Oregon to Asheville

We’ve finally made it! What a day (what a month!) it was. When we pulled out of Cincinnati there was a rainbow across the sky, as if all was well in the world.

Less than an hour later we were caught in a torrent – sheets of water slamming the windshield, we couldn’t see anything beyond the dashboard. The thunder was loud! White-knuckling while towing a camper is a real kick in the shorts, though Matt handled it with worthy aplomb. We pulled into a gas station to consider our options and jumped into water up to the ankles, dashing in to use the restroom (well, the shins for Finney). We were soaked through our clothes despite a front door drop off.

After another hour on the road the rain let up and all was fairly smooth sailing – albeit dragging on and on. This final driving day is the longest we’ve taken thus far, and the excitement only adds to our impatience.

I’ll skip ahead and tell you, for anyone that’s stuck with us this long and still reading, we’re here! We’re safe, we’re happy, and we’re settling in.

I insisted we go out to eat immediately upon arrival as I was in a celebratory mood. This was clearly too much for poor Henry after 6 + hours in the car. I chose poorly. Not in restaurant, the Sunny Point Cafe was exquisite. As a parent though, really, read the room sometimes right? Henry on his back on the ground arms akimbo, kicking his legs and yelling – not the first impression I was hoping for upon our debut. Oh Mylanta! (as my hair lady always says).

Rest assured he’s quickly made himself at home (exhibited here)

Matt is not a fan of Cottonelle, anyway. (Everyone has their cross to bear, Matt)

Because I’ve started to ramble, I’ll end this by mentioning how loved we have felt at our departure. So much warmth was exuded in sending us off by my mom and my sister, Cara, Hillary and Jim, the McKennas, Hans, Alan, Brooke, Logan’s, Lee and Carol, Steph and Matt, Jessica and Ross, The Bethurum’s, The Daily’s, Coppock’s, Aunt Peggy, Anna and Josh, as well as all dear ones who came to my mom’s send off party. I must mention, additionally, our realtors the Bissells – you won’t believe me when I tell you – they sent us off on our journey out of Oregon with a homemade waffle bar breakfast at their home, complete with all you can drink custom made lattes and fruit off their trees! They are truly one in a million – we appreciate you, Brett and Karen!

Hugs to you, Oregon. Love to you and yours. Until next time.

Our last night in the camper! I can hardly believe it. We are (we means me) so giddy with anticipation that we’re doing all the things: bike riding, playground, the Hamster Dance, aaand a little scrabble while the boys watch Garfield – for the last time? 🥴

We’ve maybe saved the best campground for last. Winton Woods is a beautiful spot. Well kept, quiet, with tons of trails, water views, and all the modern amenities. I plan to return! Unfortunately, we’ll have to take an early departure to try and stay ahead of the storms. At this point we’ve become quite adept at the packing up/ locking down camper routine – each of us deftly attuned to his or her assigned tasks wordlessly. But first the coffee. Always, first. The coffee.

Our favorite Michigan landmark is Grandma and Grandpa’s lake place, The Old Sod. After a restorative 6 days with Matt’s family, we will be on the move again today headed south. We spent a good week swimming, kayaking, sailing, reading and playing multiple games together. Today, Ohio awaits us.

A much loved cousin named Lori drove out to the park to see us before we continued East. Matt insisted I take some time out for a pedicure while they played at the beachy playground. (You may be surprised to know that there is little relaxation to be had thus far on our journey). And oh my heavens, what luxury was this! The massage chair, the warm sudsy soak, the exfoliation on my itchy mosquito-bitten ankles and calves – uninterrupted time I can read! Gah! It was heaven on earth.

I got back in time for our most exciting driving day yet. Grandma and Grandpa’s cottage. Squeeee! We can hardly contain ourselves, this is a red-letter day.

Welp, we lost our sea legs today.

Our vehicle and camper were stowed in the underbelly of the S.S. Badger ferry while we cut across Lake Michigan from Manitowac, WI to Ludington, MI. The ferry ride was 4 hours in total (including an hour time change). We were excited about avoiding traffic in Chicago, as well as the boy’s enjoyment with the ride itself.

Must’ve been rough waters on this particular day. We were settled at a table and chairs with a wall of windows (several open) in view of the railing and waters beyond. What started out as a pleasant little sunny excursion quickly became comparable to a scene from Bridesmaids. (Be forewarned, Steph)

The excessive rocking had the lady behind us taking focused deep breaths and eventually a head on the table. A teenage boy finally doubled over the railing out the window to our left. Our two had been giddy about the onboard popcorn and pushed it away quickly while turning pale-faced, then green. Finn lost his lunch, and it was clear that Henry would soon follow. Suddenly a gentleman was running along the railing to our right and realized he wouldn’t make it and he, too curled over the railing. Unfortunately for us, as I mentioned, several of the windows were open. And the wind was fierce.

When Henry then got sick as well, we started to hear the woman behind us moaning, her head still on the table.

Within a short time the cleanup crew appeared to our left with gloves and mops in attempt to clean the deck where they heard word the teenager may have left a mess. Matt and I, each with a seasick child in our lap, watched wide-eyed as the younger worker started gagging as he cleaned. He kept his head down, taking slow deep breaths as he continued the mop left and right. As he made his way toward the front of the boat to our right he started to look up and did a double take at the windows (those that were still closed). “Dan…. Dan!! It’s sprayed across the whole boat!” By now Matt and I cannot withhold an inappropriate outburst of laughter.

Our boys have now fallen asleep in our laps, spent from exertion. As the crew members begin to squeegee the windows from top to bottom, the lady’s partner behind us finally returns and plops down next to her with his beer. He glances over at her with a side-eye and says “You’re the one who refused the Hawaii trip.” 😳

Also, I have to tell you about an extraordinary place our hosts took us to called, Bookworm Gardens. As a mother, as a teacher – as a book lover! This was awe-inspiring. A botanical gardens with beloved children’s books highlighted around every curve. The actual Magic School Bus, Peter Rabbit’s Hut next to Mr. McGregor’s garden of veggies, Little House in the Big Woods next to a real wagon cart, Goldilocks and The Three Bears’ chairs, Charlotte’s Web up in the corner of the barn just above Wilbur the pig. So many books inspired amongst these gardens. And my boys’ favorite of all, The Little Blue Truck. In real life.

A magical time – beautiful memories. Wisconsin was truly a highlight.

Thank you Sean and Carrie!

Wisconsin is pretty. Really pretty! We crossed over the state line and stopped in La Crosse, WI – everything was so green and lush. The trees, the hills, the Mississippi river, all of it beautiful. We didn’t stay long at Bluebird Family Camp because we got wind of a music festival heading to town for the weekend. Our next two nights will be in Sheboygan.

An old high school friend of Matt’s lives with his family on a 60 acre farm and graciously invited us to stay for the weekend. It couldn’t be more picturesque. We were lavished with great food, hot showers, wonderful company and a slice of incredible farm living. The boys collected eggs, ran amok, played with dogs, rode bikes, and collected stones from Lake Michigan.

South Dakota’s biting flies – egads!! They appear as if from nowhere and permeate the space; in the car, in the camper, smack! smack! They’re no joke, the sting is so rude, so out of the blue. On this particular evening in Sioux Falls, we pulled into a family campground called Jellystone. Some of you attuned to the RV world know just what I’m referring to. Am I correct in comparing it to the campers’ carnival? Maybe on a smaller scale. Yogi bear may be enough of a draw, but add in the toy store, wade-in pool with fountains (and tiki bar for parents), trampoline-like pillow park, basketball court, go-carts and scooters… it was a bit of culture shock from the tranquil quietude of Farm Island. While it wasn’t really my bag, I can appreciate the appeal – and the draw for the maxed out property on a Wednesday night with over 100 degree temps. The water in the pool felt heavenly. Henry made no qualms about dive-bombing anyone and everyone happening upon his path and I was exhausted at an attempt to keep him close. This photo is grossly inaccurate to my memory of how many humans were in that pool. I suppose everyone will have a different memory of things. Henry, at age 3, may even remember this one.

Oh, this lovely little sanctuary that is Farm Island Campground. It’s my favorite so far. We swam all evening in the peaceful lake right next to our camper, pretty trees and a quiet meadow all around us. We have it practically all to ourselves. Matt (of course) hung a swing for the boys, and a train chuffed through in the distance.

I could’ve stayed here another night. Took a late departure the next day instead, for a restful morning of continued swims in the soothing South Dakota countryside.