2025 Travels

In 2014, my wife and I made a bold decision: we sold our home in Pennsylvania, packed up, and hit the road in a motorhome. For years, we embraced the full-time RV lifestyle, exploring new places and meeting incredible people. Eventually, we settled in Florida, but our wanderlust never faded. We continued to travel, volunteering at state parks and soaking in the freedom of the open road.

In 2023, life took a turn. We parted ways, and I found myself purchasing a mobile home in Ohio. Two years later, I’ve come to a clear realization: this isn’t for me. Old friends aren’t the same, and the pull of new adventures—exciting places and fresh faces—has been impossible to ignore. So, I’m hitting the road again, ready for Full-Time RV 2.0! This blog will chronicle my journey, and I’m thrilled to share it with you.

The preparations have begun. I’ve purchased a Ford F-250 Super Duty full cab with an 8-foot bed—a beast ready for the journey ahead. Today, the fifth wheel hitch gets installed. With 40 years of RVing experience, I’ve towed just about everything, and let me tell you: a fifth wheel is the way to go. No bending down to mess with load-leveling bars, no struggling to align a hitch, and no worrying about sway. It’s low-maintenance, easy to handle, and I love it. The next step? Buying the perfect fifth wheel to call home.

Stay tuned for more updates as I embark on this new chapter of full-time RVing. Adventure awaits, and I can’t wait to share the road with you

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Have Hitch Will Travel

Camping World wanted $1200 to install this; My local mom & pop mechanic did this for $213.00! All I need now is a home sale and a 5th wheel

PA

Saturday Nov 15th '25 - Home Sold - Buy a 5th Wheel

RCD RV - North Ridgeville, Ohio

Saturday, November 15 9:15 – 11:15am

2007Jayco

RV Dealers Make Used Car Salesmen Look Good!

RV dealers make used car salesmen look good! That's my expectation after 40 years of RVing and buying various RVs over the years. And today, I can tell you that RCD North Ridgeville met every single one of those low expectations.

Not once, but THREE times.

I had previously communicated with the salesperson, Katrina, regarding a new battery for the rig I was potentially going to purchase. Here's her exact text from the Monday prior to the Saturday I went up to buy it:

> "Hello Dennis, sorry I am just getting back to you. I was away over the weekend. Congrats on your sale! Of course we will still honor a new battery. What time tomorrow works best for you? I would love to get this unit pulled up and plugged in for you."

Upon arriving, Katrina took me back to see the unit—it was in their shop. I think the first words out of her mouth were, "I just checked everything myself. The slide-out works, the jacks work."

Expectations met! ONE!

So the first thing I said was, "Can we unplug it? I want to see it work on the battery."

They unplugged the rig, and everything went dead. Sure enough, the old battery was still in it.

She went to get a jump pack, and they got the tech involved. I stepped out to have a smoke while they tried to figure out the problem. Had I walked out of there and purchased it without doing this, I'd have had all kinds of issues.

But it gets even worse.

More expectations met. TWO

After hooking up and plugging in, we did the lights check. Although the turn signals and brake lights worked, the tail lights and marker lights did not come on with the headlights. I still need to figure out this one

More expectations met. THREE

On the way home, I pulled over at the first service area on Route 80 to do a quick check. Sure enough, the awning was beginning to come out. The latches are both weak and wouldn't stay secured. I didn't bring anything to tie them up or tape them, so I ended up using two USB cables I had as ties to hold the awning in place on the drive home.

Yep. Like I said, RV dealers make used car salesmen look good.

Begin the Bequine

Beguine: A member of the Beguines, lay Christian women in medieval Europe (especially 13th–16th centuries in the Low Countries) who lived in semi-monastic communities.

# Moving Day Blues (and a Steelers Win!)

November 16, 2025

Pick up something, out the door, down the steps, across the carport, up the steps into the 5th wheel, find a place to put it, out the door, down the steps, across the carport, up the steps into the home. Rinse & repeat, 6 AM till noon.

At 71, my bones don’t do this well anymore. My apologies to the park manager, Rocky, for the things I left behind. I simply could not make trip 87.

Somewhere during the morning I had an invite from my best friend Bob to join him and my other best friends—Sharon, Lori, and Ron—at Sal’s Ristorante and Bar to watch the Steelers game at 1 PM.

I’m loving the fact that the 5th wheel is only 28 ft and I can manage it even into their parking lot. But upon realizing a local airport museum was just 100 yards away, I elected to move it there.

I had forgotten they do Harvest Hosts so I just pulled into one of their RV spots (not another rig around on a Sunday).

Note to self: Renew Harvest Hosts membership!

I spent a wonderful few hours with the gang—albeit I was not my glowing self. I was exhausted, sore all over, and COLD!

I had figured I would just spend the night at the airport museum when Ron offered a 30-amp hookup in the parking lot of his business.

So I spent my first night in my 5th wheel here:

Note to self: Buy toilet paper!!!!!!!

OH

# Salt Fork State Park

I've landed at an old stomping ground—Salt Fork State Park—where I've been many times before. My RV is packed with so much stuff that I can't move it without returning to find things scattered all over the floor. I think I'll spend at least another day here as I'm slowly getting things organized. Plus, today is supposed to be a real wintry day, and I have no wish to travel in that kind of weather.

Beach Fork State Park - Avoid at all cost!

### Three Reasons to Choose a Campground

When planning a trip, campgrounds often make the perfect base camp. Here are the three main reasons people end up booking a site:

1. It's a destination in its own right

Some campgrounds are so packed with amenities—pools, hiking trails, lakes, playgrounds, evening programs, and more—that you can arrive, park, and never leave the property for the entire week and still have a fantastic time. This is less common, but when it happens, it's pure vacation gold.

2. It's conveniently close to the attractions you actually want to see

This is the most typical scenario. The campground itself might be basic, but it's just a short drive from national parks, beaches, historic sites, theme parks, or whatever drew you to the area in the first place. You get affordable lodging with a bit of nature, plus easy access to the main event.

3. It's simply an overnight stop on a longer journey

When you're road-tripping (like I often do when heading south for the winter), you just need a safe, comfortable place to sleep, shower, and recharge. Campgrounds are frequent, reliable stops along the highways—far better than sketchy motels or exhausted late-night driving.

As I was traveling south on I-64 West, leaving West Virginia and entering Kentucky, I started looking for a place to stay overnight. There was a convenient KOA right off the interstate, but I know those places tend to be pricey, so I kept looking. I found Beech Fork State Park nearby and figured state parks are usually reasonable.

I was wrong—this one was $57 a night. I should have just stayed at the KOA.

After leaving I-64 and heading south toward the park, I endured twenty minutes of the most white-knuckle driving I’ve ever done.

I’m starting to develop a new routine: as soon as I arrive at a campground and get the rig leveled and set up, I unhook the trailer and head out with just the truck to find fuel and groceries. It’s so much easier without dragging 30 feet of trailer behind me.

The downside? I keep waiting until after dinner to do it, which means I’m heading out in the dark. Big mistake.

Leaving Beech Fork State Park after sunset on these narrow, twisting WV back roads gave me yet another dose of white-knuckle driving I really didn’t need. Steep drop-offs, no shoulders, blind curves, and deer eyeing me like they own the place—fun times.

Verdict on Beech Fork State Park: $57 a night + terror roads + zero cell service = never returning. Ever.

KY

Little Patch Of Heaven: Bardstown, KY

My Epic Quest to Find Paradise (Spoiler: It’s Closed)

Left this morning on what Google Maps swore was a “relaxed 3-hour drive.”

Arrived 5½ hours later looking like I’d detoured through three time zones and a Narnia wardrobe.

Reasons for delay:

- My top speed is apparently “grandma with groceries”

- Stopped approximately 47 times for coffee, bathrooms, and existential crises

Finally roll up to “My Old Kentucky Home Campground”

…which is currently “My Old Kentucky Home Construction Zone.”

Gate locked. Sign says “Renovations till Jesus returns or 2026, whichever comes first.”

Cool. Cool cool cool.

Plan B: the whimsically named “Little Patch of Heaven Campground” just down the road.

Have I mentioned the sun has ghosted me since Monday? Zero vitamin D. Sky color palette: 50 shades of “eh.” Today upgraded to full-on monsoon.

Pull into Little Patch of Heaven and, reader, let me tell you what Heaven apparently offers in 2025:

- Constant drizzle (ambiance!)

- Gloomy gray blanket sky (cozy!)

- A 30-amp breaker that trips if you even *think* about running the microwave

- Internet so slow it’s basically two cans and a string

- Cell service? What is this “bars” you speak of?

Truly living the dream. If this is Heaven, somebody send me back to the waiting room with the old magazines. All for the low price of $65.80!

10/10 would not ascend again. 🌧️⛈️😭

"So why don't you stay at Walmart free parking?" I was recently asked.

It's up to each store manager — Many Walmarts still allow it (especially in rural or highway locations), but a growing number (estimates around 50% or more in some reports) prohibit overnight stays due to local ordinaces . The local municipalities don't want you staying for free they want you to stay in a campground so they can get revenue from the taxes. This has been a trend growing for the last 10 years.

# Farm Stay at Cousin Val & Willard's

Arrived Friday afternoon at cousin Val and her husband Willard's beautiful farm in KY. Free camping definitely has its perks… and a few not-so-great ones. Let's just say this isn't exactly a five-star resort. I'd have to dock at least one star for the truly pathetic Wi-Fi. 🤦‍♂️

I shot some really nice video walkthroughs of the place and the cows (the cow views are legitimately spectacular), but getting anything larger than a text message uploaded here is a lost cause. As soon as I escape this internet dead zone, I'll share the videos.

### Current Situation

Stuck in a self-made mud hole since pulling in (thanks, recent rains + my brilliant parking choice). Plan is to leave Monday morning — hopefully with Willard's tractor assistance — and head to another relative's place in Kentucky for a night or two. From there, aiming for Tennessee by Wednesday or Thursday to test out yet another relative's "campground."

Leeching off relatives like this saves me roughly a tank of gas every single day I'm parked, so I'll happily trade a little mud for family time.

### Pro Tip: The Upside App

Speaking of fuel — I've been filling the truck almost daily for the last five days. Right about the time I hit the road, a fellow RVer turned me on to an app called Upside. I was super skeptical at first (“Yeah, right, another scam”), but it actually works great.

How it works in plain English:

Upside partners with gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, etc. When you claim an offer in the app and buy something there, the business pays Upside a small commission for sending them a customer. Upside then splits that commission with you as straight cash-back (usually 5–25¢ per gallon on fuel). It's legit — I've already cashed out a couple times via PayPal.

Bonus: If someone signs up using your referral link, you both get an extra chunk of cash. I'll drop my referral link below if anyone's interested (no pressure). Every little bit helps when you're burning gas like I am!

👉 My Upside referral link: https://upside.app.link/DENNIS75432

### Weather Woes

Finally, I officially feel like Pigpen from Peanuts — a traveling cloud of dirt and bad weather. It was supposed to be sunny today. Instead? Another cold, rainy mess. I swear this front is personally following me across state lines.

That said, I'm having an absolute blast visiting with Val, Willard, and even got to meet their son Zach. Great people, great conversations, and zero campground fees. Can't complain too much.

More updates (and those cow videos) coming just as soon as I find a cell tower that isn't from 1998.

Everyone have a wonderful day — stay dry out there! 🌧️🐮🚐

The Final Mile

vals_mobile_copy.mp4

#Down On The Farm!

Reconnecting with my cousin Val and Willard has been such a wonderful experience. It’s been so cool to see how they live out here on their beautiful farm. Their house sits up on a hill, and as far as the eye can see in every direction, it’s all theirs. The view is absolutely breathtaking; I only wish I had a front-row seat like that from my RV!

Val has been the most amazing hostess. She’s truly gone above and beyond, taking care of my every need. Yesterday she even gifted me some of her homemade canned peaches, and best of all, my new prized possession: a jar of Grandma’s Jellison's famous ketchup, made by Aunt Bonnie herself. Thank you both so, so much!

Today I plan to pull out and head about an hour south to Murray, Kentucky, to visit another relative on the other side of the family—Joanne Martin. On to new adventures! 🚐💨

TN

My Week So Far: A Comedy of Errors, Tractors, and Surprise River Fording

Monday was one of those days that feels like the universe hired a prank writer.

Act I: The Tractor Farewell

I left Val’s farm in style—towed out by an actual tractor, because apparently my rig looked at the muddy driveway and said, “Nah, I’m good.” Val waved goodbye like a proud parent sending their kid off to prom in a John Deere limo.

Act II: The World’s Worst Timed Family Reunion

Thanks to a group chat that apparently exists in a parallel dimension where words mean whatever they feel like, I rolled up to Aunt Jo’s place in Murray, Kentucky, exactly in time to watch Cousin Robin, her husband Terry, and the entire household finish packing the car. I basically became the “guy who shows up as the credits roll.” Robin, bless her, still managed to whip out the phone and take some absolutely fire photos of me looking confused in their driveway. 10/10 documentation of my timing fail.

Act III: Google Maps Tries to Kill Me

With my original plan now a smoking crater, I pointed the truck toward Cousin Patty & Terry’s place. If getting into Val’s was “mildly sketchy,” getting to Patty & Terry’s was “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Nope.”

The GPS cheerfully directed me down a curvy back road that got narrower and more “banjo soundtrack” by the mile. Then I saw it on the map: a big looping bend with a creek smack in the middle of the road. A sensible person would expect a bridge. I, apparently, am not sensible, because I spent the next five minutes whispering, “There has to be a bridge… there has to be a bridge…”

Reader, there was no bridge.

There was just… water. A legit creek. Right where the road was supposed to be.

So there I was, sitting in the truck, fifth wheel dangling behind me like a 35-foot anchor, staring at a ford like I’m reenacting the Oregon Trail (dysentery sold separately). I did what any rational adult does: flipped the truck into locked the differentials, said a quick prayer to the patron saint of terrible decisions, and sent it.

*Splash.*

Miraculously, the creek was only about ankle-deep on a tall duck. The truck plowed through like it fords rivers for funsies. I emerged on the other side looking like I’d just won the redneck Dakar Rally.

Act IV: Paradise Found

And then… I pulled up to one of the most gorgeous homes I’ve ever seen in my life. I’m talking magazine-cover, better-than-a-postcard, “Pin this to your vision board” beautiful. Patty and Terry both have impeccable taste (and apparently magic powers, because HOW).

I parked beside the road, dropped the landing gear, leveled the rig with zero drama, and—*angels singing*—the WIFI signal is flawless. We’re talking “could stream 4K while uploading my entire photo library” fast.

Conclusion

So yeah. I may have been towed by a tractor, missed my family by literal minutes, and forded a creek because bridges are apparently optional in Tennessee… but I’m currently parked in Shangri-La with blazing internet and plans to stay at least through Thanksgiving.

If this is what “roughing it” looks like now, sign me up forever.

Map of Travels to Date begining from Aliquippa, PA.

Day One with Mara Cousins

Day One at Mara Cousins.mp4

### Origins and Inspiration

Recently, I’ve received comments praising my humerus writing skills.

It AIN’T me!

It’s all GROK!

Grok, the AI chatbot developed by xAI, draws its name from the verb "grok," coined by science fiction author Robert A. Heinlein in his 1961 novel *Stranger in a Strange Land*. The term means to understand something so deeply that it becomes part of oneself, reflecting xAI's mission to create AI that pursues maximum truth and deep comprehension of the universe. The project originated from Elon Musk's vision for an AI that would be "maximally truth-seeking" and less biased than competitors like OpenAI's ChatGPT, which Musk co-founded but later criticized. Initially conceptualized as "TruthGPT," it was rebranded to Grok to emphasize intuitive understanding over rote computation.

I am sure there are those who use it better than me, but here is an example of how I use it.

Install the app on phone / tablet / computer or all three. Write what you wish to email, message, chat, share, pin, tag, tweet, post, etc. Now at the top of the message write a sentance with the last word variable as...

Format the following XXX:

XXX = Professional:

XXX = Funny:

XXX = Sarcastic:

XXX = (choose any emotion)

Example:

Harvest Hosts:

I just rejoined Harvest Hosts! I was a member before but let it lapse, and now I’m signed up again. There are now over 9,000 host locations across the country where I can stay for free, and in my current area there are about 60—several of them right nearby.

Great timing too: I just got the shipping notification that my Starlink Roam kit is out for delivery today! With any luck, I’ll have internet set up and can hit the road as early as tomorrow.

I really do love it here, but it’s still too cold to get any work done on the rig. I’ve got a few repairs that need attention:

- Crawl underneath and fix a small water leak

- Troubleshoot and repair the trailer tail lights (none are working right now)

- Mount the 7-pin RV plug on the back of the truck

I can’t do any of that until it warms up. As soon as I head south it should finally get warm enough to knock these projects out.

Next planned stop: the Birmingham, Alabama area. We’ll see how the weather and timing line up!

#Starlink Arrived! $50/Month

Opening the box took longer than setting it up. There are literally only three pieces:

The dish itself (it’s rectangular/square) with a built-in kickstand that flips out on the back to set the perfect angle. You can just place it on a table or flat surface and it’s already tilted correctly.

A power cable that connects to the dish.

A power adapter that plugs into the wall.

That’s it. I plugged it in, and it started working immediately.

After it downloaded some updates, I used the Starlink app on my phone to fine-tune the alignment. It couldn’t have been easier — I just rotated the dish slightly on the table, and the app guided me until it showed a perfect connection (zero obstructions). The instructions mentioned giving it up to 24 hours to fully “settle in” and optimize.

My first speed test showed only about 8 Mbps. Ten minutes later, it was already hitting 120+ Mbps. I’m really curious to see what it does after the full 24-hour optimization period.

For Michael: When I arrived at my cousin’s house, I was piggyacking on their AT&T Internet Air connection. Even though it was showing decent speeds (around 60 Mbps), my Jellyfin media server (which I use for streaming TV shows and movies) was buffering like crazy and having all sorts of issues. At the same time, YouTube and other services worked perfectly fine, which made no sense.

As soon as I switched everything over to the new Starlink connection, the Jellyfin problems basically disappeared — easily 99% better. Super impressed so far!

#Florida Destination

The main reason for this trip to Florida is to officially change my address to Crestview, Florida – home of myrvmail.com’s physical location. I’ve done this before, but the process requires me to show up in person with both my truck and RV so they can inspect the vehicles and get everything properly registered in Florida. While I’m there, I’ll also swap over my driver’s license.

Once that’s wrapped up, my final stop on the map is to visit old friends Robin and Kenny Pyles. I’m not planning to winter there, but since I’ll be passing that close, I can’t not stop by. They’ve been incredibly close friends and were there for me during some really tough times.

Their place is always a good time – goats, chickens, plenty of projects, and I’ve somehow turned into the unofficial handyman whenever I visit. There’s always something to fix or help with, and I enjoy pitching in.

I haven’t even told them I’m coming yet… but I’m pretty sure they won’t mind. 😄

... to Granma Terri's House we Go!

Merry Little Xmas.mp4

AL

Ready to Roll – The Adventure Continues!

The gas tank is filled, air pressure topped off in all eight tires, oil checked and topped off, fresh water loaded in the RV…

Everything is set. We’re ready to move forward this Friday!

Next Stop:

Siluria Brewing Company (harvest host)

Alabaster, AL

*1 Night · December 12th – 13th, 2025*

Time to hit the road again. More updates (and probably a beer review) coming soon! 🍻🚐

### KOA, Watch Out—Harvest Hosts Has You Beat!

With literally decades of RVing experience behind me, I've learned a thing or two about finding great campsites on the road.

KOA used to be my go-to because of their really great app. Instead of wasting time on Google Maps searching for a campground, then calling to check availability and prices, the KOA app handled it all seamlessly.

Mid-afternoon while traveling, I'd simply open the app. It showed a map of all their locations, I'd pick one, book it, and pay upon arrival (though it often cost a pretty penny).

Harvest Hosts does pretty much the same thing—except you don't have to pay for the stay itself.

(Well, you should support the host. They recommend spending about $30 at the site, which is only about half of what KOA charges these days.) But... your money is getting you something more than just place to stay!

I'm starting to love the Harvest Hosts app!

Siluri Bewing Company (Harvest Host)

Well, my very first Harvest Hosts stay, and I’m parked in the parking lot! 😊 It’s really not too shabby at all. The host told me to just set up right where I was since no one else was expected (though two more rigs showed up a bit later!). It’s Friday night, and around 8 PM the place started hopping. I’m thinking I should head inside and add my two cents to the fun crowd! 🎉 ummm...

Ask any ol' barstool in this town

Ask my new found party crowd

Sure I take more Jack in my Coke now
A little more high in my smoke now...

### Adventures in the Soup: My Epic Fog-Filled Quest to a Hidden Winery

Never have I ever played "blind man's bluff" with an interstate... until today. Drove through an hour of fog so thick, it felt like Mother Nature had wrapped the entire state of Alabama in a giant cotton ball. Hazard lights flashing like we were in a perpetual disco party—four-ways on the whole time, because visibility? Ha! I had a luxurious view of exactly two or three car lengths ahead. The rest? Pure white mystery.

No clue what the scenery looks like between Birmingham and Montgomery on I-65. For all I know, there are rolling hills, hidden waterfalls, or a secret elf village. All I saw was the glowing taillights of the trucker in front of me, who became my unofficial tour guide.

Then came the "fun" part: 2.5 hours of endless back roads. Non-stop, because apparently pull-offs are mythical creatures in rural Alabama. No bathrooms, no shoulders, just me, the rig, and a growing sense of "why did I do this to myself?"

The cherry on top? Google Maps triumphantly announces a left turn into my destination... which turns out to be the local volunteer fire department. Zero signs for the actual spot. Thanks, tech overlords.

Desperate, I fire up the Harvest Hosts app and smash that "call" button. Crickets. It does absolutely nothing. Scrolled like a madman—no phone number in sight. (Pro tip: Harvest Hosts app, we need to talk about your life choices.)

Finally, old-school wins: Closed all apps, zoomed out on Google Maps satellite view, and spotted the real entrance hidden in the woods next door. Turned into what looked like an active construction zone—quarter mile of bumpy dirt road, dodging equipment like an obstacle course.

But victory! Rolled in, parked, cranked the AC (because 75° felt like heaven after that marathon), and now I'm chilling at Chateau Le Coeur Harvest Host for two nights. Beautiful spot—peaceful,

Not 100% sure where I'm headed next, but one thing's for certain: I must've been Jack Frost in a past life. I show up, and boom—tomorrow night's dropping into the twenties. Can't escape the cold, no matter how far south I flee!

RV life: 10% glamour, 90% "what fresh adventure is this?" 😂

FL

# Heading to Blackwater River State Park

Today, I'm hitting the road and starting my camping adventure at Blackwater River State Park! I plan to stay at least a week, though I've only booked one night so far.

The regular rate is $20 per night—which isn't too bad—but things are about to get even better.

### This Morning's Errand

First thing, I'm heading to the tax collector's office in Crestview (Florida's version of the DMV) to officially change my driver's license and establish residency in Florida.

Once that's done, I'll book the remaining days up to my next payday (Monday). As a new Florida senior citizen, I'll qualify for the December discount: just $10 per night. You really can't beat that deal!

### Looking Ahead to January

I've already applied to volunteer at two different parks starting January 1. I haven't heard back yet, but I'm also in touch with a couple of other contacts. Fingers crossed—I'm confident I'll be volunteering by the first of the year.

Excited for some peaceful time by the river and the next chapter of this nomadic life! 🏕️🌲

### A Day of Plans, Hiccups, and Florida Park Life

Monday was a crazy long day, so my apologies to anyone I didn't get back to yesterday.

My plan was simple: drive to Crestview, pick up my mail at my digital mail service (myrvmail.com), and head to the DMV to switch my driver's license to Florida. The big motivation? Once I became a Florida resident, I'd qualify for the December senior discount at Florida State Parks—50% off, dropping the rate to just $10 a night for the rest of the month. That's a serious deal!

Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out that way. I'm currently paying the full $20 per night until I can get everything switched over.

#### The Residency Hiccup

The snag is residency proof. Since I live full-time in my RV, I need to register the RV in Florida before I can change my driver's license. Registering an out-of-state RV here isn't cheap—it'll run into the hundreds of dollars. So, I'm waiting until payday next Monday to tackle that. Once it's done, I'll switch the license and start enjoying that sweet discount.

In the meantime, I'll probably hang out here for a while. This park is so darn nice! For a side-by-side comparison with the last park I stayed at, check out my full review here:

Park Comparison Review

#### Weather Update

I woke up this morning to a chilly 31°F, but that's the last of the cold snap for a while. Today we're back in the 60s, with temperatures climbing each day ahead—finally feeling like proper Florida weather. I'm loving where I'm parked right now and starting to really settle into this full-time RV adventure.

#### Next Challenge: The Tax Collector's Office

My upcoming hurdle? Towing the rig over to the Crestview Tax Collector's office for the required vehicle inspection during registration. If you pull up a map of Crestview, you'll see what I'm talking about—the roads around the office are insanely narrow, basically little more than alleys in every direction. I'm going to have to study the route carefully before attempting that maneuver!

More updates soon as I chip away at this Florida residency puzzle. 😊

### One Month on the Road: Happy Days Are Here Again

On November 16th, I unloaded my entire home and—almost literally—threw it all into an RV. Everything got tossed in there in a frenzy, and the RV has been jam-packed ever since.

I kept waiting for a stretch of warm weather when I could finally start sorting through the chaos. That day has arrived at last.

One month later, on December 16th, I’m parked at Blackwater River State Park. I’ll be here for a few days, and I’m absolutely loving the warm climate. At last, I can begin unpacking and organizing properly.

What a relief. Finally.

For the past month, relentless cold has followed me everywhere I went. But I think those days are behind me now. I’m really starting to feel good again. Sunny days will do that to you—at least they do for me.

After nearly two years, I can finally say: Happy days are here again.

### My Adventure in Booking Florida State Park Campsites

When I tried to book a stay at Blackwater River State Park, I could only secure consecutive nights on site 15 up through Friday night. The entire weekend was already taken across the park.

My plan was to book the remaining two nights later on a different site within the same park. But when I checked again, I was surprised to find that every single site was fully booked for the weekend. That meant I'd have to switch parks mid-stay... which at first—didn't feel great.

To keep myself close to Crestview for my Monday morning appointment, I started looking for the next nearest option. That's when I discovered Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park.

After seeing photos and details of the spot I've now booked for the weekend, I'm actually getting excited about it. It's right on a beautiful bayou!

What started as a minor booking hassle is turning into a fun little adventure. Sometimes the detours end up being the best part. Can't wait to get there and explore!

Son of a gun, we'll have big fun on the Bayou

Bayou: (a body of water typically found in a flat, low-lying area. It may refer to an extremely slow-moving stream, river (often with a poorly defined shoreline), marshy lake, wetland, or creek. They typically contain brackish water highly conducive to fish life and plankton. Bayous are commonly found in the Gulf Coast region of the southern United States.)

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park:

A former WWII gunnery and bombing practice range has been transformed into a stunning natural landscape shaded by longleaf pines, some over 300 years old

Morning Outing

Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park_.mp4

Next Move

After I visit Crestview Tax Collector (DMV) oday and get the truck, the RV and my drivers license all changed to Florida, I am looking head over to "hree Riveres State Park" for a few days. As a Florida resident senior citizen Florida State Parks are offering $10 / a day camping in the month of December. (Mery Christmas to me!)

My Life Is Now Officially a Country Song Written by a Tired Raccoon

I should’ve known today was gonna slap me with a wet trout when at precisely 7:00 a.m. I fired up the rig, pulled out of the state park like a boss, and immediately got screamed at like I’d just stolen someone’s emotional support possum.

I slam on the brakes, hop out, ready to apologize for whatever cardinal sin I committed.

Nope.

It was the 50-foot power cord. Still plugged in. Dragging behind me like I was a monster truck with a very sad, very long tail. Looked like a confused cat had been assigned to chaperone my getaway. Classy.

Fast-forward through the world’s worst video game level (aka Crestview, Florida roads designed by a sadist with a big-rig vendetta), I roll up to the tax collector’s office feeling like I’ve already aged 14 tax seasons.

Spoiler: I did not need to be there.

The truck? Can’t register it. Bank still has the title hostage.

The RV? Can’t register it. Dealership apparently mailed the title to Narnia.

The license plate situation? Also no, because my house has wheels and Florida says “that’s not ours yet, try again, weirdo.”

So I left with a very nice stack of paperwork and the promise that I get to do the truck part in person again someday. Like a tax collector’s version of “see you in hell, buddy.”

At this point I just shrugged, said “screw it,” and yeeted myself two hours east to Three Rivers State Park, where I will be spending Christmas like a very well-hydrated fugitive.

First mission upon arrival: Piggly Wiggly. Second mission: discover that one of my bays has a pinhole leak that’s basically turned into a tiny, spiteful fountain. Water pressure so precise it could probably write my memoirs.

So now I’m living the glamorous life of turning the water pump on like it’s a precious family heirloom every time I want to brush my teeth. Very sustainable. Very Pinterest “van life aesthetic.”

But listen.

This park?

I’m sitting here staring at a giant lake that looks like God accidentally spilled the good watercolor set. It’s stupidly gorgeous. Birds are chirping, sun is shining, it’s gonna be 70s on Christmas Day.

I’m basically winning at being a broke, title-less, leaky gremlin in flip-flops.

Photos forthcoming once I stop being emotionally overwhelmed by how pretty it is and actually pick up the camera.

Until then: Merry Christmas from the guy who accidentally turned his RV into a parade float and is now hiding in paradise until the paperwork gremlins calm down.

Stay hydrated, friends. And maybe check your power cord before you leave the campground.

Learned that one the hard way. 😭🚐💦

Christmas Eve

Christmas_Eve_trip_to_Piggly_Wiggly.mp4

Christmas Day

Hey Grok! Re-write "Twas the night before Christmas" sarcastically Funny!

Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house

Not a creature was stirring—except for that mouse

Who’d been partying hard on the cheese in the trap,

Now twitching in silence after his final snap.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St. Nick would actually show up this year;

We’d heard the supply-chain excuses before,

“Global shortages, reindeer strikes—sorry, no more.”

The kids were passed out in their unmade beds,

Visions of TikTok dances looping in their heads;

Mom in her hoodie, me in my stained sweatpants,

Had just doom-scrolled ourselves into a zombie-like trance,

When out on the lawn there arose such a racket—

I lurched from the couch to see what fresh hell that was.

I tripped to the window, yanked open the blinds,

And nearly threw up from the eggnog I’d chugged.

The moon on the crust of the half-melted snow

Gave the luster of a gas-station restroom below,

When what to my bloodshot eyes should appear

But a rusty old sleigh and eight exhausted reindeer,

With a cranky old driver, so sluggish and thick,

I knew in a moment it had to be Nick.

He looked like he’d rather be anywhere else,

Probably dreaming of retirement in the Maldives.

Slower than dial-up his coursers they came,

He grumbled and cursed and miscalled them by name:

“Hey, DASHER—whatever! DANCER—who cares! PRANCER, move it!

VIXEN, stop vaping! COMET, you’re late! CUPID, quit sulking!

DONNER, BLITZEN—seriously, just get us there already!”

To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall—

They barely cleared it and almost face-planted, y’all.

Up to the roof the poor creatures they crawled,

Sleigh full of cheap plastic junk from the mall.

And then, with a thud that shook the whole place,

I heard the unmistakable sound of hoof missteps and a hoarse “brace!”

I turned from the window, still half in a fog,

As down the chimney came Santa—like a clogged-up Yule log.

He was dressed all in synthetic fur (faux, of course),

His suit stained with soot and last year’s divorce;

A sack full of toys that would break by New Year,

He looked like a mall Santa after too many beers.

His eyes—how they glared! His dimples? Nowhere!

His cheeks were like cold cuts, his nose like a flare!

His sour little mouth was pursed in a frown,

And the beard on his chin was more gray than snow now.

The stump of a vape pen he clenched in his teeth,

Clouds of “winter mint” billowing out like cheap wreath;

He had a broad face and a gut that proclaimed

Years of cookies and guilt without any shame.

He was chubby and grumpy, a right bitter old elf,

I winced when I saw him, in spite of myself;

One glare from his eye and a jerk of his head

Soon let me know I’d be getting socks instead.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his chore,

Filled all the stockings with dollar-store junk galore,

Then flipped me the bird as he turned with a sneer,

Shot up the chimney—how, I still have no idea.

He stumbled to his sleigh, gave a half-hearted whistle,

The reindeer all rolled their eyes and took off like missiles.

But I heard him mutter, as he vanished from away,

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY SISTER KATHY—HAVE A GREAT DAY!”

Rockin Robbin & Kenny - My current Digs

Robbin & Kenny have long been close friends. The kind that took me in when I needed it most. There is always something going on at their place among all the goats & chickens and Robbin stays active with her side line of Karaoke / Djing.

ROCKIN Robbin.mp4

New_Years_Day_26_Robbin__Kennys_place_.mp4

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