As you can see, my next trip is but a hop, skip and a jump from home. Checking an enlarged image on a Google map, you'll find it directly west, opposite Poughkeepsie. It's a KOA of which I am a member; it's clean, close to home and I've been here before. I'm joining friends, George and Vicki for their final week. It's away from home and another opportunity to relax, read and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature and the company of friends. I started a new reading project; the nine volume set of Terry Goodkind entitled, The Sword of Truth. These novels, averaging 780 pages each, will keep me busy reading if and when I find myself wanting something to do. I'm into the fourth novel, "Faith of the Fallen". The novels fall into the "epic fantasy" genre and its eleven year creation evolved over the years 1994 to 2005. It was received with mixed reviews. Goodkind passed away in 2020.
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| I'm currently into book four, Faith of the Fallen. |
The pleasant ride was uneventful. An easy, direct route to follow, a beautiful day and very little traffic. My site, #R21, was ample for my needs but I found VC/GS's very tight. As always, it's not a problem as long as there's room to sit around and shoot the breeze. Reflecting on that phrase, I looked up "Shoot the breeze". It originated from late 19th century phrasing when "breeze" referred to empty chatter or gossip. There now. Feel better?
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| Seems close but as yet I haven't seen my neighbors on one side. |
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Couple from South Carolina on my other side are seldom around.
But the distance between is fine.
 | Site 20 seems tighter but didn't 'cramp' our style.
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The campground is well spread out.
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| My site R25, Vicki/George R20 |
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Like most KOA campgrounds, they have a well stocked store
for those last minute "I forgot" items campers need. |
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| Another T-shirt added to my collection |
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An extra added attraction; Wine tasting daily featuring NYS wines
from the Finger Lake Region and local wineries. |
Former BMMS (Blue Mountain Middle School)
secretary, Berni and hubby, Ron, visited fellow longtime and retired secretary,
Vicki, for lunch. It was nice to see longtime friends get together. Lots of
catching up done. For our dining enjoyment, Vicki prepared homemade pulled pork
and homemade macaroni salad; everything delicious and hit the spot on a beautiful day, overcast though it may have been. Yes, I forgot to get
my photo. Both Vicki and Berni were secretaries in BMMS when
I too worked at Blue Mt.
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| Berni and Ron |
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| Vicki and Berni ...special friends |
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Of course, before they left, they received the tour of Winnie
four sites down and became the newest members of my "Wall of Fame." |
For my readers who have yet to see my "Wall of Fame," click the link to view the 157 photos to date gathered over the seven years of RV travels. Even if you aren't one of them, I'm sure there will be folks you know; each one brings back special memories.  |
A snack that evening consisted of toasted baguettes
with a sliver of roasted pepper, basil leaf, fresh
mozzarella and spritzed with
balsamic vinegar. (370 calories) |
And what RV adventure would not be complete without a late lunch or dinner at a terrific restaurant? This "trip treat" on Thursday was a visit to Cosimo's on Union twenty miles south in Newburgh, NY. Timed nicely to celebrate the anniversary of George and Vicki. Click on the link above, scroll through the Lunch/Dinner menu and treat your eyes and imagination to the heavenly creations that can only be realized via an authentic Italian restaurant.  |
A Happy Anniversary Lunch
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I enjoyed the Portobello ravioli: Portobello Mushroom and
Spinach Ravioli, Caramelized Shallots, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes,
Wild Mushrooms with Sherry Brown Butter. |
I'll share anther project I
started during my down time between trips. It involves satisfying a nagging
something that I've felt since the demise of Winnie One back on February 27, 2018. It
was on that fateful Tuesday that Winnie developed an engine fire in Cordele, Georgia on my way back home
from a winter adventure. Click here for the link to read about it and
view the photos if you don't already know. Much was lost, not to fire but to
heat and soot/smoke damage. Fortunately, no injuries sustained. Over the four year period of owning that first RV, I
had gathered loads of memories, wrote blogs and used decals purchased at the
campgrounds to remind me. The decals remained with Winnie in Georgia and are lost.
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| Beginning in 2015, a nice collection started but was cut short. |
So my project involves reaching out to the many campgrounds visited (69) with a letter to each requesting one of their decals...if they have them; At the time, many did not. As of this posting, I've received 17 decals including many concerned and sincere sentiments; all wishing me continued safe travels. Very heartwarming to say the least. Currently, with more traveling under my belt, Winnie II now proudly displays a good number.
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As of August 1, 2021, my collection grows; each providing me
with wonderful memories.
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And speaking of memories, having been here before, I checked back to June of 2015 to recall my stay here at Plattekill. Below, I've listed four blogs I wrote at that time. Although they bear the dates of 2017, my visit and the blogs were written in 2015. In the last one, I reference camping notes written 39 years ago. Only friends Ray/Kathy were there and may remember.
https://winnieandme2017.blogspot.com/2015/06/koa-newburgh-day-3.html
https://winnieandme2017.blogspot.com/2015/06/koa-newburgh-day-4.html
https://winnieandme2017.blogspot.com/2015/06/koa-newburgh-last-day.html
But, as they say, you can't go back but...you can read about it over and over and that's what blogging is all about; my personal diary or journal.
To conclude this trip's blog entry, another accomplishment during my stay here has been the completion of my 2022 Winter Itinerary. I've mapped out and reserved my winter trip beginning January 6, 2022 and returning February 25, 2022. I will return from this 4,400 mile trip by way of Texas with seventeen stops total in the states of WV, NC, FL, LA, TX, OK, TN and PA. Future blogs will give details. We leave this KOA campground Saturday and head back to Croton Point Park (CPP). VC/GS will be on site #16 and I on site #26. Time is flying and my remaining RV season is listed below. Thanks for taking the time to share my thoughts and travels. As always, I enjoy reading your comments below. Till real soon, take care, stay safe and be happy.
