We Have To Get To The Boat Before We Can Boat

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January 14, 2024

I realize I always write about our trips (and work) on the boat but rarely getting to the boat. We almost always drive from New Mexico to the boat and then back. Except for our very 1st trip to the boat, we have driven, and this is one of a few times we have rented a car. I think I wrote about one return trip to NM, the return trip from hell!

We are renting this time as we have no idea for sure where we’ll stop boating but are hoping/planning on Guatemala. We surely don’t want to leave the car in Virginia and have to get back to it from Guatemala to drive to New Mexico. But, we are talking about driving to Virginia from New Mexico.

Packing Up and Leaving

Jim always wants a semi truck for all the things we take, and the projects we have to bring back to the boat, but we can usually manage with a mini van. The kittens need some space, we need some space and all the stuff has to be secure.

The car packed and Nik still in her carrier. One ice chest of frozen and refer food. The other full of canned goods and other things we prefer don’t freeze but don’t want to carry in and out of the hotel each night.

Of course, we ALWAYS seem to leave in the winter in the snow. Surprise, surprise! It snowed some the day before (and multiple times before that), but the roads were fine for an early start.

The snow from the day before. We were so happy the roads were clear and dry.

Winter storm Heather (When did they start naming winter storm? Everything has to be so personalized….) was hot on our tracks, so we have been working to keep ahead of it. First night we made it all the way to Elk City, OK. A good day. It was cold and windy but fine. A bit of snow the next morning and oh so cold, but it cleared quickly and all good.

The view in the rear view mirror provides pretty sunsets as we hurried eastward.

Next night, near Georgetown, TN (east of Memphis) and tonight Wytheville, VA (our last state!) Weather has been mostly cool, but also weather into the 40’s.

Since Arkansas we’ve been seeing these funny wet and dry lines on the roads. Very strange and we could not figure them out. Once we got to Tennessee we started seeing interactive road signs telling us winter storm preparations had started. What? A bit of reading on the web told us that they pre-treat the highways with a “chemical brine” which prevents ice from freezing on the roads. Not something they do in New Mexico, but ice storms are not something we have much of there. One needs to learn something every day.

How are the Kittens Doing?

The kittens hate the drive. They look at us and meow and ask why are we doing this to them. But, over the 4 days they adjust to the rhythm of the trip and understand at a kitten level. They actually would rather be with us than be without us back at the big house.

About mid-day Nik gets restless and has to look around and try and find a new spot to sleep. She always goes back to the same spot but just needs a break. They days are too long with the noise and being in the same place for so long.
By the time the sun starts to get low in the sky and the car slows, the kittens KNOW the day is almost over. They hate it when we take gas or bathroom stops earlier in the day as they think we should stop for the day then. Chicha is also good at spotting buildings that look like hotels which get her excited. But, once we pull under the portico and Jim heads in the check us in while I get the kittens squared away, Chicha can hardly contain herself.

Hotels

We used to search for the nicest place we could find that take cats. But, I spent much of the day in the car trying to figure out where to do. Now, I pick our stops based upon distance and we almost always choose a La Quinta. Not luxury, but I look at reviews and dis some of them. If they are OK, we choose the largest square foot room so the kittens have space and I KNOW they will take the kittens with no extra fee or questions asked. They are OK.

My, oh my. When I turned down the hall of tonight’s hotel, I though I’d entered a fun house. Who pickes these colors and carpets? But, the room is much more subdued and quite confortable.

A Renewal of having Fun

I guess it is a resolution, but not specifically for the new year. Jim and I are relaxing more and having more fun.

Jim has not started the hip wiggle, but he did enjoy singing a tune with Elvis. Elvis is clearly not dead.

Once we get to the boat tomorrow, we anticipate a couple weeks of weeks of projects and are shooting for a Feb 1st (or there about) departure south. Keep your fingers crossed.

Sylvia is making new friends too. She always wanted to be a cheerleader! Betty has brought her into the fold!

Comments

We Have To Get To The Boat Before We Can Boat — 4 Comments

  1. Great to hear what is happening with my friends. Looking forward to hearing about your adventures.

  2. Good to hear from you. Anxious to follow your new adventures! Stopped by Fort Pierce yesterday and visited our old slip at the city marina. There was a Krogen just like Rincon sitting there! Actually there were several Krogens in the marina. Talked to an owner and he said a group of them had left Stuart and were staying in Fort Pierce. Small world!

    Gary and Barbara

  3. Woohoo … nearly on your way for a new boat adventure

  4. Not sure who you chatted with but we probably know them. We’ll be in Ft. Pierce in a couple weeks and would love to see you and Barbara while we are there.