04/09 to 04/12 - Back Home & CPP

 

Trip Back to CPP

April 9 to April 12, 2024

April 9 - Tuesday

Today's drive started off with drizzly, overcast skies in Paducah and didn't change much over the next three hours. Stopped once for fuel at $3.859 in Princeton, Kentucky. Crossing into another time zone, I'm back on Eastern Daylight time and lost an hour. In Shepherdsville, KY, the skies were still overcast for my overnight stay.

The Louisville South KOA campground is 20 miles south of Louisville. Once off I-65 and SR-44 you enter the campground on Tangier Road. A long but pleasant drive in. Either side of the long road was lined with white fences leading to the campground and office. Immediate reaction was positive: clean, well maintained, expansive, and after checking in felt it organized and well run. Click on the link above for photos of the campground.

An aerial view 

My site 265

With a threatening forecast of rain in the early hours tomorrow, I decided not to extend the awning.

A lot of amenities for families and dog lovers (as expected, lots of dog walkers). The campground was quite full.

My next door neighbor seems to have outdone me with stickers and decals.

April 10 - Wednesday

Today's drive was worse than yesterday in terms of weather. Drizzly overcast skies continued while driving through Cincinnati and Columbus. I-71 through these cities required extra concentration and attention to the road; at times white knuckled while mingling with 70 m.p.h. truck traffic. There was no room for errors.  Two stops: diesel at $3.949 in Lebanon, OH and lunch in Jeffersonville at a Pizza Hut. That was my treat for the day. How I miss them in New York.

The Mt. Gilead KOA to date has got to be the most impressive one I've encountered. Through the link in red above, take the time to scroll through the photo gallery to get an idea of the extensive offerings; truly a family friendly campground. It has everything. Of course, spending an overnight in the dreary, foggy, drizzly weather didn't allow me any of the amenities.

The young lady in the office (that had an extensive store with bar and restaurant; see photos in the gallery on the website), upgraded my site to one that had patio furniture, a gaming table, a firepit and a grill, none of which I'd use.

I took a 360º video to show the spacious sites and surrounding view.

April 11 - Thursday

Thursday was a long day of driving. I left Mt. Gilead, OH, at 8:45a.m. and pulled into the Bellefonte/State College KOA at 4:30 pm. Two stops added to the time, of course: lunch and another fuel stop, my third in as many days; an expensive one at that. Diesel in PA was $4.749/gal. The poor truckers; their usual "truck stops" including Love's and Pilot/Flying J were never under $4.30. I find them the most expensive on the road. On the stretch of I-80 driving through western Pennsylvania's wilderness and farmland, I had no choice but to get off and fuel up when the opportunity presented itself.

The weather improved a bit. I actually saw the sun, the first time since viewing the eclipse three days ago. Alas, but for a half hour. and the clearing was in the distance. At least it wasn't raining. It happened around mile marker 111 in Pennsylvania, the highest point of Interstate 80 east of the Mississippi, 2,250 feet above sea level. 

Some of the highlights for me included seeing yellow forsythia, the purple of what I think was the Oklahoma redbud tree, the pure white of flowering pear, the yellows of daffodils and the emerging brown buds on some trees. But throughout the nights the drizzly on-and-of pitter patter of rain on my roof was one I will never tire of.

Road construction and single lane traffic slowed things down but this is the down hill descent from the highest point.

The aerial view of the campground with...

...my campsite, #75 indicated by the arrow at the very far edge of the campground; a pull through with just water and 30-amp service.

Not as picturesque as other campgrounds I've stayed at and certainly dreary. I've stopped here at least 3 or 4 times over the years because of its proximity to my final destination, home. Old and rustic but for an overnight, it fits the bill.

Tomorrow, my last day of travel, I'll drive 233 miles in about 4+ hours to meet fellow Hudson Islanders, Tony & Doreen at the I-84 diner for lunch before heading to my final destination, Croton Point's RV Park. 

April 12 - Friday

Hard to believe that its been 163 days or 44.66% of a year that I've been away from New York.

Well, this ends my 2024 Winter Adventure. I'll be in CPP till the end of April. Winnie goes into storage until June 1st when I begin my Summer Adventure. It will be special this year. I have yet to visit/sleep in nine states: Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. The itinerary and plans are already set in stone. I will do it in fifty-nine days. 32 campgrounds are already booked and paid for and I will travel 7,473 miles averaging 234 miles per day. I hope you'll join me; that's a lot of bloggin'.

Till then, take care. Stay well and stay safe.

It’s a funny thing coming home. Nothing changes. Everything looks the same, feels the same, even smells the same. You realize what’s changed is you. – F. Scott Fitzgerald

04/01 to 04/09 - 2024 Solar Eclipse-Part Two

 

2024 Solar Eclipse
Paducah, KY

April 1 to April 9, 2024

Unfortunately, not my photo. But...this is what I saw.

DUCK CREEK RV CAMPGROUND-

Duck Creek RV Park located in Paducah, Kentucky, is what you would expect for your run-of-the-mill rural campground. All gravel sites are level and clean with full hookups. My site 43 is toward the front of the campground near the laundry and showers. Tom, at the office required a bit of language concentration on my part. He was on the phone when I entered but I chuckled as my brain went into southern-drawl speak and had to concentrate on what he was saying. I loved it.

That cloud cover gave some concern as Monday, the 8th approached.

As Eclipse Day approached, those sites on the right were occupied.

This graphic show the path of totality.

At 2:00 pm CDT, at the very edge of its path, the sun will be totally eclipsed in Paducah for about two minutes. I hope to be part of the 38 million folks who will get to experience the event.

Here is a link that will show the animated PATH OF THE 2024 ECLIPSE.

August 21, 2017 I witnessed the total solar eclipse at Table Rock State Park, South Carolina directly in the center (dark blue line) of totality. My blog written at that time can be viewed HERE. The next one for the contiguous 48 states will be on August 23, 2044. I'll be 102 years old, the age of my mother when she passed, so I'll give it a shot to make it three total eclipses in my lifetime. Perhaps the caregivers at the home will wheel me out onto the balcony to witness the spectacle.

As April is Citizen Science Month for NASA, I wanted to participate in a sponsored solar eclipse project called SunSketcher that involved using my iPhone to help measure the exact shape and size of the sun by photographing an eclipse phenomenon called Baily's Beads. You can view the free downloaded app's TUTORIAL HERE. Unfortunately, that was not meant to be. The iPhone had to be placed undisturbed on a surface, camera side facing the sun. The heat of the sun for that period of time caused the iPhone to shut down until temperatures returned to normal. So, no contributions from me. My attempt at taking photos using the filter from eclipse glasses proved equally disappointing. Some highlights then:

I was able to capture a Sunday sunrise at about 6:45 am. That was special.

The sun actually appeared through that thick clump of trees; still, Mother Nature's pallet did not disappoint.

On the day of the eclipse, Monday 4/8/24, I awoke to an eerie, fogged in, low visibility scene that gave me pause though I expected it to burn off as the day progressed.

And that it did. By mid morning, the sun waited in the wings as the moon approached.

Knowing the dangers of direct viewing, I cut an extra pair of eclipse glasses to use half of it to cover the lens of my digital camera. Of the many I took, only one at totality was worthy to share below.

At the beginning of the eclipse, a shot of my neighbors across the road. Partial eclipse began at 12:42 p.m.

During the 2 minutes of totality beginning at 2:00 pm, I took the shot again. Any lights you see are the reflection from my flash .

The best I could do through the filter and without the use of a much needed tripod (that sits at home) that would have provided more clarity and focus. During those two minutes, however, one cannot deny the amazing feeling that comes over you as you stare without glasses at the rare spectacle. It was stunning, hypnotic and surreal; a solemn event. The temperature dropped 6º (78º to 71º) through this time period. 

Face-timing the birthday boy, was another surreal event. Two old geezers in the same orbit. 

In West Palm Beach, FL, Chuck captured this shot by just pointing and shooting. No glasses, no filter. At maximum, they only saw 49%  of  totality pictured here. My iPhone was rendered useless due to heat so I couldn't compare how the different devices would do in capturing the event. At home in Peekskill, they observed 92%.

For some eclipse trivia, I included this from today's Believe or Not. 

In closing, I must share an observation. In a site across from me, a family of 8 pulled in Sunday. Mom, Dad and six (6) kids in a towed trailer. Kids ranged in age 3 or 4 to 12years. A special family. Two boys, twin girls, the youngest, and two older sisters, one of whom was a special needs child. I think they're home-schooled for sure. There was no yelling, screaming, running amok or bickering. All were very calm as they went about keeping busy, active and enjoying each other's company. When any of the little ones began crying for whatever reason, Daddy told them to go inside and come out again when they stopped. Otherwise, it was mom who gets my award for being that special kind of mom. When it was time for the eclipse, they each had their eclipse glasses and sat attentively to watch the event.  It was a very pleasant experience.

Here, they're playing a card came. 

And now, it's time to move on. I leave tomorrow for Shepherdsville, Kentucky. My next blog will chronicle the 1,253 mile trip back home where I'll spend the remainder of April at Croton Point's RV Park. Hope you'll join me for the trip.

"To stand in the shadow of a total solar eclipse is to witness the universe's most grandiose spectacle—a moment when day turns into night, and the heavens reveal their hidden wonders." 

- Unknown

04/01 to 04/09 - 2024 Solar Eclipse-Part One

2024 Solar Eclipse
Paducah, KY

April 1 to April 9, 2024

I decided to break this blog up into two parts. Part One is my 3-day trip from Clermont, FL to Paducah, KY, including stops in Hahira, GA, Acworth, GA and Altamont, TN, each to be summarized below. Here is a link that will show the PATH OF THE 2024 ECLIPSE. All of the contiguous 48 states will be able to see a partial eclipse. 18 million to be exact. Hope you get the opportunity. Part Two will include my stay in Duck Creek RV Park and the 4/8th eclipse.

Before sharing the upcoming adventure, I wanted to add some memories from my last days at Elite in Clermont. With the crowd now numbering five, Fran/Walter, Kathy/Ray and I took advantage of one last trip to Carrabba's and a farewell dinner. 

For me, it was Lobster Ravioli: Cooked lobster meat, mushrooms, butter, shallots and light cream. The ravioli is then topped with diced tomatoes and served in a white wine cream sauce. 

The evening "campfires" were adjusted to the crowd in attendance. For the first time, I setup and tried my Christmas present from MB/Carlo, the mini, reduced smoke Solo Stove. Solo Stoves are engineered to maximize airflow and burn wood more efficiently. They often employ a double-wall design with vents that create a secondary combustion, resulting in cleaner, more complete burning of wood and minimal smoke. During my final days at the resort, Fran/Walter and I enjoyed the ambience of the fire and the reduced amount of heat provided.

Along with the wood pellets intended as fuel, I also received a bundle of cut and split Juniper logs. Too big to be inserted into the 7" x 8½" mini stove, so...

...I cut and split each log into smaller pieces. These, in turn, had to be cut smaller to fit and burn safely and efficiently in the stove. The fragrant aroma of cedar was a bonus. 

The supply should last me the rest of my twelve day journey back home.

Small pieces served as kindling before the pellets and larger pieces were added. A quick light from a torch and another evening of relaxation was enjoyed.

Extra caution taken as stiff breezes had their way with the direction of the fire. As the flames dwindled to a faint flicker and the embers retained their crimson hue, a ghostly blue flame gently waltzed across the fading coals. 

And finally, a treat from Mother Nature. The local, resident Sandhill Crane family sauntered by.

And now, off I go, a straight shot north up SR-27 to the Florida Turnpike and I-75 to Hihara, Georgia. Each campground has a RED link to provide a glimpse of the campground and its amenities.

CAIN'S CREEK SIDE RV PARK - My first stop after a 220 mile, 3½ hour trip was at Cain's Creek Side RV Park. I should have foreseen it but Easter Monday traffic going north cost me an extra 2+ hours, a total of 5+ hours. A driver's nightmare, for sure. 

Driving along I-75, I was reminded of my encounter with Cordele, GA, seven years ago. My first Winnie met its demise due to an engine fire in a KOA campground entrance as I was registering for my overnight stay.

Yup, that's the campground. Here's a video of the fateful event which I thought about while passing the five exits of Cordele, GA.

To get out of the hours long, stand-still, bumper-to-bumper traffic, I relied on my GPS and left the interstate and traveled the backroads for miles and miles. With the right mental attitude, it was a very pleasant ride. Horse farms and cattle farms along the way provided relaxing, picturesque pastoral scenery.

The rolling hills along back country roads reminded me of ribbon candy enjoyed at Christmas.

Like all of my overnight stays, the campgrounds are usually nothing to write home about. For me, they're a place to rest after driving three or four hours. Electrical power is all I need so other than a few photos, there isn't much to describe. First stop Hahira, GA. With a population of just over 3,000, Hahira is only 2.3 square miles in area. In 2008, citing public safety concerns, the City Council, with a vote by the mayor, passed a clothing ordinance that bans residents from wearing pants that have a top falling below the waist in fit and reveal skin or undergarments. The council was split 2–2, and their tie was broken by the mayor in favor of the ordinance. The origin of the name Hahira is a mystery. Some say it's the name of an African village, others the name of an African goddess. 

A large campground, my site overlooked a large lake...or is it a pond? It's a debate that continues from the 1700's. CLICK HERE to read what is generally agreed upon: Pond vs. Lake.

Having already paid on line and with no one in the office, I drove to my site, hooked up and enjoyed a refreshing gin and tonic after the 230 mile drive. Next morning, on the road by 9 am, I saw and spoke to no one. Strange.

 

The second day of travel was much better but not without its stop and go traffic along the 252 mile route. Thankfully, the weather was pleasant and the scenery beautiful. 

HOLIDAY HARBOR MARINA & RESORT - Holiday Harbor Marina & Resort is located on Lake Alatoona, a U.S. Army Corp of engineers reservoir in Acworth, Georgia. This overnight stay was in a more picturesque campground with my back-in site overlooking the lake.

A minor complaint. The 30-amp socket on the pedestal was installed upside down forcing me to rig up a system whereby my heavy surge protector could be supported without disconnecting. It worked!

This is how it should look:

GREETER FALLS CAMPGROUND - 

The next leg of the journey was a mere 157 miles further north in Altamont, Tennessee, population 1,200. The town's name comes from combining alto (meaning "altitude") and mont (meaning "mountain.").  

Greeter Falls Campground was spread out on either side of road as I approached what I thought would be the office. A lady leaving a building pointed in the direction of my site and offered to lead me to it. Site 49 in Area C. 

No signs of spring yet nor were there signs of other campers. It was pretty desolate.

A gal eventually came by to confirm my arrival. My paperwork was clipped to the nearby tree. With tornado warnings to the north, we did get some rain and a 3-hour power outage. Temperatures dipped into the high 30's but my propane furnace was sufficient to keep things cozy.

Mystery of the Day: When I opened the compartment to get my levelers something caught me eye. I don't know how, when or where this little critter hopped aboard and stowed away for the trip. I didn't notice it when I packed them from the last stopover. I ran scenarios while staring at it but couldn't arrive at an explanation. A gentle nudge or two got him out and on its way.

This collage shows the local attraction about a half mile away, Greeter Falls. Details of the Falls are HERE.

This link for Drone Footage is beautiful. 

My next and last stop will be Paducah, Kentucky, a location chosen to be just inside the path of totality that is to take place on my son's birthday, April 8th. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to read. See you in Paducah. Here's a "flyover North America" video showing the path of totality.

"In the presence of a total solar eclipse, we are humbled by the sheer magnitude and beauty of the cosmos. It's a reminder that, despite our differences, we are all part of something much larger." - Unknown