Early to Mid-February 2022 From Carrabelle, we went to Florida’s Panhandle, returning to Fort Pickens campground in the Gulf Islands National Seashore. We’ve stayed here before and it always feels like coming home. This time around, it was a bit chilly, with rain and wind that cut down on our beach walks and bike rides. But it’s still Fort Pickens, with its old timey feel, great sunsets, and lovely shore birds. This time, we were fortunate to meet up with…
January 2022 We took a break from the road to regroup and make some travel plans. It’s been cooler here than we’d expected, but we’ve managed to do some van maintenance, get a jumpstart on campground reservations, and see some local sights. This is off-season on Florida’s Forgotten Coast. Our Airbnb is a condo in a marina complex. In the summer, I’m sure it bustles, but it’s quiet in January. Frequently, we’re the only folks around and our van is…
Late December 2021 to January 1, 2022 We bounced around Florida during the last few weeks of 2021. We returned to some favorite campgrounds and visited some that were new to us. At O’Leno State Park, we hiked the familiar trails along the Santa Fe River. O’Leno is one of Florida’s earliest state parks. You can still see hallmarks of the CCC’s construction, especially in the stonework. The camp sites are small and wooded, which goes along with its old-timey…
The holiday season marks the end of one year and the start of a new one. It’s a good time to gather your thoughts about the year that’s wrapping up, and also to think about what’s ahead. We really stayed on the move in 2021. We traveled in a giant loop around the perimeter of the country, covering about 35,000 miles. It’s worked out well for us to stay at a site three or four days, and then move on….
November 2021 Daytona, Florida On our way to Daytona, we spent one night at Anastasia State Park. With beach access, lots of places to hike and bike, and campsites stashed in the woods, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. It’s also just outside charming St. Augustine. Our reason for going to Daytona this time around was to visit my Aunt Gayle Bolles. It’s been ages since we visited in person. I’m so glad my cousin Linda encouraged us…
Late October – Early November 2021 Huntsville, Alabama Traveling in a compact motor home brings the opportunity to go a bit off the beaten track. Many state parks were built in the 1940s, when camping rigs were smaller and sites were nestled in the woods. The sites are usually spacious and set further apart. We really like these campgrounds, even though the amenities may be a bit behind the times. The Monte Sano State Park near Huntsville, Alabama is one…
Our search to find a good base for exploring Asheville led us to Lake Powhatan Recreation Area. Lake Powhatan is near Bent Creek, just a few minutes from downtown Asheville. The campsites are in the woods bordering the small lake. It’s small and sweet, with nice woodsy trails. Our timing was good. The surrounding mountains were starting to put on their fall foliage show. Our afternoon drives have been golden, with the kind of blue skies and puffy clouds that…
August 2021 We squeezed a lot of traveling into the month of August. Highways, byways, and ferries. Here are some of the highlights: Michigan We took the ferry from Manitowoc, Wisconsin to Ludington, Michigan. The SS Badger is the last coal-fired passenger vessel operating on the Great Lakes. We had a sunny afternoon to relax in deck chairs and read. Unless you like bingo, reading and snoozing are the major activities. The 62 mile trip takes four hours and crosses…
Late July 2021 South Dakota We drove Interstate 90 from South Dakota’s western border to its eastern border with Minnesota. It’s almost a straight line, and it’s the most direct route across the state. We paused in Wall to visit the famous Wall Drug Store. For Easterners who might not know, Wall Drug is very much like South Carolina’s South of the Border. It’s a several block-long tourist trap where you can purchase anything from gold jewelry to moccasins. Busloads…
Mid-July 2021 Idaho We spent three nights at Riley Creek Campground in Idaho’s panhandle. We were on our way from Washington to Montana and decided to take a couple of days to catch up with ourselves. Riley Creek is in Laclede, near Bonners Ferry. Every now and then, we have to take a little breather for laundry, haircuts, and other tasks. Our stay in Idaho was just a flash in the panhandle, I’m afraid. We will do a better job…