After getting home from the USS Lexington we settled in for the night, or so we thought. A cold front moved through at about 7PM and the wind kicked up. No we were right on the Gulf of Mexico, maybe 200 yards away. No trees to block the wind. It started out about 20 MPH and worked it's way to about 40 sustained and 50 or 60 gusts. Not only did the trailer rock and roll but the wind carried salt spray onto the truck, trailer and motorcycle! Got up to crusted vehicles, the mirrors were so covered I couldn't get them cleaned even with fresh water running on to them!
Bonnie was so intimidated by the wind she wanted to go to a motel or else head for home! I agreed we should head to our Texas home so called and canceled where we were supposed to go. So we decided not to head to South Padre but instead make our way to our winter Texas home. Sunday afternoon we pulled into our spot in the resort here in Mission, Tx. Safe and sound, no more wind and no salt spray, and wife complaining about the wind (priceless)!
Last night we went to "Jammin" at the rec center. People come from all over the Valley to play and sing in a country jam session. Guitars, banjo's, mandolins, harmonica's and nasal singing galore! Renewed some acquaintances with some friends and my mom and step dad. We're here and looking forward to a quiet, restful and warm winter! More as it unfolds these next weeks.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
All hear this - mess is being served on the quarter deck!
High light of today was a visit to CV-2, the USS Lexington, the very first training aircraft carrier. It is an Essex class WWII aircraft carrier. it served from 1943 - 1947 then again from 1955 to 1991.
Many aircraft were on board, from WWII to an F-18. The hanger deck was full of displays and aircraft too.
this F-14 was on loan from Pensacola. We went to a movie on the hanger deck about the fighter pilots of the Navy. So all told it was a great site seeing day.
For lunch we went to Joe's Crab Shack and split a KJ steamer. The meal was very good - mussels, scallops and king crabs with corn and potatoes. We had desert too. I had a decadent chocolate cake and Bonnie had Turtle Sundae, both larger than either of us could eat.
On the way back we ran into some light rain. Not bad but enough it had Bonnie worried. A quick stop at the commissary and we were back at the trailer.
Many aircraft were on board, from WWII to an F-18. The hanger deck was full of displays and aircraft too.
this F-14 was on loan from Pensacola. We went to a movie on the hanger deck about the fighter pilots of the Navy. So all told it was a great site seeing day.
For lunch we went to Joe's Crab Shack and split a KJ steamer. The meal was very good - mussels, scallops and king crabs with corn and potatoes. We had desert too. I had a decadent chocolate cake and Bonnie had Turtle Sundae, both larger than either of us could eat.
On the way back we ran into some light rain. Not bad but enough it had Bonnie worried. A quick stop at the commissary and we were back at the trailer.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Moving South
After we left Tuscaloosa, we traveled to West KOA in New Orleans. It is located in a residential area, nice park but not much scenery. I would recommend this park if you like: cramped sites, low hanging wires (I hit some at 13'6" that shouldn't happen) and you want to see N'Orleen.
Uneventful trip the next day? Well it rained, but we did make it to Gulf Coast RV Park in Beaumont, Tx. Now this is a nice park! Cheap (at $17 per night) with nice plots, wide streets and free continental breakfast. The high light of our stay was the Beaumont Fire Museum. Outside is a three story fire hydrant. Inside are fire trucks from the 1800' up to today. There was a 1909 LaFrance and many other pumpers, a hook and ladder that was converted from horse drawn to being pulled by a Model T. We even spoke to the Chief in charge of training, Joe Condina. He told us about the original chassis of the pumper that was sold for scrap to a gentleman in New York. This fellow was retiring and donated the chassis back to the museum and they were diligently working on restoring it to it's 1920's glory. We hope they are successful in getting it ready soon, it will be a highlight of the museum!
After our time spent at Gulf Coast, we mad our way to Corpus Christi Naval Air Station. Got in here on Thanksgiving day. Almost nothing open but did manage to find dinner at the local Cracker Barrel. Turkey, stuffing, corn, beans and pumpkin pie - what more could you ask for? Went to Padre Island and then had lunch at Doc's Seafood on Friday. Padre Island is a haven for the seven species of sea turtles that live in the Gulf. There is a visitors center and in the summer I'm sure there is a lot of activity but on the day after Thanksgiving we almost had the place to ourselves. I obtained a soda at the snack shop and as we were sitting a a picnic table a gentleman came over and asked if we belonged to GWRRA. Well I had my Chapter B hat on so of course he said. Seems he just joined Texas Chapter O in Austin. They had just joined and were having fun riding their '08 Wing with their chapter. Ride safe!
Our highlight here though was the visit to the USS Lexington, a WWII era aircraft carrier. Lots and lots of climbing up and down the gang ways. More on this in the next session - with lots of pictures!
Uneventful trip the next day? Well it rained, but we did make it to Gulf Coast RV Park in Beaumont, Tx. Now this is a nice park! Cheap (at $17 per night) with nice plots, wide streets and free continental breakfast. The high light of our stay was the Beaumont Fire Museum. Outside is a three story fire hydrant. Inside are fire trucks from the 1800' up to today. There was a 1909 LaFrance and many other pumpers, a hook and ladder that was converted from horse drawn to being pulled by a Model T. We even spoke to the Chief in charge of training, Joe Condina. He told us about the original chassis of the pumper that was sold for scrap to a gentleman in New York. This fellow was retiring and donated the chassis back to the museum and they were diligently working on restoring it to it's 1920's glory. We hope they are successful in getting it ready soon, it will be a highlight of the museum!
After our time spent at Gulf Coast, we mad our way to Corpus Christi Naval Air Station. Got in here on Thanksgiving day. Almost nothing open but did manage to find dinner at the local Cracker Barrel. Turkey, stuffing, corn, beans and pumpkin pie - what more could you ask for? Went to Padre Island and then had lunch at Doc's Seafood on Friday. Padre Island is a haven for the seven species of sea turtles that live in the Gulf. There is a visitors center and in the summer I'm sure there is a lot of activity but on the day after Thanksgiving we almost had the place to ourselves. I obtained a soda at the snack shop and as we were sitting a a picnic table a gentleman came over and asked if we belonged to GWRRA. Well I had my Chapter B hat on so of course he said. Seems he just joined Texas Chapter O in Austin. They had just joined and were having fun riding their '08 Wing with their chapter. Ride safe!
Our highlight here though was the visit to the USS Lexington, a WWII era aircraft carrier. Lots and lots of climbing up and down the gang ways. More on this in the next session - with lots of pictures!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
What a jam! (traffic jam that is)
We made it to Tuscaloosa, Al in very nice weather - sunny and in the 60's. Saturday we got up with the idea of going to the state park we visited last year on our way to Texas - Tannehill S.P. The park was very busy and full, this was their last "Trader Days" of the year, sort of a cross between a super large yard sale and a craft show. It was very nice to walk around but we were glad we weren't staying here - to many campers - maybe 200?
On the way back from there we decided to go to Northport and visit it's historic Main Street. Our trip took us right through the Alabama University campus - right before game time with Georgia Southern. Wow what traffic!! Pedestrian that is! Thousands trying to get across the street form the parking lots to the stadium. About 10 minutes to go two blocks, I guess that's not too bad.
We walked Northpoint's Main street, I got a hair cut in the downtown barber shop and we went to Dreamland BBQ - great BBQ! Had so much we brought some home for tomorrow.
Sunday dawned to cloudy but warm weather. It's our anniversary! Having a relaxing day staying in the trailer after we wash the trailer, truck and motorcycle. Supposed to rain on Monday so washing them just guarantees it! Now off to Slidell, La. and then Texas!
21 years and she still looks like the beautiful lady I married!
On the way back from there we decided to go to Northport and visit it's historic Main Street. Our trip took us right through the Alabama University campus - right before game time with Georgia Southern. Wow what traffic!! Pedestrian that is! Thousands trying to get across the street form the parking lots to the stadium. About 10 minutes to go two blocks, I guess that's not too bad.
We walked Northpoint's Main street, I got a hair cut in the downtown barber shop and we went to Dreamland BBQ - great BBQ! Had so much we brought some home for tomorrow.
Sunday dawned to cloudy but warm weather. It's our anniversary! Having a relaxing day staying in the trailer after we wash the trailer, truck and motorcycle. Supposed to rain on Monday so washing them just guarantees it! Now off to Slidell, La. and then Texas!
21 years and she still looks like the beautiful lady I married!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
More adventures on the way to Texas
Our stop at Wapakoneta, Oh. was uneventful. The campground was very flat, open and not a CG I would stay at except as a way point on a trip. Exactly what we needed. Next morning we set off for DRV in Howe, In. When we pulled in we found out we were the third unit there! An Elite Suite that had been there 4 weeks getting problems fixed and a unit that had been on it's way to Florida when they had a fire in their electrical box! Our changes and problems seemed like nothing in comparison. We wanted an automatic fan put in the bathroom, the raised floor under the toilet cut off to eliminate stubbing your toe and our back up camera fixed and the furnace doesn't run.
Monday morning at 6 AM there was a knock at the door! Whoa, they start work this early?? Yep, the gentleman said, "Get up and ready and we'll take you in and go over your list". Half hour later we were going in. Our list was written down and we were told to come back about 2:30 PM. Off we went to site see in Elkhart.
Spent the morning eating breakfst at Cracker Barrel then went to the Motor Home and RV Museum. We both felt that this was very worth while visiting. There are all kinds of campers from as early as 1905, with many from the 20's, 30's and 40's. The brand new building was housing over 55 motor homes and campers inside. We went to Shippshawana and went into a cheese store, meat store and then a farmer's clothing store - just like home in Amish country - Lancaster,Pa.
Back to the factory at 2:30 and talked with Scott Hamilton about our unit. Everything looked great! Job well done Scott! We wanted a See-level kit put in but he didn't have time so we go back onto the lot so that tomorrow we get it finished. The furnace problem was that the program mode was on and set for the wrong time! Cleared the programs and it works great.
Tuesday we get up early so we are ready for the 6 AM knock. At 6:15 our unit is inside, this time we are told to come back about 12:30. We went down the road to the Howe Diner for breakfast. At about 7:30 we get into the truck to go more site seeing. Oh no - the check engine light is on! Pulled over, got the manual out and found the "check engine light". Take it to the dealer it says. So we called the closest dealer, they can see us at 8:30. They are about 25 miles away and did I mention - IT'S SO FOGGY YOU CAN'T SEE 200 FEET!
So off we go at a real slow pace. No scares and we arrive at the dealer at 8:15. After checking in we are told to have a seat they will talk with us after it is on the computer. About 8:45 the service manager says it is the thermostats and it will take 3 hours. So ok go ahead and do it.
About two hours later the service manager comes out and says that they can't get they lower thermostat out, the EGR bracket will not come off. They will have to take out the radiator, remove the turbo and the exhaust pipe - maybe another 5 hours! I asked if they have a loaner car - no, seems it was out. So we are stuck in the customer service lounge. Our cocker, Cory doesn't mind, he gets to greet all the customers or sleep.
Finally at about 3:30 they tell us we are all finished. And it's all covered UNDER WARRANTEE ! You who!
Back at the dealer we tell Scott we'll settle our bill tomorrow morning. Off to sleep with the knowledge we don't have to get up at 6 AM.
About 8:30 I pay our bill and we are off to Scottsburg, Ind for our next night.
Arriving at Scottsburg, we are told it will get into the 20's tonight so no water. We settle in and set the furnace on to stay warm.
On Friday we get up to a very cold morning! But good news is that by the time we get to Tuscaloosa, Al it will be in the mid 60's and getting warmer the whole week end.
More as we go farther south over the next couple of weeks.
Monday morning at 6 AM there was a knock at the door! Whoa, they start work this early?? Yep, the gentleman said, "Get up and ready and we'll take you in and go over your list". Half hour later we were going in. Our list was written down and we were told to come back about 2:30 PM. Off we went to site see in Elkhart.
Spent the morning eating breakfst at Cracker Barrel then went to the Motor Home and RV Museum. We both felt that this was very worth while visiting. There are all kinds of campers from as early as 1905, with many from the 20's, 30's and 40's. The brand new building was housing over 55 motor homes and campers inside. We went to Shippshawana and went into a cheese store, meat store and then a farmer's clothing store - just like home in Amish country - Lancaster,Pa.
Back to the factory at 2:30 and talked with Scott Hamilton about our unit. Everything looked great! Job well done Scott! We wanted a See-level kit put in but he didn't have time so we go back onto the lot so that tomorrow we get it finished. The furnace problem was that the program mode was on and set for the wrong time! Cleared the programs and it works great.
Tuesday we get up early so we are ready for the 6 AM knock. At 6:15 our unit is inside, this time we are told to come back about 12:30. We went down the road to the Howe Diner for breakfast. At about 7:30 we get into the truck to go more site seeing. Oh no - the check engine light is on! Pulled over, got the manual out and found the "check engine light". Take it to the dealer it says. So we called the closest dealer, they can see us at 8:30. They are about 25 miles away and did I mention - IT'S SO FOGGY YOU CAN'T SEE 200 FEET!
So off we go at a real slow pace. No scares and we arrive at the dealer at 8:15. After checking in we are told to have a seat they will talk with us after it is on the computer. About 8:45 the service manager says it is the thermostats and it will take 3 hours. So ok go ahead and do it.
About two hours later the service manager comes out and says that they can't get they lower thermostat out, the EGR bracket will not come off. They will have to take out the radiator, remove the turbo and the exhaust pipe - maybe another 5 hours! I asked if they have a loaner car - no, seems it was out. So we are stuck in the customer service lounge. Our cocker, Cory doesn't mind, he gets to greet all the customers or sleep.
Finally at about 3:30 they tell us we are all finished. And it's all covered UNDER WARRANTEE ! You who!
Back at the dealer we tell Scott we'll settle our bill tomorrow morning. Off to sleep with the knowledge we don't have to get up at 6 AM.
About 8:30 I pay our bill and we are off to Scottsburg, Ind for our next night.
Arriving at Scottsburg, we are told it will get into the 20's tonight so no water. We settle in and set the furnace on to stay warm.
On Friday we get up to a very cold morning! But good news is that by the time we get to Tuscaloosa, Al it will be in the mid 60's and getting warmer the whole week end.
More as we go farther south over the next couple of weeks.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
On the move - Nov. 11th
After living through the earliest snow storm this century in Denver, Pa. (Oct. 29th - 6 inches), we headed out on Nov. 11th for Howe Ind. The first day was cold, in the 40's and in Allegheny Mountains we drove through snow again. Now maybe I'd better tell you how we are traveling.
I'm driving our F-450 pulling our DRV Mobile Suites. Nice and dry, comfy with plenty of heat and heated seat. Because I wanted my Honda Goldwing trike to go to Texas with us, my very loving and courageous wife is driving the trike behind me. So who suffered the cold, snow and wind? Believe me, I heard about it all night!
First night we stayed in the KOA in Washington,Pa. This CG is on the top of a hill over looking I-70. A little cold with the wind blowing at 25 - 50 mph. Early in the morning we woke up to NO furnace. Trailer at 50 degrees. No problem, started the heat pump and got the temp up to 65 before we left.
On down the road entering Ohio, Bonnie's on the CB - "Pull over immediately!". So at the next exit (about 1/4 mile) I pulled over. Seems the bike rack on the rear of the trailer had come apart and my bicycle had been dragging on the road. A nice hi-way patrolmen pulled up behind us, lights going while Bonnie and I horse the bike into the back of the truck. Then he told us to pull on down the ramp, clear of the white line on the right and park there. so I did this and Bonnie road back to the last exit to see if she could find the part of the rack that is missing. Success!! She found it! Pulled down the raod about 4 miles to a rest stop and put the rack back together, put the bike on and off we go! Before leaving the rest stop, I noticed the passenger side front tire on the trailer looked a little low.
Now about an hour and a half later we stopped at a Pilot for lunch and fuel. After lunch I took my air gauge and went to check the tire. Pushing the gauge on on the valve stem - it pushed into the tire and a POW with a rush of air followed. Whoa - what was that? I looked at the next tire and it appears the nut holding the stem in was missing allowing the valve to push in. So I jacked up the side of the trailer with the hydraulic leveling jacks. Next to us was parked a very nice trucker named Ken. Ken saw and heard what happened so he hopped out of his truck. "I don't have anythign to do for the next three hours, I can have that changed for you in no time." Since I have my physical handicap and it would have taken me about an hour, I said "Thanks Ken. I can use all the help I can get". Well he and I had it off and the spare on in about 20 minutes. When I handed him my 3/4 inch torque wrench to tighten the nuts, he said, "Wow, you're really equipped!" Threw the tire in the back of the truck and off we went to spend the night in Wapekoneta, Oh. Hopefully uneventful !!
I'm driving our F-450 pulling our DRV Mobile Suites. Nice and dry, comfy with plenty of heat and heated seat. Because I wanted my Honda Goldwing trike to go to Texas with us, my very loving and courageous wife is driving the trike behind me. So who suffered the cold, snow and wind? Believe me, I heard about it all night!
First night we stayed in the KOA in Washington,Pa. This CG is on the top of a hill over looking I-70. A little cold with the wind blowing at 25 - 50 mph. Early in the morning we woke up to NO furnace. Trailer at 50 degrees. No problem, started the heat pump and got the temp up to 65 before we left.
On down the road entering Ohio, Bonnie's on the CB - "Pull over immediately!". So at the next exit (about 1/4 mile) I pulled over. Seems the bike rack on the rear of the trailer had come apart and my bicycle had been dragging on the road. A nice hi-way patrolmen pulled up behind us, lights going while Bonnie and I horse the bike into the back of the truck. Then he told us to pull on down the ramp, clear of the white line on the right and park there. so I did this and Bonnie road back to the last exit to see if she could find the part of the rack that is missing. Success!! She found it! Pulled down the raod about 4 miles to a rest stop and put the rack back together, put the bike on and off we go! Before leaving the rest stop, I noticed the passenger side front tire on the trailer looked a little low.
Now about an hour and a half later we stopped at a Pilot for lunch and fuel. After lunch I took my air gauge and went to check the tire. Pushing the gauge on on the valve stem - it pushed into the tire and a POW with a rush of air followed. Whoa - what was that? I looked at the next tire and it appears the nut holding the stem in was missing allowing the valve to push in. So I jacked up the side of the trailer with the hydraulic leveling jacks. Next to us was parked a very nice trucker named Ken. Ken saw and heard what happened so he hopped out of his truck. "I don't have anythign to do for the next three hours, I can have that changed for you in no time." Since I have my physical handicap and it would have taken me about an hour, I said "Thanks Ken. I can use all the help I can get". Well he and I had it off and the spare on in about 20 minutes. When I handed him my 3/4 inch torque wrench to tighten the nuts, he said, "Wow, you're really equipped!" Threw the tire in the back of the truck and off we went to spend the night in Wapekoneta, Oh. Hopefully uneventful !!
From snow to warmth - a tale of a trip
Well let first start by saying this will be a series of posts to bring the blog up to date. Date, hmmm..... from middle of September until 11 November we were in Shady Grove Campground in Denver, Pa. Nice location, near our house as we cleaned it for sale, near our friends and not to far from the youngest grand daughter. The first problem we had at the campground was there were two tress at the south side of the RV that blocked the satellite signal. So they told us to move over one site for a day or two and they would take out the trees! Wow! Out came the trees!
On October 29th, we had 8 inches of snow at the campground. This photo is when we had about 5" and I went out side to walk the dog.
This was a great campground and very helpful, we'll be back here next year.
More to come about the November adventures....
On October 29th, we had 8 inches of snow at the campground. This photo is when we had about 5" and I went out side to walk the dog.
This was a great campground and very helpful, we'll be back here next year.
More to come about the November adventures....
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