Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Learning From First Trip

So after our first week of RVing, we've started tweaking things up to make it easier.  We realized we need our coffee and we didn't always have electricity to plug our coffee maker in, or a place to go get coffee.  The first thing we got this time was a percolator.  This way we can use it on our propane stove or even a campfire if need be.  We also decided to not take too much food with us this time.  We did pretty well with the protein bars and some of the canned goods, but we seriously didn't get to use the oatmeal much because making it in a microwave in a paper bowl is NOT a very good idea.  And some of the other stuff seemed like a good idea, but when you have Maine lobster all around you it's hard to eat rice & beans.

 We also had all of our clothes in reusable shopping bags and ended up throwing other stuff on top so it was hard to get at them.  So I found these vegetable bins that should fit just the right amount of clothing for each of us.  And there's enough room to put some rolled up towels on the side. We will figure out what to put in front of these that will be easy to take out and keep these baskets in place.  And we had a cheap runner on the floor for the dogs to be able to jump onto the bed.  On the first day Domino's toenail ripped through it and it got dirty rather quickly.  So we bought these two entry mats that have rubber backing so they don't move.  And they will be easy to clean up and wipe down.  Hopefully round two of RVing will go smoother.  And if it doesn't, I'm sure we will learn some fun new ways to do things.

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Travel Trailers Are Tricky

At Recompence Shore Campground we had a little mishap with the truck and camper.  We were looking at the map of the campground and it had lots of different areas.  We could tell where we were, but could not tell how to get back to the office to check out by 11am.  The campsites were enormous, but the roads to and from, not so much.  We went down a few wrong ways, which in a car or truck is just fine, all you have to do is turn around.  But here we had to backup with a 21' trailer behind us.  We were battling trees, large rocks and fence posts.  I was outside the truck and giving directions.  Either my directions were misleading or the drivers ears were shut (I'm not naming names)!  It took us 45 minutes to get to the office, yikes!

As you're turning the truck, the trailer goes the other way so if you turn too much they hit each other.  Most of the time you would stop and turn the wheel.  But this time we had so much stuff in the way we were caught between the trees, rocks and fences.  And all this because there was a bridge that had a sign on it that said, "No RV's allowed over bridge"! The bridge was probably only 6' long.  We did way more damage to our vehicles than we could have possibly done to that little bridge.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Recompence Shore CampGround

This place is more than just a campground Recompence Shore Campground freeportcamping.com.  It is also an organic farm on the ocean, sells vegetables and has a dairy farm with a camp and school for kids.  It's right next to Wolf's Neck State Park Mainetrailfinder.com.  The campsites have water and electricity if you aren't on the ocean, that's what we got.  Today we went to visit the farm and check out the ocean views. We had a very large campsite with a huge open area that the dogs could run around in if we could have unleashed them.  Instead we took them through the trails in the woods on our way to the farm.
Domino & Dallas are loving the cows.

Recompence Shore Campground, Freeport, Maine

This is an awesome place to camp with children. They have so many things going on to teach children about farming.  They also have farm to plate meals on certain days, hay rides & let a few people help with feeding the farm animals.  I wish I knew about this place when my boys were little
The sheep were talking to my dogs.  I don't think they knew what they were and didn't know what to do with them.  I thought for sure Domino would want to go after them and try and herd them.  I know he likes herding us.  And they also had ducks that weren't caged and my dogs just walked by and didn't do a thing.  It was awesome and not stressful like I thought it would be bringing them into the barn.  All the people there were very accommodating and friendly.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Something New To Learn Each Day

Well, I didn't have internet for two days.  I thought I could write my blog and just not publish it.  I guess I was wrong.

We have been seeing some beautiful scenery.  But still no wildlife, unless you count our dogs.  We even stayed inside Acadia National Park for two nights and only saw chipmunks.  How does that happen??



It rained the two days we stayed in the park it was like being in a rainforest. We met a few people from across the way.  One guy was very friendly and liked our dogs, and the other one kept walking by and staring at our dogs without saying hi.  I don't tend to trust people that don't like my dogs.

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Today Was A Day Of Beauty

The day started out wonderfully as all days should.  I saw the sunrise from my bedroom window.





We finally got into Acadia National Park.  It is a thing of beauty.  We hiked a lot and walked around some beautiful areas. And we saw an odd thing too.
Jordan Lake in Acadia Park Maine


South Bubble Mountain I guess. Sorry for the blurriness, we were driving with traffic behind us.
After driving and hiking through the Northern part of Acadia, we drove around the Southern part.  It took awhile to get there because you have to drive up the peninsula to go down the other peninsula.  It's not as scenic with mountains, but there are a lot of ocean sites to see.  And we were looking for lobster.  Because how can you come to Maine and not eat lobster and blueberry pie.  We went to one place that said they weren't doing takeout orders on Saturday.  I don't know what the big deal was, but after Gary was grumpy for a little while with his low blood sugar we drove on.  So glad the other place didn't do takeout because we found an awesome place that had a goat and outside tables that we could sit with the dogs.  And we could watch the cook steam the steamers.  It was an awesome and fun place.  The cook was originally from Lowell and was very friendly.  
Then for some reason, as we were driving closer to our camp ground, Bar Harbor Campground, we saw the most random thing.  A bagpiper in full regalia playing the pipes on a rock on the beach.  It was beautiful.
And here is the random awesomeness we saw on a beach in Bar Harbor Maine.  I took a video of part of it, but it won't upload just now.  And it looks like it has on my family kilt.

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Oh The Places We Go

Last night we stayed at Searsport Shores Ocean Campground.  It was lovely.  It had electricity and water and free wifi.  But our water hose didn't reach and Gary was having a hard time getting the camper close enough so we went with the water we had in the tank and filled up our holding tank this morning. It cost about $70 for the one night and was nice, but expensive.  Tonight we are staying at the Bar Harbor CampGround and it is supposedly right on the water.  But there is a large cliff and woods separating us.  Although we can see the water. This place is only $30 a night.

If you look hard enough you can see the ocean!
This was the fire we were having.  It was really windy out and thought it might not be a good idea.  It was not, so Gary put it out after awhile with some bottled water.  We also finally tried opening up the awning with a few little snags.

Gary was trying to start the fire with a firestarter like they do in Naked And Afraid.  He cut his hand while opening the package.  I laughed when he wasn't looking.  It didn't work, but we did meet our neighbors from Connecticut who kindly brought over a real lighter, but Gary already had one ready and we talked for a bit.  I have only met nice people in Maine and some of them are just visiting.  A man that works in the deli actually walked down an aisle at Hannaford's to help be find something because I looked confused.  Now that's customer service the Maine way.

Friday, September 16, 2016

A Learning Lesson

So our trip so far is a learning lesson.  Our RV is lite.  Which we thought was a great thing because it was easier to tow.  Then we realized, yes it's easier to tow and will use less gas, but it will also get swept all over the highway when semi trucks drive by.  Well it was tough going, but beautiful scenery along the way.
We were on our way to Acadia, but didn't want to be rushed setting up our RV.  It was almost 6:00 so we called a place on the water in Searsport, ME and they had an opening.  I would have thought there were less people camping in the fall, but I was mistaken.  There are a lot of full timers and retired folk that camp when it's quieter.                  
There are three levels of sites here.  One was right on the ocean, but up high on a ledge, the other was one row back and then further back.  They had no more ocean front sites so we opted for the second row.  Which is pretty awesome because you can still see the ocean.  
We also got to see the almost full moon and an awesome sunrise.  We did go to bed at 8:30 and wake up a little before 6am.  And after a few hours of sleep Gary learned how to turn on the heater.  I guess it gets cold on the ocean in Maine in September hahaha!  We took the dogs for a few walks outside before going to bed.  And said hello to a few couples walking around with their dogs or alone.  Everyone here is very friendly.  But I guess who wouldn't be if they're on vacation.  Plus, I have never  met a mean or angry person in Maine.  Even if they weren't from here.  

So after a half restful sleep and a beautiful sunrise, I tried using my Instant Pot pressure cooker.  I was looking around for the instructions and realized I must have left them at home.  Thank goodness for free wifi at this campsite and being able to find anything on the internet.  I opened a few cans of vegetables and added some water and quinoa, and voila a one pot healthy protein and fiber rich breakfast that we can also have for lunch or dinner later on.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Best Clip Fan

I ordered two clip fans from Amazon.com Lasko 2004W 2-Speed Clip Fan, 6-Inch, White.  They are the quietest things I have ever heard.  And they have a powerful clip.  These would be great anywhere, but they're perfect in the RV.

Pros & Cons of Cold Weather Camping


Upside

  1. less bugs (although November is the biggest tic season)
  2. less people (at least less children)
  3. less showers (or maybe more because now there is no swimming)
  4. less electricity (no A/C) (hopefully do not have to use the heat yet)
  5. better sleeping
  6. less ice buying
  7. Gary's favorite time of year
  8. no animals protecting their babies like in the spring
  9. dogs don't get as tired like in the heat
  10. we will also have more energy

Downside

  1. bulkier clothing
  2. have to use a hairdryer
  3. no swimming
  4. less campgrounds open
  5. frozen pipes (maybe)
Looks like it is making more and more sense to go camping in the fall.  

Monday, September 12, 2016

Making It Homey

I remember when my son was little and he thought homely was what we were saying when we were actually saying homey.  I couldn't understand why he was saying something was homely and he obviously seemed to like it.  Well today I added some dish scrubbers to our new home and I think it adds pizzaz to our little abode.  I love the colors.  Bright colors is something that this place definitely needed because everything is brown an beige.  It might actually make me want to do the dishes a little more now.

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Wildlife & Other Fun Camping Things

My new obsession is to find a field guide that I can check the wildlife in the area that we are visiting. I want to be able to know what the scat (poop), and footprints are that is near us and how to protect us and our dogs from the animals that we come in contact with.  Someone online was saying to not spend the $35 on bear spray and just use hornet spray.  Then I found out that this is inhuman to use on bears and I'm guessing on hornets too, hahaha!  When we get really good at camping after a few years, maybe we can go into the woods and forage for food.  But that is something for my wildest dreams.   And my FB friends know that I do have some wild dreams.

I have joined a few FB pages about RVing and what I have come to find out about RVers is that they are a bunch of friendly, helpful and kind people.  You can ask any random, crazy or normal question and get at least 50 answers within an hour.  Much more helpful than any customer service company that I've spoken with.  There are also campground reviews and all kinds of stuff to look up.


These are two of the products I've received so far from Amazon.com.  The salad spinner is awesome and can also be used as a very large bowl.  I'm going to try out the towel when I shower.  It is so much more compact than a regular towel and it is suppose to be quick drying.  This way we can wash it after our showers and it should be dry for the next time without having to find a washer and dryer.  Will also be getting one to wipe off the dogs if it rains.  It's amazing what kind of products you can find when you need them.

Saturday, September 10, 2016

Closing In On Leaving!

Things to do:

B.J.s run for bulk essentials (best place to get nuts, protein bars, etc.)

Pick up Trip Tiks (so happy to find that www.aaa.com did get my directions I sent them)

Get back up camera for RV (this is turning out to be difficult.  Most don't go 40')

Start packing RV (finally got it unhooked from truck so we can pack it)

Clean House (yes still on list)

Find bin for sewer hose (still on list and should be most important thing)

The most important thing on the previous list was visiting my granddaughter.  It was accomplished yesterday.  But it will never be enough time spent with her.  My heart grows bigger every time I see her or even a pic of her.  She is so delightful as an infant I can just imagine how delightful she will be as a toddler.  I want to teach her so many things.

I visited two of my sons and significant others.  Today will be the third.  I saw my Dad, and hopefully will see my Mom before I leave.  I need to get all these visits in before going just in case we fall off a cliff or get mauled by a bear.  Which reminds me, we still need to go to the store and find some bear spray.

Well I am off to pick up the truck and get on with my day.  ~ have a nature filled day my friends!



Friday, September 9, 2016

Instant Pot

This is my crockpot/pressure cooker.  I can't wait to use it in the RV.  I've been printing out healthy recipes with just a few ingredients and spices.  But today I found out that you can also cook a pizza in this thing.  Actually any crockpot.  So as I make the recipes I will be posting them here so you can try them out if you like.  Gary says he is going to stop or lessen his meat eating.  Only time will tell. And I am hoping to lose at least 15lbs.  Hopefully we will be doing a lot of walking and we will be having awesome fall weather. Can't wait to bring all of you on this journey with us.  Sorry it has to be just an online journey. ~Have a peachy day

Thursday, September 8, 2016

So Much To Do So Little Time

A week from today is our ship out date.  We still  have so much to do to get ready.  Thank goodness for www.Amazon.com, we have Prime membership so we can order things last minute and hopefully get the majority of things by next week.  Still haven't started to pack the RV, but I think I will be doing that soon so I can clean up our house before we set out on our journey.

Important things to do before leaving:

1.  Visit Granddaughter

2.  Get lock box on truck

3.  Find bin with a cover to put dirty hose into

4.  Make sure AAA is printing up our directions

5.  Pack RV

6.  Clean house & make sure the kids come to visit it once in a while

I listed the most important things we still need to do.  Obviously in the order they mean the most.  If I had the time I would have put visit granddaughter more than once, hahaha!

The other day before the storm Gary turned the camper around to make it safe in the driveway.  I noticed a beehive growing in our vent on the top of the camper.  He says it's empty, but at least now I know what to look out for in the future.
          





Sunday, September 4, 2016

Starting The Day!

I've decided on a few things that my husband and I can do on our journey to start each day off right.  We have a tendency of yelling a lot at each other when on the road.  Me telling him how to drive and do everything else the right way and him not listening.  You married people must know how it is.  If husbands would just realize that we are always right and get on with their day, everything would go smoothly. But since that's not the case, my plan is this:

1.  Read a positive quote to each other each morning.

2.  Meditate together for at least 10 minutes.

3.  Play the song "Let It Go" every time we start yelling at each other.

I'm truly hoping this will help.  And maybe we will continue doing it when we get home.

Have a Sunshine Day!

Friday, September 2, 2016

Thirteen Days Left

Leaving in less than 2 weeks.  I'm getting both excited and nervous.  Listening to all the weather around the country sounds horrific, but if we don't get up and go now we will probably never do it.  Life certainly does get in the way.  There is always something keeping everyone from enjoying their life.  Work, Family, and everything in-between.  Everything will be just where I left it when we get back.  The only thing I'm expecting to change when we're gone is my granddaughter.  I'm hoping that I can FaceTime with her.  I know she's too little to understand, but I just want to be able to see her.  She is the most adorable little girl I have ever seen, says every grandparent in the world, hahaha!

Most of the stuff we need for camping is ready to go.  We are going simply and enjoying nature, solitude and leaving the problems of life behind.  Now I must go and put our trip on AAA Trip Tiks again.  The first few times it did not save.  But since I can be old school, I wrote it down in my notebook.

If anyone knows of any interesting things around this country that we should check out while we're out and about, please comment below.  ~Have a snazzy day!