First Solo Trip, Part 1
Posted: Wed May 09, 2012 10:23 pmFor those of you who have followed my brief relationship with Magic, you know she is my first RV and I have no experience with driving anything larger than minivan or camping of any kind. Nan (gentleladybear) went with me to pick her up at the dealer and camped with me a few days from the dealer in south Fl up to Ocala. Then Carol (carolinagal) was kind enough to drive with me on to north Al. Magic sat idle for a couple of months waiting for the TN gtg. Wendy (Readytogo) was kind enough to come by and I followed her up to TN.
Then I thought I was ready for my first solo trip before returning home. Wendy, Nancy and I enjoyed a beautiful Monday morning with our coffee before packing up and heading our separate ways. I did not get too up tight until I realized I almost forgot to unplug the electric. Okay, a little ding in my confidence and shaky hands again. My biggest concern for this trip was not the driving but finding a way to totally avoid Nashville in trying to get from east TN to west TN – not a very easy feat - without adding many hours to trip.
Soon I introduced Magic to her first Interstate as we headed west on I-40. A few big trucks whiz by and it is a bit windy but so far so good. Determined to keep up with traffic, we were soon running near 70 mph. The wind decided to really pick up and on the second of several 5% inclines descending the Cumberland Plateau it became vicious and jerked the wheel out of my death grip. Immediately start looking for exit to stop and calm my heart before it broke a rib pounding so hard.
Found a Love’s Truck Stop, ran to bathroom and threw up. Not a good sign but splashed a little cold water on face, regained composure and bought a TN map before leaving. Convinced myself to keep going so plotted route to avoid Nashville (again) and got back on the road. After clearing the last of those curvy 5% inclines, the wind calmed down. Pretty smooth driving for an hour or so and confidence rising a little.
Just about the time I reached the point to start watching for the first of my back roads detour around Nashville, the sun was replaced by an angry black sky. A few sprinkles quickly became a hard downpour. Oops, where are the windshield wipers? Thankfully my exit was near and off the Interstate we went. Rain only lasted about 15 minutes and we were back to smooth sailing at a comfortable speed.
There was only one town of any size along my self-imposed detour and we had arrived there. Must have missed a turn somewhere as I am now lost in narrow little streets around the downtown square. Calmly circled around a bit before rediscovering my correct road. Escape from town and drive another hour plus before reaching I-40 again.
Celebration time, I’m on the west side of Nashville now! Wanting to make up for some of the lost time, I’m back above my comfort level speed again. Wind picked up again but not too bad compared to earlier. Soon I’m within 27 miles of being able to get off the Interstate for good.
Oh no, why are those blue lights flashing beside me? I know I am not over the speed limit. Pull over; take deep breath while Highway Patrolman takes forever to walk up to side of RV. “Need your driver’s license, please”. I’m fumbling to reach purse and asking why did you stop me. “We’ll discuss that in a minute” he says. Takes another forever to study the few words on the license, then wants to see title and proof of insurance – while still ignoring my question.
“I see this is a new vehicle. Are you traveling alone?” I explain this is my first solo trip and first time to have new RV on Interstate, etc. “Well, I stopped you because you have hugged or crossed white line on right several times since I’ve been watching.” Not sure I knew that might be illegal but no argument from me. Then he laughed, said he wasn’t going to give me a ticket but suggested that going slower with high profile vehicle might be easier given the wind conditions. I was quite but he seemed to chatter for long time before letting me leave. I do agree with his suggestion, however.
Finally, here is my exit. No more Interstate today. One more hours drive and one more brief bout with heavy rain and I’m at Mitch’s. Exhausted, relieved, glad I did it and happy to see friends – Liz and Mitch.
I do want to thank all of you ladies for all the help and encouragement you have provided to get me this far; I just might make it yet!
Will leave tomorrow for second leg of journey home.
Then I thought I was ready for my first solo trip before returning home. Wendy, Nancy and I enjoyed a beautiful Monday morning with our coffee before packing up and heading our separate ways. I did not get too up tight until I realized I almost forgot to unplug the electric. Okay, a little ding in my confidence and shaky hands again. My biggest concern for this trip was not the driving but finding a way to totally avoid Nashville in trying to get from east TN to west TN – not a very easy feat - without adding many hours to trip.
Soon I introduced Magic to her first Interstate as we headed west on I-40. A few big trucks whiz by and it is a bit windy but so far so good. Determined to keep up with traffic, we were soon running near 70 mph. The wind decided to really pick up and on the second of several 5% inclines descending the Cumberland Plateau it became vicious and jerked the wheel out of my death grip. Immediately start looking for exit to stop and calm my heart before it broke a rib pounding so hard.
Found a Love’s Truck Stop, ran to bathroom and threw up. Not a good sign but splashed a little cold water on face, regained composure and bought a TN map before leaving. Convinced myself to keep going so plotted route to avoid Nashville (again) and got back on the road. After clearing the last of those curvy 5% inclines, the wind calmed down. Pretty smooth driving for an hour or so and confidence rising a little.
Just about the time I reached the point to start watching for the first of my back roads detour around Nashville, the sun was replaced by an angry black sky. A few sprinkles quickly became a hard downpour. Oops, where are the windshield wipers? Thankfully my exit was near and off the Interstate we went. Rain only lasted about 15 minutes and we were back to smooth sailing at a comfortable speed.
There was only one town of any size along my self-imposed detour and we had arrived there. Must have missed a turn somewhere as I am now lost in narrow little streets around the downtown square. Calmly circled around a bit before rediscovering my correct road. Escape from town and drive another hour plus before reaching I-40 again.
Celebration time, I’m on the west side of Nashville now! Wanting to make up for some of the lost time, I’m back above my comfort level speed again. Wind picked up again but not too bad compared to earlier. Soon I’m within 27 miles of being able to get off the Interstate for good.
Oh no, why are those blue lights flashing beside me? I know I am not over the speed limit. Pull over; take deep breath while Highway Patrolman takes forever to walk up to side of RV. “Need your driver’s license, please”. I’m fumbling to reach purse and asking why did you stop me. “We’ll discuss that in a minute” he says. Takes another forever to study the few words on the license, then wants to see title and proof of insurance – while still ignoring my question.
“I see this is a new vehicle. Are you traveling alone?” I explain this is my first solo trip and first time to have new RV on Interstate, etc. “Well, I stopped you because you have hugged or crossed white line on right several times since I’ve been watching.” Not sure I knew that might be illegal but no argument from me. Then he laughed, said he wasn’t going to give me a ticket but suggested that going slower with high profile vehicle might be easier given the wind conditions. I was quite but he seemed to chatter for long time before letting me leave. I do agree with his suggestion, however.
Finally, here is my exit. No more Interstate today. One more hours drive and one more brief bout with heavy rain and I’m at Mitch’s. Exhausted, relieved, glad I did it and happy to see friends – Liz and Mitch.
I do want to thank all of you ladies for all the help and encouragement you have provided to get me this far; I just might make it yet!
Will leave tomorrow for second leg of journey home.
But do agree that in high winds swaying happens and going slower helps. If your house had been closed up and you had your four legged companion with you, who knows, you might have decided to trek along to Alaska 
carold
