28 March, 2020 Safely isolated in the Ozarks

We walked 2.2 miles to the Enterprise rental car.  Corporate headquarters said Enterprise would deliver the car.  Not.  This was 23 March.  The walk was easy, but we waited about 30 minutes outside of the rental agency waiting for our Van.  Not impressed with their social distancing procedures.  We had brought hand sanitizer and bleach wipes.  We cleaned our hands and wiped down the touchable items of the van.  Returning to the marina we began off-loading Serenity.  Worked till nearly sunset.  Up early the next morning, we completed the off-load; van totally packed.  We finished final securing of Serenity.  Double lines, fenders everywhere and all food removed.  Secured all DC power except for bilge pumps.  Have left shore power connected and on to keep batteries topped off.

At 0930 24 March we began the 1000 mile drive.  Traffic was light and while most other times we generally avoid Atlanta, today I-75 was nearly traffic free and we zoomed through.  An hour after sunset, we stopped and spent the night at a Hampton Inn.  Our first night off the boat.  We used our spray bottle of bleach solution and scrubbed the door knobs and such within the room.  Removed most of the bedding and slept on our pillows and in our sleeping bags.

Up early, 25 March, completed the final 6 hour drive.  Arriving at our locked gate at 1300.  All appeared ok.  Opening up, getting electricity back on, opening the water valves and purging the winterized lines, we had water, lights and heat.  During the final few hours of driving, listening to the local radio station, we learned that the county we live in was going on a 30 day shelter in place at midnight!

It is the beginning of spring.  While we were so looking forward to watching spring unfold as we journeyed up the Atlantic seaboard, we will appreciate what we have here in the country.

Lilies are blooming

Fruit trees are blooming

I had contracted with a lawn service last fall to mow this spring/summer.  Glenn is a disabled man who has a custom van and custom mower for his lawn care service.  I had to call him and cancel.  I hated to take away his work, but I will take care of the mowing while we are back.  It has been unseasonably warm the past few days.  But, cooler and wetter weather on the way.  All non-essential business and such are closed.  Our Cowboy church is also paused, no large gatherings. However, there will be a live youtube service on Sundays.  Good to go.

Everyone take care.