Friday, January 29, 2010 - Drive to Cary State Forest, FL

Another easy drive from Poinsett Park, SC to a new place we're trying, Cary State Forest, just west of Jacksonville, FL. Stopped at an RV place to pickup some things we needed for a few minor repairs (clip for closet door, new cap for drain, etc.). When we entered Florida, we were getting ready to pull into the Agricultural Inspection station (a must if you're traveling with big animals), but the yellow light was flashing, and there was a sign saying "Bypass when lights are flashing," so I told Hubby to pass by it. He wasn't sure we should, but the lights WERE flashing, so he followed me past. Well, it was only a few minutes before more lights flashing, the ones on the top of a patrol car pulling him over. Apparently, even when the lights are flshing, if you have animals you have to stop! Fortunately, it was the same inspector that we had the first time we came through, and he remembered us, and just told us that we had to stop every time, regardless of the flashing lights. Lesson learned, no citation, and we were on our way again in a matter of minutes. BTW, if you take Hwy. 301, it's like a larger outer loop around Jacksonville than I-295, without all the trucks and crazy twists and turns (and construction), and you end up much farther west on I-10. Good shortcut if you want to get off the highway earlier.
Arrived at Cary State Forest about 3:00. The ranger had told me about an old homesite (not old, actually, just unfinished) across from Campsite 3 that we could use. Discovered it had water right on it, a pleasant surprise. Great trees for high-lining the horses, all for just $5/night. As I was moving, I heard a loud metallic scraping sound, for the second time. I had first heard it when we stopped for gas in Georgia, but of course, when I tried to repeat it so Hubby could hear it, it was quiet as a mouse. In the campsite, however, it came back with a vengeance, and this time Hubby was able to pinpoint it, from the left front wheel of the RV. We figured it had to be bearings or maybe brakes, so once we were set up, I started looking for a mobile service mechanic online. Another plus, a great cell phone signal. Managed to find a guy in Jacksonville who could make it out tomorrow, but he seemed reluctant about working on a trailer, so I'm not sure what will happen. Will work on a Plan B in the morning, just in case. Supposed to rain, and frankly, we both need a day off tomorrow, though how much of one we'll get remains to be seen. To bed early, setting the alarm for 7:00.