#Travel2022 Spring Break at Jellystonr

Spring Break typically begins our travel season, although we still have 9 or so weeks of work to go before summer time.  As an educator family, this is what we save for and plan for all year.

Typically we head for Gatlinburg for SB, bilit this year we kept it closer to home.   Jellystone Whispering Pines in Tyler, Texas is nearby but also a genuine get-away from the hustle and bustle of home.  

We arrived on Sunday and set up camp.  We stayed in #60.  Brandon had #53 and Dad had #55.  It was a good combination of sites. 

 

Upon arrival and while setting up Brandon came over and asked for help; he had water coming out of the side of the camper.  As it was Sunday he could not reach Gibbs so they dry camped.  On Monday Gibbs predicted busted pump from the winter freeze.  He and I dove in ourselves and found it to be a broken PVC check valve.  $3 at Lowe's fixed it.

Each evening was visiting and hanging out by the fire.  We did dodge the bullet when a Monday night storm rolled through. Rain but not much else.

Walking, visiting and Blackstone cooking was the order of the day.   Sunday to Wednesday wasn't long enough, however.  We will need to come back soon!

Texas March Sunrise

With Spring Break 2022 just around the corner, we are ramping up for our summer travels.  There are a lot of unknowns, such as the rising gas prices and society issues, but hopefully it will be a summer to remember.  Alternate plans being formulated, too.

Regardless, as the last major cold snap of the season wraps Texas, it provided for a beautiful morning sunrise.

 

"This the Current Situation Be!"

Today was nice but with a cutting south wind.  Regardless, outside work must be done.  With a possible ice event later in the week, more firewood was split and stacked and some cattle work done.  Also, since around Valentine's Day is when you trim the roses, I did that also to most of the bushes.  

Supper of Mahi from this summer's trip to the Keys, and a baord game.

We have several that we love: Various Ticket to Ride editions; Pandemic; Scotland Yard.

But our new favorite is Plunder: A Pirate's Life.

The purpose: sail around collecting treasure, claiming islands, and speak like a pirate.  Upgrade your ships and battle yer for, matey!  It isn't overly complicated and can play in about an hour for 3 players.  With 6 it takes a wee bit longer.

Lose a battle, lose a life.  Cannons improve the dice rolls in combat.  Masts give more distance per move.  And watch out fer the storm, or ye be stranded fer a spell.

It is a well thought out game.  Perhaps a bit too large for a rainy day in the camper, but at home, the dining room table holds it well.  

So far I haven't won at all yet.  But one day I'll be crowned the Pirate Lord!  Arr!

Blizzard of 2022?

We have entered a pattern of weather here where at least once a year - typically February - we have an ice event.  This year was no exception.  No camping plans had been made and our plans had been to stay home anyway.

The system rolled through Wednesday night, and the schools and college made the call early: cancelled classes.

  

About 2.5 inches of rain fell then was filled by sleet all the next day.  Not as dramatic as last winter but still enough to shut things down.  Even the local grocery stores and Walmart announced closure for Friday, which saw a refreezing over Thrusday night.  Temps in the high teens and low 20's throughout the spell. 

I am glad for our energy efficient log home and wood stove.  It makes a "snow" day a comfortable experience inside.

2021 in Review

 This year has been an adventurous one!  Let's look back at 2021.

This year started with a rare Texas snowstorm, but it was a precursor to the big one.  February was cold!

                                                    

March was our annual Spring Break trip, and we returned to Gatlingburg.  There was a bit of a problem this year, though.  Mom and Dad, not 24 hours after arriving, wrecked their Honda Pilot.  The struggle was finding a way to get them home since our car is small.  We worked it out though.  And we even had time to hike one of the longest trails we have done - Newfound Gap to Charlie's Bunion.

Wrapping up the school year and starting summer, we visited two state parks with the RV:

Fairfield Lake SP

Purtis Creek SP

And then, our epic summer trip to Florida and the Florida Keys!

Biloxi and Beauvoir

South Port, Florida and Southern Grace Lavender Farm, and our 15th Anniversary!

Tampa and Madiera Beach KOA

The Everglades and Big Cypress National Preserve

Jolly Roger RV Resort and Marathon, Florida

Fishing for Mahi in Islamorada

Dry Tortugas NP and Key West!

We wrapped it up in Pensacola Beach and Lincoln Parish Park in Ruston, LA.  Over 2 weeks, and 3500 miles!

School and work started up again, so the travel days became fewer and farther between.  

Jellystone Park, Tyler, Texas

Salado Highland Games, and Union Grove Park on Stillhouse Hollow Lake

It was a great year!  I hope 2022 will bring great things!