A few weeks before our big trip I wanted to finish up a quilt for the Motorhome…I had one in mind that I had begun making in 2019 it started out as a kit from Craftsy back when they had their own fabric lines.
My customer quilts take priority for the most part over my personal projects especially the ones that I have pieced just for fun with no particular plan in mind for them.
The top had been completed as per the kit however it wasn’t big enough, thankfully I had collected some of the fabrics and had some scraps in my stash.
It was a generous twin size to begin with so it needed more blocks, I had almost enough of the background fabric and in the end I added in some solid white in a few of the blocks.
I also used the fabric that I had planned for backing for the borders.
I had some left over blue backing from a quilt of my Moms that I had quilted for her and used that for both the containment border and binding.
Adding some fun I chose the pantograph Bubbles for the quilting design. The backing is a wide back full of friendship quotes.
I truly believed that I would have time to stitch the binding on our trip and I did work on it here and there and did finally finish it before we got home…
We decided to leave Texas the way that we arrived, taking the Galveston Ferry. Headed to Lafayette Louisiana for a night.
Continuing on we drove along the coast…enjoying the scenery. it was fun watching the dolphins swimming along the boats.
Our first night on the way home was in Lafayette Louisiana, we spent our evening relaxing and going for a walk to check out the campground.
The next days driving took us to Hot Springs Arkansas driving through the Ozark Mountains was amazing and at times a challenge. We made an interesting stop at the Hidden Bridge … the sign said no trailers or long Motorhomes and once on the very winding narrow road we could see why…it was well worth the driving adventure!
We attempted to find rv parking in Hot Springs Arkansas to check out the baths however parking wasn’t to be found and we were tired so made our way to the campground, had supper a walk and slept!
One of the things that we really enjoyed were the welcome centres in most of the states. Unfortunately the one in Springfield Missouri had closed just before we arrived. Route 66 is on our to drive list.
After another one night stop we were on the road again! Headed to Hamilton! For a few years I had mentioned to Erik that I wouldn’t mind going to Hamilton Missouri and so it was added to the list!
When we arrived, Erik dropped me off to explore! It was a bit overwhelming but my kind of fun overwhelming! Walking through and exploring 13 quilt shops!
We spent the night at A Country Charm Campground which I highly recommend, it wasn’t far from the shops and was a relaxing quiet stay.
Our next destination was Clear Lake Iowa. We made a fun stop at the Iowa Visitor Center…
Clear Lake Iowa is the home of the Surf Ballroom… it was the last place that Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and J.P. The Big Bopper performed before “The Day Music Died” sadly they were tragically killed in a plane crash February 3, 1959 shortly after takeoff.
That night we stayed at a Harvest Host location, we found a nearby park to grill at and explore before settling in for the night.
Onto our next adventure and headed to our final campground for this trip was to Hinckley Minnesota.
We love the areas around Minneapolis and so made some stops along the way…
First stop was Northfield, famous for the Bank Raid of September 7, 1876.
We also stopped in Hastings for a walk, the weather was not cooperating it was a cool rainy day not at all what we had gotten used to!
We settled into our campsite in Hinckley and woke early in order to have some time in Duluth before heading to the border and home.
We had fun in Duluth and bought a fun pattern… for a really cute little bag at the new quilt shop in Miller Hill Mall.
We arrived home early evening…
Erik had been watching for the smelt run so on the way home he had me ask Liam if he would go with him that night…that was a big yes and a very late night but fun for them.
We were both tired and it took a few days before we felt settled in again. The first few nights we woke up wondering where we were 😊.
After a month of travel and exploring we arrived at my Daughter, Son in law, and Grandsons home in Texas and had a week of visiting with them and exploring the area.
One of the first things on the agenda was that my Grandsons dirt bike wasn’t working so he and Pappa got to work right away…
Sarah and I went on a fun shopping trip in Houston to both Trader Joes and Whole Earth Provisions Co. I would love to have a Trader Joes maybe one day Duluth will have one.
Anyhow Whole Earth Provisions was also a great shop and we had a lot of fun finding birthday gifts for 2 of our granddaughters/Sarahs nieces.
Our grand cat Tommy really enjoyed his toy from our trip!
After a fun weekend, we were on our own for a day which we spent taking care of things…an oil change for the Motorhome and I caught up on our laundry.
We also enjoyed a walk to a nearby park.
We didn’t run into any alligators/ there were also signs warning of venomous snakes which I was also thankful not to encounter. I loved the trees!
The next day we used Sarah’s car to explore Galveston and enjoyed a nice long walk along the beach…and a little drive on the beach as well.
Erik had been wanting to visit NASA for a long time…
One of the things on my list to do that I think really surprised my Son in Law Jeremy was that I wanted to visit their gun range and I was hoping that he would teach me a bit about this I want to call a passion of his.
I have found the issue of guns unsettling and when Sarah first told me about the shooting range that they were opening I really didn’t know how I felt about it.
Jeremy is an excellent and patient teacher. He showed us his collection, teaching about safety first and then about shooting. We started with handguns and then shotguns/rifles and I tried them all out. I really enjoyed my time there and came away with more of an understanding.
On a side note one of the campgrounds that we stayed at on the way home had a note in its policy that although it was an open carry state they requested that their guests did not, although if they found it necessary to use their weapons judiciously. The owners 12 year old granddaughter was beside her when I was checking in and I said oh I am Canadian so we don’t have a gun. The granddaughter was shocked to learn that we have such different laws in Canada.
Back to our visit, we had so much fun playing games and visiting…
and taking pictures…
The hardest part of the whole trip was leaving Sarah’s. It was such a great visit but it is hard having them so far away.
Hopefully we will find our way back there sooner than later!
We left a day earlier than planned due to weather and tornado risks. Thankfully Eriks plans to skirt around the storms heading north worked out really well and we still had some fun adventures a head of us…
On the quilting front… I have been busy quilting for others and will start sharing more about that soon!
After 4 nights in Key West it was time to move along on route we stopped at the Key Lime Pie Factory to pick up a pie…oh my was it good! Also the most expensive pie that I have ever bought.
We spent a couple of nights back at Larry and Penny’s Memorial Campground, relaxing and spent time biking around the park.
I spent some time hand stitching the binding on the quilt that I made for the Motorhome.
From Miami we drove through the Everglades again and then to Madeira Beach.
I love walking along the shore and the day at the beach I had a little over 30,000 steps!
These boys were pretty excited to show their catch! A small hammerhead shark.
Our next stay was Port Saint Joe, a nice quiet campground with a pool to relax in and a easy walk to the beach we were able to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Leaving Florida we were headed to New Orleans on the way we stopped at the welcome centres of each state.
This hangs in the Louisiana Welcome Centre that we visited.
We spent a day exploring the French Quarter of New Orleans
Of course we had to stop for hot Beignets and cafe
This picture doesn’t quit capture the icing sugar that is mounded on top!
I really enjoyed watching the various performers singing and performing various comedy acts as well it’s an interesting place and had we had another day we would have taken one of the tours. Personally that is what I would recommend.
From New Orleans we were on our way to Texas! We chose to continue along the coast and to take the Galveston Ferry on our way to Angleton!
My next post will be about our stay in Texas!
We spent a week with My Daughter Sarah and her family…
Driving through the Everglades was so interesting and our stop at the Oasis Visitor Centre gave us the opportunity to learn about and see many alligators.
They are fascinating creatures that were interesting to watch…that said I am glad they aren’t found in our pond!
Our next stay was at Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Campground in South Miami. While there we spend a day at the zoo.
And after a couple of nights there we were off on our next adventure headed to Key West! We stayed at the southern most KOA in Sugarloaf. Such a pretty campground!
Of course we spent a couple of days in Key West.
We toured The Hemingway Home and Museum. Check out the famous six toed kitties!
We ate Shrimp Tacos at Sloppy Joes…where Hemingway was known to hang out…
And after lunch we walked to the Seam Shoppe which was so well worth the walk!
As soon as we opened the door we were welcomed and told to help our selves to the fridge where there was also a very comfy seating area. I enjoyed chatting with the owner Cindy Meyer and really loved her shop! It was fun adding a few more fabrics to my bag!
After 5 days in Key West we spent a couple more days relaxing at the same campground in South Miami enjoying their bike trails before heading back through the Everglades up to Madeira Beach.
My Longarm and I have been busy and I will start sharing pictures again soon. Here is a peek!
Spring in Thunder Bay has arrived and I always enjoy watching the greens evolve in our yard. We arrived home just in time.
We/ mostly Erik have been busy in the yard and I have been busy in my studio.
Jen brought me her first quilt, we chose the pantograph Forest Floor adding to its outdoorsy cabin look. (It is a gift meant to be used in her friend’s camp…( in Thunder Bay cottages and cabins are referred to as Camps)
Jen’s quilt was trimmed and ready for binding at pick up!
Now a little more about our recent adventure
St Augustine is known for being the oldest City in the US. We both drank from the fountain of youth!
We chose to stay in KOA campgrounds for the most part as it made planning the trip a little easier and also because for the most part you know what to expect.
Our next stop was in Bradenton Florida for a night. This KOA was on a farm and was so interesting to walk and cycle around.
Many of the campgrounds had cabins and covered wagons to rent for those without an RV.
The next morning we were headed to Bonita Springs where we had booked a one week stay at Bonita Terra. We have friends who spend the winter there and it was so nice to visit with them and to check out a 55plus resort.
We had the use of a golf cart!! I loved driving that around though I especially loved being able to walk my 10,000 steps in the morning on the shady sides of the canal roads.
The pool area and club house we are lot of fun!
We spent time exploring Fort Myers and Marco Island as well as Bonita Springs.
This Banyan Tree was amazing! I can picture children having a lot of fun playing around and climbing a tree like this.
I was sad to leave this area of Florida but also excited to experience and see our upcoming destinations.
On our way to our next Campground (Larry and Penny Thompson Memorial Park and Campground in south Miami) we drove through the Florida Everglades.
I have been hinting at the trip that we set out on March 20th of this year. (When we arrived home May 3rd we had put almost 10,000 km on the Motorhome!)
After a lot of planning and preparation and trying to finish as many customer quilts as I could, we had the Motorhome loaded and ready to go!
Just after crossing the border, the view of Lake Superior is breathtaking especially on a sunny day!
Our first night was spent in a hotel in Wisconsin Dells after a long day of driving…and a stop or two in Duluth. (it was still too cold to sleep in the motorhome)
We booked a three night stay at the first campground in Paducah Kentucky.
It was warm enough to change into warmer weather clothes and if you are a quilter you probably know where I was planning to go while in Paducah.
If you guessed Hancocks of Paducah you were right! Wow what an amazing amount of beautiful quilting fabric!!
I behaved for the most part 😊 I did indulge in some fun of course
We also visited The National Quilt Museum which really deserves its own post!
After Paducah the Weather was perfect and the Motorhome had been fully set up for use. Unfortunately for those at home they were dealing with a snow storm.
The drive from Montgomery to Perry Florida was so interesting and fun. We did go for a walk around the Farmers Market in Nashville.
We slept so well in the Motorhome maybe because we were exhausted. The quilt that I made for the MH bed still needed the binding stitched down and it is almost finished! I had thought there would be time to stitch however as the navigator Erik preferred that I kept my eye on the road for the most part.
This quilt will soon have its own post. It is perfect for the Motorhome and will be all finished before the next trip!
We left Perry Florida headed to St Augustine, this sign was near our campsite.
Our morning view is in Hinckley MN today. We arrived settled in, had supper and went to bed early with a full day planned ending with being home!
It’s been a little over six weeks that we have been on our adventure… it is so nice waking up to sunshine this morning after a full day of driving in the rain. I am not complaining as we had almost perfect weather on this trip.
I brought my travel machine and some little projects just in case however our days were full and the only sewing I did was to stitch the binding on our camper quilt…even that isn’t finished but it’s close and I will share more about this quilt soon.
This is the third scrappy quilt of Marilyn’s that I quilted before our big adventure!
It’s so much fun to see how she utilizes her stash and makes wonderful scrappy quilts…also so inspiring!
I used the pantograph Tickle Two to bring the three layers of her quilt together.
I especially love the way the design shows on the backing that reads as a solid along with the beautiful stitches.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this post we have been on a bit of an adventure!
We left home in our Motorhome on March 20th and have put on 9140 kilometres so far…we are in Clear Lake Iowa this morning, after visiting the Surf Ballroom yesterday.
Today we head to Hinckley MN and then home on Friday. It’s been an amazing trip, which I will start blogging about once we are settled in again.
I will also be back to full time Longarm Quilting for all of my wonderful, encouraging and patient customers!
One of the most interesting things of course with RV Travel are all of the great places to stay! We joined Boondockers Welcome before we picked up the Motorhome in Quebec and then upgraded to Harvest Hosts before our September adventure.
I have already mentioned our first Harvest Host stay…The Snowmobile Museum. Well our second HH stay was at an Apple Orchard… not far from Frankenmuth.
Wendy’s Quilting and Life 