Florida is not flat there are lots of
rolling hills reminding us of our adventure in 2008, hijacking Steve
Cope's x-country bicycling trek.
We targeted to leave around 9AM but
last last night we discovered a leak in the newly install rear AC (by
Camping World in Garner, NC) dripping on the bed. In addition when
trying to stow some items under the bed one of the struts became
locked forcing a slight delay. We conclude that neither was
critical to continue our departure time. We thanked the staff at
Alliance Coach and after 3 visits to the facilities we finally
departed at 10 am. Theresa was first at the helm, she navigated low
trees and narrow roads for a few blocks until she successfully
surfaced onto 301 followed by a quick entrance to I-75 N towards
I-10. This was her first time in a year at the helm she weathered
the strom with Kevin barking commands thru the narrows and into clear
sailing. All seas settled down once the straight and narrow of
interstate speeds where achieved!
The first stage of Theresa's training
was under way. She hopes after this trip to finally get her license
to drive the Smitanic solo. (She can then toss Kevin overboard).
As the miles un-folded before her, she
noticed her shoulders growing tight as semi truck after semi truck
passed by. As they did each would suck the RV into them and then
ejected it towards the ditch as they passed. Cross winds played
havoc with the RV, making Theresa's grip tight as she crossed over
bridge passes and forced her to plan lane changes to avoid sudden
shifts in wind that would catapult her towards other vehicles, but
she managed to skillfully keep a steady point of sail. She drove
about 100 miles then turned it over to Kevin for his turn to take
over for the next 100++, then back to Theresa for 80 and Kevin
finished the last 50 for the day into Pensacola, FL. Theresa did
such a fantastic job as captain of the Smitanic that Kevin was seen
dozing off in-between lane changes and over passes.
The Smitanc covered all of FL and
tickled the next time zone to arrive a bit after 5pmET/4pmCT into the
Tall Oaks RV Campgrounds. This is a very 'rustic' campgrounds with
mostly 'full-timers' housed in varying ages of Rvs, fifth wheels and
campers. Without any registration the Smitanic was guided to its
berth. Prior to dropping anchor the Tow vehicle needed to be cast
off. The captain and first mate work to unhook the toad (tow
vehicle) and working as a team they slid the RV between 2 trees
while obtaining the prime position for hooking up power, water and
sewer connections. The Smitanic was tied off and all anchors set.
The docking fee will be settled up with the proprietors in the AM.
The crew of the Smitanc will be reaching deep into their bounty to
pay the $30 fee.
We were grateful that our delay enabled
us to miss the nasty weather in the nations midsection. It was over
80 when we left our captivity in Wildwood, FL with the AC running and
it was 50 in Pensacola when we arrived with the temp dropping. Heat
is on tonight:)
We hope to make another 400ish miles
tomorrow to somewhere around Lake Charles, LA.
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