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.

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.  

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.

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.

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!

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