Lorraine has a very low tolerance for cold weather!! Cold temperatures, and strong winds, robbed the campers of an enjoyable Samboree. Fortunately, we could gather in large rigs for meals, and fellowship. Gratefully, we had electricity so I could keep warm using a small ceramic heater. Considering the weather, and my recent accident, I opted to head for North Carolina rather than visit friends at Orlando, and friends near Naples.
Because of cold and wind, I had no desire to visit Savannah, or Charleston. The Congaree National Park was a possible sightseeing destination. However, I was too late for the Visitor’s Center and they do not have camping. So I asked my GPS for the nearest Walmart–and was directed to Sumter, SC. As I shifted things inside the trailer, I glanced out the window to see an 18-wheeler backing up and might have struck the T@B if I had not run out waving my arms and shouting “Hey, hey, hey!!” I promptly moved to a safer location with a cart corral on one side and an “island” on the other.
Because it was so-o-o-o cold, I put a sleeping bag inside a sleeping bag, with a blanket on top. I slept in sweat pants and sweat shirt with hoodie pulled over my head. Well, I “slept” very little!! I was an icicle!! During the seemingly endless hours until dawn, I actually counted my blessings (rather than counting sheep). I have a comfortable little trailer; I have more amenities than I need. There are people sleeping on park benches, under bridges, etc., with so few luxuries. Lorraine is a “WIMP” but hopes this message isn’t interpreted as complaining.
Three Quarters & Counting 
Lorraine: You are one tough lady to be camping @ 26 degrees. Does your rig not have a small heater? We are planning a trip to the eastern proviences of Canada in June/July this year. In what city in NC do you live?
Hello malc39,
I think “foolish” is more appropriate than “tough.” I have spent more nights in Walmart parking lots than RV parks, State Park camp grounds, etc. I hate to spend the exorbitant fee for a few hours with electricity and restrooms / bath house. Yes, I have a small ceramic electric heater—when I have electricity. In my T@B, there isn’t a furnace BUT frequently a furnace has its limitations. It uses propane AND draws power from the battery. ~~ I also have a small catalytic heater that works with a small propane bottle. People have died using that type of heater in a tent so I use it sparingly.
I visited the New England states in 2010, and New Brunswick. Then across Quebec and Ontario where I returned to the U.S. in Michigan. I wrote the details in a blog titled Tab Teardrop Travels.
I live in an apartment in a rural area about six miles south of Waxhaw, North Carolina. This is about twenty-five miles south of Charlotte, NC. Also about fifteen miles from Lancaster, South Carolina. I’m a volunteer at a Christian organization called JAARS (formerly known as Jungle Aviation and Radio Services) which is part of the Wycliffe Bible Translators family. There is an FAA-approved air field on this 600 acre Center. About 200 apartments; many commercial buildings where people are working on Bible translation. ~~ Four times a year we have Open House so visitors can see the air show, and many other features. We have two museums open six days a week. If you travel into this area, come visit. We have a modest RV Park that always has empty spaces.
Best wishes from Lorraine
Where did you go? Come to FL. We have a room that can share with you! 🙂 Hugs…