2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 25

Day 25, Wednesday, November 11 - Home, Oswego, NY -  119.9 Miles for the Day, 1,540.8 Miles for the Trip

A thank you to all vets and those currrently in the military!

We had a slow start to the day, deciding to go to I Hop for stuffed French toast for breakfast. Seems they are nice enough to offer a free pancake, eggs & meat breakfast to active military & vets today. I had to pass it up since the plan was for stuffed French toast, but it sure drew a crowd to the local I Hop. We had a 10 minute wait to get a table, but he French toast was worth it.

I headed out when I got back to the house, The neighbor next door to the Guidos is not getting along with them all that well. They usually have a Roto Rooter truck parked where I usually park my trailer but it wasn't there when I arrived yesterday. This morning a small car was parked a foot from the front of my truck even though there was plenty of space ahead of it. All I had to do to leave was back up, but it was a bit silly.

An uneventful drive up I 81 & I 481. I arrived home around 1:00 I spent the rest of the afternoon unpacking the trailer. According to my watch I did 13 flights of stairs. I will probably skip my evening exercises.

The next planned trip will be to the Spring Fling in New Hampshire in May, although if my daughter is up to it, I kept my April reservations at Cherry Hill & if the weather allows, will make a quick trip & visit in April.

Until the next trip - 

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 24

Day 24, Tuesday, November 10 - The Guidos, Binghamton, NY -  Miles for the Day, 1,420.9 Miles for the Trip

44°F this morning and 48°F for my morning walk.

I decided to stop at the cafe for French toast this morning, but found a sign on the door announcing that starting November 1st the office (and cafe) would be closed Tuesday & Wednesday. Oh well, I still have a freezer full of stuff & I bet mt coffee is better.

I say around and read until 11:00, then did a final dump of the tanks, packed up the trailer, and headed to Binghamton. Evidently there was a multi car crash on I 81 north that closed the northbound lanes between here I Binghamton yesterday, but Google's AI tells me that the road is open this morning. Hope so. The last time I had to cut over to US 11 for a blocked I 81 the back up was hours long.

While there didn't seem to be any back up to clear an accident, there was a 25 minute back up with stop & go driving for a construction section that reduced the road from 2 to 1 lane. I arrived at the Guidos around 2:30.

We sat around for a bit, then I rewired a solar panel I gave Guido. For some reason the original wiring between the two folding 80 watt panels dissolved at the connectors. I suspect it was copper coated aluminum wire. In any case in my collected junk in the trailer I had the wire & connectors to put it back together.

After that it was off to the Little Venice restaurant for dinner. I had chicken parmigiana. I forgot to take a site photo and It was dark when I got back so I didn't get to do one then. If you want to see one, just look at one of the other fall trips since I usually stop there when the Guidos join me.

Until Tomorrow - 

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 23

Day 23, Monday, November 9 - Jonestown KOA, Jonestown, PA -  134 Miles for the Day, 1,420.9 Miles for the Trip

50°F this morning and 52°F for my morning walk.

I didn't bother trying the Cafe for breakfast since it was officially closed. After breakfast and morning exercises I read for awhile. I didn't want to leave before 11:00 since it was short drive, and the Jonestown KOA has been known to charge extra if you arrive before 1:00. Lots of traffic along the entire trip with most of it in the DC and Baltimore areas. It never got down to stop & go, but slowed down to the 20's a couple of times. I arrived at the Jonestown KOA at 2:00. The good news - they have reopened their cafe (and, are cheaper than Twin Grove). I'm in a full hookup pull through on gravel with a cement pad for the picnic table & a fire ring. They do have cable TV hookups - I have not been reporting on the availability of cable or OTA TV because I don't have a TV. Although I asked for a site close to the bathrooms, site 64 8 sites away. In any case, $60.00 for the night.

Site 64

I checked the internet speeds on AT&T & Verizon. AT&T showed 142.51Mbps down & 19.59Mbps up while Verizon was 86.24Mbps down & 46.99Mbps up. 

After setting up I sat in the trailer reading. Too much wind & at 58°F outside I'd rather be inside. I'll head to the cafe for dinner around 5:00. While they will deliver to the site, the 1/4 mile walk each way will be good for me.

Dinner was a fish sandwich and fries at the Cafe. Not bad, but asking for well done French fries didn't work. If what they gave me were well done, regular must be raw.

Until Tomorrow - 

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 22

Day 22, Sunday, November 8 - Cherry Hill Campground, College Park, MD, Day 3 -  0 Miles for the Day, 1,286.9 Miles for the Trip

44°F this morning and 48°F for my morning walk.

After my walk & breakfast I did some on line reading, then turned to my Kindle. Current book is 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami. 

Around 11:30 I headed to Karin's. Little traffic and arrived a little before noon. We sat around and talked throughout the afternoon. Around 4:00 I headed back to the campground. Heavy traffic with lots of stop & gos at the exits.

Karin & Brian

I stopped at the cafe for another Crispy Chesapeake Chicken sandwich & curly fries dinner, but they were closed. 

Dinner was an Amy's Mushroom Risotto Bowl.

Until Tomorrow - 

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 21

Day 21, Saturday, November 7 - Cherry Hill Campground, College Park, MD, Day 2 -  0 Miles for the Day, 1,286.9 Miles for the Trip

48°F this morning and 50°F for my morning walk.

After my post last night I headed to the showers in the bathroom next door. The build is just about the same in all three bathroom buildings with about 5 showers, one disabled. Well designed with a large shower with soap dish & a dressing area with 3 double hooks & a bench. A shower curtain between the shower & dressing area. 1" fine spray shower head with adjustable temperature. I took over 2 minutes for the water to get hot and adjustment was difficult because of the limited volume produced by the shower head. Still, once it was hot, plenty of hot water. I rate it an A.

While the interstate traffic ran all night, in the trailer with the windows closed it only sounded like a mild wind. A bit louder in the morning as traffic picked up (although probably louder on a work day), and noticeable as I walked around the campground. I've been here in July & April - November is the least populated I've seen. Entire rows are mostly empty.

I did some reading during the morning, then around 11:30 headed to Karin's for a visit. 

We hung out & talked at Karin's; Brian had band practice in the basement, and Noah made brownies. A little before 4:00 I headed out with a stop to fill the gas tank in the F 150.

Dinner was a Crispy Chesapeake Chicken sandwich & curly fries at the snack bar here at the campground.

Until Tomorrow - 

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 20

 Day 20, Friday, November 6 - Cherry Hill Campground, College Park, MD -  181.3 Miles for the Day, 1,286.9 Miles for the Trip

55°F this morning and for a shortened walk. It hit 73°F during the drive, and was 67°F when I arrived at Cherry Hill. 

A typical interstate drive on I 81 & I 66 with the final 30 miles on I 495 (the outer loop) which was the usual stop & go at all the entrances. I'd do better getting in the left lanes, but with the trailer I worry about getting back to the right lane for my exit. Of course at least once the right lane becomes an exit so I still need to change lanes. I really hate big city traffic. It started a light rain as I arrived at Cherry Hill. Not heavy enough to put off setting up the outside stuff with the trailer.

I arrived at Cherry Hill around 3:00. I'm in site 121, a back in full hookup site next door to one of the bathrooms & the entrance to the tent sites. The site is on fine gravel, has a picnic table & fire pit, and goes for $105.00 per night. I'm here for 3 nights. Like most of the sites in the campground, there is traffic noise from the interstates. 

Site 121

After setting up I checked the internet speeds: AT&T 10.62Mbps down & 8.46Mbps up, Verizon 52.33Mbps down & 0.77Mbps up, and the campground WiFi (Tengo Net) 251.58 down & 158.69Mbps up. The problem with Tengo Net is it comes & goes so I stuck with my unlimited AT&T. 

After setting up I did some reading. Current book is Greg Bear's Eternity, the third book in the Eon series. I'm listening to P. D. James' The Black Tower. I'm inside the trailer since there is still light to medium rain. My definition of medium rain is when you can hear it on the roof.

Since Karin is working until 5:00 & I don't want to drive in the DC traffic after dark, I'll wait to visit until tomorrow.

Dinner was a P. F. Chang's General Chang's Chicken.

Until Tomorrow - 

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 19

Day 19, Thursday, November 5 - Day 19 -Stoney Creek Resort Campground, Greenville, VA  237.3 Miles for the Day, 1,105.6 Miles for the Trip

Anywhere from a mist to light rain overnight and the same for most of the trip. I arrived at Stony Creek around 2:30 & it was misting. Most of the drive was on I 77 & I 81. I'm in site 76, next to site 74 where I was last year. Site 76 is a bit more level but I still needed 3" side to side and a 2.5" lift on the tongue. At least this time I didn't need to unhook. The site is on a mix of gravel, grass & dirt, with a fire ring & picnic table. A medium walk to the bathroom which has one toilet, urinal, and shower. I didn't use the shower, but checking back to my last visit I rated it an A, although after looking at it today I must have been in a kind mood. 

Site 76

While they call the place a Resort, it is a long way from a place like Cherry Hill. Of course at half the price, some limitations can be expected. While I found the road to the site a bit rough & narrow, a 40' Class A towing a toad pulled in next to me so the roads are not as bad as I suggested. In any case, I remembered that the food was very good at the on site restaurant so I looked forward to a "Cooked by someone else" dinner. Unfortunately, the restaurant does not open until tomorrow. 

After setting up I sat in the trailer and read until dinner.

Dinner was a Marie Callender's Chicken Fried Rice Bowl.

Until Tomorrow - 

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 18

Day 18, Wednesday, November 4 - Day 18 - Lake Norman State Park, Statesville, NC, Day 10, 0 Miles for the Day, 868.3 Miles for the Trip

Thanks to all for their concern for my daughter.  She starts chemo next week.

54°F this morning and about the same during my morning walk. Even more of the campground has emptied. While about 1/2 the serviced sites are still filled, there are only a few tent campers and one Airstream in the dry sites. 

After breakfast I finished canceling the campgrounds for the remainder of my trip, and booked the trip home. I'll be leaving here with 3 days left so I can hit Cherry Hill and my daughter's house in Takoma Park on the weekend. Since she is still working, the weekend is the only time I would get to see her. After that a couple of stops on the way to Oswego. I checked the weather in Oswego, and almost wished I was there today. The predicted temperature is 75°F, warmer than it is here. While it will still be above freezing, rain is predicted for my homecoming.

Around lunch time I drove out of the campground to Troutman for gas. $3.39 per gallon. 

Back at the campground I sat outside in 66°F and cloudy weather and read. Since I'm leaving tomorrow I started packing up the stuff that I didn't need for the remainder of my stay at Lake Norman.

I sat outside for a bit but a very light rain, more like a mist started. So light that it was no problem sitting out, but when I noticed that the outline of my chair was showing on the asphalt I decided to move inside. Eventually, the mist on the leaves & branches over the trailer reached the point where drops fell. Around 4:00 it actually started to rain hard enough that you could hear it on the roof. It rained on & off until after dinner.

Dinner was a Delimex Char-Grilled Chicken Fajita Bowl.

Until Tomorrow - 

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 17

Day 17, Tuesday, November 3 - Day 17 - Lake Norman State Park, Statesville, NC, Day 9, 0 Miles for the Day, 868.3 Miles for the Trip

I hope those in the US voted.  I did before I left for the trip.

50F this morning and 52°F for my morning walk. All the cabins across from me are empty and unreserved. About 1/3rd of the dry sites are occupied and 2 empty sites with hookups.

It warmed up during the day reaching 72°F although most of the day was cloudy. I spent the day reading, both inside & outside. I finished Crota by Owl Goingback and started Shroud For A Nightingale by P. D. James. Quite a contrast.

Around 3:30 I headed for a shower. I again used the disabled shower in the men's bathroom (there is a single room M/F bathroom between the men's & woman's bathrooms but the floor was flooded so I didn't try it.) Too bad, because there was a hint of heat in the room. The men's bathroom was cold as usual. Still, a nice hot shower.

Back at the trailer I read for a bit more then started dinner. Dinner was a Tyson Foods Chicken with Asparagus & Cheese thing and a baked potato.

Until Tomorrow - 

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 16

Day 16, Monday, November 2 - Day 16 - Lake Norman State Park, Statesville, NC, Day 8, 0 Miles for the Day, 868.3 Miles for the Trip

55°F this morning and for my walk. The park is still half full with only 2 full hookup sites open. Two of the four cabins across from me are empty.

I read inside, finishing No Song For The Dead, and discovered that all of the other books in the series (other than ones I've read) are not available at any of my libraries. I placed a hold on a couple of them, then went to my Kindle library and started someone new. Crota by Owl Goingback.

I'll be cutting the trip to the Southeast short - my daughter has been diagnosed with cancer & I'm not comfortable wandering around trying to find a place for the trailer (and maybe towing in snow) if I need to get to Takoma Park. I spent the afternoon canceling my reservations for the rest of the trip & will head home on the 9th.

Dinner was an Amy's Enchilada Bowl.

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 15

Day 15, Sunday, November 1 - Day 15 - Lake Norman State Park, Statesville, NC, Day 7, 0 Miles for the Day, 868.3 Miles for the Trip

52°F this morning, a very light rain and 55°F for my morning walk. I usually skip or postpone my walk if it is raining, but this morning's was so light that you could still see the individual drop hits on the pavement so I decided to go anyway.

While Halloween has come & gone (with, as usual, no trick or treaters) I did take a photo of one of the trailers here in the campground that dresses for the night:

After breakfast I sat inside the trailer and read both on line and my Kindle. I finished #10 in the Department Q series, Locked In by Jussi Adler-Olsen and started #11, No Song For The Dead. These are books really meant to be read in order, which I'm not doing. Still interesting, but if I was starting the series new I'd start from the beginning.

It is still cool, at least compared to the temperatures over the last week. 58°F at 1:00, and cloudy. At least the rain has stopped. Lots of folks left today. All the cabins across from my site are empty although a few have reservation stickers on the post.

I talked with my son, the Guidos and my daughter Karin.

Dinner was an Amy's Chili Relleno Bowl.

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 14

 Day 14, Saturday, October 31 - Day 13 - Lake Norman State Park, Statesville, NC, Day 6, 0 Miles for the Day, 868.3 Miles for the Trip

Happy Halloween! 53°F this morning and about the same for my morning walk. It is definitely going to be cooler than yesterday; only 56°F at 11:00AM. I'm glad I took a shower yesterday evening. Even with yesterday's warm 77°F day it was still cool in the bathroom. The block walls hold the cold from the night, and running ceiling fans don't help. Rather than fight for drops of water coming out of the shower head in the small stalls, I used the disabled shower. Much larger with two benches, one well away from the shower. Two shower heads, one hand held. Both provided a fair amount of spray and plenty of hot water. By the way, the bathrooms are well kept up & clean. I'd rate the disabled shower a B+, the only thing missing is some heat in the room.

During my walk I noticed that while there are still many empty sites, almost all of them are reserved. I'm not sure why the many folks that had reservations starting yesterday haven't showed up, but there are more tenters than there were yesterday.

After breakfast I sat in the trailer and read. 

During the afternoon I took a short hike to Lake Norman, and took a couple of photos:

After that it was back to the trailer & some reading. I sat outside for a bit, then as it cooled down below 65°F (66°F was the high for the day) I moved inside.

Dinner was a chicken Bubba Burger.

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 13

Day 13, Friday, October 30 - Day 13 - Lake Norman State Park, Statesville, NC, Day 5, 0 Miles for the Day, 868.3 Miles for the Trip

52°F this morning when I got up & 60°F when I went for my walk. While there are many empty dry sites in the campground, most of the full hookup sites as well as most of the cabins are booked for at least the weekend.

I didn't do much other than sit outside & read. It reached 77°F with clear skies. I have some shade in parts of the campsite, so I spent the afternoon moving with it. I finished The Scarred Woman by Jussi Adler-Olsen and started another in the Department Q series, Locked In. I also finished McTiernan's The Murder Rule audio book and started The Specialists by Lawrence Block.

That was about it for the day.

Dinner was a Saffron Road Chicken Tikka Masala bowl.

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 12

Day 12, Thursday, October 29 - Day 12 - Lake Norman State Park, Statesville, NC, Day 4, 0 Miles for the Day, 868.3 Miles for the Trip

56°F this morning both when I got up & when I went for my walk. Before leaving for my walk I changed the sheets on the bed. While it is easier than it was with my previous trailer, an Escape 17, it is still a project. After that it was off for a loop around the campground. It was nice enough that I sat outside after my walk and listened to more of The Murder Rule by Dervla McTiernan, my current audio book.

After breakfast I did some internet reading, then packed up the old sheets and the rest of the laundry and headed to the Morresville Coin Laundry. It is listed as the closest to the park; 15 miles & 1/2 hour driving time. There is a Walmart 7 minutes from the laundry. The Morresville Coin Laundry is very clean, has an attendant, and bathrooms. $6.00 to wash in a 4 load front washer & a quarter per 6 minutes to dry. Comfortable chairs & plenty of folding tables and rolling baskets to get from the washers to the dryer and the folding tables. 

After that I headed to Walmart for a few things, then back to the campground in heavy traffic. After putting everything away I sat outside and read until 4:30, did my evening exercises, then made dinner.

Dinner was a Chef Ramsay Chicken Marsala Pasta bowl.

Until Tomorrow -

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 11

 Day 11, Wednesday, October 28 - Day 11 - Lake Norman State Park, Statesville, NC, Day 3, 0 Miles for the Day, 868.3 Miles for the Trip

51°F this morning both when I got up & when I went for my walk and a high of 72°F. 

After breakfast I did some on line reading, then sat outside reading on the Kindle. I finished Dan Padavona's The Bone Forest, and while there are at least 13 more in the series, I really need a change. I started The Scarred Woman by Jussi Adler-Olsen.

Around 2:00 I decided to make a trip to a grocery store. I checked my GPS and it showed a Publix 5.8 miles away. In this area "as the crow flies" distances mean little. The actual mileage to get there on a road is 18 miles & 30 minutes. There is a Food Lion that looks further away, but road wise it is only 11 miles & 22 minutes away. So, it was off to Food Lion in Troutman. I found everything I was looking for and a bit more. In fact, for the first time I came back to the trailer with more than would fit in the freezer. It was too tempting to find Tillamook Ice Cream. I had an early dinner of a P. F. Chang's Orange Chicken which made just enough room for the ice cream. 

After my early dinner I sat outside and read. While it never got cold enough to want to move inside, at 67°F around 6:00 I headed in.

Until Tomorrow -

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 10

 Day 10, Tuesday, October 27 - Day 10 - Lake Norman State Park, Statesville, NC, Day 2, 146.9 Miles for the Day, 868.3 Miles for the Trip

Only down to 50°F overnight with a high around 70°F, but still only 50°F when I did my morning walk. I did the loop around the campground that is a little over 1/2 mile. While there are 44 sites in the campground, only 10 have hookups; the rest are dry, some with paved driveways that are too steep for an RV. There are also 6 very nice cabins that have a full size platform as well as a pair of bunk platforms. There are mattresses in the platforms but I don't believe they have bathrooms; I didn't get inside one to check. They do have heat & AC.

A Cabin

A fairly relaxing day. I moved outside when the temperature hit 65°F and read. I finished Lee & Andrew Child's Chain Reaction and went back to the Dan Padavona Wolf Lake series. I'm on #10, The Bone Forest. 

Around 3:00 I headed to the bathroom for a shower, but there was a crew working on a drain backup. They said about 15 minutes but I gave them a little more time and headed back at 3:30. 

A shower report: 3 stalls in the men's bathroom, one disabled. There is also a separate full bathroom. I used the one closest to the toilets in the men's bathroom. A very small dressing area (18" deep) with a bench & 1 double hook. The shower head aimed directly at the drying area although there was a shower curtain between them. I still expected the entire dressing area floor to get wet. Nope! Seems this is the most anemic water flow I've ever encountered. While there is a 3" shower head, only the bottom third spits out a weak dribble of water. It does get hot, but there isn't any spray, just a little water coming out of the bottom of the shower head. I managed to wash & rinse, but it wasn't much fun. At least the dressing area floor stayed dry. Since I'm here for 2 weeks, I hope either of the other showers is better. This one gets a D.

Dinner was a Boston Market Chicken Pot Pie.

Until Tomorrow -

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 9

Day 9, Monday, October 26 - Lake Norman State Park, Statesville, NC , 146.9 Miles for the Day, 868.3 Miles for the Trip

39°F this morning.

I said good bye to the Guidos, and left Hungry Mother around 11:00. Most of the drive was on I 81 & I 77, although I got bored with I 77 and did part of the drive on NC 21 which runs parallel to I 77. I arrived at the park a little after 1:00, checked in at the office, and headed to my site. I'm in site 41, a full hookup site on asphalt with a gravel picnic area that has a fire ring, picnic table & hanging pole. Shade towards the back of the site & what looks to be nice morning sun at the front. I'm here for t weeks at $39.00 per night (including an $84.00 senior discount). The bathhouse is a short walk away.

Site 41

After setting up I checked the internet speeds - Verizon at 74.5Mbps down & 1.68Mbps up, AT&T nothing, and Starlink at 41.98 down & 11.61 up.

I did some reading sitting out in the sun. It hit 70°F this afternoon, and by 4:30 down to 67°F. 

Dinner was a pair of El Monterey Chicken Enchiladas.

Until Tomorrow -

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 8

Day 8, Sunday, October 25 - Burson Campground, Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, VA, Day 5 , 0 Miles for the Day, 721.4 Miles for the Trip

39°F this morning and 40°F for my morning walk. While a few left this morning, many are staying until tomorrow or later. 

While I started Dan Padavona's Gone, I just received notice that a book I've had on hold for a long time at Libby came in. So, for awhile, Gone is gone & I'll be starting Lee & Andrew Child's Chain Reaction, a Reacher book. As far as I'm concerned, it is still too cold to sit outside & read at 54°F at 2:00, so I'm sitting in the trailer. 

The Guidos drove The Back of the Dragon, a 32 mile stretch of VA 16 (the road Burson Campground is on) that climbs a couple thousand feet and has over 400 curves. The motorcyclists love it but not me. I'm OK if I'm driving, but as a passenger on that kind of road I turn green. I'm not sure the truck is the best vehicle for the trip.

I checked and everything I find on the internet tells me my site at Lake Norman State Park (Monday's stop) is a full hookup site. My notes say bring water, it is electric only. I hope my notes are wrong. 

I spent the rest of the afternoon reading & saying good bye to folks as they left.

Dinner was Bubba burgers & tortellini salad.

Until Tomorrow -

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 7

Day 7, Saturday, October 24 - Burson Campground, Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, VA, Day 4, 0 Miles for the Day, 721.4 Miles for the Trip

A bit warmer at 44°F this morning. I stopped across the way for coffee, donuts & chat with folks attending the rally. 

Coffee & Donuts, Day 2

After coffee I headed back to the trailer. It is still only 46°F outside so there are not too many sitting around. Once it warms up I'll make a round of the park with the camera.

I took a walk around the campground during the early afternoon, but it was still too cool for many folks to be sitting out. Some were probably putting together their contributions to the pot luck. In any case, lots of photos of trailers. I did drive out to the Creekside campground to take a couple photos of a Casita 24. I'll add a few here, but many more are available at today's LakeshoreImages page or the 2026 Hungry Mother Gathering.

We did a group photo (well I included a few of them just in case you blinked during it. There is a fill size .jpg of each, but be sure you have the bandwidth to download them - they are around 12MB each. Since some complained that I'm not in the photo, check my shadow.

After the group photo we had a pot luck. Great food and lots left over. Again, more photos at the rally page or today's LakeshoreImages page.

Dinner was the pot luck.

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 6

Day 6 - Burson Campground, Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, VA, Day 3, 0 Miles for the Day, 721.4 Miles for the Trip

34°F again this morning. They had coffee & donuts across the street, which was good because the Guido coffee pot died. When I checked the photo I took of the coffee gathering I found one of my back yard showing why I have problems with many kinds of outdoor plants:

My Deer Herd (at home)

Coffee & Donuts

After coffee it was time to start making pies. It looks like there are enough folks that 3 pies should cover. I didn't finish until around 3:00. 

At 3:00 I headed for a shower. They have a bunch (I think 4) individual showers with a couple of different shower heads. The one I picked had a 3" full volume shower head with adjustable temperature that slowly dropped over the length of my shower. Both the shower & drying room are large, there is a bench in the drying room and the shower is perpendicular to the drying area. 2 double hooks in the drying area and a shower curtain between, however most of the floor gets wet during a shower. Overall, a C+ at best. Guido would rate his (in a different room) a Z. No or little hot water. 

After getting dressed I headed to the Guido Clam to read for a bit. I'm up to book 8 in the Wolf Lake series by Dan Padavona.  I'm still hoping they will get better, but so far not a lot of improvement.  It was warm enough outside for a T shirt for much of the afternoon, but by 4:00 a light flannel shirt was necessary, and by dinner at 6:00 I wore my lined vest.

Dinner was spaghetti & turkey sausage made by Anne & left over ribs.

Until Tomorrow -

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 5

Day 5, Thursday, October 22 - Burson Campground, Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, VA, Day 2, 0 Miles for the Day, 721.4 Miles for the Trip

34°F this morning and 38°F when I went for my walk.

Around 10:00 Guido announced that it was warm enough to site in the clam and read. I checked, and my outside thermometer said 48°F - I stayed inside, rubbed the ribs & wrapped them in foil.

We made a trip to the store for pie materials & other shopping, then back to the trailers. At 2:30 I started the ribs. Ribs was one of the main reasons I bought a Napoleon Grill. It is about the same size as a Weber Q series grill, but has two burners (and weighs twice the Weber). 

When cooking ribs I can turn off the side the ribs are on & adjust the flame on the empty side to keep it between 275 - 350°F. 3 hours & a coating of barbecue sauce finishes them off. Other than reading while the ribs cooked that was about it for the day. By the way it did warm up to the mid 60's so it was a nice day to sit outside. As soon as the sun went down it quickly cooled. At 8:00PM is is 54°F.

Dinner was ribs, beets & a salad with fruit cocktail for anyone still hungry. 

Until Tomorrow -

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 4

Day 4, Wednesday, October 21 - Burson Campground, Hungry Mother State Park, Marion, VA - 239 Miles for the Day, 721.4 Miles for the Trip

38°F by morning, but in the 40's when we packed up. Getting out of Creekside is interesting. In one direction is a 10 ton bridge with no sides or rails and a tight turn through town. The other direction (the one recommended by the campground) is a sharp turn out of the site and up a steep hill on what is essentially a one way curved road. If a large vehicle is coming down, we have a problem! To our good fortune, no one was coming down the hill. 

Breakfast today was a microwaved egg sausage cheese thing on a brisket. I mentionded this because I forgot to mention Monday's breakfast which was at a shiny diner that served typical diner breakfasts near the entrance to I 81. Next time I'll try something else - the home fries & eggs were pretty bad.

The drive down I 81 didn't have any stop & go sections, but some slow downs and very heavy traffic. We stopped twice for gas, $4.199 at a Pilot that once again would not take my phone number. I thought I had solved the problem with a phone call to them, and I think it worked once, but it now insisted that there are more than one account linked to my phone number. I picked up a loyalty card and will try to get it to work. The second stop was at a Loves, which gave me the $.10 discount as usual - $3.899 per gallon.

A big surprise at the entrance to Burson Campground. They had a packet for the Guidos, but none for me. We drove to the park office and they did have both reservations, just forgot to make up a packet for me. I really don't mind - Hungry Mother has the most paperwork of any state park I've ever visited. A packet 1/2" thick.

I'm in site 37 & the Guidos in site 38. Both are water & electric on gravel with a picnic table, fire ring & hanging pole. I needed 1" side to side & a 2" drop on the tongue to level the trailer. We are here for 5 nights, leaving Monday. $46.28 per night.

Me in Site 37

The Guidos in Site 38

For dinner we decided to hit the Mexican restaurant, Mi Puerto. All three of us had shrimp Chimichanga.

By the time we got back to the park it was 7:00 and cooled down to 60°F so we called it a night and headed for the trailers.

Until Tomorrow -

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 3

Day 3, Tuesday, October 20th, Creekside Campground, Edinburg, VA - 190.6 Miles for the Day, 482.4 Miles for the Trip

Down to 41.3°F by morning, with a high of 73°F, and 72.6°F when we arrived at Creekside. We stopped for gas at the Loves in Jonestown, the next stop on I 81. $4.18.9 per gallon with a $.10 discount using my phone number. A couple of slowdowns & one stop & go for a truck accident on I 81. 

W arrived at Creekside around 3:00. I'm in site 30 and the Guidos are in 29. Both are water & electric sites on grass with little definition of where the site starts & stops. I think I'm on 30, but the utilities are on the wrong side. I still managed to hook up although I needed a 2" rise on the driver's side & a 3/4" lift on the tongue. Managed to stay hooked up to the truck. A picnic table & fire pit and a small creek behind the trailer. $42.12 with tax for the night.

Me Almost in 30

The Guidos in Site 29

After setting up we sat outside by the creek & read. Guido & Anne kept moving to find the shade (neither can be in the sun) and I kept looking for sunshine. It finally reached the point where the only sun was in the road so I put on my vest. It was still 65°F but with enough wind to feel cold.

We did eat outside on a picnic table. Anne made a honey chicken over rice dish that was good, along with a salad.

Until Tomorrow -

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 2

Day 2, Monday, October 19th, Twin Grove RV Resort & Cottages, Pine Grove, PA- 160.2 Miles for the Day, 291.8 Miles for the Trip

38°F this morning in Binghamton. I set the furnace at 61°F and the batteries by morning were down to 91%, using around 29 amp hours.

We hit the road around 11:30, arriving at Twin Grove about 3:00. One stop & go section on I 81 in PA, which seems to be the usual. The Guidos are in site 8 & I'm in site 10. Full hook up on a mix of gravel & grass. I didn't need to unhook - level side to side & needed to raise the tongue 3". While there is a rather unlevel picnic table, at $72.50 for the night I think it getting to be a bit excessive. There are two family bathrooms across from our site, neither has showers or heat.

Me in Site 10

The Guidos in Site 8

I did a speed test on AT&T at the campground: 58.91Mbps down & 33.25Mbps up. 

We sat around in the comfortable 67°F for the rest of the afternoon. We usually eat between 5:00 & 6:00, and today is was towards the 5:00 hour. It is cooling off fast, 57°F by 6:00. We decided (well, mostly Anne) to eat inside the trailer. Since I have the largest table, we ate in the Escape. Have to admit, my fingers were getting cold sitting outside reading. Current book is #5 (I Know Your Name) in a 25 book series by Dan Padavona. Not the greatest writer in the world, but his novels take place in the upstate NY area so lots of places near where I live. I will do as many as I can take.

Dinner was out traditional first night Brats & Beans.

Until Tomorrow -

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 1

 Day 1, The Guidos, Binghamton, NY - 131.6 Miles for the Day, 131.6 Miles for the Trip

Well I didn't manage to do a post this morning, but now at I'm at the Guidos, so here are the day's results. I finished packing the trailer & hit the road around 12:00. The truck was at 105,947.5 miles and the trailer at 75,748.9. Stopped at the nearest CAT scale & weighed the trailer: 4980 total weight and a little over 500 pounds on the tongue.

I arrived at the Guidos around 3:00 and started this update.

The Trailer at the Guidos

Dinner was pizza slices & a salad at Grande's Pizza.

Until Tomorrow -

2026-27 Trip to the Southeast, Day 000 (Getting Ready)

October 5:

Another Fall, another get ready for escaping the Oswego winter. Last year I went to Arizona and had the best weather I've had there over the last 8 years. Still, I have started doing Arizona one winter and northern Florida the other. So, it is Georgia/Florida/Alabama this year. I have already made reservations since I like to stay in state parks, Corps of Engineers parks, etc, and while they (at least in the panhandle area) are likely to have available sites during the week, weekends are often completely booked. I plan to attend three rallies during the winter, the Hungry Mother rally in Virginia in October, the Florida Egg Rally & S'More in January, and the Green Eggs & Ham rally in March.

The trailer is ready with repacked wheel bearings, checked brakes, inspected for $9.00 and registered for next year for $62.00. No major work on the trailer other than the usual Spring wash & wax. The truck is also ready at 105,000 miles with an oil change & a new set of rear brakes.

Lots of doctor check ups over the next two weeks to be sure I'm also ready to go. 

October 15:

I made it through all the doctor appointments with no one telling me I had to stay in Oswego, so I printed my 4 page check list and started moving things into the trailer. I have almost finished everything but the day-of-leaving stuff. I checked and filled the truck & trailer tires since the cooler temperatures dropped the pressure a few pounds. 

I spent some of the morning mowing the leaves since rain is predicted over the next couple of days. Even snow is a possibility on Friday night. The maples have just about finished dropping their leaves, but the large oak in the back yard is still green. I cut back the asparagus & the butterfly bush, pulled the tomato plants and planted the garlic for next year.

The Oak Tree

The Maple Trees

I'll try to update this on Sunday before I leave.

Until Next Time -

2026 Trip to Algonac & Niagara Escape Rallies, Day 14

We got a late start out of the campground, which was a good idea because there was a bike race that closed the parkway. By the time we said our goodbyes and packed up the trailers, the race was over.

An easy crossing back into the US where I separated from the Guidos. I crossed to Rt 104 at I390 in Rochester and had a quiet trip home. I unpacked only those things that I'll need over the next 3 weeks since the plan is to leave October 19 for the Hungry Mother rally, then on to the south for the winter.

Dinner was a Amy's Chile Relleno Bowl.

Until The Next Trip - 

2026 Trip to Algonac & Niagara Escape Rallies, Day 13

Another cool night but again the predicted rain held off, both for the pot luck dinner last night and overnight. While cool, cloudy & windy today, no rain.

We watched 3/4 of the trailers leave throughout the day, but otherwise sat around reading. During the afternoon we put away what could be put away, preparing for leaving tomorrow morning.

Dinner was lasagna provided by a friend of Lorraine, left over pork loin, and blueberry pie. Lots of fruit & vegetables.

Until Tomorrow - 

2026 Trip to Algonac & Niagara Escape Rallies, Day 12

Cool enough that the electric heater came on a couple of times throughout the night & cool enough that I didn't have a problem with leg cramps.

I checked the Scamp I left the 10 amp charger on overnight & it showed a full battery. Replaced the 20 amp fuse and it didn't blow. I don't know if it is the original wiring, but it looks like #12 wire with a 20 amp fuse near the battery. The converter is rated at 35 amps. If the battery is low the converter is going to put out more than the 20 amp fuse. I'd increase the wire size & fuse to at least 40 amps.

After that I went for a walk, and made breakfast. After breakfast I dropped off some stuff for the free tarp, ended up throwing away the window & the pillow covers. I took a few photos of the trailer tours, did some reading, and set up for the pot luck.

There are a couple of panoramas of the pot luck on the 2026 Niagara Wine Rally page.

Dinner was the pot luck. Great food as usual, but a smaller crowd - I made 3 pies and had 3/4 of one left over, a first for a rally.

Until Tomorrow - 

2026 Trip to Algonac & Niagara Escape Rallies, Day 11

A little cooler overnight and comfortable sleeping if I wasn't having leg cramps. In any case, after my morning walk & breakfast I started making three blueberry pies. Blueberries from my garden. A little less than average year but I managed to pick 6 pies worth of berries.

By 3:00 all three pies were out of the oven.

I did some troubleshooting on a Scamp and decided that there is something wrong with the wiring between the battery & the trailer. Either that or the battery is so far down that the converter is putting out more than the 20 amp battery fuse can carry. I fired up my portable 10 amp battery charger & we will try again after the battery is full.

After that I made a round of the campground with the camera.   More photos at today's page at LakeshoreImasges

Dinner was a grilled pork loin, Bush beans & applesauce. 

Until Tomorrow - 

2026 Trip to Algonac & Niagara Escape Rallies, Day 10

Another warm night, but the rain held off. During my walk this morning I didn't see the cormorants in their usual tree, but I was told they are still in the trees along the river.

After breakfast I read some pages & tried to do some fixes on the Tempest weather station since the temperature is two different pages are different. So far, no luck finding out why. I may need to contact their technical support. They are not really designed to be moved from place to place which may be causing the problems.

Did some reading. I finished the Dorothy L. Sayers series although there are many more available as books or audio books on my Libby app. I read Cargo, Mark Dawson's latest, and started Arvind Ethan David's The Great Game last night.

It is cooling off down to 70°F at 5:00 this afternoon and predictions on going down into the 50's overnight. I much prefer cooler sleeping temperatures.

Lots of arrivals, including a Casita whose folks didn't know there was a rally going on. Five Big Foots, two of which are 5th wheels, and a bunch of Escape 19's, 21's and 5th wheels, and, of course, the Guido's Scamp.

It was a damp but not rainy afternoon.

Dinner was Chicken Bubba Burgers for Guido & me, and a Beef Bubba Burger for Anne, string beans, left over Bush beans, and applesauce.

Until Tomorrow - 

2026 Trip to Algonac & Niagara Escape Rallies, Day 9

Another night that was too warm for comfortable sleeping, but not hot enough to turn on the AC. 72°F in the trailer.

After breakfast I packed up, unhooked the utilities, and followed the Guidos out of the campground. Most of the trip was on the 401 & 403, finishing on the QEW. We arrived at the campground around 1:45 & checked in. I'm in site 42 & the Guidos are in 41. Both sites are full hook up on grass with a fire ring & picnic table. Mine was level side to side & needed a 3" drop on the tongue. Five nights at $61.80 US per night.

Me in Site 42

The Guidos (And Alf) in Site 41

After setting up I trimmed my beard & headed for a shower. Large drying area an shower with plenty of hot water if you wait long enough for it. No hooks or bench - there is a plastic chair in the drying area for everything. Very low flow on the water but a course spray. Overall the best I could give it was a C.

I played around with my Tempest weather station and finally got it up & working. If you want to see the weather at my location (and if I have the station on the roof & have Verizon cell coverage) try linking to https://tempestwx.com/station/232531.

After that we sat around and talked with the host for the rally, and ate grapes.

We are heading to Betty's for dinner. I had grilled Halibut.

Us

Until Tomorrow - 

2026 Trip to Algonac & Niagara Escape Rallies, Day 8

Cold enough last night that the electric heater ran a couple of times to keep the trailer at 67°F, but not as cold as last night.

After breakfast I packed up the trailer, shut down the Starlink Mini, and unhooked from the utilities. I didn't drain my tanks even though it was a full hook up site because neither tank was more than 1/2 full. No sewer at Dalewood, but I'll have a full hook up site at Riverside.

We arrived around 1:30 with most of the trip on the 401. I'm in site 71 & the Guidos in 70. Theirs is level both ways, mine is level side to side, but needed a 7" drop on the tongue. The sites are water & 30 amp electric on grass/dirt with a picnic table & fire ring. A bathroom without showers a short walk behind the trailers and a shower building next to the pool that has push button showers. $56.20 US for the night.

Me in Site 71

The Guidos in Site 70

I took a short walk to make up for skipping my usual morning walk, then started on today's page.

After that we sat out under the Guido awning & read. The bugs were pretty bad. Guido put on bug juice, but I hate the stuff and stuck it out with lots of slapping. 

Dinner was a chicken, mushroom & linguine meal that Anne put together that was excellent. While I usually call it a night when I go into the trailer for my 7:00 eye drops, as soon as we finished dinner the bugs chased me in a bit early.

Until Tomorrow - 

2026 Trip to Algonac & Niagara Escape Rallies, Day 7

I guess I complained too loud about it being too warm overnight. Last night it went down to 51°F outside, and at 4:00AM was 59°F in the trailer. While I was warm enough under my blanket, too cold for my eye drops. So, I got out my electric heater & fired it up. 67°F by 7:00.

After my morning walk & breakfast I sat inside the trailer; still a bit cool to sit outside. Around 1:00 I ventured out and sat in the sun. It never got above 65°F during the day, and enough breeze to make the shade uncomfortable, even in my long cargo pants & a long sleeve shirt.

Didn't do much during the rest of the day but sit & read. I'm on the 4th Dorothy L. Sayers British mysteries in a series packaged by Amazon. I've enjoyed them and will probably read some more of her books although I'll probably borrow the library versions at the NYPL.

Dinner was cheese brats, pirogies & grilles summer squash.

2026 Trip to Algonac & Niagara Escape Rallies, Day 6

A little too warm overnight at 72°F, I almost fired up the AC since it was 76°F in the trailer. 

Lots of folks headed out today, but as fast as they left new arrivals (but not fiberglass) took their places. Lots of boats on the river.

For us it was another day sitting around reading. A few folks stopped by to say good by. We made a run to Krogers for fruit & vegetables, including some very old corn on the cob for dinner. Of course we didn't find out until dinner.

Dinner was Chicken Bubba Burgers, corn on the cob & ice cream cones for dessert. It started to rain just as we finished eating.

2026 Trip to Algonac & Niagara Escape Rallies, Day 5

A little warmer overnight at 60°F but comfortable with just the Maxx fan running.

Around 9:30 I drove over to the swap & sell site and put out my stuff. Lots of the free stuff went (except the kitchen window) but I still can't sell the Easy Touch thermostat. I am only asking for $40.00 for a $250.00 unit. It is used, but worked when I replaced my Dometic AC with the Houghton.

I also made a round of the campground with the camera taking lots of photos. All are on my Algonac Egg Glassic Scramble page, but I'll stick a few here.

There was a hot dog lunch & trailer tours during the afternoon. They also did rock painting. I found the paints, but not the rocks or artists.

Back at the trailer I spent more time reading. I'm currently reading a package of Dorothy L. Sayer's mystery books written in the 1930's. 

Dinner was a shrimp & pasta dish put together by Anne.

Until Tomorrow - 

2026 Trip to Algonac & Niagara Escape Rallies, Day 4

Nice sleeping weather last night, going down to the mid 50's. 

This is the GMC Motorhome rally as well as our fiberglass trailer rally. There are now 14 of them in the park.

After my walk, breakfast, and reading my usual forums & journals, I headed over to the Guido's trailer to sit and read. That took up most of the morning & early afternoon. Around 2:30 I fired up the grill and started the ribs. While the Napoleon grill has 2 burners, it is still difficult to keep it at 350°F using one burner & the ribs on the empty side. Full on is way to much heat, but turned all the way down isn't enough. I sat with it and turned it up & down to keep the correct temperature. Three hours later they were declared done & we had dinner.

Dinner was ribs, Bush beans, a salad & applesauce.

After dinner I headed to the one bath house in the park (for 200 sites). Two disabled showers & 3 standard. I used a standard shower. Good sized changing area with a bench & two hooks. The shower is perpendicular to the changing room with a narrow wall that keeps about half the drying area floor dry. A 2" fine spray adjustable temperature shower head. About that adjustable - it only goes from cold to lukewarm. A little warmer water & I'd give it a B, but if there isn't anything I dislike more it is cool showers. I have to give it a C.

Until Tomorrow -

2026 Trip to Algonac & Niagara Escape Rallies, Day 3

Another warm night with the outside temperature only going down to 73°F and 74°F in the trailer.

During my morning walk I saw a number (10) GMC Motorhomes. Built between 1973 & 1978, these were General Motors attempt at entering the motorhome business. They sold 12,921 over the lifespan of the vehicle & there are many clubs & groups that keep them going today. For more information, check out their Wikipedia page.

A GMC Motorhome

We spent much of the day sitting around reading. We did take a break to head to the VC Grocery store about 3 miles north of the campground. I went for a bag of oranges and came back with two full grocery bags.

One of the nice things about camping at the Algonac State Park is watching the boats on the St Clair River.

After dinner I rubbed the ribs that we will be grilling for tomorrow. Dinner tonight was a shrimp & kielbasa dish put together by Anne.

Until Tomorrow -

2026 Trip to Algonac & Niagara Escape Rallies, Day 2

 Day 2, Algonac State Park, Algonac, MI - 212.8 Miles, 412.8 Miles for the Trip

Well it rained much of the night and all day, not stopping until we arrived at Algonac. Sometimes heavy enough to require the wipers at double speed, but most of the time they just needed to clear road spray. At least we didn't have to set up the trailers in the rain. We arrived around 4:30, and even though the sites were paid for, we had to purchase a Michigan Parks Pass. Good for a year, but this is the only time I visit a MI park.

I'm in site 38 and the Guidos are in site 40. Both are on a mix of dirt, grass & gravel, with a picnic table & fire ring. $52.66 per night for full hookups plus $42.00 for the annual pass.

Blogger must have decided my current data connection is too slow to load photos using either AT&T or Verizon, so site photos will have to wait until tomorrow when I set up the Starlink Mini. I added the photos after I set up the Starlink Mini.  

Me in 38

The Guidos in 40

I didn't put my mat out since everything is still damp from the rain and it looks like the area the mat goes down was underwater during the rain. The park has lousy drainage; last time we were here one of the sites had enough water to float a bunch of rubber ducks. The good thing is the predicted rain for tomorrow evidently fell today and my weather app calls for no rain tomorrow. Then again, it just sent a warning to expect rain in 15 minutes.

We went to the Catch 22 restaurant for dinner. The Guidos treated me for my birthday. While we couldn't get strawberry shortcake (my favorite) we settled for strawberry cheesecake instead. I has their English style fish & chips.

Until Tomorrow -

2026 Trip to Algonac & Niagara Escape Rallies, Day 1

 Day 1, Long Beach Conservation Area, Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada 200 Miles, 200 Miles for the Trip

We are off on another trip to the Algonac Rally & the Niagara Wine Rally. It is at least a day shorter by driving across Canada to get to Michigan for the Algonac Rally with an overnight stop at the Long Beach Conservation Area campground (where we go for the Bolerama rally).

We added around 11 miles to the trip by stopping at the Fulton Walmart to pick up my new glasses, but less than last year where we made a long detour due to a bridge that was out of service.. Arrived at Long Beach around 4:00. I tried Verizon but no internet so i set up the Starlink Mini and after 10 minutes or so we were on line. 

I'm in site 171 & the Guidos are in 173 next door. The sites are back in on grass with water and 15 Amp Electric for $56.20 US each. 

Guidos in site 173

Me in site 171

We didn't have a lot of sitting around time before it was dinner time. 

Dinner was cheese brats & beans.

Until Tomorrow -