Tag: RV

The Guntersville Dam Armadillo

November 25, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

My Little Armored One

I couldn’t begin to count how many dead armadillos we have seen on the roads across America. They are usually small ones too.

Every once in a while, Rich will holler “armadillo” as we are driving 70 miles per hour down a highway. I always tell him to stop or turn around and go back to no avail.

I had never seen a live armadillo in the wild before and it is one of those stupid bucket list things – until today.

Today we drove to the Guntersville Dam on Guntersville Lake in Alabama. I wanted to see the Locks and spend a little time at the scenic overlook.

It was a gorgeous sunny day and the view was amazing. I packed us a picnic lunch and off we went.

According to the encyclopedia — The Guntersville dam generates 140,400 kilowatts of electricity with four hydraulic turbines and four generators. It stands 94 feet high and 3,979 feet wide. Water below the dam averages 20 to 30 feet deep.

After relaxing for a while, eating lunch, and watching the boats and birds, we got in the car to leave the dam and drive to the next scenic spot.

I spotted an animal in the yard on the side of the road to the left and hollered “Stop! That’s an armadillo!”

I think I opened my car door before the vehicle was completely stopped and jumped out. It was not just an armadillo; it was a huge armadillo.

The nine-banded armadillo is the only species found in the United States. These armadillos can be found in the southeastern United States, including Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, and Florida.

I took a lot of pictures and videos. I can now add armadillo to the list of animals I have seen alive in the wild and cross it off the bucket list. It was fun to watch it root around in the ground for bugs and insects. You can even count the nine bands in the photo above.

Did you know that I wrote a children’s book about armadillos? Specifically about one named Amelia.

Have you ever seen a live nine-banded armadillo in the wild?

Thanks for reading.

*all photos are taken by me unless otherwise noted.

 

Learning to Trust the GPS

November 23, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

I remember when there was no such thing as GPS or cell phones. We traveled with an atlas book in the car. We got lost a lot more often back then, but we get lost sometimes now too.

GPS was invented in 1973. The Global Positioning System, formally known as the Navstar Global Positioning System, was initiated as a joint civil/military technical program in 1973. It didn’t become available to the public until 1983 and that was only for air travel. President Ronald Reagan authorized the use of GPS by civilian commercial airlines in an attempt to improve navigation and safety for air travel.

The first production car with a built-in GPS navigation system hit the roads in 1990. By that time we were married with two young children. And there was no way we could afford one of those expensive cars with a GPS system in it.

So how accurate is the GPS system nowadays?

According to gps.gov, it depends.

GPS satellites broadcast their signals in space with a certain accuracy, but what you receive depends on additional factors, including satellite geometry, signal blockage, atmospheric conditions, and receiver design features/quality.

As we travel around the country in areas we are not familiar with, we cause ourselves to be dependent on it to get us to where we want to go. More often than not, we wonder why it takes us down a certain back road instead of keeping us on the highway. Sometimes it will bring us to the back door of a business where the shipments are received instead of to the front door where customers are allowed to walk in.

Sometimes we tell the GPS to take us the fastest route, and sometimes we tell it to take us the shortest distance. But it never fails that occasionally we will look at each other and laugh about the road it turns us on.

I have told Rich more than once to just trust the GPS and no matter where it makes us turn, we will always get to the final destination, or at least close enough to figure it out. The journey is the best part, and if we just trust the GPS we will see something we wouldn’t have normally seen if we had chosen to stay on the highway.

What else do we have to do anyway? We have all the time in the world and getting lost once in a while is the best part of the journey.

By the way, we do still keep an atlas in the RV, just in case.

Thanks for stopping by.

I Haven’t Been Everywhere, But It’s On My List

November 22, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

Seeing America one place at a time

The journey is as important as the destination.

I’ve been fortunate enough to explore many of America’s iconic landmarks, national parks, and beautiful beaches, but I’m constantly reminded that there’s so much more still to see and discover. There are so many countless destinations beckoning me to explore them, and I have such a desire to embark on new adventures. The vastness, diversity, and rich history of America have always intrigued me.

This is a country of immigrants. People from all over the world have come to America in search of a better life.

I love visiting historical sites and learning about the people and events of the past that have shaped this country.

My bucket list for exploring America is overflowing with unvisited places, each promising its own unique experience. And the allure of these destinations fuels my wanderlust, urging me to explore the uncharted territories of this extraordinary land I call home.

All who wander are not lost

I’m not lost, I’m just retired.

Exploring America is not merely about ticking off destinations; it’s about embracing the journey and connecting with the people who call America home. It’s about venturing off the beaten path and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

America is home to some of the most stunning natural scenery in the world. From the snow-capped peaks of the Rocky Mountains to the lush rainforests of the Pacific Northwest, there is something for everyone to enjoy. I’ve been lucky enough to visit many of these beautiful places, and I’m always amazed by the beauty of the natural world.

As I embark on my journey through the United States, I carry with me the anticipation of new experiences and the excitement of the unknown. I’m eager to uncover the hidden gems that lie within this vast and diverse country, to connect with its people and their stories, and to create memories that will forever be etched in my heart.

A never-ending adventure

I know that I will never be able to see everything that America has to offer, but it’s on my list and I’m excited to continue my journey of exploration.

America is a country of endless possibilities and I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore this amazing country. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.

Thanks for reading.

 

Welcome To Our Campsite

November 22, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

It always feels more like home when we set up our stuff outside and put the yard flags up.

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of pulling into a new campground, unhitching the car from the RV, and setting up our new home for the next month.

The excitement builds as we pull into a new place. The anticipation of exploring new surroundings, the excitement of creating new memories, and the satisfaction of transforming an empty lot space into a haven of comfort and relaxation — it’s truly a unique experience.

For us, setting up our RV has become more than just a practical task; it’s an act of love and a way of making each new place feel like our own. It’s a testament to our adventurous spirit and our deep appreciation for the simple joys of life.

RV camping is more than just a way to see the world; it’s a way of life for us, a philosophy that embraces change, celebrates diversity, and cherishes moments of connection with both nature and new friends. It’s a reminder that home is not a place, but a feeling, a sense of belonging that we carry within us, ready to bloom wherever we lay our heads.

Thanks for coming along with us on the journey

 

You Gotta Get Outta the RV

November 7, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

It’s easy to get stuck in a rut, especially when I’m working from the RV. Most people go to work, come home, and then stay in all night. Especially in the wintertime when it gets dark before 5:00 p.m. For me, I get up and walk out to the recliner and sit and write all day. It’s comfortable, but it’s not good for me. It’s important to make time to get out of the house and do stuff, even if it’s just for a short walk or to run errands.

It’s good for our physical health.

Getting out of the house means moving our body, which is essential for good health. Even a little bit of exercise can make a big difference, so don’t be afraid to get creative. If you don’t like going to the gym, try walking, biking, swimming, or playing sports. Of course, I can’t do hardly any of those things. For me, spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels. We go for drives to see places, get out of the car, and walk around a bit. Even just sitting in a park or taking a short walk in the woods can make a big difference.

It’s good for our mental health.

Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It improves our mood and boosts our creativity. If you can’t get outside, even sitting by a window and looking at nature can be beneficial. Open those curtains and blinds, especially in the wintertime. Living in the RV, I am surrounded by nature. The view out my window constantly changes and puts me in a good mood.

It’s good for our social health.

Getting out of the house and interacting with other people is important for our mental and emotional well-being. We like to walk around the campgrounds and meet new people. It helps us feel more connected to our RVing community and helps us make new friends. You can try joining a club or group, taking a class, or volunteering. We need other people in our lives.

It’s good for our overall well-being.

In today’s world, it’s easier than ever to stay home and avoid the outside world. We can work from home, order groceries online, and even watch movies and TV shows without having to leave our living rooms. But while it’s tempting to stay home and cocoon, it’s important to get out of the house and do stuff on a regular basis.

Getting out of the house and doing stuff helps us relax, have fun, and learn new things. It helps us break out of our comfort zone and try new things. Getting out of the house leads to a more fulfilling and well-rounded life.

I am a homebody and I have to constantly remind myself to get up and get outta the RV on the days that we don’t go sightseeing.

So the next time you’re feeling stuck in a rut, make a plan to get out of the house (or the RV) and do something fun. It’s good for you!

 

Cotton Fields: A Snapshot of Rural Alabama

November 4, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

I have never seen cotton fields before, especially so many with the cotton balls opened and ready for harvest. The cotton balls open in the fall.

The state of Alabama ranks ninth in the nation for producing cotton, and cotton is the primary row crop now grown in Alabama. Cotton is what made Alabama. Cotton is grown in 59 of the 67 counties in Alabama.

I wondered if people still pick cotton in Alabama. I discovered that cotton is picked by machines called cotton pickers. These machines can cover six to eight rows at a time and can harvest up to 190,000 pounds of cottonseed per day.

It reminded me of when we saw so many sunflower fields in North Dakota. I love driving around America and seeing things like this.

Have you ever seen the cotton fields of Alabama? Thanks for seeing them with us.

Valley View Awe at Cherokee Rock Village

November 3, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

Leesburg, Alabama

I am so glad we found this gorgeous gem of a park on Lookout Mountain just outside of Leesburg, Alabama. My pictures don’t do it justice because I couldn’t get out and climb or hike through the rocks. You can get a better view of it on the park website.

This is a beautiful nature park with well-maintained parking areas, camping areas, picnic areas, and hiking paths.

The park ranger did not charge us to enter the park. We told her that we were just planning on driving through and right back out. She told us to go ahead and enjoy the park. A normal day pass is $7 per vehicle.

This park is a rock climber’s dream. It features crags, cliffs, and tall rock formations for climbing. Definitely not something Rich or I can do. Some of the sandstone boulders are as high as 200 feet.

Hiking trails for all levels from easy to moderate to steep, tent and RV camping sites, modern restrooms, and a new playground make this park the perfect destination for a day trip or a longer stay. And what a beautiful day it was for a drive!

All photos are taken with my iPhone. It does a great job don’t you think?

The view of the valley below encompassing nearby Weiss Lake is a view worth staring at for quite a while. I felt so small in comparison to this vast and beautiful landscape.

I was impressed with how nice the wooden viewing platform is.

We stood in silence for the longest time just enjoying the view. The valley below was breathtaking. It stretched out for miles. The sky was a brilliant blue.

We travel around the country from place to place and are always amazed at how beautiful each place is. When we are surrounded by such beauty, we are so grateful to be alive and healthy enough to see places like this.

The drive up Lookout Mountain to the Cherokee Rock Village Park in Leesburg, Alabama was time well spent.

I hope you enjoyed seeing it with us.

 

 

 

Moving to the Ville

November 2, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

Sweet Home Alabama

We finally made it home to the state of Alabama for two months. This campground will be home for the month of November. We are close to the town of Guntersville on Guntersville Lake. The plan is then to move down to the Gulf Coast for the month of December.

It’s been a bit windy so we haven’t put out the awning or anything yet. We are located halfway between Guntersville and Albertville. We are living in the ‘Ville.

Alabama is a southeastern state that’s home to significant landmarks from the American Civil Rights Movement. I can’t wait to go sightseeing! I plan to see mountains and pine trees and white sandy beaches. I wonder what kind of wildlife we will find.

The first two days of November have been spent just relaxing and living. Sometimes we get tired of constantly going someplace.

Living in an RV is truly a rewarding experience. We have simplified our lives and found a great way to see the country and connect with nature.

Stay tuned as we explore the state of Alabama.

Thanks for coming along on the journey.

 

Historic Lynchburg, Tennessee & the Jack Daniel Distillery

October 31, 2023  – Traveling with Rich & Julie

The Jack Daniel Distillery is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and among the most prestigious listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

We drove thirty miles south to Lynchburg while we were camping in Tennessee.

The first place we stopped was the Tennessee Whiskey Trailhead & Lynchburg Welcome Center which is just across the street from the distillery.

This place provides additional parking for the distillery and a free shuttle service.

Two of the nicest men greeted us and told us all about the small town and told us where everything was. We visited with them for quite a while.

Jeff and Billy get 5 stars from us for kindness and helpfulness!

We hopped on the free trolley which took us on a short ten-minute drive through historic downtown Lynchburg before dropping us off at the distillery visitor center. The trolley driver was fun to listen to as he told us some history.

Despite the operational distillery, which is a major tourist attraction, Lynchburg’s home county of Moore is a dry county. But you can buy a lot of products with whiskey in them. And none of the residents work for Jack Daniel.

Sadly, the old jail museum was closed the day we were there.

Did you know that Davy Crockett lived in this town from 1811–1813? Neither did I.

The next stop was the Jack Daniel Distillery Visitor Center. We did not take a tour.

But we enjoyed walking through the museum exhibits and the bottle shop. Purchasing bottles of the famous whiskey is much more expensive here than at a corner liquor store.

If you want an actual gift shop with all things Jack Daniel, like t-shirts, the downtown hardware store is the place to go.

And finally, we visited the grave of Jack Daniel in the Lynchburg Cemetery. We heard that he was quite the ladies’ man and the chairs were placed here for his lady friends to visit him.

If you are ever in the area, Lynchburg is definitely worth a visit.

Thanks for reading and coming along with us as we see America.

How to Keep Your Home on Wheels From Falling Apart

November 1, 2023 – Traveling with Rich & Julie

RVing on BUMPY roads

RVing is a great way to see the country and explore new places. You have the freedom to travel wherever you want, whenever you want. Life on the road in an RV can be a dream come true. But there’s one downside to RV life that can be a real pain: bumpy torn-up roads. They can be extremely tough on your RV home.

If you’ve ever driven an RV down a bumpy road, you know how jarring it can be. Everything inside and outside shakes and rattles, and if you’re not careful, things can fall and break.

We know this firsthand, because we live in an RV motorhome, and have driven on some of the roughest roads in America. Many highways and roads are in poor condition and are constantly under construction. We’ve had things fall off the shelves, break in the cabinets, and had nuts and bolts come loose. We’ve had drawers fly open while driving down the road and one time the refrigerator door wasn’t properly latched and it flew open spewing all its loose contents onto the floor.

Over the years, we’ve learned a few things about how to keep our moving home from falling apart because of bumpy roads. How do we do it? Here are a few things we have learned over the last two years.

Secure everything.

This includes cabinets, drawers, shelves, furniture, and appliances. Use bungee cords, straps, and latches to keep everything in place. Put away all your dishes, pots, pans, and other loose items. Put locks on your cabinets and drawers. This will prevent them from opening accidentally while you’re driving down the road.

And store fragile items in padded containers. This will help protect them from all the bumps and shocks. If you don’t secure everything, it’s likely to fall and break when you hit a bump.

Slow down

Drive slowly and carefully. The faster you drive, the more likely things are to come loose and break. The slower you go, the less damage the bumps will do to your RV. Avoid driving over potholes and other large bumps. If you can’t avoid them, try to drive over them carefully and at an angle. The faster you’re going, the harder the impact will be when you hit a major bump. So, it’s important to slow down when the going gets rough.

Inspect your RV regularly

Check your RV for damage after driving on a bumpy road. This means looking for loose nuts and bolts on your furniture and appliances, cracked caulking, and other signs of wear and tear. Check your nuts and bolts regularly. Make sure that they are all tight and secure. Inspect your RV regularly for any damage. Look for cracks in the walls and ceilings, in addition to loose nuts and bolts.

You should also have your RV inspected regularly by a qualified mechanic. This will help identify any potential problems before they cause a breakdown.

Additional tips

Use a heavy-duty hitch and tow bar. This will help keep your tow vehicle attached to the RV and prevent it from swaying back and forth. And check the connections every single time you stop at a gas station or rest area.

Be prepared for flat tires. Bumpy roads can cause your tires to wear out more quickly and increase the chances of a flat tire. Keep a spare tire and jack on hand and know how to change a tire. Check the tires every single time you stop to make sure they are properly inflated.

Conclusion

Living in an RV and driving on bumpy torn-up roads can be challenging, but it’s also rewarding. Despite the challenges, we love living in the RV. It’s a great way to see the country and experience new things.

By securing everything ahead of time, slowing down, and inspecting all your connections regularly, you can help to keep your RV from falling apart on bumpy roads and enjoy your RVing experience to the fullest.

Be patient. Driving on bumpy roads can be frustrating, but it’s important to keep your eyes on the road, slow down, and drive carefully.