Kids, grandpuppy, new friends - Yr 1, Day 281

Raleigh, NC

It was exciting to see my daughter and her husband again, and meet our new grandpuppy, Ellie (corgi, who is now 5 months old).  She is just so incredibly cute and affectionate.  She couldn't stop washing my face!  She does require a lot of energy and attention, just like a toddler and I have to remember that every time I get puppy fever.  Better to have a grandpuppy that I can return to its parents when I get tired!  Still, it's fun to spend time with her (and the kids, too, of course!)

We took 2 long walks today.  The 2nd time, we saw another Mobile Suites and the owner was outside, so we stopped to chat.  Paul and Ada are extremely nice (of course, we haven't met anyone who isn't yet).  They retired and have been full timing since 2007, and mostly volunteer in National Parks.  We're supposed to meet Hank & Selene who we met on RVillage, but we keep missing each other.  Maybe tomorrow.....

UPDATE:   Hank and Selena came over.  We do have quite a bit in common - they are also RV-Dreamers and have attended a few of Howard & Linda's rallies (almost were going to go to the one in May with us, but had to cancel).  Hank is also an old "Ma Bell" person so he and Mitch were talking tech for quite a while!  They lived in quite a few places, but mostly not to far from Raleigh.  Been full timing since 2012.

Meanwhile, we're planning to go to a rather unique restaurant tonight, so I hope to post some good pics later or tomorrow.  Otherwise, it was mostly a work day for us.  The campground has emptied out considerably; I wish there were this many available spots when we arrived.

Destination reached - Yr 1, Days 279-280

Fayetteville, Benson, Raleigh, NC

We have finally reached our destination (Raleigh), albeit a week later than originally planned.

We left the campground in Dillon, SC on Sunday morning.  We got really scared when we were pulling in the slide.  We heard a small crash and saw this on the ground:

We thought a window had broken but upon further inspection, it was ICE that must have come off the slide topper.  After such warm weather, it was not something we were expecting!


Our first stop was about an hour north into Fayetteville, NC.  Our son came down from NJ and was staying with some friends there (Tammy & Tom), so we decided to spend the day visiting them (I can't believe we're getting to see both of our children the same week!).  We were going to park in their driveway and spend the night, but we didn't really fit, and put the CoW in an empty lot across the street.  After we went out for dinner, Mitch and I were really tired and just didn't feel like hanging around any longer (these are all pretty young folks with much more energy than we have).  It was still a little early (8:00pm) and since we had no hookups in the lot and our battery is on it's last legs, we didn't want to chance staying there (we also didn't feel all that safe in that location even though we were assured it was fine).  We decided to head the next hour and a half up to Raleigh since the campground is open 24/7 and we would park in the grass until the morning so we wouldn't have to worry about backing up in the dark.

We got about a 1/2 hr away and started to feel really tired.  There was a beautiful rest area on I-40 in Benson, NC where we decided to spend the night (generally, overnighting isn't allowed but the security guard gave us permission.  Rest areas are so much nicer than truck stops and Walmarts!) It was about 9:00 by then so we went right into bed.  No tvs or computers :(

We got up at 7:00 and hit the road immediately.  We arrived at the NC State Fairgrounds (where we stayed last Sept.) at 8:20.  It took us 45 minutes to get into the spot, with the help of the ranger guiding us in.  Fortunately, there is no one on either side of us!  It started pouring just as we unhitched and I couldn't stop shivering.  I really do miss the warm temps of south FL.  I'm not used to this "winter" weather of 50 degrees!!!   My stomach is also bothering me somewhat and I'm feeling a bit under the weather.  We took an hour nap and then, after being away from it for over 24 hours, hit the computer!  I'm excited to see Jess and Griffin for dinner and meet my new grandpuppy, Ellie!

Rain - Yr 1, Day 277

Dillon, SC

Nothing exciting to report on.  I took a quick walk to the office this morning before the heavy rains came.  It did seem very calming so sit by the window and look out at the rain.  My view is of trees and grass because my site is at the end so all the other RV are on my non-window side. I didn't have a chance to take photos outdoors but here are some from my windows:

View from the front door and dining room

View from back side window -- you can see the lake from here and the spacious sites

Unfortunately, my plans to go fishing didn't happen.  There's a lending library in the office which I would love to go over to, but I don't feel like walking in the mud.  So the day was pretty much spent catching up on client stuff and computer stuff.  Mitch, with the help of our RV forum friends, was able to troubleshoot the water heater problem -- he accidentally pushed the valve to the off position!  What a great, easy fix for a change!  He then went out shopping, made a few phone calls and fuddled around a bit. 

Travel day 3 - Yr 1, Day 276

Dillon, SC

Recall that yesterday the (jello) plans were that we didn't really have any plans for where we were going to settle down.  Our destination for landing on Friday and spending Shabbat was a nice campground near the SC/NC border and 150 miles from Raleigh.  This was a 250 mile drive from Townsend, GA and we didn't want to drive that much, but rather than try to find a place, we decided we would just wing it and either find a nearby campground or Walmart when we started to get tired, and if we could make it all the way, that would be an added bonus.  Well, we did make it!!!  I actually drove 185 miles and Mitch did the last 65.  It was pretty much free sailing on I-95 (going 70mph most of the way).  We left the campground at 8:45 and arrived in Dillon at 2:30.

We stopped 3 times along the way - first time was at a truck stop that had repair facilities.  We discovered yet another problem as a result of Horizon Coach.  They installed extension valves on the inner tires of the truck, and those valves were leaking, causing the tire pressure to decrease.  We decided to have it looked at at the first place we could bring it.  Did I mention I HATE truck stops???  I am very intimidated by those big semis and feel out of place as well, like it's their space, not mine.  Turns out this place did not have the proper equipment and we'd have to unhitch anyway.  We decided the leak wasn't bad enough and that we would take the truck to a tire place once we reached our weekend destination (we also have an electronic tire monitoring system, so if it got too low, an alarm would go off and we'd fill it with more air.  This did not happen, so the leak was very slow).   The other 2 stops were nice rest areas to go to the bathroom and stretch our legs.  At one of them (12:30) we sat at a picnic bench and ate some grapes.

The campground is also very nice with huge, pull through sites and a nice lake.  Not quite as nice as yesterday's, but certainly much nicer than the crowded resort.  We didn't really have time to walk around (by the time we settled into the spot, it was 4:00 and we needed to find a tire place, which we did.  It was a no-brainer: it took 15 minutes and they didn't even charge us!), so I'll do that tomorrow and take some photos as well.  I'm hoping time will allow me to go to the lake and break out the fishing pole again.  I like the sign in the office: "I came, I cast, I kicked some bass." 

As for Mitch, he has another problem to try to fix.  After he installed the new water pump, the water heater is not working.  Not sure if it's a new problem or something got loose or disconnected.  At least we're close enough to our final destination (only 1 day's drive), so he can always work on it on Sunday if necessary.  I had also forgotten what the drive was like the last time we came through GA and SC -- the BUGS!!!  The rig needs a good cleaning again.  At least they're not the love bugs this time.

Travel day 2 - Yr 1, Day 275

Townsend, GA

We hit the road at 8:45 and arrived at the campground about 1:00, having taken 2 stops totaling about an hour.  Townsend is about halfway between Jacksonville, FL and Savannah, GA.

One of the places we stopped was the GA Welcome Center (very nice place, although they don't give out free samples like the FL one did of citrus juice!).  A welcome center basically gives a lot of tourist information about things to do in the state.  I found this sculpture outside very interesting (it's a torpedo):

Mitch playing Dr. Strangelove

I really LOVE this campground and wish we were spending more than an overnight here.  If you're ever traveling on I-95, I highly recommend stopping here.  It's very tempting to change our plans, but we MUST be in Raleigh for Passover and need a day or 2 to prepare for it.  So delaying, unless we want to travel 700 miles in one day, is not an option.

It seems to be a very small place, but it only looks that way because the design is like 2 loops separated by trees and that all go around a lake.  The lake is in our backyard (where we can catch bass and any number of other fish, although we were warned that there's so much live bait in the lake, the fish won't be interested in our lures).  Surrounding the lake by our site is a lovely wooden swing bench (complete with cup holders!) and a pretty fountain (I took a video because the sound was so sweet).  This is by far one of the most relaxing places I've been to in a while.  As I said, I wish we were staying longer to really enjoy it.

The lake & swing outside our front door:

The fountain (note the cute little sculpture of a squirrel on the table!)

The sound of the fountain:

There's the rec center:

 Nice sized sites as well:

The rec center was very large and extremely well equipped with great, comfortable seating, large screen tv and lending library of books, magazines, DVDs, a pool table, cards, games & puzzles -- enough to keep anyone busy for hours and hours.  After settling down, Mitch and I played some billiards there.

One thing we discovered when Mitch was checking the tire pressure is that the truck seems to be losing pressure.  We had Horizon Coach (see previous entries: NOT a place I recommend) install valves so we could reach the inner tires.  They did not install them correctly and the tires are losing air.  We will need to go to a local mechanic in the morning to have them tighten it, which means unhitching and hitching up again.  Lots of time wasted.

We don't have a place to stay tomorrow either.  We do have a place in Dillon, SC to spend Shabbat (it's near the SC/NC border), but it's 250 miles away so I doubt we'll be able to make it there tomorrow, although we may attempt it.  We're going to play it by ear -- when we feel we've had enough driving, we'll either find a local Walmart or campground.

Travel Day 1, job offer - Yr 1, Day 274

Ormond Beach, FL

B"H (thank God!) we finally made it out of Arcadia.  We had a little scare last night in that something seemed to have shorted out in our 12V system.  While using the remote control to level the jacks, the lights got very dim and then the a/c went out (blew the fuse).  We were worried that the batteries were about to die, but in the morning, discovered that something just wasn't plugged in tightly enough.  So far, also, the new water pump Mitch installed seems to be working fine.  I don't like the water pressure, but at least there's water, and it's only for an overnight or so.  When we're ready to boondock for a longer period of time, we'll upgrade it to a better, stronger model.

We never unhitched, so taking off in the morning was pretty easy.  We just needed to do a thorough packing, since the last time we pretty much just threw everything together for a 2 mile trip down the road.   We left the campground around 9:30, stopped twice: once in a parking lot to change drivers and use our own bathroom, and the 2nd time at a rest area to change drivers again and use the facilities there (and to take a little nap -- it was about an hour's diversion).  We arrived at the campground about 2:30, and 175 miles later.  We quickly set up camp (electric, water, sewer) so that I could do some client work.

Unfortunately, this week is all about travel, as we really need to get up to Raleigh next week for Passover, so although we're staying in some interesting towns, we're only hooking up for the night and not stopping to do any fun things.  Each day will be between 150 and 175 miles.  It's really too bad, since the beach is pretty close and this seems to be a fairly decent campground.  The folks are very friendly, but after I finished work, neither of us felt very sociable and decided to watch tv and have some wine, and not join the other campers.  Tomorrow we set sail for Townsend, GA, somewhat near Savannah.  Again, no time for fun; just a place to camp for the night -- not wanting to spend the evening in a Walmart parking lot -- and within the distance we're willing to drive.

Now -- I'm sure you're wondering about the 2nd part of the title.  We didn't want to say anything until it was confirmed, but Mitch applied for a job about a month ago and learned today that he was accepted.  The company was actually looking for RV'ers who are willing and able to travel around the country inspecting their gas lines.  Not only is it a steady salary, but it also pays about $200 a week for travel expenses, which can include the campgrounds and gas.  Where he works and how often is also extremely flexible.  Mitch's only fear is that it may involve a lot of walking (he has to follow the gas line using special equipment, looking for potential leaks) and he's not sure if his arthritic knee can handle it.  I guess time will tell, but this can be a very exciting opportunity.  Unfortunately, he hasn't had any IT gigs since we left Raleigh back in December (except one 1-day job in Ft. Myers), so having something steady is a very, very good thing!!!  He has to fill out his hiring paperwork and then we'll know when and where his first assignment will be (or where and when the training is).

Picked up CoW- Yr 1, Day 273

Arcadia, FL

Yes, back here at our favorite wide open field, but only for an overnight.  In addition to the pouring, sky opening rain when we were picking up the rig, there was much to do, and we didn't want to hit the road, especially without any solid plans, that late in the day.  We figured we probably wouldn't get more than about 50 miles away and would end up at Walmart or a truck stop.  It just made more sense to stay at a place with full hookups, do what we needed to do, and get an early start.

So when we went to pick up the RV, we were told that they could not resolve 1 of the problems, which was the faulty water pump.  Recall ours went caput during the boondocking rally.  They sold one to Mitch, which he installed himself.  It worked for a few days and then it stopped working:  it would be on for about 5 seconds and then stop.  The tech suggested a few possibilities but when we went to pick it up, apparently they ran out of time.  They made it very clear that they were very busy with lots of other emergencies and just didn't have time to finish our job (they did say that had they installed it instead of Mitch, they would have been forced to fix the problem under their warranty).  NOTE: Horizons Coach in Arcadia.  I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!!!  Hopefully the pin box and leaky tank were fixed correctly, so I won't have any problems with the quality of their work.  However, although I do totally understand things from their point of view (understaffed and too much work), unlike Dick Gore RV where we felt pampered and like we were their only customer, here we were made to feel very much the opposite - like they really couldn't care less about our problems.  We should have realized that a month ago when it took them a week just to come out and look at the problem and even more time to schedule the install even though they knew when the part would arrive.

So the bottom line with regard to the water pump is that they gave us a new one that Mitch is going to install today and we'll keep our fingers crossed that the problem is a faulty pump rather than something wrong with the system.  If it is indeed the system, we just won't be able to boondock or stay in any campground without a water hookup until we can get it to another repair place.

When we arrived back here, we also practiced our backing up skills.  Mitch was able to park in 15 minutes.  I had much more trouble than I expected and started reaching my heavy frustration / giving up level and asked Mitch to direct me into the spot.  That was difficult, too, as I couldn't hear him and I couldn't read his hand signals.  I'm sure we'll get the hang of it with a bit more practice.

Ft. Myers fun - Yr 1, Day 272

Fort Myers, FL

Saturday we enjoyed going back to services at the Ft. Myers shul.  We did not, however, go to someone's house for lunch afterwards as we wanted to spend as much time with Sharon as possible this time around.

Saturday night we went to a pretty unique restaurant called Ford's Garage (thanks to my friends Kelly & Bill for recommending the place).  Henry Ford used to live in the area so the restaurant is themed after an old time Ford garage.  Here are some photos of the place.  The food was pretty good as well (Mitch had an ahi tuna sandwich and I had a portobello mushroom one.  The rolls actually had a brand on the top saying Fords Garage!)

This was the side entrance.  In the front (I couldn't get a good photo), there were 2 white old time Fords with a tall old time gas tank.

This old Ford truck was actually the outside BAR!

This car was OVER the inside bar!  This was a real car!

Everything was car theme based, from the hubcaps on the wall and other ford kitsch, to the napkin ring holders, to the handle on bathroom door to the sinks!

Even the waitresses wore garage uniforms!

Today we had an outing.  I wanted to visit the Edison Ford winter estate, but everyone agreed that $25 per person was a little more than we wanted to spend, at least this time around.  We found another place called The Shell Factory, which is a combination amusement park, gift shop, shell / natural history / fossil museum, and nature park.  We spent most of our time in the nature park:

 

Me and Sharon

Some interesting birds:

Other zoo type animals:

In this photo of a wallabee, unfortunately the picture doesn't show it real well: there is a tiny head -- the baby - sticking out of the pouch!

Reptiles: giant turtles and some lizards who were just sitting in the middle of everything, not a care in the world!

There was a petting zoo, but we skipped that part.  But we did go into the dinosaur section, complete with sound effects (dinos were not real!)

After our day at the "zoo", Sharon took us to a really awesome store where they have a load of unique gifts, foods, fresh squeezed juices, a post office, and incredible key lime/chocolate or orange/vanilla soft ice cream, which we all enjoyed outside on the patio.  A must visit if you're in the area.

Giant orange outside

Tomorrow morning we hit the road early and with any luck can start our travels northwards!

Errands - Yr 1, Day 270

Fort Myers, FL

We spent pretty much the entire day running around, but after a month it was  nice to get some things accomplished.

We started out at a Farmers Market, which was really wonderful.  Besides the choicest fruits & veggies, there were many, many vendor stalls of all different kinds of foods and crafts (including homemade taffy & fudge, freshly baked NY style bagels, various ethnic foods, fresh meat, fresh seafood, soaps, jewelry, wood carvings, clothes, even a Tarot reader.  The only negative was that it took 1/2 hour to get to the parking lot (traffic).  But it was well worth it.

The other thing we meant to accomplish, finally, was replacing our very old phones.  Mitch's kept dying and mine is just old.  I still don't have a smartphone, but at least it has a keyboard now so it makes it easier to text.  And we shall see whether the camera is an improvement over what I had (doubtful).  We also went to CVS, Harbor Freight (Mitch was in 7th Heaven-- he really missed this store!) and the supermarket, and stopped for a waffle cone sundae at Sonic.  Exhausting day in the sweltering heat, but feeling very productive.

Repair status-Yr 1, Day 269

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Ft. Myers, FL

Yes, you read that right -- not Arcadia as it's been for the last month and a half.  But, yes, it is also in the opposite direction from where we wanted to be.  Again, plans in bubbles.

The RV techs did indeed show up today, although not until almost 11:00.  They were able to replace the pin in less than 1/2 hr, but then told us that the other repairs needed to be made back at the shop (the steps, the leak in the tank and the water pump).  So we scrambled to pack everything up to move it 2 miles down the road, leaving all the outside stuff on the ground, thinking we would be returning in a few hours.

It turned out that the cause of the leak was that when the cover on the belly was put back on, a screw that was too long was used and went into the tank.  We didn't notice it until recently because, I guess, the screw was tight enough, but with movement, it got loose.  There was a lot of sewage and water in the underbelly, so in order to make a repair, they needed to clean it out, dry it out, put on the patch, let the patch dry, then clean out and dry it out again to prevent mold.  What this translates to is it won't be ready until Monday, and we can't live in it because we can't use the water or toilet because it's drying out.  So much for returning to the campground today, practicing backing up tomorrow and hitting the road on Sunday.

Rather than spend $150/night at the only local hotel in town (a historical B&B), we drove 1.5 hours back to Ft. Myers and are spending the weekend with my cousin Sharon.  Thank you, Sha - very grateful for the hospitality!  At least we'll be able to go to shul this Saturday and spent a little more time in the area than the last time - maybe even get to see the white sand beaches with clear blue water (although tomorrow will most likely be a day for running local errands).

Geocaching - Yr 1, Day 268

Arcadia, FL

First, woke up to our friendly neighborhood sand crane walking outside the window.  I wonder why my camera makes everything look so far away, even when zoomed in.  I guess because it's a really old, obsolete phone (not even a smartphone)!

What a fun, yet extremely exhausting day.  We are both in a lot of pain from all the walking we did (I think close to 5 miles).

For those of you unfamiliar with geocaching, you can learn more at www.geocaching.com.  Basically, the premise is that it's a treasure hunt using a GPS.  There are a wide variety of different types: some have trackables (coins or tokens that you find in one place and put in another - kind of like "Where's George" with dollar bills), some have little gifts, some have clues and puzzles, some are just there to find (and you leave your name in a box).  It has become a very popular sport and almost every town in the US (probably even the world) has at least 1, if not more, caches.  Go to that site and plug in your zip code to see how many are in your area!  You'd be very surprised.

Anyway, we did a total of 4 today.  One was just down the road from us, and the other 3 were hidden on a trail in a nature center.  The plan was not only to find the caches, but to enjoy a hike in nature.  And that was a success!

This is across the street from our first geocache (which was actually found hidden in a metal guard rail behind a supermarket).  I guess I just want to record the palm trees, which I will miss when we head back north for a while.

The park had a lot of beautiful live oak trees with hanging Spanish moss.  Here is just one:

A little wooden foot bridge we crossed over:

A clue for the first geocache was "look for Wolverine claws."  What do you think of this tree?

The cache was hidden between the 2nd and 3rd claws under a pile of moss

I should have mentioned that this park runs along the Peace River (we took the boat tour last week from the other end -- about 25 miles downstream).  On the way to the 2nd "hide," we passed a cliff overlooking the river and saw a large white sand beach area on the other side, with some folks swimming there.  It was 90 degrees today (still hard to get used to in the middle of March!).  What I wouldn't have given to join them (we weren't prepared for swimming).  Actually, we probably would have gone in with our long pants and clothes if we were able to get down to that area.

The final cache was found inside a hollow tree.  Unfortunately, it was so far down we were unable to remove it.

Tomorrow may be a big day.  The RV techs are scheduled to come out and do all the repairs.  If that does indeed happen, we hope to be hitting the road on Sunday and be in Raleigh by next Thursday.  But we'll see if these plans are made in bubbles or jello or perhaps in stone this time.  Will report tomorrow.....

Rodeo - Yr 1, Day 265

Arcadia, FL

Actually, we went to the rodeo on Friday, March 13th, day 263.  It was the very first rodeo I ever attended.  It was very interesting and I learned a lot.   My only real complaint is that it was very difficult to sit on the hard bleachers for 4 hours.  My back was killing me!  I didn't need a cushion to sit on -- what I needed was some kind of back support.

We also met up there with DawnRaye, who had attended many rodeos in her life and was able to give us some good information about what everyone's roles were.

So, for those of you who also never attended a rodeo, here's a walk through, complete with photos and a few videos (taken from the not so great camera).

A rodeo is a competition which involves horses, bulls and calves and an assortment of feats, all of which are timed events.  I'll explain as we go...

Here are a few photos of the arena itself:

Not sure if this was for real or just for the rodeo...

Standing around waiting their turn, I guess

Not actually part of the rodeo, it started with a staged theatrical production called "The Shootout."  Props and costumes were used to recreate the Old West, complete with storyline of a wedding to take place but the groom was involved in an all night poker game, accused of cheating and the resultant shootout.  Characters include the saloon folks (barkeep, waitresses, hussies), wedding party, tough guys, sheriff and deputy, banker.

Poker players at the far end of the field

Wedding party entering

Saloon maid in the middle

Saloon gals entertaining the crowd:

Removing the props

Next, another entertainer, loaded with jokes, showed off some horse tricks (personally, I think our grandpuppy, Ellie, does better and more tricks!)

And now the rodeo began, which started with a parade of all the horses, cowboys & cowgirls entering the arena, followed by a patriotically decked out horse & rider carrying the flag and a singer for the National Anthem. The announcer asked everyone to remember and honor our veterans, of whom 95% of the audience was made up of.

And finally the competitions began.  It started out with bucking bronc bareback - who could stay on their bucking bronco the longest (later there was a saddle bronc).

Next was steer wrestling, where they had to capture a runaway steer and wrestle it to the ground:

This was followed by steer roping (I couldn't get a good video), which is pretty much the same thing but instead of wrestling it, they had to capture it, rope it's hind legs and have it stay put for 6 seconds.  A horse was also trained to hold the rope taut.

Next was another production called a Quadrille - square dancing on horses!  This is only one of many dances.  NOTE: this is NOT the music that was played during the dance.  My tech guru substituted something else because the sound quality was so awful.

The last event was riding the bull.  Not too many people made it through this one (understandably).

All in all, a very interesting experience for this Northerner!