We’ve been running from tornadoes all day.
Before the rain came
Right before we pulled out of our yard this morning, the sirens went off. We waited until that warning passed, then headed south… listening as the radio reported the line of tornadoes moving northeast away from us.
But the wind was really strong all the way down. The little Casita never budged except when one gust hit us broadside, then it wasn’t bad. The wind did wreak havoc on our gas mileage, though.
Finally we reached our stopping point for the evening — Reed Bingham State Park in Adel, GA.
The weather was too volatile for us to explore the lake and trails.
The wind was still too gusty for us to set up camp chairs even if we had wanted to between the sporadic rain squalls. But we thought we were far enough south that we had missed the tornado danger.
Then our cell phones started beeping tornado warnings. The camp manager came around and told us all to head to the bathrooms. So we left our dinner half eaten on our plates and went.
Fortunately, no tornado hit, but there were some strong winds. And ferocious downpours. We ended up with about 3 inches of rain all around our trailer.
Sunny is loving getting all the doggie attention this trip!
However, I met the coolest woman while we were chatting outside the bathrooms. She has a nice home, but travels all over the country in a pickup truck with a cap outfitted into a camper. She was one of the most fascinating people I have ever talked with! She is bored with Florida and is on her way to Texas now.
She REALLY wants a Casita. Is planning on stopping by the factory in Rice when she gets to Texas.
I’m tired tonight. Was going to get a shower a little earlier but realized I had forgotten to turn on the water heater. It should be ready now.
Sheba is boarding at the vet’s until Monday. She was not thrilled with the idea. She broke free of her leash when the veterinary assistants tried to lead her back to the kennels. They had to chase her down and then CARRY her back there!
Tinycamper's Blog 
James Chism
/ January 30, 2013Work has me going to Corsicana, TX. Next week and I just discovered I will be passing right by Casita RV. Will definitely have to stop in to see them.
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tinycamper
/ January 30, 2013Yes, Corsicana is where a lot of new Casita owners spend their first night in their new trailers. I’ve heard the campground management there will help them with set up tasks and answer newbie questions. 🙂
Anyway, enjoy your trip to the factory. I hope to take the tour someday. I missed it since I bought mine used.
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Anne H
/ January 30, 2013Glad you didn’t have any close up experience with a tornado! I do sometimes worry about high winds in my little trailer.
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tinycamper
/ January 30, 2013Anne, I think that our little eggs are probably a little safer in windstorms than the big, rectangular rigs. But it still is scary when they start rocking, isn’t it? 🙂
Our site was level enough so we could stay hitched to the truck, which did provide a little more stability. Plus we had a full water tank for the extra weight.
Of course that wouldn’t have made any difference in a tornado, but it helps in moderately windy weather.
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Vagabond
/ January 30, 2013Stay safe! I rode out a tropical storm in mine once for a couple of days, but once when a tornado warning sounded, I headed for the shower/laundry room.
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tinycamper
/ January 31, 2013Chuck, I would probably stay in mine in a tropical storm if it were hitched to the truck, stabilizer jacks down, water tank full, etc. They are so rounded that they would probably be okay up to those wind speeds. Now a hurricane or a tornado and I’d be looking for something anchored to the ground. 😀
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Jo
/ January 30, 2013Glad the tornado’s didn’t happen for you. Stay safe
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tinycamper
/ January 31, 2013We are safe, but it is turning COLD! 🙂
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Debby Sims
/ January 31, 2013Prayers that you have a safe journey.
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tinycamper
/ January 31, 2013Thank you so much Debby!!!
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Betty Graffis
/ January 31, 2013We have been following this large storm on our TV and am happy to hear you are safe and sound. Will include you in our prayers for safe travels.
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tinycamper
/ January 31, 2013I sure do appreciate the prayers, Betty. Thank you!
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Carla
/ January 31, 2013It was good to read this morning that you missed the tornadoes. Hope you made it safely there. Prayers for you and your family.
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tinycamper
/ January 31, 2013Good to hear from you, Carla, and thanks for the prayers. 🙂
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Andrea
/ January 31, 2013When you went to the shelter did you take your dog with you inside ?
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tinycamper
/ January 31, 2013Yes, Andrea. It was just the campground bathroom, but I took Sunny and no one said anything. I wouldn’t have gone without him.
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Andrea
/ January 31, 2013I am so glad your dog could go with you. They are such a worry during stormy weather.
I bought a backpack with pockets for my dog so I can put a water container and some food for him in case of emergency.
Since he is large….120 lbs..and a Rottweiler (silly) I bought a nice comfortable muzzle for him so no one could say he might bite and try to refuse him into a storm shelter. (I hope)
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tinycamper
/ January 31, 2013The backpack for supplies is an excellent idea. Someone else had mentioned that to me about Sheba, but I never put it together that it would be an excellent doggie survival kit if we had to evacuate to a shelter!
I would hope with all my heart no one would refuse to let your rottie into a shelter. 🙂
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cozygirl
/ January 31, 2013I had my eye on that storm wondering about you traveling in GA … it was not one to be shy about that’s for sure. I often wonder what riding a storm feels like in our Casitas…guess I’m about to find out :O) Hoping Shelba minds her P’s and Q’s…might come back with some insight on how good she has it :O) I’m sure Sunny is eating it all up. Blessings to you and your family the next few days!
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tinycamper
/ January 31, 2013Carla, I have read of Casitas surviving hurricanes in Florida without any real damage. So, as far as RVs go, they apparently do better than any other kind.
Yeah… I’m hoping Sheba will be so happy to be home that she will be on her best behavior for the rest of her life! 😀
Sunny feels like a little king. He’s loving it. He was an “only child” for a long time.
I am not really looking forward to heading to the funeral. We are both dragging our feet about getting out of here this morning.
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lynne
/ January 31, 2013So glad that you two are safe!
I have been trying to follow the weather….not sure what has happened at home around our home.
We have not had the experience of being sent to the bath house. Sounds very scary to me!
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tinycamper
/ January 31, 2013The funny thing is that we were not at all afraid. None of us. Just thought we would do the prudent thing and head to the shelter just in case. We actually had a wonderful time chatting and visiting there. 🙂
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Kim
/ January 31, 2013Yes, glad you are safe! I wonder if the lady you met blogs? I’m sure you asked her. Saw a Casita on I-10 yesterday (they passed me!) and I wanted to step on the gas and follow it just to see it in action. Love those little trailers!
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tinycamper
/ January 31, 2013Kim, her name is Keddie. She doesn’t have a blog, but she does send email news of her travels out to a list of people when she has wifi — she said about every 4 days. I am on her list now!
I am absolutely crazy about our little Casita and it’s the best for us. But I REALLY admire your Roadtrek and sometimes wonder how one would work for us. 🙂
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kathy nik
/ January 31, 2013Wow! Glad to hear you’re safe, but what stressful situations! Hope you have better weather for the rest of the trip. Sunny is SO cute and really seems to roll with the punches!
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tinycamper
/ January 31, 2013Thanks heavens the nasty weather is behind us now. It was breezy and chilly today, but at least the sun was out.
Isn’t Sunny a darling? He is my doggie heart. My baby boy. 🙂
He is happy anywhere we are and is so well behaved. Except that when we leave him in the Casita, he always bends one of the blinds trying to see out better. I should just leave the blinds all the way up for him!
But the little buggar lost his tags sometime between the time the picture was taken yesterday and today. I must have another made as soon as possible because it had both Ron’s and my cell phone numbers on it!
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Elizabeth in NC
/ February 1, 2013Pray you will have safe travels and all will go well with the funeral and all. I never found those days anything but difficult…I think our customs are not too helpful in that event.
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