The Trip Home - Day 11

We left the campground around noon.  It was different packing up knowing that we would next be home.  It was a pleasant drive with mostly familiar interstates.  The kids did great!

They finished up their states project... A worksheet for each state we visit that gives basic info and stats.

We pulled in back at home around 7:00 pm.  It was good to be back and the kids are eager to see the cats!  

As we look back on all of our adventures, I asked everyone what their favorite part of the trip was.  

Tyler: just being with my family

Sammy: my chocolate shake from yesterday

Scott: zip lines

Me: the adventure of it... Exploring new places and seeing the kids' reaction to new experiences!

A few stats from our trip:

Total miles:  2,038 miles

Total drive time (RV only):  45.75 hrs

Number of campgrounds: 6

States travelled:  9 - MI, IN, KY, TN, SC, NC, VA, WV, OH

Happy hearts:  4

Relaxing - Day 10

After the zoo, we came home to a good home-cooked meal.  We have eaten quite well on this trip...  The full kitchen on board has allowed me to cook like we do at home!  For example, tonight was spaghetti with homemade meatballs with apple pie for dessert!  Let's just say no one's complaining!

After dinner we rented a pedal car and drove around the park... The kids loved it!  

Then we hit the playground for a little more fun.  

The kids watched a movie and were in bed around 10:00 pm.

Another fabulous day on vacation!

Columbus Zoo - Day 10

We slept in this morning again.  I still didn't have reservations for tonight's stay, but didn't have cell service so I walked up the hill in the campground to call our next stop.  Luckily , they had a spot for us and were willing to let us check in early so we could make it to the zoo.

We were on the road a little more than 1.5 hrs when we pulled into Cross Creek Camping Resort in Delaware, OH, just 12 miles north east of the zoo.

We left the campground and headed to lunch... The kids were so excited to have some McDonalds!

Next we stopped for a car wash and then made a pit stop to clean up a mess that happened moments after this pic was taken.

We arrived at the zoo around 2:00 pm.  The weather forecasted a high of 82* but the car read 89*... Boy that's warm for walking around a zoo!

We didn't make it all the way through but spent over three hours exploring.  It really is an amazing zoo and I can see why so many rate it the best in the country.

Last Minute Camp Site and Old Man's Cave - Day 9

We slept in until 9:00 am!!! Boy, do I love what camping does to my kiddos!  Tyler asked for pancakes so we took our time with breakfast and packing up.  We left Deer Creek right around 10:45 am.

Just 6 miles up the road, we drove through the town of Galax.  We stopped for a detour with two police officers directing traffic.  Apparently the Annual Fiddlers Convention was going on.  Oh how I wish we could have stopped to check it out!  Instead though, we had to take a terribly tight corner, hanging the front end over a hill, the police stopped traffic, and then go down hill in the wrong lane.  What a trip!

We drove til around 5:30 with a few stops for fuel and snacks.

The kids did great today keeping themselves busy throughout the drive... I think they are starting to get it.  Sammy sang and drew pictures, while Tyler watched for deer.

 

The drive today was beautiful again... In fact, several roads on our route were rated scenic highways by Rand Mcnalley.

We found a lot at the last minute at the Hocking Hills KOA.  I love this campground.  The lots are wide and the layout works well!  Our lot (19) came with patio furniture, grill and swing!

I had done a little research of this area and found a hiking trail in the state park just three miles up the road that was highly recommended.  

So I quick slapped together some sandwiches and we headed out to find Old Man's Cave.  My goodness, it is gorgeous!  You should definitely check this place out!  We only did two loops of the trail but the entire loop is 6 miles of beauty along this amazing gorge.  The pictures don't do it justice, but to give you an idea.

So many stairs but totally worth it!  Next we headed back to the campground to cool off with a swim.

What a fabulous day!  The kids had a great time and we loved the chance to take the hiking trail.  Tomorrow we hope to visit the Columbus Zoo.

Back through the Mountains - Day 8

Well, we had no luck with the weather in Myrtle beach.  It was still POURING when we loaded up amd left town so no wave jumping for us!  We got on the road around 10:30 am to head north to Virginia.  If you know the roadways of North and South Carolina, you know that there just isn't any direct highway system to take you out of Myrtle Beach.  So we drove some country roads and got an appreciation for southern living.  The mountains began to pop up and the beautiful views returned!

We couldn't find anyplace to stop for lunch, so we pulled off where he shoulder widened.  Perfect for what we need.

We arrived at Deercreek Motorcoach Resort at 4:30 pm.  It's a beautiful park in Galax, Virginia.  

It's around 3000 ft so the temps  are naturally a bit cooler.  Today was only 66* and drizzling when we arrived.  But that didn't stop us from exploring.... The kids had energy to burn so we took two walks with their scooters.  All the neighbors were super friendly and welcomed us as they saw us walking through.

We made a nice steak dinner and then set up the fire pit for s'mores and an outdoor movie.  The kids LOVED it.

Fabulous day today!  Looking forward to what's still in store.

Movies and Tears - Day 7

So last night Sammy had an idea to make Dirt Pudding as seen on one of her videos so we decided that she would wake me up and we would go to the grocery store (in our PJs) to buy the ingredients.  So we did. Stopping briefly outside of Starbucks for Sammy to impersonate this statue.

It started POURING so by the time we arrived back at the RV, we needed a towel and change of clothes.

In the meantime, Scott and Tyler walked to the little restaurant here at the campground for some father-son bonding... they do love their breakfast!

Sammy and I got to work on her pudding and then we all enjoyed a pretty quiet morning indoors... I got caught up on laundry, the kids had some down time and watched a movie.  Remember its POURING!

We had chicken fajitas and tacos for lunch and then decided to head out to see a movie... Planes, Fire and Rescue.  Now here's where it get's interesting...  Remember that story of Alexander and the no good, terrible, rotten, very bad day???  Well let's just say that's how today went for Sammy.  She had it in her head that we should buy her this little mermaid doll, which we refused... and she NEVER forgot.  Autism is a crazy thing.  Its hard to figure out and just when you get a little comfortable, it sneaks up on you and surprises you again!

So Tyler and Scott enjoyed the movie while Sammy and I caught bits and pieces as we could.

Afterwards we went to say goodbye to Roger and Gretchen who were leaving this evening.  We got take out from Red Lobster for supper and then headed back to the motorhome for showers and to try some of Sammy's special dessert.

As we left the condo tonight, we took one last look at the ocean to say good-bye.  Tyler got quiet and reached for a hug as he started to tear up.  He is so disappointed that he didn't make it into those waves.  We reassured him we would be back in September and that we would definitely have a chance then, but that sweet boy loves the water!

We check out tomorrow and need to get on the road as soon as possible... but Scott and I hope to run the kids out on the beach for a few minutes of wave jumping before we pull out.  Here's hoping for no rain, swimmable conditions and jump-worthy waves!

Finally, Sammy is starting to settle back down and I think we survived the crazy... but wow, what a day.

Finally, the Beach - Day 6

Another fabulous day!  We did make it out on the beach for a little while, although the lifeguards warned against swimming so we stayed in the tide pools.  The kids were bummed they couldn't jump the waves or use their boogey boards, but they still had a great time digging holes and splashing!

It was an overcast day and sprinkled while we were on the beach.  The kids got a kick out of playing in the rain!

Well, let me start at the beginning... we did a few housekeeping chores this morning. After we finished laundry and getting groceries, we headed to Joe's Crab Shack for lunch.  We played a few rounds of Uno as we waited for our food to arrive!

It was pretty warm out so we didn't wander around Barefoot Landing... Instead we made a quick visit to Crumb Buns.  Now if you don't know about Crumb Buns, or have never been, I'll need to explain.  It's this little mom and pop bakery that we (Gretchen?) found last year.  To clarify though, I actually pronounce the name "Mmm Crumb Buns" emphasis on the Mmm.  If you are ever in Myrtle Beach, run, don't walk, there!  Anyway, we went there to pick up some treats for later.  :)

That's when we headed out to the beach for some afternoon fun and then played cards with Gretchen and Jenny.

We wrapped up the night with some dinner at Pizza Chef and then invited the Ademas, Olly and Kathy back to the coach for a visit.

Now we are all snuggled in to bed to get some rest before another fun-filled day!  Well, maybe I'll have a quick snack before bed.