Angels Watching Over Us

Day 53 -

We left two days ago.  We traveled for about 2 hours before having to stop on the side of the road so that Samuel could 'relieve himself'.  About a mile up the road we reached a rest stop.  :)  I had packed sandwiches, so one meal was on the road.  After about 4 hours total, we arrived at Suwannee River FL State Park before the sunset.  Set up went pretty well and then we headed out to get some dinner.  The Ranger that checked us in had told us that the gas station just 1/4 mile up the road had a really great deli with an awesome burger basket, so that was where we headed.  The kids were shocked when we pulled into a gas station and they figured out that that was where we would be having dinner.  Funny, as I type this, I realize that they would have never thought twice if we had pulled into a Wawas for something to eat.  Hannah was practically refusing to go in (the clientele on the outside of the store was looking a little 'woodsy').  When she realized that we were going in without her and her second option was to wait in the car, her attitude changed, but only slightly.  It was really quite a fun experience, especially given the children's reactions to the patrons and the staff.  Only 4 hours from home and you would think that we had entered the 'Twilight Zone'.

When we got back to the campsite we were able to build a fire and hang out outside for awhile.  The kids really seemed to enjoy themselves.  Suwannee River Fl State Park is a great place to camp.  We took advantage of my handicap and managed to get the premo handicap spot.  All paved and sidewalks up to the bathhouse.  AND THE BATHHOUSE!!!  Oh my goodness, I could definitely live there.  An endless supply of hot water!!  WOW!  What luxury.

The next morning Hannah and Danny took a short hike before we headed out.  It was a good first day.  We will be back to Suwannee in a few days, but first we were headed over the the Fl Caverns State Park.

We hit the road a little later than I had anticipated and I had not packed lunch, so we stopped in Tallahassee at Cody's Roadhouse.  The meal was fairly good, but I won't be rushing back there any time soon.  Then, back on the road.  I called ahead, just to make sure of the gate code.  The Ranger felt we had plenty of time.  HA!  He did not realize how new we are to this traveling while pulling several tons of house behind us.  However, we did not realize that we would be crossing over a timezone and gaining an hour.  Thank goodness, or we would have been late.

The extra hour did not, however, stop the sun from setting.  By the time we got to our site, it was dusk and there was a slight drizzle.  The sun set quickly and we were left to unhitch and set up in the dark. The kids just don't quite understand how much is involved is set up.  They are always busy being kids and enjoying their new home location.  Despite our numerous requests for them to settle down so that we could get through the things that we needed to do, they continued to play and be loud.  Danny had the trailer unhitched and on the 'cone type' stand and BAM! it slipped off and the trailer hit the ground, then the jack went a good 6" into the dirt.  It was quite a scary and tense moment.  The kids got a good lecture and we set about trying to figure out how we were going to get out of this situation.  (Well, Danny went about figuring it out and I went about praying.)  God is good and faithful, Danny devised a plan and within 30 minutes we were set up.  Praising God for His mercy and there being no damage to the trailer or injuries to the family.  Needless to say, there was no fire and fun that night.  Sandwiches were had for dinner and early to bed!!

We got up early today (Thursday, Nov. 15) and headed to the Ranger's Station to buy tickets for the Cave Tour - the main reason we had headed to this park.  We got the first tour at 9:30 and went back to the trailer and ate some breakfast, then headed out again.  The cave was pretty awesome.  In fact, Jacob said he "wanted to go again".

The kids and Danny managed to get a quick hike in when we got back to the campsite.  We had some lunch and then we headed out to find wifi.  The kids have been 3 days without the internet and as I type, we are sitting in a Lowe's parking lot while everyone gets their fix.  We had started at a McDonald's where I spent $15 on hot chocolate and coffee, only to find out that their wifi was down. I suggested that we go inside the Lowe's and sit in the lawn and garden center, but the kids chose to sit in the car.  :)

So far, so good.  Danny said that he was sure that there must be angels holding our trailer up.  The tires refused to even connect to the wheel chocks and he set lots of large rocks around them...just in case.  God is definitely with us.  Praise be to God!!!

OH, Don't forget to check out the photos at Wheel Life.