As I mentioned in the last blog, we had a mishap leaving the RV park in Tennessee. The back end of our RV hit a metal rail as we crossed a narrow bridge while making a tight left turn. Luckily, Bob’s RV Service Center was not too far away, in Marion, NC. The RV was dropped off, I unloaded our perishables (of course, I had just provisioned) and Dave, Murphy, and I headed back to St Petersburg to await repairs. We tried to be patient while waiting and enjoyed exploring the Tampa Zoo, taking Murphy to the Dog Bar and the St Pete off leash dog beach, and reconnecting with our St Pete friends and of course, cycling!
Unfortunately, after speaking to the body shop, it is going to take about two months to get the parts needed to repair the back of the RV. But Dale, at the RV body shop, was awesome. He engineered an interim fix to the RV, so after 2 ½ weeks, we are back on the road again. Dale is my hero!!! We brought Dale and his team a dozen donuts as a small thank you.
To rejoin our scheduled route, we headed from North Caroline to Iowa. Our first stop was only 20 miles away, at a campground east of Asheville, NC. Dave wanted to ensure all systems were functioning and the interim repair would hold up on the road. Everything checked out A-OK. Whew! The campground was very nice, on two small lakes with great trails to enjoy.
Next, we stopped at two Harvest Host wineries. Harvest Hosts are businesses who offer an overnight location to stop, without any utilities, with a donation or purchase at least $20. I never have a problem spending at least $20! The first stop was Wildside Winery in Versailles, KY (near Lexington) and the second stop was at Sleepy Creek Winery in Fairmont, IL (about 40 miles WSW of Chicago). Dave and I enjoyed local wine and beer, while munching on cheese & crackers. Murphy loved his off-leash romps around the vineyards.
We are now back on our original route, in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Dave selected this location due to the bike trails plus a beautiful lake with a 2-mile trail for Murphy and I to jog around. And another benefit, a HUGE “paw” park. Murphy had a blast running up and down the hills chasing new fur friends.
We head to Wisconsin next week with a visit to relatives in Rochester MN. I can’t wait!
SO happy to be back on the road Brenda, Can’t keep us down Dave, and I love the RV Life Murphy.
So happy you are back on the road! Love your stops!! Hate seeing the damage but glad they were able to remedy a fix so you can continue your exploring!
OK, now all the “mis-haps are done”, time to make this odyssey happen!
Wow, those Harvest Host stops are the trick!
And I see Mr. Murphy can find water to play in anywhere he goes!
Enjoy the mid-west!
Wes
So happy you guys are on the road again, but sad to have missed you guys in St Pete … really looking forward to your reports about the bicycle trails in Iowa and Wisconsin!
So happy you are back on the road per your planned itinerary. We are still enjoying Colorado. Barb caught my cold and hasn’t been able to be out much since we arrived here.
Gosh Dave, I am going to nickname you Crash!, First it’s the Creeper Trail and now the bridge crossing the creek! I do hope you come back and visit us in the mountains! I have really enjoyed our times together and especially my time with Murphy! Be safe, have fun and keep pedaling! Looking forward to hearing of your adventure!
Miss you already & sending virtual massages!! Safe travels & wonderful adventures!