Bugs, Buddies & Barnyard Shenanigans – Mosey Hits SoCal!

/ Sharon Ginger / Leave a comment

After 2,500 miles, a few near-storms, tire-melting 110 degree weather, and an endless loop of “are we there yet?” (mostly from the humans), we officially rolled into Southern California! First stop: Lake Elsinore, where the skies are blue, the tacos are tasty, and our dear friends Linda and Thurman greeted us with open arms, restaurant reservations, and stories like we never missed a beat

We shared travel stories, belly laughs, and a few amazing meals—including a pilgrimage to one of our restaurant faves: 1909, where the drinks are cold and the food has no business being that good. It felt so good to catch up with fellow Airstreamers and swap tales of the road—plus a few tire tips, which turned out to be prophetic.

Because, naturally, once we stopped moving for more than 12 hours, our driver-side trailer tire decided it was time for a little drama. Slowly deflating like it was trying to leave town without drawing attention. Sneaky. Very sneaky.

Before hitting the road again, we treated Mosey to her first bath since leaving Charleston. There were bugs on her nose, bugs in her fender, bugs in places we didn’t even know could collect bugs. She emerged from the wash bay sparkling, slightly smug, and approximately 300 pounds lighter.

Then it was tire patchin’ time, and on to our next destination: San Diego, land of ocean breezes, flip-flops, and (drumroll please)…the San Diego County Fair!

Thanks to a few Rover visits for the pups, we met up with our longtime pal Beth, who was brave enough to spend an entire day at the fair with us—no small feat. We ate our weight in fair food (don’t ask what the cinnamon rolls are made of; just eat them and ascend), wandered vendor booths, communed with barnyard animals, and caught a magician show that may or may not have hypnotized us into buying hot out of the oven chocolate chip cookies capping off our calorie fest. We didn’t stand a chance.

This year’s fair theme was “Pets”—a celebration of all things furry, feathered, and occasionally scaly. We encountered bunnies cuter than Instagram influencers, guinea pigs, parrots, bearded dragons, and a cat that looked at me like I was the problem (technically true—thanks, allergies).

SoCal is already delivering sunshine, good vibes, and just enough mechanical drama to keep us humble. We’re here for 10 days, grateful for friends, cinnamon rolls, and trailer tires that (currently) hold air.

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Airstream vs. Hailstorm: Guess Who Won

/ Sharon Ginger / 5 Comments

You know how some evenings are so uneventful you can hear the cicadas yawning? That’s what we thought we were getting into in Big Spring, Texas.

We’d just wrapped a long day of driving through the scorched and sunbaked stretches of West Texas, with temperatures brushing 100 degrees and not a cloud in sight. The Airstream was parked. The jacks were down. I was in my pajamas, debating whether or not to make popcorn or just collapse. Life was good. Or so we thought.

Then… BZZZZZ BZZZZZ — our phones lit up like slot machines in Vegas.

Supercell Storm Alert. Extreme Winds. Torrential Rain. Tornado Watch. Giant hail up to 4 inches likely.

I blinked at the screen. Four inch-sized hail?! That’s not hail, that’s something between a golf ball and a small dinosaur egg. And suddenly I was no longer thinking about popcorn—I was having terrifying flashbacks to that storm in New Mexico four years ago. You know, the one that left our old Airstream looking like it lost a bar fight with a bag of marbles? Yeah. That one.

We looked at each other. Joel, ever the optimist, said, “Maybe it’ll miss us.”

I, ever the realist (read: professional worrier), said, “I’m not risking it, we’re leaving.”

Within 15 minutes, we were packed up, hitched, and rolling out—me still in my PJs, probably looking like a crazed escapee from a campground asylum, barking directions like a storm chaser’s sidekick on Red Bull.

The storm was coming in from the west, and we were booking it south like our aluminum lives depended on it. The sky lit up with forked lightning, and we could see the rain (and possibly hail?) streaking down in the distance like nature’s own version of a horror movie.

I kept yelling, “Go, go, go!” like Joel was in a Fast & Furious sequel: Airstream Drift.

It was a full-blown showdown: us vs. Mother Nature.

And miraculously, we won.

We ended up driving 120 miles (yes, at night, in the dark, through West Texas emptiness) until we reached a tiny town with a KOA campground—closed, of course. At that point it was pushing midnight, still hotter than a baked potato under a heat lamp, and we parked by the roadside, no hookups, no A/C, just two exhausted humans, two confused dogs, and a very sweaty, but safe trailer.

We didn’t sleep much. But we also didn’t have to explain to our insurance company why our roof looked like a sieve.

The next morning we pointed our scorched wheels toward New Mexico and Arizona, where the storms gave way to…wait for it…110-degree sunshine. Because Mother Nature apparently thinks we want to live on the sun.

But that’s life on the road, right? One night you’re peacefully watching Netflix in your pajamas, and the next you’re in a high-speed escape from hail the size of grapefruits.

At least we’ve got a good story—and an intact roof.

5 responses to “Airstream vs. Hailstorm: Guess Who Won”

  1. Michael Hirst Avatar
    Michael Hirst

    OMG! I would’ve sprinted out of there, too. And been crazy worried the entire night. Make that times 2 for Sally. Phew. I’m glad you guys are safe now – even if uncomfortably hot. But that’s better than 4 inch hail!!

    Michael

    Michael A. Hirst
    Hirst Law Group, P.C.
    200 B Street
    Davis, California 95616
    P: (530) 756-7700
    F: (530) 756-7707
    michael.hirst@hirstlawgroup.com

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    1. Sharon Ginger Avatar
      Sharon Ginger

      Not a fun experience and one I don’t hope to repeat anytime soon!

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  2. Helen. Potts Avatar
    Helen. Potts

    hi you two its Helen Potts! What an adventure you are having, wow love how you write its like being there!!

    happy trails

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    1. Sharon Ginger Avatar
      Sharon Ginger

      It’s great to hear from you again Helen, I hope you are well.

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  3. Helen Avatar
    Helen

    Hi, you two!It looks like you are still enjoying your Airstre

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The Great Southwest Blur: From Gumbo to Guacamole

/ Sharon Ginger / Leave a comment

We’re currently a little under two weeks deep into our 3-month cross-country road trip, and our latest chapter could best be described as: “Just Keep Driving.”

This particular leg? A 400-miles-a-day dash across Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Why? Because we had to be selective with our time—this is a marathon, not a sightseeing sprint—and frankly, we’re saving our oohs and aahs for Southern California sunshine and beach tacos.

Also: Millie.

Millie, our sweet little trooper, is still in recovery mode, so we’re on a tight loop of drive, potty breaks, hydrate, Millie’s meds, repeat. We’re now roadside comfort specialists—just without the pay, benefits, or fancy title. But hey, at least we can now tell if a gas station bathroom has soap before emotionally committing. (Pro tip: if the key is attached to a hubcap or a canoe paddle, keep driving.)

We’re blazing through state lines like we’re leveling up in some weird geography simulator—every detour just adds to the challenge rating. Think Mario Kart, but with more road work and fewer banana peels. 

Louisiana was all about humidity, jazz, and not stopping for beignets (regret level: medium-high).

Texas was long. Like, really long. Like, “are we in a time loop?” long. We swear we passed the same Buc-ee’s three times.

New Mexico has us flirting with alien abduction just to shake up the monotony.

Arizona: come for the cacti, stay because your tires are melting into the pavement and you physically can’t leave.

Let it be known: on previous road trips we spent plenty of time in these amazing states. But for now, the mission is speed—tempered with lots of breaks because, again, Millie needs her TLC (and frankly, so do we).

It may not be glamorous, but hey—turns out all you need for road warrior success is caffeine, decent story narration, and the blind optimism of people who forgot how big Texas is.

So onward to Southern California—land of In-N-Out burgers, surfboards, and the kind of sunsets that will definitely make it onto our blog if we can get a break from the infamous June gloom.

We’ll check in again soon—hopefully with fewer miles behind us and a little more beach in front of us.

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Held Up in Laurel, Mississippi

/ Sharon Ginger / 5 Comments

When we first set our sights on Laurel, Mississippi, it was supposed to be just a short stop — two days of exploring, relaxing, and maybe catching a glimpse of the charming small-town life we’ve come to love watching on HGTV’s Home Town. But as life often reminds us, even the best-laid plans can take a sharp turn.

As we were making our way into town, our goldendoodle Millie began showing signs of what we initially thought was car sickness. However, once we arrived, it became quickly apparent that something more serious was going on. Her condition worsened, and we found ourselves searching for the nearest emergency pet hospital — which, as it turned out, was 33 miles away.

After a thorough exam and a proposed treatment plan, we returned to Laurel, hopeful for a quick recovery. But by the next morning, Millie still wasn’t herself. We made the difficult decision to take her back to the hospital, where a CT scan revealed the cause of her suffering: her entire digestive system had shut down. Our hearts sank. Millie was admitted immediately and placed on IV fluids and medication. Watching your pet suffer is hard enough; watching it happen while you’re far from home makes it that much harder.

Millie, home from the hospital with her new “get well” bunny


Needless to say, it’s been an incredibly stressful time — emotionally and financially — and just as we were trying to catch our breath, a severe storm (complete with hail threats) is forecasted to roll through Texas at the same time as us. Millie’s hospitalization along with this storm has delayed our departure another two days.

But even through all this, Laurel has quietly wrapped us in its arms.

This little Southern gem, made famous by Ben and Erin Napier from Home Town, has been a surprising comfort. The people here are just as warm and kind as they appear on TV. There’s a genuine hospitality in Laurel that’s hard to describe unless you’ve experienced it firsthand. From the staff at the pet hospital to the local coffee shop waitress, everyone has greeted us with compassion and grace — something we’ve needed more than ever.

Walking through downtown Laurel, you can’t help but smile. The streets are lined with restored historic buildings, blooming flowers, and friendly faces. You can feel the pride in every shop window and every brick wall — much of which has been lovingly brought back to life by the Napiers and their team.

We didn’t plan on staying this long, and we certainly didn’t plan on the emotional rollercoaster. But in a strange way, it feels like we were meant to be here — to experience not just the picture-perfect version of Laurel we see on TV, but the real, heartfelt version of it, too.

As we wait for Millie’s condition to stabilize and for the storm to pass over Texas we’re holding onto the silver linings — the gentle moments of kindness from strangers, the beauty of small-town life, and the reminder that even in the hardest times, there’s still something good waiting to be found.

Thank you, Laurel, for taking care of us when we needed it most.

5 responses to “Held Up in Laurel, Mississippi”

  1. Ginny Avatar
    Ginny

    Sharon and Joel hang in there. This delay, while difficult and not part of your plan will all make sense some day. Praying Millie makes a full recovery and you enjoy your trip again! 🤗🙏🩷

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    1. Sharon Ginger Avatar
      Sharon Ginger

      Thanks Ginny, we appreciate the encouragement and she is getting better everyday🩷

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  2. Paula David Gautreau Avatar
    Paula David Gautreau

    Do y’all have a Facebook site we can follow? We own a 2015 30 ft Classic – hubby about 1.5 years from retiring – kinda/sorta planning a bucket list – we from Gonzales, La. 💜💛

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    1. Sharon Ginger Avatar
      Sharon Ginger

      Hey Paula, we don’t have a Facebook page, but please feel free to follow our blog and we are happy to answer any questions along the way.

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  3. Sharon Ginger Avatar
    Sharon Ginger

    Hey Paula, we don’t have a Facebook page, but please feel free to follow our blog and ask any questions along the way.

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Keeping our Cool in Blue Hole Springs

/ Sharon Ginger / Leave a comment

A (Mostly) Brave Adventure to Blue Hole Springs

Ah, Blue Hole Springs — a little slice of Florida tucked inside Florida Caverns State Park, where the water is always cool and the sun is always shining (at least on our visit).

It was a warm, sunny day, the kind that practically begs you to cannonball into a spring-fed swimming hole. Surrounded by towering old oaks dripping with Spanish moss, Blue Hole Springs looked like something out of a postcard. A few kids were already splashing around, parents were camped out in the shade, and the whole scene had “summer fun” written all over it.

But then… someone mentioned the gator.

Now, let’s be clear — this wasn’t an actual gator sighting, more like a local legend. Apparently, Blue Hole is occasionally visited by a curious alligator. You know, just to check in on the humans and make sure everyone’s behaving.

Well, that was enough for Joel. He took one look at that serene, sparkling water and said, “Nope, not today, nature.” He appointed himself Chief Towel Holder and stationed himself on dry land with the cooler like it was a lifeguard post — minus the whistle and the desire to get wet.

Meanwhile, the rest of us decided to risk it all for a refreshing dip. And let me tell you — that water is cold. The kind of cold that makes your soul briefly leave your body before returning with a shriek. But it felt amazing on a hot afternoon. There’s something about swimming in a spring surrounded by mossy oaks and birdsong that makes you forget about gators (well, almost).

In the end, Joel may not have gotten wet, but he did heroically guard our flip-flops, provide running commentary, and issue false gator alarms every few minutes, just to keep us on our toes.

If you’re heading to Florida Caverns State Park, do yourself a favor and visit Blue Hole Springs. It’s beautiful, it’s bracing, and if you’re lucky, Joel might be there to save you from imaginary reptiles.

10/10, would jump in again (after checking for eyeballs floating by first).

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A Heartfelt Thank You 💛

/ Sharon Ginger / 3 Comments

To all my incredible friends and family,

I just wanted to take a moment to say a deep and sincere thank you to each and every one of you who took the time to wish me a happy birthday. Whether it was a message, a call, a post, a card, or a kind word in passing—your love and thoughtfulness truly meant the world to me.

Birthdays always make me reflect, and this year more than ever, I was reminded how lucky I am to be surrounded by such genuine, caring, and supportive people. Your kind words, warm wishes, and beautiful gestures filled my heart with gratitude and joy. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in this busy world, but moments like these remind me what truly matters—connection, kindness, and love.

So thank you for making me feel seen, celebrated, and loved. I’m beyond grateful to walk through life with all of you by my side.

xoxo, Sharon

3 responses to “A Heartfelt Thank You 💛”

  1. Hilda Avatar
    Hilda

    Beautiful pics, Sharon! What a wonderful way to start your birthday year… enjoy every minute.. Hilda

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    1. Sharon Ginger Avatar
      Sharon Ginger

      Thank you Hilda, great to hear from you ☺️

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  2. Sue Magoo Avatar
    Sue Magoo

    what a wonderful way to spend your birthday. Enjoy every moment.

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Sunshine, Sand, and Wagging Tails: A Day Trip to Panama City Beach 🐾🌊☀️

/ Sharon Ginger / Leave a comment

We packed up the car, grabbed the leashes, and headed down to beautiful Panama City Beach for a quick day trip—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! This beach town isn’t just a treat for sun-seekers; it’s a total dream for dog lovers.

Our first stop was Copper Kettle Café, a cozy, dog-friendly spot that instantly won us (and our pups) over. Joel dove into their buffalo chicken flatbread wrap, and it looked so good even Lou Lou couldn’t resist trying to swipe the orchid garnish right off his plate. (Yes, she’s wild like that. No orchid was harmed—just mildly slobbered on.)

After lunch, we made our way to the dog-friendly beach access, and the pups were in heaven. Sand between their paws, ocean breeze in their fur, and the kind of freedom that only comes from an off-leash moment of zoomies near the waves. It was one of those simple pleasures that reminds you how joyful dogs make life.

To top it all off, we wandered over to Pier Park, right across the street, and treated ourselves to some ice cream (yes, the dogs got their fair share too—no surprise there). It was the perfect sweet ending to a sunshine-filled day.

Until next time, PCB. The dogs already miss you.

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Going a bit batty at the Florida Caverns

/ Sharon Ginger / 2 Comments
If you’ve never seen a cloud of tiny bats flutter out of a wooden box like they’re late for a party, add Florida Caverns State Park to your must-visit list.

We rolled into the campground and parked Mosey III—because, apparently, our Airstream naming strategy is more “sequels” than “original screenplay.” The setting sun cast a warm glow over the piney forest, and just as we were settling in for a quiet evening, something magical (and slightly chaotic) happened.

From a small wooden structure near the edge of our camp spot—a kind of rustic bat condo with premium mosquito-reduction amenities—erupted a swirling flurry of wings. Hundreds of tiny bats shot out into the dusk like commuters late for the night shift. It was like rush hour in Gotham, if Gotham were run by bug-eating micro-vampires instead of moody billionaires.

These bat houses, we learned, are part of a thoughtful conservation effort—kind of like tiny bat Airbnbs. The bats get a warm place to sleep during the day, and in exchange, they feast on mosquitos and other insects at night, offering campers free, all-natural pest control. It’s an efficient little ecosystem, and yes, we did spend part of the evening Googling whether it’s possible to install a bat house on top of an Airstream.

Spoiler: It’s possible. Probably not advisable, but definitely possible.

The next morning, we descended—both figuratively and literally—into the heart of the park: the caverns themselves. A ranger-led tour took us 65 feet deep underground, where the temperature dropped and the walls sparkled with ancient mineral formations. We found ourselves ducking through narrow stone corridors, navigating around stalagmites rising like stone sentinels from the cavern floor, and weaving past stalactites that hung like prehistoric chandeliers. The formations have names—“Wedding Cake,” “The Cathedral,” and our personal favorite, “The Bacon Strip”—and once you see them, you’ll understand why.

It’s humbling to walk through spaces carved by water and time, knowing that each drip and ripple took thousands of years to shape the otherworldly landscape around you. It’s like nature’s own slow-motion sculpture garden. And despite the quiet, the caverns hum with a strange kind of energy—part mystery, part magic, and all Florida.

By the time we emerged back into the sunlight, blinking like surface-dwellers who’d just time-traveled, we had a newfound appreciation for the subterranean side of the Sunshine State. Florida may be known for its beaches, but trust us—what’s underneath is just as worth exploring.

2 responses to “Going a bit batty at the Florida Caverns”

  1. by Avatar
    by

    So much fun to be traveling with you guys *vicariously. *Reminds me of when Bella and I went to Australia. We went to a park that was playing La La Land outdoors on the giant screen, and they rented cushions to watch the movie on. As soon as it got dusk, the sky was filled with swarming bats coming from all the nearby trees in the park… and it kind of creeped me out. None of the locals even batted an eye (pun intended 😜)

    Have you guys looked at the cast for Survivor 50? Ozzy‘s back! The cat seems so huge. It’s hard to imagine that’s the normal number. Lots of fun favorites.

    Did you guys get doggy care yet for the fair day?

    Beth

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  2. Sharon Ginger Avatar
    Sharon Ginger

    Looking forward to seeing you soon!

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And We’re Off! (Cue the confetti and questionable GPS directions)

/ Sharon Ginger / 5 Comments

Greetings from the open road dear friends, family, and fellow wanderers!

We’ve officially slammed the door shut on the Airstream, fired up the Tundra’s engine, and hit the highway—SilverLining is rolling once again! The Airstream is polished (okay, mostly washed), the dogs are already judging us from the backseat, and we’re carrying more snacks than sense—standard road trip procedure.

Our first glamorous destination? Jacksonville, Florida! But don’t get too excited—it’s just a quick overnighter. We like to think of Jacksonville as the appetizer to the meaty adventure ahead: Florida Caverns State Park. Because nothing says “vacation” like squeezing through ancient underground passageways with strangers and stalactites, right?

This trip promises the usual combo of scenic beauty, unexpected detours, and “discussions” about whether or not we really need to stop at every roadside attraction shaped like a giant squirrel or world’s largest rocking chair. (Spoiler: We do.) Ever found yourself posing next to a giant lobster or world’s largest rocking chair? We’d love to hear about your best (or weirdest) roadside finds!

Stay tuned for updates, cave selfies, and possibly a few tales of things that went horribly wrong but somehow turned into great stories. Because if everything went perfectly, what would we blog about?

Let the journey begin—with caffeine, country roads, and a questionable playlist we’ll pretend we didn’t make ourselves.

Catch you down the road,

Joel, Sharon, Millie & Lulu

5 responses to “And We’re Off! (Cue the confetti and questionable GPS directions)”

  1. Mat Avatar
    Mat

    Exciting and fun times ahead 🤞 stay safe!

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  2. theverybeth Avatar
    theverybeth

    Looking forward to journeying with you… vicariously. Let the adventures begin!

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  3. theverybeth Avatar
    theverybeth

    Looking forward to journey with you vicariously. Let the adventures begin!

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  4. Sue Magoo Avatar
    Sue Magoo

    Have a fabulous time and a safe trip. Sue Magoo

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  5. Sharon Ginger Avatar
    Sharon Ginger

    Thankyouforallthe well wishes!

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