Last stop in Iowa....MC

On Tuesday October 8th we headed back in to Morgan Creek. Jeff had a little problem with the tire sensors. When we arrived at MC it was almost empty, I guess the camping season is winding down. We pulled into the same spot we used last time #22. It's really pretty with the fall colors. One thing that's horrible is these little black bugs...they bite and are so annoying. They are so thick. They are everywhere. Jeff got an invite to meet up with Justin to play tennis I stayed back. Jeff was the winner again.

Wednesday was kinda special it was our anniversary....our first year fulltime in our HOW. Boy that went quick. I had a full day planned, I went in to paint our granddaughters bedroom. While I was there I took advantage of there laundry facilities. Did have a minor mishap I spilled some paint, good thing she has hardwood floors. I don't know how I didn't spill the whole can. It's Wednesday so that means hockey practice for Ashton, we can't miss that because we won't get to see many more this year.  On our way home we stopped to see how sissy likes her new room. She told me that everything looks beautiful!

Thursday we hit the grocery store and picking up some things we can't get where we are going. Jeff went back to the HOW, I went to Seth's house to start my organizing. I told them I would help them but I'm running out of time. I got a closet and laundry room done today.

Friday Katie took the day off to help me with the final project the basement closet. Jeff came over to put together Hailey's new big girl bed. Then to finish off the night we met Judy at the rest area to stay the weekend. Our last get together before we head south.

Saturday we had a busy day planned, 1st I had to get my last Christmas present purchased at Toys r Us. Then to the movie  Captain  Phillips. It was really good and so was the popcorn. Came home for chicken stir fry for supper. Then we headed to the stable to watch the rough riders play.(hockey) It was going good then in the middle of the 2nd period there was a fight not that big of a deal but one of the guys went down and started seizing which was a big deal. It took awhile to get him transported and then forever to figure out what to do.  They ended up suspending the game, bummer . We left there disappointed and headed across town to cocktails, a bar were our son was playing. We had a great time there. We stayed out way later than were used to but it was really fun. We did have a little problem to deal with when we got home from the movie, our toilet has ran over and we had a mess to clean up. It could have been way worse.

Sunday after that late party night we just hung around home. Watched a movie, enjoyed a campfire and visited. I got Judy on her way home. Went to Justin's for supper.

Monday started getting things cleaned and organized for traveling. Paid up our mail forwarding service. The funniest thing today.... I carved my pumpkin with Jeff's power drill. That was awesome. Supper at Seth's (chili).

Tuesday ran some more errands. When we got home our toilet had overflowed again. This time it was worse... Trying to figure out an answer to that problem.

Wednesday I made homemade noodles for our family dinner on Sunday. I did laundry, all those wet towels for our toilet mess. We went to Ashton's hockey the last one for awhile.

Thursday, made some sugar cookie dough for later. Then Jeff and I filled out a couple applications for campground hosting next year, not sure if that's for us now but just gonna see what happens. To end this night we had a very yummy supper. Then I get a call from Seth, he needs meds because he  has a terrible toothache. Always a mother I ran over with meds in hand. Turns out he needs a root canal...yikes!!

Friday I baked those sugar cookies cause we have a date with a very special cookie froster. Hailey came out after daycare. She helped me make pizza for supper and frost those Halloween cookies. She was really into the frosting and decorating. We watched her movie TWICE and called it a night.

Saturday morning had breakfast and a campfire. It was really chilly out and windy. Hailey went home before lunch. We were suppose to go trunk or treating but that didn't happen.

Sunday we planned a family dinner, one last hurrah before we take off. I made a big batch of chicken noodles that really hit the spot. I had pumpkin dump cake for dessert. The kids had there pumpkins ready to carve so that was our next project. They turned out pretty good. It was hard leaving there house tonight. Ashton was giving extra kisses to last us awhile.

We made it to Palo

October 1st we headed out to Palo, and there state park Pleasant Creek. We timed that just right cause the price just went down to $11.00 a night. Jeff made reservations and had a spot with a good view of the lake. We parked at site #22. There aren't water hookups and  we only have 30 amp service. We are only gonna be here for a week and the water spigot is right across the street. When we left Morgan creek we took are time cause it's only about 15 miles to Palo. We set up and checked out the place, it's really a pretty park. They updated the 2nd loop and so we wanted to see it. They installed 50 amp service there. Seth invited us over to watch the opener of the Blackhawks...and the raising of the championship banner. When we got back the power was off and the frig was beeping. Jeff had to go out and reset the breaker, that's what we don't like about 30 amp service.

Wednesday was a warm day went for a walk then came back and did a bit if cleaning. Jeff took his kayak out to try fishing but didn't have any luck.

Thursday it was cloudy and rained a bit but cleared up so I went for a bike ride, Jeff also  jumped on his bike to go across the lake to try and fish again....no good. Had a yummy roast for supper.

Friday was a busy, full day. It looked a bit stormy to start but the big stuff missed us. I made some apple crisp which is always a fall favorite. Fixed some veggie soup for later. Then we went to Justin's cause we are going to the Amana Colonies to partake in Octoberfest. Wow there are some serious drinkers there. It didn't rain and we had fun with Justin&Georgie. I drove home, and had quite the light show with the lightening.

Saturday we got up early to take our dogs for there shots. Then we waited to hear from Jeff's brother who was coming up for a visit. We met them at Seth's house and visited  for awhile. Seth and Katie had to go somewhere else so we would meet up with them later. Justin and Georgie joined us for lunch at Bushwoods. It was yummy. It was really busy cause it's a sports bar and the Hawkeyes were playing. After lunch we went to a movie "Gravity" and it was really good. Went back to see Seth & Katie and the kids. Fritz & Shawn decided to come out to the HOW and spend the night. Good thing we had veggie soup for supper. We just did some visiting, which was really nice.

Sunday I had one thing on my mind.... Haileys birthday cake. I had made the cakes ahead I just needed to put it together. Well it went together really good, and I frosted it and princessed it up. Well Fritz and Shawn left and then we had to get ready to head in for the party. I looked over at the cake and it was settling and not looking so great. I started to get upset but that was nothing compared to what happened in transit. It didn't completely fall apart but I was about crying cause it sure didn't look like what I had envisioned. I tryed to repair it when we got there but I couldn't really fix it . I learned I'm never going to stack cakes again, going to stick with sheet cakes . The cake was perfect to Hailey, she loved it and Jeff kept telling me that that's all that mattered. The weather was really chilly but that didn't hinder our party. Hailey was excited over every single present and was a blast to watch. She loved her quilt and princess dress. The cake tasted better than it looked and the party was a huge success, I cant believe Hailey is 3 years old.... Oh how time flys!

Monday I needed to rest up cause I always get myself worked up about these cakes. We walked with the dogs. I gave Jeff a haircut. We watched some tv and had chicken noodle soup for supper. We picked up stuff for our move tomorrow.

M.C. For 2 more weeks

Tuesday September 17th we took off with an extra passenger.... Noodles are grand dog, she had to sit on my lap cause I spent the travel time picking all those burrs out of her hair . She did so good and I was so happy that I didn't have to give her some kind of goofy haircut. We tried a different spot this time and we backed right in. I love when that happens. We set up and I took the dog back home and borrowed there washer and dryer. It's so much easier to do sheets and towels in a regular sized washer. So I made good use of my time. While I was waiting on my laundry I went to work cleaning Ashton's bedroom.

Wednesday I went into town to redeem my gift certificate for a pedicure. I just can't get used to that, I giggle when they scrub my feet. Why is it they aren't very friendly??? I haven't had a lot of pedicures but I always feel like I'm in a different country or something. While we were out we picked up a movie to watch at Walgreens. This brings up another subject .... What's with all the coupons, cards, etc. We had a heck of a time getting the prices that were posted on the product. First you have to use your card, then there are coupons from the flyer and next you have coupons from a book.... Really could we make this any more difficult? Then when you try to get the correct prices the people in line behind you look at you like your nuts.. Just saying....

Went to Ashton's hockey practice followed by a meet and greet ... You got to meet the hockey team "Rough Riders" Ashton got to be a human slingshot on the ice and that's what he was looking forward to.

Thursday was a lazy day, hung around home and then in the afternoon we picked up Hailey at daycare do we got some Sissy time which is always good .

Friday was a cooler day so we started the day with a fire. A storm came through last night so had a bit of cleaning to do. The bikes and chairs needed wiped off. Jeff put a turkey in the crock pot ... The grand kids are coming for supper and going to spend the night. We had a busy evening for sure... It's hard to keep both of them happy. We had popcorn with our movie.

Saturday started with pancakes and sausage, everyone liked that. We went for a walk but then had to pass the kids off to Nana at 1:00. After that we went to a movie  " Prisoner's ".....so good! Home for chili and time to relax . It's so fun to have those kiddos around but they can wear you out.

Sunday fall arrives officially, so that's good news who doesn't love fall? I actually read a book today ... I sat and read the whole thing. So needless to say it was a quiet day .

New week, nice weather!  I went to the campground host to see if I could borrow here concrete pad. It's easier to put your quilt together on. So while I was doing that we did some visiting, I'm really good at that. Justin's invited us over for supper, funny thing we brought our steak, twice backed potatoes and a can of veggies. We even picked him up a steak at the store.

Tuesday Justin brought his truck over. Jeff told him he would wash, wax , and detail it for $75.00. So we worked on that. I gave Belle a haircut. I think I'm getting better at grooming. I put up a little Halloween decorations. When Jeff went to pick up Justin and give him his truck he was pleasantly surprised to find out that the truck cleaning was our birthday gift to him. He was very happy.

Wednesday was another project to do. Drove to Seth's and started more laundry . Then the fun begins, first I cleaned out Hailey's closet. Can you tell I'm kind of an organizer freak? Then the big project.. There garage it was packed with stuff. We officially went over to sign for a package. So this was kind of a surprise. It was an all day thing. The good news they loved it and it looked good!!

Thursday we drove out to Palo to check a couple sites. We are thinking that's our next stop. The rates go down Oct. 1st to $11.00 a night. It looks like a good fit so Jeff's going to reserve it. We got back and he took care of that plus, we found a vet to get the dogs shots. We called around and it seems really expensive around here. We found a vet and it's about. $100.00 cheaper, what's up with that? Then we went back over to get all the junk that we cleaned out of the kids garage. We drove clear across town to dump the stuff. 

Friday Jeff felt like he needed to go back to the garage and fix their garage door opener. While he was busy with that I went to get some groceries and I even got stuff for my Christmas ornaments.  To finish out the night a movie. "Rush " it was really good.

Saturday it rained most of the day so we stayed around the camper. I got some Christmas pjs ordered for the kids . It's a tradition. We watched a movie and had supper. We drove over to Justin's cause we headed to watch the season opener of the a Rough Riders. We all got in Justin's truck and headed to the stable. It was a good game but they lost, boo.

Sunday we had a fire and listened to a Bayside message over my phone. Seth called and invited us over to try a piece of cheesecake, it was Cheesecake Factory cheesecake . So yummy that Jeff went to the store and got one. Came home and quilted and watched tv.

Monday we did a little cleaning and a little shopping. Wanted to make sure we had what we needed for the week ahead. I got some honey crisp apples... Yum that's a sure sign of fall lots of apples. We packed things away for the move tomorrow. Kind of excited about going to a different spot.

Year ONE Living in our RV

Its hard to believe that on Oct 10th we will begin year two of our life in an RV. I would say after one full year of living and traveling in a 5th Wheel we have figured out quite a bit about this lifestyle.

First of all we have no regrets about choosing this way of life. It does present its challenges, but the flexibility and freedom far out weigh any hassles. We feel we chose the right truck and 5th wheel and are very comfortable in the Cameo as it has become our home.

The truck has performed well and pulls and stops the Cameo with ease. The true test was when in April after leaving Hot Springs, Arkansas I decided to take Scenic route 7 to Branson, MO. I have driven on many mountain roads across this country and this one was at the top of the list as far as inclines, descents and switchbacks. The truck was totally impressive on this terrain and did its job well, although I don't recommend to take this route while towing. Next time I will definitely take the long way around.

We towed the Cameo a total of 4810 miles and put 10,650 miles combined towing and driving on the truck. We averaged 12.47 miles per gallon combined. The truck gets around 19 to 20 on the highway when not towing driving at 60 to 65mph.

We visited 12 states and camped in 8 of them in 31 different campgrounds. We spent the Winter in Florida, a little over 4 months traveling as far south as Curry Hammock State Park in the middle of the Keys. We made our way back up the west coast and along the panhandle spending 2 weeks in each State Park until exiting Florida on April 1. On the trek back north we spent time in Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri and landed in Cedar Rapids, IA to spend the Summer months with the Family.

We have really enjoyed our time here in the Cedar Rapids area for the last five months. We have been able to spend lots of time with the Kids and Grandkids.  We met some new friends here who are Full Timers as well and have learned a lot by reading there blog: http://flamingoonastick.blogspot.com/visiting and visiting with them as they are just starting there 4th year.

Florida Keys Dec. 2012

Lake Manatee, FL  Feb. 2013

Stephen Foster State Park, FL  Nov.2012

Florida Skyway  Feb. 2013

Dade City Wild Things  Feb. 2013

Rainbow Springs, FL  2-2013



Rainbow Springs, FL Feb. 2013

St Joe Peninsula, FL Mar. 2013

St George Island, FL 3-2013

St Joe, FL 3-2013

Lake Bistineau State Park, LA  4-2013



Lake Ouachita Arkansas  4-2013

Pleasant Creek State Park, IA 6-2013

Cherry Hill Pool Cedar Rapids, IA  8-2013

We will be beginning our journey south here in a couple of weeks. Our planned route will take us through the smokies over to the Carolinas with planned stops around Charleston, SC and Savannah, Ga. Also plan on a stop at the Cumberland Island area before making our way back to Florida. This year we have 6 weeks in the Keys with 2 wks at Bahia Honda, 2wks at Curry Hammock and 2wks at Pennecamp before making our way back up the west coast as we did last year.

Some may wonder why Florida again this year? We just loved it so much last winter we just had to do it again!

Stay tuned for the winter of 2014/2015 as we change direction and head for the great southwest.