Spiritridge Blog – Page 5 – On the road again…

Christmas 2004 – On the Road

On 25/12/2004

SEASONS GREETINGS:

Given our distance from home – and the web journal we have been doing – we decided that we would not send out our annual Christmas newsletter. We have tried to stay in contact with as many people as we could by e-mail – or by telephone – and will continue to do so over the rest of the holidays. However given the lack of predictability of our cell and Internet coverage in our current location – we may not be able to reach everyone. For those that we do not reach – we will have to try and get caught up with others when we read our regular mail up our return home.

Week 14 – Lake Oconee to Charleston SC to Woodbine, GA

by Pat Boyle

On 23/12/2004

In The Big Trip

December 17, 2004

The boys were up early and into the lodge to start on their school work for the day. They were putting up the itinerary for the weekend – as there are a lot of the regulars that are planning to come out – there are a couple of Christmas events and pot lucks planned. As a result the boys had to find a small Christmas gift for a gift exchange on Saturday – so we headed into Madison for the afternoon. It unfortunately did not warm up enough for the lizards to be out and about – and after tomorrow it is supposed to get colder – and they are predicting about zero Fahrenheit with the wind chill on Monday.

Week 13 – Lynchburg, Chattanooga – Lake Oconee, GA

by Pat Boyle

On 16/12/2004

In The Big Trip

December 10, 2004 –

This morning we awoke to high clouds and sun – and the rain abated – at least for the early part of the day. The forecaster this morning stated that since the first of the month there has been between 7 and 11 inches of rain (depending upon which community or county you live in). That is an average of over an inch a day. They were also reporting that the county has had 17 inches more rain this year than on average year – so it is little wonder that fields, woodlots, and ditches are filled with water.

Week 12 – Fair Play SC – Lake Guntersville, AL

by Pat Boyle

On 09/12/2004

In The Big Trip

December 3, 2004

Today was a school and relaxation day. Everyone did work – either school work, writing letters, etc. interspersed with games of mini-golf, etc.

Week 11 – Jackson Springs NC – Clemson GA

by Pat Boyle

On 02/12/2004

In The Big Trip

November 26, 2004 –

We went into town to buy groceries in the early afternoon and to see the remnants of the day-after Thanksgiving shopping madness. Their were cars pulling out of the campground at 5:30 AM to be in line for when the stores opened – as many opened their doors early and had big sales promotions. The local Wal-Mart for example had cloths irons, hair driers, toasters and fondue kits on for 4.99 each, coffee makers, food processors for 10.00, etc.

Week 10 – Gettysburg to Jackson Springs, NC

by Pat Boyle

On 25/11/2004

In The Big Trip

November 19, 2004 –

Up this morning to an overcast but warm day. Took back roads into Gettysburg – and arrived just after the speech that was being given to commemorate the anniversary of Lincoln’s famous address.

Week 9 – Front Royal – Washington DC – Gettysburg

by Pat Boyle

On 18/11/2004

In The Big Trip

November 12, 2004 –

It rained through out the night – and most of the day. Accumulation is said to have been greater than an inch over last night and today.

Decided that as a result – that we would go out for breakfast and do a bit of shopping – and see if we can find a repair center to get an oil change and replace the fan belt on the motor home which has been squealing for the past day. Found a great little repair place in town – and made arrangements to have the unit in early Tuesday morning on our way out of town.

Week 8 – New Hampshire to Front Royal

by Pat Boyle

On 11/11/2004

In The Big Trip

November 5, 2004 –

The weather for the next couple of days is predicted to be rain with winds gust up to 100 – 120 km per hour. Took the Suzuki across the tall bridge to Portsmouth – and just about got blown off the road. Decided to stay close to home – do some grocery shopping and local exploring. While we were running around – the wind blew the Port-A-Bote up to the point where it snapped the wiring harness for the lights. It took some looking around to find some of the broken pieces so that they could be spliced in (due to the nearest auto supply store being up the valley about 25 miles).

Week 7 – Halifax to Eliot, Maine

by Pat Boyle

On 04/11/2004

In The Big Trip

October 29, 2004

Up today and off to Maritime Museum with Reed, Chelsea and the boys.

The museum has a number of great examples of different types of boats – including a “goose” boat; a self-bailing Sable Island Rescue Boat; and many models. There was also good information on the Nova Scotia wrecks, including the Atlantic (greatest loss of life prior to the Titanic) and a full display and historic film presentation on the Titanic. They also had the Acadia docked at the museum that you could walk through. The Acadia has the distinction of serving in both world wars in addition its regular duties as a seismology ship. They also had a comprehensive presentation on the Halifax explosion during the First World War.

Week 6 – Moncton to Halifax

by Pat Boyle

On 28/10/2004

In The Big Trip

October 22, 2004 –

We were up early and on the road to Nova Scotia. Stopped at the tourist information booth just across the border – to get some information and have a stretch. Right close by was a little market – that had fresh breads etc. Picked a few minor supplies and the shop keeper even put together a selection of different apples for free when he heard about Keelan’s enjoyment of the wild apples.