As We Head South

Thank you for joining me again this week. I know last week was pretty stressful reading. Trust me, it was very stressful writing. Good news, we are good, nothing broke, we are still married and we survived. Let me continue the story.

New Jersey

As I mentioned last week, I met Dana and Joycee on Zoom in 2020, during the time we were all staying at home and Zooming.  I was a Coach for Weight Watchers, doing 11 workshops a week on Zoom.  Because it’s Zoom, I had people joining my workshops from all over the world.  London, Spain, Germany, etc.  Dana lived in New York at the time and her mom, Joycee, lived in New Jersey.  Now Dana has moved to New Jersey, very near Joycee.  

They would join as many workshops as they could during the week and we became friends outside of Weight Watchers.  As in, they would stay on after the meetings and we would talk and get to know each other as well as talk on the phone other times.  When I told them our plans to become full-time RVers, I told them we would come see them when we got to the East Coast.  I don’t think they believed me!  

15 months later, we showed up in New Jersey after our harrowing experience.  When we arrived on that infamous day, I wasn’t sure Jerry and I were up for company or had the ability to be decent company for a tour of the RV or dinner.  But I told Jerry, WE NEED TO GET SOME JOY IN OUR LIVES IMMEDIATELY!  

We are so glad we had everyone stop by first to see the RV which was so fun!  To be able to hug people, in person, after 2 years is amazing!  We love showing off our home and watching people’s faces when they enter!  Always fun.  We had the most amazing Italian food at this great little local restaurant.  But more importantly, we had a GREAT time.  It was the best thing we could have done for ourselves.  

We had the best time with everyone.  We loved spending time with their families.  Meeting Joycee’s husband, Dr. J, and Dana’s husband, John, and their two daughters, Gemma and Giana. Joycce and Dr. J had us at their beautiful home in Tom’s River.  Right on the water!  So lovely!   It was so incredible to spend time getting to know them away from Zoom.  We even participated in a fundraiser for their church.  We had so much fun meeting all their friends that had heard all about us.  Who knew we were so famous.  LOL

We ate the best pizza we have ever had!  I know that is such a huge statement.  Yes, we have had New York pizza and LOVED it.  But, this pizza was beyond.  The restaurant is called Shady Rest (yes, I know, sounds like like a funeral parlor).  

Honestly, we could not believe how incredible this pizza is.  It’s called Trenton, NJ Tomato Pie.  No judging!  It is thin crust, crunchy like pastry, cheesy wonderfulness!!  As Jerry says, it was unbelievable!  

Moving On

We were very nervous about getting out of NJ.  We have a new GPS app called Co-Pilot that so far has been wonderful. Thanks to our new friends Jim and Liza.  Jim is a truck driver and a RVer and uses only Co-Pilot.  Great recommendation as far as we were concerned.    The first day we were freaking out a bit, but once we were out of the city, we felt so much more comfortable and arrived in Fredericksburg, VA with absolutely no issues!  What a relief.  Seriously, we both were so stressed out getting back in the truck and towing.  But, we both looked at each other and said, “this is nuts, we’ve been doing this for over 15 months, WE’VE GOT THIS, and we have each other.  We can do anything!”  And, we did!  

So far, the GPS is working.  It got us to Wilmington, NC and to Myrtle Beach, SC with no issues.  Of course, no GPS is infallible, but so far we are beyond happy.  Fingers crossed.

In Wilmington, we were there for 2 days.  We visited with my best friend, CJ’s niece, Cheryl and her husband Terry.  The beauty of this lifestyle!!!  We had the best time together over two incredible dinners at a couple of their favorite restaurants, PinPoint in historic Wilmington, and Roko’s Italian Restaurant. Highly recommend them if you are in Wilmington.

After dinner at PinPoint we walked a bit on the riverwalk.  It was a gorgeous evening.  Cheryl works for the Basilica of Saint Mary’s Church. She took us on a private tour of the church after dinner.  It was unbelievably beautiful.  I learned so much!

The next day, Jerry and I walked the Riverwalk.  The Battleship North Carolina is docked there.  Unfortunately we did not have time to take a tour.  Next time.  We had a great walk and truly enjoyed Wilmington.

Back on the Road  

We left Wilmington and headed to Myrtle Beach, SC.  It was only a 2 hour drive, thank goodness. Co-Pilot got us here with no problems.  Ok, so far so good!!    We arrived on Thursday and will be here until next Thursday.  Our RV Park is right on the beach. It is the largest RV Park we have been in so far.  We walk 100 yards right to the water!!   We are so happy to be here for a while as we need to decompress and relax as we continue our travels south!  

Oh, so excited to say, we went to Costco today.  No, we do not shop like we use to when living in a home, but we do love their produce and roasted chickens.  We haven’t been to Costco since June!!   West Virginia and Maine do not have Costco.  As I have mentioned before we have joined pretty much every grocery and big box store membership.  Sam’s Club, BJ’s Warehouse Store, Kroger’s, Shaws, Hannaford and I’m sure I’m missing some.  We like Sam’s Club just fine, but I have to say, I do love Costco.  

We are going to hang out at the beach, do a bit of sightseeing and just enjoy being in Myrtle Beach before we head to Beaufort, SC where more exciting adventures are in store with my friend Donna!!

Just One More….trip to Costco ( I’M SOOOO HAPPY)