The McClure's

The McClure's monthly update is a bit behind, but we have been a bit busy. To continue from the last posting, I'll begin on Tuesday February 5th. We met our Heartland friends at the Bakery for breakfast. That is always great fun! Wednesday it rained -- and rained, so we just stayed inside for the day. Thursday morning we did a Walmart and grocery store run. The rest of the day was spent working on finalizing our "lists" for a big move we're making to Texas.

Sunday the 10th was a beautiful WARM day (80 degrees), so we decided to ride over to Port Aransas to fly our kite. Have you ever been to the beach and not have enough wind to fly a kite? Well -- it can happen out here. So we just walked along the beach. Found some new creatures that had washed up on the shore and died. That evening there was a report on the local news because of the thousands that had washed up. Turns out they were Portuguese man of wars. They were warning folks not to touch them because they could still sting (picture to follow). The ride back on the ferry was great --- lots and lots of dolphin!

After breakfast on Monday (11th) we worked on our moving to Texas lists again. We just kept thinking of things that had to be done when leaving/moving out of Chattanooga. Finally set up the different lists in my computer, because the written ones were getting very messy!!! For the next couple days we just spent running around and doing some maintenance/cleaning of the rig. On Thursday the 14th all the Heartland folks went to the island (Port Aransas) to have a Valentine's luncheon at Port Royal. After lunch we headed to Corpus Christi "just because". It was a beautiful warm day so we didn't want to waste it. Went to the Academy, Wind & Wave and Bed, Bath & Beyond just to look around. Lee broke a record as he didn't purchase one thing.

Saturday was Rockport Market Day. That's held the 3rd Saturday of each month. We don't miss that event. There are many many vendors with some really neat stuff. That's where we got that new Texas name sign (picture included in last months. Sunday started out as a day of rest with a long walk in the afternoon. The 19th we went back to the island for breakfast with the Heartland friends at Moby Dicks to discuss the Heartland Meet & Greet event we were having the following day. That turned out to be a great success (30 couples attended). Lots and lots of food and the Winter Texan Band entertained us.

We have now come up on our last weekend in Rockport (23rd & 24th). After a grocery store run on Saturday, we just kicked back and relaxed both days and watched the races. Monday the 25th was pedicure day. Came back and took down all the yard art, rearranged the "basement" of the rig, and cleaned the grill. Interesting weather ---- warm, with red flag warning. Weather forecast estimated winds to be 55 mph....ended up being 65 mph. You definitely DON'T fly a kite with those kind of winds!!! Last year these winds (which occur frequently) concerned me, but after two years experience - it's just another day (LOL).

Tuesday the 26th we both went for a hair appointment, washed the truck and went to the island for lunch. On the way back we started having truck problems. Truck problems 3 days before leaving Rockport is NOT good timing. Ended up being the alternator and had it back the following day. Wednesday afternoon we loaded the kayak on the truck and did all the last minute things that could be done. Our 5 month winter stay in Rockport was coming to an end. Those 5 months flew by!!!!

Friday morning we hooked up the rig to the truck and pulled out at 8:45 heading to our new "home" in Canyon Lake, Texas. Arrived at Bucees on I-10 @ 11:10 to gas up, get breakfast and coffee. Arrived at the RV port @ 12:42. WOW - 3 hours travel time compared to 3 days (to get to Tennessee) PRICELESS!!!

Saturday my sister came down and we went to Guene and met another couple for dinner at the Gristmill. If you're ever in this area that's a must see place!!! On Sunday we need a last minute check of all lists, packed and headed up to my sister's in Austin. We did absolutely nothing on Sunday -- just relaxed and enjoyed the 86 degree weather. Tuesday the 5th we were up at 3:45 am (OUCH - that's EARLY). An airport shuttle was picking us up for a 7:00 flight out of the Austin airport.

We arrived in Chattanooga at noon. A dear friend picked us up and took us directly to the Penske rental truck place. We were not only bringing all out belongings back to Texas, we were bringing items of mom's back to Austin for Debi. Straight to my step-dad's place, loaded Debi's items (in sheets of rain). Headed to the high school to pick up the grandson, back to pick up step-dad, and met son for a GREAT dinner at Ichiban's. Stayed with step-dad that night. I believe we were both asleep by 8:00.....tired tired tired.

On Wednesday morning we left Chattanooga @ 7:15 heading to Spring City to load our belongings in the rental truck. It was 32 degrees and SNOWING!!!! Two friends of ours (Roger & Craig) met us there to help. Don't know what we would have done without them. They also came bearing gifts for us --- brownies, white chocolate covered pretzels and homemade bread!!!! All loaded and headed out at 12:55. Reached the Alabama line at 3:00 pm. Miles and miles of orange barrels -- because they were paving the emergency lane. They should concentrate on the road - not the emergency lanes!! I-59 is right up there with I-30 for be EXTREMELY 'RUFF. We had to take Aleve - not from moving but because of sore spots from the horrible interstate conditions. And you don't dare try drinking anything because you would be wearing it!! We stopped for the night about 40 miles West of Tuscaloosa. Up at 6:00 Thursday morning. It was 31 degrees with a chill factor of 24. Now I know why we go to Rockport for the winter!!!!

A bit of excitement occurred in Jackson, Mississippi. A guy passed us going about 75 mph. A turkey comes flying across the freeway. He should have aborted his landing, but instead he crashed into the guy's windshield. Lee slowed down so the guy could get across to the emergency lane. The windshield was caved in, but the guy was lucky that it stayed in tact. At that speed he could have been hurt bad (or worse).

If you're planning a trip on I-20 thru Shreveport -- AVOID it if possible. I cannot say anything nice (except worse than I-59) about that journey through town. To add to the Shreveport road drama, 8 miles before the Texas line we came to a STOP - MORE orange barrels due to constructions. It took us 45 minutes to go 4 miles. Once we reached the "construction" area - it was 6 guys sitting on the side of a bridge DOING NOTHING. Can you tell we were getting tired and antsy. If you haven't had the experience of a rental truck let me warn you --- they are NOT air ride comfortable! You feel every single "dent" in the road. After a long BUMPY ride all day we stopped in Palestine, Texas for the night at 5:30.

We finally reach Friday - the last leg of our journey. Left at 7:00 am with MUCH warmer weather (55 degrees). Arrived at the RV park @ 12:21 (YEAH). We had no more energy so we parked the truck, had lunch and took a much needed LONG nap. Saturday morning Debi and 3 other friends met us at storage to unload our belongings into our storage shed. Afterwards we headed to Debi's to unload her things. All done and had the truck turned in by 1:40 Saturday afternoon. I won't say never....but I'm HOPING we never have to do this again. If so - I'm calling Texas Storage Wars (on t.v.) and have them come bid on the stuff ---- minus the Kayak and fishing stuff. All total -- from start to finish we did 1,175 miles. OUCH!!