The Road So Far…
New Hampshire —> Maine —> Vermont —> New York —> Pennsylvania —> Virginia
…and it’s only been a month!
We were in Pennsylvania when we discovered the leak in our Airstream. Unfortunately, we had to cancel a portion of our trip while we dealt with that, but luckily we were able to extend our stay at that campground for a few extra days while we figured out what to do.
The closest Airstream service center was in Virginia, so we made an appointment and hoped for clear skies. After a 3.5 hour drive we finally made it, and spent the night at a truly terrible hotel while we waited to hear the diagnosis.
Turns out, a gasket needed to be replaced in our rear AC unit, and while they were up on the roof, they noticed our rear skylight also had to be resealed. Incredibly, both were quick and easy fixes. We took the dogs to a couple of local dog parks while we waited for the sealant to cure, and then we picked up the trailer and were able to get to our next campground reservation on time.
Tucked up in the mountains of the George Washington National Forest in Virginia is a small horse ranch/campground called Fort Valley Ranch, and it is one of my favorite places we’ve been to so far. That being said, the roads getting up there were INTENSE. We took the RV recommended route, and even that was a rollercoaster. Our reward, however, was our first campsite, which was located right next to the horses. (There are pictures on my Instagram!)
A couple of days later, we moved to a full hook-up site, which was the single most difficult spot I have ever parked the Airstream, including the site we had in Vermont. I had to put the truck in 4x4 just to get to it, and the road was so steep in parts I couldn’t see it. I just had to trust that I had aimed correctly and drive forward. Then there was a tiny wooden bridge that I also couldn’t really see, and then another steep hill. The site itself was also up an incline that I had to back up into. The Airstream almost bottomed out a few times, and the hitch had literally an inch of clearance at one point.
But we did it. I don’t know how. But we did it, and now we know. Never again. We would rather use a dump station than try to park in such a difficult site ever again. It’s simply not worth it!
It was nice being tucked back in the woods in this spot though. Being in the middle of the campground had been a bit overstimulating for the girls, and they needed to be able to get lots of rest, because we did a lot while we were there.
We explored Shenandoah National Park and drove Skyline Drive, and then we did both the Luray Caverns and the Skyline Caverns. We did lots of hiking and long walks. We reveled in the cool mountain air that has finally begun to feel like fall, and even turned the heat pump on for the first time. I cooked lots of yummy meals and we did a lot of reading since the wifi wasn’t very good. And then, too soon, it was time to head out to the next campground.
Are we still amateurs? Yes. Absolutely. But we’re learning a lot, and the confidence is beginning to build. Despite the many, many challenges we’ve faced so far, when I look back over the last month I think of driving through the mountains in Vermont, drinking ice wine for the first time in New York, and the look of awe on my partner’s face as we explored the caverns in Virginia. We’ve seen so many amazing places, and yet we’ve barely scratched the surface of what this country has to offer. Travel days are still a little nerve-racking, but the excitement of having a new place to explore is starting to outweigh the fear of what it takes to get there.
On to the next adventure!