This was our first time driving an RV. The engine is a bit louder than were used to, and theres more ‘correction to be done to keep oneself ‘centred up the lane of travel. The wind is more easily felt while you are driving as well, which when received as a ‘gust of wind, it can set your heart jumping a bit.
Crossing the border at Ogdensburg was a breeze. There were three cars ahead of us and it took us no time to arrive at the border agents booth. We were asked if we were vaccinated. Yes, we replied. Do you have proof? Shelley gleefully reached in to her treasure trove of papers and whipped out two freshly printed copies of our Ontario Immunization Records to show him. He said, you can go, and we were through!
Driving down Shelley remarked to me that she realized I hadnt been in the US for over three years due to the pandemic. True. It felt weird being back down here. I‘ve always loved the difference between American and Canadian homes, yards, towns, and villages.
Our journey and the highways brought us through some really neat towns and alongside some super homes and properties. Not ostentatious, but well kept; lush and green with colourful pops of flower baskets or gardens, with the odd yard full of rusted vehicles dead from use from days gone past.
We ventured through Denmark, NY. The windmills were a sight to see! They looked extraterrestrial juxtaposed behind the beautiful farm homes and grounds that dotted the highway.
Our lunch stop was at Subway since we didnt have any groceries purchased yet having crossed the border.
We filled up with gas in Canaan, New Yorkthe last NY State gas station before crossing into Massachusetts and it was a wee bit pricey! We needed 3/4 tank of gas, and filled ‘er up. 33.935 gallons at $5.099/gallon for a total of $173.03 US (about $217 Cdn).
It was a long day of driving for us. One adventure of note.Shelley took over the driving before we left New York State. She was driving on the New York Stat Thruway and all of a sudden we came upon a bridge that was spanning the Hudson River. Im an bus
operator, with many years of driving at Greyhound and with the City of Ottawa. I didnt say anything in the moment, because I didnt want her to be spooked. She still doesnt know how worried I was for us when I saw what was ahead.
Shelley was approaching a long bridge that was under construction. The normal span of four lanes (two for each direction of travel) had been cut down to two (and even less than that). Traffic on the bridge was slowed down, but the lanes for travel were SLENDER to say the least. Add to this, the sides of this bridge were not very tall either, which peripherally played with your mind a bit.
Her anxiety shot up 3,000 % (mine too), but I knew shed do okay. There were only a few times when she strayed a hint to the left but that was wind push which she corrected without She hated it. But she did awesome. Shed actually make a great bus operator with her sense of spatial awareness. Looking back on it, that bridge and the width she had to deal with - all while driving a 28 foot, 12 feet
Further along we stopped in at a Walmart about 20 mins away from our final destination to pick up some groceries. Various flavours of Bubly and snacks and condiments were bought. It felt nice to stock up.
Arriving at the campsite here was great. Its right beside the highway and easy to find. There was someone to us outside to direct us inside to finalize our arrangements. She even asked if Maggie could have a little dog cookie! Maggie got the last one.
After sorting out the arrangements we were guided to our spot by an employee on a golf cart. Perfect. Backed into our spot (Shelley spotting me) and we got things hooked up and prepared supper. Hamburgers with salad, Yingling beer, red wine, and a bottle of Reif Estate sparking Chardonnay to celebrate our anniversary.
