Sunday, January 31, 2010 - Ride and Travel Day

Woke up to beautiful sunny skies and a bitter cold wind (relatively speaking, it was still a lot better than a few hundred miles north of us, which was getting an ice storm!) We decided not to let that deter us, so we bundled up and went riding in Cary State Forest. What a great ride! Almost eight miles on the Red Trail, mostly sand footing forest roads. Some of the roads were like islands, with water on both sides, some were grassy, perfect for long trots and canters. It was fabulous, albeit a bit chilly when we were heading into the wind. When our backs were to the wind, or we were in a clearing where the sun was full on us, it was very pleasant. Just under three hours later, we were arriving back at the camp. Another group of horses were just arriving at the trailhead, and they asked us some questions about camping in the forest, and a while later they rode down to see our setup. Nice folks, local people who came here regularly to ride.
Afterward, we started packing up again, to get to our next location, Skyway Farms. They were going to take care of our babies, as well as let us stay in our camper on their property for two nights. Met a delightful English fellow (well, he was born in America, but grew up in Birmingham, England) formerly a Cavalry soldier in the British Army (one of those spit-and-polish guys that did changing of the guard at Buckinham Palace!) who later joined the American army and now works here as a farmhand. Nice facility, but civilization is creeping up to it quickly. Just ten minutes from the airport, though, so very convenient. Big box stalls, reasonably priced, and at least I know the horses will be safe tomorrow!

Saturday, January 30, 2010 - A day at the shop

Upon further inspection, Hubby discovered the wheel problem was, in fact, brakes. A chunk of metal from the brake was jammed inside. He managed to loosen it up, so we decided, since it wasn't bearings, to find a repair shop locally to take it to. After several calls, we discovered Miracle Motors in Macclenny about 15 miles away. We packed up everything, trailer and horses, because we didn't want to leave the horses alone in a strange place. At the shop, they took the wheel apart and it was determined we needed lots of new parts we couldn't get on a Saturday, so they fixed it so we could drive without parts flying around, but the trailer wouldn't have brakes until it was fixed. We arranged to come back on Tuesday, and returned to the campsite, having conveniently avoided a rainstorm that started after we packed up the horses and ended before we got back, so the horses stayed dry. The temps dropped dramatically by this evening, and for some reason we felt very tired from getting up early so many days in a row, so we relaxed watching movies for the rest of the day (we had restocked our DVR while we were in DC). Weather supposed to be cool and clear tomorrow, so we're planning on getting a ride in. Had a client call a few days ago wanting to get together, so she's flying into Jacksonville to meet with us. Found a boarding stable convenient to the airport location, so we'll be moving over there tomorrow afternoon.

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.

Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010 - Drive to Poinsett Park, SC

Love this place! Easy trip down, wish we could stay and ride but there's a blizzard on our heels, and we're determined to make it to Florida by tomorrow to outrun the cold!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 - Drive to Buffalo Junction, VA

Worked with our client yesterday, then had dinner at a nice little Indian restaurant in Lorton Market Plaza. Weather forecasts dropping temps tomorrow and snow by Friday, so we are definitely heading south asap. Up at 7:00, out by 9:20, one stop at Wal-Mart for groceries, and off the Dee and Paul's!

Monday, January 25, 2010 - Paperwork Day

Tackled the pile of mail we rec'd on Saturday, spent the whole day getting caught up on paperwork and bookkeeping. Very wet, warm and humid this morning (almost 70 degrees!), but gradually cleared out and cooled down as the day wore on. Would have loved to go for a ride today, but the trails would have just been too sloppy after all the rain we had overnight. I suspect the horses are getting tired of standing around, I just hope we'll get a ride in soon, before they go on strike! May be back in Florida before all the stars are aligned to accomplish that, which hopefully will be by the weekend.

Sunday, January 24, 2010 - Rest/Football day

Hubby finally insisted on seeing the final championship football games today, so he set up the Dish and I reinstated our signal, which I had put on vacation hold since December. We were starting to get low on movies on the DVR anyway, so it's time to stock up! Expecting rain overnight tonight, so we'll be putting the horses in the trailer to keep them dry. An uneventful day other than that. I was going to start on my pile of mail, and decided to wait until Monday, as though it was the beginning of a real work week. Go Peyton!