Our jurney is on it's last leg
Trip Start
Jan 01, 2006
1
28
29
Trip End
Apr 30, 2006
New Kensington, Pennsylvania
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Monday morning we head out of Atlanta, make a two hour grocery stop to insure we have enough supplies to last the week at Greensboro, NC for EveryBus. Our intention being to drive straight there and camp out until other arrive. Up through Georgia and South Carolina we go enduring 80 degree temps. Making stops only to visit the largest shipping mall in Georgia and a Flying J for gas.
when we arrive in North Carolina the weather sort of changes and a big black cloud brings strong winds and eventually a bit of rain and a drastic drop in temperatures. We now need to close the windows and put on the heater - imagine that !
Somewhere around 6 pm we arrive in Greensboro and make our way out to Hagen Stone Park and set up for the night with intentions to go back to town in the morning to check e-mail and do one last shopping trip. The night is cold and e are glad we have electric t run our heater. Tuesday morning the sun is out in full force and it warms up quickly. We head off for Greensboro and Wally World and an Internet Cafe on Elms street with the best cheese cake.
Back at camp later in the afternoon we get our campsite ready for EveryBus and expect to wait until Thursday for others to show up and give us company. WRONG, later that day our friends from Atlanta, George & Joanne show up alng with a few other early arrivals.
By the end of Wednesday evening the campground is pretty full, what a surprise. More and more campers are coming early and spending time. It's a great campground, with many hiking trails, fishing ponds, good restrooms with hot water showers and most everyone will be able to get an electrical connection ! Life is good at Hagen Stone Park.
Friday morning the Potts gang from Toronto make their annual pancake breakfast. I and many others pitch in to help. The breakfast is good in the warm North Carolina sun. The rest of the day is spent visiting old friends and looking over the buses. Our friend Benny Boy and his lady friend, Sylvie, arrive from Montreal and later Paul from New York City. We all head off to visit the Internet Cafe on Elm Street and pick up some supplies from Wally World they need. When we get back the remnants of the Pig Barbecue are left for us. Someone was kind enough to bring in a big barbecue and did up a pig and fixin's for Friday night diner. We were late but still had a great meal courtesy of EveryBus.
Saturday morning we get a huge surprise of RAIN. Pouring rain when we wake and it's quite miserable. Eventually it lets up enough so that those brave souls including myself get the Burrito Breakfast started. Eventually we get enough cooks cooking that the crowd of hungry wet campers can be fed. Clean up and the sun shines on us for awhile but then near diner time it hits again and we are wet again. Finally it lets up enough to hold the door prize draw at 6:30. Immediately follows what is the best music show I've seen in years. The Carolina Chocolate Drops, www.carolinachocolatedrops.com, treat us all to a two hour performance of old time Mountain Folk Music, mostly from the local area. Thanks again to Chris, Mr. EveryBus !
Sunday morning the sun is back and lucky thing as we all need to dry out our gear for packing and travelling. Rita & I will now head to New kensington, PA for a visit with my sister Pat and Mom. We had wanted to get an early start but cannot due to all our gear being wet. By noon we are packed. After goodbys to friends we are on our way again.
We make it as far as Camp Creek State Park in West Virginia and call it a day. Camped out beside a rolling creek for the night was peaceful and I kept wishing I could stay and trout fish a day or two as I was sure it as the season for that. However, we must get to New Kensington for Monday.
Up through the mountains of West Virginia we roll using third and sometimes second gear to get our overloaded Westy up the hills. We get to the largest single arch bridge in the world near Fayetteville and stop for a look and pictures. Around 2:30 we find ourselves winding our way through Pittsburgh traffic looking for route 28 North to New Kensington. We arrive there about 3 pm and that's were we are now relaxing with my Mom and sister Pat.
Wednesday morning we will head out on the road home to Almonte and if all goes well we will be back there and the end of our four month escapade ! Rita is anxious to be back home in her house and out of our rolling bread box. Me I'm sad our journey is coming to an end. I would rather be back in Mexico, another day in the future perhaps.
A final report with some statistics of the adventure will be posted when we get time. Thanks to all of you for your support and interest in our Westy road adventure.
Comments
Hello Weary Travelers!!!!!
Mom and Pat said you were back in Alimonte. Glad you got back safe and sound. Four months is a long time.
The pictures are great. So colorful - I like that psychedelic bus - Reminded me of my hippie days. Although my VW was only red and white. Anyways, it was fun traveling with you through your pics and commentary.You have a whole lot of memories of all the places and people and things you saw and did. Hope you can ease on back to regualar Alimonte life. But I have a feeling you're going SOMEWHERE????? soon. Love and kisses to you all including Hunter, Maria & Al