Our Three-Week RV Adventure: From Georgia Lakes to New England Memories
Every year, when summer begins to wind down, we pack up the RV and hit the road for our annual trip. This year’s journey—three weeks long—took us from the quiet lakes of Georgia all the way up to the cool air of New England, with family, friends, and a few surprises along the way.
Off We Go: First Stop, Lake Lenore, GA
We rolled out on Friday, August 31st, bound for Lake Lenore, Georgia, where we planned to reconnect with friends. The lake gave us exactly what we needed—slow mornings, calm water, and time with David and Barbra, a couple we met during our ill‑fated Helena, GA trip back in 2023. We also spent time with Lorianne, who’s practically a sister to Jodi.
On the morning, we were set to leave, we discovered a Muscadine vine right next to our site, heavy with ripe grapes. If only we’d noticed it sooner—I managed to grab just a handful before we pulled out.
Next Stop: Spruce Pine, NC
From Georgia, we climbed the eastern side of the Smokies into Spruce Pine, North Carolina, to spend a few days with Jodi’s parents. The weather surprised us—chilly enough that we had to make an emergency run for long‑sleeved shirts.
Jodi’s dad, a professional chef, made sure dinner was always something to look forward to. On our last night, he made chili dogs using some of the Cowboy Candy I’d brought. He only used a few peppers, but the heat still came through. The girls powered through it, while her dad and I devoured ours like it was nothing.
Jodi also collected a few of her grandmother’s belongings—something that meant the world to her. We said our goodbyes in the cold rain, ready for the next leg of the trip.
It’s Fun to Stay at the YMCA (Campground)
One of the stops we were most excited about was a YMCA campground, Camp Sherwin, on Lake Erie in Pennsylvania. The drive through Virginia and West Virginia was beautiful—rolling hills, farmland, and eventually miles of vineyards as we approached Erie.
The entrance to the YMCA was lined with grapevines bursting with fruit. As we unloaded the bike, someone invited us to a fundraising cookout later that afternoon. We initially planned to skip it, but after being invited again as we walked by, we gave in. Good call—the food was great, and we had a wonderful conversation with the young woman hosting the event.
The next morning, we headed to Niagara Falls. I hadn’t seen the falls since I was a teenager, and they were every bit as breathtaking as I remembered. After exploring Goat Island, we grabbed lunch at the Hard Rock Café and headed back to the RV.
The following day was for antique shops and sightseeing. That evening, we walked down to the lake to watch the sunset—one of those moments that feels bigger than itself, especially with Jodi by my side.
Verona, NY: Cousins and Ice Cream
Our next stop was a one‑night stay at The Villages at Turning Stone in Verona, NY. The real purpose: giving Jodi a chance to see cousins she hadn’t seen in years. These girls were a riot, and watching the three of them together was pure joy. We met at Nicky Doodles for hot dogs and ice cream, and I loved seeing how much Jodi lit up around them.
Canton, MA: Family and a Fantastic Campground
From Verona, we headed to Canton, Massachusetts, to visit my Aunt Shirley. We stayed at Normandy Farms Family Camping Resort—and wow. This place had everything: beautiful RV sites, bocce ball, pools, horseshoes, fishing ponds, a great camp store, an RC track, frisbee golf, horseback riding… the works. We’d go back in a heartbeat.
Before visiting Aunt Shirley, Jodi and I grabbed lunch at the Gillette Stadium complex and browsed some antique shops. At 92, Aunt Shirley hasn’t slowed down one bit—she still plays bridge, goes to shows, and keeps up with everything around her. We had dinner with her at her facility, then spent hours talking in her condo. She and Jodi hit it off instantly.
Richmond, VA: Siblings, Stories, and Rainy Days
Our stop in Richmond was all about family—my youngest brother Brian, my sister Laura, and my stepmother. Brian had recently married Emily, so it was a chance to share stories and memories of our dad. Laura’s son Riley joined us, though her husband John had to work that night.
Dinner at my stepmother’s house was worth the late ride back to the RV in the dark—something I normally avoid.
The next day was rainy and dreary, keeping us inside. Jodi caught up on emails while I watched TV and played games. That evening, my stepmom picked us up for dinner with Laura’s family—John included this time. It was a great night, and we hope to see them more often.
Yemassee & Beaufort, SC: Old Friends and Final Miles
The next morning, we made the short drive to the KOA in Yemassee, SC, so we could visit Bob and Julie in Beaufort. Bob and I served together in the Marines, and he and Julie have been like family through some of the hardest—and best—times of my life. After getting into the campsite Jodi and I took a walk around the lake to stretch our legs. Of course, as we started along the trail, we discovered someone else was already on it - a Copperhead. We kept our distance of course.
Beaufort has some fascinating history dating back to before the U.S. was a country. While I enjoyed my time stationed there at MCAS Beaufort, I didn't fully appreciate the history around me. The follies of youth as they say. While we were on our way to see Bob and Julie we stopped at some old ruins on St. Helena Island. In this case The Chapel of Ease. It was built in 1812 as St. Helena's Church of St. Helena's Island. It served the local community until it burned down in a forest fire in 1886 and still remains in the care of St. Helena's Anglican Church in Beaufort.
Home Again
Three weeks, countless miles, family, friends, lakes, mountains, vineyards, and memories. Every stop had its own story, and every moment with Jodi made the trip feel even richer.
Until the next adventure.
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