We made it to Louisville and the local Flying J for the night. Off to Memphis to meet up with Jonathan and Jean today. Raining here this morning but better than SNOW ! Jerry, you’d better not be using up all the sun before we get there ! See you soon.
Adios,
Frank, Rita & Hunter
Adios,
Frank, Rita & Hunter
finally got on the internet and posted some pictures on our picasa web album site . Just go to associated sites on the top of the page.
Jerry
Rita with the packed van
Tuesday morning there was 6 inches of snow on the ground when I went out to finish packing the roof top luggage rack. Donning my winter gear, boots and all I finally managed to get all the stuff up on the luggage carrier and secured. a few parting photos and down the drive way we went crashing through the 4 foot high snow bank the plow had left for us. Made it out on the roadway we checked again and off we went choosing the main highway over Concession 8 which was looking pretty bad for travel. The snow covered roads lasted until the seaway and boarder crossing at Thousand Islands. Across we went without a hitch after a quick stop at the duty free for a bottle of gin for my mom. Rain ensued all the way to near Syracuse where the sun came out for a short while. Clear roads with dark clouds looming to the west as we made our way along Hwy. 17 to Bradford where the snow started. As we pushed our way southward toward New Kensington the snow got worse and now it’s dark. Traveling was treacherous, the roads were not well maintained and we were having a hard time maintaining 20 km/hr. Up hill climbs through the Allegheny National Forest was hard going and I put the van sideways a few times. Then if that was not enough the horn ring breaks and the horn is on full blast until I find a place to pull over, find and pull the fuse. We finally make it to Brookeville taking the better part of two hours from Bradford – WHEW ! We stopped and asked about road conditions toward Pittsburgh. They where supposedto be better so to Rita’s disappointment I decided to push on. Rita was wanting to hole up in a motel – pansy ! So on we went through a blinding snow storm but the road conditions did improve and eventually we made it to my sister’s around 10 pm. 14 hours on the road, I had had it. My sister Pat got me a good glass of Scotch to settle my nerves. After a bit of hellos, hugs & kisses we went off to bed and woke to a new day in New Kensington. Jerry we are coming, so keep a space on the beach for us ! Tonight we’re off into Pittsburgh for a meeting with the Pittsburgh Vanagon gang.
Adios,
Frank, Rita & Hunter
We ‘re going to spend the next 5 days here, it’s nice and warm and Trav and Kaily are going to do some surfing. Drive carefully everyone and we’ll see you soon
Jerry
Well, Rita & I are packing and packing and packing. Today is the final day to tie up all the loose ends. Tomorrow morning, bright & early, we will be on the road heading to New Kensington and Thanksgiving with my mom and sister. Stay tuned, if all goes well we will get some good departure pics to post once we get to my sister’s place.
Adios,
Frank
We spent a lot of time in Houston at the REI camping centre. Trav bought a tent and I got some walking sandels and bug juice and some other camping supplies, it’s a great store to stop at if you have time and need equipment. Tomorrow we are headed for the coast so it not likely we will have any internet access. You can send me a text message or call 705-930-0945. Let me know where and when you guys want to meet because we’re just going to be moving around checking out different camping areas. We’ll stay a day or two at each so Trav and Kaily can check out the surfing. I’ll try and have photos the next time we have internet access.
Well we’re in Tx at a flying J and it’s finally warm . I put away my winter coat and hope I don’t need it for a few months. Easy day driving. I’m going to uplaoad some pictues so check out the assosiated site Picassa web albums
Jerry
This winter/spring S Mexico
In early December I’ll be sailing down from San Carlos/Guaymas (where I live) to the southern parts of Mexico- probably Zihua to Tenecatitita/La Manzanilla, and Barra/Melaque. Once I reach my southern destination the plan is to bus or fly back to get the Westy, wife and dogs for some overland travel. Let us know your itinerary and we’ll try to intercept you. Once we reach the Pacific Coast we’ll move aboard and travel by boat for awhile. Day trips will be offered and possibly a crew position for a northbound leg to the Sea of Cortez. So, look for us and tell us where you’ll be!
Photo: SV Bliss at Barra de Navidad, Cabo Blanco Marina, early 2006.
It’s still cold it’s 4 degrees C here at 7:00 pm and I didn’t bring the electric heater because I didn’t think I’d need it or could plug it in. I know ,I know Frank I need a propex. We’ll talk next summer.
We went to Graceland then got picked up in a pink Caddilac and taken to Marlows for dinner. I had the best BBQ beef briscut I’ve ever eaten. The pulled pork was good but the beef was out of this world.
we’re staying at the Graceland RV park. Tomorrow headed straight south to find some warmer weather. By Monday it’s supposed to be 30 in Corpus Cristie You know where we’re going to be
We hve a minor exhaust leak that we have to fix< i had some work done and I don’t think they tighteden some parts all the way ans we blew out a gasket. We got it tight and we’ll fix it when it gets warmer. Other than that the van is running great. This will be our first night in the van. I let you know how itgoes tomorrow.