Day 22 — This Adventure Is Completed

This morning came and the final leg of the trip home began. Lew & Lissa along with Les and Jane pulled out around 6:40. Karen and I along with JC and Nancy were pulling out around 7:30 ish. At least Karen and I thought so. For those of you thinking of purchasing a travel trailer and going on an adventure of this type take what they tell you in RV-ing 101 to heart. All of us knew this was the last overnight before home so we all wanted to make sure our gray and black water storage tanks were emptied and ready for some rest. Now, a black water tank should speak for itself. JC got his tanks dumped; cleaned and I told him to pull on out and we would catch up at the first rest stop. In RV-ing 101 they tell you to use “RV toilet tissue” for a reason; it completely dissolves. Whereas, the good, thick, and especially soft to the tush Charmin; welllllll it don’t and it will stop up an RV black water drain pipe.

No problem; after a little poking and prodding all is well. The tank is drained and cleaned and we are on our way around 9:00 am.

A grand total of 388 miles remaining for us all. Nothing compared to the first three days of our journey home. This trip took us across the remainder of Kentucky; then into Tennessee; North Carolina; and finally the place of “Smiling Faces & Beautiful Places,” South Carolina.

All throughout this trip we have seen some absolutely beautiful scenery across our United States. However, as Karen pointed out — when you really think about it we have some gorgeous scenery right in our own backyard — we just have to get out and enjoy it and take care of it.

This trip was no doubt one of, if not the most memorable experiences Karen and I have shared together — and the friendships made will last forever.

Hopefully you did notice the title of this final blog page — “This” Adventure Is Completed — I can assure you this has done nothing but wet my appetite. It will by far not be the last; only the first. Think about it; for the last three weeks I have worn nothing but shorts & T-shirts (every now and then I might add a pair of drawers). No dress slacks — no uniform — no tie — no dress shirt; if that isn’t enough- I haven’t heard or watched a political add in three weeks; not to mention there were several days I didn’t even know what day it was nor did I care. I could get real comfortable in that environment.

However, I must say when we turned onto Gassaway Street we were greeted with some of those smiling faces the SC Welcome sign talks about:

Finally after 21 nights and 22 days; 4,658 miles in our truck; 426 gallons of diesel fuel; and nearly 500 miles in the RZR across desert and mountains of the west; Miss Grace (our camper trailer) is tucked away for a “brief” rest.

We are grateful to God for this experience — and especially to all those that watched after our loved ones back home — along with those who kept Clemson safe and sound while I was away. Without all of you and His mercies none of this would have been possible.

So, until next time:

AS ALWAYS; GOD IS GOOD, ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!