Southbound 2022

I’m making a list and checking it twice!

Traveling in a camper makes it easy to pack. It’s a suitcase with cupboards and closets on wheels, and it doesn’t need to fit in the overhead compartment. I tend to over pack but take pride in having everything I need, when I need it. It’s a lot and I always welcome the challenge.

Did I say I had a list?

Since I will be gone a month and only camping solo one time I have removed some larger items from the van to free up some storage space. The pack and play screen porch (it’s amazing), and my beloved Blackstone grill (ALSO amazing), are out for now. I will miss them until they are put back on board in the Spring.

The van is stored in a beautiful heated storage facility about 3 miles from my house so packing up has been fairly painless. Yesterday I went over to set up a hotspot on my iphone to test with the SmartTV! It worked. I’m not sure why I didn’t do this before now.

The Electric system has been tested and is functional. There are two on board coach batteries now charged and will recharge via the solar panels on top of the van or by driving. The batteries can supply unlimited power time inside the van as long as it’s partly sunny, I’m driving or the generator is running to recharge. This is important if I want to have my coffee in the morning 😉.

Almost everything has been checked and we should be ready to roll on Wednesday. Last thing will be perishable grocery shopping to stock the fridge, and making a big batch of Congo Bars! I love my recipe. I got it from my friend Jeannie.

I didn’t plan too far ahead and soon found it nearly impossible to acquire any desirable camp sites (courtesy of the Snowbirds that booked things last year) so my trip will include 17 stops along the eastern coast of the US stopping to visit VRBO properties, long lost friends and lots of family. One cousin I have not seen in over 50 years!

See you soon cousins Suzie, Paula and Kim.

I used the Roadtrippers Ap to help me keep the trip organized. It’s pretty amazing giving me driving times from stop to stop, planning gas fill ups, mileage, points of interest and directions if needed. The plan is to drive no longer than 8 hours a day until I reach Florida which was easy with all the stops scheduled. My itinerary is planned down to the hour but still fairly flexible.

My 2021 PleasureWay OnTour 2.0 (a retirement gift to myself) is currently winterized so I will have no running water until I get to warmer weather, but I have everything else. For those of you that aren’t familiar with this van, it includes solar charging batteries, propane, convection stove, refrigerator, SmartTV, microwave, generator, bedding, bathroom and most importantly my coffee maker. That first cup of coffee while watching a sunrise is the best part of the day!

I know what you’re thinking. That’s not camping, it’s glamping right? Right, but it still takes a lot of work, sweat and knowledge to keep the awning up. I have learned more than I care to about HVAC, plumbing, hot water heaters, electricity, solar, the differences between convection and induction, black and gray water, dumping, pumping, filling, flushing and the use of a Canadian screwdriver. Not to mention the learning curve on getting to know the onboard computer system, the heart of the entire rig. It’s a lot, but when you set up and look around it feels good to say, “Yes! I did it”.

I always joke that if you let me visit I will bring my bedroom and the steak tips! Some of my very best camping experiences this past year have taken place in a driveway with spectacular views including lake and beach front, mountains and some great sunrises. I am blessed with some very loving friends and family. It doesn’t get better. Friends, family, cheese and crackers, wine and a view. There is a sign in the van that says “welcome to my vacation home!” Although sometimes it’s your vacation home and I’m just borrowing a parking space in paradise. Thank you!

I have attached a few photos highlighting some of my favorite spots from this past Summer and Fall. I love watching the sunrise so if you have a location to share please do.

I have a traveling buddy through NC and then will be driving solo to northern Florida where I have booked my only camping experience of the trip. Waterfront sunrises for 3 days, (I lucked out on this score). Watch for some great photos!

Next, on to my whirlwind visiting extravaganza. There will be many stops all the way down to my besties house in Cape Coral where I will sit back, eat, drink, laugh and relax (yay Alice and Paul)!

On my way back I stop to visit another cousin in Largo and then pickup my friend at Tampa Airport that has volunteered to take the trip home with me. So sweet! We will visit a good friend in Clearwater and then head north. I have booked a few VRBO properties along the way with lots of surprises. More great photos to come.

So that’s the plan and I’m sticking to it. It’s my first extended trip in the van. Up until now I have only done local weekend trips. I am lucky to have the White Mountains almost in my back yard!

I will expect the unexpected and hope for the best. Fingers crossed that all the stars align and the weather cooperates. The forecast for our day of departure is currently sunny and in the 50’s. Hopefully it is the same when we return with plenty of tulips showing themselves.

I created this travel log by request so you can follow if it interests you.

Let the games begin!

My next footprint will be 2/16 with a dinner and overnight in Sudbury MA then onto the Mass-pike in the morning , a VRBO overnight in Pennsylvania's Lancaster County, a visit with an old co-worker at their lake house in Henrico NC and a resting stop in Leland where I will drop off my co-pilot. Then onto my ocean front camping stop in northern Florida.

One of my favorite things about travel is taking pictures so stay tuned. Many of my stops have been selected because of the beautiful surroundings. 🤞

See you on the interstate!Read more