Maiden Voyage - Lake Somerville

We chose Lake Somerville State Park as our initial test voyage.  It's close enough to get to in about 2 hours yet far enough away to stretch our new legs, aka tires.  It's one of our favorite state parks and perfect for a bike ride and a little fishing.  Our first venture from home would only be for one night only.

Joy and Bella

Earlier in the year we had taken the bikes to the park after dropping off our most recent foster pup with her new mom.  Bella is a small white four legged howler who found out we were soft-hearted and stupid enough to let her in when no one else in the neighborhood would.  Of course all recent stray arrivals are taken to our family vet. Bella was given her vaccinations and blood work up.  She was diagnosed with heart worms.  That didn't even phase her new mom. She said it was no problem that she'd do what she needed to get her healthy.  She's been in her new home for nearly 6 months now and is doing great in Killeen, TX.    

Anyway - we decided to make Somerville our first RV destination for a quick over night trip. A smooth drive and a quick set up, we were feeling like pros.  I guess the 3 pages of checklists helped.  It was hotter than hell and the frogs were so loud in the field across from us we barely slept but darn it, we were RV-ing without incident!  

Our poodle, Frances, all 9 lbs of her, wasn't too sure of herself in the great outdoors and when the pit bull next door looked at her through the screen-door you would have thought we were under attack by a pack of wolves.  We're going to have to watch that one! Our lab, Keila, is used to getting drug around the the state and adapted quickly to yet another adventure.  She was grateful to have 30 ft in which to relax!  Our last RV a pull trailer was just under 20 ft. 

Joy on a bicycle is always dangerous and it was good that were not on pavement.  We did get separated at one point and she, of course, knew immediately how to return to the campsite while I, on the other hand, was wishing my bike had GPS.  Joy says she MUST teach me directions or else we'll end up who knows where on our way to Alaska next year - but then again who cares!

Our Rig

We tore down on day 2 without incident, again with the help of a 3-page checklist.  We really scored with finding this RV and are so happy to have several months to work with and on it before we hit the road.  8 months, 1 day, 18 hours and 38 minutes until the next chapter begins - but who's counting??