🐿️ Squirrels, Sunbeams, and Saying Goodbye
We started the morning at Eagles Roost RV Resort. Penny was perched in her favorite spot, tail flicking, watching squirrels through the little side window. It’s her new favorite campground TV show, apparently.
I opened the sliding window so she could hear the chirps and rustling. The way she zoned in on every squirrel twitch made me laugh—and reminded me again how much she’s settled into this RV rhythm. She’s the real star of this trip.
✅ 7-Step RV Departure Checklist (Don’t Forget the Cat!)
Before pulling out, I ran through my now-famous 7-step checklist:
- Sewer line disconnected
- Water hose packed up
- Electrical unplugged (with surge protector checked)
- Leveling jacks up
- Tire chocks removed
- Awning retracted
- Penny safe and cozy in her pillow cave
That last one’s always the most important. Once she’s curled up and calm, we’re good to roll.
🚐 From Georgia to Jupiter
We hit the road heading back south toward Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Jupiter, Florida. It’s a bit of a full-circle moment for me—this is a park I visited often as a teen after moving to Florida, and later brought my daughter here for canoe rides and gator sightings.
Even though we’re only staying one night, this stop gives me the chance to wrap things up: return the RV, dump the tanks, and reflect on what I’ve learned.
And yes, Penny rode like a champ the whole way.
🔌 Simple Setup, Sweet Spot
We pulled into the Pine Grove Campground section of Jonathan Dickinson around 4 p.m. It’s shady, flat, and tucked into a grove of sea grapes. Privacy? Check. Breeze? Check. Friendly locals? Double check.
After setting up the sewer, electric, and water, I explored on foot. This campground really surprised me. There were glamping tents, vintage trailers, Class A buses, and families grilling near hammocks. I even chatted with a guy from Miami who said this was his favorite campground in Florida.
It felt like a secret I already knew—rediscovered.
🍳 Final Meals, Full Moon, and Future Plans
Dinner was a casual cookout with family—my ex-wife and mother-in-law came up to see the cat (and me, I suppose). We had a relaxed evening sharing stories, and I did a deeper cleaning of the RV in prep for return.
Penny and I had a quiet night. She watched the moon rise one last time from her window perch. I sipped some tea and thought about everything I’ve learned this week.
Here’s the quick list:
- Yes, I’d rent an RV again.
- No, I don’t think I want to go full-time (yet).
- Traveling with a cat is totally doable—if anything, she makes it better.
- If I did this regularly, I’d want a fifth wheel or a camper van + tow car combo.
- And I’m now this close to planning an Amtrak leg for part of the 50at60 journey. More on that later.
📸 Looking Back, Looking Ahead
This final segment wraps up my second major loop for the 50at60 project. I’ve now driven, photographed, journaled, and cat-traveled through Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia, all in a Class C rental.
Next up? I’m heading to the Great Lakes region—think Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois—and maybe a stop in Minneapolis. I’m still working on the route, and still tweaking the gear. But one thing is for sure: I’m loving this journey.
Thanks for following along.
And as always…
More on all this later.
