Finger Lakes and Beyond

So it was with much excitement, nervousnous and anxiety that we drove out the driveway towing our trailer for the first time in over 12 months. Having already pulled our trailer in excess of 20,000 miles on our last trip you would think it would come second nature by now. It really only took a few miles and we were back in the groove with the most important thing to remember is the height and length when turning. Of course having an RV GPS which knows our height etc helps, the theory is it wont leave you embarrased as you take the top off your trailer at a low bridge. Driving through small towns and keeping and eye on low hanging branches is a must, I tend to just use the middle lane.

The drive up was just a nice steady cruise sitting on 55 mph on interstate 90 from Fredonia to Geneva NY.  The toll was $25 but based on the alternative route which would take us an extra hour it was worth it. 

We arrived at our RV park on lake Cayuga.  This park was due to close the next weekend so as usual we were the only people camping at that time of year. A couple of permanents were at the other end of the park but that was it. There were a couple of reasons why we headed up to Finger Lakes, one being it was a nice easy drive for us to build our confidence back up, secondly on our last trip we met a young bloke named Robert at one of the wineries. We struck up a conversation with him and he said he was heading to Australia on a working holiday - we gave him our details and told him to look us up if he got to Brisbane. He did and Robert visited and stayed with us on a couple of occasions during his travels. Our hospitality was returned as we were invited to his parents place for dinner whilst in Geneva. We had a fantastic night and laughed so much it hurt.

Looking over Lake Cayuga from the top of our RV park

The View from our loungeroom window

One of the local attractions Taughannock Falls

We also did a few 'must do' things like visit a local winery, of which there are plenty, and also visited a state park which is noted for its waterfall with a drop of some 215 feet. 'Shake down' trip done it was time to head back to Fredonia for one night and then our journey was to begin. Heading home we stopped at a small town of Irving NY which is an Indian reservation. Here they sell fuel tax free so a saving of some 70 cents a gallon is worth the stop.

We arrived at Ceil and Chucks place and they had their "camper" out as they were getting ready to  escape the winter -  now that's a camper! We always laugh when they say 'the camper' - this is a "rockstars"" motorhome.

The "camper"

A quick overnight stop at Ceils and Chucks at Fredonia and we were on the road again heading south to warmer temperatrues - well that's the plan.

We arrived at Rose's brothers place met by the dogs, so many in fact, 11 at this visit. Setting up comes naturally now so 20 minutes later we were done, including hooking up our new "heated" hose. Yep thats exactly what is, a heated hose. It  plugs into the 110v  and a thermostate turns it on in cold temperatures so your hose does not freeze. We were expecting temperaturs of minus 4c and a chance of snow. It did snow just lightly and yes it was very cool. 

Dinner at our place

Apart from seeing John and Monica again the highlight was our trip to Cincinatti to see my NFL team the Bengals play. John arranged the tickets and on Sunday we set off for the 90 min journey to Cincinatti for the game. Security is pretty tight at the game as we found out. As we walked from the carpark an attendant informed Rose that she couldn't take her handbag into the game unless it was a clear plastic one! All this because of those "scumbags" who think harming inocent people is a way to promote their cause. Next dump water bottles, get scanned by metal detector and then we get to present our ticket to gain entry.

John had done well on the tickets, just nine rows from the field close to the touchdown line. Plenty of beer vendors walking by with bins of "iced" beer which were a bit expensive by American standards but what the heck we were at the football. We didn't need to worry about our beer getting warm, top temp was about 5c, just above fridge temp. We knew it was going to be cold so we had thermals on and rugged up nice and warm. They don't put up with trouble makers either, plenty of signs saying if you have a problem, TEXT JERK to XXXX with your section and seat number and security will turn up - what a great idea.  We had a great day expecially as the Bengals won.

Rugged up and ready for the game

Let the game begin

After four nights it was time to hit the road and head further south. Our destination was Nashville, TN about 285 miles soutH on I65. It was a good days drive and we managed to get into a Passport America campground. PA membership would have to be one of the best discount camping programs available -  you get 50% off in select sites subject to availability. We got four nights at $22 a night. The main reason we were in Nashville was to catch up with some friends we met last time. Those of you that have read my previous blogs will know we did an Alaskan cruise and on that cruise we met some great people. Grace and Henry were two of those people. 

Grace and Henry

We arrived in Nashville mid afternoon and imediately rang Grace inviting them over for dinner - chicken and veg cooked in the Weber. We spent the night sitting around our new gas fire pit catching up on the happenings of the last 12 months. For the next 3 nights we were chaperouned around Nashville by Grace and Henry. We went for dinner every night including their favourite Korean restaurant. They treated us to a "locals" tour of their beautiful city which was simply the best. We talked and talked and laughed the nights away.

On our first night they took us to the Grand Opray Hotel, a 2000 room hotel nearby.  It's main feature is the atrium covered by the largest glass done i have ever seen housing thousands of plants and lights with a walkway meandering through it.  For anyone visiting Nashville a visit to this hotel is a must. We had dinner at an Italian resturant surrounded by a lush indoor garden. 

All under one roof!

Christmas lights were hanging from every available rafter

Beautiful orchids were growing everywhere

After dinner we went to one of Grace's favourite bars - the Wild Horse Saloon where Grace got into a bit of line dancing - we were inpressed she was good - knew all the moves!  We got a "bucket" of beer -  five stubbies for $16.  Last of the big tippers Ron gave the girl $20 and told her to keep the change. As we left we noticed lots of Police and roads blocked in the main streets of Nashville - we later learned the Country Music Awards we being held in town that night.  Proves we aren't big country music fans! 

Whats with the "long" face you have two girls under your arms?

Grace and Henry shared their stories about coming to America.  Henry from Nicagura and Grace from the Philipines - they have both worked very hard to and to see how successful they both are makes us very proud and honoured to know them.

The RV park we were staying at holds an annual Christmas lights event and as luck would have it its first night was on the last night of our stay. The fact we were staying at the park gave us free entry a bonus for us. Its a drive through event with thousands upon thousands of LED lights flashing to the sound of Christmas carols played on a local FM radio station.  We were so impressed we did it twice.

A great light show

Sadly our visit to Nashville had to come to and end and it was with great sadness we again said goodbye to another couple of wonderful American friends. This trip is really cementing the friendships we made on our previous trips.  Next stop is Dallas - some 660 miles down the road. 

Again thank you Grace and Henry for your hospitality - we enjoyed it so much.