Launch Westward

Friday, November 7th.Launch day for Bob, Lindy & Daisy.The coach has been loaded.All systems are go, and the countdown clock continues for a 9 am launch.Just as we pull the gantry, a dumptruck arrive's at Daisy's Landing Heliport at Longwood Field!The driver is none other than Joe Balboni, the seller of our "new" five acre launch site.A nice guy!We felt bad we were in the launch process and rushed him off-BUT-a schedule is a schedule.We got off nearer 10 am.

The first leg of our adventure went rather smoothly.Driving conditions were good as was the weather.We can only hope the next six or so months go as well.We do approximately 300 mile legs a day.So our first stop was Fishkill NY.The hospitality at Walmart was good as usual.Lindy's longtime friend and UAL flying partner Laura Mudge and her husband,John stopped by to visit us that night.We had a fairly good night's sleep on our new mattress.Daisy had a restless night the first night out.She missed home.At one point,Lindy got up to find Daisy sitting in the drivers seat looking out the window as if to say "please drive me home".Lights out, we all went to sleep.

Saturday, November 8th.

The suns up and so are we!Lindy makes a pot of coffee after we crank up the APU.Another good day of weather as we begin our drive down I-84.As we proceed into Pennsylvania, the clouds thicken and begin to sprinkle.The beautiful scenery out our forward picture window begins to mute whatever color was left from the recent changing of the leaves.

We got off at an exit where our information (verified by phone) indicated a fuel stop.Well, it was $3.18 a gallon.However, we didn't get information regarding the terrible state of the station's pavement.Located on a hill, there were large holes and areas of uneveness.I managed to miss them with the motorhome but dragged the truck thru at least one pothole and dragged the towbar a little on the down sloped ramp.Meanwhile back on I-84, we intercepted and tracked the centerline of I-81 to Chambersburg,Pa.Once again, Walmart worked well.Another visitor from the east, Dave Gurkin found time to stop by and visit us.Captain Dave treated us to a nice dinner that was truly appreciated.Dave flies a KingAir for Sheetz out of Altoona,Pa.We had the APU running a long time.Daisy watched Fox News while we were at the restaurant nearby.After Dave departed, we had a pretty good night sleep.Daisy was beginning to settle down in her moving "home".....Lights out.

Sunday, November 9th.

Leaving Chambersburg this morning was a record setter for me.On the road by 8:20 am!This leg was just under our 300 mile limit and we made good time arriving in Fort Chiswell, Virginia at about 2:30 pm.Keep in mind my normal cruise is no greater than 60 miles an hour.In general I like 55 but will go to 60 if necessary.The drag & fuelflow above 60 increases about the same rate as pushing a 727 from .80 to .82 mach!Fort Chiswell is a great stop.Located just east of I-81 it offers a quiet spot with hookups and even wifi for a nominal fee.We've been here before and I suspect we will return in the future.After a good dinner Lindy cooked up, we watched some boob tube before turning in.Daisy was ready for a good nights sleep as were we.And indeed we slept well.I had to activate the hydro-hot for heating the coach.The temp at night dropped to around 40.We were warm and toasty!

Monday, November 10th.

A 9 am departure for Sevierville,Tennessee.Good weather and a smooth road made for an easy ride.We did miss the poorly placed little sign for our destination when just three tenths of a mile from our destination.Other than that, we give the park high marks for everything.Great location, great amenities.We highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area.The Two Rivers Landing RV Resort.We are parked pointed at the French Broad River.A beautiful view.Just like they show in the brochures!Just a few miles from Gatlinburg, Tn and the great smokey mountains.We spent the Veterans day holiday in the town of Gatlinburg attending the memorial service.We met some interesting vets.Daisy was worn out by the end of the day.She missed all her "naps" 'cause she was walking all over town with us.Lindy has made good dinners for us and has stood by her desire to cook in the motorhome contrary to what a lot of rv'ers predicted.We were told you tend to eat out and rarely cook home.We will be here 'til friday as planned before continuing westbound to Nashville and Memphis.Life is good.Daisy is sleeping well and playing with her toys.She is home.