Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, “WOW! What a ride!!” – Hunter S. Thompson

October 27, 2020

Our time in Virginia is quickly winding down and we’ll be pulling out of the campground at Sherando Lake this coming Friday. Eleven weeks have gone by fast, and volunteering here has been one of most rewarding experiences Dave and I have ever had. With mountains on both sides—the Appalachians to the west and the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east—the location could not have been more heavenly. The scenery—particularly the fall foliage—has been stunning, and the views from the overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway have been spectacular. Seeing Virginia in the rear view mirror is not something I’m looking forward to, but if all the fallen leaves are any indication, winter is right around the corner and that’s our cue to head south.

Our departure has come at the right time, because we’ve had an infestation of Asian lady beetles for nearly two weeks. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned about living in the woods, it’s that there’s never just a few pests…there’s always a massive amount, whether they be chiggers, or mice, or beetles.

We’ve killed hundreds and hundreds of these things. At first we thought they were ladybugs, which was a clever disguise—until we learned that they bite! Then I discovered I was allergic, evidenced by splotchy, red welts that itched like crazy. Being attracted to light-colored things, the obnoxious little buggers swarmed all over the RV and then made their way inside through any opening they could, like the seals around our slides. They were everywhere: on the windows, on the ceiling, on the dashboard, on the walls…one night I was awakened out of a deep sleep when one got in my ear!! And to make matters worse, they urinate something that smells absolutely obnoxious when gathered up. Ugh.

In an effort to keep them from coming inside, Dave sprayed insecticide all over Felix and we brought in the slides like we do when we travel. That makes our living area very limited and extremely tight, but it has effectively cut down their numbers, so it’s been worth stumbling over one another and the dogs to get from one place to another.

When we first knew we’d be coming this way, I dreamed of driving all 500 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The more I researched it though, I realized we could not do it in Felix. Besides being 2-lane all the way, driving this large of a rig up and down the steep inclines, around the sharp curves, and through the tunnels would be a 10 on the pucker factor.

Instead, I assumed we’d make reservations for a couple of campgrounds along the way south, unload the car, and explore that way. But, between being the busiest time of the year (because of fall foliage) and the fact that camper sales went through the roof as a result of Covid and there are campers galore, finding campgrounds with availability has been impossible. It’s on to Plan B—which hasn’t been figured out yet.

Other than driving Felix from Hopkinsville to Bowling Green when we first got her a couple of years ago, I haven’t driven since. I’ve felt intimidated, especially when we’re towing the car trailer and the overall length is 60’. It occurred to me that I have become much too comfortable being the navigator and leaving the driving to Dave; it was about time that I get over my fear. So, I made the decision to drive, not all the time, but sometimes. After all, I once had a CDL, so there had a time I had been capable of driving a big rig.

I reviewed information about the controls in the owners manual, watched a few YouTube videos, and felt my confidence returning. We had made appointment for last Friday to take Felix to Staunton (30 miles away) to have new valve stems put on the inside dually tires, and I decided that was as good a time as any to practice.

It was slow-going through the winding roads here in the campground and somewhat nerve-wracking on the narrow, 2-lane shoulder-less road leading to a nearby town where I turned it over to Dave, but we made it without incident. I felt good and, in retrospect, probably should’ve continued the whole way to Staunton. Next time I will.

Afterwards Dave commented that he was surprised that I wanted to drive through the campground. It’s almost three miles from our campsite through the park to the main road, and the park road is extremely narrow with several tight curves. I guess that’s how I had to prove to myself that I could do it. It reminded me of when I took a sewing class and decided that my very first project would be a pleated skirt, made with plaid material. I guess I figured that if that turned out alright, I could sew anything. 🤪 Though not 100% foolproof, the attitude of “what the worst that could happen?” has been the springboard to a number of adventures I probably wouldn’t have had otherwise, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Life is certainly interesting. So, even though we don’t know where we’re going, I’ll keep you posted on where we end up. Until then, be well and keep smiling…and remember to wash your hands! 😷