Places We Have Called Home In 2020

March 1, 2020

Temperature 71 Degrees

One More Project Done

Memories of the King

What a treat.  I awoke this morning to sunlight peaking in the bottom of the shade that covers my bedroom window.  It held the promise of a another delightful day and the day did not disappoint.

We’re slowly settling into a morning routine.  Its different than before because of the way our bedroom is set up and the softness of our mattress.  It used to be one could sit in bed, have a cup of coffee, check email, etc.  However, that is no longer possible.  The head of our mattress tucks back into an alcove which means watch your noggin or else.  Furthermore, the mattress is so soft you sort of sink into it.  Getting out after you have been sitting there for a bit is a bit of a challenge.  We’re adapting.  Now we start our mornings in our recliners.

I only had one major project on my list today.

That was the installation of the sliding cargo bay tray.  With the lockers under the slides it is a bit of a challenge to get to items with the slides out.  I decided this was the answer.  Once installed it can be accessed from either side and it slides out about 50% of it’s length.

Once installed I started putting things away.  I was amazed at how easy it now is to get to whatever I need.  The other side contains everything for hooking up to city water.   I still have lots and lots of free space.  I just may install a second sliding cargo bay tray in the locker in front of this one.

This is one of two slide motors for the front slides.  There is one on the driver’s side and one on the passenger side.  My research about Newmar coaches indicated that these motors can in time come loose from their mounting brackets.  I decided to check.  All four bolts on each motor were loose.  Now how about that.  Future problems averted.  Something to check on a monthly basis.

I was also able to finally vacuum all the rugs and wash the title floors.  I just could not stand the way they were looking.  Things are looking much better now.

While I was playing with all of this stuff

Barbara headed on over to the Wishy Washy.  It seems we’re forever running out of clean clothes.  Don’t blame me I always try to wear the same T-shirt and pair of shorts for at least a week, or until they try to run away!

Late afternoon we had tickets

Elvis – Memories of the King.

It was definitely sold out with about 200 people in attendance.

Our park manager is an Elvis Impersonator.  Everyone encouraged us to go to the next performance telling us it would be a fantastic afternoon that we would absolutely enjoy.  They were so right.  We were thrilled that we were able be there.  The songs just kept coming. Songs we grew up listening to.

The back of his jacket.  Quite impressive.

There was time for dancing.  Yes, we danced.  Barbara at one point turned to me and said What have you done with my husband!  OK, so maybe in the past you had to drag me out there but no more.  Life is too short to let such opportunities pass bye.  The time is now to make the most of life.

That was our day on The Road of Retirement.  A delightful day from beginning to end.  A day of accomplishments.  An afternoon of good music and good times.  A time to dance ourselves silly.  Yes, a delightful and perfect day all around.

Thanks for checking in with us again.  We always enjoy your company and your comments.  Catch you again tomorrow.

These are the voyages of  Elvira and it’s two intrepid travelers.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before

See you on down the road!

 

 

 

Places We Have Called Home In 2020

February 29, 2020

Temperature 89 Degrees

Back Home And Slowly Getting Back to Normal

So after the run with Graybeard from Arizona to Ohio I’m now back home and things are slowly getting back to normal.

But our Itasca is no longer called Graybeard, it is now known as the Spirit of Adventure.  It also no longer belongs to us but is now owned by my

son Paul and his wife Brittany.  I’m confident that they like us will have many miles of smiles as they travel the country in Spirit of Adventure.

What a trip it turned out to be.

This is a picture of the accident damage that yours truly inflicted on a once perfect coach.  I was literally on the verge of throwing up after it happened.  One moment, just a second of inattention and the damage was done.  We’ll know the cost of repairs sometime next week.

The first couple of travel days were easy with no issues.  Then we ran into snow.  Frozen windshield wiper blades.  Bitter cold. Temperatures hovered in the low to mid twenties. Point of fact the last RV park we stayed in we had to leave the jack pads behind, they were frozen to the ground.  Yet, the two seventeen dollar space heaters we purchased before we left saved the day.  They kept the inside of the rig at a tolerable temperature.  Sweat pants and layers of sweat shirts also helped a lot.

What did I learn from this trip?  First and foremost trips in weather like this suck.  There is no other way to put it.  Second, as my son would remind me over and over, it’s no big deal we’ll just take it a day at a time.  So we did and we got through it and survived.  Third, I discovered my son is a born motorhome driver.  He handled the rig with ease on the road, in tight parking situations and everywhere else.

Spirit of Adventure is now at its new home in Ohio.

It was tough leaving behind an old friend that has taken us so many wonderful places in this great land of ours.  Harder still to leave that friend in a cold, snow covered storage lot.  I swear I saw a tear run down the windshield as I turned to leave.  Time now to let my good friend take my son and his wife on their own memorable adventures.  I’m sure he will treat them well and will definitely look after them wherever they roam.

I’m back home now and it is oh so nice to be where the temperatures are much more to my liking.  Today was in the 80’s and there are more days like this to come.  Yipee!

I’m now getting back in the groove in terms of upgrades and repairs.

We solved our hot water heater problems.  For several days after the new one was installed we could only get hot water on propane.  I found out today that there is a secondary electrical switch outside in the hot water box that needs to be turned on.  A flip of the switch and we now have hot water either by electric or propane.

The new surge protector has been installed.  I can monitor what its doing via Bluetooth on my phone.  I like that.  I also like the fact that it is finally in place.

I got the battery box to freely slide back and forth.  It only took a can of slide out lube and it was moving in and out without an issue.  I checked the water in the coach batteries, all OK.  I checked the chassis batteries and they are so – so.  May have to replace them.  As of now I have both chassis batteries on a three step charger.  I’ll check tomorrow and see what gives.

I did discover we need a new muffler.  What’s the old saying?  Nothing lasts forever!  We’re getting there.  Piece by piece anything is a cinch.

I scrapped and repainted the entrance steps today.  They look so much better and don’t gross me out anymore when I approach them.  Must remember, first impressions matter so who wants to see a set of rusty steps when they first approach Elvira.  Not me that’s for sure.

I began installing LED Lights inside throughout the coach.  Everything is done except the fluorescent lights.   Since they need to be rewired I’ll take a couple at a time.

So it goes.  It feels good to be finally making some progress toward getting the items done on my punch list.

So we continue our journey down The Road of Retirement.  It’s been quite an adventure as of late.  It’s been full of ups and downs.  Great time with family, my sister included.  The one thing that I can honestly say, It sure is great to be back home with my sweetheart.  Well, time to get some shuteye.

Thanks for checking in with us.  We always appreciate your company and your comments.  Catch you again tomorrow.

These are the voyages of  Elvira and it’s two intrepid travelers.  Our continuing mission: to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before

See you on down the road!

February 26 2020

Day Four

Snow and Bitter Cold

So we sat tight for a bit today to let the storm pass.

We decided to change plans and instead of going to Findlay we would hole up just west of Dayton.  Tomorrow we’ll make the final push to Findlay.

It’s bitter cold and very windy.  I absolutely hate this weather.

I just want this trip to end and get back home.

February 26 2020

Update

Day two accident leaving park.  Extensive damage to drivers side.

Problem now is finding a place for repairs.

Day three was a beautiful travel day.  Great weather and great roads. Made good time.

Day four we awoke to a snow covered landscape.   We’re only five hours from Findlay.  We’re sitting tight right now. Instead of leaving at the crack of dawn we’ll leave a bit later. By then the roads should be clear.

Oh how I want to be back in Yuma with my sweetheart.