On the Road to Florida
August 6, 2016
Left Idaho Panhandle. Stayed in Missoula while RV dealer did warranty work. Then, spent several nights in the Northern Yellowstone Ecosystem, including the Gallatin River area. Back roads most of the way to Spearfish, SD
August 14-19, 2016
Spearfish, SD and the Black Hills – Met up with a friend from ND. Stayed at Chris’ Campground. The NPS has some primitive campgrounds in the mountains west of town that I would like to try another time.
August 21-31, 2016
Akron, OH – A few weeks at the end of August while Mom recuperated from a heart procedure, stayed at Silver Springs Campground in Stow, OH. Cute county park, great staff. From there, I traveled the Interstate to Florida to save time. Wish I had more time in VA.
September 5
Fort Clinch State Park, Ferdinanda Beach, FL, 1 night. Finally to the beach!
3-Month Stay in Florida
September 6-December 6, 216
Melrose, FL – after traveling 3700 miles, on Sept 6, 2016 I arrived at my short-term destination, I completed a 3-month conservation camper job (Ordway-Swisher Biological Station). Free RV site with FHU.
Thanksgiving week, 2016 – Side trip to Ichetucknee Springs State Park to kayak the river, 2 nights. Then, off to Cedar Key, stayed at Shell Mounds Campground for 5 nights, another sweet county park.
On the Road Again
Dec 7-9, 2016
Apalachicola National Forest – 2 nights, primitive camping, wonderful lunch side trip in town of Apalachicola, FL. Gotta stop if you like oysters!!! Followed Hwy 98 to next destination.
Dec 10-17, 2016
Gulf Islands National Seashore – 1 week at the Pensacola unit; Florida Trail starts (or ends) here. Electric and water only.
Two Months on Dauphin Island, AL
Dec 21, 2016-Feb 21, 2017
Dauphin Island Campground, Alabama – Stayed 2 months, life included kayaking, daily walks on the beach and 2 Mardi Gras parades. Worthwhile side trips to Bayou La Batree, Gulf Shores, Mobile, Fairhope
Side trip, Feb 11-18, Washington, DC to visit Smithsonian Museums, traveled by Amtrak from Slidell, LA. Left camper and dog on Dauphin Island with the best dog-sitter.
On the Road Again- Travel to New Mexico
Feb 21-23
Traveled each day for 300 miles. Initial travel on I-10, then back roads, including Hwy 90 in Texas.
Feb 24
Texas Quilt Museum in La Grange TX. I day. At San Antonio, I left I-10 and drove Hwy 90.
Feb 26, 2017
Big Bend National Park – 1 night, Back roads to I-10, then 90 miles to Deming. Perfect hiking in the cool weather.
Now Settled in Until the Weather up North clears
Feb 28, 2017 through current
Deming, NM – Loners on Wheels (LoW) RV Ranch. Lots of activities for singles. Met up with friends Joan and Dave.
Side trips: Percha Dam State Park with friends from Colorado, Palomas Mexico for lunch on several occasions, Hillsborough, NM, Lake Valley Ghost Town, NM, Silver City, NM, Gila National Forest
Note: While in NM, I decide to transfer residency there, I now have NM registered vehicle, driver’s license, insurance, etc.
Gardiner, MT
April 25, 20I7 – I head north to the Yellowstone area. I have been offered a summer job as a Grizzly Bear Educator/Camp Host. Thanks to a late winter storm, I alter my route and head up through Utah, then Idaho.
Side Trips: Green River UT, camping on the river, Moab/Canyonlands National Park, Livingston, MT, Spokane, WA
Akron, Ohio
May 20, 2017 – While exploring Yellowstone, I get a call from family. Eighty-eight-year-old parents having health issues and need help until things get resolved. I head straight for Ohio! I left my RV in storage at Livingston, MT
Next Up
After things settle down here, I will get back to Livingston and pick up RV. From there, I will head close to Spokane via Northern Montana and Idaho…maybe via Banff, AB.
Areas traveled, as of March 1, 2017. I lost this map and will update when I find a new one!
