This is just a short note to let you know we've returned to Michigan safely and will get back with you in a few days to fill you in on our stay at Hilton Head Island and subsequent happenings.
A couple of things to amuse you (maybe) can be found on the right side of your screen. First, for my ham radio friends, a service that the gives the current solar conditions that effect radio transmissions. I'm just trying this out so we'll see how long I keep it in. I know most of you could care less about this but for the few who might ... here you go.
The next item is the spinning globe that should indicate (roughly) your location and any other person location who is currently reading this blog. Not a very useful addition I might add ... but fun to look at.
Still livin' the dream.
Phil
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Hilton Head Island
Oh ... maybe I'd better back up and remind you that we landed on Hilton Head Island a couple of weeks ago and have spent a little time relaxing and poking around all these sites around the island. A lot of times we'd pull into a park without knowing anyone but this time was different. Our friends from our summer retreat in South Haven Michigan, Jerry and Della spent the winter here so we had some instant companions. The Hilton Head Motorcoach Resort http://www.hiltonheadmotorcoachresort.com/ is really a special place. Almost every site is tucked into it own little jungle affording privacy and a pleasant green surrounding. No straight streets in this resort. Curves and twisty lanes weave throughout making every turn interesting. It seems as if each coach is framed in an ideal setting making even our coach look probably better than it really is. Plus with all the amenities you'd expect in a first class resort, it is one of our favorite places to stop.
What really makes an Island visit extra nice is that it's near my sister's and brother-in-law's place and since we don't often get to see each other, it's a perfect opportunity to get caught up with each others lives. What was extra special was the their oldest son Mark and his wife Petra had flown in from Germany for a visit. Youngest son Pete flew in from New York as well. What a great group to be around .. it's too bad they all live so far away. We fired up Sharon's webcam and talked to our daughter Leigh back home so it was a real electronic family reunion.
The doors are always open to a comfortable home on the intercoastal overlooking the quaint little town of Beaufort. And to mention my sister without noting her cooking skills is like ... well ... like illegal. Having travelled to many parts of the globe she has gathered recipes and skills which results in meals that are as unique as they are tasty. We're pretty lucky to have that talent in the family. I only wish some of that skill had worn off on me. I'm usually good for a hot dog and a bag of chips. Anyway is was sure good to see them and look forward to seeing them again soon.
The Island is sort of like comfort food.. You know happy, easy, fun but hard on the waist line. With family nearby, great restaurants, exceptional scenery, and a laid-back atmosphere. Oh! did I mention we also had some dear friends also staying at the resort as well? It's a complete package for anyone in an RV. One of the other reasons we wanted to visit the Island again was our South Haven Michigan neighbors Jerry and Della spend each winter at the resort so it was great seeing them again to. They helped us establish the traditional 4 o'clock happy hour. Under their expert tutelage we now have been genetically altered to wander about with drinks in hand seeking out like minded individuals at 4 o'clock each day. Oh it's a good life.
As the weather continued to improve, it signalled that we needed to make plans for our return north. A bittersweet decision as we hated to leave the island but longed to see our family again. So around mid-May we readied the coach for the trip back.
The trip north was pretty uneventful with the exception of a place we spent the night in Georgia. We had called ahead for a site and they assured us there wouldn't be a problem. Well I guess there wouldn't have been a problem if I were driving a road grader. The lot was better categorized along with the likes of Matterhorn or Mt. McKinley. Just to give you a clue how unlevel (new word?) the left rear hydraulic leveler was fully extended yet the right was not extended at all. And still the coach was not quite level ... but good enough to get a night's rest without tipping over.
Leaving Georgia we continued north on I75 engulfed in a steady downpour. Rain and more rain pelted us every mile. Mile after mile. Throw in a few thousand orange construction cones along the way, by the time we made our next stop I was ready for the funny farm. As luck would have it, the farther north we drove the fewer parks were open so I broke my own 300 mile a day limit and pressed on; looking for any port in the storm. Breezing through Dayton, Ohio, I was really running out of steam and needed to get off the road. We finally found a park and we pulled into an almost vacant site a little after sundown. Peace and quiet and no more driving; at least for a few hours.
So with South Haven finally on the radar, we managed to safely arrived and get the coach bedded down for our summer's stay. Again amongst friends and family.
Still livin' the dream.
Phil
What really makes an Island visit extra nice is that it's near my sister's and brother-in-law's place and since we don't often get to see each other, it's a perfect opportunity to get caught up with each others lives. What was extra special was the their oldest son Mark and his wife Petra had flown in from Germany for a visit. Youngest son Pete flew in from New York as well. What a great group to be around .. it's too bad they all live so far away. We fired up Sharon's webcam and talked to our daughter Leigh back home so it was a real electronic family reunion.
The Island is sort of like comfort food.. You know happy, easy, fun but hard on the waist line. With family nearby, great restaurants, exceptional scenery, and a laid-back atmosphere. Oh! did I mention we also had some dear friends also staying at the resort as well? It's a complete package for anyone in an RV. One of the other reasons we wanted to visit the Island again was our South Haven Michigan neighbors Jerry and Della spend each winter at the resort so it was great seeing them again to. They helped us establish the traditional 4 o'clock happy hour. Under their expert tutelage we now have been genetically altered to wander about with drinks in hand seeking out like minded individuals at 4 o'clock each day. Oh it's a good life.
As the weather continued to improve, it signalled that we needed to make plans for our return north. A bittersweet decision as we hated to leave the island but longed to see our family again. So around mid-May we readied the coach for the trip back.
The trip north was pretty uneventful with the exception of a place we spent the night in Georgia. We had called ahead for a site and they assured us there wouldn't be a problem. Well I guess there wouldn't have been a problem if I were driving a road grader. The lot was better categorized along with the likes of Matterhorn or Mt. McKinley. Just to give you a clue how unlevel (new word?) the left rear hydraulic leveler was fully extended yet the right was not extended at all. And still the coach was not quite level ... but good enough to get a night's rest without tipping over.
Leaving Georgia we continued north on I75 engulfed in a steady downpour. Rain and more rain pelted us every mile. Mile after mile. Throw in a few thousand orange construction cones along the way, by the time we made our next stop I was ready for the funny farm. As luck would have it, the farther north we drove the fewer parks were open so I broke my own 300 mile a day limit and pressed on; looking for any port in the storm. Breezing through Dayton, Ohio, I was really running out of steam and needed to get off the road. We finally found a park and we pulled into an almost vacant site a little after sundown. Peace and quiet and no more driving; at least for a few hours.
So with South Haven finally on the radar, we managed to safely arrived and get the coach bedded down for our summer's stay. Again amongst friends and family.
Still livin' the dream.
Phil
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