Jan. 3, 2017 (Falling Waters Campsite) The Rose Bowl was fought (and sadly lost by our side), Chuck was cleared to travel, and all (?) last minute chores have been done. Elisabeth joined us for the launch. And we are finally on the road.
The day was rainy, but at least above freezing. We loaded up the bikes and kayaks on the car for the first time, and then headed out to our RV storage, where we hooked up the car to the tow-hitch. This first try out took us about 45 minutes for the bikes and kayaks (in the pouring rain) and another hour for the tow-hitch.
Hooking up the car to the RV requires several steps – mechanically attaching the car to the tow arms, locking the arms in place by adjusting the relative positions of the car and RV, hooking up the car lights to the RV light system, hooking up a braking assist system for the car, detaching the car battery from the car engine and attaching it to an extension from the RV and of course testing all the systems.
We forgot that we have an EasyPass on the car, and this necessitated a stop at a highway rest stop before we got to the first toll. Otherwise, the launch, if rather later in the day than expected, was relatively smooth.
We arrived at our campsite in Falling Waters WV after dark, and had the fun of setting up for the first time using flashlights. Fortunately, most of the RV setup is automatic – leveling and sliding out the “slide out”. By the time we were done, we did not feel like grocery shopping and cooking so we ate Mexican (surprisingly good) near the local Walmart, and stocked up after dinner. Fortunately for our ice cream habit, the RV fridge has a full-sized freezer, even though the fridge itself is pretty small.
Jan. 4: The famous Fallingwaters Frank Lloyd Wright house is closed in January. Antietum National Battlefield, however, is open. It has an excellent introductory film which emphasized the appalling bad military tactics of the time, which led to 23000 casualties in a battle that lasted less than a day. Although there were no civilian casualties during the battle, the diseases introduced by the troops who stayed in the area for several weeks killed many. Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, made her medical debut here and almost her finale as well – a bullet went through her sleeve and killed the soldier she was tending to.
The day was beautifully sunny and relatively warm, but very strong gusty winds made it miserable for walking. After an hour we gave up and did the tour by car. It was a huge battlefield. It was very interesting, even for someone who is not a civil war buff.
We also discovered the deal of a lifetime. As a senior, Naomi was eligible for a lifetime pass to all National Parks and Monuments for $10. As well, up to 3 accompanying adults get in free. If you are eligible, you should consider signing up immediately because it is hard to believe this deal is going to last!