First Solo Trip, Part 1

[bluepinecones]

For 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.

[VickieP]

You're doing great Sarah!

[AlmostThere]

You did good, Sarah! That took allot of decision making and nerves, and sounds like you conquered them both.

[Bethers]

You did great. Especially traveling on the interstate and trying to keep up with traffic. To heck with traffic, dear woman, keep that rv at a lower speed and the winds won't be so bad (another reason I don't like driving interstates). But if you must drive them, don't feel you have to go that speed. Think of me who is towing a car with a maximum speed limit of 65 - never will get the 70's lol .. and as time passes, you don't worry about it.

Have forgotten my electric more than once. Good thing that I have a habit of always walking around the rig. Completely after I think I'm all ready to go. Now, it still meant I managed to leave my outside step (not the attached one) once. Thank God it didn't mean I missed the plugged in electric.

You done good, very good. Be very proud of yourself.

[Rufflesgurl]

Yaaay You did good girl. Have a safe trip home. Bet you're more comfy with Magic now than you were several days ago??

Linda

[Dawn309]

Sarah you are doing great! Sounds like you are off to a really good start. Just remember everyone is nervous learning something new. I think you are doing wonderful. I agree with Beth. You do not have to keep up with traffic. You will find the speed you feel the most comfortable for you and Magic. Keep up the good work.

Dawn

PS, my turn for that first trip is still in my future. I bet I almost forget more than just the electric.

[HorizonSeeker]

Great job Sarah! I also avoid interstate highways, but when I do drive them I seldom hit 65 usually around 60. Folks just have to pass me. Keep going and the confidence with build.

[asirimarco]

Sounds like it was an interesting trip. Maybe you got all the not so fun stuff over with in one day and the rest will be smooth sailing.
Make a Start Up checklist with everything that needs to be done before you leave a campground. And use it. We've been RVing for over 40 years and we have an inside and outside checklist that we use EVERYTIME - has saved us some problems. We both have routines inside and out to pack up BUT if something interupts the routine that is when something is forgotten.

[carold]

Knew you could do it, Sarah! That cop must haved been really bored to have stopped you for hugging the lines. Maybe HE was looking for one 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

[Yakn1]

Congratulation Sarah! I think you done good! Sounds like you hit a whole lot of first concerns all at one time and you handled them great. Now that you are with Mitch and Liz you will feel more comfortable with Magic.
All I can say is GOOD FOR YOU!! (and slow down)

[Sandersmr]

A little known fact - I know you have a motor home, but most trailer tires are only rated for 65 mph. So I keep my speed under 65 most of the time. And in some places in TX they have now raised the speed limit to 75 or 80. It can get a little nerve wracking, but I still keep the speed at my comfort zone. And besides, the gas mileage is better there. Now when I'm not towing, watch out...

You will get there, it takes practice and time in the seat to get comfortable. I'm always a little apprehensive when I first start towing on a trip. And as far as having a checklist - it's a good thing. And after trying to leave my steps down and vents open, I now do a second walkaround - looking up and down - before I pull out.

[Carolinagal]

Sarah , you did really good. Sounds like you are a most determined woman when you set your mind to something. The LIST before breaking camp and driving off is a good one . I had one for years and think sometimes I should still have it.

I think you are about the bravest woman I know at thie minute , to just go ahead and do what you wanted to in spite of the fear and shaky hands ,not to mention the physical sickness you felt. Yoou go girl !!!!! One day you will be going all over the place in Magic. first solo trip and you tackle Nashville, sure got my admiration!!!!

CArol

[dayspring39]

Sarah!!!! I am so proud of you... you are doing great...
At the GTG in FL one of the ORS fellas Bob said the best gas mileage is when you keep your speed at 50 to 55 mph... that is the speed I go most of the time... another suggested the lists, so wise as no matter how long you are on the road you can forget something...
You will look back on these times and they will make great camp fire stories...
Say hello to Mitch and Liz... great people for sure...
Take care...
Kathleen

[Christine]

A big pat on the back for you!!! You did great for the first time out... i dont think i could have challenged the big city like you did!!

Just remember to do a 'walk a round' before taking off... ( i have almost forgot to unplug too once.) keep a list with me 'to do' before leaving and starting out..

I too say dont worry about keeping up with traffic.. if they want to pass let them pass!! I never go the speed limit usually at least 5mph slower.. on a two way road i find a place to pull over and let them pass. Here if there is more than 5 cars behind you, your suppose to pull over anyways ... sometimes its not that conveint, so wait till the next pullover spot.

Again Kudo's to you gal!!

[Travelinana]

So proud of you...you did good, especially with the trooper..getting to drive away with only a piece of advice. It's a learning experience each and every time you take her on a trip. Set your cruise for 55-62 depending on type of road, set back and enjoy the scenery. I loved it when the speed limit was 55. My husband always said the truckers hate those of us who creep along in the right lane.