After four years of moving around, we have finally learned that we need to make our first day a shorter drive than any of the others. This is because there is always more to do to get going than we anticipate, and because we stop on our way to load up with paper plates, plastic ware and easy food for the trip. We have to put everything on our counters (both bathroom and kitchen) into the sinks so it won’t fall on the floor while we are on the road. Thus, the need for paper plates!
This morning we woke up to the sound of rain and Mark said the equivalent of “Oh no!” only less repeatable. However, by the time we were ready to start working on unhooking and getting things ready to go, the sun was out. Joe and Kari pulled out fairly early. I gave them both a hug and asked them to keep in touch with us. Later Kathy drove down to bring us our paychecks and a thank you card. She told us that Joe and Kari didn’t make it out of the park. Their battery died and they ended up having to borrow a truck to go to Sturgeon Bay for another one. It sounds like they’ll have to stay another night at Wagon Trail Campground. I hope those kids will make it to Iowa to be with their families tomorrow.
Kathy gave us each a big hug and told us we had been the best bathroom cleaners and she wished us well in our new ventures. I am so going to miss working for her!
We got up top and Mark filled the tires on the RV and the truck with air. Tim had to turn the air compressor on for Mark so he and I visited while Mark filled the tires. Turns out we’re going to be a couple days ahead of Tim all the way to South Dakota. He’s leaving on Thursday to go pheasant hunting with his brother.
Mark finished filling the tires and moved to a straight part of the driveway to hook the truck onto the back of the RV. While he was doing that, Katherine and Bob pulled up to dump their tanks. Katherine and I clung to each other for a couple minutes and said our sorrowful goodbyes.
A brilliant tree near the office.
Our RV parked outside the office while Mark hooked the truck on the back.
Katherine getting into the truck with Bob as they prepared to leave.
When we pulled out onto County Rd ZZ, I started snapping pictures like crazy to try to capture the beauty of the area we love so much. Mark commented, “I miss this place already!”
Fall colors on County Rd ZZ
On Wildwood Rd
An open field with woods
This place started out being living quarters for kids who worked in the fields and orchards. Then it was a POW camp for German prisoners during WWII. Now it’s a store that sells cherries and dried flowers.
The north end of Sister Bay
The marina
The filling station
The park in the southern part of Sister Bay
One of the shops in downtown Sister Bay
Across the street from our Piggly Wiggly gas station
While Mark filled the RV with gas for our trip, I opened the thank you card from Tim and Kathy. They had included a generous cash bonus. Tim and Kathy, you’re the best! May God bless you as much as you’ve blessed us!
When Mark had finished filling the tank, he reached in to pull the keys out of the ignition, and the whole ignition came with them. I won’t repeat what he said, but it was as colorful as the trees. Fortunately, when he put the ignition back where it belonged, it continued to work, so we were able to continue on our way.
We made a stop in Sturgeon Bay for the aforementioned groceries and one in Green Bay so that he could be sure the VA has his forwarding address. Once those errands were done, we had a fairly uneventful trip till we got to Wausau. We arrived after dark in spite of the shorter drive time and we had a little trouble finding the campground and getting parked, but we’re in for the night now.
My sister, Sherill, called before we left Wagon Trail Campground to tell me she is excited that we’re heading home. We’ll be there a week from today. I’m glad to be going home to be with family too. It’s just kind of bittersweet knowing things won’t be quite the same when we come back next year.