12/31/14

Happy New Year from Beaumont, TX!

 

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Not sure how we could be moving at this turtle pace, but tonight, on this new year’s eve, after three days of travel, Google says it is only 729 miles back home!  I am sure our truck odometer will show more but maybe it is a divine intervention to keep us out of this storm that’s bearing down on us.

Our first day of travel we made it to Meridian, MS….just like the trips in 2012 and 2014.  But this time my 2 year old Garmin gps announced that all the maps had been locked!! 

After driving all day, I spent another 3 hours on the laptop (in the tiny trailer in a rv park) trying to find a way to unlock the maps.  Then more time on the phone the next day with customer service.  A stop at Auto Zone for new windshield wipers, a stop at Dollar General for a kitty litter scoop and a stop for food and gas ate up more of our travel day.  Tried using my phone’s navigation system but grew impatient with the inability to see where we were going.  After several wrong turns, I thought I was turning right onto I-59 south and wound up in a Best Buy parking lot!  After making several less than spiritual comments, my husband urged me to go buy a new gps.  Which I did.

Spent last night at Fontainebleau State Park near Slidell, MS. Very cold but we did get in a nice walk to see Lake Pontchartrain.

This am the skies were clear with a beautiful blue …wonderful to see the sun again.  We were making great time all day…no need for extra stops….until we decided to stop at the Texas Welcome Center to discuss the possibility of taking 90 instead of I-10.  We were warned to stay off of the roads past San Antonio, I-10 or 90, for the next 36 hours due to ice and possibility of snow.  It was after 3 by then and we started looking for a PA camp for the night.  Got the last site at Hidden Lake Park in Beaumont. 

So our new year will arrive in another 90 minutes.  Occasional booms can be heard in the distance from those who celebrate with noise.  They are not bothering Hubby and Sylvester who have been asleep for an hour. I am snuggled into the corner of the bed with my laptop keeping me company. 

Don’t know what tomorrow will bring…other than rain.  We still have not de-winterized and camping with the pink stuff is getting tiresome.  Guess we will either stay here or head to San Antonio.

Highlights of our three days……

2014-12-29 11.36.17

 

2014-12-29 21.52.07

2014-12-31 09.01.39

2014-12-29 18.38.30

2014-12-31 09.26.35

14 comments:

  1. Looks like someone is staying cozy and warm :) Long travel...stay ahead of that ice. GPS yeah!!! But keep that map handy... Happy New Year!

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    1. I trust the garmin but draw a line at dirt roads. Yes, Baby Cat loves his new bed and fleecy throw. Just covered him up and he is running his motor telling me "thanks". No ice today!
      Know you two are going to have another magical year!

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  2. Thanks for the travel top regarding the winter storms!

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    1. The man at the visitor center was so adamant about no travel...he frightened me.
      Stay safe!

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  3. We woke up to a light dusting of snow this morning - according to Albuq. weather stations we won't get anymore in this area - sun is trying to peak out. Eastern side of state still will be hit with snow/rain. According to ElPaso Weather Service, cam shows 1 to 2 inches snow in the Lordsburg area on interstate. Safe travels.

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    1. We should be in that area within 2 to 3 days...I'll try to find the traffic cameras. Thanks for the info!

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  4. Snow on the Superstitions this morning and ice on the trash can. Travel safe.

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    1. Bet that was a beautiful sight! But one that I will pass on. We are slowly getting closer.

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  5. You guys stay safe and warm as you make your way to warmer places :-) Glad you got a working GPS!!

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  6. We have been staying in parks with electricity all week. I am getting spoiled but I'm not about Wally docking in the winter!

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  7. Less than spiritual remarks. Haha! Been there! :D

    I loved your pictures as they show the everyday travel experience so well.

    I just looked at the National Weather Mosaic and it looks like much of Texas is still having bad weather. Hope you have found somewhere comfortable to ride it out.

    Stay warm and safe. :)

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  8. Good to hear from you...yes we only drove a short distance. Think we need to start earlier....not enjoying this Texas winter!

    Keep on having fun in FL!

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  9. Less than spiritual, LOL! That may have to be a new saying of mine. Good to see you're getting some Big Bang Theory on the TV to offset the )&&^#*@^).

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  10. Yes, Big Bang was comforting at the end of a long driving day! Glad you liked it!

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