Oops! The hitch arrives, with hardware for the wrong truck! Will, atU-Haul discovered this, while checking the part numbers. Feverishly, he’s on the phone with the distributor to correct the problem, and another installation date is set to install the hitch. The parts are promised to arrive on the day before we are to leave. The blood rushes to my head and I have to trust, that all will be well. Meanwhile, my other ’09 truck is on the market for one day, and the first guy to look at it, counts out the exact cash that I wanted for it. No negotiating. It was looking nearly new, in spite of 245,556 miles of hard work. That F150, served me well, and I’ll miss it. The packing, moving and shuffling continues. Two trips to our Bullhead City condo to drop a few things there, and the rest is sold, stored and donated to dear friends, Good Will, Salvation Army and the local dump…at such a pace that I’m sure there will be some collateral damage and things we wish we had kept, and much more we wish we hadn’t taken! The hitch arrives as promised. Will Haney, at the U-Haul in Costa Mesa, installs the hitch and the front receiver for the bike rack, (also purchased there), and we are ready to pack the truck, the trailer, and load the bikes. We are already exhausted from weeks of planning and logistics, but the journey to Virginia starts, pre-dawn as planned, and we are up to the task. Excitedly, we were looking forward to the journey and the goal, to get into our Montana 3402RL and begin our exploration of this stunning country. We plan to go north first, to enjoy the changing colors of fall on the East Coast, then down to Florida, to see Valerie's grand-children. From there, anywhere our hearts, and the weather, lead us. So the journey begins. First stop, Bullhead City for one more drop-off (Valerie’s car), then Taos New Mexico, to visit friends Lee and Barbara. Their place is beautiful and comfortable. It’s good to see them and enjoy their company. The ride through the mountains was spectacular, with vivid colors, vast wilderness, and lush forested mountains. Williamson was like going back in time, to the old west, and the food was fantastic. Arkansas next, and another great visit with a good friend…along the 40, and Rout 66. Nashville! Oh my!! What a time! Finally arriving in Roanoke, Virginia, we spend the first night in our new home….Yeah!!! Next day…trial by fire!! I learn to hook-up the rig, under the instruction of Gary’s watchful and helpful eye, take it up the highway, and back it into the space three separate times, to get the feel for a 39’ tail on my truck! If you’re a newbie, don’t be frustrated by the challenge, and make sure your “guide” communicates the way you want them to, and can ALWAYS see you in the mirror.

God speed, Wake Up Your Happy, and “see you on the road!!"

pounds of machinery, was a bit unnerving at first. Only four hours on the road and I’m tired!! The scenery is truly spectacular. Pines, oaks, evergreens of various species and narrow winding mountain roads, as we get off the beaten path and take the scenic routes. Many 25, 20 and even 15 MPH turns, but Virginia roads are extremely well designed and maintained. The leaves are changing by the day and we are delighted with the colors, beginning to show among the canopy and across vast valleys of lush green grass. As we approach our first camp, in the Virginia State park known as Douthat lake, the concept of full time RV living has not set in, but the thrill of adventure and curiosity, overpower any anxieties and misgivings. The camp is forested and inviting. Right away, there are people to greet us and offer help with anything we might need. Setting up for camp proves to be a bit challenging, and the details need to be attended to, in proper order and completed, without exception. Now to relax under a starlit sky, with a campfire warming our feet and hearts. Hikes up and down winding trails, through tall grass and changing trees. The lake is small and we rented a boat, to motor around it, in about three quarters of an hour. A two stage dam, small inlets and a grassy plateau, on the south end, punctuated the bright blue sky. Three nights there and we are in our way again, to Shenandoah National park. Colorful lights around the camps, and active families are a nice addition to the vastness and quiet wonder of the Blue ridge Mountains. A mildly challenging hike up Turks Trail, brought us to a huge view of the Shenandoah Valley, where we met some young hikers who were on the last few days of a six week trek. We casually walked back to the truck, even more thankful for the creature comforts of our fifth-wheel. Back roads lead us to Elkton. A small sleepy suburban town, which was apparently hub of transportation some 100 years ago. Like a magnet, I’m attracted to a brewery, aptly named, “Elkton Brewery.” After a delicious porter, we interviewed the bartender, who is one of the brothers, of the family owned and operated, historic building which is now the new home of this great little brewery. It’s definitely a suggested destination. Another couple nights and breaking down camp once again, to get on down the road. I’m getting more comfortable pulling this behemoth, and a very narrow wood bridge, only about three feet wider than the truck and rig, challenge my new skills, but it’s fun, and proves invigorating to champion. So ends our first week, and two campgrounds, of our journey. And only the beginning of many memories and new friends.