Central Florida's Nature Oasis -- 02/20/2020


Highlands Hammock State Park:


We didn't really know what to expect at Highlands Hammock State Park. It's located just a few miles outside the city of Sebring in central Florida (yes, that Sebring where they run the famous 12 hour race), so shopping and services are nearby...





...but those...

Chiricahua National Monument – Southwestern History – And A Volcanic Past

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

This is not your typical five miles off the highway visit. This is more of a “I really want to see this place visit.” If you are traveling I-10 and see the signs for the park and decide to go, know that you are going to be driving 40 minutes and 37 miles before you get to the park.

Be advised, if you are low on fuel get some in Willcox before proceeding. As you...

Solitude Near the Palm Coast -- 01/21/2020


Faver-Dykes State Park:


If there is one thing to be said about Faver Dykes State Park, it's quiet. Located just 3 miles inland from the Atlantic coast and busy Highway A1A, this place is surprisingly quiet - to an extreme.

It's also a very beautiful.





Situated 30 minutes from...

Grayton Beach: (Sea)Food and Fun -- 01/14/2020


The (Sea)Food:

If there's one thing we were looking forward to when hitting the Gulf coast, it was fresh seafood; fresh, as in harvested that day. Upon arriving, we asked the locals, "Where's the best cheap seafood in the Area?"





The answer was quick and unequivocal: "There is no...

Grayton Beach State Park: White Sands, Warm Toes -- 01/10/2020


It wan't long after arriving at Florida's Grayton Beach State Park before we were strolling barefoot along the seashore. This section of Gulf coast is naturally captivating.





When someone from the upper midwest (like us) experiences the white sand barrier dunes of the Florida Panhandle for the...

Update: What? DeFuniak Springs, FL -- 01/06/2020


About 1,000 miles of driving over two days found us relaxing at Bass Haven Campground on Juniper Lake near DeFuniak Springs in the heart of the Florida Panhandle.





While we had planned to start our warm weather adventures at Grayton Beach State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, we decided to budget a couple extra days to unwind...

As I sit here in central Florida, celebrating my birthday (don't ask how many), the weather is dry, sunny, and wonderfully cool in the shade. The dog is laying beside me and enjoying life as much as I am I believe. We purchased our 2019 Tiffin Allegro in June this year and up until a week ago had not gone longer than 3 nights on a trip because of work and school schedules. This year we did something different -- we have taken 2 weeks of adventure from NJ to the FL keys. I am reminded of how blessed...

RE: Cummins 400 ISL
Exhaust Tube Replacement

I removed the existing tube, had a muffler shop weld A new Flange on the old tube added a heat shield, and replace. Just under $250 installed. Freightliner wanted $750 for the tube plus installation.



The replacement has been in use over a year, without an issue.

RV Projects: New Bedroom Upholstery -- 12/25/2019


(This post is a long overdue wrap-up of our summer RV project list.)

One problem commonly encountered in an older RV is detail upholstery that has lasted beyond its useful life. That was certainly the case in the bedroom of our 2001 NewAire. The original styled fabrics had become time-worn and were begging to be replaced.


...

I have made the step to winter in Florida, and I have the opportunity to do it where my mom had a mobile home for many years.
While a friendly place and active, I am close to a railroad track that runs all hours of the day and night. The freeway is also half a mile away, and an overpass ensures traffic noise will carry at night..
Wish I was on the road, this is as bad as motels used to be, you never know what you are going to get. I can see why people go to the same place every year,...

11/24/2019
Day 3

Well I called it pretty spot on in the last blog. We got out at 9am not 10 as predicted. Hit the road with absolutely no intentions of stopping other than to pee. We have to stop since I am the only driver. Drove straight into VA without incident until…… The traffic in this state is ridiculous and the drivers are bizarre. We got stuck in 3, no lie, 3, count them 1 , 2 , 3 wrecks that caused the entire freeway to be SHUT DOWN. Seriously I lost my mind at the...

Happy Holidays to One and All -- 12/11/19


We'd like to share our best holiday wishes (as well as a snapshot of our favorite Christmas ornament) with everyone in the IRV2 community.





As you can see, this ornament is a depiction of a class A motorhome appropriately branded Relax.

While we've never actually encountered a full-sized version of...

I've had a blog since January 2008 and mostly just chronicled my attempts at doing triathlons, running and life stuff. Haven't posted anything in over a year, but today, Dec 4th, 2019 is my Mom's birthday and she's been gone since June of 2008 and for some reason just felt like writing.

But wasn't planning on posting it here, but here's a link if anyone is interested.

https://trimoot.wordpress.com/2019/1...time-no-write/

There's a melancholy...

Update: Winter Travel Plans -- 11/29/19


We are migrating south again, hopefully avoiding the worst of Chicago's winter weather by heading back to Florida, but this year we're leaving right after the holidays.





Last winter we didn't leave home until the 1st of February; that was a decision we still regret.

You see, last winter we departed in...

11/22/2019
Trip to Winchester VA

Night before we leave;
This will be the longest trip we have taken. We have the puppies with friends, so it is just us. Leaving the house around 9am, daughter gets counted as present in school at 9am so we take her out and leave at 9:15..Not sure of the weather so what do we take? It’s a 40G, take everything plan for all weather patterns short of blizzard. If we see a blizzard coming, we will Tac and head to FL.
We are off to...