The adventure begins - #1

The gypsy comes to life again. Before we moved to Memphis TN in 1978 we had never lived for more then fives years in any one place. The adventure started at Beilstein Camping Sales near La Grange Missouri.  They outfitted my Van and sold me my new home.  When it was ready Steve took my picture and I drove off to the highway. The trailer was easy to haul.  I headed to Pere Marquette State Park in Illinois.  This is where Jan and I spent our Honeymoon.  Lots of good memories and I wanted to start this adventure there.  I had an enjoyable couple of days there.  They sure have made a lot of changes since Oct 1961.  In spirit, Jan was with me as she always will be. This was not just my dream but it our dream.  Jan just was never  able to camp again after our last camp in Shelby Forrest, Tennessee in 1978.  Everyday Multiple Sclerosis took tiny bit more until there was nothing left to take.

I got to the Park about 3pm. By that time, they only had two camping sites left.  I took one and then  parked the trailer in it's spot and got things set up. They only had electric but Beilstein had filled my water tank and both propane gas tanks. I had a fun time camping.  They did have Wi-Fi at the Lodge so I was able to get on-line both days.

I had left some needed items behind at the house.  I figure it is going to take me a couple of months on the road to get everything I needed sorted out.  One of the items I did not have was a table fork. I di
d have a knife and spoon and made do. If you promise not to tell, I used a my fingers a couple of times.  But, I will be sure to add a table fork to the trailer drawer when I get home.

Everything in the trailer seems to be working. Even it is like sleeping on board, I did get a good nights sleep. Fixed some eggs for breakfast and had a glass of milk to go with them. I left my instant coffee at home and decided not to buy any last night.


Drove over to the Visitors center, looked around and then walked down to the river front. The river is extremely high for this time of the year it seems. But there is lots of evidence that it had been a lot higher before today. Looked around for a short time and walked back to the parking lot.
 
Drove down to Grafton, IL. Watched the free ferry take the cars back and forth and took some picture. I noticed a "Historical Marker" sign on the way to Wal-mart last night and drove back to it. In Ottotown, found a beautiful old stone school building. Yes, I got pictures of it. That is exactly what i want do. See all of those wonderful old thing in America. No hurry, no agenda, just look around at everything there is to see. Some of those things you were too busy to drive out of the way to find. I got nothing but time and i am going to enjoy it.
 
This time I did need to get back to my old house and start the process of selling it.  Stopped on the way home at Karl's house and he helped me with the trailer.  Denise fixed a good meal and I enjoyed being with the family.  It got dark and I left the trailer there for the night. Went back the next day and drove it home.