Miss Garmin didn't cooperate all the time, there were a couple streets she took us on that had us looking at each other with eyes rolling (plus a few cuss words I have to admit); its difficult to manoeuver 60 plus foot of train when it puts us into some small roads and tight spots. Even when we left from Langley, even though I knew how to get to the Pacific customs crossing, it was telling us to go down some one lane farm roads close to the border!! We actually used both GPS's (the one built into my truck dash) working simultaneously sometimes, as we weren't confident in some areas to rely on Miss Garmin alone.
If there's any advice I can offer future road warriors; we always looked at www.rvparkreviews.com to scope the next overnight stops and RV parks. Even though we had the Good Sam book and Passport of America books (we were members of both for about $25 each, which the cost is made up with one booking at a PA stop) we always relied heavily on this website. Many RV'ers will post very honest reviews to give info on what to look for; I've posted reviews as well on every park we stayed at. its a real good tool to try and minimize the trailer trash parks that somehow had their brother in law rate the parks in a particular area (im sure that was the case in Atlantic City!!).
Our Landmark 5th wheel performed like a dream, when one embarks on this long a trip one always in the back of your mind has concerns over a flat tire in the middle of nowhere (like on the very desolate road across the California desert yesterday), or having a pipe freeze when temperatures drop below zero (in Williams AZ), or maybe having a slide mechanism bind on you (sorry Casey I had to throw that one in), or an awning that wont go back in; there are many things that can and will inevitably go wrong so we have been fortunate there.
The truck performed admirably as well. The power this beast has pulled the 18,000 pound trailer with no problems at all and up some pretty steep inclines. Going down hills as well; between the tow/haul option, the engine exhaust brake (jake brake) and the manual trailer brake lever on my dash; it was very easy to control my speed going down the hills as well. They say with any type of hauling you should be travelling at the same speed down as you would up any hills. Well since I could maintain the speed limit going up? it was not an issue keeping the same speed going down. There was only one decline in the Arizona region of Page/Antelope Canyon which I had to use my brakes a lot more because of the grade; and there I used my trailer brakes mainly rather than the truck brakes.
Caroline and I talked yesterday on our way into Palm Springs what were the 5 highlights as far as stops/excursions go. We both agreed on the helicopter flight over the Grand Canyon was numero uno. The exhilaration we both felt as we took off but leaving land and entering the canyon? its almost the same as.......well not quite but it was an amazing feeling. A few other stops we both had in our top 5; Antelope Canyon (the beauty of the formations), St Augustine Florida (the history unmatched), and New York and Long Island; the city even though we have been there once before offers so much, and the splendor of Long Island especially towards the end. Boston and Cape Cod area were up there as well.
Some low lights were not being able to have nice weather at Peggys Cove, a couple trailer trash parks which initially had high ratings in the Good Sam book, and almost running out of DEF in Texas; needless to say I now carry at least a couple of 2.5 gallon jugs with me.
We found many faithful Churches on our way. Again with the help of the internet we were able to find either an OPC, a PCA, URC, or even a RCUS. Many of these Churches would fit right into our own Churches grounded principles, liturgy, and worship service. yes there were a couple that did things "differently" ; like having a praise and worship band versus an organ (many of these Churches are so small they could not even afford such an expensive instrument). Or observing the Lords supper in a slightly different manner than what we're "used to". The main focus of all these Churches was to praise and worship our triune God in a respectful and glorifying manner, and I firmly believe we saw this in all the Churches we worshipped in. Sure there are things that may not be 100% to our liking in our own congregation. Is that reason enough to leave to another Church? Is there a perfect Church? Not on this earth. There will be only one, and think we'll get to see this when our life on earth is done.
The reason we started this journey last March, but also the initial planning, was realizing that we are on this earth for a very short time in relation to eternity. When Caroline was diagnosed with cancer over two years ago, one of the first things we discussed was hooking up our trailer which hadn't moved in 5 years. She (and I) wanted to explore this great and beautiful continent, and what better way than by the ground. Now we did trade in our other 5th wheel for this one as there were signs of deterioration on the old one. Tires were showing stress cracks, walls on the inside were showing wear, even the brakes were non existent as I was pulling out of the park to bring it to the dealer.
Sure, there a number of things that were more modern, bigger shower (this one believe it or not was one of the most important, if this was going to ne our hotel for 4 months of travel, a large shower is very important) King bed, a large residential style fridge (our other fridge was literally half the size) two electric awnings, a TV outside!!, but a unit with a longest in the industry warranty (important to me to show its a better made product), so hopefully I didn't have to worry about anything breaking down (which nothing did).
We are so thankful that the Lord has looked over us over the 4 months of travel. He has also given us a renewed strength about our life here on earth. There's hardly a day that goes by that we don't talk about Caroline's cancer, her journey, her life. To some its a sensitive subject, talking about death, and our short amount of time here on earth. Bur we are reminded through scripture that our trust is in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We thank Him for His grace each and every day, even through cancer we must and can give Him the praise for continually working in our lives His Spirit and understanding of what Christ and His death the resurrection mean for all His people.
We don't know what the future looks like, we both agree that we will continue to live life to the fullest until such time as He has determined that our lives will end, not only for Caroline but for us all. In the immediate future we look forward to watching Rick and Jaclyn in their courtship and wedding day in March. We look forward to seeing Kevin and Tamara and kiddies visit us next week here in PS. We look forward to seeing Al and Tanya and 4 when we get back home as well as Trevor at work. We look forward to seeing Greg and Lynette and 3 at Christmas time. These are all things we are so thankful for.
Praise the Lord, come Lord Jesus Maranatha :)
