be a short post.
Before we left the Cullman RV Park, Jim drove Bobbie T over to the Propane filling tank and had the men from the park fill Bobbie T's propane tank up. By the time this was done and the propane paid for, it was 9:15 when we pulled out of the park.
Once back on I-65, it was a straight shot down to Montgomery, where we turned East on I-85 for a few miles to Exit #9. There, we turned back South on Taylor Rd and followed it until it dead-ended at US 231. Then, we just followed 231 down here to Troy and the Deer Run park.
Along the way, we stopped and got Bobbie T another drink of 87 octane and pulled into the Alabama Welcome Center for a "pit stop".
It was right 1:00 when we arrived so yesterday, we traveled 187 miles in 3 hours and 45 minutes.
All of the roads yesterday were pretty good except coming through Birmingham. There, the road was terrible!! It was cement, and it should have been resurfaced about 5 years ago. There was also a lot of construction, so maybe they're trying remedy the problem.
We've been to the Deer Run RV Park before. It's easy to get to, has nice sites and the lady in the office is friendly.
Today, we'll head into Georgia where Jim has a Passport America Park picked out.
Did you know that today is "Race your Mouse around the Icons Day"?
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Clarksville TN to Cullman AL and Plans For Our Arrival In DeBary
Cullman, AL
64 deg. clear, N. wind @ 4 mph.
Forecast = Clear. High of 86F. Winds less than 5 mph.
Because we had a longer day ahead of us, we pulled out of the Clarksville CG about 9:05 and continued SE on I-24 towards Nashville. It took us about an hour to get to the city, and by the time we arrived, the rush hour traffic had subsided and we pretty much made it though without even slowing dow. ;-) In Nashville we turned South on I-65 and followed it down into Alabama and to the Cullman CG in Cullman, AL.
It was 12:35 when we pulled in so we had traveled 190 miles in 3 hours and 30 minutes and that included a "pit stop" at a rest area along I-65.
We like the Cullman CG. We've been here before and have always been treated well. The CG is well maintained and the sites are full-hookup and level. We're in a different part of the CG this time because Jim asked for a shady site, as the temperatures were hovering around 90 deg. when we pulled in.
This is one of those parks that not everyone likes. It's what I call "rustic". It's an older CG that doesn't have all the amenities, some of the sites are fairly close together, and the road coming to the park definitely leaves something to be desired. (it's narrow, rough, hilly and twisty).
However, the owners are great people who will do their best to make you comfortable. The prices are reasonable, $20.79 for a 30 amp site, and for the most part, it's nice and quiet and out in the country.
Today, we'll continue heading South and then SE towards Georgia. Jim has a CG picked out SE of Montgomery, (near Troy, AL), and I'm pretty sure we'll head for it.
Linda called Laura after we got settled in yesterday afternoon. She and Lindsey are going to go over to the house and turn on all the electric circuit breakers and make sure the refrigerator is working. It was also decided that when we got to DeBary, we'd go to their house and park Bobbie T in or next to their driveway until all the "stuff" is unloaded and taken over to the house. (Laura and Lindsey will help with that). Then, when most everything is transferred and the house is ready to be moved into, Bobbie T will be taken to the storage lot.
Sounds like a plan to me!!! ;-)
Did you know that the word Alabama means tribal town in the Creek Indian language?
Woof!!!
64 deg. clear, N. wind @ 4 mph.
Forecast = Clear. High of 86F. Winds less than 5 mph.
Because we had a longer day ahead of us, we pulled out of the Clarksville CG about 9:05 and continued SE on I-24 towards Nashville. It took us about an hour to get to the city, and by the time we arrived, the rush hour traffic had subsided and we pretty much made it though without even slowing dow. ;-) In Nashville we turned South on I-65 and followed it down into Alabama and to the Cullman CG in Cullman, AL.
It was 12:35 when we pulled in so we had traveled 190 miles in 3 hours and 30 minutes and that included a "pit stop" at a rest area along I-65.
We like the Cullman CG. We've been here before and have always been treated well. The CG is well maintained and the sites are full-hookup and level. We're in a different part of the CG this time because Jim asked for a shady site, as the temperatures were hovering around 90 deg. when we pulled in.
This is one of those parks that not everyone likes. It's what I call "rustic". It's an older CG that doesn't have all the amenities, some of the sites are fairly close together, and the road coming to the park definitely leaves something to be desired. (it's narrow, rough, hilly and twisty).
However, the owners are great people who will do their best to make you comfortable. The prices are reasonable, $20.79 for a 30 amp site, and for the most part, it's nice and quiet and out in the country.
Today, we'll continue heading South and then SE towards Georgia. Jim has a CG picked out SE of Montgomery, (near Troy, AL), and I'm pretty sure we'll head for it.
Linda called Laura after we got settled in yesterday afternoon. She and Lindsey are going to go over to the house and turn on all the electric circuit breakers and make sure the refrigerator is working. It was also decided that when we got to DeBary, we'd go to their house and park Bobbie T in or next to their driveway until all the "stuff" is unloaded and taken over to the house. (Laura and Lindsey will help with that). Then, when most everything is transferred and the house is ready to be moved into, Bobbie T will be taken to the storage lot.
Sounds like a plan to me!!! ;-)
Did you know that the word Alabama means tribal town in the Creek Indian language?
Woof!!!
Monday, August 26, 2013
Goreville, IL to Clarksville, TN
Clarksville, TN.
65 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. Fog early. High of 90F. Winds from the SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Because Jim "tweaked" the trip plan, yesterday was scheduled to be a shorter travel day, so there was no hurry to get on the road. Because of that, we didn't leave the Hilltop CG in Goreville, IL until 10:25.
Once back on I-57, we headed North for 4 miles and then turned SE in I-24 and headed for Kentucky. 24 took us through Kentucky and into Tennessee where we turned off on Exit 1. The first stop we made was to buy Bobbie T a nice big drink of 87 octane, (at $3.29 versus about $3.54 per gallon in IL and KY), then went on to the Clarksville CG which is just down the road from the gas station.
It was 1:10 when we pulled into the CG, so it took us 2 hours and 40 minutes to travel 137 miles, buy Bobbie T's drink and make a pit stop along the way. Oh, and we had a lot of construction areas on I-24 in Kentucky, so that slowed us down some too.
We've been to the Clarksville CG before, and just like before, both Jim and Linda think that the sites are overpriced, but there's really not many choices to choose from in this area. It's a nice CG with a pool and all the amenities, it's well maintained and the folks in the office are quite friendly.
Today, we'll head down into Alabama. It'll be a longer travel day than yesterday, probably around 4 hours. We have to go through Nashville though, so who knows. :-(
Linda's doing fine. She's been able to sleep better the last few nights, so she's not so tired during the day. I think that she may be thinking about moving into the house, and not quite so much about her medical situation.
Did you know that the name "Tennessee" originated from the old Yuchi Indian word, "Tana-see," meaning "The Meeting Place?"
Woof!!!
65 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. Fog early. High of 90F. Winds from the SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Because Jim "tweaked" the trip plan, yesterday was scheduled to be a shorter travel day, so there was no hurry to get on the road. Because of that, we didn't leave the Hilltop CG in Goreville, IL until 10:25.
Once back on I-57, we headed North for 4 miles and then turned SE in I-24 and headed for Kentucky. 24 took us through Kentucky and into Tennessee where we turned off on Exit 1. The first stop we made was to buy Bobbie T a nice big drink of 87 octane, (at $3.29 versus about $3.54 per gallon in IL and KY), then went on to the Clarksville CG which is just down the road from the gas station.
It was 1:10 when we pulled into the CG, so it took us 2 hours and 40 minutes to travel 137 miles, buy Bobbie T's drink and make a pit stop along the way. Oh, and we had a lot of construction areas on I-24 in Kentucky, so that slowed us down some too.
We've been to the Clarksville CG before, and just like before, both Jim and Linda think that the sites are overpriced, but there's really not many choices to choose from in this area. It's a nice CG with a pool and all the amenities, it's well maintained and the folks in the office are quite friendly.
Today, we'll head down into Alabama. It'll be a longer travel day than yesterday, probably around 4 hours. We have to go through Nashville though, so who knows. :-(
Linda's doing fine. She's been able to sleep better the last few nights, so she's not so tired during the day. I think that she may be thinking about moving into the house, and not quite so much about her medical situation.
Did you know that the name "Tennessee" originated from the old Yuchi Indian word, "Tana-see," meaning "The Meeting Place?"
Woof!!!
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Rantoul To Goreville and Tweaking The Trip Plan
Goreville, IL.
65 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Clear in the morning, then partly cloudy. High of 90F. Winds less than 5 mph.
Both Jim and Linda were up early, (neither one of them have been sleeping to well lately), so by 9:05, Jim had Bobbie T unhooked from the electric, pulled out of the site, had CLT hooked to the back of her and we were pulling out of the Prairie Pines Campground.
From Rantoul, we got on I-57 and just stayed on it all the way down here to Goreville, IL., and the Hilltop Campground. We made one "pit stop" at a rest area along the way, and by 1:15 we were pulling up in front of the office.
It was 214 miles down here and it took us 4 hours and 20 minutes.
The Hilltop CG seems like a very nice park for an overnight stay. The rates are reasonable, $22.00 for a 30 amp full hook-up, pull-through site. Ron, the man in the office was very friendly and when Jim asked for a site with some shade, made sure we had a site that Jim was happy with. The CG seems to be very well maintained. The grass is mowed and the trees and bushes are trimmed so that they don't rub on the RVs.
In fact, I wouldn't mind staying here for a few days if we had more time.
As we were traveling yesterday, Linda and Jim were discussing what they needed to do at the house when we arrive down there. They'll need to get all the food and most of the clothes out of Bobbie T and move them into the house, along with a bunch of other stuff. There's no TV or Microwave oven at the house so they'll have to go shopping for those items. They'll also need to shop for some bedding, and by the time we get there, laundry will definitely need to be done.
Jim's been doing some "tweaking" on the trip plan down to Florida, and now it looks like we may not get to DeBary until Friday. There were a couple of days that we would have traveled farther than we normally do, and because there's really no great hurry to get down there, Jim rearranged the stops along the way so that we'll be able to travel our normal 3 to 4 hours a day.
Did you know that today is "Kiss and Make Up Day"?
Woof!!!
65 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Clear in the morning, then partly cloudy. High of 90F. Winds less than 5 mph.
Both Jim and Linda were up early, (neither one of them have been sleeping to well lately), so by 9:05, Jim had Bobbie T unhooked from the electric, pulled out of the site, had CLT hooked to the back of her and we were pulling out of the Prairie Pines Campground.
From Rantoul, we got on I-57 and just stayed on it all the way down here to Goreville, IL., and the Hilltop Campground. We made one "pit stop" at a rest area along the way, and by 1:15 we were pulling up in front of the office.
It was 214 miles down here and it took us 4 hours and 20 minutes.
The Hilltop CG seems like a very nice park for an overnight stay. The rates are reasonable, $22.00 for a 30 amp full hook-up, pull-through site. Ron, the man in the office was very friendly and when Jim asked for a site with some shade, made sure we had a site that Jim was happy with. The CG seems to be very well maintained. The grass is mowed and the trees and bushes are trimmed so that they don't rub on the RVs.
In fact, I wouldn't mind staying here for a few days if we had more time.
As we were traveling yesterday, Linda and Jim were discussing what they needed to do at the house when we arrive down there. They'll need to get all the food and most of the clothes out of Bobbie T and move them into the house, along with a bunch of other stuff. There's no TV or Microwave oven at the house so they'll have to go shopping for those items. They'll also need to shop for some bedding, and by the time we get there, laundry will definitely need to be done.
Jim's been doing some "tweaking" on the trip plan down to Florida, and now it looks like we may not get to DeBary until Friday. There were a couple of days that we would have traveled farther than we normally do, and because there's really no great hurry to get down there, Jim rearranged the stops along the way so that we'll be able to travel our normal 3 to 4 hours a day.
Did you know that today is "Kiss and Make Up Day"?
Woof!!!
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Thanks, Getting Ready To Head South and CG Photos
Rantoul, IL.
60 deg clear, no wind.
forecast = Partly cloudy. Fog early. High of 86F. Winds from the ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
First of all, Linda and Jim want to thank everyone who made comments on this blog, e-mailed, phoned, or came over to Bobbie T and wished Linda the very best with her upcoming surgery and recovery. Linda was just floored by the response.
Linda called the doctor's office down in FL yesterday morning, and they have received all the necessary papers that were faxed to them, so we're "good to go" there. While she was on the phone to the doctor's office and talking to others who called, Jim was outside getting everything out there ready to travel.
Yesterday evening, Louise and Paul came over to say good-bye. They also brought a card, signed by a whole bunch of people from here in the park, wishing Linda a speedy recovery and words of assurance. Louise made both Linda and Jim promise that we'd be back here at Prairie Pines next summer before she and Paul gave Linda and Jim h and h. (hugs and handshakes). ;-)
So, , , , , this morning, we'll leave here and start heading South. Jim has a new Trip Plan for the trip and has located RV Parks along the route that we can stay at. The way he's got it figured, we should be getting to DeBary next Thursday.
OK, enough of that!!!!
The Farm Show is in full swing. The campground is packed, (2 RVs on most sites), and probably just as many dry camping on the roads and streets around the park. About 1/2 of the RVers have golf carts or ATVs that they use to go to the show with, so they're constantly running around in the park, and you have to watch for them.
Here's a few photos of the CG that Jim took over the last 4 or 5 days. Remember, you can click on them to enlarge them.
Looking from the rear of our site before the show.
Now.
2 RVs on a site.
Street in the CG before the show.
Dry campers line both sides plus many more on surrounding streets.
Lots of RVs packed together.
There's even some staying in tents.
When Louise and Paul came over to say good-bye yesterday, they said that there were many more RVs here this year than there ever were for past Half Century of Progress Farm Shows. Of course the CG can only accommodate so many RVs but the amount of RVs dry camping has greatly increased.
Jim and Linda didn't get to go over to the show this year, but there'll be another show in 2 years.
Well, I'd better get going. Pretty soon Jim and Linda will be getting everything put away so we can leave, and I don't want to be in the way.
Again, thank you so much for your support. It really has meant a lot to both Linda and Jim. I'll post whenever I can to keep everyone updated.
A Point to Ponder : Worrying works! 90 percent of the things I worry about never happen.
Woof!!!
60 deg clear, no wind.
forecast = Partly cloudy. Fog early. High of 86F. Winds from the ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
First of all, Linda and Jim want to thank everyone who made comments on this blog, e-mailed, phoned, or came over to Bobbie T and wished Linda the very best with her upcoming surgery and recovery. Linda was just floored by the response.
Linda called the doctor's office down in FL yesterday morning, and they have received all the necessary papers that were faxed to them, so we're "good to go" there. While she was on the phone to the doctor's office and talking to others who called, Jim was outside getting everything out there ready to travel.
Yesterday evening, Louise and Paul came over to say good-bye. They also brought a card, signed by a whole bunch of people from here in the park, wishing Linda a speedy recovery and words of assurance. Louise made both Linda and Jim promise that we'd be back here at Prairie Pines next summer before she and Paul gave Linda and Jim h and h. (hugs and handshakes). ;-)
So, , , , , this morning, we'll leave here and start heading South. Jim has a new Trip Plan for the trip and has located RV Parks along the route that we can stay at. The way he's got it figured, we should be getting to DeBary next Thursday.
OK, enough of that!!!!
The Farm Show is in full swing. The campground is packed, (2 RVs on most sites), and probably just as many dry camping on the roads and streets around the park. About 1/2 of the RVers have golf carts or ATVs that they use to go to the show with, so they're constantly running around in the park, and you have to watch for them.
Here's a few photos of the CG that Jim took over the last 4 or 5 days. Remember, you can click on them to enlarge them.
When Louise and Paul came over to say good-bye yesterday, they said that there were many more RVs here this year than there ever were for past Half Century of Progress Farm Shows. Of course the CG can only accommodate so many RVs but the amount of RVs dry camping has greatly increased.
Jim and Linda didn't get to go over to the show this year, but there'll be another show in 2 years.
Well, I'd better get going. Pretty soon Jim and Linda will be getting everything put away so we can leave, and I don't want to be in the way.
Again, thank you so much for your support. It really has meant a lot to both Linda and Jim. I'll post whenever I can to keep everyone updated.
A Point to Ponder : Worrying works! 90 percent of the things I worry about never happen.
Woof!!!
Friday, August 23, 2013
Right To The Point, The "Big C"
Rantoul, IL.
66 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. Fog early. High of 86F. Winds from the NE at 5 to 10 mph.
OK!!! I'm going to get right to the point without a lot of beating around the bush!!!
Most of you know that Wednesday morning, Linda had a doctor's appointment. Well, she's been having some minor "woman problems", so the doctor did a thorough check. Well, the doctor didn't like what she was seeing, so she sent Linda to a local hospital in Gibson City to have an ultrasound.
Folks, the news is not good!!!! :-(
Linda will definitely need to have a hysterectomy, and they're 99% sure that there is also cancer involved.
OK!! Everybody take a deep breath!!!!
I didn't post yesterday because all of the results weren't in yet and everything around here was in turmoil, but I thought I'd better let all of you know, what I know, as of today.
One of the first things that came up was the fact that after this kind of surgery, there is usually a long recovery period. If Linda would have the surgery here in Illinois in a week or so, with a 6 to 8 week recovery period, (at least), we would be getting into November, and Illinois in November is not a place you usually want to be, in an RV.
As you know, Jim and Linda purchased that double-wide down in DeBary, Florida this past winter, so the next logical thing was to call Laura, (Linda's daughter who lives DeBary and is an RN at Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach), and see if she knew anyone who could/would take her as a patient and perform the surgery. She talked to some of her colleagues, and one doctor's name constantly came up as the best.
So, , , , , calls were made, plans were changed, (thanks to that big eraser that Jim has), and Saturday, we will be leaving Rantoul and heading for Florida. Linda won't be able to get in to see the doctor down there until at least the Tuesday after Labor Day, so we have plenty of time to get ready, and head down there at a pretty leisurely pace.
Jim wants to arrive down there on the Thursday before the Labor Day weekend if possible, but Friday would be OK. There's a few things that need to be done at the house before Jim and Linda could move in, but Laura and Lindsey will be taking care of some of those items. The rest can be handled after we get down there, and if necessary, we could stay at a CG in Bobbie T for a few days.
So!!!! There you have it!!!!
This has been very upsetting and nerve wracking, but Linda is feeling fine and I have complete confidence that we'll all get through this "bump in the road". Both Jim and Linda have been calling family and friends to try and let everyone know what's going on. (They're hoping that they didn't miss anyone). There have been reservations for a rally canceled, CG reservations in NC canceled, trip plans scrapped and new trip plans made for our quick journey to FL.
I'll be sure to let all of you know if there are any changes or new news and I'll be posting about our trip down to FL. Any "good vibes" that you can send Linda's way will be greatly appreciated.
Did you know that there are about 600,000 hysterectomies performed each year?
Woof!!!
66 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. Fog early. High of 86F. Winds from the NE at 5 to 10 mph.
OK!!! I'm going to get right to the point without a lot of beating around the bush!!!
Most of you know that Wednesday morning, Linda had a doctor's appointment. Well, she's been having some minor "woman problems", so the doctor did a thorough check. Well, the doctor didn't like what she was seeing, so she sent Linda to a local hospital in Gibson City to have an ultrasound.
Folks, the news is not good!!!! :-(
Linda will definitely need to have a hysterectomy, and they're 99% sure that there is also cancer involved.
OK!! Everybody take a deep breath!!!!
I didn't post yesterday because all of the results weren't in yet and everything around here was in turmoil, but I thought I'd better let all of you know, what I know, as of today.
One of the first things that came up was the fact that after this kind of surgery, there is usually a long recovery period. If Linda would have the surgery here in Illinois in a week or so, with a 6 to 8 week recovery period, (at least), we would be getting into November, and Illinois in November is not a place you usually want to be, in an RV.
As you know, Jim and Linda purchased that double-wide down in DeBary, Florida this past winter, so the next logical thing was to call Laura, (Linda's daughter who lives DeBary and is an RN at Halifax Hospital in Daytona Beach), and see if she knew anyone who could/would take her as a patient and perform the surgery. She talked to some of her colleagues, and one doctor's name constantly came up as the best.
So, , , , , calls were made, plans were changed, (thanks to that big eraser that Jim has), and Saturday, we will be leaving Rantoul and heading for Florida. Linda won't be able to get in to see the doctor down there until at least the Tuesday after Labor Day, so we have plenty of time to get ready, and head down there at a pretty leisurely pace.
Jim wants to arrive down there on the Thursday before the Labor Day weekend if possible, but Friday would be OK. There's a few things that need to be done at the house before Jim and Linda could move in, but Laura and Lindsey will be taking care of some of those items. The rest can be handled after we get down there, and if necessary, we could stay at a CG in Bobbie T for a few days.
So!!!! There you have it!!!!
This has been very upsetting and nerve wracking, but Linda is feeling fine and I have complete confidence that we'll all get through this "bump in the road". Both Jim and Linda have been calling family and friends to try and let everyone know what's going on. (They're hoping that they didn't miss anyone). There have been reservations for a rally canceled, CG reservations in NC canceled, trip plans scrapped and new trip plans made for our quick journey to FL.
I'll be sure to let all of you know if there are any changes or new news and I'll be posting about our trip down to FL. Any "good vibes" that you can send Linda's way will be greatly appreciated.
Did you know that there are about 600,000 hysterectomies performed each year?
Woof!!!
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
A Nice Visit With Nancy And David (Fred) But A Long Day
Rantoul, IL.
61 deg. light fog, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 88F. Winds from the SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Jim and Linda took CLT (Cute Little Truck), and headed to Naperville, about 8:30 yesterday morning. If you read my last post, you already know that they were heading up there to see Linda's sister, Nancy and her son, David.
CLT said that the traffic wasn't too bad and they actually made pretty good time, but being that it was right at 120 miles up there it took them almost exactly 3 hours to get up there. That meant that it was about 10:30 when they arrived.
After visiting for awhile and eating a very nice lunch, they all headed over to Nancy's son's house to pick up some dishes and a few large pictures that Linda had left with Nancy way back in 2001 when we went full-timing. There were also some paperback books, but Aaron, (Nancy's other son), couldn't locate them up in the attic, so if they're still up there, they'll be picked up next year.
After loading up the dishes and pictures in the back of CLT, they headed back over to Nancy's for desert and to visit some more.
Nancy actually lives in an apartment now. (She used to live in the house where Aaron is living now). From the photos that Jim brought back, it seems really nice and both Jim and Linda said that Nancy seems happy with it.
Linda said that she had a great time visiting with Nancy. It had been a whole year since she's seen her and they had a lot to catch up on. But, because of the long drive back here to Rantoul, they left Nancy's at about 3:45 and headed back down here.
CLT said that they had a lot more traffic returning than they did in the morning. (getting into rush-hour traffic), and it took them even longer to return. When they got down to Gibson City, (a town about 25 miles from Rantoul), they stopped and bought CLT a drink of 87 octane and then stopped at a restaurant to get a sandwich for them.
It was after 7:00 by the time they pulled up in front of Bobbie T, so it ended up being a pretty long day.
While they were gone, many, many RVs came into the park. Many of the sites already have 2 RVs on them, there's a whole bunch of RVs dry camping on the street behind of us and today, there'll be a lot more RVs coming into the park because the show starts tomorrow.
This morning, Linda has that doctor's appointment, so they'll be leaving here around 8:30 so that they can get over to Fisher, IL, by 9:00. After the appointment, they'll stop at a restaurant in Fisher to get some breakfast and then come back here and watch all the RVs come into the park.
There should be some great "campground entertainment" this afternoon. ;-)
A Point to Ponder : One should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
Woof!!!
61 deg. light fog, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 88F. Winds from the SSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Jim and Linda took CLT (Cute Little Truck), and headed to Naperville, about 8:30 yesterday morning. If you read my last post, you already know that they were heading up there to see Linda's sister, Nancy and her son, David.
CLT said that the traffic wasn't too bad and they actually made pretty good time, but being that it was right at 120 miles up there it took them almost exactly 3 hours to get up there. That meant that it was about 10:30 when they arrived.
After visiting for awhile and eating a very nice lunch, they all headed over to Nancy's son's house to pick up some dishes and a few large pictures that Linda had left with Nancy way back in 2001 when we went full-timing. There were also some paperback books, but Aaron, (Nancy's other son), couldn't locate them up in the attic, so if they're still up there, they'll be picked up next year.
After loading up the dishes and pictures in the back of CLT, they headed back over to Nancy's for desert and to visit some more.
Nancy actually lives in an apartment now. (She used to live in the house where Aaron is living now). From the photos that Jim brought back, it seems really nice and both Jim and Linda said that Nancy seems happy with it.
Nancy's living room area.
Looking back from the living room into the kitchen. (Linda on left, Nancy on the right).
Linda said that she had a great time visiting with Nancy. It had been a whole year since she's seen her and they had a lot to catch up on. But, because of the long drive back here to Rantoul, they left Nancy's at about 3:45 and headed back down here.
CLT said that they had a lot more traffic returning than they did in the morning. (getting into rush-hour traffic), and it took them even longer to return. When they got down to Gibson City, (a town about 25 miles from Rantoul), they stopped and bought CLT a drink of 87 octane and then stopped at a restaurant to get a sandwich for them.
It was after 7:00 by the time they pulled up in front of Bobbie T, so it ended up being a pretty long day.
While they were gone, many, many RVs came into the park. Many of the sites already have 2 RVs on them, there's a whole bunch of RVs dry camping on the street behind of us and today, there'll be a lot more RVs coming into the park because the show starts tomorrow.
This morning, Linda has that doctor's appointment, so they'll be leaving here around 8:30 so that they can get over to Fisher, IL, by 9:00. After the appointment, they'll stop at a restaurant in Fisher to get some breakfast and then come back here and watch all the RVs come into the park.
There should be some great "campground entertainment" this afternoon. ;-)
A Point to Ponder : One should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
Woof!!!
Monday, August 19, 2013
They're Coming Already, Naperville IL and A Doctor's Appointment
Rantoul, IL.
61 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Clear in the morning, then partly cloudy. High of 86F. Winds less than 5 mph.
Haven't posted because there really hasn't been anything of importance to post about. Oh, Jim and Linda have been doing the normal things like going to the store, going out to eat, bringing Chinese food back here to eat, and Jim had cooked a couple of times on the grill, (brats and hamburgers).
The CG was pretty busy this last weekend. There were lots of kids and I think it was because for many, it will be one of the last weekends that they have before schools open this year.
Yesterday some of the people who are going to the Farm Show started coming into the park already. In fact there are already 2 RVs parked on a site near us and there are 2 RVs in the dry camping area along the side street of the park. Then, there's the flatbed trailer that had a 50's vintage grain truck on it, that came through the park yesterday afternoon. and a couple of other trailers already parked in the CG at various sites.
The Farm Show starts on Thursday so by Wednesday, I expect the CG to be full of RVs. Many of the RVers will bring golf carts and ATVs to use to go over to the show with. There will be miscellaneous trailers that were used to bring the golf carts and ATVs as well as equipment, (farm tractors, planters, plows pickers and other farm related items), parked at the back of some of the sites.
I don't know if you've had a chance to look at the Half Century of Progress Farm Show web site, but if you're at all interested in farming and especially older equipment, take a look at the site. The photos that are scrolling across the top of the screen are typical of the activities that they'll have, and there's more photos to be seen in the Gallery section.
Tomorrow morning, Jim and Linda will be taking CLT and heading up to Naperville, IL. to see Linda's sister, Nancy and her son David. They'll be leaving early because it's around 125 miles up there, they'll want to spend some time visiting, and then they'll drive the 125 miles back here, making it a pretty long day. Besides the distance, once they get North of I-80, the traffic will probably be really heavy, and you can never be sure of how long it will take.
Wednesday morning, Linda has an appointment to see her doctor in Fisher, IL. (about 13 miles from here). She has to have blood drawn, so she won't be able to eat breakfast before they go. That'll mean that they'll probably go to the Village Garden Restaurant in Fisher when she's done with her appointment. Then, they'll come back here and watch all the RVs come into the CG. ;-)
Did you know that today is "Black Cow" Root Beer Float Day?
Woof!!!
61 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Clear in the morning, then partly cloudy. High of 86F. Winds less than 5 mph.
Haven't posted because there really hasn't been anything of importance to post about. Oh, Jim and Linda have been doing the normal things like going to the store, going out to eat, bringing Chinese food back here to eat, and Jim had cooked a couple of times on the grill, (brats and hamburgers).
The CG was pretty busy this last weekend. There were lots of kids and I think it was because for many, it will be one of the last weekends that they have before schools open this year.
Yesterday some of the people who are going to the Farm Show started coming into the park already. In fact there are already 2 RVs parked on a site near us and there are 2 RVs in the dry camping area along the side street of the park. Then, there's the flatbed trailer that had a 50's vintage grain truck on it, that came through the park yesterday afternoon. and a couple of other trailers already parked in the CG at various sites.
The Farm Show starts on Thursday so by Wednesday, I expect the CG to be full of RVs. Many of the RVers will bring golf carts and ATVs to use to go over to the show with. There will be miscellaneous trailers that were used to bring the golf carts and ATVs as well as equipment, (farm tractors, planters, plows pickers and other farm related items), parked at the back of some of the sites.
I don't know if you've had a chance to look at the Half Century of Progress Farm Show web site, but if you're at all interested in farming and especially older equipment, take a look at the site. The photos that are scrolling across the top of the screen are typical of the activities that they'll have, and there's more photos to be seen in the Gallery section.
Tomorrow morning, Jim and Linda will be taking CLT and heading up to Naperville, IL. to see Linda's sister, Nancy and her son David. They'll be leaving early because it's around 125 miles up there, they'll want to spend some time visiting, and then they'll drive the 125 miles back here, making it a pretty long day. Besides the distance, once they get North of I-80, the traffic will probably be really heavy, and you can never be sure of how long it will take.
Wednesday morning, Linda has an appointment to see her doctor in Fisher, IL. (about 13 miles from here). She has to have blood drawn, so she won't be able to eat breakfast before they go. That'll mean that they'll probably go to the Village Garden Restaurant in Fisher when she's done with her appointment. Then, they'll come back here and watch all the RVs come into the CG. ;-)
Did you know that today is "Black Cow" Root Beer Float Day?
Woof!!!
Friday, August 16, 2013
You Don't Have To Wear Shorts
Rantoul, IL.
63 deg. mostly cloudy, N. winds@ 6 mph.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 77F. Winds from the NE at 5 to 10 mph.
This post is for the men and women out there that think that just because they're "Camping", they have to wear shorts.
You've seen it in CGs. The guy or gal with the lily white legs walking around with their new shorts on, looking very self-conscious. Have you ever asked yourself, "Why are they wearing shorts now, when evidently they never do at any other time"?
Some people seem to think that because they are "camping", and other people are wearing them they also have to wear shorts.
Not the case!!!!
If you like shorts, by all means wear them. The people that I'm talking about are the ones that wouldn't be caught dead in shorts at any other place than the CG. Why on earth would you wear them in a place where there are lots of bugs to bite your legs, strong sunshine to burn them and lots of people sitting around in their lawn chairs, watching you be uncomfortable with what you're wearing?
In the case of the guys, I think that sometimes the wife has bought the husband a pair of shorts and suggested that he should wear them to go camping this weekend because they will be "nice and cool". Well, let me tell you, the husband is not feeling cool if he's not comfortable with the way he looks, those bugs are biting him or his legs are getting sunburned!!!!
And the ladies. Just because your friend, "Martha" is wearing shorts this weekend, doesn't mean that you have to. I saw a lady at a CG that had lily white legs and during their whole stay, she had a sweatshirt type jacket tied around her waist, partially covering her legs, even though it was quite hot.
My point is, wear what you're comfortable in. If you feel comfortable in long pants wear them. If shorts are your thing, wear them!!! Don't be influenced by others, and, just because you're camping, you don't have to wear shorts!!!!
Did you know that in much of Europe and North America during the 19th and early 20th centuries shorts were worn as outerwear only by young boys until they reached a certain height or maturity. When boys got older, typically around puberty, they would receive their first pair of long trousers. This produced the perception that shorts were only for young boys. Because of this, men would not wear shorts to avoid looking immature. Women tended not to wear shorts in most cultures, due to social mores, because they were expected to wear dresses, or skirts and blouses.
Woof!!!
63 deg. mostly cloudy, N. winds@ 6 mph.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 77F. Winds from the NE at 5 to 10 mph.
This post is for the men and women out there that think that just because they're "Camping", they have to wear shorts.
You've seen it in CGs. The guy or gal with the lily white legs walking around with their new shorts on, looking very self-conscious. Have you ever asked yourself, "Why are they wearing shorts now, when evidently they never do at any other time"?
Some people seem to think that because they are "camping", and other people are wearing them they also have to wear shorts.
Not the case!!!!
If you like shorts, by all means wear them. The people that I'm talking about are the ones that wouldn't be caught dead in shorts at any other place than the CG. Why on earth would you wear them in a place where there are lots of bugs to bite your legs, strong sunshine to burn them and lots of people sitting around in their lawn chairs, watching you be uncomfortable with what you're wearing?
In the case of the guys, I think that sometimes the wife has bought the husband a pair of shorts and suggested that he should wear them to go camping this weekend because they will be "nice and cool". Well, let me tell you, the husband is not feeling cool if he's not comfortable with the way he looks, those bugs are biting him or his legs are getting sunburned!!!!
And the ladies. Just because your friend, "Martha" is wearing shorts this weekend, doesn't mean that you have to. I saw a lady at a CG that had lily white legs and during their whole stay, she had a sweatshirt type jacket tied around her waist, partially covering her legs, even though it was quite hot.
My point is, wear what you're comfortable in. If you feel comfortable in long pants wear them. If shorts are your thing, wear them!!! Don't be influenced by others, and, just because you're camping, you don't have to wear shorts!!!!
Did you know that in much of Europe and North America during the 19th and early 20th centuries shorts were worn as outerwear only by young boys until they reached a certain height or maturity. When boys got older, typically around puberty, they would receive their first pair of long trousers. This produced the perception that shorts were only for young boys. Because of this, men would not wear shorts to avoid looking immature. Women tended not to wear shorts in most cultures, due to social mores, because they were expected to wear dresses, or skirts and blouses.
Woof!!!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Empty Shelves, Groceries and Getting Ready For The Farm Show
Rantoul, IL
50 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Clear. High of 75F. Winds from the North at 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday, Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to the Walgreen's store here in Rantoul. They both needed a few items and Jim needed to get his prescription refilled. Since Walgreen's has a few groceries, they had planned on picking up some bread and milk, (that they were completely out of), while they were there, but for some reason, there was no bread on the shelf, so they just bought the milk.
No problem, right?? They would just stop at a convenience store on their way back here to the CG.
But, , , , , at the first convenience store that they went to, no bread on the shelf!!!! Ok, there's another store just down the street, so they went there.
Guess what???? The shelf was empty!!!!!
Wait!!! Wait!!!! What's that behind some other merchandise on the shelf???? 1 loaf of bread!!!!
Yep!! One lonely loaf of bread that got pushed back behind some other items, and, it was even the kind of bread that Jim was looking for!!!! :-) Don't know why all the bread was gone, usually it's not a problem.
Monday, was grocery shopping day, so Jim and Linda headed over to the County Market store and did their thing. Again, they bought more than they should have, but were finally able to get everything stored in the cabinets and fridge.
Yesterday, Jim went over to the office and talked to Louise for awhile. She's trying to get everything ready for the Half Century of Progress Farm Show that will begin a week from tomorrow. The show is held every 2 years and is a really big deal here in Rantoul. There will be thousands of people attending, this CG has been sold out for months, and in fact, many of the sites will have 2 RVs on them. (One plugged into the 30 amp electric and the other one plugged into the 50 amp outlet). They will put "Y" connectors on the water connections and take turns sharing the sewer connection. There will also be many, many RVs dry camping, on the road behind our site and the adjoining road.
The show doesn't start until next Thursday, but some of the RVs will start rolling in here on Monday. Oh!!! And if you look on your calendar, you'll notice that the weekend after the Farm Show is Labor Day weekend, and I'm pretty sure that the CG is completely sold out for that weekend also!!!
It's going to be a busy couple weeks around here!!!!
Later yesterday, Jim took CLT and headed over to Rural King to pick up a few items and then headed over to Thomasboro and picked up the mail. Then, for dinner, he cooked a couple hamburgers out on the grill.
Did you know that in 2011, more than 100,000 people attended the Half Century Of Progress Show in Rantoul?
Woof!!!
50 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Clear. High of 75F. Winds from the North at 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday, Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to the Walgreen's store here in Rantoul. They both needed a few items and Jim needed to get his prescription refilled. Since Walgreen's has a few groceries, they had planned on picking up some bread and milk, (that they were completely out of), while they were there, but for some reason, there was no bread on the shelf, so they just bought the milk.
No problem, right?? They would just stop at a convenience store on their way back here to the CG.
But, , , , , at the first convenience store that they went to, no bread on the shelf!!!! Ok, there's another store just down the street, so they went there.
Guess what???? The shelf was empty!!!!!
Wait!!! Wait!!!! What's that behind some other merchandise on the shelf???? 1 loaf of bread!!!!
Yep!! One lonely loaf of bread that got pushed back behind some other items, and, it was even the kind of bread that Jim was looking for!!!! :-) Don't know why all the bread was gone, usually it's not a problem.
Monday, was grocery shopping day, so Jim and Linda headed over to the County Market store and did their thing. Again, they bought more than they should have, but were finally able to get everything stored in the cabinets and fridge.
Yesterday, Jim went over to the office and talked to Louise for awhile. She's trying to get everything ready for the Half Century of Progress Farm Show that will begin a week from tomorrow. The show is held every 2 years and is a really big deal here in Rantoul. There will be thousands of people attending, this CG has been sold out for months, and in fact, many of the sites will have 2 RVs on them. (One plugged into the 30 amp electric and the other one plugged into the 50 amp outlet). They will put "Y" connectors on the water connections and take turns sharing the sewer connection. There will also be many, many RVs dry camping, on the road behind our site and the adjoining road.
The show doesn't start until next Thursday, but some of the RVs will start rolling in here on Monday. Oh!!! And if you look on your calendar, you'll notice that the weekend after the Farm Show is Labor Day weekend, and I'm pretty sure that the CG is completely sold out for that weekend also!!!
It's going to be a busy couple weeks around here!!!!
Later yesterday, Jim took CLT and headed over to Rural King to pick up a few items and then headed over to Thomasboro and picked up the mail. Then, for dinner, he cooked a couple hamburgers out on the grill.
Did you know that in 2011, more than 100,000 people attended the Half Century Of Progress Show in Rantoul?
Woof!!!
Sunday, August 11, 2013
A Few Photos and A Leveler Report
Rantoul, IL
59 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Clear. High of 82F. Winds less than 5 mph.
Jim took a few photos of our site yesterday morning. In these photos, you'll see that Bobbie T is in the sun, but you have to remember that when these photos were taken, it was about 8:00 AM, she's facing East and those big trees on the awning side of her give shade for the hottest part of the day as they're on the South.
The view of our site from across the street, looking West at our site.
The view from under the awning looking back towards the street.
And, the view from under the awning looking towards the rear of the site.
Like I said yesterday, I think we'll like this site. (I know I do already). We had shade almost all afternoon, and Bobbie T's air conditioner didn't have to struggle at all, even though the temperatures got up into the middle 80's and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.
Not a whole lot happened around here yesterday. Jim went down to the other end of the park, where we were parked before, and talked to Ron for awhile. Then in the afternoon, he watched some of the NASCAR Nationwide race on TV before going outside and removing the tow bar from the front of CLT and stowing it under Bobbie T.
Then, he talked to an RVer named Bob for a while. He and his wife, Linda, are just here for the weekend and will be leaving here today.
For dinner, Linda made BLT sandwiches and cooked some of that great sweet corn that Jim and Linda bought from Mark's Produce up near Baraboo. Then they watched British Comedies on PBS until bedtime.
Since we're back in Rantoul now and it's been a month since they were installed, I thought I'd give you a report on the Big Foot Levelers that Jim and Linda had installed on Bobbie T.
So far, they have worked flawlessly. They're easy to use, even though Jim and Linda bought the manual system, the large pads have been great on soft surfaces, (no need for boards under the jacks), and they have been able to level Bobbie T even when we were in sites that were quite slanted.
And, they're so much easier to use than trying to level by driving up on boards, plus, we don't have to carry all those boards around anymore. ;-)
Don't know of anything exciting happening today, but if anything happens, I'll be sure to let you know tomorrow. ;-)
Did you know that on this date in 1896 - Harvey Hubbell received a patent for the electric light bulb socket with a pull-chain?
Woof!!!
59 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Clear. High of 82F. Winds less than 5 mph.
Jim took a few photos of our site yesterday morning. In these photos, you'll see that Bobbie T is in the sun, but you have to remember that when these photos were taken, it was about 8:00 AM, she's facing East and those big trees on the awning side of her give shade for the hottest part of the day as they're on the South.
Like I said yesterday, I think we'll like this site. (I know I do already). We had shade almost all afternoon, and Bobbie T's air conditioner didn't have to struggle at all, even though the temperatures got up into the middle 80's and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.
Not a whole lot happened around here yesterday. Jim went down to the other end of the park, where we were parked before, and talked to Ron for awhile. Then in the afternoon, he watched some of the NASCAR Nationwide race on TV before going outside and removing the tow bar from the front of CLT and stowing it under Bobbie T.
Then, he talked to an RVer named Bob for a while. He and his wife, Linda, are just here for the weekend and will be leaving here today.
For dinner, Linda made BLT sandwiches and cooked some of that great sweet corn that Jim and Linda bought from Mark's Produce up near Baraboo. Then they watched British Comedies on PBS until bedtime.
Since we're back in Rantoul now and it's been a month since they were installed, I thought I'd give you a report on the Big Foot Levelers that Jim and Linda had installed on Bobbie T.
So far, they have worked flawlessly. They're easy to use, even though Jim and Linda bought the manual system, the large pads have been great on soft surfaces, (no need for boards under the jacks), and they have been able to level Bobbie T even when we were in sites that were quite slanted.
And, they're so much easier to use than trying to level by driving up on boards, plus, we don't have to carry all those boards around anymore. ;-)
Don't know of anything exciting happening today, but if anything happens, I'll be sure to let you know tomorrow. ;-)
Did you know that on this date in 1896 - Harvey Hubbell received a patent for the electric light bulb socket with a pull-chain?
Woof!!!
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Utica to Rantoul and A Different Site
Rantoul, IL.
67 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 81F. Winds from the NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
We actually left the Hickory Hollow CG a little earlier than planned, (about 9:40), and headed back to I-39. Following 39 South brought us to the Bloomington/Normal area where I-39 ended and we picked up I-74. I-74 took us in a Southeasterly direction until we came to exit #152, (just a little past Le Roy, IL), where we turned East on US 136. 136 then brought us back here to Rantoul.
Once in town, Jim pulled Bobbie T into a Casey's Gas Station and bought her a drink of 87 octane to top off her tank, and then we proceeded to the South side of Rantoul and here to the Prairie Pines CG.
When we got back to the CG, I wasn't surprised that we didn't pull back into site #7, even though it was empty. You see, I knew before we left here that Jim and Louise had talked about us moving to a different site when we returned and that he and Linda had looked at a site more towards the rear of the CG.
So, when we pulled up to the stop sign in front of the office Jim went inside to talk to Louise and Paul. Soon, Paul and Jim came out and then Paul got on his ATV and led us to site #33 which will be our site for the next month or so.
I think I'm going to like site 33. It's towards the rear of the park so you don't hear the noise from the traffic on the road going past the CG, it has a couple nice trees for shade and while we were gone, Louise had some crushed blacktop material brought into the site, so that it won't be muddy when it rains.
Thanks Louise!!! :-)
I'm hoping that today, Jim will take some photos of our new site so that I can post them here.
Oh!!! By the way, it was 12:05 when we arrived here at Prairie Pines, so we were on the road for 2 hours and 25 minutes and traveled 121 miles.
For dinner, Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to the Family Table restaurant and then came back here and watched TV until bedtime.
Did you know that today is skyscraper appreciation day?
Woof!!!
67 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 81F. Winds from the NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
We actually left the Hickory Hollow CG a little earlier than planned, (about 9:40), and headed back to I-39. Following 39 South brought us to the Bloomington/Normal area where I-39 ended and we picked up I-74. I-74 took us in a Southeasterly direction until we came to exit #152, (just a little past Le Roy, IL), where we turned East on US 136. 136 then brought us back here to Rantoul.
Once in town, Jim pulled Bobbie T into a Casey's Gas Station and bought her a drink of 87 octane to top off her tank, and then we proceeded to the South side of Rantoul and here to the Prairie Pines CG.
When we got back to the CG, I wasn't surprised that we didn't pull back into site #7, even though it was empty. You see, I knew before we left here that Jim and Louise had talked about us moving to a different site when we returned and that he and Linda had looked at a site more towards the rear of the CG.
So, when we pulled up to the stop sign in front of the office Jim went inside to talk to Louise and Paul. Soon, Paul and Jim came out and then Paul got on his ATV and led us to site #33 which will be our site for the next month or so.
I think I'm going to like site 33. It's towards the rear of the park so you don't hear the noise from the traffic on the road going past the CG, it has a couple nice trees for shade and while we were gone, Louise had some crushed blacktop material brought into the site, so that it won't be muddy when it rains.
Thanks Louise!!! :-)
I'm hoping that today, Jim will take some photos of our new site so that I can post them here.
Oh!!! By the way, it was 12:05 when we arrived here at Prairie Pines, so we were on the road for 2 hours and 25 minutes and traveled 121 miles.
For dinner, Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to the Family Table restaurant and then came back here and watched TV until bedtime.
Did you know that today is skyscraper appreciation day?
Woof!!!
Friday, August 9, 2013
Wanta-do List Completed and Baraboo To Utica, IL
This is the 3rd and final post from the period of time that we were at a campground near Baraboo, WI. as well as today's post.
Hope you enjoy.
Baraboo, WI. 08-08-13
53 deg. partly cloudy, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 79F. Winds less than 5 mph.
After Linda woke up and finished her breakfast, she and Jim took CLT and headed back down to Baraboo to do a little banking at the Wells Fargo bank. Then, after taking care of that little chore, they headed to Reedsburg, WI.
The reason for going to Reedsburg was to go to the Liberty Flag Company to purchase some decent small American flags to use in the flag holder that Jim sticks on Bobbie T. But, when they got over to where the store/factory used to be, it was gone!!! :-O
After thinking that they had just missed it, and backtracking, Jim pulled into an auto parts store and asked if they knew what had happened to the store. Come to find out, they had moved to a new location in downtown Reedsburg, so they gave Jim instructions to the new location. :-)
Liberty Flag has just about everything you could ever want in the way of flags, banners and accessories and they also carry a large selection of decorative and LED lights.
The nice lady at the store helped Jim find what he was looking for and while he was there, he also found a really neat adjustable flag mount to put on the house in Florida, so that he can fly his large flag when we’re down there.
From Reedsburg, CLT took them to Lake Delton, and to the Market Square Cheese Store where they bought quite a bit of cheese and a couple hand dipped ice cream cones to enjoy while sitting at the little tables outside of the store. ;-)
From Lake Delton, they headed back here and rested for awhile.
For dinner, Jim cooked a small ham steak on the grill and Linda cooked some sweet corn-on-the-cob that they had purchased at Mark’s Produce the day before.
We've had a very nice stay here in the Wisconsin Dells area. The weather co-operated nicely and Jim and Linda finished their “Wanta-do list”. ;-)
Today, we’ll head down to Utica IL., where there’s another Passport America Park that we’ll stay at tonight. Then, on Friday, we’ll head back to Rantoul.
Did you know that from 1935 to 1937 state law in Wisconsin required restaurants to serve 2/3 ounce of Wisconsin butter and 2/3 ounce of Wisconsin cheese with every meal served?
Woof
Utica, IL.
57 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy, high temperature of 84F. Winds less than 5 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Yesterday, 8-8-13, we left the Fox Hill RV Park and CG near Baraboo, about 9:55 and headed towards I-90/94/39. Once on the Interstate, we headed South and followed it all the way down to Beloit, WI where Jim pulled Bobbie T into a gas station and filled her up with 87 octane.
You see, gasoline is quite a bit cheaper in Wisconsin than it is in Illinois, so by getting fuel just before we crossed into Illinois, Jim and Linda were able to save the most.
At Rockford, IL. I-39 headed West for a short distance before turning back South and bringing us down here to Utica, IL and the Hickory Hollow Campground. This is also a Passport America Park and they will only give the discount for 2 days and not on the weekends, but if you're just traveling though the area, and you're here at the right time of the week, it's a good deal.
It was 1:30 when we pulled up in front of the office, so we traveled 185 miles in 3 hours and 35 minutes, and that includes the stop for Bobbie T's drink.
The park is OK, nothing fancy. They do have a nice swimming pool and a playground that the kids seem to enjoy, and in some areas, there's quite a bit of shade. Most of the sites are pretty level and I think that all sites have 50 amp electric.
As you can see, the roads and sites are gravel and everything in the park seems to be very well maintained. At the Passport America rate of $18.50, it's worth a short stop if traveling on I-39 or I-80.
Today we'll head down to Rantoul, where we'll stay until sometime in September. (probably around the 20th or 25th), before starting our way back towards the East Coast again. This next month should be really fun. There's the Half Century of Progress Farm Show in 12 days, (starting on the 22nd and ending on the 25th of August), then, on the 25th, long time RVing friends, Roland and Louise, will be arriving and will spend the next 9 days, including the Labor Day weekend, at Prairie Pines with Jim and Linda.
Then, after Labor day, we're hoping some of the "Illinois Bunch" will be able to come to Rantoul for a visit, but no dates have been set for that yet. Besides all of that, both Jim and Linda have eye doctor appointments and Linda has her regular doctor appointment!!!!
Whew!!!!
A Point to Ponder : Making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."
Woof!!!
Hope you enjoy.
Baraboo, WI. 08-08-13
53 deg. partly cloudy, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 79F. Winds less than 5 mph.
After Linda woke up and finished her breakfast, she and Jim took CLT and headed back down to Baraboo to do a little banking at the Wells Fargo bank. Then, after taking care of that little chore, they headed to Reedsburg, WI.
The reason for going to Reedsburg was to go to the Liberty Flag Company to purchase some decent small American flags to use in the flag holder that Jim sticks on Bobbie T. But, when they got over to where the store/factory used to be, it was gone!!! :-O
After thinking that they had just missed it, and backtracking, Jim pulled into an auto parts store and asked if they knew what had happened to the store. Come to find out, they had moved to a new location in downtown Reedsburg, so they gave Jim instructions to the new location. :-)
Liberty Flag has just about everything you could ever want in the way of flags, banners and accessories and they also carry a large selection of decorative and LED lights.
The nice lady at the store helped Jim find what he was looking for and while he was there, he also found a really neat adjustable flag mount to put on the house in Florida, so that he can fly his large flag when we’re down there.
From Reedsburg, CLT took them to Lake Delton, and to the Market Square Cheese Store where they bought quite a bit of cheese and a couple hand dipped ice cream cones to enjoy while sitting at the little tables outside of the store. ;-)
From Lake Delton, they headed back here and rested for awhile.
For dinner, Jim cooked a small ham steak on the grill and Linda cooked some sweet corn-on-the-cob that they had purchased at Mark’s Produce the day before.
We've had a very nice stay here in the Wisconsin Dells area. The weather co-operated nicely and Jim and Linda finished their “Wanta-do list”. ;-)
Today, we’ll head down to Utica IL., where there’s another Passport America Park that we’ll stay at tonight. Then, on Friday, we’ll head back to Rantoul.
Did you know that from 1935 to 1937 state law in Wisconsin required restaurants to serve 2/3 ounce of Wisconsin butter and 2/3 ounce of Wisconsin cheese with every meal served?
Woof
Utica, IL.
57 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy, high temperature of 84F. Winds less than 5 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Yesterday, 8-8-13, we left the Fox Hill RV Park and CG near Baraboo, about 9:55 and headed towards I-90/94/39. Once on the Interstate, we headed South and followed it all the way down to Beloit, WI where Jim pulled Bobbie T into a gas station and filled her up with 87 octane.
You see, gasoline is quite a bit cheaper in Wisconsin than it is in Illinois, so by getting fuel just before we crossed into Illinois, Jim and Linda were able to save the most.
At Rockford, IL. I-39 headed West for a short distance before turning back South and bringing us down here to Utica, IL and the Hickory Hollow Campground. This is also a Passport America Park and they will only give the discount for 2 days and not on the weekends, but if you're just traveling though the area, and you're here at the right time of the week, it's a good deal.
It was 1:30 when we pulled up in front of the office, so we traveled 185 miles in 3 hours and 35 minutes, and that includes the stop for Bobbie T's drink.
The park is OK, nothing fancy. They do have a nice swimming pool and a playground that the kids seem to enjoy, and in some areas, there's quite a bit of shade. Most of the sites are pretty level and I think that all sites have 50 amp electric.
Today we'll head down to Rantoul, where we'll stay until sometime in September. (probably around the 20th or 25th), before starting our way back towards the East Coast again. This next month should be really fun. There's the Half Century of Progress Farm Show in 12 days, (starting on the 22nd and ending on the 25th of August), then, on the 25th, long time RVing friends, Roland and Louise, will be arriving and will spend the next 9 days, including the Labor Day weekend, at Prairie Pines with Jim and Linda.
Then, after Labor day, we're hoping some of the "Illinois Bunch" will be able to come to Rantoul for a visit, but no dates have been set for that yet. Besides all of that, both Jim and Linda have eye doctor appointments and Linda has her regular doctor appointment!!!!
Whew!!!!
A Point to Ponder : Making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."
Woof!!!
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Baraboo Candy Company, Mark's Produce and Pierce's Grocery
This is the second of 3 post from our stay at a CG near Baraboo, WI.
Baraboo, WI. Wednesday 8 August 2013
64 deg. overcast, no wind.
Forecast = high temp. 78 deg, mostly sunny.
By 11:00 yesterday morning, Jim and Linda were in CLT and heading out of the CG on their way to the Baraboo Candy Company.
Linda really likes the sugar free candy that they sell, so when we’re in this area she stocks up. This time it was no different. ;-)
From there, they headed down to Mark’s Market, which is that produce stand that I mentioned the other day.
They have great produce that is grown locally, much of it by Mark and his wife.
From there, they headed to Pierce’s Marketplace in Baraboo to purchase some groceries and some of that coffee that Jim likes so well.
By the time they were finished shopping at Pierce’s both Jim and Linda were tired so they headed back here, where they had to try to find room for everything that they had purchased.
For dinner last night, they headed out to the little town of Briggsville where there’s a restaurant on a lake that Jim knew about, but when they got there, there was a sign on the door that said that the restaurant was closed on Tuesday’s, so they came back to Wisconsin Dells and ate at Mitzi’s American Grill.
From what I understand, the food and the service was very good and both Jim and Linda said that they would not hesitate to go back again.
Today, the plan is to go to the flag store over in Reedsburg and the go to the cheese store in Lake Delton. After that, they’ll come back here and start to get Bobbie T ready to leave here tomorrow.
Did you know that August 7th is "Purple Heart Day"?
Woof!!!
Baraboo, WI. Wednesday 8 August 2013
64 deg. overcast, no wind.
Forecast = high temp. 78 deg, mostly sunny.
By 11:00 yesterday morning, Jim and Linda were in CLT and heading out of the CG on their way to the Baraboo Candy Company.
Linda ready to go in and buy some of that great SF candy.
This is a bench shaped like a cow. The kids love to sit on it and get their pictures taken. :-)
Linda really likes the sugar free candy that they sell, so when we’re in this area she stocks up. This time it was no different. ;-)
From there, they headed down to Mark’s Market, which is that produce stand that I mentioned the other day.
They have great produce that is grown locally, much of it by Mark and his wife.
Linda looking at some of the produce.
Lots of fresh vegetables and fruits.
Lots of different kinds of melon as well as some preserves in the jars.
Some really sweet, sweet corn!!!
As you can see by the sign, they've been in business since 1924.
Lots of people shop at Pierce's
By the time they were finished shopping at Pierce’s both Jim and Linda were tired so they headed back here, where they had to try to find room for everything that they had purchased.
For dinner last night, they headed out to the little town of Briggsville where there’s a restaurant on a lake that Jim knew about, but when they got there, there was a sign on the door that said that the restaurant was closed on Tuesday’s, so they came back to Wisconsin Dells and ate at Mitzi’s American Grill.
From what I understand, the food and the service was very good and both Jim and Linda said that they would not hesitate to go back again.
Today, the plan is to go to the flag store over in Reedsburg and the go to the cheese store in Lake Delton. After that, they’ll come back here and start to get Bobbie T ready to leave here tomorrow.
Did you know that August 7th is "Purple Heart Day"?
Woof!!!
River Falls, WI to Baraboo, WI.
As I write this, we're in Utica, IL at a Passport America park. Because of no Internet signal when we were at the CG near Baraboo, WI. these next 3 post will be catch-up post that were written on a word processor and then copied here to the blog. There may be more than 1 post a day until I can get caught up.
Baraboo, WI. Tuesday, August 6, 2013
65 Deg. overcast, no wind.
Forecast = High temp. 83 deg. becoming sunny this afternoon.
We left River Falls about 9:50 Monday morning. It rained overnight, but by the time we were leaving, it had stopped. Jim was going to dump Bobbie T’s tanks, but when we were ready to leave there was a MH at the dump station and there was a travel trailer waiting, so we just drove on by and pulled out onto the road.
We weren’t really in a big hurry because Jim had called the CG that he wanted to stay at and made a reservation a little before we left, but he hates sitting in line at a dump station while some people just take their time. (That MH had already been at the dump station for at least 20 minutes and it didn’t look like he was anywhere near ready to leave.)
The reason that he called the CG was that he knew that at this time of the year, many of the parks fill up in the Wisconsin Dells area, and he wanted to be sure to have a site. Come to find out, the lady at the CG told him that she only had 2 sites left, so it was good that he called.
Anyway, once back on Rt. 65 we headed SE on it until we came to Ellsworth, WI. There we pulled into a gas station and bought Bobbie T a drink of 87 octane before turning East on US 10. 10 started out OK but soon became quite rough and stayed that way about ½ the way to Osseo, WI., where we turned SE on I-94. 94 then brought us down to the South side of the “Dells” area and to US 12, where we turned South. Just a few miles south of the Interstate, we turned East on N. Reedsburg Rd. which brought us to the Fox Hill RV Park and CG.
Even with stopping for Bobbie T’s drink and a pit stop along the way, it was just 1:45 when we pulled up in front of the office, so we had traveled 192 miles in 3 hours and 55 minutes.
The Fox Hill CG seems like a pretty nice park. It’s not the type of park we’d normally stay at, but when you’re in a tourist area, you take what you can get. It is a Passport America Park though, so at least we’re staying here at a fairly reasonable rate of $26.11 per night.
The park seems well maintained and the sites are fairly large. As you've probably surmised by now though, we don’t have an AT&T data signal, and the free wi-fi here in the park is horrible!!!
So, until we get someplace where there’s a signal, I’ll continue to write these posts on the word processor and then post them when I can.
For dinner last night, neither Jim or Linda felt like cooking, so they took CLT and headed into town and to a Culver’s Restaurant.
Today the plan is to head to some of the places I talked about in my last post. One place that they’ll surely go, (that I forgot to mention), is the Baraboo Candy Company, where Linda can purchase some sugar free candy. Then, I think they’re planning on going to the produce stand and the Grocery store.
We’ll be staying here for 2 more nights before continuing South to Illinois, so they have a couple of days to do the things they want to do.
Did you know that August 6th is "National Root Beer Float Day"?
Woof!!!
Baraboo, WI. Tuesday, August 6, 2013
65 Deg. overcast, no wind.
Forecast = High temp. 83 deg. becoming sunny this afternoon.
We left River Falls about 9:50 Monday morning. It rained overnight, but by the time we were leaving, it had stopped. Jim was going to dump Bobbie T’s tanks, but when we were ready to leave there was a MH at the dump station and there was a travel trailer waiting, so we just drove on by and pulled out onto the road.
We weren’t really in a big hurry because Jim had called the CG that he wanted to stay at and made a reservation a little before we left, but he hates sitting in line at a dump station while some people just take their time. (That MH had already been at the dump station for at least 20 minutes and it didn’t look like he was anywhere near ready to leave.)
The reason that he called the CG was that he knew that at this time of the year, many of the parks fill up in the Wisconsin Dells area, and he wanted to be sure to have a site. Come to find out, the lady at the CG told him that she only had 2 sites left, so it was good that he called.
Anyway, once back on Rt. 65 we headed SE on it until we came to Ellsworth, WI. There we pulled into a gas station and bought Bobbie T a drink of 87 octane before turning East on US 10. 10 started out OK but soon became quite rough and stayed that way about ½ the way to Osseo, WI., where we turned SE on I-94. 94 then brought us down to the South side of the “Dells” area and to US 12, where we turned South. Just a few miles south of the Interstate, we turned East on N. Reedsburg Rd. which brought us to the Fox Hill RV Park and CG.
Even with stopping for Bobbie T’s drink and a pit stop along the way, it was just 1:45 when we pulled up in front of the office, so we had traveled 192 miles in 3 hours and 55 minutes.
The Fox Hill CG seems like a pretty nice park. It’s not the type of park we’d normally stay at, but when you’re in a tourist area, you take what you can get. It is a Passport America Park though, so at least we’re staying here at a fairly reasonable rate of $26.11 per night.
The enterance.
The office with all the pedal go cart rentals sitting out front.
My site #G-6, Not too level but had some shade
The park seems well maintained and the sites are fairly large. As you've probably surmised by now though, we don’t have an AT&T data signal, and the free wi-fi here in the park is horrible!!!
So, until we get someplace where there’s a signal, I’ll continue to write these posts on the word processor and then post them when I can.
For dinner last night, neither Jim or Linda felt like cooking, so they took CLT and headed into town and to a Culver’s Restaurant.
Today the plan is to head to some of the places I talked about in my last post. One place that they’ll surely go, (that I forgot to mention), is the Baraboo Candy Company, where Linda can purchase some sugar free candy. Then, I think they’re planning on going to the produce stand and the Grocery store.
We’ll be staying here for 2 more nights before continuing South to Illinois, so they have a couple of days to do the things they want to do.
Did you know that August 6th is "National Root Beer Float Day"?
Woof!!!
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
No Internet Signal
Baraboo, WI.
66 deg. overcast, no wind.
We made it up here to the Wisconsin Dells area without any problems. Have a very poor Internet signal and almost as poor phone signal. I'm keeping track of everything that's happening and will catch up the blog after we leave here on Thursday.
By Friday, we should be back in Rantoul, so I know I'll have a good connection then.
Woof!!!
66 deg. overcast, no wind.
We made it up here to the Wisconsin Dells area without any problems. Have a very poor Internet signal and almost as poor phone signal. I'm keeping track of everything that's happening and will catch up the blog after we leave here on Thursday.
By Friday, we should be back in Rantoul, so I know I'll have a good connection then.
Woof!!!
Monday, August 5, 2013
A Good Stay In River Falls and Why "The Dells"?
River Falls, WI.
59 deg. overcast, light rain.
Forecast = Overcast with thunderstorms, High of 84F. Winds from the SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
We've had a good stay here in River Falls. Being that it was the weekend, there was very little construction going on next door to Hoffman Park, so it was fairly quiet. Jim and Linda have been able to spend some time with Glenn, Jeanette and their family, and yesterday evening, Glenn and Jeanette bought dinner for Jim and Linda at the local Perkins Restaurant.
Thanks guys!!!! :-)
They were gone quite awhile, so I think they probably spent more time talking than they did eating. ;-)
As they were leaving the restaurant, Jim snapped this photo of them.
Today, we'll be heading for the Wisconsin Dells area. I've been watching the radar and it looks like there may be a break in the weather later on, so that Jim can get Bobbie T pulled out of this site and get CLT hooked up to the back of her without getting soaked.
So, why are we going to "The Dells", you ask? Well Jim and Linda won't be going on any of the rides or going into any of those souvenir shops, but there's a great cheese shop that Jim and Linda have been going to every time we get up to this area, and they'll want to go there. In the past, there's always been a farm stand down near Baraboo, where this farmer and his wife sell great produce. There's a grocery store in Baraboo that sells a kind of coffee that Jim really likes, and there's a great flag and banner store out in Reedsburg that Jim wouldn't mind going to if they have time.
Besides that, if you know the area, there's some very scenic drives along the Wisconsin River in the Dells / Portage area, and, it always fun to drive through the Dells downtown tourist area and see all the people swarming through the shops, buying fudge and trinkets to take back home with them. ;-)
And, on top of that, if you've been coming here for as long as Jim and Linda have, (Jim's been coming up to the Dells since way back in the early 60's), you get to know where the good restaurants in the area are, where you're not surrounded by a bunch of screaming kids or unruly adults.
What Jim and Linda actually do while we're in the area will depend a lot on the weather. The forecast is for t-storms and rain both today and tomorrow, so we'll have to see what happens.
Did you know that Wisconsin produces more milk than any other state?
Woof!!!
59 deg. overcast, light rain.
Forecast = Overcast with thunderstorms, High of 84F. Winds from the SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
We've had a good stay here in River Falls. Being that it was the weekend, there was very little construction going on next door to Hoffman Park, so it was fairly quiet. Jim and Linda have been able to spend some time with Glenn, Jeanette and their family, and yesterday evening, Glenn and Jeanette bought dinner for Jim and Linda at the local Perkins Restaurant.
Thanks guys!!!! :-)
They were gone quite awhile, so I think they probably spent more time talking than they did eating. ;-)
As they were leaving the restaurant, Jim snapped this photo of them.
Today, we'll be heading for the Wisconsin Dells area. I've been watching the radar and it looks like there may be a break in the weather later on, so that Jim can get Bobbie T pulled out of this site and get CLT hooked up to the back of her without getting soaked.
So, why are we going to "The Dells", you ask? Well Jim and Linda won't be going on any of the rides or going into any of those souvenir shops, but there's a great cheese shop that Jim and Linda have been going to every time we get up to this area, and they'll want to go there. In the past, there's always been a farm stand down near Baraboo, where this farmer and his wife sell great produce. There's a grocery store in Baraboo that sells a kind of coffee that Jim really likes, and there's a great flag and banner store out in Reedsburg that Jim wouldn't mind going to if they have time.
Besides that, if you know the area, there's some very scenic drives along the Wisconsin River in the Dells / Portage area, and, it always fun to drive through the Dells downtown tourist area and see all the people swarming through the shops, buying fudge and trinkets to take back home with them. ;-)
And, on top of that, if you've been coming here for as long as Jim and Linda have, (Jim's been coming up to the Dells since way back in the early 60's), you get to know where the good restaurants in the area are, where you're not surrounded by a bunch of screaming kids or unruly adults.
What Jim and Linda actually do while we're in the area will depend a lot on the weather. The forecast is for t-storms and rain both today and tomorrow, so we'll have to see what happens.
Did you know that Wisconsin produces more milk than any other state?
Woof!!!
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Hoffman Park Photos
River Falls, WI.
50 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 82F. Winds less than 5 mph.
Jim took a few photos of the CG here in River Falls so I thought I'd post them today.
This is the sign as you come into the park.
a
View of the road leading through the park. As you can see, it's paved and the park is very well maintained.
There are a few tenters here this time, but most of the sites are filled with RVs.
This is our site this time. It's site #14 and is on the East side of the road.
As I mentioned yesterday, this is normally a nice quiet park, but this time there is construction right behind us and across the road. Jim found out that the city is building a new baseball park over there that will have permanent seating and will be used by a semi-professional team at times.
If there are a lot of games there, it could definitely change the whole characteristic of this campground with lights, cars, people and noise.
I hope it won't because we've really enjoyed staying here in the past.
Not a whole lot to report. Jim and Linda have been visiting with Glenn and he came out for that cookout yesterday. (Jim didn't take any photos though). Today, Glenn and Jeanette are busy until this evening, so the plan is to go out to dinner with them around 5:00 or 6:00.
Tomorrow the plan is to leave here and head down to the Wisconsin Dells area. They're calling for rain though, so it could be interesting getting hooked up to get out of here.
Did you know that August is "National Catfish Month"?
Woof!!!
50 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 82F. Winds less than 5 mph.
Jim took a few photos of the CG here in River Falls so I thought I'd post them today.
This is the sign as you come into the park.
a
View of the road leading through the park. As you can see, it's paved and the park is very well maintained.
There are a few tenters here this time, but most of the sites are filled with RVs.
This is our site this time. It's site #14 and is on the East side of the road.
As I mentioned yesterday, this is normally a nice quiet park, but this time there is construction right behind us and across the road. Jim found out that the city is building a new baseball park over there that will have permanent seating and will be used by a semi-professional team at times.
If there are a lot of games there, it could definitely change the whole characteristic of this campground with lights, cars, people and noise.
I hope it won't because we've really enjoyed staying here in the past.
Not a whole lot to report. Jim and Linda have been visiting with Glenn and he came out for that cookout yesterday. (Jim didn't take any photos though). Today, Glenn and Jeanette are busy until this evening, so the plan is to go out to dinner with them around 5:00 or 6:00.
Tomorrow the plan is to leave here and head down to the Wisconsin Dells area. They're calling for rain though, so it could be interesting getting hooked up to get out of here.
Did you know that August is "National Catfish Month"?
Woof!!!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Bumps And Construction But We Made It To River Falls
River Falls, WI.
50 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 81F. Winds from the NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Being that we only had around 55 miles to go we didn't leave Turtle Lake until 10:50, expecting a nice easy drive down US 63 to I-95.
Well, that was the plan, but no one knew about the construction on almost the whole 40 mile length of it!!! :-( This was a major resurfacing project, with what looked like passing lanes being added in places. There were lots of signs that said "Bump" that you had better slow way down for, if you didn't want everything in the cabinets airborne, and there were quite a few places where the road was down to 1 lane, so you had to wait for traffic from the opposite direction.
Some of the road was very rough, some of it had been ground off so that there were serious groves, and some of it had already been repaved with new blacktop.
We finally made it down to I-95 where we turned West and took it for about 10 miles to Rt. 65. There, we turned South and followed 65 here to River Falls and Hoffman Park. It was 12:10 when we pulled into the park so it took us an hour and 20 minutes to travel 58 miles.
Hoffman Park is a nice little City Park with only 15 sites. Three of the sites have 50 amp electric and the others have 30 amp. There is no water or sewer at the sites, but there's a nice dump station and water is available at the corner of one of the buildings. All the sites are back-in and paved, with some medium sized trees giving a little shade a times.
Jim didn't get any photos yet, but I'll post them here as soon as he does.
We've been here quite a few times before to visit Linda's brother and his family. It's usually nice an quiet, but this time is different. I'll tell you more about that in tomorrow's post.
For dinner, Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to Glenn and Jeanette's. Their daughter, Mary and her family were also there, so Jim and Linda got to see everyone the first night.
Today, Jeanette is going to be busy, watching Mary's 3 children so Glenn is planning on coming out here to the park for a cookout and to meet Bobbie T.
Did you know that the Hamburger hall of fame is located in Seymour, WI?
Woof!!!
50 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Partly cloudy. High of 81F. Winds from the NNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Being that we only had around 55 miles to go we didn't leave Turtle Lake until 10:50, expecting a nice easy drive down US 63 to I-95.
Well, that was the plan, but no one knew about the construction on almost the whole 40 mile length of it!!! :-( This was a major resurfacing project, with what looked like passing lanes being added in places. There were lots of signs that said "Bump" that you had better slow way down for, if you didn't want everything in the cabinets airborne, and there were quite a few places where the road was down to 1 lane, so you had to wait for traffic from the opposite direction.
Some of the road was very rough, some of it had been ground off so that there were serious groves, and some of it had already been repaved with new blacktop.
We finally made it down to I-95 where we turned West and took it for about 10 miles to Rt. 65. There, we turned South and followed 65 here to River Falls and Hoffman Park. It was 12:10 when we pulled into the park so it took us an hour and 20 minutes to travel 58 miles.
Hoffman Park is a nice little City Park with only 15 sites. Three of the sites have 50 amp electric and the others have 30 amp. There is no water or sewer at the sites, but there's a nice dump station and water is available at the corner of one of the buildings. All the sites are back-in and paved, with some medium sized trees giving a little shade a times.
Jim didn't get any photos yet, but I'll post them here as soon as he does.
We've been here quite a few times before to visit Linda's brother and his family. It's usually nice an quiet, but this time is different. I'll tell you more about that in tomorrow's post.
For dinner, Jim and Linda took CLT and headed over to Glenn and Jeanette's. Their daughter, Mary and her family were also there, so Jim and Linda got to see everyone the first night.
Today, Jeanette is going to be busy, watching Mary's 3 children so Glenn is planning on coming out here to the park for a cookout and to meet Bobbie T.
Did you know that the Hamburger hall of fame is located in Seymour, WI?
Woof!!!
Friday, August 2, 2013
Crandon To Turtle Lake, WI and A Not So Great RV Park
Turtle Lake, WI.
54 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Clear in the morning, then partly cloudy. High of 73F. Winds from the NW at 5 to 10 mph.
We left the County Park near Crandon right at 9:30 yesterday morning and once back to US 8, continued our journey West. About an hour into our trip, we pulled into a gas station and got Bobbie T a nice big drink of 87 octane, before continuing on to the Turtle Lake RV Park.
It was 1:05 by the time we pulled into the park, so we traveled 173 miles stopped for fuel and a quick pit stop in 3 hours and 35 minutes.
We didn't see a sign for this park on US 8, but both Jim and Linda saw the park off to the left just before we came to the US 8 / Rt 63 interchange. It was about a block off of the road and when we came to the entrance, this is the sign we saw.
So, where was the "Blue Building"? About a block away back the way we came, off of US 8!!!!
Jim said that the lady in the Liquor Store was pleasant, but the only information she gave was to "Just go and find a site" and "Make sure that you put the garbage in the barrels provided".
There are no large trees in the RV Park so there's no shade. The sites are actually back-in but you can pull through from the site behind the one you chose. All the sites are full hook-up, with 30 amp electric but the boxes are not placed well, and you have to be careful not to pull too far forward or your cord won't reach.
The above photo is the site Jim finally picked. Actually one is as good as the other.
This is the view from the front of Bobbie T. Not very scenic.
Oh well, it's OK for just a 1 night stay. I really don't think that it's worth $27.47 though. :-(
Oh, one other thing. US 8 became rougher the farther West we came. It never did get too bad, but it sure wasn't nice and smooth like it was yesterday.
Today, we'll head to River Falls, WI. That's where Linda's brother lives. We only have about 55 miles to travel, so it should be a real easy travel day. ;-)
Did you know that Wisconsin has 7,446 streams and rivers? End-to-end they'd stretch 26,767 miles. That is more than enough to circle the globe at the equator.
Woof!!!
54 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = Clear in the morning, then partly cloudy. High of 73F. Winds from the NW at 5 to 10 mph.
We left the County Park near Crandon right at 9:30 yesterday morning and once back to US 8, continued our journey West. About an hour into our trip, we pulled into a gas station and got Bobbie T a nice big drink of 87 octane, before continuing on to the Turtle Lake RV Park.
It was 1:05 by the time we pulled into the park, so we traveled 173 miles stopped for fuel and a quick pit stop in 3 hours and 35 minutes.
We didn't see a sign for this park on US 8, but both Jim and Linda saw the park off to the left just before we came to the US 8 / Rt 63 interchange. It was about a block off of the road and when we came to the entrance, this is the sign we saw.
So, where was the "Blue Building"? About a block away back the way we came, off of US 8!!!!
Jim said that the lady in the Liquor Store was pleasant, but the only information she gave was to "Just go and find a site" and "Make sure that you put the garbage in the barrels provided".
There are no large trees in the RV Park so there's no shade. The sites are actually back-in but you can pull through from the site behind the one you chose. All the sites are full hook-up, with 30 amp electric but the boxes are not placed well, and you have to be careful not to pull too far forward or your cord won't reach.
Oh well, it's OK for just a 1 night stay. I really don't think that it's worth $27.47 though. :-(
Oh, one other thing. US 8 became rougher the farther West we came. It never did get too bad, but it sure wasn't nice and smooth like it was yesterday.
Today, we'll head to River Falls, WI. That's where Linda's brother lives. We only have about 55 miles to travel, so it should be a real easy travel day. ;-)
Did you know that Wisconsin has 7,446 streams and rivers? End-to-end they'd stretch 26,767 miles. That is more than enough to circle the globe at the equator.
Woof!!!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Heading West From Michigan Into Wisconsin
Crandon, WI.
53 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = High of 73F. Winds from the WNW at 5 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
After getting Bobbie T ready to travel, Jim pulled her over to the Dump station and dumped the tanks. Then after hooking CLT up to the back of her, we pulled out of the Driftwood Shores Resort at 9:45.
Once back on US 2, we continued West on 2 until we entered Wisconsin where we turned off on US 8. 8 then brought us to Crandon, where we turned South on Lake Ave, and then East on East Lakeview Rd, which brought us to the Forest County Veteran's Memorial Park .
It was 1:05 when we pulled up to the park office, so it took us 3 hours and 20 minutes to travel 162 miles and that included a quick pit stop at a rest area in Michigan.
As the name implies, this is a county park. It's about 4 miles off of the beaten path, but in my opinion, worth the effort.
Now, before I tell you about the park, I want to caution those of you that have very tall RVs. Lake Ave. as well as East Lakeview Rd. are narrow roads and there are trees on both sides of the roads. Some of the branches could cause a problem for very tall RVs if you are near the edge of the roads. However, the traffic is very light so you probably won't be meeting many other vehicles, so you can stay to the center to avoid them.
Once you get to the park even the largest RVs should have no trouble, and they have quite a few sites that will accommodate them. Another thing of importance, is the fact that there is no water or sewer at any of the sites, but, even though the parks web site says that they only have 20 amp service, I believe that they have recently upgraded all of the electric to 50 amp. as all of the boxes look new, and you can see where they dug trenches to lay the new lines.
The sites are back-in and many of them are in the open. Most of the sites near the lake were taken, but we were able to find one that wasn't. ;-)
The sites to the right of the road are near the lake.
The view looking back through the trees. You can see a path and the lake beyond the trees if you click on the photo to enlarge it.
The view of the lake after walking on the path shown in the previous photo.
This is a pretty nice park. There are a lot of families here so there's kids running around in the park. The park is about 1/2 full today, but I would imagine that by the weekend, it'll be packed. They don't take reservations, so if you're planning on being here over a weekend, you may want to get here at least by Wednesday or Thursday.
Today, we'll be leaving here and heading farther West on US 8. Jim has one more stop planned before we get to Linda's Brother's house on Friday.
Oh, by the way, the TV is still working well. We're getting quite a few channels out of Rhinelander. ;-)
Did you know that Green Bay is Wisconsin's oldest city?
Woof!!!
53 deg. clear, no wind.
Forecast = High of 73F. Winds from the WNW at 5 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
After getting Bobbie T ready to travel, Jim pulled her over to the Dump station and dumped the tanks. Then after hooking CLT up to the back of her, we pulled out of the Driftwood Shores Resort at 9:45.
Once back on US 2, we continued West on 2 until we entered Wisconsin where we turned off on US 8. 8 then brought us to Crandon, where we turned South on Lake Ave, and then East on East Lakeview Rd, which brought us to the Forest County Veteran's Memorial Park .
It was 1:05 when we pulled up to the park office, so it took us 3 hours and 20 minutes to travel 162 miles and that included a quick pit stop at a rest area in Michigan.
As the name implies, this is a county park. It's about 4 miles off of the beaten path, but in my opinion, worth the effort.
Now, before I tell you about the park, I want to caution those of you that have very tall RVs. Lake Ave. as well as East Lakeview Rd. are narrow roads and there are trees on both sides of the roads. Some of the branches could cause a problem for very tall RVs if you are near the edge of the roads. However, the traffic is very light so you probably won't be meeting many other vehicles, so you can stay to the center to avoid them.
Once you get to the park even the largest RVs should have no trouble, and they have quite a few sites that will accommodate them. Another thing of importance, is the fact that there is no water or sewer at any of the sites, but, even though the parks web site says that they only have 20 amp service, I believe that they have recently upgraded all of the electric to 50 amp. as all of the boxes look new, and you can see where they dug trenches to lay the new lines.
This is a pretty nice park. There are a lot of families here so there's kids running around in the park. The park is about 1/2 full today, but I would imagine that by the weekend, it'll be packed. They don't take reservations, so if you're planning on being here over a weekend, you may want to get here at least by Wednesday or Thursday.
Today, we'll be leaving here and heading farther West on US 8. Jim has one more stop planned before we get to Linda's Brother's house on Friday.
Oh, by the way, the TV is still working well. We're getting quite a few channels out of Rhinelander. ;-)
Did you know that Green Bay is Wisconsin's oldest city?
Woof!!!
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