Chapter 10 Going Home… Or Not
The debate continued for over 100 miles assisted by cell phone research.
HowmuchfarthertoClearlake?What’s the ETA? What about Willits? I’d almost like to drive all the way home, but I’m uncomfortable towing the trailer in the rain.”
As usual Vince asked Marsha several questions, so she managed to answer all of them, just not at the same time. “The ETA to Willits is 5:40. OK, let me figure Clearlake.” A few clicks using the navigation app brought up the mileage and the estimated time of arrival quickly. Marsha liked Vince’s new iPhone 5. “And the ETA to Clearlake is 7:05. I think you could make it to Clearlake, then it would be an easy drive home tomorrow.”
Marsha was not pulling the trailer up the mountain, through the trees, and around all the curves. The most she was doing was keeping the dog company, and snapping a few pictures. “You know, I’m ready to stop. I think we’ll go to Willits.”
In the past, the general rule was to drive till you get there, don’t stop to look at the historic markers, just plow on through. Vince could almost feel himself changing as he pulled the trailer every mile. He pulled over frequently to let long strings of traffic pass by. They stopped at vistas. This was a different way of travel than driving by car to go see someone.
“That’s fine. There’s a KOA there, and we should be there in an hour.” Marsha was not opposed to stopping either. They had been on the road five hours already, and would travel a little over 200 miles altogether that day. Considering the late start they had, that was not a bad goal.
The KOA at Willits was more like an amusement park than an RV park.
There was a full-fledged petting zoo, trailer spaces with spas, wifi, two ponds, one of which was for sport fishing. You had to throw the fish back once you caught them.
The large heated pool was busy as they drove into the office at 6:15.
After they registered and set up, Marsha explored taking a hike up a large hill to the path into the redwood forest on the property, but when it started to drizzle, she and Puppy Girl returned to the campsite full of news.
After a brief visit with the neighbor, and a few minutes to watch the weather on TV, Vince said, “I think I want to spend another night here. I just want to relax tomorrow.”
Marsha could see that they would have plenty to do. There was miniature golf, a little western town, each building set up with it’s own entertainment.
“Sure, that sounds like fun,” she agreed. It was settled. Vince went over and registered another night.
The next day they woke up to light rain.
After a leisurely breakfast at the Lumberjack Restaurant, they headed out for a drive. “I want to see what the road to Clearlake is like,” Vince told his wife. It rained off and on the entire way, winding through the trees to the last town in the Redwoods before the mountains turned into foothills, and quickly into the flat, Central Valley that went on for 450 miles.
“I’m glad we didn’t try to do this today,” Vince told Marsha. It’s supposed to be sunny tomorrow, and I know we can get home.” They turned around and drove back to Willits, and spent the rest of the day enjoying all that the RV park had to offer.
They might go home tomorrow. Would Vince be able to resist the call of his house for one more day? Was Puppy Girl anxious to get home? Would they EVEN leave the next day?
Why wait to find out? The adventurers had a great time at the Willits Campground, but aren’t you anxious to get home at the end of your trip? They drove the whole way the next day, got home to find a huge tree limb blown over in the driveway. Nothing was damaged, so not even a downed tree limb could dampen their spirits. They had a great Accidental Vacation. Thanks for reading. 🙂
Marsha Ingrao - Always Write 
25 responses to “The Accidental Vacation: Chapter 10”
It’s nice when unexpected events like this work out! Thanks again for the link and comment over on my blog 🙂
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Thanks for taking a look. It such a fun trip. Your trip looks a little grueling on the first part of it. I hate driving in the snow. 🙂
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You’re welcome. That grueling looking part was made not-so-grueling by our four-wheel-drive truck and lasted less than an hour. I hate driving in ice!
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It was a great story & what a nice way to turn what could have been a horrible time into a mini-vacation!
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It was. Thanks for the compliment! We had a great time.
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This is such a wonderful accidental vacation. I like this go with the flow feel & enjoying what life brings. 🙂
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Thanks, RoSy!!!
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Kalev really has that hare in her sights !! I am pleased that you got home okay. Take care MVBFM. Ralph xox 😀
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Why, thank you MFR. xox
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I hope you have many more adventures with your new home on wheels and I hope you continue to share them with us.
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Now, Carol, how could I stop? I’m a total mouth! 🙂
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And it’s a good thing you are. I love opening my emails and seeing a new story waiting for me.
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I feel the same way about your emails!! And ET posts, of course. And yes, Justin, yours, too!
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So we’re all covered. It’s a mutual love fest!
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Yes! 🙂 BTW, is Manny getting homesick, or has he acclimated so much that he’s decided to take up traveling, full time? I hope he’s not eating you out of house and home!!!
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Manny is resting so he is ready for the next big adventure to Tasmania this week. He and Justin have been making plans.
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That’s what I figured. He gets to spend time with his mentor, Ralph, his love, Ute, and his idol, Justin. What a lucky bear! 🙂
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What a life.
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I know! How cool is that? Tell him Momma loves him, and is missing him, but glad he’s having so much fun! 🙂
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I have enjoyed this journey with you guys so much!! What a fun presentation it has been. Great photos….again!
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Thanks so much, Paula. I had a great time writing it, and Vince and I will have something to remember our trip forever. Isn’t blogging fun? 🙂
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So many adventures and giggles….love it!
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Tee hee hee. 😉😄😳😍
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That campground was a very nice surprise. What a great way to add another day to your trip. You tell a good story, Marsha! 🙂
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Thanks, Maddie! That’s a high compliment from a great storyteller. I was just thinking about Susan last night, actually, wondering how her husband is doing. 🙂
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