New Years at Orlando TT

We went for a nice walk around the park, partly to see if we recognized any friends which we have met here over the years and to see when the water volleyball was to start up. We recognized a few people, and saw some sand hill cranes, whom by the way are VERY noisy. If they should elect to come by our campsite, .. .. does anyone know if they will taste like chicken? We also saw a 'gaggle' of turkeys just walking around. See, if 'the boys' would just come down here they wouldn't have to spend countless hours and days in the woods just for the opportunity to see one, although I must say the one that Jeremy got and mounted was awesome.

We had planned on taking some shrimp and cocktail sauce to the beach, at the parks lake, and watch the New Years Eve fireworks from Disney World as we have other years. It really is a nice view, with the fireworks reflecting off of the water and within walking distance of our campsite. Marcie wasn't feeling well, in fact she had a fever. I have only seen her ill a few times since we met. We watched some TV and had a nice steak dinner. Most of the evening was spent trying to figure out to 'pay back' her sister, Michele, for sharing the cold with her! It actually was a pleasant evening, but we both ended up in bed before midnight .. .. are we getting old or what? I didn't even get a New Years Eve kiss .... . guess she will make it up to me later ..

New Years Day Marcie felt a little better and was able to cook pork and kraut (YUK!!!!) in the slow cooker. I spent most of the day outside watching the football games and 'tinkering'. I got the bicycles out and oiled them, filled the tires up with air, checked the brakes etc. I also got out the water softener and set it up. It is an external cylinder that we fill with standard table salt and run the water into the motor home through and it provides softened water, makes it nice in the shower and when we wash the truck and motor home, which we need to do very shortly.

We also setup the digital picture frame which Jeremy and Michele had given us, Marcie filled a 2 GIG SD card. It was nice seeing pictures on the dash of the motor home. She will have to get some different ones selected as now she knows how to load them. Thanks guys ... we are enjoying it very much.

After doing the dishes, I discovered that I had wet socks on and upon further investigation found that the floor in front of the sink was wet. Looking around I found that the drain pipe from the sink to the holding tank had dis-connected and the sink water was spilling into the cabinet below the sink. I had to take out all the pots and pans, wash them, dry the shelves and figure out how it had happened. I still don't know why it disconnected, the water supply line to the facet is in contact with it and possibly the vibration while we are traveling caused it to loosen. Anyway I managed to get it all connected again and it seems to be working with no leaks. I guess we will have to keep an eye on it and if it does it again, bend the supply line (copper pipe) out of the way for a more permanent repair.

When working on the bicycles, I had run out of air pressure filling the tires. I use the emergency brake release air port (with adapters), but when setting the leveling jacks I had discharged most of the air system as I knew that we were going to be in this spot for three weeks. This morning I rode up to the service area which we had seen an air hose, but they wanted 75 cents in the machine to fill the tires. I don't consider myself 'cheap', but whom in their right mind would spend that much for air for a bicycle tire? I will have to fire up the diesel and let the air pressure build a little and fill it myself here at the motor home. Besides, I was near 'done in' when I returned. I 'm not sure if it is just because I am so out of shape, the tires aren't rotating smoothly or what. Anyway the short trip about did me in and I still have complaints about the skinny little seat they put on it. I think I have lost my virginity!!! What I should do is get a large scoop shaped tractor seat and weld it to the seat bracket for myself.

The trip to Orlando

Our trip was pretty uneventful, which is good. We stopped at the Flying J in Knoxville, Tennessee for the night and to get some fuel, as Marcie's internet research indicated that it would be the least expensive. This was a fairly normal travel day for us, totaling 406 miles. This Flying J, as do most of them, has a special area for motor homes and fifth wheels. We pulled in the last spot and had room to even extend the bedroom slide, which we normally are unable to do. We took advantage of the restaurant, Marcie was smart enough to order from the menu while I 'pigged' out with the all you can eat buffet. All in all the food was .. terrible and we were really disappointed. This is the second Flying J that we have been disappointed at, so I doubt if we make any effort to eat their again.

The next morning we got up early, around 7:00am, reset the truck transmission for towing and took on fuel at $2.20 per gallon. I remember when we returned home, in July, that we had paid $4.71 per gallon in Illinois. What a difference that makes on the budget! The weather was good, it was nice to be able to complain about the sun shinning into the cab. The temperatures are getting warmer and warmer as we get further south.

After driving for 529 miles, with a couple of breaks we stopped at the Flying J at the Georgia/Florida border for a final fill up prior to hitting the normally higher prices of diesel in Florida. We paid $2.25 per gallon and filled up the propane tank as well. What has happen to the inexpensive propane? I used to use the propane furnace as it provides for a more comfortable heat in the motor home, but at the prices for propane, we have started using the electric heat pumps, as the electric at the campgrounds is free.

We traveled to the Gainesville, Florida area and stopped at a road side rest area and stayed the night. The lot was really full, and there was 24 hour security. We relaxed, watched some TV, had dinner and retired early.

On Tuesday we drove the final 100 miles to the Thousand Trails Preserve. The place didn't look much differently than it had when we left last year for our long trip out west. We were able to find a nice site, we accidentally passed on up one of our favorite sites, but have taken down the site number and when we return here we will try and get it. Our current site is deep, protected with bushes and trees and looks like a lot of birds frequent the area.

Setting up was a little different, as we hadn't set up camp since last July, but we managed to get leveled, the awning out, tables set up, water and electric hooked up etc. We took a nice walk, and visited the pool and club house. I was able to get an internet connection, all-be-it slow. thre is a WiFi service available to us at a very reasonable charge and we will look into that the first of the week.

Preparation for our trip.

We spent the day after Christmas taking down the decorations. Marcie did all the inside ones while I worked on the outside ones. Everything was packaged and stored with the exception of the lighted deer whom now have a grazing place in the garage until we return home and I can put them in large plastic bags. I must say that with the normal decorations up, the house doesn't look near as cheery as with all the Christmas decorations.

The weather was pleasant, in fact on Saturday we broke records for warmth, and Marcie and I took full advantage of it loading the motor home. WOW it was nice enjoying 68 degree weather, actually it was a way to be accustomed to it as it will be warmer than that in Florida .. . I de-winterized the motor home, filling the water tanks and flushing the water lines. At first I had some problems, but after dismantling and back pressuring the system, I'm sure that there probably was a piece of ice blocking the water outlet from the storage tank. After that, everything worked, I was so afraid that since I only blew out the water lines with pressurized air instead of putting in antifreeze that we would have some broken lines. Who knew it was to get to -25 with wind chill this early.

Saturday, Ann, Marcie's friend came over and they had a good time talking about .. .. whatever they talk about. We enjoyed a pizza for dinner, I brought home a dozen roses for Marcie and we both enjoyed relaxing a little with Ann. Later that evening we went to the grocery store, I am glad that I went along, as Marcie had only a dozen items on her list, while I was able to 'find' a whole lot more that we needed.

We enjoyed our hot tub for one last time. Even though the campgrounds we go to have hot tubs, they don't have TV's or towel warmers and they are certainly further away from home than ours. They also, I imagine require different .. ... shall I say attire ... then we have been accustomed to. We both agree that we will REALLY miss the hot tub!

Sunday morning we did some last minute packing and Lisa and her friend Anthony came over. Anthony brought his new puppy, someone HAD to hold it and relax, and whom better than myself? We put the 'kids' to work, as the foolishly asked if there was anything they could do. The help was appreciated and before we knew it, everything was ready to go.

Jeremy and Michele with the Catlin and Alex joined us for breakfast and we all enjoyed time together. They were able to help us 'hook up' the truck, as this was the first time for us to tow it. It was cold and windy, what better time to head south. One concern is that when Jeremy was in the motor home driver’s seat, he looked to AWFULLY comfortable, I expect a 'usage' request to be next ....

Well we left and had gone all of three miles, when I remembered that I probably had put the truck in the incorrect towing gear. So we pulled over to check on it, made the necessary adjustments and continued down the road. It is somewhat different towing the truck vs. the Jeep as it is longer. Turns have to be made differently. I am sure that I will become accustomed to it eventually, and we needed a new mailbox anyway ... KIDDING! Actually it doesn't 'feel' any different to me driving, than with the jeep, with exception of the required wider turning radius. The weight of the truck is double that of the jeep, but well within the range of the capability of the motor home, tow bar and auxiliary braking system. All in all, I think we both will enjoy the extra room the truck provides and is so much more comfortable to travel in during our side trips. I think we made a good decision to tow it rather than the Jeep. .. ... NO we haven't gotten the cap door repaired, .. ... thanks to Anthony for not telling me that "you have drilled the last three holes successfully, are you sure you want to try ONE more?" Anyway, ... stuff happens and although it cost me close to six hours of time for nothing, except a worse situation, in the whole scheme of things it is a minor issue (this I can say after a week of complaining about it).

Lisa and Chris arrive .. ... and Mothers Day

Well, I knew that Lisa and Chris were on their way to visit us here. It was a matter of when all the paperwork which had to be completed was finished. Chris had a lot of "last minute" things to wrap up and it was up to the Army to determine their departure date. Wow, was I excited to hear that they were on there way!


I asked Lisa to call me as they went along, I wasn't sure how long they were going to take and I guess I was just anxious yet nervous that they were driving all that way. They called just after their departure as they were having car problems. It seems that they had the tries rotated, but the place that did the rotation failed to make sure that they were balanced. They were able to get to a tire dealership and had them balanced and were on there way again.


I called Lisa early this morning to find out where she was at, she indicated that they were still in central California and were making slow time. Oh my, that was a relief, here I was afraid that they would try and drive straight through .. .. not that I wouldn't have done it at their age, but that was different.


Well I told the rest of the family that the kids wouldn't arrive until the next day, or maybe the day after, so we could go ahead and go to Coni's parents for Mothers Day. That gave me another few days to clean Trevor's trailer for them to use anyway.


MUCH to my surprise, late afternoon, just before supper, Lisa called asking which exit they were to use to get to Trevor's. I told her, not even thinking that they were close, just assuming that they wanted to know for the next day or so. When she told me they were within 10 minutes of arriving ... ... I was elated ... .. even though it DID indicate that she had lied about where they were at earlier in the day.


I drove to the bottom of the hill to meet them and there they were waiting, tired as they had driven straight through, . .... .. all they seemed to want to do was to take a nice hot shower and get out of the car!



The next day we all took off for Coni's parents house whom had graciously invited us over for a cookout. We drove separately, as Austin and Sierra had gotten a small tree for Coni and we need a way to get it back. We had a great time, most of the family was there. Trevor & Chris took the "boys" out for a hike up the hill. Apparently it was quite a hike, enjoyed by all. They taught the younger boys quite a bit about finding their way back if they were ever lost, wish I had gone myself now!


After supper Chris, Lisa, Marcie and I went to the beach to check it out. We drove on the beach where we had a few years earlier when just Lisa was with us. Chris was like a kid in a toy store! He seemed to love the beach. We even found some sand dollars and saw horses walking the beach.

We all agreed that we wanted to come back to the beach for a day and bring the grand kids to enjoy it as well.

Don't they LOOK great .. .. can you tell I am soooooooooo happy to see them?? !!!

Grandkids on the playground.

Today we decided to take the grandkids to the playground for awhile. There is a nice little park in town, which we had visited on our previous visit. The kids had a lot of fun. Sierra was quite a "conductor", she even did fairly well at driving the "boat" At times it was difficult to keep up with them, but we tried the best we could. Austin was busy clinbing, sliding, meeting friends etc. I didn't even try to keep up with him, not that I couldn't, just felt he probably was having more fun on his own vs following me!


Coni came by on the way home from work, so she was able to relieve us for a little bit. We ordered pizza, got the grandkids off the playground and met Trevor at home after his meetings were over.

All in all it was a good day, it always is when you are with family.

The park, a party, eagles, the baaaaad Jeep

One of our first outings was to attend Brenden's (Sierra and Austin's cousin) baseball game. He is 7 years old. I had good time photographing the game. Connie's Mom, Dad and grandmother, as well as Connie's sister were there. Of course the grand kids enjoyed the playground, even though they missed an exciting baseball game! Brenden played a good game, had some great defensive plays and got a few hits. Fun was had by all. After the game we all went to Burger King for lunch, then the "girls" went to Ashley's (Brenden's sister) dance recital. I heard that they all had a good time there.

The "guys" went home to go fishing. There is a small pond within walking distance of the house, although it is surrounded by trees, the new neighbor has cleared an area for fishing. Taking two young guys, with trees close to the water would be an event. While fishing, David, the new neighbor came out with his two boys and we all had a good time, untangling reels, retrieving lures and hooks etc. Although we didn't catch any fish, everyone had a good time! It was a good thing that we left the dogs at home, they love the water and I'm sure that someone would have been able to hook one of them!

That Sunday evening, Connie and Trevor invited both the two new neighbors and some friends and family over for a cookout. I made a GREAT batch of "Sneaky Pete". We cooked out, well I should say Marice did, as the guys sat around the fire and downed a few beers while the Sneaky Pete seemed to disappear before even all the guest had arrived ..... well Connie DID say she liked it!

The next day, Trevor, Marcie, Austin, Sierra and I headed out to Dosewallips park to do some birding and let the grand kids play on the beach of the Hood Canal. It was amazing, we saw a total of 10 American Bald Eagles in a group. Some were two year old, some were full grown. There were a group of seals swimming around the stumps where one of the eagles were sitting. We had taken the spotting scope so we had a great time watching them. We took some photos, but they were off in the distance so far that the pictures didn't come out. I should have placed the camera on the tripod and we probably would have gotten some good pictures. Next time .. .. we learn as we go!


The Jeep now has a rebuilt engine in it. It was diagnosed with very little compression, zero in cylinder number two. We decided to go ahead and have it replaced. We did find some Jeeps for sale in the area, but they had 140,000 plus miles on them. It was a difficult decision, only time will tell if it was the correct one. This way we don't need to worry about getting a tow package on it, or the time involved in finding another vehicle, or what to do with it etc.

Arrived at Trevor's

We traveled from the Thousand Trails Preserve without too many problems. The neighboring camper stayed around in the event we needed some assistance. The Jeep started and we moved it a hundred feet to the nearest roadway. We backed the motor home to it, in order to hook it up to the tow bar. It actually was much easier than I had envisioned!

On the way North we stopped at the Tillamook Cheese Factory for a tour. We had visited the plant a few years earlier, bu they were on strike so we didn't see the cheese making process. It was fun and interesting. We stayed for a few hours before heading out, of course we stocked up on cheese and Marcie had an ice cream cone.
The drive north was uneventful ALTHOUGH we had to go over the humoungest Astoria-Megler Bridge at Astoria, Oregon. The bridge’s main span is 1,232 feet in length, the longest “continuous truss” in the world and it's total length is 4.1 miles.

As we drove into the Shelton area, it was almost like returning home as it was all so familiar to us. Of course the very last part of the trip was so slow as we both were anxious to see the "kids" and "grand kids". Seemed like it took forever to travel the remaining few miles.

What a delight to see the family! The grand kids have grown so much, they were all talkative and full of energy. We simply parked the motor home and enjoyed their company. Trevor and Connie looked healthy, they had both lost weight and Trevor had dropped quite a bit of weight, wish we could do the same.

The important thing was that we were with "family".