Just an intermission today. I’m getting tired of these short stays.
Today I cleaned out House of Cow 1.0 to prepare to send it back to Texas and sell it.
And I had a chance to see two friends that I didn’t realize lived nearby.
And enjoy a thunderstorm.
I also visited where Pepsi was created.
I’m not sure that I have mentioned that my divorce finalization and final day at my last job ended up being on the same day. It wasn’t intentional. I had picked a last day two weeks out but the HR combine asked me to stay a couple more days for an exit interview.
On the last day, I sat at the lab/office for most of the day waiting for an HR call. Eventually it was determined that the combine had changed its mind and didn’t want to talk. So I met my manager and handed in the laptop, keys, ID and phone. And I walked myself out. When I got home that day the divorce papers had arrived in the mail.
I mention this today because we bought a new trailer today, one large enough that Georgia and I could live in full time. Eventually. It’s also the day the media embargo ended for the thing I spent the last few years working on. I’m not sure what it means but It’s a strange synchronicity.
We drove a lot today.
But it was definitely worth the view tonight.
There was this weird gas station along the way too.
And ball time!
We spent a night in Fort Mill but it was mostly a recovery day. I almost went to Carowinds but ended up sleeping and throwing ball with Cow instead.
This one is just all pictures.
I neglected writing about Orlando. I have an extensive history in the area and wasn’t feeling the daily update. I lived there in 2006-2007 and again in 2013-2015 along with some other short visits and a billion and a half visits to Walt Disney World. I spent the week in the Four Corners area which is technically part of Clermont.
I was able to see a bunch of friends/coworkers during the week who I miss. But more importantly determined that I did the right thing leaving Disney.
It started a little moist on moving day.
But we got situated in the swamp at Thousand Trails. I’ve determined I’m not a big fan of these private equity firm owned campsites. But it seems natural in the city of Amway and Camping World.
I took a trip out to SeaWorld Orlando. I have wanted to check out the penguin experience for a number of years. After going on the roller coasters it was clear where their new priorities land. The dark rides were in need of some work and the coasters were intense. The new water rapids ride with a vertical lift was nifty. Fit and finish isn’t really a thing here but I suppose most people don’t notice.
A particular strange point was that all the coasters don’t permit any loose articles, even a wallet or cell phone. But they want you to pay for a locker for each attraction.
Fishing was fun too.
Georgia is a social animal and we’ve had a lot of fun here at Sawmill Campground.
Georgia rediscovered lizard hunting today but was ultimately not successful.
I went hunting for bug remover. Two Walmart locations, 1 Publix and 3 auto part stores later I had found this:
It works magically but apparently can burn your paint off if you don’t mix it correctly.
And then we searched for more lizards.
Devil Bug
Apparently dogs aren’t welcome at Florida rest stops.
Georgia was concerned that I would fall in the toilet when we finally got setup at camp.
I forgot how hard it is to find good food outside of metropolitan areas.
Not much to say about today. Lots of driving.
Today Georgia walked the French Quarter. I had another ‘you’ve spent too much time at Disney when…’ moment as I was constantly associating buildings to New Orleans Square.
For the record, good things do not come from Sysco. I spent the evening with a friend and observed his vet give the pup acupuncture to help with a nerve condition. Anything that helps. Then I stuffed my face with local Mexican food.
Today we threw the ball but Georgia wasn’t that into it because of the humidity and heat.
I also installed the dash cam and phone mount in the truck.
And we took a nap! Sometimes it’s really hard to just do nothing but I’m making progress.
Today Georgia approved of beignets.
And we watched folks fly.
The sunsets are better than the flying termites.
Today we fixed the angling of the trailer. It’s pretty much level now.
Driving is a lot more pleasant with this vehicle.
We settled in the Bayou.
Today I finally left Texas. But not without Texas putting up a fight.
Other fun things: two trips to the registration office and an inspection of the trailer.
But, I haves the plate!
And we made it out of Texas.
With a couple bugs.
Today I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to get the safety chains attached. The hitch is different and most trailer places didn’t know what to do.
Six stops later I had the right attachment. (Since been adjusted further).
Georgia is obsessed with chickens.
And we experienced a pretty crazy thunderstorm.
Today the dealership completed the spray liner and I installed a toolbox in the truck. I exchanged my California ID for a Texas license and worked on getting the trailer registered and ready to move on.
Unfortunately I have to go get it weighed at a commercial scale because California doesn’t put the weight on a title.
Still trying to get the weight distribution correct as well.
Today we completed Cow transport enhancements. I traded in the F-150 for a F-250. The new truck is heavier than my tiny trailer and this will improvise road feel for towing for 8 to 10 hours a day.
I’m also more than doubling my towing capacity and should get better milage (Diesel). The new truck has adaptive cruise control, forward collision/lane keeping, the blindspot system extends to the trailer. There are also better headlights and automatic wipers… basically making continuous driving better.
It’s also Georgia approved.
Today I almost bought a more capable tow vehicle. Tomorrow I’ll provably do it.
