What
started out as a normal two week camping escape to Dale Hollow Dam somehow
turned into a wild and crazy string of events. We are back home,
safe and sound. We handled the stressful stuff well, didn't panic,
and actually enjoyed camping. But, I don't think we will forget this
trip.
Day
one: on the way to Celina, the left rear truck brake got hot, really hot.
When you're pulling a big honking 5th wheel on a twisty,
hilly two-lane road, this is not good. Got to camp safely.
Day
two: Ordered brake parts at NAPA, only parts store in town.
Day
three: Guys at NAPA were great, next day service. Jacked up truck
and installed new brakes. Not many campers to observe our amazing
work. It is quiet and peaceful here during the week.
Day
four: If you're ever in Celina you HAVE to stop at Los Primos for
excellent Mexican food. Their Chicken La Loma is the best I've ever
had. Just the right amount of cilantro in the fresh salsa. And who
knew that a small town Mexican restaurant has all you can eat fried
catfish buffet on Fridays? NAPA guy stopped by and asked us if all was
well with the truck.
Mother's
Day: Scattered the last of Sam's ashes in the trout stream where she
and Allen loved to fish. My mama is rollin' on the river now.
Day
six: Jerold is feeding the squirrels roasted peanuts in the shell.
Three are lined up outside the camper every morning, and taking nuts
out of his hand.
Day
eight: Drove back home to mow grass and pick up mail.
Day
eleven: Woke up 7 am to flood warnings at home. Checked our cameras
and sure enough, basement had water. Drove home and found Hwy. 52
blocked near house, detour to Gallatin and back up ridge. More water
than I've ever seen across fields and roads. Driveway washed but
passable, ditch a mess. Vacuumed up water and started fans to dry out
basement. Around lunchtime, a minivan wrecked into the ditch in front
of our house. No one hurt, they left van where it landed. Jerold
graded drive so we can bring trailer back in. Back to Celina along
Hwy. 52 yard sale, shopped a little along the way, ate more Mexican
food.
Day
twelve: Decided to shorten trip and come back home to air out
basement. Traffic crazy along yard sale route. Got home, unhitched.
Minivan gone. An hour later, a thunderstorm slammed through, blowing
over a dead pine tree out of the woods across our driveway in front.
Good timing that we got in before it fell.
Day
thirteen: Pulled dead pine (covered in poison ivy) off driveway with
truck and picked up debris. Jerold graded driveway again. Basement
dry.
Day
fourteen (today): Picked up mail, sprung Callie cat from jail. Now
we're all home where we belong.
There are always a few bumps in the road, but I am hoping for calmer days ahead.
