Sunrise, Shade, and Spanish Moss: Lessons from the Road – Episode #24

🌅 Penny’s Morning Spot (and Mine Too)

There’s something sacred about the first cup of coffee. The fans are off. The cat’s perched on the dashboard, soaking in the sunrise. Her paws dangle over the edge like she owns the place (which, to be fair, she kind of does). She’s been the anchor for me this whole trip.

I’ve learned that the best campsites aren’t always about trees or hookups. Sometimes it’s just the view.

Spot #149 at the Biloxy Bay RV Resort gave us front-row seats to the bay, moonrises, golf cart parades, and lazy river vibes. Penny loved watching the world go by, and I loved watching her watch it. This was the fourth site on this trip, and probably my favorite so far.

🚐 RV Life as a Rolling Classroom

This stretch of travel was always meant to be more about learning than sightseeing. I wanted to test out what a weeklong RV trip felt like with just me and the cat. And wow, I’ve learned a lot:

  • What works: Having the cat with me has been easier than expected. She chills, explores, and knows the rhythm now.
  • What doesn’t: Traveling in a Class C RV without a separate vehicle has its limits. I can’t exactly lock up and explore a small town without bringing my entire house with me.
  • What’s next: I’m seriously considering trying out a small fifth wheel. Park it, unhitch, and head into town with a pickup. Simple. Flexible.

There’s no one perfect solution. Everyone I meet here has their own setup. Some are on their 10th RV. And that made me realize—it’s okay to change. It’s okay to learn as you go.

🧼 Disconnects, Checklists & Goodbye Golf Carts

Leaving a site isn’t hard, but it’s never fast. I’ve got a growing mental checklist now:

  • Awning in? ✅
  • Sewer line disconnected and stored? ✅
  • Electrical unplugged and stowed? ✅
  • Levelers retracted, tire chocks removed? ✅
  • Cat accounted for? Always. ✅

Returning the golf cart was oddly sad. It had become part of my rhythm. I rode around each morning, scoping out RV models, waving to neighbors, watching life unfold slowly and simply.

🌳 Eagles Roost & The Bug Battle

Next stop: Eagles Roost RV Resort in Lake Park, Georgia. Spanish moss hung from old oaks like gray curtains, and the golden light at sunset made everything glow. Loved the place and I recommend it … at the right time of the year that is!

It should’ve been a photographer’s dream. Instead? BUGS.

No-see-ums. Gnats. Swarms of tiny things attacking every exposed patch of skin. I lasted 10 minutes trying to shoot moss silhouettes before retreating in full surrender.

I will never camp in south Georgia again in June without full bug gear. Got some nice pics though 🙂

🛠 Small-Space Lessons & Simple Joys

Inside the RV, every inch matters. I’ve lost several IQ points to that damn upper cabinet. It’s now part of my travel scars. But I love the routine—breakfast prep in a tiny space, morning journaling, cleaning up, and heading out for a walk around the campground.

One morning it hit me: I don’t need to be in an RV to enjoy this. Maybe on a future trip, I’ll rent a small cabin instead. Same vibe. Still outdoors. Still get to cook over a grill. Just with more flexibility. Something to think about.

🍳 Breakfasts, Bugs, and Beauty

Breakfast on this leg? Mozzarella, ham, egg, and tomato. Brunch, really. Cooked in the open air under the mossy trees. I might be sweating while I eat, but man, it’s worth it.

The RV entrance and exit loop of this campground gave Penny plenty to watch from the dashboard—class A’s towing Jeeps, shiny fifth wheels with perfect leveling jobs, and the occasional golf cart creeping past. She’s fascinated by it all.

At night, we’d sit in the soft glow of the setting sun, listening to the hum of campers settling in and the laughter from the pool across the way.

🚗 Looking Ahead: The Need for Wheels

Every time I wanted to explore a little downtown or shoot at sunrise, I realized again: I need a tow vehicle. Whether it’s a Class A + Jeep, a small fifth wheel + pickup, or even a van with a bike rack—something that lets me get out there.

The guy I met yesterday had a Prism RV with an SUV towed behind. That’s a slick setup. I’m going to research that one. His advice? Get a drive-thru site if you’re towing. You can’t reverse with the car hooked up. Duly noted.

💭 Final Thoughts from a Sun-Lit Dashboard

So what am I walking away with?

  • RV life isn’t perfect, but it’s real.
  • Cooking outdoors is always better—even with bug spray.
  • Penny might be the best travel buddy I’ve ever had.
  • And maybe—just maybe—a small fifth wheel is in my future.

That’s it for now. Heading to the next stop, where I’ll trade the Spanish moss for maybe a little South Florida sand.

See you on the road.
As always… more on all this later.

The Author

I visited all 50 states at 60. Now I am chasing the light and story through all 63 national parks, some with my cat Penny! The journey continues - follow along.

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