Homeward Bound, Perfect Day for a Drive, Destination London, Smiling Faces and Free Hugs

We were both awake and up at 6:30 on Saturday, Apr. 7^th. Pretty normal for me but I think nerves for the day, good and bad ones played a part. We were hoping for an early start so that was good. The sky was clear and I watched the sun come up before 7. It was a cold 27F and Black Beauty was sporting a frosty coat. All we wanted to do was wash, pull slides in and go.

Yesterday, we had an Anonymous commenter on my post. Someone who is in this KOA park and follows blogs. That’s kinda cool! This morning we saw Mr. Red Cap and Black Lab walk by but it was before we had stepped out the door. Once we got things closed up, he walked around again and we were able to strike up a conversation. Brian, from Toronto, is heading out about 10 minutes after us on his way home. Safe travels and nice to meet you!

Can you say c-c-c-camping?

At 7:35 we turned out of the park onto OH-420 and then I-75N. By 8 we crossed into Michigan. I didn’t see the sign but the roads were the telltale of that crossing. Man, oh man, crappy roads! I sure hope Bill rates this road! Don’t travel too far on it with an rv if you have a choice. Before we left we made up our hot drinks in travel mugs and opted to just munch on our breakfast bars until we arrived in London.

Getting ready to pull out
Our last American sleepover

Leaving early gave us a good head start on the day
Not much traffic for the most part

The very creative structure over the bridge at Toledo, OH

Always construction, no matter where you go
this was on I-75 in Michigan

We pulled off at Exit 15 to the Pilot Travel Centre for fuel and had to bite back on the high prices here. No choice, when you need it and it is still cheaper than getting it at home. $3.29/gal for diesel. Ouch! With a full tank, we are back on this nasty interstate. It did actually improve a bit once we got past Wayne, Mi. Clear sailing from there to our Exit 43B to the Bridge to Canada.

Approaching the Bridge to Canada and what's that red and white?
Nice to see familiar sights

No line ups, 2 people ahead of us, zip zip. We were asked 3 or 4 questions and wished a good day in all of 2 minutes. Just the way we like it. As soon as we crossed, I texted Donna and we called Dad. They are the worriers and were happy to hear from us, safe and sound back in our own homeland. It was 9:20 and 30F. The sun is glorious and the same in Stratford so that is great. Now we just need to get used to kilometers and Celsius all over again.

More familiar things in Ontario
Snow in the fields, On Route (rest area) Tim Hortons!
Furnival Road, Rodney, I lived there for 5 years
Highway 401

Next, I texted our 6 kids so they knew we were ‘home’. The 401 is a blessing, kind of like the Arizona highways, in good condition. It is funny how you just relax when back in Canada. There are no surprises here, I guess and things are familiar even though it has been a while since we’ve travelled this particular stretch of highway. Our plan is to find a Rest Area, now called ‘On Route’, ladeda’, so we missed the first one. Someone needs a washroom break and it isn’t Clemson or Bill. He used the facilities at the Pilot way back in MI.

Sunshine and smoke stacks

Because we didn’t eat, other than a snack bar, we are going straight to the Flying M Truck Stop down the road from our dealer, CanAm. We’ll grab brunch there and the good news is that my son, Patrick, is joining us. I’m glad he is able to drop everything and come and give us a welcome home hug. It was too bad that Nate had swimming lessons so I have to wait to see the little gapher later in the week.

We had a nice meal together and caught up on our stuff and his and it was a great visit, however short. Hopefully, we can get together with all 3 of them Tuesday night before heading up to the Ridge. How could I forget to take a picture? Having too much fun, I guess. After saying goodbye, we drove the short jaunt to the CanAm dealership on Colonel Talbot Road. We set up, got plugged into electric/hydro and popped in the store to say hello.

Now that is a pretty water tower! :)

Most everyone was busy but that is typical for this business. Lots of customers filtering around and we did manage to grab a few hugs and hellos without interfering too much. I hope. Katie, Josee, Pat, John, Joe, Andy, Evan, Dan and Kirk a few of the boys in the shop, Ron and Rick. Bill and I walked through a couple of Airstream trailers because we are curious and our minds are always working. We had a nice chat with Dan, he is the youngest salesman at CanAm or at least one of the youngest and a really special young man.

Looks like winter here, not spring

 Bill and I began talking to a couple, John and Claire, who are thinking about going full-time and are curious about a lot of things. Joe, another salesman, asked if they could bounce some questions off of us. The next hour and a half was inside our Suite giving suggestions and tips of what we’ve learned during our two years of this lifestyle. Finally, I had to flick the switch in Bill’s back to stop the momentum of his chit chat, ha ha, but it was getting close to quitting time for the staff. He gets so caught up in this 'thing' that he loves and I know people value his opinions.

CanAm, our home for the next few days

There is just too much information for such a short period of time. I finished my post and downloaded a few pictures. We only get 3 channels here and they are Canadian channels so not very entertaining. Other than the news, we can either watch a dvd or read. For supper, we have leftover meatloaf with some potatoes and I can make another salad on the side.

one of the Airstreams we looked at

This has been a cold day, but another great day. We are home, we are happy and we are warm. If you are still travelling, which I know some of you are, be safe, make wise decisions and take your time. It is still ‘sprinter’ here in Ontaryario.

Snuggled up against the building

Thank you for stopping by today! I love to hear from you and will respond to every post in time.