We have decided to take an RV trip this spring break in preparation for our longer summer trip out west. Ray wants to practice driving the RV on mountainous roads and I want to learn about RV camping. This trip is primarily about learning lessons. We have chosen to head up to Asheville, NC to see the Biltmore House.
Today we are up early. We are renting our RV from Hood RV in the Decatur/Priceville area. All of us go to pick it up. "Sam", the store's brown lab greets us with a packet of crackers in his mouth. Apparently he takes breaks with the guys and it's his break time. After signing paper work Ray and the boys take the RV and I follow behind in the van. I stop by Publix for a few things we have forgotten and Ray and the boys head home to start loading up.
By 11:00 we are ready to head out. We are going to drop Jingle on the way out at Kirsten's. Jingle loves the RV and settles right in for her trip. Much to her dismay her trip is much shorter than ours. We are boarding her at Kirsten's, Jingle's trainer. This is a trial run for Jingle as well. We have never boarded our dogs so this will be a first for all of us. Jingle will stay with Kirsten for 4 weeks of training this summer while we are gone. This will help to get her used to the place. But she sure is sad to see us leave and we are really sad to leave.
Our destination today is just outside of Knoxville. "Betsy", our Garmin, takes us up and over Monteagle Mountain so Ray gets to try out that mountain driving right away. It's lunch time and we are all hungry. So let's fix lunch! The adventure begins. It is a little challenging making sandwiches without my "sea legs". But somehow with some bumping around I manage. But not without a few laughs. Soon the boys and I have to try out the potty! Whee!
We head through Chattanooga. And arrive at Southlake RV Park near Knoxville around 5:00. We get a partial site since we are only staying one night. We have water, cable, electricity but no sewer. OK it is isn't lovely. Really not lovely.
We gaze out our dining room window upon a junk pile of wood. And we are a little tilted. There is a lake so we walk over there and discover this would be a much better place to camp. Ray runs back to the office but they are closed by now. Oh well.After skipping rocks - it's dinner time. Parker is anxious to play his new Wii game. So the boys play while Ray and I cook dinner. Tonight we are having something easy, St
ouffer's lasagna, which can be microwaved. The oven confuses me a little. It is a convection-1/2 time oven-microwave all in one. I've never used a convection oven nor do I have much experience with cooking on a gas oven. We'll stick with simple microwaving for today. I brought some Texas Toast so we use the griddle to heat that, cook corn on the stove, and make a salad - not bad for a first night.After dinner it is time for our campfire - a MUST. Ray gets the fire going - he does love his tee pee fires!! I find the makings for s'mores! Too much fun!
OK bed time. Preston loves his little loft sleep area. He is happy in his cozy spot. Tonight Parker is sleeping on the "table". Ray and are in the back - OK uncomfortable doesn't begin to desrcibe our bed. It is firm but the springs stick out all over. Argh! We get some sleep but not a lot. I miss my Sleep Number bed :-(
Lessons learned:
Ask for a site near the water or in the back
No comments:
Post a Comment