Break in Fayetteville – Staunton – Pine Grove – Home

Saturday – March 11, 2023

We headed over to Denise and Dennis’ house today for a visit and dinner.  It’s always a fun, comfortable time with plenty of chatting and laughs, everyone is doing well.  No big plans over the next several days, just relaxing and visiting.  Today is Denise’s birthday and we’re in charge of dessert.  We stopped by The Sweet Palette and picked up some fancy cupcakes.

We’re keeping an eye on Storm Sage developing over the Northeast with lots of potential.  Our launch of the Texas Trip back in December was on the 22nd and we hit some bad weather from Storm Elliott on our way down to PA and VA, we don’t want a repeat of that.  We’re planning on departing for VA Tuesday morning for one night then, onto PA for one night then, home for, well, we don’t know how long!  

Sunday – March 12, 2023

We headed to D & D’s after Mass at St. Ann’s.  Continuing our visit, D & D treated all to dinner at the Olive Garden. 

Monday – March 13, 2023

We reviewed the most recent news regarding Storm Sage and we have decided to delay our departure two days to allow the storm to pass.  We have a window of opportunity where the temperatures will be slightly more agreeable and will allow us to postpone any winterizing of the trailer. 

Mag contacted all the campgrounds that will be impacted by our decision; Fayetteville, our current location, Staunton, VA and Pine Grove, PA and all are able to accommodate our adjustment and we’re very grateful!

We heading over to Denise & Dennis’ for dinner, Dennis is cooking steak tonight.  Mag has prepared a large salad for the table.  Additionally, Dennis served rice, green bean casserole and potato wedges.  Everything was delicious and, as usual, the visit was great!

When we arrived, Dennis and I took a ride to Harbor Freight, I was looking for some tools for the wheels/tires.  The tools will help me check the lug nuts to ensure they are tightened to the proper specification and also allow me to more easily remove them, if the need arise.  We are hopeful the tire issue is finally behind us.

Tuesday – March 14, 2023

We spent the morning and early afternoon cleaning up the trailer, checking lug nuts, tire pressure, fluid levels, and so on, preparing for our trip north, roughly 900 miles.  We are happy to report that all systems are ‘good to go’ and no issues with any tires.  Doubly grateful for that last one!!

We also took a walk around the campground before heading to Denise & Dennis’. 

Dinner at D & D – Chicken walk around camp

Wednesday – March 15, 2023

Quiet day, prepare for departure and final two legs north; Staunton, VA to Pine Grove, PA. then, Pine Grove, PA to home.  Mag is going to do the laundry, I’m going to get one of our propane tanks filled.  We also have a little grocery shopping to do. 

We have some food in the freezer for meals during these final legs; turkey soup, veggie lasagna.  I also made some veggie chili and hard boiled eggs for egg salad.  We also have the old stand-by, PB & J or Almond Butter and J.  Fridge is packed!

Thursday – March 16, 2023

We planned an early start today and left the campground around 9:30, heading to fuel up and pick up Jeanne.  The drive to Staunton is 300 miles up Route 95 then, at Richmond, west to Staunton on Route 64.  It was a good drive and we scheduled in the GPS  two stops to stretch our legs, have lunch or a snack and other stuff.  It was a good drive, no issues, and arrived at the campground around 3:00.  We quickly set up the trailer then dropped Jeanne off at the Hampton Inn just up the road.  We dinned on a salad Mag prepared, veggie lasagna, veggie chili and dessert included homemade cookies from Hampton Inn; they were still warm, almost.  Back at the campground, we took a walk around the campground, met a couple of folks, and some geese, then hit the sack. 

Friday – March 17, 2023

Same plan today on our trip to PA.  We headed up Route 81 from Staunton to Pine Grove, a straight shot, about 250 miles; nice short day.  The drive was good, without issue.  During the drive, we scoped out the Hampton Inn parking lot and decided we would drop Jeanne off first then, head to the campground, setup and return to the hotel later for dinner with Jeanne.  Rather than dine on our inventory, we elected to check out the Pine Grove Diner which was very close to the hotel.

It was St. Patrick’s day and I was expecting Corned Beef and Cabbage on the specials menu but, no meat items were offered among the specials; Friday?  In any event, the staff seemed overwhelmed by the sudden crowd or were short staffed when we initially arrived.  We weren’t in a rush so, no problem and, a third waitperson showed a little later.  A woman was pushing around a bussing cart, bussing tables but she wasn’t really dressed for the occasion.  Mag said something to her, I didn’t quite get but the woman replayed, “I’m just a truck driver helping out.”  We all thought that was pretty cool. 

Next morning, we’re up early for the final leg, Pine Grove to home!  Mag and I are excited about getting home but were also a little sad our Texas Trip is coming to an end.  The drive was uneventful, another 300 mile drive, we arrived about 4:30 PM.  It wasn’t too cold when we arrived but the temps are going down below freezing so we got the trailer plugged in, turned on the gas so we could keep the heat running.  The evening temps over the next several days will be at, or below, the freezing mark.  When we left Southwick back in December, we had to remove water on the trailer, then add nontoxic antifreeze to the lines.  Today, we had water on board so we need to keep all the lines and storage tanks heated.  Water damage to a RV can be catastrophic so we’re extra careful.

It’s nice to be home but we’re looking forward to our next journey/adventure.  Watch for our next post coming soon with a recap of the entire trip and what’s next!