Our first 5000 mile Road Trip!
I decided to summarize this trip on one post. Another long one so buckle up!
Since we were 25, our goal was to retire at 55, in 2020. As we were planning our last year of work about the middle of 2019, a Vintage Cruiser Facebook group (that's the model of travel trailer we own) advertised a Vintage Cruiser rally in Cape Canaveral FL in Nov 2020. I was so excited that we would finally be able to travel and attend one of these rallies. Not sure why - maybe it was just the first time we were planning something post-retirement!
As I started plotting the route, we were estimating 4500 miles, and initially had 19 stops planned over 30 days. Weather impacted our plans even before we left - the final RV Parky map below shows the final route and stops.
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| RV Parky Map |
Heading South
As I mentioned, weather had a significant impact on this trip even before we left Minnesota. About four days before we were to leave (initial departure date was Oct 26), it snowed over 6", and temps dipped below 20. We decided to leave two days early, and spend four days in Nashville instead of the initial plan of two. Easy enough, and I was able to adjust our reservations. And this was the first trip taking our dog, Kira. We didn't know what to expect, and had even taken her to behavioral training in preparation. After visiting family in Winona, MN, we spent one night about 30 miles south in LaCrosse, WI at Pettibone Resort - our first Wisconsin sticker (see video at end of this post). This is when we discovered that campground squirrels can be bullies.
The next day was a long driving day, and we landed in Champaign, IL at D&W Lake Camping and RV Park. Yep, sticker #2 for the trip. Luckily no trees at this campground, so no squirrels.
Another seven hour driving day brought us to Nashville for four days. Nobody in the truck, including the dog, was very happy about another long day of driving. We had reservations at Seven Points Campground, an Army Corps of Engineers (COE) site. This is a wonderful campground just east of downtown, with ginormous level cement pads, and sites right on the shoreline of J. Percy Priest Lake. We had two really nice days and were able to visit Tennfold Brewing, then two days straight of heavy rain complements of Zeta. Thank goodness our site was elevated and paved! Lots of screen time for sure and we had to keep an eye out for breaks in the rain in order to walk Kira. This was the second time on this trip we were impacted by weather. This is where we applied sticker #3 to our travel map.
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| Site 39 at Seven Points Campground |
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
We then drove east for a two night stay in the Great Smoky Mountains. Neither one of us had been before so we were excited to mark this one off our list. We stayed at the Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA in Cosby, TN. Super tight spots even for our 19ft trailer, but with the design of the park it seemed cozy vs. crowded.
We then drove east for a two night stay in the Great Smoky Mountains. Neither one of us had been before so we were excited to mark this one off our list. We stayed at the Gatlinburg East / Smoky Mountain KOA in Cosby, TN. Super tight spots even for our 19ft trailer, but with the design of the park it seemed cozy vs. crowded.
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| Site 21 at the Gatlinburg East KOA |
We headed out in the morning to enjoy the sights and perhaps a hike or two. Saturday, October 31. Ugh. We had to drive through Gatlinburg to get to the park entrance, and traffic - both pedestrians and cars - was horrible. Again, not great for an impatient human passenger (me) and not really that great for Kira either. Lesson #542 for 2020 - avoid weekends in the most visited US National Park. For real.
Once we finally got past the traffic, (note - there is a back up even at the park entrance where visitors are stopping to grab a selfie in front of the NP sign) we were able to enjoy of the views. Many trails are off limits for dogs, and in fact parking would have been almost impossible for most trails even if we could partake. Cars were parking on the side of the road for at least a mile on either side of a trail head. But we were able to take in some of the views including the classic 'smoky' haze over the Blue Ridge mountains. We ended up taking the classic park selfie at the south entrance, where there is far less traffic and only about three groups lined up for the classic pic.
We had to backtrack through all of the park to get back to the Gatlinburg area, taking a slight detour north to hit the Hard Rock Café in Pidgeon Forge, where dogs ARE allowed out on the patio. Traffic again was pretty bad - I don't know how people in the area handle it! We ended up taking a side road to get back to the KOA, avoiding 321 south and east. We ended up driving through the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community - but due to the time had to pass by all of the quaint shops. Perhaps next time.
Congaree National Park
About three hours southeast of Cosby, TN you will find one of the newest National Parks, Congaree National Park in Hopkins, SC. While there are some parks such as Yellowstone where you could spend a week and not see all of the sights, you probably need about an hour to stroll along the boardwalk in Congaree. Not to diminish the importance of preserving this Biosphere Reserve, designated by the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Located around the globe, these sites recognize and protect areas of exceptional biodiversity, natural resources, and cultural heritage. There is also fishing and kayaking available in the park.
After about an hour walk, we knew we had an hour drive to the campsite, so we did the park sign selfie from the car. I think Kira was happy she didn't need to get out again!
We stayed at the Sweetwater Lake Campground for just one night, and didn't even unhook knowing we'd be heading out first thing the next day.
Jekyll Island, GA
I selected our next destination as stop between Congaree and Cape Canaveral, and just about in the middle of those two is Jekyll Island, GA. While there are quite a few options for camping along the Georgia coast, there is only one campground on Jekyll Island, the aptly named Jekyll Island Campground. Jekyll Island is one of the Sea Islands and one of the Golden Isles of Georgia barrier islands. The island is owned by the State of Georgia and run by a self-sustaining, self-governing body. We only stayed two days, and since we had Kira we took turns biking and walking, and visited any dog-friendly sites we could find. Highlights during our brief stay included Driftwood Beach, the Fishing Pier, shopping at the Jekyll Market and the sunset overlooking the Jekyll Sound. We visited Tortuga Jacks twice - great happy hour drinks, right on the beach, and dog friendly. Definitely would like to visit again!
While we did partake in some of the planned rally activities, we were also able to spend time with baseball parents that had relocated to the area - always great to reconnect with friends. We visited two breweries with them: The Florida Beer Company and their favorite, Dirty Oar. We also were able to see a SpaceX launch right across the causeway - truly spectacular. Our friend had the Space Coast Launches app on his phone so we had real time updates as well as video feed from the rocket! Click here to view the launch as recorded on Tim's phone.
Winter Haven, FL
We met some very nice people including an insurance adjuster from Texas in his 5th wheel with his son. He said he spends many winters along the gulf, responding to the previous years' storm damage. We also met an interesting couple that owned a chicken farm. He managed the farm business, while she was a very senior leader at The University of Southern Mississippi. They spent most days on their boat exploring the coastal barrier islands. They invited us to tag along, but since we had Kira we had to decline. If we're ever in the area again, we're going to give them a ring for sure!
I selected our next destination as stop between Congaree and Cape Canaveral, and just about in the middle of those two is Jekyll Island, GA. While there are quite a few options for camping along the Georgia coast, there is only one campground on Jekyll Island, the aptly named Jekyll Island Campground. Jekyll Island is one of the Sea Islands and one of the Golden Isles of Georgia barrier islands. The island is owned by the State of Georgia and run by a self-sustaining, self-governing body. We only stayed two days, and since we had Kira we took turns biking and walking, and visited any dog-friendly sites we could find. Highlights during our brief stay included Driftwood Beach, the Fishing Pier, shopping at the Jekyll Market and the sunset overlooking the Jekyll Sound. We visited Tortuga Jacks twice - great happy hour drinks, right on the beach, and dog friendly. Definitely would like to visit again!
On Jekyll Island we also experienced a) huge acorns that sound like they are causing serious damage when they hit the trailer and b) the acorns drop mostly when the squirrels start their daily tree activities at about 6am. These were some of the most aggressive squirrels we saw on the entire trip. They would hide by climbing on the tires - tucking under the rims of both the truck and the RV. Some of the Jekyll Island non-squirrel sights:
Cape Canaveral, FLWe finally arrive at our target - Jetty Park at Cape Canaveral and join the other 24 Vintage Cruisers for a few days of gathering and comradery. The park is just steps from the Atlantic and sites were pretty close, although I had selected a site that allowed us some privacy thanks to a large tree. No squirrels, but some pretty aggressive and brave beach cats!
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| Jetty Park Campground, Site 357 |
AND - as always, we enjoyed a few awesome sunsets - my favorite! Views were different this time since we were on the east coast of Florida.
Winter Haven, FLOur four nights in Jetty Park went super fast! Our next destination was less than two hours away, in Winter Haven, to visit Tim's dad for a few days. Dick has been alone for five years now, and getting up there in age, so always good to be able to spend a few days visiting and taking care of things around his place.
The Cypress Campground & RV Park is pretty nice, although we didn't get to enjoy any of the amenities due to the pandemic. Many of the residents are long term and even year-round.
On the day of our planned departure, we were awoken at about 5am by heavy rain. I checked the radar and estimated the rain to last about 15 minutes, then about 45 minutes of clearing weather, then rain again, with Eta having taken a right turn in the gulf, heading our way. We agreed this was going to be a hat morning, gave Kira a quick walk and completed the quickest hookup and departure ever! We headed straight north to get out ahead of the rain and winds. I did take a moment to enjoy to gorgeous sunrise, probably due to the impending storm.
Early morning, Winter Haven
We watched the storm creep up the Florida coast, and kept pace to ensure we outran it. We ended up at a very new RV park in Marianna, FL, with fresh slabs and no trees, but we were safe! We could see Eta's thunderheads to the south and southeast. Humidity had been very high for days because of Eta in the gulf - we felt it and for real our shower towels would not dry! The humidity dropped I bet by 20 points as soon as the storm passed. 
Kira keeping watch in Marianna FL
Biloxi, MS
The original plan was to try several places along the Florida panhandle and see if these could be long term winter locations for us. Once again, weather made us change plans. Our target became Biloxi, hoping to get as far west along the Florida coast as possible. We landed at the Cajun RV Park, as I wanted to try something right along the gulf. While the people were friendly and we were finally able to try out a pool, the sites were dirt, there was a train right behind the park that ran at all hours (the first night I thought it was literally going right through our site), and an arcade next door that was pretty noisy. Luckily the arcade shut down by 9PM.
On the day of our planned departure, we were awoken at about 5am by heavy rain. I checked the radar and estimated the rain to last about 15 minutes, then about 45 minutes of clearing weather, then rain again, with Eta having taken a right turn in the gulf, heading our way. We agreed this was going to be a hat morning, gave Kira a quick walk and completed the quickest hookup and departure ever! We headed straight north to get out ahead of the rain and winds. I did take a moment to enjoy to gorgeous sunrise, probably due to the impending storm.
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| Early morning, Winter Haven |
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| Kira keeping watch in Marianna FL |
Biloxi, MS
The original plan was to try several places along the Florida panhandle and see if these could be long term winter locations for us. Once again, weather made us change plans. Our target became Biloxi, hoping to get as far west along the Florida coast as possible. We landed at the Cajun RV Park, as I wanted to try something right along the gulf. While the people were friendly and we were finally able to try out a pool, the sites were dirt, there was a train right behind the park that ran at all hours (the first night I thought it was literally going right through our site), and an arcade next door that was pretty noisy. Luckily the arcade shut down by 9PM.
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| Site 9 at the Cajun RV Park |
We were surprised that the beach was fairly quiet - as in NOBODY was on the beach. Not even on the weekend. Our friends did say that most locals tend to go out to the channel islands, or even spend time upriver. We enjoyed a few great sunsets, and were able to take in a few breweries, including Chandeleur Island Brewing Company in Gulfport, and Craft Advisory Brewing in Ocean Springs. Both were about a 20 minute drive along the coast from where we were staying. I'd be interested in this area again, but would reconsider the location.
Heading North
It was time to start north, with a goal to land at Tim's sister's house outside of May, TX. We headed west along the Louisiana coast then after Baton Rouge turned northwest, targeting Leesville, LA. We spent the night at the Shady Lake RV Park, a small park just west of Alexandria, LA. We left the trailer hooked up so we could head out first thing in the morning.
We were surprised that the beach was fairly quiet - as in NOBODY was on the beach. Not even on the weekend. Our friends did say that most locals tend to go out to the channel islands, or even spend time upriver. We enjoyed a few great sunsets, and were able to take in a few breweries, including Chandeleur Island Brewing Company in Gulfport, and Craft Advisory Brewing in Ocean Springs. Both were about a 20 minute drive along the coast from where we were staying. I'd be interested in this area again, but would reconsider the location.
Heading North
It was time to start north, with a goal to land at Tim's sister's house outside of May, TX. We headed west along the Louisiana coast then after Baton Rouge turned northwest, targeting Leesville, LA. We spent the night at the Shady Lake RV Park, a small park just west of Alexandria, LA. We left the trailer hooked up so we could head out first thing in the morning.
From Leesville we headed almost straight west across TX, targeting Waco for a few days. We found another awesome COE park just outside of Waco, called Airport Park. You guessed it, it is very near the airport. Super friendly hosts, amazingly cheap, with giant sites right off Waco Lake.
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| Site 11 at Airport Park |
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| Free firewood all around the park! |
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| Sunset over Waco Lake |
Waco is an interesting town, and yes, I did sneak off to visit the Magnolia Market and Silos in downtown Waco, escaping without buying anything (sigh).
We were able to take Kira to a couple of breweries in Waco including Waco Ale Company and Southern Roots Brewing Company. I could definitely see spending more time in Waco in the future, should our travels bring us to the area.
North to Brownwood, TX
After just two nights in Waco we set off to Lake Brownwood, TX, to meet up with Tim's sister and brother in law - they have a place on the northeast side of the lake. Tim's brother and his wife also joined us from Las Vegas. We enjoyed a few pontoon rides - Lake Brownwood is pretty big at 7300 acres, relaxing evenings in the hot tub, and all around good Texas fun.
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| Pontooning on Lake Brownwood |
Since we were going to be heading south again in January to explore the Texas coast, we 'soft winterized' Minnie, pouring antifreeze down the drains but did not pump throughout the system as Texas does not usually get below freezing for any long periods of time. Our plan was to stay in hotels, taking three days to get back home. We spent our first night in Wichita, which was Kira's first stay in a hotel - she did great! Day 2 became a 12 hour day as we drove straight north to avoid snow along 35. When we were within 4 hours of home, we decided to push through and we ended up home at about 9PM - exhausted but with a trunkful of memories.
Weather impacted our departure date and kept us indoors for two solid days in Nashville. Weather impacted where we stayed in Florida and forced us to skip two planned stops. Weather determined our route home and made us push through a 12-hour driving day. Our big take away - expect the unexpected, and always have a plan B!
Over 5000 miles, two National Parks, eight breweries, and 16 places to lay our heads. We had a blast, and learned a lot about traveling with each other and with Kira! Take a look at our other adventures on our blog - and there's more to come!
Have you been to the Smoky Mountains or Congaree? How about Jekyll Island, Cape Canaveral, or Biloxi? Have you ever traveled with a dog? Leave your comments below! Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.
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