1st April
The ship docked at around 7.00am, but it was around 10.00 when we got off the boat. We had to catch a shuttle bus to get back to where we left the truck, as we were allocated a different wharf a few miles away to the one we left from. The first job was to empty the fridge, as it had sat for two weeks with no power, and it was rotten!! The esky we got from the seafood place was pressed into service, it would be our fridge for a few days until we could get the smell out of the fridge. Our plan was to head down to Key West, and we made it as far as Plantation Key the first night, and found a small dirt road near a bridge to park for the night. All was going well until about 8.30, when Mr Plod the policeman appeared, and told us we couldn’t stay there, and it was illegal to sleep in your vehicle on public land in Florida. It was the first time we had been moved on since we got the truck. We heard you could stay in the K Mart car park in Marathon, about 30 miles further down the keys, so we headed there and slept the rest of the night.
The ship docked at around 7.00am, but it was around 10.00 when we got off the boat. We had to catch a shuttle bus to get back to where we left the truck, as we were allocated a different wharf a few miles away to the one we left from. The first job was to empty the fridge, as it had sat for two weeks with no power, and it was rotten!! The esky we got from the seafood place was pressed into service, it would be our fridge for a few days until we could get the smell out of the fridge. Our plan was to head down to Key West, and we made it as far as Plantation Key the first night, and found a small dirt road near a bridge to park for the night. All was going well until about 8.30, when Mr Plod the policeman appeared, and told us we couldn’t stay there, and it was illegal to sleep in your vehicle on public land in Florida. It was the first time we had been moved on since we got the truck. We heard you could stay in the K Mart car park in Marathon, about 30 miles further down the keys, so we headed there and slept the rest of the night.
2
The weather was still good, so we continued on down to Key West, and did the touristy things you do there, including a photo at the southernmost point in USA, and having a margarita in Jimmy Buffet’s Margartaville bar in Duval St. Really good, too. Along the way we stopped to inquire about a snorkel trip to a reef about 7 miles off the coast, may organise that for tomorrow. While we were parked in the shopping centre carpark, we met a guy named Brad, who was just finishing building a box truck conversion similar to ours, and he told us of a place to camp just near his place, about 6 miles north, so we ended up staying there for the night. It is really difficult to stealth camp on the keys, the cops are right onto it, and there are tow away signs everywhere. Space is really at a premium, and it is difficult to get a park, let alone find somewhere to camp. Even the shopping centres won’t let you camp there. We were lucky we met Brad, who by the way has done a brilliant job on his conversion, so thanks mate, appreciate your help.
The weather was still good, so we continued on down to Key West, and did the touristy things you do there, including a photo at the southernmost point in USA, and having a margarita in Jimmy Buffet’s Margartaville bar in Duval St. Really good, too. Along the way we stopped to inquire about a snorkel trip to a reef about 7 miles off the coast, may organise that for tomorrow. While we were parked in the shopping centre carpark, we met a guy named Brad, who was just finishing building a box truck conversion similar to ours, and he told us of a place to camp just near his place, about 6 miles north, so we ended up staying there for the night. It is really difficult to stealth camp on the keys, the cops are right onto it, and there are tow away signs everywhere. Space is really at a premium, and it is difficult to get a park, let alone find somewhere to camp. Even the shopping centres won’t let you camp there. We were lucky we met Brad, who by the way has done a brilliant job on his conversion, so thanks mate, appreciate your help.
Of course we had to try one........
Driving to the quays, the scenery is stunning.
3
We headed north again, calling in to find out about the snorkel trip, but the wind had come up, and they were cancelled for the next few days until the weather improved. Onward and upward, and we eventually left the keys and their stunning blue and aqua waters, it really is a beautiful place. I was keen to avoid the toll roads and horrible traffic around Miami, so we drove inland a bit, then headed west along the 41, through the Everglades National Park, towards the west coast of the peninsula. There is a visitor centre along the road, which was closed when we got there, but in the canal that runs alongside the road we saw a heap of alligators, and continued seeing them all along the road. The canal goes for miles, and there was no shortage of alligators in it. Arriving at Canestown, we fuelled up, then turned south to Everglades City, where we parked in the Visitor Centre carpark for the night. Not a bad spot, but the sandflies were very friendly.
We headed north again, calling in to find out about the snorkel trip, but the wind had come up, and they were cancelled for the next few days until the weather improved. Onward and upward, and we eventually left the keys and their stunning blue and aqua waters, it really is a beautiful place. I was keen to avoid the toll roads and horrible traffic around Miami, so we drove inland a bit, then headed west along the 41, through the Everglades National Park, towards the west coast of the peninsula. There is a visitor centre along the road, which was closed when we got there, but in the canal that runs alongside the road we saw a heap of alligators, and continued seeing them all along the road. The canal goes for miles, and there was no shortage of alligators in it. Arriving at Canestown, we fuelled up, then turned south to Everglades City, where we parked in the Visitor Centre carpark for the night. Not a bad spot, but the sandflies were very friendly.
View from the road along Everglades National Park, with the Gulf of Mexico in the Background
4
The 4th was a transit day, over to the west coast of the peninsula, then up to a friends house, Cheryl, who we had also met in Mexico. She lived in Sarasota on the coast, so we ambled up through Fort Myers, as we had all day to get to Cheryl’s place. There was a boat show happening in Fort Myers the following day, so we went past it to check it out, thinking we might come back to it, but after experiencing the traffic going up to Sarasota decided against it. Lyn checked out other boat shows, and there is one happening in Annapolis on the 20th of this month, a big one focusing on sailing boats, so we locked that one in to the calendar. We arrived at Cheryl’s, and with Greg, her boyfriend, went out for dinner to a local restaurant, very nice. We had a top night, good company, a great time.
The 4th was a transit day, over to the west coast of the peninsula, then up to a friends house, Cheryl, who we had also met in Mexico. She lived in Sarasota on the coast, so we ambled up through Fort Myers, as we had all day to get to Cheryl’s place. There was a boat show happening in Fort Myers the following day, so we went past it to check it out, thinking we might come back to it, but after experiencing the traffic going up to Sarasota decided against it. Lyn checked out other boat shows, and there is one happening in Annapolis on the 20th of this month, a big one focusing on sailing boats, so we locked that one in to the calendar. We arrived at Cheryl’s, and with Greg, her boyfriend, went out for dinner to a local restaurant, very nice. We had a top night, good company, a great time.
With Cheryl and Greg in Sarasota
5-10
Time to head back across the peninsula to the east coast, back to Dave Hand’s place for a couple of days, we had had our drivers licenses forwarded on to us there from Bevan and Clare’s in Arizona, so we needed to pick them up and recoup before we moved on up the coast. The weather wasn’t too bad now, a lot warmer than when we headed south before the cruise. On the way we stopped at Apollo Beach, where there is a manatee sanctuary next to a power station, a very interesting stop. The manatees like the warmer water, and the heated water from the power station flows into a canal which the manatees love, so there was a few there to have a look at, as well as a small information centre and museum to walk through. Apparently in winter there are heaps there, but not so many now as the waters in the gulf have warmed up enough for them to be happy outside. It is the first time I have seen them, they are very similar to the australian dugong, but with a different tail, and slightly different face. Arrived back at Dave’s just before dark, and set up for the next few days. Time to do a couple of little things in the truck, and tape the back window again, the weather is looking a bit foreboding. One day after riding with Dave to meet some of his other biker friends for breakfast, we decided to go down to the Cape Kennedy Space Centre, as we were part of the way there already. Along the scenic coastal drive, there is a viewing platform where you can often see manatees, so we stopped for a look, and there were more there than there was at the centre in Apollo Beach!. The day at the Space Centre passed really quickly, you really need a full day to see all of it. We had planned to leave the next day, but the weather turned lousy, and we wanted to play tourist, so we hung back another day, it was forecast to be fine the next day.
Time to head back across the peninsula to the east coast, back to Dave Hand’s place for a couple of days, we had had our drivers licenses forwarded on to us there from Bevan and Clare’s in Arizona, so we needed to pick them up and recoup before we moved on up the coast. The weather wasn’t too bad now, a lot warmer than when we headed south before the cruise. On the way we stopped at Apollo Beach, where there is a manatee sanctuary next to a power station, a very interesting stop. The manatees like the warmer water, and the heated water from the power station flows into a canal which the manatees love, so there was a few there to have a look at, as well as a small information centre and museum to walk through. Apparently in winter there are heaps there, but not so many now as the waters in the gulf have warmed up enough for them to be happy outside. It is the first time I have seen them, they are very similar to the australian dugong, but with a different tail, and slightly different face. Arrived back at Dave’s just before dark, and set up for the next few days. Time to do a couple of little things in the truck, and tape the back window again, the weather is looking a bit foreboding. One day after riding with Dave to meet some of his other biker friends for breakfast, we decided to go down to the Cape Kennedy Space Centre, as we were part of the way there already. Along the scenic coastal drive, there is a viewing platform where you can often see manatees, so we stopped for a look, and there were more there than there was at the centre in Apollo Beach!. The day at the Space Centre passed really quickly, you really need a full day to see all of it. We had planned to leave the next day, but the weather turned lousy, and we wanted to play tourist, so we hung back another day, it was forecast to be fine the next day.
Cute little fella, ain't he
Looks like they built that building just for us......
With Dave Hand, and Doc and Karen, out for a ride and some lunch
11
Georgia
It had been great staying with Dave, but the time had come to head north, and the predicted fine weather arrived, so we ambled up the coast to St Augustine, where we wandered around the fort, and drove through the old town. It is supposed to be one of the oldest towns in the US, with a strong Spanish influence. From there we headed north to Brunswick, a port town, and found a parking spot on St Simons Island for the night
Georgia
It had been great staying with Dave, but the time had come to head north, and the predicted fine weather arrived, so we ambled up the coast to St Augustine, where we wandered around the fort, and drove through the old town. It is supposed to be one of the oldest towns in the US, with a strong Spanish influence. From there we headed north to Brunswick, a port town, and found a parking spot on St Simons Island for the night
The fort at St Augustine
12-13
The next couple of days were spent driving up to Savannah, where we found free parking in the Trade and Convention Centre exhibitors car park. It was really handy, straight over the river from the old town, with a free ferry running all day to the Town Hall, walking distance to everywhere we wanted to see. Still a bit crazy looking out of your window across the river, when suddenly the sky goes dark and a container ship slides past! A walking tour gave us the history of the town, and allowed us to get our bearings. On the last night, there was a function at the centre, with a band on the bank of the river, and as we had access to the ferry dock from where we were, we took a couple of drinks and joined in, having a dance watching the nights entertainment, a top night, and all at the right price.
The next couple of days were spent driving up to Savannah, where we found free parking in the Trade and Convention Centre exhibitors car park. It was really handy, straight over the river from the old town, with a free ferry running all day to the Town Hall, walking distance to everywhere we wanted to see. Still a bit crazy looking out of your window across the river, when suddenly the sky goes dark and a container ship slides past! A walking tour gave us the history of the town, and allowed us to get our bearings. On the last night, there was a function at the centre, with a band on the bank of the river, and as we had access to the ferry dock from where we were, we took a couple of drinks and joined in, having a dance watching the nights entertainment, a top night, and all at the right price.
Is there a message there?
A few of these went past, very close to the river banks
14-15
South Carolina
We crossed the border just north of Savannah, and drove up to Charleston, all good roads, and the weather was being kind to us as well, not too hot, but not cold. The visitor centres all through the US are great, they have detailed road maps for their state, good restrooms, and info on all the attractions in the area, and some have dump stations for RV’s, (of which there are millions in the US). While near the one in Charleston we met Doug, a fellow traveller on BMW 1200GS, and had a chat to him. His bike was down near the Maritime Centre, and we met up with there again and had a cup of tea with him. Using “I Overlander," a really good ap for the phone, we found a road right next to the river we could park on and sleep overnight for 2 nights, (maybe not legally, but no one bothers you), walking distance from the centre of the historic district. We had planned to do a walking tour of the city, but got the times mixed up, missing it by half an hour. Instead we did a horse and buggy tour, reasonably priced, and the guide was very informative and knowledgable, well worth it. The weather was turning bad, and a gale warning had been issued, so we had an early night in the truck being buffeted around by the wind off the water, and hammered by the rain.
South Carolina
We crossed the border just north of Savannah, and drove up to Charleston, all good roads, and the weather was being kind to us as well, not too hot, but not cold. The visitor centres all through the US are great, they have detailed road maps for their state, good restrooms, and info on all the attractions in the area, and some have dump stations for RV’s, (of which there are millions in the US). While near the one in Charleston we met Doug, a fellow traveller on BMW 1200GS, and had a chat to him. His bike was down near the Maritime Centre, and we met up with there again and had a cup of tea with him. Using “I Overlander," a really good ap for the phone, we found a road right next to the river we could park on and sleep overnight for 2 nights, (maybe not legally, but no one bothers you), walking distance from the centre of the historic district. We had planned to do a walking tour of the city, but got the times mixed up, missing it by half an hour. Instead we did a horse and buggy tour, reasonably priced, and the guide was very informative and knowledgable, well worth it. The weather was turning bad, and a gale warning had been issued, so we had an early night in the truck being buffeted around by the wind off the water, and hammered by the rain.
A walk through the markets, very touristy...........
16
Lyn had booked to go on a tour to learn about the afro-american sites and stories from the area, while I elected to try to catch up on the blog some more, so we left Charleston around 3.00 pm. I Overlander showed a campsite near Lake Marion, so we headed there and set up in a car park for the local boat ramp for the night.
Lyn had booked to go on a tour to learn about the afro-american sites and stories from the area, while I elected to try to catch up on the blog some more, so we left Charleston around 3.00 pm. I Overlander showed a campsite near Lake Marion, so we headed there and set up in a car park for the local boat ramp for the night.
17
We hit the coast again near Surf City, and after calling in to the visitors centre, found a car park servicing a local beach access track so made that home for the night. The strip of road up the coast is quite touristy, and because the houses are built right on the beach, you can’t see the ocean as you drive, so you may as well be inland.
We hit the coast again near Surf City, and after calling in to the visitors centre, found a car park servicing a local beach access track so made that home for the night. The strip of road up the coast is quite touristy, and because the houses are built right on the beach, you can’t see the ocean as you drive, so you may as well be inland.
18
We visited Kill Devil hill, where the Wright Brothers Monument is, and listened to a talk on the history of the place, and how the Wright brothers overcame the problems that confronted them in their quest for, and eventual success, in achieving powered flight. Very inspiring, well worth the visit.
We visited Kill Devil hill, where the Wright Brothers Monument is, and listened to a talk on the history of the place, and how the Wright brothers overcame the problems that confronted them in their quest for, and eventual success, in achieving powered flight. Very inspiring, well worth the visit.
A full size model of the wright flyer, on Kill Devil Hill
At the monument on Kill Devil Hill
19
We had driven up to Bowie, and stayed the night in the Lowes car park. The water pump had stopped working, and Lowes didn’t have one, so will try somewhere tomorrow to get one. We’ll have to syphon water out of the tank until I can fix it. Most inconvenient.
We had driven up to Bowie, and stayed the night in the Lowes car park. The water pump had stopped working, and Lowes didn’t have one, so will try somewhere tomorrow to get one. We’ll have to syphon water out of the tank until I can fix it. Most inconvenient.
20
We spent the day at the Annapolis boat show, the reason we were there in the first place. Not a bad show, but apparently the fall one is about 3 times bigger. Still it was good, and we picked up some good ideas for our boat when we get back to Oz. Walmart car park in Glen Burnie was home for the night, not the best, but it did the job.
We spent the day at the Annapolis boat show, the reason we were there in the first place. Not a bad show, but apparently the fall one is about 3 times bigger. Still it was good, and we picked up some good ideas for our boat when we get back to Oz. Walmart car park in Glen Burnie was home for the night, not the best, but it did the job.
At the boat show, worth looking around
I can see us ending up with a couple of these in the near future
21
We found an RV store, replaced the water pump, and sorted out an electrical problem, then did a tour of the US Capitol building in the city. That night we walked from the East Potomac park to the Lincoln Memorial and back, about 8 Kms, just to settle our dinner. Along the way we took in the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the World War 11 memorial. All very nice at night, well lit up. We couldn’t stay there for the night, so drove to Alexandria, and stayed in Walmart car park
We found an RV store, replaced the water pump, and sorted out an electrical problem, then did a tour of the US Capitol building in the city. That night we walked from the East Potomac park to the Lincoln Memorial and back, about 8 Kms, just to settle our dinner. Along the way we took in the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the World War 11 memorial. All very nice at night, well lit up. We couldn’t stay there for the night, so drove to Alexandria, and stayed in Walmart car park
22
Drove into Washington early, and jagged a park for the truck right next to the Mall, and there is free parking all day on Sundays, so we could walk to the truck during the day between museums and touristy things. Visited the African American museum, the National History Museum, some weird arty museum, and a couple of other monuments. Lyn went to the National Arts museum, but I went back to the truck for a drink and rest, we had walked another 6 or 7 kms, and been on our feet all day. After a drink and a snack, we wandered up to the White House and took some photos, then drove back to the Walmart car park in Alexandria for the night.
Drove into Washington early, and jagged a park for the truck right next to the Mall, and there is free parking all day on Sundays, so we could walk to the truck during the day between museums and touristy things. Visited the African American museum, the National History Museum, some weird arty museum, and a couple of other monuments. Lyn went to the National Arts museum, but I went back to the truck for a drink and rest, we had walked another 6 or 7 kms, and been on our feet all day. After a drink and a snack, we wandered up to the White House and took some photos, then drove back to the Walmart car park in Alexandria for the night.
They really do have some strange people hanging around the White House...
The car Steve McQueen drove in the movie "Bullit", is was on display in the mall
23-25
We took a drive to Arlington Cemetery and did the tour, including JFK's grave, along with his brothers, then headed down to meet up with another couple, Charlie and Linda, who we had met at another HU meeting earlier in the year. They live in Virginia in the mountains, beautiful countryside, where they have some cabins they rent out. We had a great few days there, catching up on some maintenance, washing, etc, and sitting around a campfire at night drinking too much, and talking and laughing a lot. Charlie is a great BBQ cook, (not), love his char burgers.
We took a drive to Arlington Cemetery and did the tour, including JFK's grave, along with his brothers, then headed down to meet up with another couple, Charlie and Linda, who we had met at another HU meeting earlier in the year. They live in Virginia in the mountains, beautiful countryside, where they have some cabins they rent out. We had a great few days there, catching up on some maintenance, washing, etc, and sitting around a campfire at night drinking too much, and talking and laughing a lot. Charlie is a great BBQ cook, (not), love his char burgers.
There was another funeral happening while we were at the cemetery.
26-28
We all drove down to Appomattox for the Virginia HU meeting, where Lyn and I had a couple of presentations to do, one on Izzy, and the other on Russia. It was a good meeting, the guys there had it running really well, and everybody had a great time. The weather was a bit ordinary the first day, but improved after that. There was some really good presentations, these meetings are always a blast, and you meet some extraordinary people.
We all drove down to Appomattox for the Virginia HU meeting, where Lyn and I had a couple of presentations to do, one on Izzy, and the other on Russia. It was a good meeting, the guys there had it running really well, and everybody had a great time. The weather was a bit ordinary the first day, but improved after that. There was some really good presentations, these meetings are always a blast, and you meet some extraordinary people.
HQ for the Virginia HU meeting
During our presentation, obviously the audience was spellbound.....
Home at the HU meeting
29
We checked out the Appomattox court house and the old village, where the generals Grant and Lee signed the surrender to end the civil war back in 1865, well worth looking around, and listening to the rangers tell the story of how it all unfolded. From there a drive up into the mountains, and on to the Blue Ridge Parkway, where we found the lodge carpark at the Peaks of Otter a great place to park for the night. The guy at reception was really helpful when I asked if we could stay there, better than I expected. There is a nice lake there, and we went for a walk around it a couple of times.
We checked out the Appomattox court house and the old village, where the generals Grant and Lee signed the surrender to end the civil war back in 1865, well worth looking around, and listening to the rangers tell the story of how it all unfolded. From there a drive up into the mountains, and on to the Blue Ridge Parkway, where we found the lodge carpark at the Peaks of Otter a great place to park for the night. The guy at reception was really helpful when I asked if we could stay there, better than I expected. There is a nice lake there, and we went for a walk around it a couple of times.
View across the lake to the hotel, Izzy is parked behind the tree
30
The next day was a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and we stopped off at Greg and Mary’s for the night. We had met Greg at Dave’s place in Daytona Beach when we were there for bike week, great to catch up with him again, and meet his wife. We went for a walk across the road to the old mill, and came across a baby snake while walking. A really good night sitting around another bonfire and talking, thanks for your hospitality guys.
The next day was a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and we stopped off at Greg and Mary’s for the night. We had met Greg at Dave’s place in Daytona Beach when we were there for bike week, great to catch up with him again, and meet his wife. We went for a walk across the road to the old mill, and came across a baby snake while walking. A really good night sitting around another bonfire and talking, thanks for your hospitality guys.
With Greg and his wife at the old mill
1st May.
More driving along the BRP today, heading for Nashville, but we got to Mt Pisgah, where we camped for the night in an overlook, as they are called. The views are really pretty, lots of mountains and valleys, and you can see forever.
More driving along the BRP today, heading for Nashville, but we got to Mt Pisgah, where we camped for the night in an overlook, as they are called. The views are really pretty, lots of mountains and valleys, and you can see forever.
2
Down from the mountains today, and heading west towards Nashville, after doing the “Tail of the Dragon”, near the border between Tennessee and Virginia. We rode the bike, and then drove Izzy along it on the way down to the main road down the bottom of the range. The Tail is a good road on a bike, 318 corners in 11 miles, not so good in the truck. There was a lot of bikes there during the week, it must be a nightmare on the weekends. It was getting late in the day and we were both tired, so found a place to park for the night at a marina on a lake, turned out to be a great spot.
Down from the mountains today, and heading west towards Nashville, after doing the “Tail of the Dragon”, near the border between Tennessee and Virginia. We rode the bike, and then drove Izzy along it on the way down to the main road down the bottom of the range. The Tail is a good road on a bike, 318 corners in 11 miles, not so good in the truck. There was a lot of bikes there during the week, it must be a nightmare on the weekends. It was getting late in the day and we were both tired, so found a place to park for the night at a marina on a lake, turned out to be a great spot.
3-4
From there into Nashville, where we spent a couple of days looking around, including a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. We are not fans of country music, but it was still an interesting visit, lots to see. A bus ride around the city gave us an idea where everything was, and what there is to see. We did the touristy things, including a visit to the Parthenon, which is the same size and a replica of the one in Athens, Greece. We managed to snag a park at the Nissan Stadium across the river from the city, free parking all the time, and a 15 minute walk across the footbridge to the city centre.
From there into Nashville, where we spent a couple of days looking around, including a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. We are not fans of country music, but it was still an interesting visit, lots to see. A bus ride around the city gave us an idea where everything was, and what there is to see. We did the touristy things, including a visit to the Parthenon, which is the same size and a replica of the one in Athens, Greece. We managed to snag a park at the Nissan Stadium across the river from the city, free parking all the time, and a 15 minute walk across the footbridge to the city centre.
Nashville's Parthenon, a replica of the one in Greece
The Nissan Stadium, home to the Titans football team, where we snagged a park for Izzy. Photo taken from a rooftop bar in the centre of the city
Looking across the river towards the city at night
As good a singer as I am, these are not all mine. Some of the gold and platinum records on the wall at the hall of fame
5-6
A late and lazy start for the trip to Memphis, it stated raining during the night, and was still pouring in the morning, one of those days when you feel like laying in bed all day. Still, we got up and hit the road by about 10.30, and drove down to the Shiloh National Military Park, still in Tennessee, but just north of the Mississippi border. They have a self drive tour of the battlefields, with a map showing you where to go, and telling you about the battles, pretty well done. That done, although we did cut it short due to the weather, we headed off to Memphis. The aim was to stay there that night, then visit a church nearby, that had what we call the “Happy Clappers” where everybody sings with a band, and there is a lot of Haleulouya’s, praise the lords, and I believe’s, going on. We found a Walmart car park nearby, and as unsavoury as it looked, it turned out to be a safe stop for the night. The next morning the church turned out to be as we imagined, and the band was great, they could have made it on their own. That finished about one o’clock, and Graceland was just down the road, so the rest of the day was spent visiting the world of Elvis. We were never big fans, but it was interesting to see how he lived and played. Memphis didn’t click with us, it seemed dirty and didn’t have a good vibe, so we left the city and found a truck parking area to the north west of the city, and spent the night there.
A late and lazy start for the trip to Memphis, it stated raining during the night, and was still pouring in the morning, one of those days when you feel like laying in bed all day. Still, we got up and hit the road by about 10.30, and drove down to the Shiloh National Military Park, still in Tennessee, but just north of the Mississippi border. They have a self drive tour of the battlefields, with a map showing you where to go, and telling you about the battles, pretty well done. That done, although we did cut it short due to the weather, we headed off to Memphis. The aim was to stay there that night, then visit a church nearby, that had what we call the “Happy Clappers” where everybody sings with a band, and there is a lot of Haleulouya’s, praise the lords, and I believe’s, going on. We found a Walmart car park nearby, and as unsavoury as it looked, it turned out to be a safe stop for the night. The next morning the church turned out to be as we imagined, and the band was great, they could have made it on their own. That finished about one o’clock, and Graceland was just down the road, so the rest of the day was spent visiting the world of Elvis. We were never big fans, but it was interesting to see how he lived and played. Memphis didn’t click with us, it seemed dirty and didn’t have a good vibe, so we left the city and found a truck parking area to the north west of the city, and spent the night there.
In the church of the happy clappers, they really got into it. One woman in her 60's was head banging like she was at a Sid Vicous concert
The front of Elvis' house. The museum is across the road, behind where we stood to take this photo
The "Jungle Room", in Elvis' house
7-8
Continuing north to St Louis, we planned on attending our first major league baseball game, between the St Louis Cardinals and the Minnesota Twins. From one of our camping aps we found a park at the River City Casino for the night, and rode the bike in to the city to the Busch Stadium for the game. Parking is a nightmare at game time, but with the bike it was easy to slot in between a couple of cars and park right at the stadium for free. Just as well we were close, because they have a “no backpacks” policy, so I had to walk back to the bike and leave the back pack there. Security is full on at the games now. Turned out the game was a bit slow, and the Cardinals got a 7-1 drubbing. After the game we went and had a look at the famous St Louis Gateway Arch, and a walk around the park, then back to the casino for the night, and off the next day to Peoria.
Continuing north to St Louis, we planned on attending our first major league baseball game, between the St Louis Cardinals and the Minnesota Twins. From one of our camping aps we found a park at the River City Casino for the night, and rode the bike in to the city to the Busch Stadium for the game. Parking is a nightmare at game time, but with the bike it was easy to slot in between a couple of cars and park right at the stadium for free. Just as well we were close, because they have a “no backpacks” policy, so I had to walk back to the bike and leave the back pack there. Security is full on at the games now. Turned out the game was a bit slow, and the Cardinals got a 7-1 drubbing. After the game we went and had a look at the famous St Louis Gateway Arch, and a walk around the park, then back to the casino for the night, and off the next day to Peoria.
With the bike at the Gateway Arch
9
Drove to Peoria, stayed the night in the carpark of the casino. Joined their players club, and won enough money to pay for tea.
10
A fairly boring drive to Dubuque, where we stayed the night in the Entertainment Centre car park.
Drove to Peoria, stayed the night in the carpark of the casino. Joined their players club, and won enough money to pay for tea.
10
A fairly boring drive to Dubuque, where we stayed the night in the Entertainment Centre car park.
11
Lyn had made an appointment with Apple in Madison to get a new battery in her phone, because it was not lasting. When we went back to pick it up, they said there had been a problem with it, so they replaced it with a new phone, Winner, As the weather had turned shitty, wet, and cold, we spent some time in the library thawing out, and using the free wifi to catch up with a few things, then headed to the casino car park for the night.
Lyn had made an appointment with Apple in Madison to get a new battery in her phone, because it was not lasting. When we went back to pick it up, they said there had been a problem with it, so they replaced it with a new phone, Winner, As the weather had turned shitty, wet, and cold, we spent some time in the library thawing out, and using the free wifi to catch up with a few things, then headed to the casino car park for the night.
12
More rain and cold, so we headed for Milwaukee, and spent more time in the library, actually did some catching up with the blog, at least we are now into this years travels! We parked on the street near the casino for the night, as they will not allow anyone in an RV or truck onto the casino car parks or property, one of the few we have come across. Around 4.00 in the morning, (just happens I was awake), someone tried to open the door of the truck. I yelled out, and I think it must have surprised him, as he yelled and then bolted, I never did get to see him. Probably a good thing! We didn’t sleep well for the rest of the night.
More rain and cold, so we headed for Milwaukee, and spent more time in the library, actually did some catching up with the blog, at least we are now into this years travels! We parked on the street near the casino for the night, as they will not allow anyone in an RV or truck onto the casino car parks or property, one of the few we have come across. Around 4.00 in the morning, (just happens I was awake), someone tried to open the door of the truck. I yelled out, and I think it must have surprised him, as he yelled and then bolted, I never did get to see him. Probably a good thing! We didn’t sleep well for the rest of the night.
13
Where we were parked was not far from the Harley Museum, so we visited it in the morning, and then we took a walk along the river front to the statue of Fonzie. Milwaukie wasn’t doing it for us, so we headed north to Sheboygan, where we parked in the Home Depot car park for the night. Lyn made me put another catch on the door after the attempted break in, so we slept easier after that.
Where we were parked was not far from the Harley Museum, so we visited it in the morning, and then we took a walk along the river front to the statue of Fonzie. Milwaukie wasn’t doing it for us, so we headed north to Sheboygan, where we parked in the Home Depot car park for the night. Lyn made me put another catch on the door after the attempted break in, so we slept easier after that.
14
Did some truck maintenance, and didn’t leave until after lunch, drove up to Green Bay, and stayed in the Casino car park, A nice quiet night, even if it was across the road from the airport.
Did some truck maintenance, and didn’t leave until after lunch, drove up to Green Bay, and stayed in the Casino car park, A nice quiet night, even if it was across the road from the airport.
At the home of the Green Bay Packers
15
Headed north up the peninsula, where we were moved on from Doors Bluff County Park by a security guard during the evening, so we tried a church car park down towards Sister Bay, and that was fine.
Headed north up the peninsula, where we were moved on from Doors Bluff County Park by a security guard during the evening, so we tried a church car park down towards Sister Bay, and that was fine.
Izzy parked where we would have liked to have stayed the night, before we were moved on
There are some really pretty places on the peninsula, this is along the edge of Lake Michigan. These lakes are huge, they look like the edge of the ocean
16
Up early to get out of the church yard, so drove down to Elliot Bay, and sat on the waterfront for our morning cuppa and breakfast, turned out to be a long stop where we caught up on a few chores, and cooked tonights meal. We checked out the area, some nice views over the lake on both sides of the peninsula. We wanted to do a tour of the Renards cheese factory just north of Algoma, and had booked in for tomorrow morning at 8.00 am, so we checked out where we had to go, then drove down to the town and spent some time in the library using the internet. While we were there Lyn asked if was OK to park there overnight, and after checking we got the green light, winner. It was in the same carpark as the local police station, so should be a cruisey night, and it was.
Up early to get out of the church yard, so drove down to Elliot Bay, and sat on the waterfront for our morning cuppa and breakfast, turned out to be a long stop where we caught up on a few chores, and cooked tonights meal. We checked out the area, some nice views over the lake on both sides of the peninsula. We wanted to do a tour of the Renards cheese factory just north of Algoma, and had booked in for tomorrow morning at 8.00 am, so we checked out where we had to go, then drove down to the town and spent some time in the library using the internet. While we were there Lyn asked if was OK to park there overnight, and after checking we got the green light, winner. It was in the same carpark as the local police station, so should be a cruisey night, and it was.
17
Up early and to the cheese factory for the tour, we were the only ones on it, so we got special attention. Very interesting, it is only a small factory, and a lot of the “old school” traditional ways are still practiced here, the result is a good quality product. We bought a few different cheeses after doing some tasting, very nice. Then we had to hit the road, we were meeting another travelling rider at Bolingbrook, near Chicago later in the evening, and had a decent drive ahead of us. Straight back down through Manitowoc, Milwaukee, and on down to Chicago. We were both tired nearing Chicago, so pulled up at a visitor centre and had a half hour power nap, then hit the road again. The traffic when got near Chicago was terrible, it took us 3 hours to do 40 miles. We eventually arrived at TJ and Beth's place, and parked the truck in their driveway. A few drinks over dinner, a lot of stories, and before we knew it it was 1.30 in the morning, another late but great night. Beth had to work in the morning, so she headed for bed a little earlier.
Up early and to the cheese factory for the tour, we were the only ones on it, so we got special attention. Very interesting, it is only a small factory, and a lot of the “old school” traditional ways are still practiced here, the result is a good quality product. We bought a few different cheeses after doing some tasting, very nice. Then we had to hit the road, we were meeting another travelling rider at Bolingbrook, near Chicago later in the evening, and had a decent drive ahead of us. Straight back down through Manitowoc, Milwaukee, and on down to Chicago. We were both tired nearing Chicago, so pulled up at a visitor centre and had a half hour power nap, then hit the road again. The traffic when got near Chicago was terrible, it took us 3 hours to do 40 miles. We eventually arrived at TJ and Beth's place, and parked the truck in their driveway. A few drinks over dinner, a lot of stories, and before we knew it it was 1.30 in the morning, another late but great night. Beth had to work in the morning, so she headed for bed a little earlier.
With Beth and TJ in Chicago.
18-19
A slow start to the day, and did a few chores and little jobs on the truck, before we left in the afternoon for the drive into the city. Thanks heaps to TJ and Beth for their hospitality and help, great people. We found a spot we could stealth camp right in the city near Chinatown, on I Overlander, so parked there and walked a couple of blocks to a chinese restaurant TJ had recommended, a really good feed at a reasonable price, good value. Back to the truck after, a couple of drinks, then an earlier night than last night. We had booked on a free walking tour around the city the next afternoon, so spent the morning looking around at other things like Millennium Park. The walking tour was very informative, and the guide did a top job, well worth it. One of the things you must do in Chicago is try a deep dish pizza, so that was tea for the night. We shared a small one between us, and still took some home, we couldn’t eat it all. A cab (actually Lyft) got us to the Shania Twain concert that night at the United Stadium, and we mostly walked and partly bussed our way home, not sure how smart it was walking around Chicago after midnight, but we got home safely. The feet and legs knew all about the exercise we had done that day though!
A slow start to the day, and did a few chores and little jobs on the truck, before we left in the afternoon for the drive into the city. Thanks heaps to TJ and Beth for their hospitality and help, great people. We found a spot we could stealth camp right in the city near Chinatown, on I Overlander, so parked there and walked a couple of blocks to a chinese restaurant TJ had recommended, a really good feed at a reasonable price, good value. Back to the truck after, a couple of drinks, then an earlier night than last night. We had booked on a free walking tour around the city the next afternoon, so spent the morning looking around at other things like Millennium Park. The walking tour was very informative, and the guide did a top job, well worth it. One of the things you must do in Chicago is try a deep dish pizza, so that was tea for the night. We shared a small one between us, and still took some home, we couldn’t eat it all. A cab (actually Lyft) got us to the Shania Twain concert that night at the United Stadium, and we mostly walked and partly bussed our way home, not sure how smart it was walking around Chicago after midnight, but we got home safely. The feet and legs knew all about the exercise we had done that day though!
The Bean, near Millennium Square
Chicago city skyline
20
Now we were heading for Toronto, so took of early (for us), across to Michigan and then to the Canadian border. It was very noticeable how the road changed crossing from Illinois to Michigan, Illinois was much better. The road across Michigan was pretty boring, just a fairly straight run up to Port Huron, then across the border to Sarnia, where we camped the night in the Walmart car park. The border crossing was easy, just a couple of questions, scan the passports, then drive through.
Now we were heading for Toronto, so took of early (for us), across to Michigan and then to the Canadian border. It was very noticeable how the road changed crossing from Illinois to Michigan, Illinois was much better. The road across Michigan was pretty boring, just a fairly straight run up to Port Huron, then across the border to Sarnia, where we camped the night in the Walmart car park. The border crossing was easy, just a couple of questions, scan the passports, then drive through.
