6-24-2020 INTRODUCTION TO THE SUMMER TRIP

We weren’t going anywhere this Summer for many reasons.  First and foremost, there’s the damned virus.  A lot of our plans were cancelled.  We were refunded for everything except for flights on United Airlines.  They offered us a voucher.  This is nice provided they stay in business.  We insisted on a cash refund and they pretty much told us to go to Hell.  You may want to fly clear of United Airlines.  On the other hand, we'll rock n' roll any old time in the future with Delta Airlines, Allianz Travel Insurance Co., Vacations to Go and Victory Cruise Lines.

Driving across the country threatened to present a challenge.  Many parks are “open,” as in “You may choose a site here and hook up.  Don’t look for humans.  Leave your payment in the drop box.  All of our amenities and facilities are closed.”  Other parks are closed altogether.  Period.  We found that some states would allow us passage but if we stayed overnight on their dirt, we should plan to be quarantined for 14 days.  This made cross-country travel rather difficult and, shall we say, time-consuming.

So since early this year, we have been cubby-holed, watching our hair grow and dust accumulate.  We have exhausted every idea and completed every small project we can think of at the homestead.  Finally, we can’t stand this anymore.  No more intimidation.  Enough!  The Fourth of July is approaching and it is our tradition to find celebrations, picnics, parades and festivals somewhere.  The Fourth of July has been cancelled in its entirety mostly everywhere we have looked.  We’ll find something.  Anywhere.  Just get us out of here, Noobee!

And so on Tuesday morning it is Go Time.  We are examining the maps, laying out the route.  Our movements may be limited, we know, but we shall bushwhack a path and move onward, God willing and Creeks don’t rise.  We have shifted into overdrive:  stopping the mail and services, notifying the credit cards, Sheriff and ADT, crossing things off the list, stocking up, washing and packing.  Come Hell or high water, we are outta here!  Don’t expect to see us in masks!  That reminds me, I don’t even own a mask.  Tell me someone, where in the Constitution does it say that the government can tell me what to wear?  Look for us in cuffs on the evening news!  Hi ho Silver!  The DeLaMare Scofflaws are on the loose!