Big Earl's Maiden Voyage

Monday morning we waved good-bye to Paul's family and headed out from our 2-night stent on Lake Erie.  We pointed Big Earl West, and ventured out on our first actual camping excursion. The boys did well in the coach and were fabulous while on the road.

Mason, First Mate & Chief Engineer.

"Big Earl is prepped & ready to roll!"

Nothing like pulling out with an audience!   Thought they were going to break champagne bottles or throw confetti!!

Not much to see across this part of Ohio!  Looks sort of like Nebraska...

To say that Brutus was relaxed while on the road is an understatement...

A few hours later (including a short stop at Bass Pro Shops to pick up some necessary supplies), we arrived at a KOA site near Toledo, Ohio.   As we pulled into our site it was pouring rain - naturally!  Poor Paul had to go hook up in the rain, but everything went smoothly.  

Stony River KOA near Toledo, Ohio. 

Nothing like plugging in 50 Amps for the first time when it's pouring!

By this time Brutus & Mason had come to think of Big Earl as home, and were just happy to be along with us, instead of stuck back home in a kennel!    It was yucky outside, but back in the coach were all the comforts of home.

Dad had a better rain coat, so he got potty duty!

What more can you ask for?  Good company, comfy furniture & stuffies!!

We certainly didn't let the rain didn't keep us from enjoying our day - we just rolled out Earl's awnings and set up our grill.  

We had a great dinner - steaks, corn & potatoes - not exactly "roughing it"!  We spent the rest of the night catching up on blogs/internet, playing cards and Farkle (a fun dice game), then falling asleep to the sound of raindrops on the roof.  

Catching up on our blogs, Brutus in one of his favorite spots!

We acquired some more neighbors through the afternoon...

... all of whom had to pass Brutus' discerning glare as they pulled by!

Brutus, Chief Security Officer for Big Earl

After a good nights' sleep, we had a leisurely Tuesday morning then hit the road again just before lunchtime.  We took a brief detour North through Ann Arbor, long enough to stick out our tongues at the Wolverines!  Brutus had never been out of Ohio before, so we thought - what better place to go than the lair of his biggest rival??  

Michigan Stadium - home of the Wolverines (the biggest rivalry in the Big 10, Michagan & OSU)

We arrived back home early this evening.  All in all it was a great maiden voyage for Big Earl, no real catastrophes to report (other than one slightly damaged cabinet door - guess I don't know my own strength...).  So for now, Big Earl sits dark in our driveway.  Tomorrow I get to clean him up, then he gets a few weeks of rest before we head out again - for our next trip we are planning a early fall trek through New England!!  We can't wait!  Thanks for tagging along on our maiden voyage!