Feb 3rd – Feb 6th 2014 Ontario to Texas- 3200km

Feb 3^rd – Feb 6^th 2014 Ontario to Texas- 3200km

Our journey to Texas took us from Ontario through New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina… to pick up the rig… then through Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana to Texas… a total of over 3200km in three nights (4 days driving). This was quite the feat considering Derek had to drive the whole way (due to Janice’s broken arm), we normally switch up drivers every 2 hours. Janice did her bit by staying awake the whole time singing and chatting to keep Derek alert.  (no comments please!!)

The trip down to Columbia, South Carolina on Monday was long. We wanted to get within a couple of hours of where the condo was being stored so we could pick it up early enough on Tuesday to make some headway across South Carolina and Georgia.

Fortunately we sailed quickly through the border, and were fortunate not to hit any really bad weather, just a few snow squalls in New York and Pennsylvania. We drove through the day and evening and finally stopped at about 11pm at the Comfort Inn and Suites in Statesville, North Carolina… note to self… great place to stay for a nights rest en route… cheap, clean, King room, great hot breakfast included ($79 US for both of us).

We got up and had a good hearty breakfast before heading back on the road arriving at the storage facility in Columbia, South Carolina before noon on Tuesday to find all well. The condo was waiting patiently for us. We decided that, because of the freezing weather they had had in the area, we would not fill or pressurize the water system until we hooked up in Texas.. just in case we need to do some work (turned out to be a good decision!!). So we commenced our journey to Texas and on Tuesday drove clean across South Carolina and Georgia and into Alabama, stopping for the night in a campsite north of Montgomery, Alabama called Auburn RV Park At Leisure Time Campground. We arrived after dark and, after a little fidde-faddlin’, we parked in a nice spot by a river… we didn’t hook up the water but at least we had electricity and were warm and safe. Another good RV park for a short stay. Economical and good facilities.  We were up and out just after 9 on Wednesday Feb 5^th having gained an hour in time, so we had a great sleep. We stopped for gas and Derek just couldn't resist the mound of fried chicken in the gas station, so he came back to the truck with a guilty but happy face carrying two authentic southern fried chicken pieces... Immediately sharing one piece... Oh my... Naughty but delicious crunchy chicken!!! 

On the road again we headed for the Freedom Road between Montgomery, Alabama and Selma, Alabama.

Hwy 80 - Freedom Highway

Photo of Freedom Marchers

Facing State troopers on earlier attempt

The March which happened in March 1965, was a major climatic event in the Civil Rights Movement and was led (though not original organized) by Martin Luther King Jr. The marchers went from Selma to Montgomery. 8000 people started, but only 300 were allowed to march on the 2 lane section of the highway. 
The rest went by car and bus to meet them further along the road and by the time the Marchers reached the State Capital at Montgomery (54 miles away) 25,000 people had joined.  The march was the third attempt as the first ones were stopped by State Troopers and much blood had been shed. The third march started on March 16. They covered about 10 miles (16 km) each day along U.S. Route 80, known in Alabama as the "Jefferson Davis Highway". Two Thousand soldiers of the U.S. Army, 1,900 members of the Alabama National Guard under Federal command, and many FBI agents and Federal Marshals, were called in to protect them (ostensibly from their own state police). The Marchers arrived at the Alabama State Capitol on March 25 to demand their rights to be registered as voters. 

Statues depicting marchers

Outside centre in location of 'tent city'

Map of the route

Derek and I stopped at the Lowndes County Interpretive centre about halfway along the Historical Route and were fascinated by the story and the informative movie we saw there. As we continued west, it gave us much to chat about; how far civil rights have come and how far they still have to go.  At the Lowndes Centre we came to understand the importance of the March in the landscape of American history.... Very interesting and in many ways awe inspiring.

Another State on the list

Trying to get within driving distance of our final destination the next day we motored through Mississippi and into Louisiana. Along the way we noted how very poor this area is... Endless miles of seemingly sparely inhabited, sporadically farmed rural landscape.. It is humbling to see such poverty in this relatively wealthy country. I did enjoy the drive but still feeling  bad that Derek has to do all the driving. Loved the discount store called simply "DIRT CHEAP" in big red letters on the front of the store.

Just a great name for a town in Mississippi

Well after dark, we pulled in to a Pilot truck stop in Greenwood, just West of Shreveport. We gassed up and parked in the parking lot in the truck stop for the night.  Not having unhooked or used any facilities we were able to get up and get back on the road on Thursday 6^th Feb, refreshed and excited about reaching our final destination in Texas, where we would settle down until the end of March.

The drive was straightforward and we chatted merrily about how we looked forward to being settled and have a hot shower. Our only regret has been that our original planned journey had to be cut short. We enjoyed seeing the topography of the states we traveled through, but regret not being able to fit in a longer stops in the places along the way or spend any time in New Orleans… maybe another time!!! We arrived at La Hacienda RV Resort in Austin mid-afternoon and were so happy to be there. Derek parked like a pro with little guidance in our spot (C58), which is actually a tough spot to park in because of its shape. My hero!!

Unfortunately the cold weather meant that the water was not available… and it was below freezing overnight…. What the …….???? TEXAS??? Sheesh!!! 

Home until the end of March (C58, La Hacienda)

Jan 1 - Feb 2 2014 - Niagara-on-the-Lake

January 1 – Feb 2nd  2014 - Niagara on the Lake

Derek made scrumptious scones

Without going to too much detail and complaints, January was a bit slow in the Taylor family. Janice spent most of the time trying to contain the constant pain in her arm and hand and getting frustrated with the lack of good medical help from the orthopedic surgeon at Niagara General. While the staff were polite and wait times were not overly onerous, the actual time spent with the orthopedic surgeon was minimal and frustrating to say the least. We won’t go into more of the details about lack of care, but will continue expounding on our activities.

The first week was spent cancelling visits from friends who were planning to come and visit us… Janice was in too much pain. Then another bombshell came in the form of a call from Janice’s dermatologist… diagnosis of Malignant Melanoma on her neck which required immediate removal. So Jan 10^th local surgery was performed in Burlington. It is a very scary experience being told that you have the worst and most deadly form of skin cancer … another push towards re-evaluating plans.

Farwell meal together at the Angel

Bon Voyage ... we'll miss ya!

The happy dishwasher/cleaner uppers

Hard at work with the reward waiting

Setting the table

We won't miss the ice!!!

We will miss the Artists Cottage

Other than the health issues that attempted, and failed, to dampen our spirits, we managed to find much enjoyment during the month. We had visits to and from family and friends and were thrilled to be able to spend some time with them... it was a bonus of the extended stay we were forced into. Fortunately the cottage had not been rented out for the month of January so we were easily able to extend our stay, they were very gracious about it. Despite the town’s terrible snow clearing, we fell in love with NOTL, meeting lots of locals who went out of their way to give us advice on finding a possible property there in the future, when we finally decide to settle down. The health scares over the holidays has made us both think more seriously about finding a home base of bricks and mortar, which has been far from our focus during our year+ adventure.  NOTL is a distinct possibility if we can find a place within our price range. Unfortunately, the beauty of the town, the theatre, restaurants, stores etc, all contribute to property values that are sky-high anywhere within decent walking distance to the town centre. We will continue to keep our eye on the market there as we travel around.

Almost cleaned up

Spending extra time with two of our sons, Braden and Grant, was also a bonus, and they were kind and helpful, for which we were both very grateful.  We went to the Festival theatre twice during our stay to see movies… they have a movie and documentary movie series throughout the winter and we saw a couple of great movies. Derek and I went to see Philomena on Jan 25 and Grant came with us to see Nebraska on Feb 1^st. Both movies were excellent and filled the theatre to capacity.

W enjoyed a few visits to the Angel Pub and got to know the lovely manager there. She is a wonderful young woman who is driven and intelligent and an excellent manager. She also kept us apprised of properties in the area.

So as the end of the month approached, 4 weeks after the dreaded fall on the ice, the orthopedic surgeon wanted to put a new cast on for at least another two weeks. After explaining our dilemma about not being able to go back to our ‘home’ until the cast was off, he agreed to put a splint on instead, providing I treat it as if I were in a cast, or even more careful. So splinted and smiling we left the hospital on Jan 27^th and planned to leave town in a week. The week was filled with trips to storage, visits with family and packing up. Braden and Grant, our lovely sons came on the last weekend and were invaluable in helping us pack up and clean the cottage, which we were determined to leave in as good a condition as we found it. We tearfully said goodbye to them on Sunday 2^th February after a final meal at the Angel.. and we set our sights on leaving Monday morning to head down South and leave the endless snow behind for a while. We left Niagara on the Lake as planned, grateful for the time we spent there, still a little angry at the town for their contribution to my fall (ie: not clearing ice or fixing their faulty sidewalks that gather water and freeze over, to catch people unawares!!) but we also left excited to continue our adventure for a while longer and distinctly more aware of the precious gift if life and health. 

Thur Dec 13 – Dec 31 Beautiful Christmas to New Year

Thur Dec 13 – Dec 31 Beautiful Christmas to New Year

Niagara on the Lake Christmas Parade

Christmas in Niagara on the Lake was EVERYTHING that we hoped it would be and more. The first Saturday was the NOTL Christmas Parade and on the Sunday we were joined by Braden and Grant to attend a Christmas choral concert at the Festival Theatre. The concert was festive, but a little tame for our extreme party-mood group of four so we followed it up with a supremely enjoyable pint at the Angel Inn (our ‘local’). Janice got to enjoy the Silversmiths Black Lager (local brewery) while Derek was especially attached to the draft Innis and Gunn beer (Scottish).  

Niagara on the Lake Christmas Parade

One of the wonderful benefits of being here for Christmas was the memories we made with our two sons… we enjoyed many meals together, some great nights at the Angel, beautiful snowy walks through town and a fabulous Christmas around the fire in the cottage. We kept as many of our family tradition as we could and even enjoyed card games… but we eventually graduated from our usual tame game of Newmarket when the guys taught me and Derek to play poker… and things got much more spirited. Although I must add that Derek and I cleaned up!!! Beginners luck I guess!! Looking for a rematch next year!!

During our stay over the holidays we went for check-ups at the doctor and dentists and we also managed to see many friends and family, most joining us for a drink at the cottage followed by a walk and meal in the old town. One of the things we enjoyed most about our stay in NOTL was the ability to walk into town for all our needs and entertainment… which brings me to…..

New Year’s Eve…. On the morning of New Years Eve Derek got a call saying his new glasses were ready for pick up in St Catharine’s, so Janice decided that she would walk into town to peruse some of the clothing stores. On her way there she walked up Regent Street. A light snow was falling and a dusting on the ground covered up the pavement. Unfortunately it also hid some treacherous patches of ice. The town of NOTL is not very good at clearing sidewalks (their responsibility). Upshot… Janice ended up with a spectacular fall. Followed by the swift realization that all was not well with her arm/wrist. A long afternoon at Niagara General and armed with a cast and pain killers, New Years Eve was spent feeling a little sorry for ourselves by the fire. Grant and Braden came over to cheer us up, but we encouraged them to go to some friends and have some fun. They were reluctant to leave, which was flattering and sweet, but we are glad they went and did have fun. We brought in the New Year and were in bed only minutes after midnight. And so ends 2013… overall an amazing, fantastic, adventure filled year that we feel privileged and extremely lucky to have enjoyed together. From extensive travel across the US, mountains, deserts and canyons, to the cruise in the Caribbean to an extended trip in UK, our son’s wedding and our trip back across Canada, down to South Carolina and finally an amazing Christmas in Niagara on the Lake… and so we enter 2014 knowing we have some plan changes in the offing. We hadn’t planned on Janice being in a cast for the next 6-8 weeks. 

Some scenes and memories from our Christmas holidays:

Outside the Cottage on Gage St.

Outside house on Regent St

Statue of G.B, Shaw in town... festive garb!

Artists cottage on left

Coffee with Baileys on Xmas day

NEW ESPRESSO MAKER FROM B and G.. YEY!!

Santa and elf discussing chimney dimensions

Walk through the village

Our small but festive tree

 

Latte from our new machine... thanks guys!!

Back Garden

Front step

Happy on Christmas Day

The spot I slipped... that water froze solid!!!

Grant decides its time for Braden to wake up!

Fri Dec 6th-Wed Dec 11/2013 S. Carolina to NOTL

Fri Dec 6th-Wed Dec 11/2013 S. Carolina to NOTL

Last trip to Benny's :-(

Benny's shrimp are like Lobster! YUM!

Janice's Xmas Present - Adam's Clubs!! -YEY!!

Festive in the warmth!

Our last couple of days in South Carolina were spent packing. We also went for a last time to Benny's seafood for some fresh seafood. We also did some more research on golf clubs for Janice and decided that the set we saw this week at Edwin Watts Golf store was perfect in both style and colour BUT they had sold that set and couldn’t get any more in. Derek scoured the internet and finally found a set….. but it was at a dealer in Florida.. but with determination to get Janice to perfect Xmas gift, Derek managed to arrange to get it flown in and delivered to our campsite overnight… so it arrived the afternoon of the day before we left, together with a small propane ‘campfire’ we bought online from Camping World… so we were both very happy.

Our new little red fire (Propane)

We packed up the truck on the night of Dec 9^th and left early morning on the 10^th. We towed the rig to Columbia South Carolina and left it at a great storage facility (Monster Storage) and then continued north toward home in the truck. We had planned on stopping half way, but were

Ready to go!!! Getting excited

Parked at Monster storage - "Bye Condo"

See ya in a month (so we thought!!!)

just too excited and we kept driving through to Canada. We finally crossed the border around 2am after a short battle with some snow in Pennsylvania. We took a room at the Hilton Gardens by the highway and collapsed into bed exhausted.

The next day we drove to Niagara on the Lake and met Eric from Niagara Holiday rentals at the Artists Cottage on Gage Street that we had booked for the month. We were thrilled with the place. Eric and his wife Janet who manage many rental cottages in NOTL (Niagara on the Lake) were wonderful throughout our stay, dealing with issues as they arose (which were few) with lightening speed. We came to love the cottage and felt it was a perfect place to spend Christmas. There was even a decorated and lit tree sitting on the corner and a few other Christmas items for us to enjoy.

 

Artists Cottage, our home for Christmas