On the way now – really!
RVing is daily routine, interrupted by remarkable moments of joy, beauty and other life affirming experiences. Learn to appreciate the routine as valued balance, and to view the calm as valuable as the special moments.
Accept the occasional crisis as impersonal and inevitable.
I’m reminded of the Hagar cartoon — ship wrecked in the middle of the storm he asks “why me?” And gets the answer from the sky “why not?”
At last we’re on the road – well actually since May 26. All the local home and business stuff is done, and weather is cooperating. Our first stop was in Verona, VA at Shenandoah RV Park on the Middle River and convenient to visit Tom, a friend and professional colleague, just down the road. We spent a pleasant evening at his home. Our dogs got some serious play time, Tom and I got caught up, and Tom’s wife provided an outstanding dinner – all-in-all a delightful evening and a good start. The Park was a very pretty spot if the sites were a bit tight. The Falls, fishing and rabbits compensated!
Next stop was Williamsburg, VA at the American Heritage RV Park. We treated ourselves to a ‘premier’ site and spent 10 days visiting with family – Abby and Jim.
Topping the list of activities was a night of steamed Blue Crabs 
…Also, a re-visit to the Williamsburg Winery, and a day at the Maritime Museum and beer fest. 
And, one year old Cricket got a birthday cake (May 13th) – Thank you Abby!
Next stop was a Harvest Host site – The Tennessee Valley Winery. HH is a neat program which allows a small number at a time, usually 1-4, RVers to boondock at farms, wineries and other such private places. Sampling and purchasing the products is encouraged!
We lucked out on their schedule and got a live music program right next to the coach… While stays at HH site are generally for only one night, the kind folks at TVW offered us an extended stay – then, we did really like their wines ! 
Made new friends … 
So, after a one day stay, we moved on heading for the Tiffin factory in Alabama. Seems Lookout Mountain is about at the half way mark near Charlottsville, so we took a couple days at the Raccoon Valley RV park. Not far from Lookout Mtn – well worth the stop should you come this way.
With doggie day care close at hand, we also spent a fascinating day at the Maritime Museum. Where part of the fun was watching the otters……
Then it was time for Red Bay and our very short punch list of items to correct. Tech folks there were great – efficient and helpful. “Camping” at the Tiffin service center is a parking lot, but with full hookups and lots of knowledgeable Tiffin owners. It also afforded the opportunity to tour the factory to see these fine coaches being built (way too many pix to post! )– and to visit with the owner, Bob Tiffin, who was very generous with his time.
Not too far from Red Bay is the Key Underwood Coon Dog Cemetery established on a favorite hunting camp. I’ll grant you that would seem to be a pretty minor blip in otherwise adventurous travels. But that’s only if you don’t understand the high regard with which sportsmen hold their dogs – whether treeing racoons, pointing upland birds or retrieving waterfowl. This was a must see! And so, here are a few picture memories from there …
Cricket paid her respects to fellow working dogs ……
As Memorial Day would arrive soon, flowers were found on
nearly all the markers. The markers themselves were varied and some quite unique…..the camera found a flag behind Daisy’s metal cutout marker …. seemed quite appropriate.
**Note: Key Underwood buried Troop here in 1937 after 15 years of a hunting partnership. Others followed. Only ‘coon’ dogs are allowed to be buried here– lest the ground be ‘contaminated with assorted lap dogs’.
Every Labor Day there’s a celebration to remember these remarkable dogs – I think it may mean a trip back!
So now we are at a pleasant RV park just south of Kansas City – a planned stop to visit kids and one of our favorite grand kids. More particularly, we are at the Peculiar Park Place RV Park. Think I’ll leave that hanging……google Peculiar, MO if you just have to know more!
And as a sat down to work on this post, the severe storm alert sounded…..heavy rain, hail and a bit of gusty wind, but no harm done and all’s well again.
Heading mostly west in a couple weeks. More ramblings later……..
chesapeaketidings & more.. 