No, we’re not sick. Actually, we’re feeling pretty good. The same is true for our friends and family. As of today, there is only one case of COVID-19 diagnosed in our county and not that many more in the State of Tennessee. We’re grateful for that and send thanks and best wishes to our health care workers and our state officials after taking swift, decisive action. However, this week the coronavirus outbreak removed two RVers from the road.
The fact that we’re in good health at the moment is what makes this situation so incredibly disappointing. Helen and I have spent the last month preparing for an RV trip to the west coast to deliver a new travel trailer to our son and our grandchildren. Ever since we won the trailer last October, we planned to take a slow trip to California and present our grandchildren with the opportunity to share the RV experience that we enjoy so much.
We didn’t cancel the trip. The trip canceled us. Beginning Monday of this week, the operators of campgrounds where we had reservations began sending out cancellation notices due to concerns over the spread of this virus. Cancellations from the California campgrounds were the first to arrive. Next came Oklahoma. Finally, we received notice that our much-anticipated booking in Las Vegas was gone. It was like death from a thousand cuts.
I considered just going on the trip anyway but stopped short when I thought about being stranded somewhere with health, food, or road issues and no one to turn to for help. At that point, we both realized that the best thing to do was to postpone. We called the family. My granddaughter had just written a beautiful letter telling me how excited she was to meet Smoky (the name for trailer), and camp at Point Mugu, a military campground near Malibu Beach. She took the news in stride, and that helped. Everyone agreed that we would make this happen as soon as possible.
The next thing to do was to cancel the few reservations that were still open. I had devoted a lot of time to this task because RV reservations are often not easy to obtain on the dates you need them. After some tough navigating and remaining flexible, I was able to arrive at a very workable itinerary. Having to cancel them now was not at all easy. Besides, I was so looking forward to seeing some Texas tumbleweeds and a few cowboys. I was eager for some warm Arizona sun and a few of those stunning sunsets that we witnessed last year in Apache Junction. The timing for desert wildflowers was also going to be spot on, and that is an event that leaves one spellbound.
On trips like the one we planned, there are always fun surprises, and we look forward to those very much. One year ago this week, we visited San Antonio on St. Patrick’s Day and had a delightful time along the Riverwalk. We enjoyed a food festival in El Centro, CA, and a street festival in Biloxi, MS. I suppose that none of those events, or ones like them, will take place this year. That’s a shame but, it is what it is.
The only thing we can do is make the best of the time we have. I plan to view some webinars to improve my camera skills. There are always those home projects that get ignored or postponed while we take another road trip. My deck is in bad need of some attention. I have closets to clean out, a garage that needs organizing, and my tax return needs a thorough review. None of the above includes the lengthy “to-do” list that Helen adds to daily now that she has me somewhat confined and within arm’s reach. I have pledged to convince her that she needs to get out more often.
All of this will pass in due course. I have to admit that my real concern is that, at our age, we never know how many opportunities like this we will have. Nevertheless, we have been so very blessed since we retired and have every expectation that opportunities like the ones we have enjoyed so much will continue. If there is a silver lining arising from this most unusual time, it is that when those opportunities come again, we will cherish them even more.
Uh-oh…I hear footsteps. I’d better be Easin’ Along before another list finds its way into the man cave. Let’s talk again next week.
Joe, how quickly things have changed. I know how it feels to cancel plans that have been anticipated for a long while. It stings. But, like you and Helen, Malcolm and I will stay as busy as possible as we await the next opportunity. That cartoon is priceless!
Your photos are always beautiful and I am not sure where you are in your learning, or what equipment you use, but this guy has some very good Youtube videos. There are others, of course, depending on what you want to learn. This one is a basic “get off Auto tutorial.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqlZoXrutYI
Take care.
Good morning, Suzanne,
Canceling our trip was hard to do. Your post last week shook me into the “let’s get real” mode, and I began think a bit more about the possibilities of taking a long road trip. The process was made clearer when the cancellations began rolling in. Oh well, hopefully this thing will subside soon so we can dust off the itinerary and hit the road. Thanks for the link. I will check it out today. I’m sure you will make the best of your down time. Keep the camera handy. I love your pictures.
Joe and Helen, we Highland Pointers are glad that you are staying close to home. We can have an outdoor block party with appropriate distancing.
Hello there,
Well, we’d rather be on the road, but we’re so grateful that we live in a wonderful place. Maybe the Social Committee will plan block parties for groups of 10. Thanks for checking in! Joe
I feel your pain. We were two days into our month long camping trip to Utah and beyond. Left 3-15. Turned around in Little Rock and headed back. Thankfully we are still well and all campgrounds have refunded our deposit. We planed this trip for about 4-5 months. Hopefully next year.
Hi, Howell,
I heard that all of the parks in Utah were shut down and that the Mayor of Moab told everyone to stay away. Such a shame because Utah is so pretty and I know you were eager to explore. All of our deposits were returned except for $10 at a KOA in New Mexico. We’re very hopeful that we can still get away on a long trip we have planned starting in Mid-June. I know that you have been a longtime subscriber and I am so glad you stopped by. Please stay in touch! Joe
Steph and I are so sorry that your special trip to Ca. has been cancelled. We are; however, thankful the two of you are doing well.
You didn’t mention your knee. Therefore, I can only imagine you’re bouncing around well.
Again, Easin Along always keeps a smile on our faces. Thanks for including Steph and me.
Good morning, Dynamo,
We hated to shut that trip down. I was looking forward to some big hugs from my grandchildren. The knee is doing very well. Some discomfort and minor swelling, but overall, I’d say I’m 95% back. Stay in touch! Joe
Good one Joe. Maybe for now you’re just Easin At Home.
Where can we have breakfast? I’ll meet you there in the next day or so.
Townsend
Good morning, Townsend,
Let’s pick a pretty day and bring take-out to Lakeshore. We can eat, chat, and walk it off. Thanks for stopping by! I’ll call next week. Joe
You made a wise decision and now’s your opportunity to dive into photography tutorials. This too shall pass 😊
Hi, Ingrid,
Wise but painful. It was especially tough looking through the pictures from one year ago. You and Al stay well out there!
Sorry your trip was cancelled, but as the saying goes “Better safe than sorry !!”
Hi, Luanne,
That’s the way we looked at it. Although we love remote places, we didn’t want to be stranded if trouble hit.
HI, Jo and Helen – I’m sorry that your big trip has been postponed. I do admire your attitude and your priorities. Stay safe!
Oh and BTW – Thank you for reminding me to use some of this new found time to improve camera skills. Great idea!
Good afternoon, Donna,
Well, as the old saying goes…”When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade.” We’re hunkered down at the moment, but I’ve spent most of my day getting familiar with Lightroom. It’s not an easy task. I’ll look forward to your pictures.
Joe
Sorry your trip had to be cancelled and I’m glad you talked yourselves out of going commando straight thru the coronavirus.
I also wanted to convey my appreciation for your 20 years of military service. I managed to spend my hitch in the Army as a E-5 with the 2nd Inf. Div. on the DMZ. I consider myself extremely lucky not to have gone to Vietnam, as you well know ” we were tall targets”
Keep the blogs coming, I enjoy your insights on life and travel
I salute you, Lt.Col.
Hi, Mike,
Great to hear from you and thanks for the kind comments. My time in the Army and Army Reserve were some of the best years of my life. I got to see a bit of the world and grow up a lot. After four years of active duty, I thought I was finished with the Army, but within a year (and without any money) I decided to give the Reserves a try…best decision I ever made. I miss all of the friends I made over those 20 years and would do it all over again if I had the chance. Thanks to you for serving as well. I agree that us tall guys would not fare well in ‘Nam. Stay well–we’re gonna get through this virus thing soon. Joe
Hi, Joe! Maybe a heartfelt letter to your grandkids “from Smoky” saying he’ll make his way out to them as soon as possible and letting them know how excited he is about their future adventures would help to ease their disappointment? As for canceling reservations, unfortunately, I think that may be the Activity of the Month for many RVers. You and Helen are making the best of it though, and I would have expected nothing less of you. By the way, those Honey-Do lists have two purposes beyond just getting something accomplished around the house. They allow wives to assure their husbands that they are needed (and appreciated), plus they keep our favorite guys busy and, therefore, out of trouble. Hopefully. Good luck with all of your homebound projects and activities. I’ll bet Helen is making good progress on her puzzles!
Good morning, Mary,
A letter from Smoky is a great idea! I mail a letter to one of my grandchildren every Monday and up next is my granddaughter in California. She will hear from Smoky for sure. I’m slowly knocking out a few projects while Helen continues to add to the list. I sure didn’t know how much I was needed…I may have to ask for a raise (or at least a day off). Helen is in the middle of a 1000 piece puzzle. It’s a monster, but she is making slow progress. Stay warm and stay well up there. Great hearing from you. Joe