Asheboro NC

We are on the move again, with our version of the 'Thousand Trails' plan; two weeks at Thousand Trails, one week on Passport America.  Our next stop with Thousand Trails is Lenoir NC.  But we will be out of the 'network' for a week.  So, having left Williamsburg VA we stopped after a short drive on Tuesday in Roanoke Rapids NC.  This was just an over night short haul.  I wanted to make sure the RV was driving well after loosing a tire during our last major travel day.  On Wednesday we hit the road late and drove on into our next destination,  Asheboro NC.  Why?  The Passport America connection. So far it has worked out well.  The drive was off the interstate and pleasant.  We decided on Zooland Family Campground. 

This campground has changed ownership recently and it is working well; nice place. 

 We will be here for 6 days. 

In my previous post I mentioned that I think a week is just right for RVing travel intervals, and I have enjoyed this week.  We have had several day trips, and also several relaxing days.  We have been real lumps on a log today.  This weekly pace is nice. 

Travel Days - How Often?

This last Tuesday we pulled out of Williamsburg.  We had stayed for two weeks at the Thousand Trails facility (also Encore / Outdoor World).

We stayed one week at American Heritage RV Park, minutes away.  And then back to Thousand Trails for a week.  We had to be out of the Thousand Trails 'network' for a week.  That totaled to 4 weeks in one 'area'.  We made some observations as a result.

A month in one place can be a drag, just hanging around.

The only reason we did this was for family time, and we are GLAD we did.

However, (family aside) as much as there is to see and do in the Williamsburg Area, we concluded that two weeks anywhere is plenty.  In comparison, on our travel up from Florida we stopped for 3 nights on two occasions.  These were busier days, with lots of sightseeing.  It was fun and we would do it again, but is is a busier, more highly paced way to RV - kind of like the working world. Schedules, timetables,consistent planning and mapping.  My point...RVing can be varied and flexible, relaxing or demanding.  It can be what you want to make it.  I thought at one time that staying some place for a month would be ideal; not so much now.  I guess there is one exception - work camping / volunteering.  I do believe I would enjoy extended stays if I had some purposeful commitment to occupy some of the time.  So, to date I would have to say that a WEEK at one spot would be ideal.  Moving down the road every 2-3 nights would be a more rapid pace and lend itself to many more miles and sights.  Staying put for 2 weeks is very relaxing and would lend itself to a total 'vacation' feel.  My humble opinion.  I had some anxiety about the Thousand Trails concept when we bought that membership.  I did not think I would LIKE having to move out every two weeks.  As it turns out, it works well -- for me.  As it turns out it prompts time for relaxation and exploration on a varied schedule. 

Family Time

The blog has been quiet for some time, for several reasons.  We had been in our home town during the first several weeks of June.  Not much to see or do or blog about there because we were not sight seeing!  I did blog about these areas in previous posts found here -- Williamsburg Area Info.  We really were busy with family events.

 My youngest daughter graduated from High School.

Jan was able to spend some special time with her grandchildren.  Jan's daughter was hospitalized, was critically ill and has thankfully recovered.

We visited at my brother's place for Father's day.

A lot of catching up and problem solving mixed with some relaxation.  These few weeks made us realize how vulnerable life can be and how blessed we are for the life and family we have.  We have moved on now and hit the road again.  Those stories will follow.  Whether it be graduations, weddings, hospitalizations, Father's Day or any other milestone event in your life, I trust you find yourself hopeful - happy - joyful!  We are. 

Bird Watching

Bird watching is a fun past time.  I finally took the time to hang a few bird feeders.  'Sticks-n-bricks' or RVing, set up a bird feeder.  Put them close to the window.  Enjoy. 

Maintenance - Expect It

 Let's see...a house that rolls (and bumps) down the road on a truck.  What a complex set up!  And when that house on truck encounters some of the roads that our fine DOT staff provide, well, you better have a budget.  In an earlier post I mentioned we had had a tire failure.  Fortunately, it was an inside rear tire, and we were able to get to safety.  If it had been a FRONT tire, well, we would have been stranded on the side of I-95.  I went to have the spare tire replaced, and decided that as a matter of safety, it would be good to consider potential circumstances and best options.  The tire staff said the tire failure was typical of the Goodyear tires they used to sell...they called it a zipper tear in the sidewall.  They agreed with EVERY tire person I have talked to.  New tires fail, old tires fail.  Age is one factor.  Overall condition, pressure, temperature, workmanship on construction all contribute to tire life.  There was no need to arbitrarily replace all the tires; the one that failed was in good shape otherwise.  However, in light of overall potential outcomes, I felt it would be better to have 2 NEW tires on the front. 

 So, $600 later I had two new Sumitomo tires on the front of the RV.  The local shop has been using them for 7 years, including Emergency Vehicles with excellent results.  They will be hitting the road with us in 10 days or so. 

We also developed a bad squeal in the bath fan motor; lubrication worked for 24 hours but no more.  I took it completely apart and put the motor in my pocket.  I went to one RV Dealer, no luck.  I went to Radio Shack and a Hobby shop, no luck.  I went to another larger RV Dealer and bingo....the exact motor and other related parts for this type of fan.  It was a relatively easy swap, about $35. 

While I was there, I spotted another extra I wanted.  As tall as I am, it is east to want to grab the closing door at the screen - but there is no handle!  At least there wasn't.  I bought this screen door bar.  Reasonably priced, easy to install, and now when I GRAB, I actually have something to hold onto that won't hurt the screen door.  About $15.

Abstract Observations

 I like dogs.  I prefer smaller dogs that have some intelligence, a trainable temperament and are affectionate and playful.  I have met many other types of dogs that I really enjoy.  A friend of mine has a Boxer; nice dog.  An RV dog?  Not in my mind, confirmed when out on a walk.  I am strutting along, minding my own business but observing all the fine RV's and set up along the way.  In the windshield of a Class A, sitting on the dash, is this Boxer.  Big dog, 80 pounds of muscle.  I look at him, he looks at me and he decides he wants me.  UT OH.  This dog is on it's hind legs trying to take out the windshield.  Slobber and claws everywhere.  The dashboard is this dogs 'run'.  Wow, I hope there RV is OK!  I actually had to stay away from that RV until they left.  I could be 40' away and stop just to look; he see's me and 'on guard!'.  Fortunately, they were in the campground only for the weekend.  Messed up my walking routine - had to detour every time.  My wife thought it was funny too.  It is interesting to see all the different pets in and around RV's. 

Sometimes when you are sight seeing you see things that are unexpected.  This car pulls up next to me - what is THAT?!  It is all frame, looks home made.  Rear engine, center cockpit, guy in a helmet.  Huh??  I thought, maybe this car is the automotive training vehicle from the local vocational school.  I really don't know.  But sure was different! No room for a date, groceries, pet, nothin'!  My scooter is more functional.

Trip Planning

The first leg of this year's journey is specific in nature; hang out in Williamsburg VA to visit with family and attend my daughters graduation.  Shown above is where we have traveled so far, from Florida to Virginia.  Thereafter, it is exploration of the unknown.  We did sit down and discuss our potential travel plan, MAPPED HERE.  We have a fairly small budget for this adventure.  Having given some consideration to our goals to visit family combined with seeing new sights, we weighed several options for achieving economy in our travel.  Our main campground option option will be Thousand Trails.  We bought a membership at the Tampa RV show this last winter.  We are limited to 2 week stays, followed by a week 'out of the network'.  During this week we will migrate and explore our way to the next Thousand Trails location of choice by using our new Passport America membership.  By using this method we hope to spend $1500 - $2000 for 'rent' during our 5 months, about $350 monthly.  The main stops on the MAP are Thousand Trail locations or Family locations.