Jax to Cave Creek and back wrapup 12-20-07

We arrived back home on December 20 about 8PM. We left Clinton, MS at 6:45AM Central time in the rain. The rain chased us all the way to Mobile where we finally outran it. Dad called several times today with weather reports keeping us informed. We stopped in Quitman, MS and filled up with gas before we noticed it was cash only. No wonder their gas was cheaper than any one else's. No credit card fees.

Ever since we left San Angelo EJ and I had been swapping driving duties. Let us tell you, it is so nice to be able to get in bed when your driving turn is over and take a nap. It's also nice to give your posterior a break from all that sitting in one spot. Roadie did great.

What worked and what didn't:

• The only real problem we had was with the gps reciever. Occansionally it would decide to take a break right when we needed it most. It would deliver the dreaded "Lost satellite signal" message. It's a Pharo brand receiver sold by Microsoft. I'll have to do some research on that problem and see if anyone has come up with a solution.
• Preparing and freezing meals ahead of time is a good thing.
• As a general rule use the backroads if you have the time. Use the Interstates if you don't.
• Using a good cat sitter works. Fewer worries about how the cats are doing and if there are any problems with the house.
• Driving 2200 miles in 4 days is not a good idea. (Actually it was 5 days, but on the third day we didn't do any driving).
  

When we get home from these trips, the cats have been pretty much ignoring us. This time they were like velcro. They wouldn't let us out of their sight. We usually don't let them in the bedroom, but they insisted on sleeping with us that first night. I guess they were making sure we didn't sneak off again.

Now for the stats:

• We traveled 4,823 miles.
• We spent $990.54 on gas,
• Our average fuel consumption was 14.18 mpg.
• We spent $156.16 on rv parks.
• We stayed in Roadie 13 nights.
• We were gone for 22 days.

We can't wait for the next trip.