To say it’s hot is an understatement.  The average temperature in Philadelphia is in the mid to upper 80’s with high levels of humidity.  It seems that most of the middle of the month, average temperatures ran more in the low to mid 90’s.  Between the above average temperatures and the humidity, air conditioners just could not keep up.

We do our best to keep the grumble cool.  This means limiting their time outside in the middle of the day.  We keep them off the cement and asphalt as much as possible.  Lots of cool water available.  And special treats, such as watermelon, cucumbers, cantaloupe, a frozen Kong with peanut butter or home made doggie ice cream.

Shore Run

The third weekend in July we decided to take a little break from the Poconos.  Rachel and I took Saturday for just the two of us.  We headed down the shore to Cape May for the day.  As we were in South Jersey with no real schedule we decided to stop in at Camping World in Swedesboro, NJ.

We have never been in a Camping World store and wanted to see what it was all about.  The store is just off of I-295 and was an easy drive.  Outside, they had a huge lot with many different types of RV’s available for sale.  They had about eight service bays filled and many rigs either waiting to be worked on or for their owners to return.  Rachel and I had the same reaction to the retail store, it was small but had a nice selection of camping and RV related items.  We figured we would do any shopping from Camping World on their website.  Greater selection of items to choose from.

After our visit to Camping World,  We headed to Cape May.  On the way, we passed a couple of campgrounds.  Naturally, we had to stop in and take a look around.  Really liked Avalon Campground.  Seemed quiet, clean and well cared for.  The roads within the campground are a little narrow, but nothing we can’t handle.  They have seasonal rentals from mid-April to early October. We like to start the camping season as early as we can and extend it as late into the fall as possible.  Just not sure if a shore campsite would work for us for the season.  More thought will be given to this idea.

Decided we “worked” enough on this Saturday and deserved some time to unwind.  So we headed to the Willow Creek Winery located at 160-168 Stevens Street, West Cape May, NJ 08204.  We found this little gem a couple of years ago after leaving the Cape May Lighthouse.  They have a great selection of wines and menu of lite foods that accompany the wines perfectly.  This is a must stop if your in the Cape May area.

We finished the day at one of our favorite restaurants down the shore, the Tuckahoe Inn at 1 Harbor Road, Beesley’s Point, NJ 08223 (just outside of Ocean City, NJ).  The Tuckahoe Inn holds a special place in Rachel’s heart.  Often her parents would drive down on a Friday night just for dinner.  When Rachel was younger, she would often join them.

The food is superb.  The wait staff is very friendly, knowledgeable and accommodating.  Word of advice, if you’re planning on dining here during the summer season, call ahead to make reservations.  Tuckahoe Inn has plenty of dining space, but they do book up quickly.

Sadly, the day went by too quickly.  We went home and spent the rest of the weekend with the pugs trying to stay cool.

Another Hot and Humid Week

The next week was even warmer and it seemed like the humidity was higher.  

Rachel was planning on going up to the Poconos Thursday night with the grumble.  However, after running some errands and taking all of the dogs out for a potty break before dinner she was exhausted from the heat.  When I got home, she asked if I wanted to drive up to Home d’Pug RV and go to work Friday morning from there.  I agreed.

The pugs got so excited as we started to pack the car.  They know when an adventure is about to start.

Arrived around 9:00 pm.  Unpacked the car, walked the pugs, they all got treats and then we settled down for the night.  Having two A/C units cools down the RV in quick order.  Was up by 5:30 the next morning and on my way to work by a little after 6, as it is a little over two-hour drive to my job from Home d’Pug Rv in the Poconos.  But so well worth it to have a few more hours in our little slice of heaven.  After work, I headed back to spend the rest of the weekend.

Rest of July – Misqueto City

The rest of July we continued to try and beat the heat on the weekends at Home d’Pug RV.  However, the mosquitoes have taken over.  We are trying everything to deter them as-well-as deal with the itching from the many bites.

With so much in the news of diseases that are carried by mosquitoes, we conferred with our doctor.  As we have no other symptoms other than itching, we have nothing to worry about.

We have tried all types of creams, ointments, and lotions.  So far nothing is working.  Any suggestions are welcome.