First Week on the Road!

Monday September 22, 2025

Embark! Leaving Lancaster, PA this morning brought so many emotions. I was ready. There were a few tears, but mostly all the anticipation from the last several weeks and months of preparation had me feeling exhilarated, a charge within, challenging myself once again to keep on this path. As I pulled away from my friend’s house where I had camped for a week prior to leaving, my mantra song was the first to play: ‘Back Up Plan’ by Bailey Zimmerman and Luke Combs. This tune had touched my soul months prior when a friend stated, after hearing about my proposed journey, "What’s your backup plan if this falls through?" I was shocked at how he doubted my ability to make this dream a reality. Just after speaking with him, as I was driving, ‘Back Up Plan’ came ringing through the speakers. WOW! I played it again and again, pulling to the side of the road, reading the lyrics repeatedly. “If it’s in your blood, falling down ain’t enough to change who you were born to be. Getting back up, that’s the only backup plan you’ll need.” THIS was me. Countless times throughout my life, I have been challenged, fallen, only to get back up and keep going.

he King and Silver Queen coast down the highway, I suddenly recognize the ‘avoid highways ‘tab wasn’t checked on the gps. Note to self, take the scenic route in the future. Even if it adds hours of driving time. This journey is just as, if not more important than the destination. Cruising along, deep in thought, a pick-up truck pulls up beside me, and stays there, hovering, as we pushed 75/80 mph. I look over, his window is down and he’s yelling “your hatch is open”!!!! OMG I look in my side mirrors, and sure enough the Queens hatch is flying wide open!!! Slowing down to stop on the busy highway shoulder, I jump out to assess the situation. Whew! The cast iron pan was still there! Nothing lost or damaged. Locking the handles tightly this time. Will not make the mistake of missing this important step next time!

I drove directly to Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. Twisting and turning the curves up into the mountains, stopping at look outs and taking a short hike to stretch my legs after travel. Taking deeps breaths of the beautiful mountain air. Im doing this, still cant believe all the work for 5 months to prep and here I am, on the road. Pinch me, I think outload.

My first Harvest Hosts visit was nearly an hour away in Middletown, VA, at The Wayside Inn—one of America's oldest continuously operating inns, featuring a summer kitchen from the 1740s! The RV parking is situated behind the inn. It's nothing fancy, but it's quiet and offers some privacy.

As I parked the Silver Queen next to the electric hookup, I realized there was no water available. To use the portable shower tent, I needed water. Note to self: always choose places with a water pump. Then I checked my parking job—I'm definitely improving at backing up the trailer!

I set up the kitchen and my outdoor area with a mat and camping chair. Another thought occurred to me: this place lacks a fire ring. Another reminder: ensure future bookings have fire options. No big deal this time, though. I prepared dinner and arranged to film a video demonstrating how this small kitchen can still produce a healthy, quick meal. Crawling into bed that night, I smiled, feeling exhausted but incredibly happy and excited. This day happened. I did it.

Here we go.

Tuesday September 23, 2025

First, I set up my easy-up tent since the forecast predicts rain later, and I want to be prepared. I'm planning a hike on the Overrun Trail in Shenandoah Park. The map indicates it's a 6-mile/4.5-hour trek. I tighten my hiking boots, adjust my wool socks for this exciting hike, and do a mental happy dance! I pack my backpack with essentials like water, a protein bar, a selfie stick, and secure the bear spray to my chest before heading out. The smile on my face lights the path through the dense canopy of trees and brush. I've missed the woods so much. The trees and moss draw me in, welcoming me into the lush coolness of the forest floor. Their shadows dance with the sun's rays, peeking through the leaves like beautiful threads reaching out to me, touching my very soul. They gently kiss my cheeks and lips with light. I lose myself on the trail. My thoughts drift over the past 19 months since my multiple myeloma diagnosis. I recall the pain, shock, and fear, and then acknowledge how I moved past them, determined not to let this control my life. I overcame this challenge through dedication to aquatic therapy and hot yoga for healing. I don't miss my house. While it holds happy memories, I also remember sitting on the couch reading my first MRI results—bone metastasis vs. multiple myeloma. I recall the times when it hurt so much just to get out of bed, making a cup of coffee and realizing with two crutches, I couldn't carry it to the kitchen table.

My mind works through those moments, putting them to rest. Finally, I address the emotions so I can remove them from my space. Feeling light on my feet, the weight lifts from my shoulders, dissipating into the branches and clouds. I continue for miles, walking without realizing I've strayed from my original path. I'm truly lost! I navigate back to the road and realize the quickest way back to my car is a straight 2-mile uphill trek! When I finally see the King, I've covered over 11 miles/6 hours of continuous walking. How good do my body and soul feel? This is what I was craving. These woods have propelled me forward on my healing journey today.

I return to camp invigorated, exhausted, and grateful for the leftovers from the night before. Falling into bed, eyes heavy with sleep, I smile and rest for another adventure tomorrow.

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

I prepared a bit better for the Rose River Falls hike. The path is beautiful and rocky, and today I'm thankful for my titanium hiking poles—they're amazing! The cool stream flows over layers of mossy, slippery rocks, inviting me to dip my toes in. I pause to do some yoga poses and express my gratitude to Mother Nature for her blessings today.

After the hike, I visited Luray Caverns as the skies turned grey with mist and then heavy rain. I figured I might as well enjoy something underground!

When I returned to camp, the rain had stopped. I prepared dinner, marking another fantastic day!

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Thursday is my hot yoga day! I had booked a spot for 6 am at Hot Yoga Tyson’s, which was over an hour away from camp, but it was the nearest hot yoga studio. I realized that rural areas lack the yoga options I need, so I decided to make the drive. Waking up at 3:30 AM, I set out around 4:30. The roads were pitch black, with no light pollution in the area. As I hit the highway, it started raining heavily at times. I followed the few cars on the road, matching their speed without really paying attention. Checking the clock and GPS, I realized I wanted time to warm up before class. Normally, I do 3-6 hot yoga sessions a week, but I hadn’t practiced in 7 days! I noticed a motorcycle following me, so I sped up, and so did he. I was going 90-95 mph. I definitely wanted to arrive by 5:30 to greet the instructor, share my 7.5 years of Bikram yoga experience, and explain that due to bone lesions from an initial cancer diagnosis, my hips sometimes don’t work in certain poses. I wanted her to know that she doesn’t need to correct me because my body can’t move like others.

As my mind raced in multiple directions, I looked in the mirror and saw flashing lights. Oh my, the motorcycle following me was a highway patrol officer! I pulled over to the busy highway shoulder. He approached the car, young and kind. "Ma’am, do you know you were going 95?! This is reckless and unsafe," he said.

I turned to him, apologetic, explaining my recent travels and how I left PA without my ID, driving over an hour for the hot yoga I need and love. He must have been at the end of his shift and didn’t want to deal with my situation. "Have a nice day, Ma’am, and please drive safely." WHEW!!! The whole stop took less than 5 minutes. What a ticket that could have been!

Hot Yoga Tysons, located in Tyson’s Corner, VA, did not disappoint! Jessica, the instructor, was lovely! As I began the Bikram postures, my soul smiled. After class, I had the pleasure of meeting Paulita, a wonderful woman with her own cancer story and an inspirational journey. She shared about herself, her family, and especially her daughter’s unique singing career. I could have talked to her for hours, but I knew I had to head back to camp. We exchanged information, and she found sharingjoywithsharon on Facebook and the website, sharing her daughter’s YouTube music videos with me.

I dined at The Inn at Larrick’s Tavern, which had just reopened and started serving breakfast. I met Bobby Brandy and Amanda. Sitting next to me was a man from FL. We started chatting, and I found out Ryan had just left NJ after buying his dream BMW. We talked about travel, camping, and he shared the best off-the-beaten-path spots for camping in the south.

That afternoon, I headed to Middletown gun range, where I met Jim, who provided detailed and one-on-one range instruction. I was grateful for the time well spent with him.

In the evening, I walked to Vault and Cellar, a local Appalachian restaurant. I enjoyed a delightful spaghetti squash meal topped with shrimp... so good!

Friday, September 26, 2025

I pack up. Next destination is Del Rio, TN!  Long Creek Haven is the Harvest Host name. So, looking forward to this next adventure!!