As mentioned in our Adventure 2023, we were staying here for the winter months. The Nashville area was subject to snow and the Polar Vortex, which sent temperatures plummeting into the single digits. Temperatures did not reach above freezing for seven days.

We realized that the Lonesome Dove was not equipped for an arctic climate, resulting in the loss of a water pump and the outside cold-water faucet connection. Luckily, our rig was fitted with Pex piping, and we didn’t burst any pipes.

Since then, Erich has fixed the damage, insulated the pipes, and devised a winter process to prevent another occurrence. Additionally, from this learning experience, we realized the true importance of becoming a Snowbird.

In preparation for the new year's travels, it was time to bring the Lonesome Dove into the dealer for some warranty work and maintenance. The warranty work consisted of inside cosmetics that needed to be addressed—nothing major.  Imagine all the shaking and rattling while rolling down the highway; things tend to become loose or need attention at some point. While these things were being addressed, we also inspected and repacked the wheel bearings.

Camping World has a mix of good and bad reviews depending on each store you visit. Camping World in Bowling Green, KY. We feel this is the best example of their intended mission statement and vision. We recommend this location for your servicing needs.  

This 60-day stay was perfect after the completion of warranty work on our fifth wheel. The staff was very accommodating and helpful. We enjoyed numerous campfires and plenty of fishing.

We also visited the attractions with close-by family members and enjoyed the area's southern hospitality. Bowling Green is home to Western Kentucky University and provides a great balance between a college town and peaceful living.

45 miles east of Jackson, Mississippi. This Love's RV Hookup was perfect to get some shut eye during our travel.  As of today there are 59 of these locations. 

https://www.camplife.com/campground/Loves+RV+Stops

We were returning to Erich's hometown to take care of some family matters. While here, we enjoyed some of the things Houston and Galveston offer, including Tropical Storm Alberto and Hurricane Beryl. We can claim that Lonesome Dove is now Category 1 Hurricane certified.

As our focus was on family, we did a lot of fishing and beach activities and also spent time with Erich's family and friends. April's sister Stephanie also lives in the area, where they spent a lot of time visiting.

As we were heading east from the Lone Star State, we decided to take a slight deviation for a couple of nights in New Orleans. Upon arrival, we decided to enjoy the resort's amenities. There is a fabulous on-site restaurant connected to the swimming pool area, where we floated around while enjoying some mighty fine Hurricanes.

The next day we ventured down to the French Quarter. We ate a creole-style breakfast before roaming the streets. Enjoyed visiting the French Market and stopping by Cafe du Monde for coffee and beignets.  We then walked to the infamous Bourbon Street. We stopped in one bar to listen to a band. We noticed at around 4 pm that the crowd was changing for the anticipated nighttime activities. After 2 questions about "I bet I know where you got those shoes", we decided to head back to the resort.

We cannot say enough good things about the gem we found in Foley, AL. The owners, Scott and Gayle, have a personal investment in ensuring their guests are welcomed and cared for. Additionally, they host events where all guests can congregate and become a close-knit family. Furthermore, this resort is only 6 miles from Gulf Shores beaches, 15 miles from the Florida/Alabama state line, and roughly 35 miles from Pensacola, FL.

We had the opportunity to meet up with April’s Lake friends while they were in the area on vacation. We enjoyed a couple of nights at Flora-Bama, but we mainly enjoyed the white sandy beaches and the RV resort's pool. 

We also recommend two restaurants in the area. Lamberts Café in Foley, where they throw rolls to you, enjoying mighty fine southern comfort food. In Gulf Shores, there is the Sunliner Dinner, which is decorated in a 50’s theme, and you are always greeted as “Cool Cats”.

An amazing two night stay in route to our next destination. Also Erich was adamant about stopping in Georgia so he could claim his Georgia sticker on our map.

This was our opportunity to reset and be one with nature.  Surrounded by trees and spent most of our time sitting outside in silence was simply amazing. We enjoyed hiking the trails, but mostly loved siting around the campfire.

This campground is in a remote area in the mountains, 7 miles in each direction to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, Tennessee. At 1245 ft above sea level, it was peaceful, other than vehicle traffic from the main highway.

Our 45-day stay enabled us to enjoy the area with limited tourist interaction. We visited the Great Smokey Mountains several times, wineries, moonshine distilleries, restaurants, and leaf-peeping (foliage). There is plenty to do for everyone and a great place to adventure. 

Additionally, we visited Cherokee, North Carolina, where we learned about the Eastern Band of the Cherokee. There are many shops, and there is even a casino if that is your speed. 

Our initial plan was to stay at this campground for a month to allow us to vote, get doctors' appointments out of the way, and check on the real estate to see what was available. Due to the limited RV spots around the Nashville area and tourist prices for extended stays, we were only at this location for 8 days. The campground itself was well maintained and run by accommodating staff. However, the train and road noise from U.S. 31 was a bit much.

Last stop for Adventure 2024. We celebrated Thanksgiving with April's mom. We left "Lonesome Dove" for a week to trek back to Texas for Christmas with Erich's family.  The campground was very accommodating.