Day 89 of the Journey - Raleigh, NC

Made it to Raleigh!  We actually got started an hour later than planned, as sunrise wasn't until 7:00.  It was very difficult to do all the outside work in the dark!  Most of the packing inside was done yesterday when we had to take the rig out for lessons, so it only took about 15 mins to pack up.  Outside took a little longer, and hitching took the longest, but we made it out of the campground by 8:30.  We arrived in Raleigh at 3:30, but we took 2 breaks: 1 for lunch and 1 short rest.  We stopped for brunch at a Pilot truck stop.  Fortunately, the truck area was relatively empty (it was full when we left - great timing!) and there were a number of long pull through spots.

The drive up was smooth and uneventful.  Mitch did all the driving.  We are staying at the NC State Fairgrounds and it is much lovelier than we expected.  Also lots of high end, expensive rigs here.  Unfortunately, no tv or picnic benches, but if we want to be outside we can use our camping chairs and the plastic table.  The weather is very cool and there are no love bugs!  The sites are very spacious, though.  There were plenty of empty ones (although it will be filled by the weekend due to a HUGE football game plus a few other big events) and we have a field across from our site, making it super easy to back in.  It took 15 minutes!!! (we budgeted 3 hours).  I'm very proud of Mitch!

Funny story - as we were backing up, a woman was standing nearby.  I called over to her to bring her lawn chair and beer for the afternoon entertainment.  She said she wanted to watch how it was done as she was a newbie and had no clue.  HAHAHAHA.  I laughed and told her this was only the 2nd time we're doing it, and the first time someone had to do it for us and she wasn't going to learn anything by watching us.  I feel good that we're not alone.  Lots of newbies out there I suspect.

We briefly met fellow "RVillagers" Brittany & Eric (RVWanderlust).  There's another couple from the Village here as well.  I hope we'll have a chance to hang with all of them before they head out.

We finished setting up by 6:00 and Jessica and Griffin came by at 6:30.  We had a lovely sushi dinner out and they liked our new home - said it was more like a one bedroom apartment.

Tomorrow is a big shopping day in preparation for the Holidays (Wed - Fri nite).  I also need to buy more pants and need a haircut/coloring.  So busy day planned.