May 30, 2005

This is me at Lake Anna, Virginia.
Day of memorials and memories - a time to reflect on where we are and where we are going.
I left Ashland, VA, Americamps, which was a practical decision based on my need to rid Bearfoot of wastewater and fill my propane tank. I had used most of my propane heating the MH (motorhome) through what seemed like a lengthy period of extraordinary cold temps. I waited until 9 a.m. to leave thereby avoiding most of the rush traffic. Normally, I avoid I95 as well as other super highways but I planned to roll on down I95 as far as Petersburg, VA, then get off on Hwy. 301 which is much less traveled. The wind was howling, a cross wind on the "beam". Reminded me of many sailing experiences years ago when we would have welcomed a beam wind. Incidently, I had a "wet dream back then - a dream where my husband at that time and I would live aboard and sail the waterways. That was not to be but now the dream is real, broader without the restrictions imposed by water. The many highways call me. Curiously, my MH is a Land Yacht and I tow a dinghy, so called by RVers and sailors alike. The wind keeps blowing me out of my lane. The MH was rocking and shifting. I slowed to a snail's pace in the right hand lane and white knuckled it to Rt. 301. All my furies came out, doubts, fears and insecurities. I wondered if I had the "right stuff" for this type of travel. By the way, I had no prior experience driving a vehicle of this size. I had towed some horse trailers many years back and more recently pulled a fifth-wheel camper trailer. But not much to prepare me for Bearfoot who weighs in at a hefty 10 tons. It is also a cab over the engine design so that the driver sits over the left front wheel. For the first 100 miles I felt like I was driving in the middle of the road but by being vigilant with the side mirrors, I learned to place the vehicle between the lines. That is until I met a tractor trailer face to face - white knuckle, hold your breath scary. My dad was a trucker. He died in '97 but I call on his spirit quite often as I am confronted with uncomfortable moments on the road. Those concrete barriors are the pits too. When I wobbled off 301, I found the wind just as formidable there. In fact, more so because the road is only 2 lanes and is narrow. I went back on I95 and drove as far as I64 in NC. I went East and by the time I got to Chocowinnity on Rt. 17, I couldn't see straight. I was in truth still recovering from eye surgery five days earlier. I pulled into Twin Lakes Campground in Chocowinnity and called my friend, Marte in Oriental, NC to tell her I'd be along the following morning. I vowed never to push myself beyond my limitations which are much greater than they were ten years ago. Self-imposed limitations are not a direct result of age but I'd like to think they come from wisdom.