Most who know me well know how I came to be adopted by an extended family in the Houma LA area. I have stopped to visit a few times since we “found each other” in 2005 but have never visited with tourism as part of my agenda. This time, I vowed, would be different. As I prepared to depart Biloxi MS on Wednesday, July 17, 2013, I noticed a low tire on the left side of the Pilgrim. The owner of Woodland Farm RV Campground in Saucier MS offered me the use of his air compressor. I knew the tires were due for replacement soon but hoped they would last a few more miles. I was able to keep an eye on the questionable tire in my mirror and saw the “slow” leak wasn’t quite as ... read more

With my annual “tune-up” and my (seemingly semi-annual) kidney stone removal completed, I departed Sanford FL for parts north. It’s not that I dislike Florida summers – they would be fine were it not for the humidity. Actually, with the news I have heard from the West, Midwest and Northeast; I picked a pretty good year to be held in limbo in Florida anticipating a strike from the chrome cobra! Actually, I am told by the natives, this has been the most typical summer in many years – afternoon showers to add to the “humidity half” of the temperature/humidity index. Alas, all is well as long as the air conditioner works! The forecast was not-so-good for the next several days when I set out for Big Oak RV Park in Tallahassee FL on Friday, June 28, ... read more

Tuesday, September 25, 2012 dawned another in a string of Chamber of Commerce days in Vermont. Irene, my GPS, led me south on VT 100 to Warren VT where I turned west on VT 17. A long, steady climb brought me to The Appalachian Gap. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was enlisted by the State of Vermont in 1933 to build the easternmost portion the McCullough Turnpike which initially connected VT 100 to the Mad River Glen Ski Area. When completed through the Appalachian Gap (or App Gap) in 1958, the route provided an east/west connection between the Champlain and Mad River Valleys. The spacious parking area at the gap provided plenty of room for my rig and gave me an opportunity to sightsee without the distraction of a steering wheel! The remainder of my trip ... read more

I left Maine with a heavy heart on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 for I had not seen a moose during my six-week visit (except for the mounted “albino” specimen and that was in Errol NH). Kidding aside, but admitting there was a hint of disappointment, I had had a great time in Maine and hope to return. According to MapQuest, the trip from Farmington ME to Lancaster NH was 99 miles and would take 2 hours and 21 minutes. That’s more in line with my overall approach to travel during The Great Adventure. I already had driven over the first 1/3 of the route while getting to the scenic drives I enjoyed so much in west central Maine; however, after I made it to Newly ME, the scenery was all novel to me. West of Bethel ... read more

On Tuesday morning, August 21, 2012, I was still savoring the delight of the whale watching trip of Monday afternoon as I readied the Pilgrim for the drive north to Presque Isle ME. The weather was just as good as my mood. I drove back up US 1 to Calais ME instead of taking a slightly shorter route the GPS had offered me. First, I knew US 1 had a good surface and, second, I wanted to see if nicer weather would give me a better impression of the community. It did not. US 1 from Florida north is, for the most part, a great drive. Most of the surface is good, and the scenery between towns is enjoyable. Irene, the GPS, gave me perfect guidance to the Neil E. Michaud Campground about a mile south ... read more