GG Travels Life on the Road & the Sea With Everything Inbetween

02/05/2024

The Gypsy Cruiser Chronicles: Trials, Trails, and Tales

Hey there, intrepid souls and fellow roamers! If you've been wondering whether the Gypsy Cruiser fell off the edge of the world, fret not. We're still very much on the map, albeit with a few more stories under our belts. Sure, there's been a tumble (off the Jackrabbit, no less!) and a bit of tech blackout, but isn’t that the spice of adventure? Good and bad, it all mixes to create the unforgettable journey we're on.

Recently, we've had a little hiccup as we went almost three days without any phone service or internet—it was like stepping back in time. Imagine that: just nature, wheels, and our wits. It was both liberating and a tad nerve-wracking, but that’s the deal with adventures, right? You’ve got to roll with the punches (or at least dodge the Jackrabbits).

Catching Up: A Quick Recap

As I sit here, trying to straighten out the days and plot the sites we’ve seen, I figured I'd touch base. We’ve pushed through some of the more remote landscapes where the only tweets came from actual birds and our biggest concern was whether to tell ghost stories or the tales of our travels around the flickering campfire lights.

A Limp, But Not Out

It’s true, the Gypsy Cruiser is limping a bit these days. Like a seasoned traveler with a worn-out shoe, our beloved Cruiser has felt the miles we’ve covered. But worry not; a little limp can’t stop this journey. It’s just another story for the books, another badge of honor for our Cruiser
Up Next

I’m sorting through my notes and photos to give you the next detailed chapter of where we've been and what's stirred our souls. Expect tales of unexpected detours that turned into the highlights of our trip, the mysterious locals who’ve shared stories that movies are made of, and of course, the serene moments when time seemed to stand still just for us.

So, keep an eye out, because the Gypsy Cruiser Chronicles will be back soon with more updates. Until then, remember that every day is an adventure, whether you’re sailing smoothly or limping along. What matters is the journey, the sights, the stories, and the spirit with which we embrace it all.

Hang tight, keep the spirit of adventure alive,
*The Gypsy Cruiser Chronicles*

18/04/2024

The Adventures of Gypsy Cruiser: A Sea to Land Saga

Ahoy, fellow travel enthusiasts! In the latest installment of our Gypsy Cruiser Chronicles, we embark on a tale that sweeps from the buoyant bliss of the open sea to the cozy campfires of Wildwood, Florida.

Our saga begins with seven nights aboard a majestic vessel, cruising through the poignant blues of the Caribbean. Our ports of call read like a wish list penned by Neptune himself: Tortola, St. Thomas, Dominican Republic, and the almost-visited Great Stirrup Cay. Ah, the sea – she’s a mysterious mistress, isn’t she? For reasons only she understands, she decided our visit to the Cay was not meant to be. Instead, she offered us another day to roam her vast, open waters. And as if to apologize, she slipped us a cool $90. Not a bad deal, considering the plethora of onboard activities that awaited us!

As our ship kissed the port goodbye, our hearts fluttered with excitement. There awaited Gypsy and her noble steed, ready to whisk us away on our next terrestrial adventure. Shifting from the wide, open sea to the open road, we bid farewell to the hustle and bustle of highways and traffic nightmares. Our destination? The serene embrace of Three Flags Campground in Wildwood, Florida.

Imagine this: one moment, you’re navigating through a sea of vehicles, and the next, you’re ensconced in an oasis of whispering trees and babbling streams. It’s as if Mother Nature herself curated a playlist of tranquil sounds just for us. Our scenery transformed dramatically, painting a new backdrop of peace and tranquility for our next chapter.

Our itinerary for the days ahead reads like a love letter to the great outdoors: relax, sightsee, and revel in the glow of nightly campfires. Think of it as a reset button for the soul, a chance to bask in the simple joys of nature. After all, is there anything more enchanting than the crackling sound of a campfire or the symphony of crickets under a starlit sky?

So, fellow adventurers, as we continue to chronicle the journeys of the Gypsy Cruiser, let’s not forget the beauty in both the vastness of the sea and the intimacy of the earth. Each offers its own brand of magic, waiting to be discovered and cherished.

Stay tuned for our next update, where we’ll dive deeper into the heart of Wildwood and explore what other treasures lie in wait. Until then, keep your compass pointed towards adventure, and may the road less traveled lead you to unforgettable stories.

Till our next tale,
*Gypsy Cruiser Chronicles*

13/04/2024

The Gypsy Cruiser Chronicles: Day 3 – A Dash to the Embarkation

Travel Day Three: When "Cruise-Bound" Became a Serendipitous Hustle

Ere the sun bid its hello, our energies were rallied to detach Gypsy from her life’s nourishment and earthly grips. This morn, Gypsy’s still-tethered state to Silver, once a source of our vexation, transformed – as if by magic – into a blessing most welcomed.

Today, my dearest companions, I stand guilty of not heeding mine own counsel. “Arrive at the port with time to spare,” I’ve preached, time and again. Yet, here we were, destined for a 12:00 port call with but a stone’s throw of 1.5 hours travel and a misplaced confidence that “4:30” held our fates securely. Ah, traffic, that cunning thief of time, did little to dampen our spirits – until the relentless march of minutes proved us foolish.

Arriving post the hour of three, the port whispered farewells rather than welcomes. Our descent to the ‘back forty’ parking expanse for Gypsy and Silver (not a commentary on our personal dimensions, I assure you) should have been an overture to the ensuing melody of mishaps.

Reassembling our steeds of mobility, we ventured to the port’s embrace, only to be faced with the stark revelation of our tardiness. “Fifteen minutes,” they said, as port sentinels prepared their exits. Our timeline had betrayed us – 3:30 was the hour of sealing fates, not 4:30.

Surged through security with an urgency borne more from their desire to depart than ours to embark, our belongings – phones, keys, and the vital vessel of our monetary means – were offered to the god of totes in haste.

With a single guardian left to shepherd us through, we navigated the labyrinth from shore to vessel, cards of passage in trembling hands. Yet, as the vessel’s umbilical cord to terra firma prepared for severance, a stark realization dawned – our tote lay forgotten in the bowels of security, a treasury unclaimed.

Escorted back through the threshold by an officer of patience, the retrieval felt not a chore but a second chance at hellos. Reboarding, we were the day’s final invocation to voyage. An accolade, unintended yet uniquely ours.

Our sanctuary on the seas awaited – a chamber of unexpected expansiveness, a haven within a haven. Freedom to roam within our floating enclosure was unfettered, the balcony an extended embrace of the ocean’s whisper. The space did not just accommodate; it welcomed.

Barely had we acquainted ourselves with our abode when the summons of sustenance beckoned. To dine, to toast to our adventure thus begun, became the immediate quest. Unpacking’s necessity faded into the tapestry of tomorrow’s concerns.

As the culinary delights satiated our palates and libations flowed freely, the day’s chaos gently receded, a tale to be recounted with laughter’s grace in times to come. The embrace of slumber was a sweet surrender, a deserved closing to a day of unexpected turns.

Thus did our third day of "Cruise-Bound" endeavors weave into the Gypsy Cruiser Chronicles – a testament to the joys, the follies, the near-misses, and the sheer vibrancy of the journey. To all who wander, may your late arrivals be just in time, and may every room offer space enough for dreams to unfold.

12/04/2024

The Gypsy Cruiser Chronicles: Travel Day Two – A Midnight Soiree and Buc-ee’s Delight
Ah, Travel Day Two with the Gypsy Cruiser, where our wheels whispered secrets to the pavement and led us to the enchanting grounds of Thousand Trails Orlando, right before the clock struck its twelfth chime. Our journey, seasoned with visions and pit stops, couldn’t resist the siren call of Buc-ee’s. Ah, Buc-ee’s! A newbie’s delight and a seasoned traveller's oasis. The cathedral of road trips, where the beaver beckons and promises of endless snacks and trinkets await. Needless to say, the detour was not a debate but a destiny.
Finally anchored at our nighttime haven, a campground guard, knight of the after-hours, graciously bestowed upon us our check-in package. “Find your throne in the kingdom of pull-throughs,” he decreed. And so, under a cloak of darkness, with only starlight to guide us, we embarked upon our quest. Thrice around the campground we roamed, our steed weary, avoiding the siren of high beams that could awaken our unwitting campground kin.
Our chariot chose its rest, an unassuming plot, knighted by obscurity and serenity, unknowing of its neighborly convenience to the bathhouse sanctuary. Ah, but dawn broke with a revelation – Gypsie, in a twist of fate, declared an insurmountable bond with Silver. The hitch, a symbol of unity, refused parting. Thirty minutes of trials and tribulations, yet their union remained unyielded. Surrendering to their whims, we established our domicile right where destiny intended.
Grounded but not disheartened, the proximity of the bathhouse became our unexpected boon. The day, though shackled by our immobile state, unfurled a tapestry of relaxation amidst a serene backdrop. Work and pleasure mingled, an uncommon pairing, gifted by the unforeseen circumstances.
The spoils of Buc-ee’s – BBQ sandwiches, a testament to our detour’s worth, fed our spirits and bodies. Evening cloaked us in contemplation, as thoughts of tomorrow’s adventures towards the cruise-port danced in our minds. Luggage tagged, batteries charging, our spirits slowly succumbing to the beckoning of slumber.
In this chapter of Gypsy Cruiser Chronicles, every oops became an aha, each setback a setup for relaxation and unforeseen joys. The journey taught us the beauty of flexibility, the charm of off-script adventures, and the undeniable truth that sometimes, the best laid plans are the ones we never make.
Here's to unforeseen detours, the charms of campground life, and the anticipation of cruise-port dreams. May the roads be kind, the nights full of stars, and may every Buc-ee’s detour lead to unexpected delights. Onward we roll, in the self-appointed bliss of our Gypsy Cruiser tale.

12/04/2024

Sorry for the delay in posting: I'll try to catch up in a day or two, but here goes:

"The Gypsy Cruiser Chronicles: A Comedy of Errors on Day One"
Have you ever had one of those days where Mother Nature and Murphy's Law join forces to test your resolve? Welcome, dear readers, to the inaugural day of our epic saga, where our valiant Gypsy Cruiser (and us, its hopeful crew) embarked on a journey that promised adventure but delivered an odyssey worthy of Homer—if Homer wrote about travel trailers and road-stop shenanigans.
Our day began with what can only be described as a symphony of hiccups. Picture this: a steady rain providing the backdrop as we discovered my medication was locked in the iron grasp of pharmacy purgatory, not ready for pickup. But wait, the plot thickens! The grand departure was more of a mud wrestling match, with our Gypsy Cruiser deciding to play damsel in distress, stuck in the sucking mire of my son’s side yard.
Enter our hero, Brandon, not in shining armor, but probably wishing he were wearing something more than his "Pushing RVs Since Breakfast" T-shirt. With a Herculean effort that would make the gods nod in approval, he saved the day, and we were finally, triumphantly, on solid ground. Cue the triumphant music, interrupted by the slapstick comedy of our trailer door swinging wildly open—I swear, it was shut tighter than a drum before! A mad dash through the rain, a battle with the treacherous door, and voila, it was finally road o'clock. Departure time? The fashionably late hour of 8:00 pm.
Nighttime. Rain pouring as if someone up there forgot to turn off the faucet, and us, towing our 26-foot travel trailer, the Gypsy Cruiser, like a beacon of hope in the dark. Despite the ominous start and the relentless downpour, our valiant Cruiser stayed the course, proving that not all heroes wear capes—some come on wheels.
By the midnight hour, our spirits and eyelids were drooping. It was then that the neon glow of salvation appeared on the horizon—a Cracker Barrel, beacon of the weary traveler. Its RV and truck parking lot a veritable oasis, teeming with fellow nomads seeking refuge in the storm.
12:45 am found us sighing with relief as we nestled into the cozy confines of our Gypsy Cruiser. Dottie, my sister and travel companion, was already in dreamland, oblivious to the CPAP saga that was about to unfold. Amid the snores and rain pitter-patter, I discovered the absence of a crucial item—my CPAP mask. Alas, another quest was set! To Orlando, we must go, in search of the elusive Apria store.
The morning graced us with more liquid sunshine and fewer vehicles in our makeshift campground. Breakfast at Cracker Barrel was a feast for the soul, a scrumptious reminder of our unconventional overnight stay—because who needs a hotel with free breakfast when you can have breakfast with a free overnight stay?
And so, with our bellies full and spirits lifted by the adventure of the previous night, it was time to answer Orlando's call. The road beckoned, and despite the comedy of errors that was our first travel day, excitement bubbled within us. The Gypsy Cruiser Chronicles had just begun, and if day one was any indication, we were in for an unforgettable ride.
Stay tuned, dear adventurers, as we continue our journey. Orlando, with its promises of sun, fun, and perhaps a CPAP supplies store, here we come!

25/03/2024

"The Ultimate Gypsy Cruiser Chronicles: Countdown to Adventure!"

Ladies, gents, and wanderlust aficionados, gather ‘round, for the tale I’m about to spin is nothing short of an epic prelude to what promises to be an adventure of a lifetime. In just a blink-and-you-miss-it 60 hours, my sister Dottie and I shall embark on a voyage that legends are made of, towing our trusty steed, the Gypsy Cruiser, across the sprawling canvas that is these United States.

The Gypsy Cruiser, not just a camper, but a veritable chariot of dreams, has been armed to the teeth with all the gadgetry one could need for such an expedition. Courtesy of my tech wizard son, Dennis, we’ve now got backup, side-view, and security cameras, making this rig quite possibly better surveilled than Fort Knox.

But what’s a chariot without its trusty steed? Enter Hi Ho Silver, my valiant Silverado, now boasting a shiny new bed cover. This feat of morning heroism, courtesy of my other son, Brandon, involved some ingenious bed liner adaptations. Now, if that isn’t love, I don’t know what is.

As for the trappings of our mobile fortress, I’ve ticked off all the boxes – the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) is up and running, ensuring our tires are in prime nick. The Level Mate Pro is set, promising a level sleep no matter where we park our weary heads. And, of course, the propane tanks are brimming – because what’s an adventure without the prospect of a hot meal at the end of the day?

Alas, not all quests are without their trials. The new Awning and Sway Bars will have to remain the stuff of legends for now, as they stand, uninstalled, waiting for our return. Somewhat poetic, isn’t it? A reason to return from the great unknown.

Our itinerary? The first leg of our odyssey is meticulously planned, with the first five campgrounds etched in stone, thanks to the wonders of our Thousand Trails Membership. Our cruise documents are as tangible as our burgeoning excitement, printed and prepped. The bags are packed, teetering by the door, whispering our names.

So, there you have it, dear readers – the prelude to what promises to be a tale of adventure, sibling camaraderie, and the open road. It’s an odyssey of discovery, not just of the lands that lay before us, but of ourselves, as we trek across this beautiful tapestry we call home.

Stay tuned, for the Gypsy Cruiser Chronicles are just beginning, and something tells me, dear readers, you’re not going to want to miss a single dispatch from the frontier.

Till the rubber meets the road,
Georganna AKA Traveling G
[Alias: The Modern-Day Gypsy]

11/01/2024

Camp Fire, no wood-no problem

11/01/2024

Some of my improvements

11/01/2024

GEARING UP GYPSY: Prepping for the Ultimate Road-Trip in 83 Days

Think making a 26' Jayco Jay Flight trailer roadworthy is just about making sure there are four semi-inflated tires on each side? Think again, my adventurous readers.

Meet the Gypsy Cruiser – the soon-to-be queen of the asphalt with my initials emblazoned on her side. A beauty who I'm gearing up for the ultimate cross-country journey from Virginia to sunny California. But before the rubber hits the road, she and I have a date with destiny…and a whole pile of accessories, to get her ready for the 83-day countdown.

OPERATION DROP JACK

First mission - swapping out the old hand-crank trailer jack for a shiny new Drop Power Jack. With this baby, the Gypsy Cruiser will no longer mock me with a waistline workout every time we need to hitch up. Let's be real, this Power Jack is going to add more years to my life – or at least my back.

THE STABILIZER BARS SHOWDOWN

Stabilizer bars. Sounds like something Batman would have in his tool belt, right? And frankly, they're just as useful. To ensure we don’t do a top-heavy waltz on the freeway, we’ll fit out Gypsy with new stabilizer bars to keep things grounded. No weebles wobbling on this journey.

INTRODUCING ... THE BACKUP SQUADRON

Next, we'll address Gypsy's main insecurity - backing up. Aid is at hand with a brand new rear camera and two side cameras. With this backup squadron installed, no parking spot will be too tight and no turn too tricky for the Cruiser.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, SAFETY

Safety is always top priority, so an additional security video camera makes the list. This means while I get some shut-eye in the cozy corners of Gypsy, my little mechanical sentry beams up every mysterious shadow and unidentified rustling sound in HD.

THE AWNING SHOW

A new awning is going to get Gypsy summer-ready. Because what's better than basking in the Californian sun, without actually being charred by it? Let the awning show commence!

LEVELING UP, LITERALLY

Ever slept on a bed that’s at an incline? Yeah, not doing that. An Electronic Leveling System is a must for Gypsy to ensure that everything is on the level - literally. Goodbye campsite slopes, hello flat parking!

UNDER COVER TRUCKSTER

And finally, we mustn’t forget my loyal truck that will valiantly tug Gypsy across mountain and valley. A new folding cover for the bed will keep our gear secure and the elements out. It's the trucker equivalent of a superhero cape.

The countdown to departure day has begun...83 days to transform the Gypsy Cruiser from a hibernating beast into the road-tripping rally queen she was born to be. Here’s to 83 days of laughter, sweat, possibly a few tears, but ultimately a hell of a lot of excitement. Stay tuned to join us for the NAS-TRAYCO (see what I did there?) transformation of the century. Bring it on!

01/01/2024

04/11/2023

# # Planning My Epic Cross-Country Road Trip

I'm so excited to start planning my upcoming road trip across the United States with Gypsy Cruiser!
This trip has been on my bucket list for years, and I finally get to make it happen.

My trip will kick off in Poquoson, Virginia, which is where I currently live. From there, I'll head south to Orlando, Florida to meet up with my sister Dottie. We have a 7-night Caribbean cruise booked on the Norwegian Escape that departs from Port Canaveral. I can't wait to relax on white sand beaches and explore the crystal blue waters!

After our cruise, Dottie and I will begin the long haul west. We plan to drive through states like Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona as we make our way to the Grand Canyon. I have have seen it before, but it was over 40 years ago so we're both super psyched!

I foresee lots of scenic drives, national park visits, local cuisine samples, and sibling bonding! I plan to take tons of photos and blog/vlog throughout the trip so I can share this amazing experience.

There are still lots of details to finalize, like booking camping accommodations and planning specific routes and stops. But the anticipation is half the fun! I'll be sure to provide updates here as the trip plans progress. For now, I'm just dreaming of open roads and making memories to last a lifetime. Stay tuned for more!

24/10/2023

Ah, another adventure at Chesapeake Bay, how exciting with Halloween decor everywhere! I had a fabulous pre-cruise experience with my friend and fellow agent, Mimi.

On Friday we toured locally. It was a thrill of stepping back in time as we explored Jamestown Settlement together. It was fascinating to immerse ourselves in the stories and history of our early settlers.

Leaving my trusty Gypsie Cruiser at my son Brandon's house was a smart move, ensuring that it was safe and sound while we embarked on our cruise. And what a lovely gesture from my daughter Gigi to give us a ride to the Half Moon Cruise Terminal. It really added a touch of family warmth and love to the start of our journey.

Now, let's talk about the highlight of our trip - the 8-night Canada/New England cruise on the Carnival Magic. The anticipation was palpable as we stepped on board, ready for new experiences and discoveries. Even the rain didn't dissipate our mood.

The Carnival Magic is known for its lively atmosphere and exciting activities. It's perfect for making unforgettable memories with friends like Mimi as well as clients and good friends Donna and Bob who were celebrating their 41st anniversary. Joining us was both of their son, their daughter-in-law and their nephew.

During our cruise, we indulged in the delectable cuisine, caught some stunning sea views, and enjoyed the various onboard entertainment options. There was no dancing the night away at the club, lounging by the pool, or trying our luck at the casino, (except for the $25 credit I get for being platinum and that was gone iless than 15 minutes lol) the Carnival Magic surely provided a fantastic mix of relaxation and excitement for those who wanted it.

As we sailed along the beautiful Canadian and New England coastline, we experienced the stunning vistas and charming ports of call. From the vibrant city of Halifax to the historic charm of Portland, each destination offered its own unique experiences and delights.

My biggest disappointment was not once running into some other clients/friends/fellow agents of mine such as Linda, Dave and his wife, Renae. I didn't feel the ship was large enough not to run into them at least once but I guess I was wrong.

Regardless, both our pre-cruise exploration and the Carnival Magic provided us with a truly memorable vacation.

25/09/2023

Title: Solo Adventures in a Tropical Storm: Lessons Learned and Surprising Delights

Hey there travel enthusiasts! Georganna here, ready to share the hilarious tale of my first true solo trip with Cruising Gypsy. Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through a Tropical Storm warning, navigating through nature’s elements, and discovering some unexpected treasures at Chesapeake Bay Campground.

Picture this: It's the start of my grand adventure, and what do I get? A Tropical Storm warning! Perfect, right? I mean, what better way to test the mettle of my beloved Cruising Gypsy and see if she's truly weather-worthy? With rain pouring down and wind howling around me, doubts started creeping their way into my mind about whether this solo trip was a good idea after all. But hey, I'm not one to back down from a challenge.

After safely arriving at the campground (I made sure to choose a site devoid of any menacing tree limbs), it was time to get down to business. Despite the challenging weather conditions, I managed to level Cruising Gypsy, connect the water and electricity - though it felt a bit like a circus act in the midst of a storm. With a small dinner under my belt, I called it a night, crossing my fingers that I wouldn't wake up in Oz or find myself in a watery mess inside.

Waking up the next morning, I was greeted with relief and dryness. Gypsy Cruiser had weathered the storm like a champ! Feeling a mix of relief and a killer headache (blame it on the stress of driving through the bad weather and perhaps the pressure change), I spent most of Saturday drifting in and out of slumber. Between my naps, I could faintly hear live bands playing at the covered pavilion. Apparently, Tropical Storm warnings don't put a halt to the fun around here!

Sunday arrived, bringing along sunny skies and gentle breezes. With renewed energy, I ventured out to explore the campground and find out what I had missed during my sleepy haze. Boy, was I in for a surprise! Chesapeake Bay Campground was a hidden gem, bustling with activities and amenities.

From an 18-hole miniature golf course that got my competitive side all fired up, to not one, but two full-size pools (though closed for the season, alas!), this place had it all. I discovered multiple pickleball and basketball courts, volleyball and soccer nets for the sport enthusiasts, shuffleboard courts for some friendly competition, and a delightful playground for the little ones.

Water lovers, rejoice! There was a convenient boat ramp for those looking to set sail, a dedicated swim area with steps leading into the water for a refreshing dip, and even a cute dog park complete with a ramp and a ring for our furry friends to jump through. And when hunger struck, the camp store came to the rescue with its array of necessities - ice, firewood - and some irresistible treats. Let me tell you, that hand-dipped ice cream was worth every delightful, creamy bite.

So, despite the stormy start and a day of hibernation, my trial solo weekend turned out to be an unexpected success. I may have missed out on a few activities, but that just gives me a reason to return and enjoy them fully next time!

If there's one thing this trip taught me, it's that even amidst challenging weather and doubts, there's always a surprising adventure waiting to be uncovered. So, go on, dear readers, and embrace the unexpected twists and turns that solo travel brings. Who knows what delightful surprises await you on your journey?

Until next time, happy travels and keep riding the waves of adventure!

23/09/2023

Embracing Freedom: My Adventures on the Road in My Travel Trailer

Introduction:
Taking the leap into solo travel can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. It opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to venture into the unknown and create unforgettable memories. In these blog posts, I'll be sharing the story of my solo trips in my trusty travel trailer and truck, as I discovered the beauty and freedom of life on the road.

The Call of the Open Road:

When the wanderlust bug bit me, I knew it was time to set out on my solo travel journey. Armed with a travel trailer hooked to my truck, I will embark on an adventure filled with excitement and anticipation. The road stretches out before me, and the possibilities seem endless.

Stay tuned for adventures to come.