We left Nashville for Louisville, KY.  We stayed right outside it at Brooks RV.  They told us they were simple and the website mentioned they were close enough to highway to be easy in/out but far enough to not have the traffic noise.  (see screenshot below).  However, what they failed to mention is that the train runs right by there, ALL THE TIME, and the airport is right by there, so constant flight noise… OR the fact there is some resident ROOSTER that does wakes up right after 5 am.  I was lying in bed at 5:15 this morning and within a 2-3 minute period heard the train, followed by our friend the rooster and then immediately a plane.  So glad we didn’t have to listen to highway traffic.  Yes, definitely make that a selling point… PLEASE!!  haha!

We drove through a ton of rain to get here.

Driving through the crazy rain has also added to our list of issues with the RV that need to be addressed.  Someone bottom bunk bed got SOAKED and only possibility is it came in through closed window.  Also, first under bin outside had water just sitting in it so something not sealed properly.  Our count for warranty issues is now at 11.  We will see the end count… Oh, and the mattress (which turns out to be just a piece of foam inside a cover) did have a waterproof mattress pad cover that is completely enclosed (for bed bug protection as well) on it.  We purchased it at Lazy Days when we picked up the coach.  Apparently, it does not work so well…

Craig called Enterprise to rent a car so we could play in Louisville.  We were told it would be close to 5:30 p.m. before they would have one available.  (this was around 11 am-noon).  It was pouring anyways, so no big deal.  The finally called at 5:30 but had no one to pick him up so he took Uber, which they took off our bill.  When Craig left there, he said he called back immediately as the car was not driving right – back passenger side felt out of alignment and front windshield had a lot of scratches or cracks in it.  Due to closing time, they said they would notate the account.  It was still pouring when Craig got back to RV.  Kids and I used time to clean and do laundry.  Next morning, we left early to take advantage before storms that were coming in a few hours.  As soon as we were on road, I told Craig the car felt extremely off and didn’t feel safe.  He said, I called Enterprise last night and told them then said it feels like back passenger tire is out of alignment and that someone probably hit a curb pretty bad.  We then got on Interstate and within a few miles heard a noise in back then tire went flat.  Craig called Enterprise location where he rented the car.  They told him to call an 800 number for roadside service and that they would not come out and switch cars or deal with this.  We called 800 number, they said they could put us on list to come out to assist with changing tire but an hour or so; however, then we have to take car to Enterprise.  They will not switch out cars since we are on Interstate.  They also suggested he just change tire himself, even though we were not in a safe location.  Craig called back to Enterprise, the guy then said “are you sure you didn’t just run over something?”  Craig explained again that he called last night regarding the car and that particular tire being off and was told he could call his Emergency Roadside Service on our insurance and they couldn’t really help us.  So we ended up calling 800 number again and getting another car lined up while Craig changed tire (he got in grass as much as possible as we were on very busy Interstate).  We then got to Airport location to switch cars (I would not allow us to go back to other location, even though Craig wanted to)  and they were so pleasant and helpful.  Switched us out for a new SUV (first place only had full sized car), they called other location for us and were very helpful.  First location was very nice and apologetic to Craig when he returned car as well.  I get they deal with different types of people but, they should have never given this car to someone.  But don’t worry!  Wifey is there with camera to get out of car (even though it was on jack on grass and wife probably should have stayed in the car… )  It wouldn’t have quite the impact without photos.

How do we select a location & how do we get there?

Simple!

Actually, Craig drives and so far – he has been selecting locations.  I will start helping more, just been busy occupying children…

Kentucky Derby Museum/Churchill Downs

I have never watched the Kentucky Derby and still found this place pretty impressive.  They hosted a crowd of 175,000 for one of the last races.  They also sold 22,000 gallons of bourbon at last year’s derby.  I could not even begin to get over all the Wager windows and machines they have.  Plus, I am sure there were so many more I didn’t even see.  We were not allowed to do barn tour (kids must be 8 years old); however, they did have one miniature horse and another race horse on site to view.  They were both 22-23 years old. A horse only has one chance to win the derby – when they are 3 years old.  I feel like I learned so much!  I could not get over the size of the track or imagining all of those people there.  They said the jockeys get weighed before and after.  They have to weigh 126 (I believe) so before they would strap the lead to them and it would allow them to qualify.  But, some would drop the lead as soon as they walked off (hence, “get the lead out” phrase) hence the need for additional weighing at end.

Zoe looks like she is slapping me in the head… and probably is…

Not sure who won.

minature horse, couldn’t get better photo

Famous steeples

track they parade them around or something before the race (Zoe was distracting me)

actual track

winners circle/weight station

Slugger Museum

Trying to make the most of the day, we quickly went to Slugger Museum.  I am not into baseball and was very unimpressed by the factory tour and museum.  Craig thought it was so-so.  I had fun when kids were posing with statues and seeing a few of the bats used by some of the greats.  Other than that, I could have skipped it.  Craig posing with Mickey Mantle’s bat.

Trying to find Muhammad Ali Statue & more RAIN!!!!!

Never found statue so I called City visitor information.  Talked to three people and told it does not exist.  Gave up as raining hard and lots of traffic.  Both kids were completely out in the car (long day) and finally got back to RV to find ankle-deep water on both sides of car and all around front of RV, including around steps to get in.  We carried kids but still have wet shoes today (one day later).  Rained the remainder of the night so we took advantage by doing laundry, cleaning, puzzles and playing.  They love the magnetic dolls Kati gave them.  Thank you so much!

Next stops: Indianapolis & Decatur  Indiana  (by the way, we had blue skies for the drive to Indianapolis – YEAH!!!!!)

The rain seems to be where we are, each time.  But, it adds to the adventure.  This is what we drove through (we were the purple dot as I did by current location).  And by we driving, I simply mean Craig while I played on my phone or worked on this blog… you know, really contributing to his hard work and being the supportive wife I promised I would.

We pulled into our spot, which faces the waterpark from the windshield.  Even though it was raining (and lightning, park actually shut down due to it), Zoe immediately went and put on a bathing suit and stood looking at it, just waiting on us to say we could go.  I had to explain it would be another day.  We did go, two different days and the kids had a blast!  I used the pregnancy as my excuse not to go down anything.  Craig went down the only adult slide the kids could do with them.  The last few times, Kenzie was brave enough to try her own raft and had the best time ever.  I wish I would have brought my phone to grab a few photos of those days.

We also were able to meet up with one of Craig’s good friends.  Scott owns a bar in downtown Nashville so we ate lunch there and took an amazing tour of it.  He has really put a lot of heart and sweat into this adventure.

We also got to meet up with some of Craig’s family (some were at the last place we were but a few couldn’t make it so really nice for kids & adults to all get to be together.  So thankful they put together/hosted an amazing night/dinner and allowed us to come over even though they ALL just got back in town from different places.  We are grateful and loved visiting!!!  But, I am sad I never took a photo of all of us together.  Another camera fail.

We drove all around Nashville and also visited Gaylord Palms (Opryland).  Found out it is 1300 rooms larger than the one in Orlando.  It also has a river boat that runs through it.

We have had a lot of questions and comments regarding the new Dewbus.  This tour bus is 43 feet long, goes out wider than most RVs, has 3 slide out rooms (one is full length), has a full size residential fridge/freezer, stackable washer/dryer, dishwasher, central vacuum, heated floors (yet pointless as you can not run A/C or heater at same time as floors), fireplace (in photo it is on without heat), induction cook top, microwave/convection oven, storage hidden everywhere – including under bed, 3 TVs inside and one outside, in motion satellite (can watch tv while driving, if wanted), built in DVD players above each bunk bed, 1.5 bath, and did I mention passenger seat is a recliner so I can relax while Craig is forced to drive Dewbus 2? There are doors that separate off master bedroom (both sides, one to front area and one to master bath) plus another set of doors in between master bath and bunk beds.  We gave up master closet (hangning space) in lieu of bunk beds.  So, we do have an iron/ironing board and travel steamer on here (thanks Alex and Philip for hanger so I quit burning myself).   I had to remember we are in an RV as I was doing laundry (both washer and dryer), while running 3 A/C units and using cooktop along with convection oven – when I blew the fuse…  Craig reminded me I only have 50 Amps to work with and how to check so now I pick and choose what I want to do at one time.  This also makes the dishwasher kind of pointless as I am not turning off other things for hours when I can wash dishes in a few minutes.  We brought an electric skillet to use outdoors, to make things like bacon, etc that would smell up the RV (though there are 3 very strong fan/vents on here) and keurig machine to make coffee.  I made about 10 freezer meals before leaving that just need to be heated in oven. We also brought the blender to make smoothies and grill for outside (though Craig has yet to grill… maybe soon??).   This also has 3 cameras: one on rear and one on each side mirror.  Craig said this one is easier to drive than the last (it is 4 feet longer than last) because of brake system, turn radius and tag steering (extra tires in back).  We do not tow a car but have rented a few (and used Missy’s – thanks Missy!!!).  We have yet to sit outside because it has stayed rainy, muggy or tons of bugs.  Hopefully this gives you a better idea of our home away from home (and why I feel bad for any future husbands of our girls with their view of normal..).  We are very blessed, grateful and taking advantage of time with the girls while they are into learning and being with us.  Craig has been working quite a bit and thankfully has surrounded himself & his office with people that care and have been with him for a long time.

From front with doors closed to master

Front with doors open all way back

Dinette/one couch

other couch

hidden storage

kitchen with pull out cabinet

dishwasher we will never use

residential fridge/freezer

strap for when in motion

master control panel

master bedroom with door closed to bath/bunk area

master dresser/tv (gave up master closet for bunks so no hanging space)

emergency exit door hidden as shelves

control panels in each room

half bath

bunks

storage cabinets to left inside of bunks (one for each – huge)

bunk windows

door 1/2 closed to bunk area

door shut to bunk area

washer/dryer cabinet plus can see cabinets to bunks

washer/dryer

Count: 4.5 people, 1 RV

Started the adventure heading to Stone Mountain, GA.  This is where our last trip went awry as I was so sick (turned out pregnant with Zoe) that we didn’t get to actually explore at all.  This time, I am already aware I am pregnant and not sick, thankfully.

First night on bunkbed for a real trip

First night on bunkbed for a real trip

Stone Mountain is much different than I recall from my 7th grade trip.  There were lots of things for the kids to do around the base.  They have a dinosaur exhibit this year, which Kenzie thought should have been only for boys. They didn’t qualify for height of bigger obstacle course but both enjoyed doing the small one and by the 10th time were experts at it. We also did the laser show at night.  We did VIP to bribe kids with popsicles and popcorn due to time (started at 9:30 pm).  Craig and I both thought show was ok…

Zoe was upset she didn’t weigh enough to climb Jr Rock Wall

But, she still cheered on Daddy climbing it.

Left GA and headed to Dayton, TN for Craig’s family reunion.

Almost to Dayton…

Stopped to get gas… This thing holds 150 gallons

And to eat Chick Fil A – Kenzie finally tried some of the sauces..

Girls got to finally open the lite bites

Still have to practice… even on an RV.

Did some laundry

Added TN (and FL – how did we not already add that one haha)

Kids were so excited to meet cousins (standing at door, waiting on them to park and come in) and could not get over how much family Daddy has… They had a blast playing in the lake with Brady and Flynn.  The girls were so excited to be on a boat thanks to Wayne & Kim.  Zoe loved dancing with Aunt JuJu and Daddy’s cousins, while Kenzie kept her hands over her ears telling everyone they were too loud.  Which is better than when she told a few family members that if we have a boy, she would throw him out of the house.

The kids couldn’t wait to give Daddy his Father’s Day gift (Kenzie has been hiding it under her bed since early April and not said a word).  Then, they convinced Daddy to take them fishing before we headed out to Nashville.  It lasted long enough for me to get a couple photos then they kept questioning why they had not caught a fish and were over it.

Headed to Nashville. We had to drive through bad thunderstorms and ended up pulling over.  Did I mention Craig has us staying at a waterpark? We just arrived and this is our view from windshield…  Nope, I have not already heard 50 times that anyone wants to go there.

This was our “current location” at time we pulled over.

View from windshield.

Count: 4.5 people, 1 RV, 715 miles, 3 states

We stopped in Grandfather Mountain, NC for a few days while waiting on my grandparents to return to Roan Mountain.  Very beautiful mountains – we rented a car and explored.  At the top of the mountain, they had habitats with cougars, otters, bears and more.  Kenzie thought the bear looked like our dog and wanted to pet him. While here, I was lucky enough to have a UTI.  So happy that my Dr. ordered a prescription – we went to the small town pharmacy where Kenzie entertained and picked it up.  Back on the road!  (I promise, there is a reason for telling you this embarrassing fact)

Next stop is Roan Mountain, TN – where we parked one RV away from my grandparents.  My grandmother “Jo or Josie” as many of you hear me call her, is my mom’s mom.  She will be 89 Oct 4.  Her husband, Russell is 85.  They stopped traveling full time just a few years ago and now leave their 5th wheel parked on a small camp lot they purchased.  My grandmother has been traveling in a motor home as far back as I can remember.  We had an incredible 3 day visit with them and they loved being around Kenzie!  She has grown so much since they were last in Fl.  Luckily, they will be back to Jax sometime in November.  Now, more on my embarrassing public health situation…  While in Roan Mountain, I felt car sick – I was sitting in the back of the mini van trying to entertain Kenzie while we spent 1.5 hours driving up and down a mountain with Russell driving, who kind of thinks he is a NASCAR driver…  My grandmother was also feeling very ill and Craig said he was not feeling well so I thought nothing of it.  I quit taking my medication as it also makes me feel ill which leads to the next part about the kidney sadly…

Stone Mountain, GA…

Before the story, this was our view from the RV – it was beautiful.

We got there and the weather turned.  News showed tornado warnings.  I was talking over text to one of my best friends, Kyla and telling her about the UTI and our plans to climb Stone Mountain.  She and her family live pretty close to there.  She warned us not to do if it was wet as it is rugged. Turns out, next day was also full of storms. Later the first night, I started with a fever, chills and major lower back pains.  Haven’t had kidney stones since I was probably 20 and asked my Dad to take me to the ER (wow, that was a trip I will never forget… Neither will he with the things I apparently said while on the pain meds).  I made myself drink water, eat a banana and take one of the antibiotics.  In the morning, I felt slightly better but was still in a lot of pain.  I forced myself to drink more water and eat something, taking another pill.  We decided it was best just to go to a medical clinic as I would probably need more medicine, at the least.  We called a cab and off we went – the day turned very long from there.  In a snap shot, two and a half hours later, they told me I needed to just go to the ER…   I was keeping my mom and Kyla updated on text, while Craig stayed in touch with his sister on the phone.  (I couldn’t talk I was in so much pain).  Hours and tests later at the ER, results confirmed that while we left with one count, we would be coming home with a different…

Final Count for RV Trip East Coast: 1 RV, 2 dogs, 2 adults and 2 babies… Yep, due approx May 12 – I have begged Craig to please sell the RV, I cant take any more.

ER Visit where we found out the news

Our Family is Growing by 2 feet

We are at our last stop in Tallahassee now, for the game.  We will have been in 40 States, 2 Countries, made 19 stops, drove over 5,000 miles and we are ready to be back home.

Special thanks to my wonderful husband, Craig for taking care of Kenzie those few days!  And a horrible apology to my mom and Julie for finding out about this over text message.   Kyla, I wish I would have taken a photo with you in the hospital but, am so blessed to have you in my life after all these years.  Thank you for thinking enough of me to come and check on us.  Everyone else, you know I would have wanted to tell you more creatively, in person, etc but, we were actually told in a clinic but a Physician’s Assistant who simply said “Your pregnancy test came back positive, could be an ectopic pregnancy (not good at all) and you need to go right to the ER.”  No other way for a Dewhurst to find out and I am guessing none of our friends are really shocked by the outcome haha.

We were able to visit with two of Craig’s cousins while in Canada, which made it very nice.  Our first visit was in Montreal.  Thank you so much Jacqueline Flynn for everything!  Our first home cooked meal!  Thanks Jackie & Andre for your generous hospitality.  Plus, we have never heard Kenzie laugh so hard and so much – it was crazy, even for this funny kid.  Kenzie kept trying to scare Jackie, who of course, played along for hours.  Kenzie could not get enough of it!  She had so much fun!!!

While in Montreal, we were also able to go to the Jardin Botanique (yep, everything in French – funny thing is Jackie said she could not understand GPS as they pronounce the French names very American.  Craig and I both offered to translate as it made perfect sense to us!  Seriously, I could listen to she and Andre speak for hours… so lovely!! The Garden is the third largest in the World.  Amazing!  I was in awe.  Craig was ready to drink.  Kenzie was getting into everything.  Oh and Craig helped her to her first “water fountain” drink.  I wish I would have gotten a photo of the lady behind Craig waiting, she was not impressed.

After the garden, we went across the street to see their Olympic Park.  Nothing like Utah.  We went up in the Tower but, that was about it.

I should mention here, since Montreal, Kenzie now sleeps in bed with us…  Yep, bad habit #21 to break.

We left Jackie’s to go see Milton & Deb Flynn.  They were on the way to Niagara Falls and had found a camp ground close to them for us to stay.  Sounded perfect for us.  On the way there, our A/C and power quit working (yet, the generator still worked) so no biggie.  We would still make it.  Half way there, we could see outside… where the windshield should have been.  Yep, one side of the windshield already out and about 1.5 inches plus – gap at the top where it was coming off there.  Guess bumpy roads in Quebec + Craig driving 65 mph with home on wheels = not good results.  We decided just to go on to Niagara Falls, knowing if we had to stay in a hotel and put the dogs up, that place made the most sense.  We were able to secure a rental car and still head back to Milton & Deb’s house for dinner one night.  Our second home cooked meal… and YUMMY Chicken Curry but not spicy (as we are both wimps).  So great!  Kenzie loved the peas and the rice plus their house (so many stairs to try and tackle and what a fun place to run around).  It was so wonderful to be able to spend a little time with them, we are just sad it was not more. Would have been nice to explore Toronto, though I am terrified of the 24 lanes of traffic!!   Here is a photo of Deb and Kenzie, sadly we didn’t take any until the very end and they were all taken by Milton so I don’t have any to post.  And sadly, I just have a video of the windshield and no photos – I regret that one!

Meanwhile, back at campground, we found a glass company who came out.  A few hours later, it started raining and he was unable to finish.  He would be back sooner or later. We decided to do all the touristy things at the Falls, since we were stuck anyway.  AMAZING!  Dad and Lynn, kudos for Maid of the Mist.  The boat has an amazing view of the falls.  We were also able to do behind the falls (where you get an incredible close up view of the side of the Horseshoe Falls (aka Canadian Falls), Aero Car which is suspended 250 feet above part of the rapids a little ways down from the American Falls and the White Water Walk (which I highly recommend).  Amazing to see class 6 rapids.  We were also able to eat at Skylon Tower which has a rotating floor and pretty high up views of the falls plus a place right across from the falls where you could feel the mist from the Horseshoe Falls.

Maid of the Mist:

Behind the Falls:

Aero Car:

White Water Walk:

Lunch plus misc shots:

This little girl drew a picture for Kenzie.

Oh, Did I mention there is a guy (around 70 yrs old) who does tight rope from the Sklyon Tower (pictured above)  to the Hilton Hotel every night for 3 months?  He raises money for charities and does this World wide.  Watch out Back family, he is heading to China next!

They illuminate the falls at night.  It was orange when we went; however, photos do not come out very well (at least not when just using an iphone)

Our windshield, still not complete, gave us time to drive our rental car across border the following day.  We did Cave of the Winds.  You get very close to the American Falls, so close Craig leaned over and drank from them at one point.  They have a hurricane level where you can feel the falls hitting you.  Craig and I took turns standing up there and then decided to take Kenzie with both of us.  She did great – WHEW!  Around both sides of the falls are quite a bit of cheesiness; however, all in all I must say it was an incredible experience.  I apologize for all the photos now… but, I loved it.

Windshield fixed… for now.  We found out the windshield is smaller than the frame (he actually said the frame is cut a little bigger than the windshield – haha same thing to me).  Oh and we found out the prior owners had it glued in… yep, that is fun.  But, he said it should be good now.   Back on the road for the Dewbus and Back to the US!  (oh yeah, Fun fact – to go into US from Canada was free, coming back to Canada from US – the US charges a toll on the bridge)

Entering the US with the RV….  Even fewer questions than the other side…  Do you have any alcohol or anything else to declare.  Yes, we have some wine … for Mom and Kelly – thanks for all you have helped us with…  the photos of the winery are from your gift and yes, it is worse than taking a baby to a bar… Now taking a baby to a winery to taste wine…   OK, back to border question.  He said ok, anything else to declare? We said we have a baby… Craig said we found her over there.  Just fyi, that is not their sense of humor – don’t bother going that route.  And we are back in the US!  Once again, I heard yep, could have kept both produce and gun!  (later would wish we had the gun!!)

Wine stop for Mom and Kelly – Niagara on the Lake: (don’t get too excited, I actually think U.S. wine is better)

You have a baby… In a winery? Not even in Alabama!

Gettysburg, PA – first stop. Well, actually first stop is service shop to get A/C and power repaired:

Now to Gettysburg… By the way, I voted Hersey or Amish.  Craig voted Gettysburg.  Kenzie blew Abe Lincoln a kiss, we rented a car so we could drive around battlefield while listening to tour on cd, Craig decided enough history after an hour or so and live football was better.  I laughed and said chocolate actually trumps both.

Next stop on list – Blue Ridge Parkway! On the way, we stopped at the Luray Caverns.  Craig and I thought it was amazing, Kenzie hated it and I had to break another rule and feed her the entire tour.  Thank goodness for tasty little goldfish.   Poor Craig, had to carry the stroller up 60 steps and down 70 – yet they told him we should take it.

We made it to the BRP (Blue Ridge) and stopped at the first visitor center to find out about parks and places to see.  First mistake… we scraped the bottom and broke off part of the bike trailer.  We go into center, come back to find dogs got into trash can and made a huge mess.  Ok, told Craig I thought these were signs and we should just go somewhere else.  He laughed.  Got to our campground after a few miles of crazy roads and an even tighter campground.  Oh, with a crazy neighbor in a tent…  Yep, should have turned back…  Crazy neighbor guy kept walking up (he was the very strange and strange looking) and kept saying things like “You sure have a pretty rig, right there”  Anyway, I tried to be polite but would walk away as we were extremely unlevel and trying to correct.  He would just follow me around and if I walked inside, he then followed Craig around.  Not saying much, just standing there in a weird way.  Later that night, we were doing laundry (both in rv and directly across our rv they had one working old washer and dryer).  On the door, it had a sign about black bear sightings.  I thought, great, if crazy neighbor doesn’t kill us, the bear might.  Geez!  Did I mention we have NO cel service, internet, tv or gun out here (yep, Craig said we should have kept it).  Well, the firewood we bought (getting down to the 40s at night) disappeared.  Crazy neighbor guy had a fire going all night.  Not saying any conclusions but, firewood was gone…  I was freaking out and told Craig he was going to kill us in the middle of the night and take our rv.  No one would know for a while as no one knows where we are, etc.  Anyway, made us sleep with knives (that are really RV cheap crappy ones – probably wouldn’t break the skin) and I slept with my travel size hair spray.  Guess I thought it could blind him??  Anyway, after no sleep, we are both still alive.  Crazy neighbor guy was gone by 8 am, us shortly after and thus the decision to only drive the BRP to Roanoke and exit…

What I thought would be our last campground thanks to Crazy Neighbor Guy.

Exiting Roanoke – Craig decided he wanted to see VA Tech Stadium so we ate at Cracker Barrel (exit 118B and Va Tech was 118C)…  After lunch, 2 hours later and passing Cracker Barrel for a second time… (“Look Kids… Nevermind”  Sorry, can’t help but think of the Griswalds and the look kids – Big Ben/ Parliament scene)  we never found the stadium (heard it was off the road) and barley found a few buildings, plus missed our first campground as GPS took us down a road that say “Trucks No Turn Around, Dead End”.  I told Craig I didn’t think it was a good idea, but he said our RV GPS would not lead him astray.  Astray we were lead and then we backed up the whole road.

Just showing Cracker Barrel, since pretty much all we saw. “Look Kids… Nevermind”

We made it to the first campground, turned around and left.  Horrible little round circle of rvs with crazy homeless looking shirtless people…  Went to the second lot, where the lady on the phone said they had a great easy pull through space for a 40 foot rv and would save it for us.  Got here, and this was a crazy space.  Closest we have ever been to other rvs and electrical pole, etc.  Crazy!  Took some photos but, it was at night (now) and they did not come out very well.  Literally, we could touch arms from one rv to another without moving and this place is packed!

Along the way (since Montreal), we came across many accidents and things – here are some of those:

Tree fell down during storms (we were driving around battlefield during) and we were second car behind this tree falling.

Funny Story… On Blue Ridge Parkway, commercial truck stuck. Cops got there after we were stuck and Craig/cops walked area and determined Craig could not safely go around. Tow truck on way… BTW, trucks not allowed on this.

No lie, tow truck driver gets out and walks over… gets in truck and drives it out. After 30 min plus of waiting haha. At least Craig used satellite to watch Red Zone while we were waiting.

 

Luckily, our RV is still in tact (well, minus some of the bike trailer and added scrapes from the BRP visitor center…)

Count as of today: 4200 miles, one RV, 2 adults, 2 dogs and 1 baby.  2 more weeks til we are home!  Stay tuned next week to see what we get into!  Thanks again to Jackie, Andre, Milt and Deb!  It was so wonderful spending time with you!!!

Since the last post, we met up with Dave & Terri McBroom in Old Orchard Beach, Maine.  They took us sightseeing in Portland and around Old Orchard.  Kenzie loved being spoiled rotten.  Terri was so sweet to her and Dave had her cracking up at a catchy little tune he was singing during our lobster dinner.  Sadly, Kenzie threw her piece of Dave’s lobster on the floor without trying it.

Next: Bar Harbor, Maine.  Very pretty and home of Acadia National Park.  We enjoyed getting out and wandering around.  The sunset photo was actually taken on the drive home from dinner our first night.

When we went to leave Maine, we realized we still had our gun in our RV.  Had we of thought about it, would have sent it home with Dave & Terri, but instead we turned to Jeremy Young for help and ended up at a gun shop in Maine shipping it back to Gander Mountain, St Augustine.  Always fun parking a 40 foot RV in a small shop parking lot.

Me, being the rule follower that I am, also got rid of any produce we had and made sure everything else was correct for entering the Canadian border.  Upon arriving at border, we were asked for passports, if we ever visited Canada before, about the gun and amount of alcohol.  After hearing our story on the gun, the border patrol asked for the receipt showing the gun was shipped (made sense to me)… but alas, my non rule following easy going husband went in by himself to ship it and all he has for proof is a business card.  The guy let us go, though I explained to Craig the danger of handing off his gun registered to him with no proof.  And he explained to me how much produce I wasted as they never asked.  We work well together. By the way, if Craig gets arrested for a crime, he really did not do it.
First night in Canada was in St Martins, New Brunswick off Fundy Bay.  Biggest high tides in world.  They had sea caves you could walk into during low tide and get trapped in if you lost track of time as high tide closes them out.  It does take about 3 hours for the water to start getting that high.  The shores of the beach were filled with beautiful little rocks, which Kenzie loved collecting.  I did a close up shot of some of the rocks – the whole shoreline looked like this.  It was beautiful!

We carried on to Nova Scotia.  Were able to see Peggy’s Cove and Craig tried some fish cakes (like hashbrown patties but with salted cod).   We also got to play in downtown Halifax.  Such an experience with an early 1800 brewery.  We thought about doing the tour but it was an hour long and we did not think Kenzie would make it so we went to one of pubs inside the brewery and had a few drinks on a rooftop deck.  The drink photo is for Shelly.  Called “Dr Pepper” made with pale ale beer, amaretto and coke.  Was actually good.  Side note, while at the pub drinking, all I could think was the movie Sweet Home Alabama – “You have a baby… in a bar”

On the way back through New Brunswick, we stayed in a Province (State) Park.  Really pretty but without a car we did not see much.  Walked around and played in the park instead.  Craig was sad as there was a golf course attached and he did not play (for the record, I offered to stay another day).  The staff at the little food place thought it was funny we did not know what “Poutine” is.  Turns out it is fries with chicken gravy and cheese and they decided we needed to try it.  I did not like it; however, Craig ate every bit and loved it.  I guess this is as close as he has gotten to someone getting snacks for his trip like Max does.

On our way to Quebec, we saw a sign for the Grand Falls and decided to follow it.  First time we have ventured off like that in the RV this trip.  They even had ziplining there; however, with having to take turns and groups only going every hour, we decided just to take some photos and enjoy the view.

Here we are arriving at Quebec.  Up until now, signs were in English and French; however, now they seem to only be in French.

Amazingly, more people here than anywhere have loved coming up and talking to the baby and Kenzie loves the attention.  Blowing everyone kisses and laughing.  What a fun adventure in the Dewbus so far!

Updated count: 2700 miles, 1 border, 1 RV (we stopped at a random tractor place to see if they could weld or fix an underneath storage drawer that came open while driving but otherwise, RV still in tact), 2 dogs, 2 adults and 1 baby (and I think the baby is the same one we started with although she is now walking and speaking what we can only assume is French baby gibberish as it makes no sense.)

Next stop: Montreal and then to Niagara Falls.  Can’t wait to see Jacqueline Flynn (Craig’s cousin) and see the Falls – thanks Dad for the advice on what to do there!

Dewbus Adventures… Take 2

This trip has been completely different from our first Adventures of the Dewbus, for those of you who followed that web site.  Our baby girl and blind dog both tend to slow us down a little… ok, a lot.  It is comical (and sad) to watch Little Dog attack the couch.   Kenzie tries to walk a little more each day, when she is not tormenting the dogs or us.  She has started shaking her head “no” quite a bit.  Makes me a little sad as I am sure she picked that up from me (same as the “what” comments).  Also, it turns out, she takes after Aunt Shelly and hates green beans.  However, I will not give up (on Shelly or Kenzie).

Kenzie sleeps in her play pen each night in between our room and the living area.  Her schedule is no longer existent.  She sleeps very little while Craig drives and to no shock, does not like being in a car seat for 5 plus hours a day.  We broke down and bought her a personal dvd player today and are hoping that helps.  Though, Dad – I am not sure the Barney dvds you bought her will help our sanity.   Her bath is in an inflatable bath tub inside our shower.  Just big enough to bathe her yet small enough to fit in shower.

We left 1 week ago from St Augustine and have stopped in Charlotte (NC), Myrtle Beach (SC), Cape Charles (VA), Clarksboro (NJ) and are currently in Newburg (NY – South of Albany).

Our second day on the road, Craig had to pull into Lowe’s and buy a piece of wood to cover the stair well.  Little Dog fell down in three or four times.  Yes, you would think he would learn but, no he is not that smart.  He is really cute, if that makes it better. In Myrtle Beach, Kenzie played in the sand – walking a little.  The ocean was full of flounder and sting rays. The NJ stay was right outside Philadelphia, PA and allowed us to see the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.  Not to insult any NJ friends, but most of the people were not very friendly and I was happy to be moving along. However, we are cool enough at night now to enjoy a nice fire.

While we have yet to see the famous hot pink Lipstick Bail Bonds RV we found in CA; we were able to spot a few unique ones.  The first is a semi truck front that has two slide outs.  The second is called the Rotel Tour Bus from NY (carrying a German group).  One side is full of bunk beds (had to have 20-30 people that got off and ate dinner at our campground.  The other side has a tent like cover that pops out some.  I could not get better pictures as we looked odd trying to and had our two dogs plus baby so not the easiest to go up and just talk with them.

Two of the parks we stayed in had lazy rivers.  Craig and I also took turns going down some big water park slides – reminded me of being a kid and going to Wild Waters every summer with my brothers baseball teams. Craig loved it, I think he must have gone three times.  He tried to take Kenzie down a small slide but the lifeguard would not allow him.  They said she can go by herself but not with Craig.  We just laughed.  She will have to experience it another day.  Another place we took a cab to eat at Greg Norman’s Australian Grill and walked along the water. Kenzie caught a really big catch that day.

Week 1 went well as we wrapped it up with 1200 miles and still having 2 adults, 1 baby, 2 dogs and a Dewbus,.  Amazingly, all parties mentioned were the same exact as the starting ones.  Impressive, if I do say so myself.   We will do another count next week as numbers are subject to change at any time…

And we are on to the next place… Orchard Beach, Maine to meet up with Dave & Terri McBroom from Jax, FL who are there in their motorhome.  Amazingly, they left 4 days after us and are arriving same day as us.  What a difference a child makes haha.