Oct. 17 to 28th - Tucson to Mexico

Friday – October 17th we left Silver City for Tucson. We decided to stay at Beaudry Park for the entire time until we left for Mexico as that is where we were to meet up with the rest of the caravan called the La Penita Express. Our spot was right by the pool with orange and lime trees all around us. Lots of palm trees also. It was beautiful. We had planned to meet with a rep from Beaudry on Monday but he showed up Saturday morning and we went out with him then to look at new units and the RV park facilities. We had no intention of buying anything although we had discussed the possibility for the future as we had a better idea of what we would like. Anyways, to make a long story short, we purchased a 31.5 Keystone Cougar 2009 that has 3 slides, a desk for the computer and a complete private bathroom, with our Okanagan as a tradein. At that time the dollar was just starting to drop. By Monday when we made the money transfer it had dropped to 86 cents. Ouch! I still think we did OK but it made for a very stressful week trying to get everything moved over, getting ready to leave for Mexico, arranging insurances, etc. I sure wouldn’t do it that way again. During all this time of stress we also had great meetings & potlucks with our new group of friends who were in our caravan and got to spend most of a day with some old friends from Green Valley, Bud and Jean, who had stayed in out suite in Summerland 3 years ago. They took us to a lovely restaurant for lunch and then ferried us around to Costco and other stores to return and/or pick up items needed for our trip the next day. We are so lucky to have such great friends. We plan on spending more time in the area next spring so we can spend more time with them and see more sights. All in all our week in Tucson was very eventful and I really don’t want to get into all the details for awhile.

We left Monday (Oct. 27th) morning around 10 as we were going only as far as Santa Ana and our leaders thought that would make going through the border less stressful. We were quite worried as we only had a 90 day temporary license on the trailer as ICBC wouldn't insure us unless we took the trailer back to BC within 10 days of purchase and that wasn’t going to happen. Beaudry arranged for us to register it in New Mexico so we wouldn’t have to pay Arizona taxes but they could only give us a 90 day license and so close to the time it runs out, we have to contact them and they will send us another 90 days by Fedex so that we have 6 months to get back to Canada. We weren’t sure the border would accept that and sure enough it didn’t look like it would at first but then for some reason they decided that was OK and we breezed through. Unfortunately, some others had a lot of hassle because their Visa/Mastercard name didn’t match exactly to their passport and that’s the only way you can now pay for your tourist visa. The fellow that was with us had Joe on one item and Joseph on the other. The only way they could get through was by paying $500 cash in US funds for something like a bond. They get this money back on their way home but it was kind of a bummer. Eventually it got sorted out and we got going again. Two of our group of 6 units were also searched briefly at the border but no problems. We have 4 groups of 6 units each travelling 20 minutes apart. We all have walkie talkies to communicate topes (speed bumps) and big rigs passing and of course when there is a toll and how much the first unit paid. Just prior to getting to our RV site the rig in front of us had something hanging down at the back wheel and I called them to let them know but since we thought it was just a strap, we carried on for quite a few miles to the next gas station. It was then it was discovered they had broken a spring. Fortunately, they had brought two with them and their was a mechanic on site so they had help right away. Nothing like being prepared.

Since we were the first group to leave we were the first at the campsite in Santa Ana. It looked like it would hold about 10 rigs and there was one there already but we all managed to squeeze in with barely room to walk between. Talk about being close. The couple that owned the park, Edgar and Anna, were really nice and we all had a drink or two together and then some of us went on to a taco place a couple of doors down to eat. The guys had to run next door to get beer that they put in heavy duty black plastic bags and then loaded ice over top of. They brought it back to the restaurant while we waited for our food. The restaurant guy ran out of beef and had to go buy some more mid meal. We had tacos and a humungous thing called a Burro (kingsize burrito) It was great and lots of fun. Terry had a few too many beers and fortunately for me he made my first drink pretty strong so I quit drinking after that one so I was the only one who felt good the next morning.

We were up at 7 the next morning and on the road by 8. We were headed for Guaymas and a park called Playa de Cortes. It was 38 C and extremely humid. I was dripping as soon as I got out of the car. Fortunately, there was a breeze and believe it or not 30 amp service so we could use our AC. Also a pool and beach looking across to San Carlos. Very pretty. We quickly set up and had a bite and I headed to the pool. The water was very cold but I soon got used to it and had a couple of swims. I thought I’d better get my butt in gear and get something up on the blog as I’ve gotten quite behind and have heard from a few people wondering what’s going on. So here it is.

Oct. 9 to 17 - Thurs to Fri

After Fort Stockton we carried on to the Mission RV Park in El Paso. We tried to stay at the Hueco Tanks State Park in Texas but it was closed for a couple of weeks so that's why we carried on to El Paso. We were disappointed as we wanted to stay at Hueco Tanks for a few days but it was not to be. We had stayed at the Mission park last year and weren’t that impressed so we only stayed one night.

Fortunately, we decided to carry on the next day, Friday, to Silver City NM and stay at the Rose Valley Ranch RV Park. We loved it and decided to stay a week. By this time, I had not been feeling up to par and so was looking forward to a quiet time. The next day we woke up to thunder storms - an outflow of Hurricane Norbert. There was a Fall Festival being held in a nearby town called Mimbres so we drove over there to savour the local ambiance. It was quite interesting with many booths set up with local crafts for sale. There were several food booths and also a free flu shot booth. When we inquired about getting flu shots, they said sure go ahead, they didn’t care that we were Canadians and so we got our flu shots for free. What a deal! We wandered around and listened to some local music and a woman telling tales about her great great grandparents settling in that area. It was really interesting. We then tried some Filipino food and some homemade pie from a couple of the booths. It was great. By then the weather was blowing in some pretty wicked looking clouds again so we went into the school where more of this event was held. Inside there was a health fair going on so we got our BP taken, our blood tested and several other tests done. Everything looked pretty good except we are both overweight, especially me. Must do something serious about that. It’s a wakeup call. We returned via winding mountain roads thru the Gila National Forest and went by the historic town of Pinos Altos - 125 Kms.

Sunday and Monday we just puttered around the campsite as I really didn’t feel very good. Terry got all our pictures up to date and fixed some items that needed fixing. I did some sewing and generally took things easy.

On Tuesday I was feeling a little better so we decided to drive to the City of Rocks, a very unusual sight to see. All these huge rocks poking out of the ground just like a city of high rises. We drove around the different rock formations amongst which are lovely campsites, tucked in interesting nooks and crannies. Very unusual. Terry wanted to hike further afield so I stayed at one of the campsites with the truck and just sat in the sun and knitted and read. It was so peaceful.

Wednesday was another bad day for me. I just feel so crappy with nausea and general weakness. Not a nice feeling.

Thursday being our last day, we wanted to get to the Gila Cliff Dwellings which this area is so famous for. There are 42 rooms built inside several natural caves that were used by the Mogollon peoples for only about 30 years from 1276 to approx. 1300. We packed our lunch and drove the two hours to get there. Beautiful scenery and quite a long windy road that takes you along ridges of mountains looking down both sides at the same time. We got there about 12:30 and decided to do the hike to the cliffs before lunch. It is only 1 mile long but I had some difficulty between not feeling too good and the high altitude of around 7500 ft. I think the altitude is part of my problem of not feeling well as I’ve had this problem before. I did make it though and as usual it was definitely worth the effort of getting there. When we got back we had a picnic lunch and then drove to the Visitor Centre. We got back home around 6 and had a BBQ dinner and I did some laundry.

The next morning we drove to Tucson and registered at the Beaudry RV Resort for the next 10 days until we leave for Mexico on Oct. 26th. What a beautiful place! We are parked about 20 ft from a pool and spa plus laundry and showers. On one side of our site we have a lime tree dripping in limes and on the other side we have an orange tree also loaded but not ripe yet. Can't wait to hit the pool. I definitely feel much better now.

Oct 3 - 8 - Fri to Wed

Saturday we decided to head for the River Walk and the marketplace. Found parking for $7.50 a day and started walking toward the Alamo and on the way discovered the beautiful San Antonio River Walk . This used to be an area of flooding and devastation and after a huge flood in 1921, the area was reconstructed to provide a 2 ½ mile tree lined river walk with restaurants, shops and waterfalls. There are water taxis and tour boats floating by every few minutes. It’s the place to be on a hot day. Shaded by trees and buildings with venders of all sorts, park benches everywhere for you to just sit and contemplate how good life is. All this just a short couple of blocks from the Alamo.

Which is where we wandered over to next. Originally named Mission San Antonio de Valero, it was home to missionaries and their Indian converts for almost 70 years. After being held by the Spanish, Rebels, Mexicans, there was eventually a final battle at the Alamo between some Texans and volunteers (approx 189) including Davey Crockett and Jim Bowie and nearly 4000 Mexicans under the Napolean wannabe General Santa Anna with devastating results for the Texans. It was a battle that lasted 13 days that continues to symbolize the heroic struggle of overwhelming odds. Thus the battle cry “Remember the Alamo”. Soon after this battle all the defenders died that day.

Fourty-six days later, General Sam Houston organized his men and attacked General Santa Anna and was victorious after only 18 minutes. Thus the Republic of Texas was born.

As we never made it to the market place, we decided to head for there on Sunday. It was so much like Mexcan markets that we didn’t buy anything as of course, we’ll have 5 months to shop at the real Mexican markets in a few short weeks. It was nice to see though.

That afternoon and the next day we just did some minor repairs and general cleaning chores done. Tomorrow we are headed for Del Rio. We’ve now completed a huge circle as we were here last February.

Arrived at Del Rio and I decided to go shopping at the same Wal Mart that we had gone to last winter with Butch and Shaunne. All the fall clothing are in now so I thought I'd pick up some summer bargains which I did. It was hot during the day and fortunately cooled off in the evening. Not like San Antonio. The scenery has changed drastically with the uglier parts of Texas being predominately what you see. Every so on there is a dramatic canyon where you can imagine the waters rushing through carving out the walls. Otherwise it is miles of low brush and no trees. Very dry but definitely greener than last February.

From Del Rio we decided to go to Fort Stockton for the night and set up, then drove around the townsite following road signs signifying a tour route. It brought us past the old Fort Stockton 1912 Pecos County Courthouse (very impressive building), the 1883 Jail, the Oldest House, and some of the original Fort, etc. ending with the world's largest Roadrunner (11' by 22' long). That was the most impressive.

Sept 26 - Oct. 3 , Fri - Fri

Drove to Memphis TN and on the way passed many fields of cotton, rice and soya beans. Terry even picked some cotton for me from one of the fields. It was a pleasant drive once we left the I 40. We’re also slowly getting used to people saying y’all and talkin’ funny.

We stayed at the Elvis Presley Blvd RV Park just 2 ½ blocks down from Graceland. Quite a dump especially the neighbourhood. We walked down to look at the outside of Graceland and the grounds that you could see from the street. I couldn’t imagine paying anything to go inside as it’s never been something we’ve wanted to see but you can’t go to Memphis without at least looking at it. As we were crossing the street to go to the wall, an old wreck of a car came out of the gates with a bunch of guys that looked like hoodlums. Generally, all the people we passed walking there were similar looking. There was though, a crazy striped black and white hummer limo full of teenage girls on a birthday party ride and the driver spoke to us for a few minutes and let me take a picture inside of the vehicle. It was kinda neat.

Saturday we drove to the Crater of Diamonds State Park near Murfreesboro Arkansas. We stayed there two nights as I wanted to try our luck looking for diamonds. It’s a neat park with a huge plowed field (37 1/2 acres) that you can sift through the dirt looking for diamonds (and actually keep) and other semi precious stones such as amethyst, garnets, jasper, agate and quartz. There were dozens of people all over the place, families and lots of serious diggers. You can either dry sift or they have covered sluicing sheds where they had bins of water where you could sluice your screens similar to panning for gold. You then take any findings into the office for identification. All I got was an agate which I kept. It was fun but very hot dirty work. I then did laundry and we went shopping nearby.

Monday we drove to Shallow Creek RV park near Gladewater, TX. Probably one of the best RV sites we had ever had. Only $16.50 with our PA discount too. Too bad we had decided to stay only one night. On the way there we passed acres and acres of camping type trailers that were parked in a compound for FEMA Emergency Housing near Hope, AK. We would have thought they would have been used in Galveston, Texas after hurricane Ike.

Tuesday

We decided that we did have time to go to San Antonio so started to head south. On the way there we just about got run off the road by a stupid old man in a very long motohome pulling another long trailer that said "Catastrophe Response Unit" passing us on a narrow two lane highway. We had a semi right in front of us and lots of traffic heading our way. This idiot passed us and then cut right in front of us and then took off again like a bat out of hell. We hoped that would be the last we saw of him. Crazy!

Because our rig and truck desperately needed washing and waxing we decided to stay at a State park as they aren’t very busy right now and they usually don’t worry about what people do there re washing vehicles. We went to Huntsville State Park about one hour north of Houston. It was gorgeous. We parked right by a small lake that supposedly had alligators in it. We only saw turtles and egrets which was just as well. As we were sitting outside the first night enjoying the sunset, Terry mentioned that the only thing needed now was an armadillo walking past and guess what? One did, but too late for a picture. We couldn’t believe our eyes. A short while later while I was looking for him with my camera, I heard a scuttling in the leaves and turned and damned if he wasn’t there again. I quickly turned the camera on and snapped a photo but at that time he decided to scuttle into the waters edge and I only caught the tail end of him. Blurred too.

Wednesday we slept late due to the absolute peace and quiet of the place. We then got to work and I washed the truck and Terry got to work on the RV. Whew, what a job! We took a break late afternoon and went and did a bit of shopping. When we got back we tidied up and then had a drink. While we were doing this a large motorhome pulled up and the driver started talking to the park ranger who just happened to be driving by. They talked for about an hour while neither of them turned off their motors. Made us wonder what the hell was going on. Eventually, the ranger left and the guy parked his unit right next to our spot. About an hour later, the jerk started his generator. Why, we couldn’t figure out as we had 30 amp power. I thought this was ridiculous so went over to ask what was his problem. He stated that he was having a medical emergency and that he had called “someone”. I asked if he had called an ambulance and he said no. I said well, if you need help we’re right next door. I still didn’t get what the reason was for the generator but figured it was for some medical equipment but wondered why he would head for a state park instead of a more populated area. A while later, when no one had come yet, Terry went over. It turned out it was the same yahoo that tried to run us off the road! While Terry was trying to talk to him a policeman showed up and took over. After much discussion, the cop called an ambulance and they arrived. The twit who was having heart problems would not go with them and after a couple of hours of discussion, etc. he unhooked his utilities and took off supposedly for a rest stop. The guy was a complete lou lou and I still can’t figure out why the cop would let him drive but they did. I sure was glad we weren't on the road that night. After that it was peace and quiet again.

The next day was hot and very still. Terry wanted to finished the trailer and get some wax on it. I did all the truck windows and then wanted to get some sewing done. I’m quilting a baby quilt for Shauna’s new baby and I made six doubled receiving blankets also. I’ve finished a sweater and am also busy knitting a baby bunting bag too. Lots of fun but sometimes find it’s hard to find the time. I want to get all this mailed prior to leaving the states.

Friday we are headed for San Antonio, TX. I had booked ahead for 3 nights and also made an appointment for the RV to get a safety check at Beaudry RV in Tucson for Oct. 22nd. We passed a lot of Texas size ranches and pretty countryside. Just after lunch we started to come across tents set up for antique sales. First one, then another and then holey cow! There were hundreds and then thousands! We drove on further and there were miles of them. It made Quartzite look like a small garage sale. We have never seen anything like it. It would take you a month everyday to see it all. This was all between Heritage and Warrenton TX on Hwy 237. It was really something to see. They had cow hides, Persian rugs, western wear, jugs, bedsteads, windows, china, cowbells, you name it. Everything! It took us about 20 minutes to drive past it all. Well, worth the holdup though.

We arrived at the Braunig Lake RV Resort around supper time and set up in 38 C weather. Hot and sticky. Thank God for airconditioning. Tomorrow we hit the Alamo.

Sept. 20 & 21 - Sat & Sun

Slept late and woke to 15C outside. Fall is definitely here. Stopped at Maryland Visitor’s Centre to get maps and info about the Skyline Drive through the Shenandoah National Park which follows the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains for 105 miles. Also learned about this pair of surveyors called Mason and Dixon who had surveyed this area and created the state division of the Mason/Dixon line which separated the south from the north and Maryland and Pennsylvania. Also the large stars on houses here that signify Acadian ancestry in Canada are merely decorations here. Something about Faith & Hope. The information person wasn’t clear about it.

Anyways, we then headed for Front Royal which is the start of the Skyline Drive. We stopped briefly in Harper’s Ferry to get our annual National Parks and Federal Recreation pass. Harper’s Ferry is a very historical place with the arrival of the first successful American railroad, John Brown’s attack on slavery, and one of the earliest integrated schools in the US. It is also the point where West Virginia, Maryland & Virginia meet. And the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers meet up here too.

The Skyline Drive is a leisurely drive (speed limit 45 mph) through beautiful wooded hills and the climb is quite dramatic with many lookouts to pull over for pictures, etc. We climbed to a height of 3368 ft and then down to a roadside stop for lunch which was 2410 ft. By then our brakes were smoking and very hot. Good timing for a stop. The temperature also dropped about 7 C degrees to 13. We decided that perhaps we would be better off on the freeway so took the next exit off the ridge. On the way down to the Shenandoah valley we had a young black bear run across the road in front of us. We couldn’t get over the trees shrouded in Virginia creeper. Rounding out all their sharp edges. It was surreal.

Through gentle hills countrywide with picturesque farms off in the distance, we made our way to a PA campsite just outside of Lexington, VA. We passed a huge area of nothing but horses and horse trailers just prior to turning into our campground. Seems they were having their largest equestrian event in their history. We felt we had stepped into the Ozarks. Just about everyone has that hillbilly type accent and so far not too knowledgeable about the rest of the country or of Canada. It’s definitely evident that we are heading south. Saw two more wild turkeys on the roadside and some small white tailed deer.

Sunday sees us going to a small town (big error - seems like it's a big place that has a humungous Nascar race track) on the Virginia/Tennessee border and we will be staying on the Tennessee side for one night (30 C when we arrived. Summer finally???) and then I’ve made reservations to stay 3 nights in Nashville. Looking forward to it.

Sept. 18 & 19 - Thurs & Fri

I picked our next destination of Gettysburg with stops on the way of Lancaster and Intercourse to see the Amish way of life. On the way we saw lots of fields of soya beans and fields of corn. We fell in love with the town called Intercourse and decided to get a place for two nights. The first place was full so we drove to another that they recommended called Country Haven Campground. Terry went in to register and came back saying it was quite expensive $87 for 2 nights but it was so beautiful and the scenery was fantastic so we decided it was worth it. That is until I had put a couple of loads of laundry in and then started to read their rules boldly typed in large fonts on red paper. There were so many don'ts and do nots that I was starting to get an uneasy feeling. Then when the lady brought over some quarters for washing and reprimanded us for the dogs barking when she came to the door, I really started to get uncomfortable. Then as I was starting the laundry, I noticed the male owner standing at the back of our unit listening for our dogs, I told Terry I didn’t think this place was going to work as we wanted to leave the dogs to do some sightseeing tomorrow. I could feel my temper rising quickly. Terry then went over to speak with them about our concerns and decided that it would be best that we don’t stay any longer than was necessary to pack up. Best decision we have ever made.

I was sorry to miss sightseeing the area but had such a bad taste in my mouth that we decided to continue on to Gettysburg. Of course, I had two loads of laundry to finish washing and load into the trailer wet. I decided that I would dry them at our next place. The campground owners were smart enough to give us a full refund.

So we left about 5 and arrived at Gettysburg Artillery Ridge Campground around 6:30. By the time we set up and I finished drying our laundry it was 9 and we still had to eat! I was so tired! Fortunately, we were greeted by three very nice ladies who couldn’t believe our horrific time at the other place. Another guy gave us some great suggestions on easy back in parking of the rig and then helped Terry park it in a tight spot. Spoke to Sara and the kids last night for almost an hour catching up news and Naythan telling me answers to multiplication problems and the capital cities of Canadian provinces. He was really showing off and I loved it. Katya was her usual sweet self.

Friday we woke late to large walnuts being dropped on our rig by more squirrels and lots of horses everywhere. Had a late breakfast and then walked around with the dogs to watch all the riders.

We then drove into Gettysburg and walked around the town centerand into some shops. Tons of history here. This poor town was definitely affected by the Civil war. We then drove to the National Military Park which was just down the road from our campground. Lots and lots of people. We watched a 20 minute film about the battle of Gettysburg and the significance of it and of Abe Lincolns Gettysburg Address. Very interesting and kind of put things into perspective. We couldn’t get over the amount of war memorabilia the museum had and the interest of all the people there. It was quite overwhelming. Very interesting though. After that we drove to fill up the truck and saw quite a bit of the battle fields. It covered a large area. Next we are headed to Lexington, VA via Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Sept. 16 & 17 - Tues & Wed

Tuesday started out with me giving the dogs a shower and then slowly packing up to head west. We drove through New York, New Jersey and into Pennsylvania. A very stressful drive on huge highways with much traffic, especially large 18 wheelers. It took 5 hours but we then arrived in the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside and stayed in a small town called Quakertown. We planned on staying for two days so that we can get organized once again. The first campground we went to was Tohickon Family Campground which didn’t have anyone around so then we went to our second choice called Quakerwoods and it was lovely. The weather was great.

It was catch up time again. Terry worked diligently all day on getting the rest of our Canada trip pictures and letter ready to send out. Success finally. It’s a big job. Hopefully doing this blog will make it a lot easier.

The many bushy tailed squirrels running around drove Sugar and Dickens crazy during the day and they woke us up both mornings dropping acorns on our roof. I spent the day rearranging cupboards and giving Sugar and Dickens trims and ater we went out to do a bit of shopping.

Michael called tonight and sounds like he's really busy with work and Clara. He says she's growing up so quickly and repeats everything he says now. Also she's off her soother. Yeah!

Sept. 14, 15 & 16 - Sun, Mon & Tues

After driving around the front of the Casino and realizing that our phone had been turned off, we finally got Glenda’s message as to where they were parked in the Casino lot. After frantic waving and whistling from them both we managed to find them and get settled. It was very hot and humid so we changed and grabbed the bus to main buildings.

We arranged to meet at a spot inside in 3 hours for supper and then we all went our separate ways meeting up now and again. I had a real run of luck and got up to about $270 from $20 quite quickly but then proceeded to halve that amount almost as quickly. By the time we met for dinner I was down to about $160. We then met up for a fabulous dinner buffet and pigged out. After we again split up and proceeded to spend most of my winnings. Terry then had a bit of luck and seemed to be up by the end of the evening and I was down a bit from the start. We got home about 12 but didn’t get to sleep for a couple of hours due to traffic noise, etc. The next morning they started mowing the lawn about 7:30 so needless to say we didn’t get much sleep. We went back to the Casino to look at more of it and then have breakfast at the buffet again. Yummy!

We then said our goodbyes and split up. Terry and I went to a nearby town called New London to AAA for more maps, tour books, etc. and then decided to stay nearby as we were so tired. We got a PA spot in Old Mystic which was quite nice but no WiFi. I had a nap and Terry got a few groceries and then we just vegged out in front of the TV.

Tuesday started out with me giving the dogs a shower and then slowly packing up to head west. We drove through New York, New Jersey and into Pennsylvania. A very stressful drive on huge highways which much traffic, especially large 18 wheelers. It took 5 hours but we then arrived in the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside and stayed in a small town called Quakertown. We plan on staying for two days so that we can get organized once again.

Mike and Brooke left a message tonight and so I called them back. They got their package and loved everything. Felt it was like Christmas. Spoke to Kim also and we talked about Christmas in Mexico but don't think they are going to be able to come. Maybe Spring Break.

Sept. 12, 13, & 14 - Fri, Sat & Sun

Left Pumpkin Patch RV park and headed for Vermont. It was a beautiful drive down a small country type highway with large oak and maple trees lining both sides of the road. The leaves are starting to change colour and the sun was shining. It was a beautiful day. We passed many New England style houses that were huge and had enormous manicured lawns. Some must have been a full acre or two of just lawn. The countryside consisted of fields covered in purple asters and golden rod, and rolling hills covered in forests of oak, pine, maple and wild apple trees. It was just what I had always imagined New England to look like.

We stopped in a small town called Gorman, New Hampshire for lunch and just as we finished we saw Glenda looking for us through the window. It turned out that they had spotted our rig and decided to stop also. They had pulled down a small side street that had no place to turn around but still tried and consequently inverted the spring assembly on their 5th wheel. Their brand new tires were up tight to each other and they couldn’t move. It looked absolutely hopeless.

Terry M. quickly assessed the problem and felt he could fix it and after several hours, two very helpful men from the neighbourhood and the local garage lending us what ever was needed he did indeed fix the problem. By then we were all very tired, especially Terry M. so we decided to stay the night at the local WalMart and recoup. We had supper together and then played a card game called Golf for the evening. Perfect ending to a stressful day.

Next morning we woke to find coffee and donuts at our doorstep for thanks for our help the previous day. Nice way to start the day. We took off early to what looked like a beautiful day and got about 30 kms down the road when Terry and Glenda pulled into a roadside stop and we followed. Same problem as the previous day only this time it showed that the buckle holding the spring in place was broken and would require welding. The problem was that it couldn’t be moved as the two tires were jammed against each other and smoked like crazy when moved. Somehow the axle needed to be pulled back to separate the tires.

After several phone calls to various garages, etc. the guys decided to leave us girls with their rig and go to the next town to search for someone who could fix it. They eventually found a welder about 6 miles away who said that he could fix it if we could get it to him. That was the dilemma.

Glenda then suggested putting a couple of boards between the tires and then pulling the trailer slightly forward to force the axle back. It worked and the two guys then tied the axle to the back trailer hitch. We then slowly drove to the welders place and spent the afternoon in a lovely grassy field waiting for the repairs to be done.

By the time all the repairs were done, it was mid afternoon so we decided to carry on to our original previous days destination of Marshfield, Vermont. Once again the sun was shining and we drove through more beautiful countryside and mountain scenery. It reminded us of Switzerland. The four of us had a joint BBQ of ribs and corn on the cob. The weather was so nice, we ate outside which we haven’t done often.

We woke early Sunday morning to rain once again. Will it ever go away for more than two days in a row??? We decided to head to the largest casino in North America in a town called Ledyard. Connecticut for our last night together before going our separate ways. The March's to South Alabama and us to Mexico. We’ll sure miss travelling with them.