DAY 1 Departure Day:

Because my family camped in an RV growing up, I knew to start days before. But in hind-sight, I should have started preparing a week before.  However, life has been extremely busy up until this week with end of the year programs and appointments, so preparing was not on my mind until Monday.  That night, I made a meal plan and full food and supplies shopping list.  Yesterday, Tuesday, the kids and I braved Walmart together and spent a lot of money getting first time supplies.  I felt like I did a good job not getting too many "extras", but it added up quick!  I also fell into the vacation mindset and bought way more junk/processed food than I have in years.  Old habits die hard I guess!  I worked on laundry all night long, and started more lists and gathering of supplies from the house.

So today, we had a plan.  I would wake up and start packing up the camper.  Jason would come home at noon and we would roll out at about 1 or 2 p.m.  I have worked my butt off!  In our house, we have stairs that lead into the basement entry where the RV is parked near the door.  I don't know how many trips I made up and down those stairs, but by the time Jason got home, my legs were hurting so bad.  My knee was giving out and I had to take the longer route around the front of the house to finish loading.  I did employ the kids to help when I could, but I had a plan and I was in "control" mode in making sure everything went to the right spot.  So, finally....I got the inside all packed up.  Jason got everything else done, and by about 5:30 p.m., I was more tired than I have been in a long time.  My knee was in so much pain, I got in the hot tub to soak my aches and then took a shower.  The kids were asking about every five minutes, all day long, when we were leaving.  At this point, it felt like tomorrow.  Then Jason mentioned we needed to feed the kids, get ice, and beverages.  He finished up last-minute house chores while I went to accomplish those tasks.  So we ate Subway sandwiches, packed up the cooler, and finally left!

And we're off!  On our first camping adventure.  We left our house on Wednesday, May 20th at about 7 p.m.

We arrived at about 8 p.m. at our first destination: Site #81 at Salt Lick Campground in Gainesboro, TN.  We sat up camp just before the rain set in.  Praise the Lord....we finally made it!