I officially started my RV life on Sept 1. 2022 at Fish Lake Beach, Volo, IL (https://www.fishlakebeach.com). I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, but I do know that I was pleasantly surprised by both the friendly staff and fellow RV'ers. My RV learning experience was ready to begin.
Rookie Mistake
Thanks to Jim, he drove my Tuscon to the campground and with his help, I successfully moved and backed the RV into spot X-6. The next day, I had to take my new home to Camping World, to get the generator looked at. I woke up early, was super careful to be sure all of my slides were in, cords and hoses unhooked, nothing left in the way. I walked all around the camper one more time, to make sure all was good. Hopped into the cab, put it into drive and heard a "thud". I looked back into the camper, sure that something had fallen, but it had not. I moved forward again, and "thud, thud". UT-OH, THAT CAN'T BE GOOD.
I jumped out, walked around the RV again, and low and behold, what is hitting that huge tree that was right outside the passenger door? Oh yeah, the awning!!! SH@*!!
Thankfully with the help of Ricky, a campground neighbor, he managed to hold is "straight" while I pushed the button the retract the awning. Thankfully, without going into details, I managed to get it covered under warranty!!
Then the stress of selling/donating household items I didn't want or need anymore, packing everything else into either the RV or into the POD for storage and then taking Conner and girls to TN, it had all finally come crashing down on me. I was sick and in bed Friday through Sunday. I found some time after to work organize a little and by Friday I was pleased with my progress. I poured myself a tall Captain and Diet Coke and walked down to the beach for the sunset. WOW!! I had picked the perfect night; it was a 2 for 1. Sunset plus moon rise.
Life at FLB
It was fun, always entertaining, and I was settling into living in my new home. Dogs loved walking to and playing at the doggie park. I loved that Jim brought me good coffee from Conscious Cup-Cary. September was early Trick or Treating, with Jax and Kylee watching all the kiddies in costumes (photo below).
Neighbors and friends came by to visit; Pam, Mary Jo, Teri and Chiara. Jim came and hung with me and the doggies a few times too. If I missed anyone, I apologize - this is what happens when I don't write things down!!
In October, Kenni and Evi spent the night. We kept them busy literally all day with the bunk bed hide-out, 3 playgrounds, 2 walks to the lake and to the doggie park and a bonus hayride. By dinner time, Evi just couldn't keep her eyes open any more.
October 16th, FLB closes down. It came by faster than I thought.
It's hard to say good-bye
I tried to see as many people as I could, a few weeks before I left FLB. Showing off the camper and saying my good-byes. I can't believe I missed taking pictures of a few dear friends, and I am so sorry!! Everyone got a giggle out my 2 co-pilots too!
Last night - bon-voyage bonfire! Nice night, warm fire, great company, a few drinks and a ton of laughter. Jim didn't make the picture, but he joined us after a food truck event. Unfortunately, he wasn't feeling well and went to bed.
The morning of the 16th came, and it was time to leave FLB. Dogs could sense the stress/excitement and had a hard time settling down. I had a few more stops to say goodbye.
I will MISS you all, dearly. I hope you can come join me on different treks of my adventure. The invitation is always open, let me know what you want to see. I look forward to seeing you again, soon.
I forgot about Knoxville...
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