Trip Wrap Up

The View From Our Balloon Ride at Albuquerque

Well, I'm adjusting to being back in a 1200 sq ft house rather than a 140 sq ft box. I did wake up at 4:00AM wondering why a night light was glowing at the foot of the bed since I didn't plug the trailer in. Then I realized I was in the house, not the trailer!

Some statistics from the trip:

Total mileage - 15,393.7, 11,761.5 towing. Total gallons of fuel (I may have missed one or two fill ups) 1211.4 Gallons @ an average of $2.71 per gallon. Most Expensive gas - $3.35 at Marathon, TX, least expensive - $2.04 at Tucson, AZ. Average mpg for the entire trip - 12.71MPG. Again, I sure hope I missed a couple of fill ups since I thought the truck was doing better than that, at least by the built in MPG indicator. Still better than the Tacoma.

265 nights - Campground costs - Average $21.19, higher than most of my most recent trips. Less time at Quartzsite, more at commercial campgrounds. Propane - 51.86 gallons for a total of $147.52 (average $2.84 per gallon).

More photos during the trip are at today's LakeshoreImages page.

The next trip will be in a couple of weeks, heading to New Hampshire for the Spring Fling fiberglass rally at the Chocorua KOA.

Day 265, Friday, April 26, 2019 - Home, Oswego, NY

Home!

Friday, April 26, 2019 - Home, Oswego, NY - 196.7 Miles, 11,761.5 Miles for the Trip

Home at last, after 265 days. A bit of rain for the first part of the trip, all on secondary roads. After parking the trailer in the driveway, I spent an hour or so unpacking the refrigerator & the stuff that I expected to use today or tomorrow. I'll do the rest of the trailer & truck over the weekend. I don't plan to completely empty either since I'll be heading to the "Spring Fling" rally in 2 weeks.

It has been interesting during the trip back to Oswego. It has been Spring for most of the trip. While it has been nice to see the trees & flowers in bloom, it has also been peak pollen season for most of the trip. While I'm not bothered as much as many, itchy eyes are a pain.

I dug into about 4' of mail, most of which was junk. I did find a check from XM Radio for $.87. I had asked them to apply it to my next bill; I guess they couldn't.

I also had about 10 packages of stuff I ordered while on the road, including a new grill and a Ryobi 900 watt propane generator. While I have survived many years without a generator, there have been a few times where I had to revert back to tent camping breakfasts, and no drip coffee. I decided to get the small generator as a way to top off the batteries after a string of cloudy days.

I'll do a post tomorrow with the trip statistics.

Dinner was a microwaved orange chicken meal.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 264, Thursday, April 25, 2019 - Ricketts Glen State Park, PA, Day 2

Harrison Wright Falls

Thursday, April 25, 2019 - Ricketts Glen State Park, PA, Day 2 - 0 Miles, 11,564.8 Miles for the Trip

It was a cool night, with lots of furnace time. The outside temperature at 6:00AM was 37°F. By the time I ate breakfast and puttered around getting ready to do some waterfall photos, it was 10:30, and only up to 50°F. I decided to change into my flannel lined pants for the hike.

I decided to do the lower section of the falls run, starting at the PA 118 parking lot. The nice part about doing this section is it is from the bottom, so when you are tired of climbing the 1000's of feet, going back to the truck is downhill. I don't know if it was warmer at the bottom, or because of the hiking, but I discovered that I really didn't need the flannel lined pants - lots of sweating! I took lots of photos on the way up to "Where the Waters Meet", including a few waterfalls beyond on the Glen Leigh section. About 2 miles each way that is listed as a moderate hike. I found I can still do it at 74...


A warning - if you don't like long exposure, dreamy water photos, it is time to move to a short shutter speed site. While it wasn't the ideal time of year (my favorite is the fall) the absence of direct sunlight made for excellent moving water photos. Many more at today's LakeshoreImages page.

Back at the trailer I did my afternoon eye drops, then headed for the showers. I can't give them more than a C+. The shower sprays on both the shower curtain, and under it onto the dressing area floor. After a few minutes, water is running under the dressing area door into the hallway. The water is hot enough, although very high pressure spray. Nothing to hold your stuff in the shower, and a bench in the drying room that gets soaked. Dry deck on the shower floor. One of the showers was not working, so I moved the dry deck from it to the drying area of my shower. I suspect that it is far more useful in the drying area than the shower anyway - your feet are going to get wet in the shower!

I discovered that there is at least an 3 bar AT&T LTE signal at the bottom of the hill, so I'm, going to grab my Mobley (and the Jetpack if there is a Verizon signal) and head down to try to post yesterday & today's pages.

I had an early dinner (Do I call it a Dunch or a Linner?) of a turkey sandwich & salad.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 263, Wednesday, April 24, 2019 - Ricketts Glen State Park, PA

Site 104, Small Loop

Wednesday, April 24, 2019 - Ricketts Glen State Park, PA - 183.3 Miles, 11,564.8 Miles for the Trip

For some reason, Matilda, the ever "accurate" GPS insisted that it was 485 miles to Ricketts Glen State Park if I checked "No Highways". If I unchecked it, 245 miles, a bit on I 70 and a longer stretch on I 81. I did the I 70 & I 81 interstate sections, and after getting off I 81, re entered the route with "No Highways" it still insisted there was over 400 miles to go. I unchecked "No Highways", and it showed 120 miles to the park, and never took me on a highway (unless you consider US 11 a highway). She must have an "interesting" way of getting to Ricketts Glen. Speaking of ways to get to Ricketts Glen State Park, the recommended entry on PA 487 is from the North. The southern part of PA 487 between Red Rock (why does every state have at least one Red Rock - I haven't seen a red rock anywhere near this one) and the park goes up a 2 mile 18% grade. While I have driven it both ways with the RAV4 & the Tacoma towing the 17, this was a first for the F 150. No problem, it did the posted 45MPH in 3 & 4th gear. I was in 1st or 2nd with both the RAV4 & Tacoma going up (or down, for that matter).

In any case, after 183.3 miles, I was in campsite 104, a dry site for $24.75 per night. I prefer site 103 or 104 because both have less shade than the rest of the small loop sites, keeping the solar panels happy. 104 is the most open when the trees have leaves, although they are just starting to bud today. There are two loops in the campground; I prefer the small loop, although the large loop has some sites on the lake.

The bathrooms are a medium walk, are heated, and have showers.

While there is no AT&T coverage at my site, Verizon alternates between one bar of 3G or 1X service, but no internet. Neither my AT&T or Verizon iPhones show any service, with or without the amplifier. So, it will be a couple of days before I can post anything.

Dinner was a Digiorno Spinach & Garlic pizza.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 262, Tuesday, April 23, 2019 - Greenbriar State Park, MD, Day 2

Tuesday, April 23, 2019 - Greenbriar State Park, MD, Day 2 - 0 Miles, 11,381.5 Miles for the Trip

Not much happening today. I did lots of reading, and headed for the showers after my 3:00 eye drops. 2 showers, each with a low volume showerhead at 7'. The water was hot enough that it didn't cool off completely by the time it got down to you. A small shelf & soap dish in the shower, shower curtains on both the shower & drying room. One hook in the small drying room & a bench, with a large bench outside the drying room.

A very nice day with temperatures in the high 70's, and plenty of sun.

Dinner was a Beyond Burger & applesauce.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 261, Monday, April 22, 2019 - Greenbriar State Park, MD

Site C24

Monday, April 22, 2019 - Greenbriar State Park, MD - 64.8 Miles, 11,381.5 Miles for the Trip

I gave away the remaining firewood as I was leaving the campground. A short drive, although some stop & go on I 495, to I 70 & Greenbriar State Park. I'm in an electric only site (#C24), a fairly level (at least at the top) that did not require unhooking the truck, but did need side to side leveling. The site is fine gravel with a picnic table, fire ring, & fairly close to the bathrooms. I'm here for two nights at $31.62 per night.

I spent most of the day reading, both my current book (Perfidia, by James Ellroy on my Kindle), and my usual blogs & forums on the computer. I did check the cell service here at Greenbriar - AT&T is at -90dBm, 34.2down & 30.9 up, while Verizon is at -76dBm, 49.7 down & 11.9 up. Both without an amplifier. For those interested, I added the cell statistics for Greenbelt Park to yesterday's post.

Dinner was a microwaved Tai Pei Sweet & Sour Chicken meal.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 260, Sunday, April 21, 2019 - Greenbelt Park, MD, Day 4

Easter Dinner

Sunday, April 21, 2019 - Greenbelt Park, MD, Day 4 - 0 Miles, 11,316.7 Miles for the Trip

After a walk around the campground & breakfast (an English muffin since the milk finally went bad, so no cereal), I sat outside and read for most of the morning. After lunch I headed to Karin's for an Easter egg hunt. We had a reservation for dinner ( a treat from Brian's aunt & uncle) in Silver Springs at 5:00. While early for most, I prefer eating between 5:00 & 6:00, so it worked out well.

I added some photos I got from Karin, so the days are a bit mixed up.  More photos at today's LakeshoreImages page.

Dinner was Chicken Parmesan at the Copper Canyon Grill and dessert at Ben & Jerry's in Silver Springs.

Day 259, Saturday, April 20, 2019 - Greenbelt Park, MD, Day 3

Eating S'Mores

Saturday, April 20, 2019 - Greenbelt Park, MD, Day 3 - 0 Miles, 11,316.7 Miles for the Trip

A bit of rain overnight, but not the thunderstorms that were predicted. By 10:00, the sun started peaking around the clouds. Lots of wind, but a nice day in the mid 70's.

After lunch I drove to Karin's & we went to an Earth day gathering in Takoma Park. A bunch of booths with many give aways that the girls liked; I think we came home with far more plastic than we saved...

I headed back to the trailer to do my afternoon eye drops, and a bit later everyone came over to the campground to make some S'Mores.  More photos at today's LakeshoreImages page.

Dinner was a Cheddar Mushroom Turnover from the Spring Mill Bread Bakery next to the park that held the Earth Day booths. Excellent!

Until Tomorrow -

Day 258, Friday, April 19, 2019 - Greenbelt Park, MD, Day 2

Valerie & Zoe Doing Easter Eggs (And Smiling For the Camera)

Friday, April 19, 2019 - Greenbelt Park, MD, Day 2 - 0 Miles, 11,316.7 Miles for the Trip

After a walk around D loop, I spent the morning reading, sitting outside under the clouds. At least the rain held off until well after I got to Karin's.

At Karin's, we colored Easter eggs, I showed the girls how to tell a hard boiled egg from a raw egg by spinning it, then watched Zoe & Karin built a candy store out of Tinkertoys.

We went bowling later in the day at the White Oak Lanes. The first time I tried Duck Pin bowling; very different, in fact on the first try I fell down.

I eventually developed a technique for the smaller & lighter ball, and still did my usual lousy score, but it was fun.  More photos at today's LakeshoreImages page.

Dinner was half a really lousy cheese pizza the the bowling lane.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 257, Thursday, April 18, 2019 - Greenbelt Park, MD

Site D140

Thursday, April 18, 2019 - Greenbelt Park, MD - 99.1 Miles, 11,316.7 Miles for the Trip

I got a late start since I only had to go 100 miles. Of course I forgot that is is far better to stay on I95 to the north side of Washington rather than take I 395 through the center of it, but that is the way Matilda, my GPS wants me to go. Since I don't do the drive that often, I never remember to ignore Matilda. So, a long stop & go drive through the heart of the capital. At least I got a close up view of the Washington Monument!

I'm in site 140 in the "D" section of Greenbelt Campground. I did discover that this is not a National Park, so I have to stop complaining about it being one of the worst kept up NPs, and I have to say that the D section I'm in is better than the B section I was in last year. A large enough site for both the trailer & truck with a picnic table & fire ring. Not too far from the clean bathrooms (that has a shower). Dry camping at $10.00 per night with the senior pass.

After setting up I sat out & read for a bit. My daughter & grandkids won't be home until 3:30 or so.

I made the 9 mile drive to Karin's without too much trouble. We sat around until dinner which was a grilled chicken sandwich, CryFry, and a chocolate shake at BurgerFi in Silver Springs. CryFry is a bowl of onion rings & french fries. The chicken was OK, but nothing special.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 256, Wednesday, April 17, 2019 - Lake Anne State Park, VA, Day 2

Wednesday, April 17, 2019 - Lake Anne State Park, VA, Day 2 - 0 Miles, 11,217.6 Miles for the Trip

A warm day, with the temperature hitting the mid 80's. After my morning walk around the campground, I spent most of the rest of the day reading, sitting under the awning. A light breeze was nice. After my afternoon eye drops I headed for the showers. As I mentioned yesterday, only 2 of the 4 are operational, and those barely. The hot water wasn't. Barely lukewarm, with bursts of cold. Made for a quick shower. Because of the absence of a shower curtain, a wet floor in the drying area.

Dinner was the other NY strip steak & mashed potatoes, and like the one a couple of weeks ago, tough. I do miss the great meat from the Roadrunner Market in Quartzsite.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 255, Tuesday, April 16, 2019 - Lake Anne State Park, VA

Site 42

Tuesday, April 16, 2019 - Lake Anne State Park, VA - 256.8 Miles, 11,217.6 Miles for the Trip

I don't know if I can blame the altitude (2000') or the weather, but it was a cold night. I ran the electric disk furnace, and it was going pretty good at 6:00AM, with an outside temperature of 31°F. It was above freezing when I packed up the trailer, but it was still a very stiff water hose & electric cord going back in the storage compartment. There was still ice on the windshield as I left.

Lots of narrow, two lane roads between I81 & Lake Anne State Park. It looks like I won't have to retrace the route heading to Greenbelt park; VA 208 looks to be more of a main drive.

The reservation for Lake Anne just promises a site; you get to pick one out. A confusing mix of reserved sites by site number, and first come reserved sites (which I have). I'm in site 42, a water & electric site that is almost level (I didn't have to unhook) on pea gravel with a large gravel tent pad. Price is even more than Hunger Mother at $50.94 per night with tax & transaction fee. I'm here for two nights.

The bathrooms are the same configuration as the new building at Hungry Mother - separate restrooms & individual shower rooms, although no shower curtains here, and two of the four are out of service. They do have a laundromat with 2 washers & two dryers for $1.00 each.

Dinner was a Bubba Burger & salad.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 254, Monday, April 15, 2019 - Hungry Mother State Park, VA

Hungry Mother SP, Site 38

Monday, April 15, 2019 - Hungry Mother State Park, VA - 170.2 Miles, 10,951.8 Miles for the Trip

The warmth of the last couple days is gone. in the mid 40's overnight, with the furnace coming on a few times during the early morning. It never got much above 50 during most of the drive, and it is 55°F here at Hungry Mother State Park at 4:00PM.

I'm is site 38, a water & electric site with some pretty trees, and almost level ( I didn't need to unhook) at $47.12 with the taxes and Transaction fee, what ever that is. Not the least expensive, but Virginia state parks are not cheap.

It is cold enough (although if it was mid winter in Quartzsite, I might consider it a nice day) outside that I stayed in the trailer. Even though the sun is out, it is quite windy.

A chicken pot pie is in the oven.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 253, Sunday, April 14, 2019 - Townsend KOA, Townsend, TN, Day 4

Sunday, April 14, 2019 - Townsend KOA, Townsend, TN, Day 4 - 0 Miles, 10,781.6 Miles for the Trip

While we had a minor sprinkle or two, the major storm that made the national news passed north of the campground. After breakfast I talked with my son & brother, then headed to the laundromat downtown. I checked the one here in the campground, but it was pretty busy. The downtown laundromat (in the Ace Hardware & Artistic Bean plaza (the coffee house was closed on Sunday) looked large with lots of commercial machines, but only a few are available. There are signs on all the commercial washers & dryers that they are for commercial users only. Seems it is used by most of the hotels & Glamping campgrounds. There was a crew of about 4 running all of them continuously. I used the standard machines, and since there were only a couple of us "common" people, there was no waiting for washers or dryers.

After returning to the campground, I read for a bit, trimmed my beard, then headed for the showers. The report? A. 8 individual shower rooms plus a handicapped one. Large drying area with drydeck to keep your feet dry, a bench & 3 large hooks. A full length shower curtain that is perpendicular to the showerhead so it doesn't get sprayed, and shelves that hang off the shower pipe for your stuff. The only minus would be a 5 minute wait for the water to get hot enough to use, and while hot enough, if you like it hotter than me, you are out of luck - I ran it all the way to hot.

Back at the trailer I went outside to read, and it immediately started to rain - I'm back inside.

Dinner was at the Glamping tent - leftovers, jambalaya, and brats.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 252, Saturday, April 13, 2019 - Townsend KOA, Townsend, TN, Day 3

Group Picture -  12th Annual Southeastern Spring Eggscursion

Saturday, April 13, 2019 - Townsend KOA, Townsend, TN, Day 3 - 0 Miles, 10,781.6 Miles for the Trip

We made a morning trip into Cades Cove for a stop at ch store for Anne to add to her collection of National Parks pins, then on to the Cades Cove Loop. No bears this trip, but horses, turkeys, & deer.

Pictures at today's LakeshoreImages page. 

After that it was back to the campground to show the trailer to a future Escape 21 purchaser, then some afternoon reading. At 5:00 I grabbed the pies & headed to the pot luck. No one there, discovered that it started at 6:00, so back to the trailer (with the pies). The pot luck had wonderful food as usual, and lots of companionship while eating.

Dinner was the Eggscursion pot luck - photos and information here.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 251, Friday, April 12, 2019 - Townsend KOA, Townsend, TN, Day 2

Hanging Around at the Rally

Friday, April 12, 2019 - Townsend KOA, Townsend, TN, Day 2 - Miles, 10,781.6 Miles for the Trip

Another warm night; windows open & the MaxFan running, although not bad enough to run the AC. I made 2 blueberry pies after breakfast. This time 2 1/2 pounds of blueberries was not quite enough to completely fill the pies, but it will have to do. With frozen blueberries I've found that a pie ends up being anywhere from 2 1/4 pounds to as much as 3.

After the pies, I did some sitting outside with Don & Anne, and a trip to the KOA office to sign up for next years rally, I made a couple of rounds of the campground taking photos of those here for this year's Fiberglass Rally.  More photos at today's LakeshoreImages page.

Around 4:30 we headed next door to the Little Arrow Resort, where Anne's daughter & family are Glamping. They are in a tent, but "Our roomy glamping tents deliver one of the Smokies’ most unique camping experiences. At 539 sq. ft. each luxury tent marries a magical wilderness atmosphere with the comforts of home. Accommodations are furnished with generous amenities including, plush bedding, a bathroom, and heat and air conditioning. The Luxury Glamping Tent features an extra level of luxury with wooden walls separating living spaces, as well as a small kitchen." Quite the tent!

Dinner was a mix of left overs from Don & Anne, and applesauce & wine from me.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 250, Thursday, April 11, 2019 - Townsend KOA, Townsend, TN

Site 55

Thursday, April 11, 2019 - Townsend KOA, Townsend, TN - 9.1 Miles, 10,781.6 Miles for the Trip

No furnace overnight; it only got down to the mid 60's. I slept late, probable because of the great food for dinner. These southerners sure know how to cook & eat! I pulled out of Cades Cove around 11:00, dropped the trailer off at the Townsend KOA in site 55, a close to level gravel site with a concrete patio, table & 4 chairs. Full hookups, including cable for $48.77 per night with the fiberglass group discount. I added a photo of Don & Anne's Scamp in site 56 at today's LakeshoreImages page.

After hooking up the utilities, I headed to Maryville for frozen blueberries. While there is a fairly well stocked IGA here in Townsend, no frozen blueberries, and it is a bit early for decent prices on fresh. On the way to the wrong Food City (there are a couple of them in the Townsend area, and I went to the one 4 miles from Walmart rather than next door), I passed Garner's Barber Shop, and stopped for a haircut. About a 45 minute wait, but it was a real barber shop rather than a chain.

On the way to Maryville, there was a long wait for a single lane on US 321 controlled by a stop light. I lucked out on the way back and caught the green light.

About 5 minutes after I got back, Don & Anne pulled in. They are next door in site 56.

Dinner was my annual visit to the restaurant next door to the campground for greens, French fries and chicken fried steak (with the wrong gravy - brown) Still, pretty good.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 249, Wednesday, April 10,, 2019 - Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountain NP, TN, Day 3

Bumblebee

Wednesday, April 10,, 2019 - Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountain NP, TN, Day 3 - 0 Miles, 10,772.5 Miles for the Trip

A beautiful night, although around 6:00AM the furnace came on for one cycle with the outside temperature at 49°F. It warmed up quickly, and after a walk & breakfast I joined some of the other Escape owners for coffee & talk. There are still 4 of us here in the campground, although a different 4 from when I arrived.

I spent most of the day sitting outside under the awning (the sun was warm & the outside temperature in the low 80's) reading. I did take a break or two to try to photograph the bumblebees that are flying around the campsite. They are tough. Too small for the auto focus to work, and as they dart back & forth, focusing manually is "interesting". They are small enough that even though a few images look sharp in the full size image, cropping shows they are not. I also took a couple of photos of the violets along the campground road.  More bumblebees, the violets & a photo of a Pappier Camper are at today's LakeshoreImages page.

After that it was more sitting in the shade. We have attracted another fiberglass trailer, a Happier Camper. This is the first I've seen in the flesh; a lightweight (even for fiberglass) trailer that has a full width rear door.

So, we have a Casita, a Happier Camper, and 2 Escape 19's, a 15, and a 21; enough for a rally!

Dinner was chicken & asparagus at one of the neighboring Escape 19's.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 248, Tuesday, April 9, 2019 - Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountain NP, TN, Day 2

Tuesday, April 9, 2019 - Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountain NP, TN, Day 2 - 0 Miles, 10,772.5 Miles for the Trip

A second day without the internet - no reading forums, blogs, etc, and, of course, no posting of my own journal. Unless I find some reason to drive to Townsend, I'll probably wait to post the next couple of days until Thursday.

An evening & night of heavy rain. Many of the drains clogged with leaves, the roads were rivers, but we were dry in the trailers. By 9:00AM or so, the rain stopped, and even some sun peeked through the clouds during the afternoon. My neighbor with the contractor generator ran it much of the afternoon, and also letting his dog run around without a leash. I know, I'm whining!

I tried to make coffee this morning & the inverter shut down due to low voltage. Since I didn't run the furnace at all over night, that didn't make sense. In addition, my battery monitor was giving weird voltage readings - 12.7V (expected) then dropping to 10V (very unexpected) and back within seconds, and with only a 1.5 amp load. So,I started tracing things & finally found that the connection of the inverter & battery monitor to the + post of the batteries was loose. Things seem to be back to normal.

Dinner was a Caulipower Three Cheese Pizza. This is the first time I've had one and decided I had to try a pizza that has a crust made with "Real Cauliflower." While the pizza was OK, and is a possible solution for those that can't deal with gluten, it isn't going to replace Paul Newman's thin crust ant time soon.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 247, Monday, April 8, 2019 - Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountain NP, TN

Site 33, Cades Cove

Monday, April 8, 2019 - Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountain NP, TN - 136 Miles, 10,772.5 Miles for the Trip

It poured much of the night, as well as the morning. I thought about waiting it out before closing up the trailer for travel, but it never got lighter, so on went the rain jacket & out went Jon in the rain. I kept telling myself "At least is isn't a tent!".

After my third "This road may flood during heavy rain" sign, I decided to head for I 40 rather than stay on the back roads. Lots of water on the roads, but none so deep that it was a problem. We did have one section of stop & go on I 40 just before the Townsend exit. Rain most of the drive until the last 20 miles. I stopped at the Townsend IGA for a bottle of juice & some muffins.

I drove into the park, hoping there would be a first come site available. All the reservable sites that would work for a trailer were already taken 2 weeks ago. I pulled into Cades Cove campground around 1:00 after adding an hour because of the time zone change. Finally back on the same time as my kids.

I'm in site 33, a paved (mostly) back in site with a picnic table, a tent pad, a firepit/grill and two trees that require careful backing.  I'm next door to the site I had last year (35). Across the road are the bathrooms (heated, but no showers). Cost for the dry site is $12.50 per night with the senior card discount. The site is just deep enough for the 21 & truck, and while not level enough to leave the truck connected, close enough.

There are still a few first come sites, but there are far more people here than last year (including 5 Escapes. After I set up a small trailer with a yappy dog and a construction generator pulled in across from me. He fired it up to use a 120V electric drill to lower his stabilizers.

I need to shout out to Nancy & Gary - Have a great trip to pick up your new Escape!

Dinner was a group effort (sorta a mini pot luck) of chicken & potatoes put together by the Escape owners.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 246, Sunday, April 7, 2019 - Fall Creek Falls State Park, Day 3

Sunday, April 7, 2019 - Fall Creek Falls State Park, Day 3 - 0 Miles, 10,636.5 Miles for the Trip

A bit of rain overnight, and more off & on throughout the morning. I didn't do much during the day, other than reading (Run Away by Harlan Coben), and some blogs & forums. I did get to take a walk during the afternoon, a shower, and some time sitting outside. The shower report: B+. A large shower room with a soap shelf & the same showerhead I carry in my shaving bag. Plenty of hot water and warm enough, although probably because of the 75°F day rather than heating. A 1' wall between the shower & the drying room, which was a good size, 4 hooks & a bench. The only - was no shower curtain, so even with the large shower, some spray ended up on the drying room floor. It would also only get a C for cleanliness; the floor of the drying room could stand a bit of mopping.

Most of the campground emptied out during the day with a few new arrivals, one of which was a Scamp 13.

Dinner was a microwaved InnovAsian Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 245, Saturday, April 6, 2019 - Fall Creek Falls State Park, Day 2

Lower Falls

Saturday, April 6, 2019 - Fall Creek Falls State Park, Day 2 - 0 Miles, 10,636.5 Miles for the Trip

A pretty good day for photographing waterfalls. No rain, but enough clouds to keep the contrast between the water highlights & surrounding rocks within bounds.

I've been to Fall Creek Falls State Park before during a 2016 trip, so other than hoping I would catch Fall Creek Falls with more water going over it than the last time, I skipped the other falls in the park. Unfortunately, the amount of water over the falls the park is named for was the same or less than last time. I stopped at George Hole & took a photo of a cascade below the swimming hole, and discovered that my lightweight travel tripod ball head wouldn't tighten. During long exposures to blur the water is slowly panned down no matter how hard I tightened it. So, I switched to my heavier "auto" tripod, the one I use when I can park the truck near the waterfall. Both are carbon fiber, which makes them lighter than aluminum or other materials, but while the larger one is much sturdier, it weighs twice what the travel one weighs.

I headed to Burgess Falls where there are three waterfalls. Actually, there is no Burgess Falls, that is just the name of the park. There is a Cascade named Cascade, and three waterfalls that, according to the ranger in the parking lot, are named Upper Falls, Middle Falls, and Lower Falls, with the lower the largest. As he stated, they didn't get too creative on the names... More photos at today's LakeshoreImages page.

Parking was tight, with a second ranger at the entrance holding traffic until a parking spot opened. The trail from the Cascades to the Lower Falls is 3/4 of a mile, and listed as moderate. The only difficult part for me (other than having to haul my heavier tripod) was the long staircase near the Lower Falls, although a few sections were single file only & the trail was crowded.

Dinner was a microwaved Healthy Choice Sweet & Sour Chicken dinner.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 244, Friday, April 5, 2019 - Fall Creek Falls State Park

Site B94

Friday, April 5, 2019 - Fall Creek Falls State Park - 113.7 Miles, 10,636.5 Miles for the Trip

Since I knew it would be a short haul to the next campground, I was in no rush to pack up & leave. I headed out of Henry Horton around 10:00, heading north & east on US 231, US 70S, and TN 30. I stopped along the way at a Walmart for some bottled water.

I'm in site B94, a full hookup site for $39.03 per night. Another "slight" slope, although not as bad as Henry Horton. A very crowded campground with other RVs in front, back and one each side.  A medium hike to the bathrooms.

After setting up I headed to the laundry. One of the few laundromats that doesn't have near by parking. Not a bad walk from the truck, but if I was smaller, I'd be struggling with a full laundry basket. Top loading commercial washers for $1.50, and new dryers for $1.00. No baskets to move your stuff from the washers to the dryers, and only one small folding table. No inside seating, but there are tables outside. They also have a "outfitters" store - "T" shirts +, and a small camp store selling more stuff than most campground stores. Next to the pool is a snack bar. All are a mile or two from the campsite.

Back at the trailer I ran my usual cell tests - AT&T is at -95dBm with & without the amplifier, 30.3Mbps down & 16.7Mbps up. Verizon is at -103 without the amp & 98 with, 52.1Mnps down & 6.6Mbps up. The campground has WiFi provided by Tengonet, a WiFi provider that covers many campgrounds across the US. No charge for the 4 days I'm here, although to log on I had to change my Tengonet password that I've been using for years. Another interesting problem. I went to my bill paying service at my bank and it kept giving me error messages. Tried a different browser since Apple updated Safari the other day, but the same problem. Called the help desk at the bank & they discovered that my IP (the assigned internet address that Tengonet gives users when they log on) kept changing, which upset the bank's secure connection. I switched back to AT&T and the problem went away. Anyway, the speed for Tengonet's WiFi was 4.8Mbps down & 1.1Mbps up. I think I'll stick with my cell services!

I showed the trailer to a couple that are thinking of purchasing an Escape 21, then put away my clothes, and made dinner. I microwaved a couple of El Monterey Quesadillas. No where near as good as the Chicken, Cheddar and Mozzarella Cheese Empanadas, but I've given up on them. El Monterey still lists them on their website, as does Walmart, but I haven't seen them in any Walmart in over a year. I was going to have a salad with the Quesadillas, but it was bad. Should have checked before stopping at Walmart since there isn't any nearby grocery stores.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 243, Thursday, April 4, 2019 - Henry Horton State Park, Chapel Hill, TN, Day 4

A Bowlus Trailer

Thursday, April 4, 2019 - Henry Horton State Park, Chapel Hill, TN, Day 4 - 0 Miles, 10,522.8 Miles for the Trip

Before breakfast I did my usual walk around the campground, including dropping off a bag of garbage at the only dumpsters, which are located near the entrance. They have recycle stations (plastic & aluminum) at all the bathrooms.

A warm, but cloudy day. Rain is predicted for the next 48 hours, starting this afternoon. I pulled the water line to the trailer, so I would have one less thing to pack up in the morning.

For those interested, I did some checking of the cell & WiFi coverage here at the park. AT&T was at -107dBm, 15.3Mbps down & 9.8Mbps up. Verizon clocked in at -108dBm, and 9.8Mbps down, 4.8Mbps up, both with the outside antenna & Sleek amplifier. The campground has WiFi, with the nearest node about 75' from my location. While I have no way to see how many users are on their network, at 6:30PM, it was running at 4.8Mbps down and 1.5Mbps up.

I also have a shower report. A very high (8') low volume, low pressure showerhead that can't be putting out more than a half gallon per minute, but plenty of hot water. No shelf in the shower, 1 hook in the drying area along with a bench. Clean, but the usual problem of water running under the shower curtain into the drying area, making for a very wet floor. There is heat in the bathrooms, with the thermostat set at 65°F, but since the concrete block construction of the showers & bathroom holds the overnight cold temperatures, it feels colder than 65°F.

I spent the rest of the afternoon inside the trailer reading, paying some bills, and some on line research on the process of switching from my lead acid batteries to lithium. Current book is John Sandford's Twisted Prey, one of his Lucas Davenport series.

Just before the rain started, I saw an unusual trailer a few sites down from me. John & his wife are in a Bowlus, a lightweight aluminum trailer, the first registered in Tennessee. The only front entrance trailer I've ever seen. For an interior photo, check today's LakeshoreImages page.

The rain held off until dinner time, which was a Healthy Choice Chicken & Vegetable Stir Fry.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 242, Wednesday, April 3, 2019 - Henry Horton State Park, Chapel Hill, TN, Day 3

Pileated Woodpecker

Wednesday, April 3, 2019 - Henry Horton State Park, Chapel Hill, TN, Day 3 - 0 Miles, 10,522.8 Miles for the Trip

At the suggestion of Greg or Teresa at the Fiberglass forum, I went to Marcy Jo's Mealhouse and Bakery, about 9 miles from the campground, for breakfast. I had one of their specials, stuffed French toast. Excellent!

While sitting outside reading, a pileated woodpecker (the Woody Woodpecker of woodpeckers) stopped by a rotten tree a few sites away. I managed to get a few photos before he left.  More at today's LakeshoreImages page.

Dinner was a Healthy Choice Sweet & Sour Chicken Bowl.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 241, Tuesday, April 2, 2019 - Henry Horton State Park, Chapel Hill, TN, Day 2

Trillium?

Tuesday, April 2, 2019 - Henry Horton State Park, Chapel Hill, TN, Day 2 - 0 Miles, 10,522.8 Miles for the Trip

After a walk around the campground & breakfast, I drove to the park office & asked for the senior discount. It was available - 25% off, so I saved $32.00 and the new price per night is $29.15. When I got back to the trailer I discovered a wet spot on the trailer rug. Seems the latest 1 gallon water bottle has a slow leak. It is now living in the sink until I make enough coffee to use it up.

Once it warmed up enough, I spent the afternoon sitting outside in the sun reading. I took a break from sitting to take a couple photos of the emerging wildflowers. There is an interesting picnic table next to my site. Actually, the table isn't all that interesting, but its location is. No site near it, and sitting in the middle of the woods. It doesn't look all that old, and is on a concrete pad. There is a big hole behind it; maybe there was a cabin there? What I think is trillium looks a bit different from the plant I see in Oswego, but I believe that is what is in the pictures. The drooping bunch of plants is the Mayapple. So, Spring has sprung, at least here at Henry Horton. I can also tell by the start of the itchy eye season! More photos at today's LakeshoreImages page.

After that is was back to more reading.

Dinner was a microwaved Amy's Brown Rice Bowl.

Until Tomorrow -

Day 240, Monday, April 1, 2019 - Henry Horton State Park, Chapel Hill, TN

Site 16

Monday, April 1, 2019 - Henry Horton State Park, Chapel Hill, TN - 128.7 Miles, 10,522.8 Miles for the Trip

Another cool night & morning - down to 32°F by early morning, and only into the low 50's during the day. I packed up the trailer and headed east. Getting to US 412 included 20 miles of very narrow, but paved road, although it was in excellent condition. I didn't meet anyone coming the other way, but there were parts of it that had no shoulders which would have made that difficult. US 412 is a mixed 2/4 lane road in good condition. The usual small towns that slow you down to 45 or 30 MPH, but far more interesting than I 40.

Just after passing through the larger town of Hohenwald, TN, I saw a bunch of Olivers on the other side of the road. I found their showroom - the factory is about a mile away. Olivers are a 4 season fiberglass trailer. While much more expensive than Escapes, there are many nice features to them. Personally, one of their selling points mentioned by the salesman who took me through a Legacy Elite II when he described the "no wood interior",  is one of the things I don't like about them. They are bright inside, feel larger than the Escape 21 (they are 23' long), and have a pair of fair sized single beds, but the all fiberglass interior reminds me of the inside of a refrigerator. Still, they are a popular trailer. A photo outside the office is at today's LakeshoreImages page.

I arrived at Henry Horton around 1:30 and found my site - #16. It is listed on the Tennessee State Parks reservations page as a back in, slight incline site. I'd hate to park in one of their "moderate" incline sites - their idea of slight required 8 Lego blocks & the full extension of the tongue jack to get close to level. Even more interesting, a review of the campground included someone that stayed in the same site last year , and described it as a level pull through. I suspect they actually stayed in site 14, which is closer to what they described, although the travel trailer parked in #14 still had to do a bit of leveling. I do have to watch my step getting out of the trailer. The front is so high that there is more than the usual distance between the bottom step & the ground.

In any case, the site is paved, with water & electric for $38.45 per night with all the taxes & reservation fee. The office isn't open, so I don't know if it is possible to get my site fee reduced because of my senior status. There is a note to go to the lodge if you need to pay for a site, so I will give that a try tomorrow.

Dinner was a grilled chicken thigh and Margaret Holmes Buttered Double Succotash. I'm still trying for the old fashion succotash of creamed corn & lima beans - While the corn is whole kernel, the sauce makes it very close to the old fashion version. I hope I can find it again!

Until Tomorrow -