Well I think I have officially flunked blogging since I have not created an update since mid June.
So here is a quick catch up, with more fill in to follow.
Since Bar Harbor Maine in June we have stayed in:
St. Martins, New Brunswick
Darnley Prince Edward Island
Cavendish Prince Edward Island
Peggy's Cove Nova Scotia
Baddeck Nova Scotia
Doyles Newfoundland
Eastport Newfoundland
St. Johns Newfoundland
St. Brides Newfoundland
North Sydney Nova Scotia
Mocton New Brunswick
Bangor Maine
Monson Massachusetts
Cooperstown New York
Erie Pennsylvania
Cleveland Ohio
Noblesville Indiana
St. Louis Missouri
Louisville Kentucky
Grand Junction Michigan
Traverse City Michigan
And finally, Petoskey Michigan where we are currently.
I will be posting some pictures and goings on from these various places when I get my act together...if that is possible. All, including Lance the kitty, are having fun!
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
O Canada Newfoundland
Six hour ferry from North Sydney, NS.
Took 2 days to drive across the island to St.John's. Newfoundland has its own time zone, 1/2 hour different from Atlantic Coast time. So we were quite confused. Asked a local about why, and he suggested they just wanted to be different!
Spent one night in Eastport. On way to cute restaurant on water, saw icebergs off shore. Really cool.
Stayed in the city park 2 nights in St.John's. Visited easternmost point (by direction Jack) in North America, Cape Spear.
Visited Signal Hill, first radio communication across Atlantic, and beautiful view of ocean and St. John's.
Boarded ferry for 16 hour ride from other end of island, Argentia. Because of that time issue (that's my excuse) we barely made it, last to board.
Next stop, thru New Brunswick and back to the USA.
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| Carries cars, rvs, trucks, and people. |
Spent one night in Eastport. On way to cute restaurant on water, saw icebergs off shore. Really cool.
Stayed in the city park 2 nights in St.John's. Visited easternmost point (by direction Jack) in North America, Cape Spear.
Visited Signal Hill, first radio communication across Atlantic, and beautiful view of ocean and St. John's.
Had to wash away my anxiety with a beer, Iceberg of course.
Next stop, thru New Brunswick and back to the USA.
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
O Canada Nova Scotia
First stop in Nova Scotia, Peggy's Cove just west of Halifax.
Toured Halifax on July 1, Canada Day. This is celebration similar to our July 4. If I remember correctly this is the day that four provinces, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Upper Canada (Quebec), and lower Canada (Ontario) formed the federation of Canada back around 1867.
We hoped to watch the great fireworks display but because it doesn't get dark until about 10:30 we had to travel home and missed it.
Next stop Baddeck, Cape Breton Island. Closer to North Sydney and the ferry to Newfoundland. Had to wait several days for space on the boat so explored the area a bit. Looked for some fine dining. Can't beat this!
Visited Alexander Graham Bell museum. He is considered father of Canada's first flight just after the Wright brothers his group won a contest to fly a minimum distance. Later developed other aircraft and hydro planes. Played golf at Bell Bay.
Golf at Cabot similar to Bandon Dunes. They even got Ben Crenshaw to build a second course. All on the water with great views.
Attended couple of Ceiligh's where there is plenty of Scottish music. Bagpipes and fiddles.
Hurricane Arthur felt here with not much rain but lots of wind. Closed up the coach sides for a night to insure we didn't fly away.
Finally on to North Sydney for 6 hour ferry ride to Newfoundland.
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| Sea, lighthouse, and music! |
We hoped to watch the great fireworks display but because it doesn't get dark until about 10:30 we had to travel home and missed it.
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| Halifax harbor on July 1, Canada Day. |
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| Chicken I think. |
Golf at Cabot similar to Bandon Dunes. They even got Ben Crenshaw to build a second course. All on the water with great views.
Attended couple of Ceiligh's where there is plenty of Scottish music. Bagpipes and fiddles.
Hurricane Arthur felt here with not much rain but lots of wind. Closed up the coach sides for a night to insure we didn't fly away.
Finally on to North Sydney for 6 hour ferry ride to Newfoundland.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
O Canada Prince Edward Island
Next stop Prince Edward Island.
Darnley PEI and a campground overlooking the Gulf of Labrador.
Traveling is usually very easy since most of the roads are pretty good and there is very little traffic (not so many people live here). But once in a while you can be met on the road by a very large vehicle and have to pull into a driveway.
Next stop was Cavendish resort area, scenery and seafood. Also enjoyed some different beers. Have to try the Moosehead.
And golf too.
On to Nova Scotia.
Darnley PEI and a campground overlooking the Gulf of Labrador.
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| Sunset at the homestead! |
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| Cottage on the road! |
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| What a pig! Two pounds of mussels. |
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| Crowbush Golf Club |
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| East end of island. |
On to Nova Scotia.
Monday, June 23, 2014
O Canada New Brunswick
We crossed the border into Canada. Not sure what I said but they inspected the coach closely. Seemed to be looking for alcohol, tobacco, and firearms. We were ok on 2 of 3. Fortunately, or unfortunately, our alcohol supply had been diminished so we had little to declare and were eventually cleared to enter.
Our first Canada experience was St. Martins, New Brunswick, just outside of Saint John on the Bay of Fundy. The Bay of Fundy is noted for the height difference of the high and low tides. The boats actually sit on the ground at low tide.
Visited St. John, where the rising tide actually reverses the river flow.
On to Prince Edward Island
Our first Canada experience was St. Martins, New Brunswick, just outside of Saint John on the Bay of Fundy. The Bay of Fundy is noted for the height difference of the high and low tides. The boats actually sit on the ground at low tide.
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| Low Tide |
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| High Tide |
On to Prince Edward Island
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Maine
We finally arrived in Ba Haba, Maine, or Bar Harbor to the rest of us.
Cadillac mountain in Acadia (I think they left the r out of the name so we would all pronounce it the same) National Park is the tallest mountain on the eastern US coast. You can see all the surrounding area.
Picked some up at Eastern Lobster Pound near our RV park, and enjoyed dinner sitting outside; clam chowder, mussels, lobster, wine. What more could you want!
Visited the Oceanarium where they study and facilitate the harvesting of lobster. Each of the eggs on the bottom of this mom, well about 1/2 of 1% of them, will make a great 1-1/2 lb meal in about 7 years.
Over 120 million pounds were caught in Maine last year. We didn't make much of a dent in that annual harvest but enjoyed trying.
Now it is off to Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada...if the officials let us in.
Cadillac mountain in Acadia (I think they left the r out of the name so we would all pronounce it the same) National Park is the tallest mountain on the eastern US coast. You can see all the surrounding area.
Wearing my Cadillac hat while on Cadillac Mountain.
Of course our primary reason for coming here was the food....lobster!
Lobster
And, more lobster!
You can get lobster everywhere here. Enjoyed some at Stewman's Restaurant at the harbor area.Picked some up at Eastern Lobster Pound near our RV park, and enjoyed dinner sitting outside; clam chowder, mussels, lobster, wine. What more could you want!
Visited the Oceanarium where they study and facilitate the harvesting of lobster. Each of the eggs on the bottom of this mom, well about 1/2 of 1% of them, will make a great 1-1/2 lb meal in about 7 years.
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| Could be looking at a future meal! |
Now it is off to Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada...if the officials let us in.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Gettysburg
Next stop was Gettysburg, PA to visit some Civil War history.
Used the bikes to travel around a variety of locations in the park where the battle took place over 3 days. It's a little mind numbing to think of the death and destruction that happened here. Learned that several thousand men were killed within 1 hour. But it did become the turning point in the war. It's hard to not get emotional knowing what happened here.
Mary and I caught up with Abe again. Also visited the hotel he stayed in where he finalized his famous address (Four score and seven years ago....) the night before he spoke at the cemetery dedication.
A stop at nearby Hershey, PA and Chocolate World is a must in this area. Kind of like visiting one of our breweries, complete with theme park. Of course tasting is a given. I got a BIG kiss!
We actually did learn something about tasting chocolate, let it melt in your mouth versus just chowing down. It took numerous samples to verify the technique in order to earn our degrees. A masters!
Now, it is on to Maine for that other essential food....lobster.
Used the bikes to travel around a variety of locations in the park where the battle took place over 3 days. It's a little mind numbing to think of the death and destruction that happened here. Learned that several thousand men were killed within 1 hour. But it did become the turning point in the war. It's hard to not get emotional knowing what happened here.
Mary and I caught up with Abe again. Also visited the hotel he stayed in where he finalized his famous address (Four score and seven years ago....) the night before he spoke at the cemetery dedication.
We actually did learn something about tasting chocolate, let it melt in your mouth versus just chowing down. It took numerous samples to verify the technique in order to earn our degrees. A masters!
Now, it is on to Maine for that other essential food....lobster.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Shakedown Cruise Over
Well the shakedown cruise has ended and the results are in. About 15 things to be addressed on iRV2 to make it the home we want. So, rather than going all the way back to Tampa for the repairs, we are headed for iRV2's original home, Tiffin Motor Homes in Red Bay, AL.
There is not much to do in Red Bay. But we did visit the Coon Dog Cemetery. Yes, you heard me correctly. To honor his Coon Dog a fellow started a cemetery in 1937 only for Coon Dogs. There are now several hundred grave sites there. And there are some first class tributes to the dogs.
Tiffin at Red Bay is always an interesting experience. First, you get to talk to a bunch of fellow owners and learn about their various experiences. Second the staff here is very competent and knowledgeable about their product. Unfortunately, the process of getting things done is first come first served so getting the work done can be slow and frustrating. We lucked out getting some early attention to issues and then getting to the right people to get things fixed, we think correctly.
Finally, after a week and a half iRV2 got repaired and washed we were ready to resume the adventure.
So we have mapped out a plan to view the great northeast including Canada, that will no doubt change many times, and that's ok. So after a quick visit with the brothers and sisters-in-law, Dave and Mary II, and Mike and Terri we are off!
There is not much to do in Red Bay. But we did visit the Coon Dog Cemetery. Yes, you heard me correctly. To honor his Coon Dog a fellow started a cemetery in 1937 only for Coon Dogs. There are now several hundred grave sites there. And there are some first class tributes to the dogs.
Tiffin at Red Bay is always an interesting experience. First, you get to talk to a bunch of fellow owners and learn about their various experiences. Second the staff here is very competent and knowledgeable about their product. Unfortunately, the process of getting things done is first come first served so getting the work done can be slow and frustrating. We lucked out getting some early attention to issues and then getting to the right people to get things fixed, we think correctly.
Finally, after a week and a half iRV2 got repaired and washed we were ready to resume the adventure.
So we have mapped out a plan to view the great northeast including Canada, that will no doubt change many times, and that's ok. So after a quick visit with the brothers and sisters-in-law, Dave and Mary II, and Mike and Terri we are off!
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Shakedown Cruise for iRV2
Packed up iRV2 and headed out for a 30 day shakedown cruise.
First stop was a return to Talladega for another shot at NASCAR. No rain this time, just hot and dry. The new outdoor cooler and TV came in handy for a few beers while watching the Cards after the races.
Next stop was to Lake Toxaway in western North Carolina. Pretty area, nice weather. Played some golf at Burlingame Country Club. Course in great shape for this early in the spring. Great layout meandering through the hills. Sounds like somebody played a little better! And a great dinner at the Brown Trout...never knew we liked fresh trout so much, but it was great!
Next stop a visit to Mary's brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Anne in Noblesville, IN. Lance enjoyed his visit with cousin Bentley.
Then on to the Escapees Rally in Goshen, IN. Rallys like this one always give us opportunities to learn more about how to live in our home. Of course we also find things wrong to be corrected and things that we just can't live without to buy. Weather wasn't the greatest, cold and rainy. Still leftovers from the horrible winter experienced by just about everyone this year. Good test for iRV2. Cut our visit a day short when the heat decided to quit working and the temps were in the 50's. Boo.
Next stop Springfield, IL to visit with Abe. Visited the Lincoln Presidential Library which was most enjoyable. Mary got to do something she hasn't done in ages.
Next stop St. Louis to be with Robert to celebrate his successful graduation at Greenville College.
And a chance to visit with family and friends.
First stop was a return to Talladega for another shot at NASCAR. No rain this time, just hot and dry. The new outdoor cooler and TV came in handy for a few beers while watching the Cards after the races.
Next stop was to Lake Toxaway in western North Carolina. Pretty area, nice weather. Played some golf at Burlingame Country Club. Course in great shape for this early in the spring. Great layout meandering through the hills. Sounds like somebody played a little better! And a great dinner at the Brown Trout...never knew we liked fresh trout so much, but it was great!
Next stop a visit to Mary's brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Anne in Noblesville, IN. Lance enjoyed his visit with cousin Bentley.
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| Bentley and Lance |
Next stop Springfield, IL to visit with Abe. Visited the Lincoln Presidential Library which was most enjoyable. Mary got to do something she hasn't done in ages.
Next stop St. Louis to be with Robert to celebrate his successful graduation at Greenville College.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Lazydays Tampa, FL
We're in Seffner, FL at Lazydays RV (Tampa area)
April 30, 2014
For the last several months we've talked about "upgrading" our 2006 Tiffin Phaeton home on wheels to a newer model. In March, we stopped by Lazydays RV in Tampa, FL and started looking at new motorhomes. (New to us but still pre-owned.) Geez, so many to consider. We tried to keep in mind that we really don't know how much longer we'll be traveling in our rolling home and to not go overboard on what we buy. Well, nothing on the lot in March, but we've kept in touch with salesman extraordinaire Glen..."let us know when our perfect match shows up as a trade-in". While we were in Charleston, we called Glen and he thought he found what we wanted. So, we started our travels back to Florida to check out our potential iRV2. Arrived on Wednesday, April 23, and found what we wanted plus some! (That means, yes, we will be spending more $$ than we planned to spend. And, um, what's new with that?) The original 2010 Tiffin Phaeton RV that we came to see just wasn't exactly what we wanted, but the 2011 Tiffin Allegro Bus is!!! So, yes, we have purchased a new motorhome and by the end of the week we'll be on our way. So, check out the new rig!
April 30, 2014
For the last several months we've talked about "upgrading" our 2006 Tiffin Phaeton home on wheels to a newer model. In March, we stopped by Lazydays RV in Tampa, FL and started looking at new motorhomes. (New to us but still pre-owned.) Geez, so many to consider. We tried to keep in mind that we really don't know how much longer we'll be traveling in our rolling home and to not go overboard on what we buy. Well, nothing on the lot in March, but we've kept in touch with salesman extraordinaire Glen..."let us know when our perfect match shows up as a trade-in". While we were in Charleston, we called Glen and he thought he found what we wanted. So, we started our travels back to Florida to check out our potential iRV2. Arrived on Wednesday, April 23, and found what we wanted plus some! (That means, yes, we will be spending more $$ than we planned to spend. And, um, what's new with that?) The original 2010 Tiffin Phaeton RV that we came to see just wasn't exactly what we wanted, but the 2011 Tiffin Allegro Bus is!!! So, yes, we have purchased a new motorhome and by the end of the week we'll be on our way. So, check out the new rig!
Think Key West when you see this, baby?
Just kidding, that's not ours but the picture below is...not kidding this time.
Loaded up with all the necessities of home...oh, wait, this is home! Everything looks up to our standards....well, accept the size of the TV in the "living room"...never big enough as Charlie sees it. So, we'll be looking into a larger one in the near future. Maybe watching one of the other 3 TV's will keep him entertained until the change can be made. Yes, we're a little spoiled on the TV side of things here at Tour de RV.
While we're waiting for the service tech's to complete the PDI (I think it stands for Personal Delivery Inspection) we're continuing to explore the Tampa area. Yesterday was a trip to the Big Cat Rescue site. How many Big Cats can you rescue and support with donations? This group has done an exceptional job of keeping exotic big cats alive. Big Cat Rescue is the largest accredited sanctuary in the world dedicated entirely to abused and abandoned big cats. Tigers, Lions, Leopards, Cougars, Bobcats, Lynx, Servals, Ocelots, Caracals, Jungle Cats, Leopard Cats and a Geoffroy Cat all live at this wonderful cat heaven. And, I was in Cat Heaven as Charlie took a bunch of pictures of cats.
Next to Lance, our own cat, Tigers are my favorite!
Looks like it will be a few more days hanging around Lazydays as the techs complete the punch list...change the oil, repair broken bits and pieces, replace the mattress...a king size bed! and give new iRV2 a good cleaning! Initial reports were that they would be finished on Friday, but when we told them we had to be at Talledaga Superspeedway on Friday; they understood the importance of completing the job by Thursday. NASCAR speaks to people in the South! We'll let you know when we make it to the race.
Next stop: Talledaga Superspeedway!
Monday, April 21, 2014
Pinehurst, NC
Next stop, Pinehurst, NC
This was our first experience with "membership" camping. Hey, they offered us 3 free nights if we went to the presentation. Since it was the closest campground to Pinehurst that I could find...we were in for the freebie (especially since I knew golf at Pinehurst would hit the bank account hard). We checked in on Friday, took the tour/sales pitch on a rainy Saturday and played golf on Sunday. On checkin -- they handed me a bag of smores goodies (graham crackers, marshmallow and hershey bars), lead us to our campsite and gave us firewood! Nice so far.
We decided not to buy the membership. Maybe we'll look into this in the future, but not what we need right now. It was an interesting experience.
This was our first experience with "membership" camping. Hey, they offered us 3 free nights if we went to the presentation. Since it was the closest campground to Pinehurst that I could find...we were in for the freebie (especially since I knew golf at Pinehurst would hit the bank account hard). We checked in on Friday, took the tour/sales pitch on a rainy Saturday and played golf on Sunday. On checkin -- they handed me a bag of smores goodies (graham crackers, marshmallow and hershey bars), lead us to our campsite and gave us firewood! Nice so far.
We decided not to buy the membership. Maybe we'll look into this in the future, but not what we need right now. It was an interesting experience.
Breakfast at the campsite...I think he's chowing on a pinecone. There were "black bandit" squirrels on the golf course that I didn't get a picture of. Black and white, somewhat a mix between raccoon and panda in coloring. Guess we'll have to return!
On the practice tee at Pinehurst! Golf Heaven Here! Well, not actually on the practice area as they're preparing for the US Open in June and the range as it's set up now is really hitting off a sidewalk into a net 20 feet away. The range has been turned into tent city for all the corporate sponsors. When the pros arrive, they'll be hitting practice balls on two of the other courses.
That's Charlie taking a walk by the lake along 17. Wonder what he's looking for?
And, Charlie hitting while members Tom and Mike wait their turn on the tee. Tom and Mike were great to play with as they knew the course and the area. This was Pinehurst #4 and a great course. We chose it over Pinehurst #2 where the Open will be played and saved SEVERAL hundred dollars a piece. With the greens fees at $420 on #2, we chose the more reasonable twilight rate on #4 at $110 and enjoyed ourselves on most shots...there were a few in the water that we have already forgotten. Pinehurst has 8 courses now and will be adding a 9th course soon. #1-#7 are all in the same area and #8, and soon #9, are a few miles down the road. Geez, we wouldn't get tired of being members here!
And, then off to Atlanta to visit Bill (as in our favorite Georgia son).
Most likely you can guess that this isn't Atlanta in April. While Bill, Charlie and I visited, we totally forgot to take pictures. So, I found one from a family trip to Florida of all three of Charlie's kids, Dave, Julie and Bill on the dock after his birthday celebration in August a few years ago.
It was nice to see Bill in Atlanta if only for a few hours!
I did remember to take a pic of the RV at our Victoria Campground at Lake Allatoona. What a great place. If you have a boat, take it to Lake Allatoona. Managed by BLM and camping sites are nice.
Next stop, Lazydays in Tampa, FL
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