Wednesday, March 29, 2023

We Are Managing!

 March 29th, 2023      Hope Hull, AL.   overnight stay, Montgomery South RV Park off I-65

We spent two days instead of one at Cajun Palms RV Park (Camp Margaritaville) in Henderson, LA, in order to catch our breath and try to chillax after having our accident on Monday. Anybody who has ever had a fender bender or a major accident knows that you are reluctant to drive again, or encounter construction delays or goofy drivers trying to cut you off, because you are a NERVOUS WRECK about getting back out on the road again. 

But Eldy, bless his heart, said he was ready to roll again. The sooner we get back to Indiana, the sooner we can get quotes and estimates and things repaired--maybe. Maybe it will take a really long time, maybe it won't, we shall see. In the meantime, Sparky is applying to sub in the Elkhart Community Schools and Goshen IN schools thinking that we may be have to be in the area through the fall. We have a place to stay at Eldy's son's house, we have a cabin pass we can use to stay for a week for free in an RV park in the area, and we will be in Elkhart where all the parts and repair places are, so those are all good things. You might be hearing some school stories here, you never know!

It was tough getting back out on the road again. Every time we had to change lanes to the left, (where we were hit on Monday) Sparky's heart rate went up 1,000% along with Eldy's. We don't have the bottom half of our big truck side mirrors on the driver's side, so it's going to be harder to see the blind spot area of drivers coming alongside as we encounter traffic, but Eldy is being extra careful and taking more time before changing lanes. I-10 is not a great drive for semis and RV's, with some people thinking you can stop on a dime, or you are too big and too slow for them, so they barrel along next to you and then cut in too soon and too close for comfort! 

We drove from Cajun Palms in Henderson, LA to Montgomery South RV Park, in Hope Hull, AL, a distance of about 397 miles. We weren't planning to drive that far, but Eldy was feeling much better about driving and once we got past the nerve wracking city traffic of Mobile, AL, then I-65 was a terrific drive so we kept going.

Montgomery South is a great little park (about 37 sites) for an overnight destination. Level gravel sites, decently spaced, no trees, a little bit of highway noise but THE most friendliest people ever. As soon as we pulled in, people came out of the woodwork to express their concerns about our Pinnacle and us. We were a little take aback at first, embarrassed about how our truck and RV look, bandaged with duct tape and dents everywhere. "Are you ok? Do you need anything?" A neighbor offered us tools. Another set of neighbors came over with two mini bottles of wine and mini Hershey bars and said, "Do you need to drown your troubles?" 
Our lovely neighbors who came over with wine and chocolate

Sparky thought, well, it will probably take a LOT more than a mini bottle to settle down! But bless their hearts and their kindness. We chatted for a bit, then got back to work setting up. Slides are still coming in and out ok, things are all working inside all right as they should.

Our plans are to drive to Tennessee or maybe to Kentucky, Mammoth Cave area. We have to get through two major towns, Birmingham and Nashville. Those will test our nerves again. If it's too much we will stop in Tennessee and take it a little slower into Kentucky. No sense in rushing or or making things harder on the driver! Which is Eldo....of course! Sparky is not sure she will ever feel comfortable behind the wheel and towing. Some day we hope to downsize a little, back to a motorhome which is MUCH easier to set up and back into sites than a fifth wheel. THEN Sparky will drive....(maybe---SIGH.....guess who?)

                       Bye for now....Sparky and Eldo

8 comments:

  1. Really glad you both are ok & the rig still functioning.Perhaps pics to your insurance agent & if possible establish possible dates with the repair facility -hopefully speed up the process.All the best.

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    1. Eldy is laughing--a little. I took a BAZILLION photos AND two videos. I should be an insurance claims person, haha. As soon as we get to IN, we have to first have someone look at the rig and the truck and then we will be able to get dates with repair facilities. We will be there hopefully by Tuesday.

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  2. You guys have already traveled in a motorhome, so you already know this, but truly, had we not switched from fifth wheel to motor home about 7 years in, I'm very doubtful we would have stayed on the road as long (14 years) as we did.

    Bless your hearts. . .what a trial you are experiencing!

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    1. we really wish we could switch back to a motorhome.

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  3. I am so glad to hear that you are all right and that so many things are actually still working like your slides. My theory is just get in the right lane and stay there unless you are forced to move because of an exit only sign. I can't even imagine driving a fifth wheel and would never do it. Your description of the nervous wreck feeling was absolutely spot on. I'm emphasizing with you both so much.

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  4. Jeanne so glad you two are okay.

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    1. Thank you so much...there WERE positives in all this and in the days to come. I am looking forward to subbing for awhile in IN to recoup some costs, get my mind off insurance difficulties and repair schedules, and get on some bike trails--plus stay with Eldy's wonderful family.

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