ANNNNND.....WE'RE BACK!

Miss us?!

WoW! We sure missed you all! Ok - so it IS possible to live without the internet on a daily basis for six months but it sure isn't a whole lot of fun. I realize that we ALL used to live without it but really - now that we have the internet it is tough to do without it. I don't know how many times Derek and I wanted to quickly look something up. Without it or satellite TV - our stay at Lea Park - out in the country - was very errr - detached.

Anyway, that is all behind us now. We are back! Say that in one of those scary voices! We were to leave the park in the morning but since we were all ready to go we decided to head into the city and stay where for the first night - why in a Home Depot of course. This was we can get all of our errands done early and be on the road in good time. We have about six or seven hours to make so we needed the head start.

The last few days at the Park were busy with last minute projects and touch ups on the van. Then came the packing, loading and finally today the cleaning of the cabin. Always sad at the end.

We were glad to have a nice and fairly warm weekend. Last night we finished off with a complete walk of the golf course. Something we haven't done all summer - not since May. It sure has changed - so so so beautiful with the fall colours.

Keeping Cassia entertained - can you believe this is the first time we tried this. We were always unsure where Cassia would end up with Rufus in charge of her destiny. But he did well, can't wait to try this out with a sled. Well, yes we can wait. 

Yup -  he did start getting a bit fast for her!

While I was taking those pictures I decided on one last look at the cabin. 

It was a bit grey last night while we walked the course but not too cold. It was a very nice 1 1/2 hour walk. Not sure if we will miss the fall colours down in the States.

It looks a bit different from the last time I took this picture back in May.

Where's Rufus!

Nice - right?!

Love love love fall colours. We were really impressed with the selection down in our valley here.

And so - here I am sitting on our new sofa in the van. I have to say that I am mighty impressed already - guess we'll have to see tonight how our new double bed works out for Derek and I. Cassia is already asleep in her new bunk bed. Lucky kid - what a cozy little nook.

So - I guess it is time for me to spill the beans - right?!

Where the heck are we going this winter anyway!!!!!

Well, we are headed south - ha! Funny I know. But it is true - south - then east and then south again. Yup - we are headed to the southeastern states of the USA. Were we there before? Yup - the winter before last - we traveled to Florida via Texas and the states in-between. 

This year - we are doing the trip a little differently. Our first destination state is South Dakota with a quick tour of Deadwood and area - including Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse of course. Then it is pretty much straight south until we hit Dodge City. Not really a must see but since we are headed that way I'm pretty excited to stop in as I read a lot of Westerns. 

From there - east - over to Branson Missouri - why Branson - well because we are going that way. Guess we may as well stop in and see what all of the talk is about this place. 

Then on to Kentucky. We are really hoping the weather holds our for us there because we want to take a good look around - we have never been. Mammoth Caves and of course Dinosaur World close by are on the list - but I have also found some neat little towns to take in and hopefully we can find some music. I think a stop in to see Loretta Lynn's home is warranted. 

From Kentucky a short trip through West Virginia and over to Virginia to get us on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We know that the facilities will be closed but we are very self contained and hope to do a lot of hiking. Again, we just need the weather to hang in there a bit. But not to worry if it doesn't - the van is totally insulated now!

We'll take the Parkway down to Asheville, North Carolina where we a hooking up with friends Curt and Debbie Crist. If you have been following us for awhile there names may be familiar - we met up with them the last time we were in Florida. This time we will be visiting them at their home and Church. Here we'll take a little side trip over to Tennessee - Dollywood anyone?

Then on to South Carolina - I'm thinking that it would be nice to spend Christmas in the Charleston to Savannah area. Can't wait to see these southern cities. And - back to the beach!

Florida is on tap for January - because - well - we do still want to have some warmth this winter. Fingers crossed for a warm one this year. We are very excited to return to some of our favourite places in Florida - like Micanopy of course --- ahhhhh Micanopy. And Plant City too - where we can once again almost live at the Strawberry Palace and visit more good friends - Barbara and Terry.

And then?! Well, home again. We are not exactly sure at the moment where are path will lead but it will undoubtedly include Texas - right?! And Colorado. Oh - and a stop in to see our good friends in Nampa, Idaho - we missed them both in the spring and now again in the fall.

Many miles to cover over the next six months - our last trip to Florida came in at 10,000 miles and $3,000 in gas - we'll see what we can come up with for this trip. At least we have a swanky newly renovated van to take us there in style.

So - are you up for the trip!?!

We sure would like to hear for you about must see places. Please pass on any advice you have for these areas as many of them will be new to us. 

Excited?! 

I know we are. We like NEW!

That's all for me tonight. I have a limited battery and some serious surfing to do. 

Posting will still be touch and go for the next week or so. We are on our way to visit with some friends for the remainder of the week and the Thanksgiving weekend. We won't be hitting the border until mid week. Fingers crossed that we make it through - it's always a bit of a challenge for us. 

Teresa