Thursday 27 March 2008
27/3/08
We arrived on Cocoa Beach but to our amazement could not find a campground, we did however find one further up the road at Canova beach, but again we were lucky, there was one spot left. I had looked up the landing track of the shuttle, and with luck we should have seen it. The problem was cloud, and they cancelled the first landing, so the next was 20.39 local, and it would be dark. It also meant that the track was different, and it came in West to East instead of South to North, we did hear the sonic boom though, and it was loud enough to shake the RV.
Wednesday 26 March 2008
Monday 24th
First thing we had to do is get a full lube done on the RV so drove to Jiffy Lube and sat around until they finished it at lunchtime, it was only 1000 miles late, but what the hell it is probably the last one we will have to have done.
The rest of Monday and Tuesday were spent travelling down the country, through South Carolina and Georgia, to end up in a state park in Florida. I remembered that St Augustine was a pretty little old town on the coast, and we decided that we would stay there.
Unfortunately we had forgotten that it is the spring break and the campground was full, but the ranger allowed us to dry camp on the car park along with another couple. We are only about 200 yards from the sea, and the waves have a nice lulling effect, even have WIFI from Island Joes Crab Shack.
Today (Wednesday 26th ) is the day the shuttle flies back in at about 19.15 local, and I hope to be able to see something from the Daytona area. So that is where we are heading later, and another plus is that it will be the first time in shorts for about six weeks, it was great last night to have the sun on ones back again.
First thing we had to do is get a full lube done on the RV so drove to Jiffy Lube and sat around until they finished it at lunchtime, it was only 1000 miles late, but what the hell it is probably the last one we will have to have done.
The rest of Monday and Tuesday were spent travelling down the country, through South Carolina and Georgia, to end up in a state park in Florida. I remembered that St Augustine was a pretty little old town on the coast, and we decided that we would stay there.
Unfortunately we had forgotten that it is the spring break and the campground was full, but the ranger allowed us to dry camp on the car park along with another couple. We are only about 200 yards from the sea, and the waves have a nice lulling effect, even have WIFI from Island Joes Crab Shack.
Today (Wednesday 26th ) is the day the shuttle flies back in at about 19.15 local, and I hope to be able to see something from the Daytona area. So that is where we are heading later, and another plus is that it will be the first time in shorts for about six weeks, it was great last night to have the sun on ones back again.
Monday 24 March 2008
24/03/08
Thursday 20th was not raining, but there was sheet ice on the roads and pavements, and although walking was difficult we went once more to see the falls. Then it was a late breakfast and taxi to catch the 12.35 Amtrak back to NY. That finally arrived back at Penn station almost an hour late, so we didn’t get back to the RV until 10 past midnight, hungry and dog tired.
Friday 21st we set off for Washington, but were a little late getting away to battle with the traffic, took a different route out, and although it cost us in tolls, it was not as much as going into NY, ended up doing 160 miles to a place called Abingdon in Maryland.
Saturday 22nd dawned bright but cold and we set off on the 70 miles to the National Military Cemetery of Arlington, parked up and got onto a tour bus. Very good tour of Washington, together with a running commentary of who, when, what and why around the city, museums and art galleries galore, and of course the seat of the American government. Then it was nostalgia, the graves of John Kennedy, memorials to lost shuttle crews, Audie Murphy and the tomb of the unknown soldier with its 24/7 guard, together with thousands of other military personnel and families, dating back to the civil war. Didn’t leave there until 16.30 and we still had a “big shop” to do to replenish supplies, picked a campground out of the books and went for it down the I95. After turning off the freeway, going to the campground, was a Wal-Mart where we could get everything we needed, ended up “boondocking” in the carpark.
Sunday 23rd (My birfday). Opened all the cards we had been carrying for the past four months, and stuck them on the wall. Set off down the highway heading for warmer climes and found them in Wilson, North Carolina. A nice little campground, no noise, apart from the braying of the donkey, a fire ring and plenty of wood. So this ancient one, had a lovely setting to eat the steak and birthday pudding in his daft hat from a cracker, even managed a few beers.
Friday 21st we set off for Washington, but were a little late getting away to battle with the traffic, took a different route out, and although it cost us in tolls, it was not as much as going into NY, ended up doing 160 miles to a place called Abingdon in Maryland.
Saturday 22nd dawned bright but cold and we set off on the 70 miles to the National Military Cemetery of Arlington, parked up and got onto a tour bus. Very good tour of Washington, together with a running commentary of who, when, what and why around the city, museums and art galleries galore, and of course the seat of the American government. Then it was nostalgia, the graves of John Kennedy, memorials to lost shuttle crews, Audie Murphy and the tomb of the unknown soldier with its 24/7 guard, together with thousands of other military personnel and families, dating back to the civil war. Didn’t leave there until 16.30 and we still had a “big shop” to do to replenish supplies, picked a campground out of the books and went for it down the I95. After turning off the freeway, going to the campground, was a Wal-Mart where we could get everything we needed, ended up “boondocking” in the carpark.
Sunday 23rd (My birfday). Opened all the cards we had been carrying for the past four months, and stuck them on the wall. Set off down the highway heading for warmer climes and found them in Wilson, North Carolina. A nice little campground, no noise, apart from the braying of the donkey, a fire ring and plenty of wood. So this ancient one, had a lovely setting to eat the steak and birthday pudding in his daft hat from a cracker, even managed a few beers.
Saturday 22 March 2008
22/03/08
I wasn’t going to spend precious time typing up a blog over the past week, so here goes on what has happened over that time period.
Bought a couple of “any bus, any train, anywhere tickets, for the princely sum of $25 each for one week, beats the hell out of $2 per trip. The subway is great, and I can almost understand what they are saying over the intercom.
Friday 14th caught the subway down town and did the obvious tourist bit, nearly fell over backwards gawking at the height of some of the buildings
Walked around “Ground Zero” in a very sombre mood. Nearly saw George DubbleYa, at the Hilton, pity I didn’t have his resume with me, that someone sent me via email, I could have passed it on via one of the 3–400 FBI and cops in attendance.
Saturday 15th
Caught the Staten Island Ferry and travelled the length of the island, don’t know why we bothered to do that, ‘cos when we got there, there was nothing to see. The amazing thing about the ferry is first it is free, and secondly, hundreds of people get on board and then seem to disappear. None of the decks were crowded at all, plenty of seats and space to walk around, they just appear again as the boat docks. You get a good view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island though.
Sunday 16th we went out to Coney Island, a few things were open and operating, Jane had to go on the Roller Coaster, and I got conned into going on the Wonder Wheel. Why conned? Well it was built in the 1920’s, and I kept looking at the structure on the way round, plus the fact that it was raining with a cold wind. Back on the subway to the city centre, got virtually lost in the Rockefeller Centre looking for the ice rink, not to participate, just watch, as some middle aged Charlie strutted his stuff, he looked a right “prat”, but I don’t suppose he cared.
Monday 17th was St Patricks day as you would all know, and cause for anyone in NY to become temporarily Irish. Green everywhere, pipe bands, brass bands and marching bands moving slowly up 5th Avenue alongside Central Park. There was a bitter wind but the sun did show its face for a while, unfortunately the size of the buildings stop much of it getting to street level. Even had my hair done especially for the occasion, someone else chickened out!!
Tuesday 18th
Up early on Tuesday, the desire to surprise and shock Sue, had taken us off our route, we should have come to NY via Buffalo and seen the falls first. So got the Amtrak to Niagara, “only” a nine hours journey right across New York State. Speed is not Amtraks forte, about 65-70 most of the time, but I doubt you could beat it for legroom, seat comfort and low sound levels.
Wednesday 19th
Shock and awe, it was raining, like stair rods drilling into the lying snow, and the cloud base was about 30ft. All this way to see nothing, you can imagine how we felt. However the cloud lifted later and although it did not stop raining, it slowed to a drizzle, and we were able to see the magnificence of nature with Canada on the other side. The nicest thing you could say about Niagara town itself, is that it was “closed”, definitely a seasonal place, and it ain’t right now.
Finally we would like to thank Andrew and Angela for there hospitality, n allowing us to use there drive to park the RV whilst we were in NY. What would we have done without them?
Maids of the Mist laid up, but look at the ice thickness bottom left.
Rockefeller ice rink.
Scenes from the parade.
Proof if it were needed.
Staten Island Ferry Port and a view from the ferry.
The record was last year, total eaten 66.
She is there somewhere.
I guess this one should be in Texas, 'cos it sure is big.
GW
This is what the planners reckon it will look like eventually, the two pools are the where the bases of the towers stood.
Bought a couple of “any bus, any train, anywhere tickets, for the princely sum of $25 each for one week, beats the hell out of $2 per trip. The subway is great, and I can almost understand what they are saying over the intercom.
Friday 14th caught the subway down town and did the obvious tourist bit, nearly fell over backwards gawking at the height of some of the buildings
Walked around “Ground Zero” in a very sombre mood. Nearly saw George DubbleYa, at the Hilton, pity I didn’t have his resume with me, that someone sent me via email, I could have passed it on via one of the 3–400 FBI and cops in attendance.
Saturday 15th
Caught the Staten Island Ferry and travelled the length of the island, don’t know why we bothered to do that, ‘cos when we got there, there was nothing to see. The amazing thing about the ferry is first it is free, and secondly, hundreds of people get on board and then seem to disappear. None of the decks were crowded at all, plenty of seats and space to walk around, they just appear again as the boat docks. You get a good view of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island though.
Sunday 16th we went out to Coney Island, a few things were open and operating, Jane had to go on the Roller Coaster, and I got conned into going on the Wonder Wheel. Why conned? Well it was built in the 1920’s, and I kept looking at the structure on the way round, plus the fact that it was raining with a cold wind. Back on the subway to the city centre, got virtually lost in the Rockefeller Centre looking for the ice rink, not to participate, just watch, as some middle aged Charlie strutted his stuff, he looked a right “prat”, but I don’t suppose he cared.
Monday 17th was St Patricks day as you would all know, and cause for anyone in NY to become temporarily Irish. Green everywhere, pipe bands, brass bands and marching bands moving slowly up 5th Avenue alongside Central Park. There was a bitter wind but the sun did show its face for a while, unfortunately the size of the buildings stop much of it getting to street level. Even had my hair done especially for the occasion, someone else chickened out!!
Tuesday 18th
Up early on Tuesday, the desire to surprise and shock Sue, had taken us off our route, we should have come to NY via Buffalo and seen the falls first. So got the Amtrak to Niagara, “only” a nine hours journey right across New York State. Speed is not Amtraks forte, about 65-70 most of the time, but I doubt you could beat it for legroom, seat comfort and low sound levels.
Wednesday 19th
Shock and awe, it was raining, like stair rods drilling into the lying snow, and the cloud base was about 30ft. All this way to see nothing, you can imagine how we felt. However the cloud lifted later and although it did not stop raining, it slowed to a drizzle, and we were able to see the magnificence of nature with Canada on the other side. The nicest thing you could say about Niagara town itself, is that it was “closed”, definitely a seasonal place, and it ain’t right now.
Finally we would like to thank Andrew and Angela for there hospitality, n allowing us to use there drive to park the RV whilst we were in NY. What would we have done without them?
Maids of the Mist laid up, but look at the ice thickness bottom left.
Rockefeller ice rink.
Scenes from the parade.
Proof if it were needed.
Staten Island Ferry Port and a view from the ferry.
The record was last year, total eaten 66.
She is there somewhere.Ground Zero "as is" today
I guess this one should be in Texas, 'cos it sure is big.
GW
This is what the planners reckon it will look like eventually, the two pools are the where the bases of the towers stood.
Friday 14 March 2008
13/03/08
A very good friend of Janes is visiting New York with her daughter, and Jane suggested that we might be able to go there and surprise them! So since leaving Nashville we have driven almost 1000 miles and have passed through Kentucky, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey to New York state in the past three days
New York is full of MAD, MAD, MAD drivers, I was in the correct lane and traffic was merging from the right, signs 500ft before had said this was happening, when this idiot scraped the door of his pride and joy on our right bumper, then bawled at us/me for not looking where I was going. The fact is that I couldn’t even see him, I am four foot in the air and his diminutive car was so low. Hard luck I would guess it will cost him $400 to have it fixed. Don’t argue with a Chevy front bumper, we don’t even have a scratch.
Before that incident it was even better, we had Googled a route to Andrew and Angelas house in Queens, and were following the instructions to go through the Lincoln Tunnel. When we pulled up at the toll booth, the lady asked if we had a stove, “Yes of course”, well you can’t go through here, you have to turn around and go via the George Washington bridge. Turn round!!!!, how? It was easy really, two NY coppers came over, stopped all five lanes of traffic on our outside, and sent us on our way.
Now we had another problem, we didn’t know where to go, so pulled into the last service area before NY proper. I have never seen so many trucks in one place before and it took a while just to park the RV, when we did though we had entertainment on tap. Number one was that four squad cars were surrounding a Range Rover, with the occupants “detained”, then the dogs arrived to sniff the RR, after that the cops virtually took it apart. It looked like a suspected drugs bust, but whether they found anything, we will never know, we left before they had finished. Number two was that we had decided to eat here and I went outside for a smoke, ended up chatting to the driver of the semi next door. I eventually made my excuses thinking that lunch (bacon & eggs etc.) would be ready as promised. On entering the RV, Jane was not there and there was no food. We had been having trouble with the bathroom door handle for some time, and she had managed to lock herself in just after I left the RV which meant she had been in there for about 20min.
We eventually stopped laughing and continued with the lunch.
New York is full of MAD, MAD, MAD drivers, I was in the correct lane and traffic was merging from the right, signs 500ft before had said this was happening, when this idiot scraped the door of his pride and joy on our right bumper, then bawled at us/me for not looking where I was going. The fact is that I couldn’t even see him, I am four foot in the air and his diminutive car was so low. Hard luck I would guess it will cost him $400 to have it fixed. Don’t argue with a Chevy front bumper, we don’t even have a scratch.
Before that incident it was even better, we had Googled a route to Andrew and Angelas house in Queens, and were following the instructions to go through the Lincoln Tunnel. When we pulled up at the toll booth, the lady asked if we had a stove, “Yes of course”, well you can’t go through here, you have to turn around and go via the George Washington bridge. Turn round!!!!, how? It was easy really, two NY coppers came over, stopped all five lanes of traffic on our outside, and sent us on our way.
Now we had another problem, we didn’t know where to go, so pulled into the last service area before NY proper. I have never seen so many trucks in one place before and it took a while just to park the RV, when we did though we had entertainment on tap. Number one was that four squad cars were surrounding a Range Rover, with the occupants “detained”, then the dogs arrived to sniff the RR, after that the cops virtually took it apart. It looked like a suspected drugs bust, but whether they found anything, we will never know, we left before they had finished. Number two was that we had decided to eat here and I went outside for a smoke, ended up chatting to the driver of the semi next door. I eventually made my excuses thinking that lunch (bacon & eggs etc.) would be ready as promised. On entering the RV, Jane was not there and there was no food. We had been having trouble with the bathroom door handle for some time, and she had managed to lock herself in just after I left the RV which meant she had been in there for about 20min.
We eventually stopped laughing and continued with the lunch.
Tuesday 11 March 2008
10/03/08
Drove the 240 miles to Nashville on Sunday without incident, but was tired afterwards, well we had lost an hour due to the American daylight saving making it a 25 hour day, and roads around Nashville are a nightmare.
On the Monday we managed to find the Country Music Hall of Fame then drove on to the Grand Old Opry for a tour of the theatre. Unfortunately there was no show on during our days here, but we did get the backstage tour. The weather is improving, and the temperature rising slightly, good job too, ‘cos we are heading North again.
On the Monday we managed to find the Country Music Hall of Fame then drove on to the Grand Old Opry for a tour of the theatre. Unfortunately there was no show on during our days here, but we did get the backstage tour. The weather is improving, and the temperature rising slightly, good job too, ‘cos we are heading North again.
Sunday 9 March 2008
08/03/08
Decent start and rolling along the I40 making good speed and time, when the traffic slowed and stopped. It was stop start then for the next 28 miles until we looked at the map and noticed that the US70 ran parallel and was flowing freely. It was hellish bumpy but did the job, and the reason for the delay, well a couple of semi’s were being put back on their wheels after sliding in the snow.
Now the real bit, Steve Wright has been lying to me for the past few years, when he says “Elvis is in the studio”, I have now been to Graceland and he is there in the garden. A bit like Tabby really, but his has a marked stone on it, nice house though.
Now the real bit, Steve Wright has been lying to me for the past few years, when he says “Elvis is in the studio”, I have now been to Graceland and he is there in the garden. A bit like Tabby really, but his has a marked stone on it, nice house though.
Saturday 8 March 2008
07/03/08
135 miles to Elvis, sorry Memphis, holed up at Little Rock Arkansas, complete with snow but there is a hot tub, and we are making super time. The scenery is very reminiscent of England with rolling hills, grass, woodlands and cows grazing peacefully. Ran into a snow fall 10 miles from the campground but not that heavy, according to the weather man it should be OK by 09.00 tomorrow which is way before our usual start time.We are only six hours out now, but daylight saving is due soon, when the UK springs forward an hour, what happens here I have no idea.
Chilling the Vodka, Arkansas style.
Friday 7 March 2008
06/03/08
When we woke up it was snowing very hard, and the forecast was for even more, so things looked very bleak, but the Interstate appeared to be running well.
We decided to delay for a while, did the dhobi, and had a warm soak in the hot tub to pass the time. When we came out of the tub, it had stopped snowing and the campground roads were clearing.
So at just before 11.00 we hit the road, it was the right decision, the roads were completely clear so we managed 290 miles today, and Cauliflower cheese for dinner, what more could I ask for (Jane said a rather large T Bone would do it).
We are East of Oklahoma City, just off I40 at junction 166, only a night stop and with luck we will be in Arkansas tomorrow. The nice thing is that the I40 replaced Route 66, and all along the way you see references to the old route.
We decided to delay for a while, did the dhobi, and had a warm soak in the hot tub to pass the time. When we came out of the tub, it had stopped snowing and the campground roads were clearing.
So at just before 11.00 we hit the road, it was the right decision, the roads were completely clear so we managed 290 miles today, and Cauliflower cheese for dinner, what more could I ask for (Jane said a rather large T Bone would do it).
We are East of Oklahoma City, just off I40 at junction 166, only a night stop and with luck we will be in Arkansas tomorrow. The nice thing is that the I40 replaced Route 66, and all along the way you see references to the old route.
Thursday 6 March 2008
05/03/08
By the time we got to Tucumcari the afternoon was quite early and I wasn’t driving anyway, so we sailed past heading for the Texas border, which isn’t a border really, just a sign reading “Welcome to Texas”.
An hour and one half later we are entering Amarillo and our chosen campground. Total drive today 298 miles. We are definitely on schedule for our Memphis stop if the snow forecast for tonight is not too thick, the trouble with this snow is that it is moving East, so are we.
An hour and one half later we are entering Amarillo and our chosen campground. Total drive today 298 miles. We are definitely on schedule for our Memphis stop if the snow forecast for tonight is not too thick, the trouble with this snow is that it is moving East, so are we.
Wednesday 5 March 2008
04/03/08
The quick run to Memphis has started well, left Cortez after calling in at Wally World at 11.00 and arrived at a Passport America campground in Albuquerque at 16.00 exactly, a distance of 277 miles according to Google.
For us that is brilliant and the furthest yet in one day. Most of the driving was on Interstate 40 and will be for the next 3-4 days, we did have two shift changes on the way though.
It is certainly warmer now we have moved South, not hot but warmer, however the weather men are predicting snow or sleet here so must move early tomorrow to beat the front. Next stop Tucumcari only about 175 miles East. No photos today, sorry Nicky.
For us that is brilliant and the furthest yet in one day. Most of the driving was on Interstate 40 and will be for the next 3-4 days, we did have two shift changes on the way though.
It is certainly warmer now we have moved South, not hot but warmer, however the weather men are predicting snow or sleet here so must move early tomorrow to beat the front. Next stop Tucumcari only about 175 miles East. No photos today, sorry Nicky.
Tuesday 4 March 2008
03/03/08
The morning in Montrose was bright and sunny, but investigation on the web showed that route we wished to take was blocked at Monarch Pass, so we decided to return to Durango via Red Mountain, the way we came.
Got to Ouray and the lady in the Information centre informed us that we needed chains or snow tyres to go over Red Mountain, so more investigation was needed. Finally decided to backtrack to Ridgeway and go over the Lizard Pass via Telluride, Rico and Delores back to Mancos where we were a week ago.
This is where we are now, preparing to travel further South and pick up the I40 for a quick (for us) run to Memphis TN.
The state of the roads proved what a complete waste of time it was cleaning the vehicles last Friday, but we do have a lot more photographs and memories we would not have had if we had come back over Red Mountain.
A cold wind but bright sunshine to eat a bowl of ice cream by a filthy bike.
This is the same cafe in Ouray where we sat drinking on Saturday, a slight difference!
Got to Ouray and the lady in the Information centre informed us that we needed chains or snow tyres to go over Red Mountain, so more investigation was needed. Finally decided to backtrack to Ridgeway and go over the Lizard Pass via Telluride, Rico and Delores back to Mancos where we were a week ago.
This is where we are now, preparing to travel further South and pick up the I40 for a quick (for us) run to Memphis TN.
The state of the roads proved what a complete waste of time it was cleaning the vehicles last Friday, but we do have a lot more photographs and memories we would not have had if we had come back over Red Mountain.
A cold wind but bright sunshine to eat a bowl of ice cream by a filthy bike.
This is the same cafe in Ouray where we sat drinking on Saturday, a slight difference!
Sunday 2 March 2008
02/03/08
The intention was to move on today, it is approximately 1200 miles to Memphis, our next major attraction, (Howie reckons it is more than that, he reckons it is about 1000, 200 miles at least!!!!) but the best laid plans of etc. can be scuppered by the weather.
We woke up to ½ inch of snow, and it is still falling, so have postponed the start for at least another day or until we know the Monarch pass is open to traffic. Had a look at the webcam there and at present it is showing a temp. of 20F and snowing, in fact a “white out” so driving through there is out of the question, looks like we are stuck...........
Note the icicles dripping from the front. The Christmas tree is nice though.
We woke up to ½ inch of snow, and it is still falling, so have postponed the start for at least another day or until we know the Monarch pass is open to traffic. Had a look at the webcam there and at present it is showing a temp. of 20F and snowing, in fact a “white out” so driving through there is out of the question, looks like we are stuck...........
Note the icicles dripping from the front. The Christmas tree is nice though.
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