At last! It was time to pick up our RV from Camptown RV in Clayton NC (they've recently moved to Benson NC) and to finally start living on the road as full-time RVers. We had "won" a temporary membership to Travel Resorts of America, and decided to take advantage of a free three-night stay at their beautiful Sycamore Lodge campground in Jackson Springs, NC. This turned out to be a great decision, as it enabled us to settle into our new home and start getting used to the way everything worked in an environment where we found LOTS of helpful people ready to assist and offer advice.
We haven't been RVers very long, but already we've sensed a community of experienced travelers who are willing to help one another out. Most people we've met are extraordinarily friendly. One kind gentleman even helped John "dump" for the first time, showing him how to hook up the hoses to flush out our black water and gray water tanks. We learned quickly that he needed tougher gloves than the flimsy disposable ones we had bought, and he thankfully avoided a surprise bath from the gray water tank! We were rapidly learning some very important lessons!
On the road from NC to OH, we decided to stop mid-route and try bivouac camping along the way. We found the book, The Next Exit, to be inordinately helpful en route, as this valuable resource informs drivers what amenities are available at each exit on America's Interstates, including what businesses (most frequently WalMart, Cracker Barrel, and some truck stops) that are willing to allow RVers to "camp out" overnight in their parking lots. Very helpful information indeed. We stayed in a parking lot behind a Cracker Barrel near Parkersburg, WV, checking with the manager to be certain that it was OK to do so. We showed our appreciation by enjoying both dinner and breakfast at their hospitable establishment.
Pulling a fifth-wheel camper for the first time was interesting, to say the least! Every bump in the road seemed to be magnified a hundred fold! Unfamiliar jerks, creaks, and tugs made us a little uneasy at times. Not to mention what a strange feeling it was to be pulling our very home down the road behind us! Would everything go all right? Would we have any problems along the way? We had prayed long and hard for this day, and we trusted the Lord's will to be done as we traveled along. And we thank Him for the safe, uneventful trip we had on the road to Ohio. The weather was fabulous, and again, we give God thanks and all the glory for His kind mercies.
Driving along the narrow roads in Marblehead, OH, we wondered more than a couple of times whether the electric wires hanging over the road were high enough for our RV to clear them. Once again, we're thankful that we had no problems. And once we pulled into the Surf Campground, we immediately saw owner Julie Walker walk our of the store/office to meet us. But this is fodder for the next post:)
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