My RV Life

It's been a long time!

2012-01-02T20:57:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone! It's been quite a long time since I've posted. I've seen many miles from the east coast to the west coast and back to the east coast...again. I have quite a bit of catching up to do that's for sure! I promise to catch you up on my adventures in the very near future. Until then, thank you for your interest and keep RVing! It's an incredible way to travel, make new friends, and gain wonderful new experiences. xo.barb

It's nice to hear from you!

2008-11-18T23:01:00.000-05:00

I received an email from Dave in Annapolis, MD tonight. I love getting email from fellow RVers. Keep 'em coming and I'll do my best to answer your questions...intelligently!

Here's what Dave had to say:

"Future fellow RV'er"

Barb,

I've just finished reading your blog and listening to your "blogtalkradio" shows. I really found it interesting and well written. Like your other "fans", I wish you would write/podcast more often. I'm in Annapolis, MD and I'm getting ready to head out in my RV. I plan on heading out around the first of the year. I'm thinking I will do some local area camping in order to shake out any problems and make sure I have everything that I'll need. After that, I don't really have any plans on where or how long I'll be out on the road. I'm also into riding my motorcycle and need to figure out how to take it with me. One problem I have is deciding which bike to take. I have a full size Harley Ultra Classic and a Kawasaki KLR 650 (dual sport). I like the dolly that you have. According to the manufacturer's website though, my Harley would be too heavy. My KLR would work. That may be the best bike to take since I also love to go exploring dirt roads/off-road etc. The other option is to set up my pickup truck as my toad and have a lift installed in the bed to lift either bike into it.

In any case, I don't want to make this first email too long. One question I have is, how do people treat you as a single person traveling by RV? I think you have a lot of guts to travel like you do as a single female. I really admire that. As a guy, I really don't worry about my safety. I'm just thinking that I may get some of those looks or questions at the campgrounds :) On the other hand, maybe some of the "old ladies" (I'm 46) will take pity on me and invite me for a home-cooked meal once in a while!

Thanks for any info or advice you may have,

Dave
Annapolis, MD

Here's my reply:

Hi Dave!

Thanks for checking out my blog and radio show. I'm happy you've found the info I've shared to be helpful. So, how did you find me out there on the big wide web?

I think you have a really good short term plan as far as doing your shake down close to home. There are many RV resources at your disposal there near Annapolis who can come to your rescue if need be...let's hope you never have to call in the cavalry! I suggest you become a member of Good Sam if you haven't already and definitely purchase their roadside assistance program. It's helped me out in a couple of tough pinches and been worth every penny I paid for it.

I take it you've invested in a diesel RV if your toad will be a pick up truck. That's an interesting idea for taking either bike along with you...be sure you're within your tow rating. I've seen many diesel pushers towing pick ups. I love my dolly, but the tongue is too short and I've managed to jack-knife it and ding the back of my coach. I've called the guy who built my dolly and suggested he design his product with a longer tongue so this won't be an issue.

I'd like to recommend a great place for RV parts and installation: http://www.northernvirginiarecreationalvehicles.com/ that's Restless Wheels in Manassas, VA. I've done quite a bit of business with them and always had stellar results. I do not recommend Reines just off of RT. 66. If you were to take a trip to Manassas in your rig for installation of towing devices or any other fun stuff, stay at Bull Run Regional Park which is only about a 10 minute drive from Restless Wheels. Bull Run is a fantastic place to go for a shake down! They have large rig spaces and the park is gorgeous. Be sure to say hi to park manager Jill for me if you should head that way.

As for your question...well, people always ask me if I'm solo and are pretty surprised when I say yes. So far, so good! I haven't as of yet had any problems as a single RVer. Of course like anything in life, you have to use common sense and go with your gut. If something looks like trouble, smells like trouble or even has a hint of trouble...it's trouble! The nice thing about having a house with wheels is that if I'm not comfortable somewhere, I can always pack up and roll on down the highway.

"Those looks or questions" are the best part of flying solo...so amusing! There are many single RVers out here on the road. I run into a lot of "us". Workamper.com is a good place to network with RVers single and coupled. Check out the links on my blog for other great resources. I've made a ton of RV friends and I make sure to get their email addresses so I can keep in touch with everyone. The chances of me running into most of the folks I've met (again) are slim as we're all over the place, but I've made enduring friendships and email keeps them going. I love writing to my friends and sending them pictures and I enjoy hearing about their adventures too!

I suggest you invest in a Verizon wireless air card. You'll be amazed at all the places where you can get a signal. IMHO Verizon truly has the best network. I also have a portable Wilson Trucker Cell Antenna and extra cable which I mount on my ladder and it boosts my signal. As a matter of fact, I'm able to email you right now because I'm using my wireless card and my booster antenna. You can get an antenna and cable at any truck stop. You'll need an adapter cord specifically for your particular model of wireless card (available from Verizon) which plugs into your laptop or desktop via USB. I don't like to rely on WiFi as it's very unreliable at most RV parks and the signal can be interrupted by wind, clouds, fog or any type of atmospheric condition. Also, as more people hop on to use the WiFi the bandwidth deteriorates and service slows to a crawl. With my wireless card I can get on the web whenever I want to and get reliable service at a decent load speed. For more info go to http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/index.html

In addition to email, I also use Skype for staying in touch with my friends. Skype to Skype computer calls and video chats are FREE! Yahoo Messenger also has voice and video chat with picture and file sharing capabilities and it too is FREE when chatting with another Yahoo Messenger buddy.

And as we all know…FREE is GOOD! ;-)

So, nope...I doubt you'll have any big problems. Just watch your cornering with your toad (use those mirrors) and be very aware of your surroundings at all times...go slow, don't ever be in a rush. Take this tried and true advice and you'll be one very happy camper as you head out and grab on to your very own custom made, make it up as you go along adventure. It's all a process and you'll learn something new every day...that's the fun of it! Not everyone is cut out for this RV life, but for those of us who embrace the lifestyle, we're the lucky ones. A day of RVing sure beats a day at the office...every time! (Unless your office is in your RV.)

Keep the rubber side down and the sunny side up...and blessings on your journey!

All my best,
Barb :-)

I made it...yippee!

2008-11-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

I made it to Palm Springs today! I woke up at 4 am and took my time...had breakfast and did a little shopping at the Flying J in Barstow. I left at 7:00 am. The weather was perfect! I took a short-cut across the desert to avoid Monday morning traffic in L.A. / San Bernardino. It was a great ride all the way down. It was beautiful and uneventful, the roads were in great condition, smooth sailing. A few of the hills were daunting and I was down to 25 mph a couple of times with the "toads".

(Toads = tow dolly containing car and motorcycle = 5,000 pounds towing.)

Here's the route:

I shot down 5 South to 18 East through Apple valley (lots of lights, but nice wide roads), continued East on 247 to Yucca valley (down to 2 lanes), then headed South on 62 through Morongo Valley and...voila! I'm in Palm Springs!

I arrived at 9:30 this morning.

Now the work begins. It's time to level the coach and set up the yard. I'll post pictures when I'm all settled in.

Hugs,
Barb

PS: YAY, I'M HERE!

On the road to Palm Springs!

2008-11-09T21:00:00.003-05:00

Hey,

Just wanted to give you an update from the road to let you know how my journey's going. Sunday is a great day to drive! There's been very little traffic. The weather was sunny all the way down to SoCal until I hit Central Valley south of Pasa Robles area...then it was clouds and rain until Bakersfield.

I've just pulled into Barstow. I left the river at 8 this morning and got to Barstow at 8 pm....12 hours on the road. I have just 2 more hours before I hit Palm Springs. I'm at a Flying J, and I plan to boon-dock here tonight and drive the rest of the way in the morning. Also, a hot shower and hot food sound like heaven...and they have both here.

So far it's been a good trip...I napped for an hour at a rest stop on the 5 and stopped at a cute little Mexican Restaurant in Tehachapi, CA for a bite to eat earlier. I've only had to cross over mountains once, otherwise it's been flat all the way.

Ahhh...it feels good to be horizontal on the couch. Thank heavens for lap tops!

Closing for now...
Big hugs,
Barb :-)

NorCal to SoCal...a big new adventure awaits!

2008-11-06T22:18:00.003-05:00

I have a personal tradition. Before I leave a place where I’ve camped, I always burn a ceremonial bon voyage campfire. I’m burning one now as I write this. There’s a nip in the NorCal air…it’s November. The fire consisting of chunks of redwood is burning every hue of red, orange, white…and hot.

I’ve been at Duncan’s Mills Camping Club since the end of August and it’s been absolutely terrific! The atmosphere is laid back, the members who camp here are very friendly, staff and management are wonderful, welcoming people. I’ve settled into my routine here at DMCC, keeping an eye on the gate, making sure our guests are happy and content, answering phones, taking reservations, the usual camp host stuff. It’s been fun and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed myself.

But now it’s time to move on.

Yes, I’m melancholy as I leave the pristine coastline of NorCal and the Russian River behind. I’ve made lifelong friends while staying here these past 6 months. I’ll have long lasting cherished memories that will bring a smile when I reminisce.

At the end of September, I took a trip down to Palm Springs to check out RV resorts. Yes, that Palm Springs, the picturesque oasis nestled between the glitz and glamour of L.A. and the Colorado River aka the Arizona State line. The Palm Springs where the rich and famous frolic in the arid, scenic California desert. As I drove east on I-10 approaching my exit, the first thing I noticed were the giant windmills, slowly rotating in the wind, row after row, feeding the hungry desert valley with electricity.

I spent 4 grueling days pounding the pavement hitting every RV resort in the area until I found 2 Springs Resort located in North Palm Springs, brand new still in its Phase 1 building stage. Complete with a huge pool, tennis courts, pickle ball courts and the ever important practice putting green, I feel as though I’ve hit the jackpot. I even have a view of the San Jacinto Mountains from my front yard. Not bad! I’ll only be about 10 min. from downtown Palm Springs and golf courses are a-plenty!

I’ll be spending my winter months basking in the warmth of the winter sun, golfing, motorcycling, hiking, exploring and enjoying all the wonders the California desert has to offer.

I’ll be back to NorCal…but until then I look forward to all the promise which awaits me as I step into my new adventure!

I’ll be sure to keep you posted!

Barb :-)

A new home in a one horse town!

2008-08-26T12:15:00.005-04:00

Just a few more days and it's September. Time flies...doesn't it? Especially when you're having fun!

Well, I've moved from Casini Ranch. I gave notice and headed down the road about 3/4 mile right into the heart of "downtown" Duncans Mills which consists of an old time general store, a post office, a bakery, a restaurant, a few antique stores and shops and a small railroad depot and museum...maybe 15 buildings at most. This is the proverbial "one horse town" and I LOVE it here! It's so magical I didn't want to leave...so I looked around for a new place to park the coach and ended up as a work camper at a private membership resort on the Russian River. It was sad to leave Casini Ranch, but actually...I didn't! Because I'm so close by, they've asked me to stay on to continue as their webmaster and to keep up with the programming on their TV station. My hours have been cut back quite a bit, but at least I still have my position there. So now I'm working at two campgrounds in town...how about that?

I'm settling in at my new "home" the Duncans Mills Camping Club and it's very nice here. They have beautifully landscaped camp sites, which are quiet and secluded. The membership is just under 400 and the campground is usually at 10 - 15% capacity at any given time, except during holiday weekends, of course. My site is surrounded by grape and blackberry vines that form tall hedges. It's very beautiful here! They also have a very nice beach right on the river, a family lodge and an adult lodge, a huge jacuzzi / lap pool, shuffle board, basketball, volleyball, horseshoe pits, kayaks and a canoe, a playground and an adult fitness center. I feel as though I've hit the jackpot! This is certainly a great place to visit and stay!

There is so much to yet explore and do here at the Russian River...I haven't even scratched the tip of the iceburg. With 135 wineries, 114 farms that are open to the public, golf courses, hiking, biking, fantastic motorcycling, ballooning, horseback riding and water sports...I'll have to stay longer and come back next year!

If you're interested in finding out more about the Duncans Mills Camping Club, call my friend Chris to arrange a tour at 1-888-422-6736 and visit online at http://www.duncansmillscamp.com/ for more information.

Until next time!
Barb :-)

3 more weeks...

2008-08-11T23:36:00.011-04:00

Just when the weather finally warms and I put on shorts and a tee-shirt:

3 more weeks...

...and summer is over! Well, if you're the kind of person who thinks summer ends after Labor Day. In the work-camping world, Labor Day Weekend is pretty much the end of summer. For me, this means no more noisy large crowds at the campground. It also means it's time for me to be looking for a new spot to park my coach, a new front yard. So...alas, the search has begun. I've enjoyed my time here at Casini Ranch, but layoffs are imminent as they'll be cutting their payroll. The axe will fall the Tuesday after Labor Day.

I've fallen completely in LOVE with this part of the country. I've made great friends and shared really wonderful moments with them. We've spent time hiking the picturesque and rugged Pacific coastline and coastal mountain range, had many inebriated moments (that I can barely remember, thank God for Mudslides!) poolside at the resort, eaten the best Mexican food (I've ever tasted) at the picnic table in front of the Guerneville taco truck, danced, and danced, and danced some more, laughed, been a little naughty (yay!), consumed many bottles of lip smacking delicious Sonoma and Napa wine, been witness to some of the most amazing sunsets I've ever seen God paint...and let me just say this:

I DO NOT WANT THIS TO END!

So, I'm boycotting the end of summer.

I refuse to let my Summer of 2008 come to an abrupt halt, just because some idiot (somewhere) got the notion that summer ends the day after Labor Day.

NO!!!! Emphatically NO! NO! NO!!!!...summer doesn't officially end until the Autumn Solstice, so I will continue to enjoy all that this little slice of heaven called "Russian River" has to offer. I will soak up every available moment of bliss and revel in it with uncontrollable delight.

Anyway, when summer does finally tuck itself into bed for much needed rest, it's only the beginning of...

Autumn.

...and I like Autumn. She's often been very kind to me and I have no doubt she has many pleasant surprises in store, though I am glad I brought warm clothes. It's gets chilly here!

Warm fires among the California redwoods and snifters of port wine with dear friends await. Suddenly I feel the sweet lightness of being as I look forward to embracing these moments to come.

The Summer Knows

The summer smiles
The summer knows
And unashamed
She sheds her clothes
The summer smoothes
The restless sky
And lovingly
She warms the sand
On which you lie
The summer knows
The summer's wise
She sees the doubts
Within your eyes
And so she takes
Her Summer time
Tells the moon to wait
And the sun to linger
Twist the world
Round her summer finger
Lets you see
The wonder of it all
And if you've learned
Your lesson well
There's little more
For her to tell
One last caress
It's time to dress
For fall...
And if you've learned
Your lesson well
There's little more
For her to tell
One last caress
It's time to dress
For Fall...

-- A. Bergman

Until next time!
~Barb :-)

Welcome to July in Northern California! It's still cold!

2008-07-01T22:56:00.006-04:00

Wow...I cannot believe it's July!

I know it’s been a while since I’ve written. It seems now that I’ve had time to be in one place for a while (a little over 2 months) I’ve had time to settle into a routine…work, work, work! I’ve been keeping really busy at the campground, also working on consulting projects, and deejaying in my spare time. I haven’t done much exploration lately.

I did find a beautiful place to hike, “Armstrong Woods” which is a gorgeous preserve of old growth redwoods…actually they are ancient trees. There’s another place I hope to get to soon called “Salt Point” which is out on the coast and to the north of here about a half an hour up PCH-1.

I endured my first earthquake a couple of weeks ago. It happened at 2:00 am on a Thursday night/Friday morning. The wind here is fierce, so when the coach started rocking, I though it was a huge wind gust. I found out the next morning that it was a 5.0 quake. Well, now I know the best place for me to be when an earthquake hits…in my coach which is on shocks and suspension! I’m parked in a wide open field, so there are no trees to fall on my “house on wheels”. Thank Heavens!

However, there have been hundreds of fires burning in NorCal for over a week now. Even though the fires are about 2 hours north of here and an hour south and east, the wind was blowing the smoke this way. Now that the wind direction has changed it's much better. The sun finally came out. It's so good to see sunshine and blue skies again! I admit the sunsets have been brilliant, big orange balls that sink into a murky sea. Quite unusual!

It seems most of the fires are now under control, just in time for July 4th, but honestly, I think the locals here need to think twice about selling fireworks…which are sure to be a 100% fire hazard over the upcoming holiday weekend. Everything here is DRY! If a spark catches, holy smokes…everything will go up in smoke, LITERALLY!

I’m enjoying my time here at Casini Ranch Campground. The ranch is very, very rustic. Lots of cows, sometimes horses, lots of geese and ducks. Working here has been quite interesting. Management did a big house cleaning recently and let 5 work campers go. Never a dull moment.

They got rid of the chickens too because they walked in and helped themselves…picked bags of candy right off the hooks…they kept stealing candy from the general store and eating it on the front porch of the store! Too funny!

I do most of my shopping at our general store (which is located right behind my coach) and sometimes I shop at the Safeway which is 15 miles inland. The closest Whole Foods is about 35 miles away. I live in the country! It’s much easier on the gas tank to shop here at the ranch.

The weather in this part of the country is also very interesting. They have micro climates here. I live 4 miles from the Pacific Ocean where it can be very foggy (the coastal layer), damp and windy...just 4 miles inland where I'm located, the fog lifts and the sun comes out around noon. Driving farther east (inland) about 15 minutes from here, the temperature shoots up 10 - 15 degrees, and about 20 miles inland the temps go up another 10 - 15 degrees. Finally, once you get inland into the valley about an hour or so inland, the thermometer gets into the high 90s to low 100s. So the temps go from humid moist high 40s to mid 50s at the coast to the dry arid desert 100s in the valley on the other side of the mountains...it's amazing!

I'm in Sonoma County which is famous for it's world renowned wine…and grapes are planted on practically every available square inch of land. The plants are gorgeous. There are also tons of orchards...everything you can imagine. Back east we plant corn, corn, corn. Here it’s grapes, grapes, grapes.

It's a wonderful, picturesque, magical and very spiritual place to be. I’m glad I’ve taken the time to stay in this spot for a while. It’s starting to grow on me. Hopefully, the temps here along the coast will warm up soon so I can peel off the sweat shirt. I’m not accustomed to the weather being so chilly this far into the summer. It’s weird to me! I just can’t get used to it. One thing I don’t miss is the muggy humidity of the east coast.

But I do miss my friends...very much!

Until next time!

~Barb :-)

Greetings from Russian River!

2008-05-29T02:16:00.002-04:00

Holllllyyyyy Smokes!

It's been an entire month since I've blogged.

Well, I've been super busy...sorry I haven't written lately. I have so much to share with you, but for now, this will be an update to let you know where I am and what I'm up to. I'll write more about my adventures later.

I've taken a position 5 miles from the California coast and 30 miles west of Santa Rosa in the tiny little town of Duncan's Mills, population 85, elevation 35 ft. I'm camped on the Russian River. It's very rustic here, just my style. I found this job on a lark actually, just by happenstance. Originally, I was supposed to take a position in Gualala about an hour north of here on the coast. It didn't work out...nothing bad happened, it just wasn't meant to be. So, I retreated to Santa Rosa for a week where I planted my butt in the parking lot of the fairgrounds, sent out my resume and got busy looking for a host position. I called campgrounds around the Santa Rosa area and heard there were openings at a place near the coast. I called and yep, they had openings as several hosts canceled due to high fuel prices, a blessing for me!

I drove out to chat with the manager and because they had no cell signal, I left without doing an interview. It was a Friday night and they were slammed! I didn't want to waste his time, so I headed back inland. He emailed me that evening and asked me to come back out the next day as the cell tower was to be turned on "any day now". So I gave it a second chance, took the position and so far, so good! I work 24 hours per week, all hours paid and I get a FHU site with CATV and WiFi. Also, this is a real working ranch, complete with cows, horses, ducks and geese. I really get a kick out of the geese, that's for sure! They've become accustomed to having me around (those crazy ganders) as I enjoy feeding them almost daily. They come running and cackling when I break out the feed. I'm the "corn lady", lol!

I'll admit, I am glad to finally be in a non-moving mode for a change. I've been a gypsy for a while now and I'm road weary. It's been an incredible trek coming from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific...a magical and majestic journey, but I'd like nothing more than to settle in for a time and do no more driving. So far, I've been working on marketing stuff, graphic design, helping the campground place ads for staffing, editing their website, doing television production for their cable channel and I've landed a part time job in Guerneville, the summer capital of the Russian River, a San Fran favorite. It's good to be here. I'm trying to get out and make new friends and so far everyone has been very nice!

I'm really enjoying NorCal. I'm camped smack in the middle of wine country. It is absolutely gorgeous here! Wine is cheap...like $3.99 for a mouth watering bottle of excellent wine. It's all so delicious and abundant. Back East we have rows and rows of corn in the field. Here they have rows and rows of grape vines stretching on for miles, as far as the eyes can see. The weather is pleasant, although it's very chilly and windy at the coast. It's quite warm inland and everyone escapes the heat by heading to the river or west to the ocean. The coastline is jaw dropping, rugged, pristine, and so different from the Eastern Atlantic shore.

California is amazing! It has everything...desert, mountains, oceans, incredible rivers, volcanoes, geysers, snow...I've never been to a more diverse place.

Check out this slide show to see my recent Calli pics:

I'll admit, I'm a bit homesick as I miss my friends, but NorCal is being very kind to me. I'm working and making money, meeting and making new friends and having a really great time. I'm so happy!

I plan to stick around here until October and then head to Southern Calli (San Diego or maybe Palm Springs)...or maybe back to Tucson for the winter months. I'm not really sure yet...still too early to tell. Anyway, I'm leaving everything in the very knowledgeable and capable hands of God and the Universe...!!

It's nice not to be in charge of what happens and to let everything simply...unfold.

Until next time!

~Barb :-)

Grand Canyon Railway Pics

2008-04-25T11:22:00.003-04:00

Brrrr.....!!!!

It's cold here in Williams this morning! I'm waiting for my coach to warm up and for the water in my hot water tank to actually become HOT! Seeing as how I have a few spare minutes on my hands before shoving off for Calli, here is a slide show of the train trip to the Grand Canyon.

Enjoy!

Until Next time,
~Barb :-)

Grand Canyon Railway:

Grand Canyon Railway Pics Part 2

2008-04-25T10:00:00.001-04:00

More pics of the Grand Canyon train ride!

Pics of the Grand Canyon!

2008-04-25T01:03:00.005-04:00

I'm moving on to Calli...unless I get side tracked!

I travel first thing in the morning...bright and early, before the sun wakes up. I'm pushing off from Williams, AZ and heading for Calli.

I've decided to check out the Pacific Coast south of San Fran before heading to my gig in Gualala. I'm going to try to make it to Barstow tomorrow for the night, then onto Paso Robles for a couple of days to see the Hurst Castle. A friend of mine told me about a cool campground in Hollister where I can camp in the mouth of an extinct volcano right on the San Andreas fault line...sounds like fun, so I'm going to try to make it there by Sunday or Monday. Hopefully I can get a campsite at this exciting little spot. We'll see! I also want to hit Monterrey before sliding into the San Fran area and then on up to NorCal.

In the meantime, see below for more pics from my Grand Canyon adventure!

You probably won't hear from me for a few days as I have no clue when I'll have WiFi again..so in the meantime, live your dreams!

Until next time!
~Barb :-)

Pics of my trip to the Grand Canyon:

VIDEO: Grand Canyon Train Adventure

2008-04-24T15:47:00.008-04:00

Greetings from the Grand Canyon!

I took the Grand Canyon Railway up to the rim of the Grand Canyon yesterday. On the way up I sat in the "bubble" coach...with a glass enclosed ceiling. Way cool! On the way back, I hung out on the rear platform of the very last car for two hours and shot video so I could put together this little movie and share my experience with you. If you want more info about the train ride to the Grand Canyon check out http://www.thetrain.com

Until Next time!
~Barb :-)

"The Train" video. Music is "Eple" by Royksopp:

My New Mexico Adventure

2008-04-12T23:56:00.005-04:00

It might take a minute or two for this flash slide show to load...it depends on your connection speed:

Let's all dump...our RV holding tanks!

2008-04-09T14:31:00.005-04:00

If you’re new to the RV lifestyle, there are usually 3 tanks installed on most RVs: the fresh water tank (we'll discuss that topic in a different blog), the black water holding tank, and the gray water holding tank.

Today we’re going to tackle the sometimes messy, always gross, but very necessary dumping of gray and black water tanks. I know…yuk. I’m reminded of the movie “RV” starring Robin Williams…well, although sensationalized, his ordeal wasn’t really too far off the mark. In this case, crappy things can happen to nice people. Let’s not leave anything to chance. This blog will be your step by step guide to dumping your tanks efficiently and with minimal effort.

To accomplish this task successfully, you’ll need the following:

· A box of rubber or vinyl gloves

· A garden hose at least 25 ft. in length

· An RV sewer drain hose, usually comes in 10 ft. sections and you’ll need a clear sewer pipe adapter to twist the hose onto the drain valve coming out of the storage tanks and you’ll need a elbow fitting that you insert into the sewer hook-up in the ground.

· A “rinsing wand” – found at Wal*Mart or any RV store such as Camping World. This contraption is a long narrow PVC pipe that has an on/off valve and a threaded fitting for attaching the garden hose to one end…and at the other end there are tiny holes where the water jets out.

· Liquid sewer chemicals

· Paper towels

· Disinfectant cleaner such as Clorox Bleach Cleaner

Let’s chat about hold tank chemicals for just a moment: There are special chemicals you should use, especially in the black tank, to reduce odors and the buildup of solids in the tank, which could cause problems down the road. There are many brands and types on the market, from powder to liquid. Regardless of the type, it is usually recommended (or required by most campgrounds) not to use chemicals that contain formaldehyde, which is a chemical that is harmful to some septic systems. There’s a big debate going on about the use of formaldehyde in holding tank products…I use Thetford Campa-Chem Holding Tank Deodorant. I’ve used both non- formaldehyde and with formaldehyde and as far as I can tell they both work equally well.

Please note that use caution when using holding tank chemicals. They are used for breaking down waste…they can be hazardous if you don’t follow the directions.

Now that you’ve had your warning…generally speaking holding tank chemicals are very easy to use. Just follow the directions.

One more thing…toilet paper. I recommend you use one-ply Scott toilet paper…labeled “septic-safe” on the package. You can buy the special RV brand of toilet paper and use it, but it’s expensive and it doesn’t last very long. The Scott brand works just as well, for less money.

A couple of other pointers you should know: RVs come with “tank level indicators” so you can just press a button to find out how full your tanks are. These lights are usually mounted in the kitchen area, but are sometimes found in the bathroom.

However, if the sensors in your tank are covered with muck, the indicator lights can be deceiving…they will lie to you! That’s why it’s crucial to keep your tanks clean, especially if you’ll be RVing for more than 3 – 4 days. I can go up to 2 weeks before dumping my tanks. I’m a fanatic when it comes to clean tanks!

Keep your black and grey tanks closed and dump them when they are at least ¾ full or completely full…which is best.

Dumping a full tank provides a sufficient quantity of water to flush solids from the tank. Leaving the drain valves open allows the water to drain off without flushing out solid waste. That solid waste will collect in the tank(s) and cause problems over time. Trust me on this!

The #1 problem with the black holding tank is clogging! Do not put facial tissue, paper, sanitary napkins, ethylene glycol based products, automotive antifreeze or household toilet cleaners in the holding tanks. Do not put anything solid in any tank that could scratch or puncture the tank.

If the drain system does get clogged:

Use a hand-operated probe to loosen stubborn accumulations. Seriously clogged P-traps may require disassembly. Be careful not to over tighten when putting everything back together. Do not use harsh household drain cleaners. Do not use motorized drain augers.

It might even be best to call a pro when if you’re not feeling comfy about tacking a clog. It’s up to you!

DUMP TANKS IN ORDER FROM DIRTIEST TO CLEANEST! In other words, dump the black toilet water tank first, then dump the grey tank which is the shower, bathroom sink and kitchen sink tank. This way you’ll be flushing out the dirtiest water with cleaner water.

And now…

“THE RULE”

Never, never, never dump grey or black water on the ground….especially black water! Black water is raw sewage is a bio-hazard. I’m reminded of the time I was staying in a park and someone dumped their black tank water on the ground. When management “caught wind” of this…they called 911 because they are required to do so by law. Well, about 5 snappy minutes later a HAZMAT team arrived on the scene, all dressed up in their HAZMAT gear, they cordoned off the area and evacuated part of the park so they could clean up the “bio-spill”.

Now you see why you should NEVER dump your black water on the ground. In some places it’s against the law and sometimes result in a hefty fine and a possible stay in the local jail. Think about it for a moment…that is some vile, disgusting stuff coming out of that black tank.

Back in the old days, people would toss their sewage out of the window and onto the street…well, this is what you are doing when you dump black water on the ground. Also, don’t dump your grey water on the ground….that stuff is also gross. Don’t be a lazy “Terd”…please either dump at your site (if you have full hookup) or at a dump station!

Before we get started, look for the FHU (full hook up) at your campsite…both the water spigot and sewer hook up are usually located very close together. Remove the cap from the sewage drain (if it’s capped).

Here are your step by step instructions…let’s dump your tanks:

Step 1: put on your rubber or vinyl gloves

Step 2: find the compartment where the dump valves are located, open the compartment. You’ll see a 3 inch black “Y” pipe coming down out of the bowels of the RV with two T shaped pull handles…or if you have a really long 5^th wheel, you’ll see two separate 3 inch black pipes sticking out from the bottom of your trailer…these should be connected to drain pipes and Y-ed at the sewer hook up…at any rate…(do not pull the T handles, not yet!)…you’ll see a termination cap fastened to the end of the 3 inch pipe.

Step 3: While the T handles are still CLOSED, unscrew the termination cap slowly from the end of the pipe.

Step 4: Attach the clear sewer pipe adapter to the end of the pipe.

Step 5: Attach the sewer hose to the end of the clear adapter.

Step 6: Insert the other end of the sewer hose with the elbow fitting into the sewer hook-up in the ground.

Pat yourself on the back…so far, so good!

Remember black first, gray last! This means, always dump your black tank first and save the gray tank for last. This way the grey water will flush the black water residuals down the hose and into the drain.

Step 7: slowly and carefully open the black water T handle. The liquid and waste will start to flow down and out.

Step 8: attach the “rinsing wand” to the garden hose. With the wand securely attached to the garden hose, insert the wand into your toilet…far enough down so the water will not blast out of the toilet and all over the bathroom or you. Make sure the on/off valve is set to “off”.

Step 9: slowly turn on the garden hose until flow is at 100%.

Step 10: slowly turn on the rinsing wand. Gently move the wand around to hit the walls of the holding tank and loosen material (toilet paper, solid waste, etc.) from the holding tank. Continue to do this for about 5 minutes, turn off the rinsing wand.

Step 11: turn off the water to the garden hose.

Step 12: disconnect the rinsing wand from the garden hose and insert the garden hose into your toilet…far enough down so the water will not blast out of the toilet and all over the bathroom or you.

Step 13: shut the lid to the toilet, so it closes over the hose, but does not restrict water flow.

Step 14: slowly turn on the garden hose until flow is at 100%. Check on your hose to make sure water is not flooding your bathroom. (By the way…it’s good to have a “helper” when doing this.)

Step 15: go outside and watch the water flow through the clear sewer pipe adapter. When the water flows clear and you no longer see waste debris washing through the adapter, turn off the water and close the black water T handle.

Congratulations! You have successfully drained your black water holding tank…now let’s do the gray water tank!

Step 1: slowly and carefully open the gray water T handle. The liquid and food waste will start to flow down and out.

Step 2: remove the garden hose from your toilet…drain excess water into the bowl.

Step 3: spray a paper towel with Clorox cleaner, wipe and clean the rinse wand…wipe and clean the garden hose…remove both from the bathroom. Stow the rinse wand, keep the hose handy…you’ll be using it again shortly!

Step 4: look at the clear sewer pipe adapter…when the grey water flow is at a trickle, close the grey water T handle. Let any water in the sewer hose finish draining.

Step 5: gently disconnect the clear sewer pipe adapter from the end of the 3 inch pipe.

Step 6: turn on the garden hose to a gentle flow of water…50% flow…and thoroughly rinse out the sewer pipe, the rinsing wand, and the garden hose.

Step 7: stow everything for next time.

Step 8: following the directions on the label, pour the suggested amount of blue holding tank chemical directly into your toilet and flush into the holding tank….run the water for a few minutes.

Voila! You are finished…remove your gloves, toss them in the garbage, wash up and have a great day!

You did good!

…and remember, practice, makes perfect!!

To find out more information about this subject just google “dump RV tanks” and you’ll see several links to online articles with photos, opinions and how to tips. Also, go to CampingWorld.com and click on the link “RV sanitation and sewer” where you’ll see many of the hoses and fittings we’ve discussed during the show.

And of course, everything we’ve discussed here in this blog can be downloaded via podcast so you can take your ipod with you and follow my step by step instructions. Just go to MyRVLifeRadio.com and click on the “podcast” link.

Until next time!

~Barb

My new website is online!

2008-04-04T15:54:00.005-04:00

I've been busy! It was so windy here in New Mexico yesterday (the coach was rocking like crazy!!), I stuck around and got a few things taken care of...including building a brand new website! I decided I'm having such a blast with my new radio show, that I'd throw together a site where listeners could find all of my blog, radio, and contact info in one convenient place. It just seemed like it would take the hassle out of bookmarking several different web pages. Now you can bookmark one place...so here's the address:

http://www.myrvliferadio.com/

I uploaded podcasts to iTunes today, but they won't be available for a couple of weeks. In the meantime, when I get a spare moment I plan to experiment with putting podcasts on my website. It's a bit challenging...the directions don't make sense to me, confusing. It's kind of like programming the VCR...oops, I mean the DVD recorder!

I also recorded radio show number 3 last night...I talk about work camping and how to make money being a work camper. I know a lot of my friends are already doing this, but maybe someone will be inspired to give this RV life a try!

Can you tell I'm really enjoying my new radio show? Yep, I'm pretty psyched about it!

I think I'll take a break from the computer and head out to a really cool place called the Catwalk. Everyone keeps raving about it and I hear there's a great little place to stop for home-made pie on the way...sounds like it's gonna be a good trip!

Hope all is well in your neck of the woods!

Until next time,
~Barb

Gila Cliff Dwelling Adventure!

2008-04-03T14:52:00.007-04:00

Just a reminder, I'd like to invite you to check out my new radio program on Blog Talk Radio. So far, I have three shows recorded and you can listen by visiting my host page located on the web at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/MyRVLife

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I am totally enjoying my time in New Mexico! I drove up to the Gila Cliff Dwellings yesterday…boy!!!...it was a long drive up and a long drive back! But, I’ll admit it was worth it! Ever since I was a little kid I’ve wanted to go and see those dwellings. I’m a firm believer in making my dreams come true and today I did just that!

From Silver City I drove straight up Hwy 15 into the Gila National Forest. It’s a 2 to 3 hour drive depending on how many times you stop to take pictures (I stopped constantly)…to get there. I suggest you not go more than 20 mph in most places. The road is extremely twisty and there are no guard rails. If you take this little trip, drive slowly. Obey the speed limit or you may find yourself diving over a cliff, falling helplessly into a canyon far, far below. No one will be able to help you. I doubt they will even know you’ve just made a horrible blunder. I rarely saw another soul on the way up Hwy 15…maybe 5 cars at most. If a car crashes over the cliff in the forest and no one is there to hear it…well, I think you get the picture. Not pretty!

But you’ll be fine…trust me! I made it up and back, so can you! Just take your time. Oh, and by the way…DO NOT drive your RV, 5^th wheel or travel trailer up Hwy 15 if it is over 20 ft. in length. They do not allow vehicles over 20 ft. long to drive on that road…too narrow, too many tight switch backs. If you want to camp up there, take Hwy 35…which by the way is still twisty, but much more manageable. The same rule applies: If an RV crashes over the cliff in the forest and no one is there to hear it…just don’t even go there!

The views are spectacular! There are several places to pull over for photos, so take plenty of batteries and a memory card with lots of storage. I shot about 500 pics on the way up and about another 500 once I finally made it to the dwellings.

Oh, I forgot to mention…you should pack a lunch and take it with you. You can picnic along the way. I stopped at the Lower Scorpion Campground and had lunch under the trees. Afterward, I explored the cave dwellings and pictographs there to wet my appetite and prepare myself for the “big” dwellings at Cliff Dweller Canyon about a mile further up the road.

I arrived in the parking lot where I found a small nature center containing artifacts and information about the people who inhabited the dwellings roughly 800 years ago. You may think the ancient cave dwellers may have been unsophisticated, but quite frankly, they were genius in many ways. For instance, they had a written language in the form of pictographs that survive to this very day….still found of the walls and faces of cliffs 800 years after they were written there. They had to survive in harsh conditions, so they developed tools and methods of survival to sustain them through good times and bad.

The trail to the dwellings is a 1 mile loop. It’s a half mile up and a half mile back. It’s a gradual climb until the very end…I had to sit down and rest. Be sure to take a bottle of water with you and a walking stick if you have one. Just carry a back pack…and stow your gear in it. It works out well!

The scenery is amazing! I felt a connection with this serene, spirit filled place and found it hard to leave…but I’m getting ahead of myself. Once you get to the top, you’ll be greeted by a very friend park ranger who will give you a little background and answer any questions you might have…and then, you ascend up the stairs into a completely distant work…far removed from the modern day world you and I inhabit. I met folks who had visited 20 and 50 years ago…long before major excavation had taken place. Most of the ruins have been rebuilt and much of the structures are new, but made to look and feel authentic. Never the less, the dwellings are magnificent and awe inspiring!

As you climb deeper into the womb of the dwellings you get a real sense of what it must have been like to live there 8 centuries ago as an inhabitant. It amazes me that people walked by foot from Mexico to live in the middle of a canyon next to a stream. Apparently the dwellings were ceremonial in nature…used as a “church” to worship the native people’s creator. It was also used as a day care center…the grown ups would leave their smaller children who were too young in one of the dwellings with no way out while they worked all day. Now that’s a concept in child care! But, the ranger told me these people were not war-like, but there were peaceful…so that made me feel better about the whole “leave the kid behind all day” train of thought! They did it out of necessity!

In one dwelling I saw corn husks that were still there…after almost 800 years! In another dwelling I saw what looked to be the remains of an oven…there were doors and windows and many interesting things to look at.

As I said before…it was very difficult to leave this sacred, holy ground. I could almost feel the spirits of the Native Americans who lived there. As I finally turned to leave, I saw the wide expanse of the wings of a gorgeous Golden Eagle soaring just over head. Perhaps the spirits are still there…reminding us of a different time and a different place where there were no worries about ever escalating gas prices, getting the kids to soccer practice on time or the constant interruptions of our hectic "modern" life.

I sighed and walked back down the path and back into the year 2008.

Until next time!

~Barb :-)

The high price of gas and diesel...Yikes!

2008-04-03T14:39:00.005-04:00

Before I get going here, I'd like to invite you to check out my new radio program on Blog Talk Radio. So far, I have two shows recorded and you can listen by visiting my host page located on the web at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/MyRVLife

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Today's topic…one that’s on the minds of many…the extremely high cost of gas and diesel fuel. The oil companies made a $123 billion dollar profit last year. That’s sickening. The oil execs are completely out of touch with reality…of course they are. While you and I struggle to get by, they drive whatever they please, live in big fancy homes and live the lavish lifestyle. You and I are paying for it.

Gas has cost more than a gallon of milk for a very long time. Now it costs more than a happy meal at McDonald’s. How much more do they thing we can take? And our government gives the oil companies…of all things…tax breaks! Don’t these guys realize that you can’t get blood from a stone? The greedy jerks are breaking the backbone of America while they laugh all the way to the bank.

Just yesterday hundreds of truckers across the U.S. either crawled very slowly down our highways or they pulled over as an overt sign of protest against the rising cost of fuel. On average, it costs $1140.00 for a trucker to fill his tank just one time. My friends, that is absurd! It’s a crime! I did my part: I stayed home…didn’t drive the coach, the car or the motorcycle. I’m only one person, but I wanted to show my support.

The only way to stop big oil from robbing from us “regular” people is to do what folks did in the 70’s. Stop buying gas! We need to take a vacation from the pump for about a week. Just fill up on Sunday and don’t go back to the gas station until the following Sunday. Don’t buy gas!

Little Jane can miss gymnastics and little Bobby can miss soccer practice. It might even be nice to have everyone home together for a change. But, we all have to get together on this or else things will only get worse.

People, it’s just basic economics…supply and demand. If the market will bear higher prices at the pump, the oil companies will charge them. If we take a stand and stop buying gas “en-masse” for just one week…guess what? The oil companies will get the message and prices will come down. We need to stop whining and just buck up. We need to “just say no!”

I’d like to read something to you from the website http://www.boston.com about the April Fool's Day 2008 trucker strike:

Using CB radios and trucking Web sites, some truckers called for a strike Tuesday to protest the high cost of diesel fuel, hoping the action might pressure President Bush to stabilize prices by using the nation's oil reserves.

"The gas prices are too high," said Lamont Newberne, a trucker from Wilmington, N.C., who along with 200 drivers protested at a New Jersey Turnpike service area. "We don't make enough money to pay our bills and take care of our family." Newberne said a typical run carrying produce from Lakeland, Fla., to the Hunt's Point Market in The Bronx, N.Y., had cost $600 to $700 a year ago. It now runs him $1,000.

On the Turnpike, southbound rigs "as far as the eye can see" staged a short lunchtime protest by moving about 20 mph near Newark, jamming traffic on one of the nation's most heavily traveled highways, authorities said.

"We can no longer haul their stuff for what they're paying," said David Santiago, 35, a trucker for the past 17 years.

Charles Rotenbarger, 49, a trucker from Columbus, Ohio, said he felt helpless.

"The oil company is the boss, what are we going to be able to do about it?" said Rotenbarger, who was at a truck stop at Baldwin, Fla., about 20 miles west of Jacksonville. "The whole world economy is going to be controlled by the oil companies. There's nothing we can do about it."

Jimmy Lowry, 51, of St. Petersburg, Fla., and others said it costs about $1 a mile to drive one of the big rigs, although some companies are offering as little as 87 cents a mile. Diesel cost $4.03 a gallon at the truck stop.

Meanwhile in Washington, top executives of the five biggest U.S. oil companies said they know high prices are hurting consumers but deflected any blame and argued their profits -- $123 billion last year -- were in line with other industries.

The threat of nationwide $4-a-gallon gasoline, perhaps this summer, and $100-a-barrel oil is producing strong political reverberations, even as lawmakers acknowledged there is little that Congress can do to bring prices down.

Now…this business about the oil refineries being affected by Katrina…remember when gas prices shot up right after the hurricane? Well, truth be told, that gas had been sitting in the refineries for months. The gas we were being charged more money for had absolutely nothing to do with Hurricane Katrina. The oil companies are just plain greedy! No one who actually works for a living…I’m talking about the middle class here folks and also let’s not forget those living on fixed incomes can possible benefit from higher prices at the pump.

So, let’s put things into perspective. Those big juicy steaks the oil company executives eat, the cars they drive, the gas they put into their vehicles tanks, everything they consume is delivered by….you got it…truckers! And now truckers can’t afford to deliver the goods.

But here’s the kicker: the rich guys can afford to have their consumables flown in, delivered, etc. They can afford to find a way around a shutdown. You and I my friend, cannot! We don’t have that luxury. We will have to pay more for everything…from toilet paper to potatoes! …and there could be shortages of necessities. Not good!

Now let’s talk about how that affects you and I, Mr. and Ms. RVer…it’s not pretty! We won’t be able to take long trips in our rigs. No more cross-country outings, long summer trips with the kids and/or grand kids. We will become more limited in our choices of where we can travel and where we can work camp or volunteer. Our overall quality of life will be affected and diminished. I don’t know about you, but it makes me angry to think I won’t be able to come and go as I please because I won’t be able to put gas in my tank. I won’t be able to drive my coach as much. I won’t be able to see things and do things I’ve always wanted to do.

As a full timer, I relish my freedom to roam and explore. I love the call of the open road. It saddens me to think that one day…in the not so distant future I may not be able to answer its call to adventure. As a citizen of our great nation, (yes despite all the muckity-muck on Capitol Hill, I’m still a red-white-and-blue, all American girl) I believe it is my right to pursue my American dream and enjoy my personal “pursuit of happiness”…which is living in my 32 ft. Winny, traveling all over hill and dale to experience the sights, sounds, smells, flavors, textures, all the wonderful delights that our country has to offer.

So, here’s what I’m asking you to do...think about what I’ve said here tonight. Call your congressman or congresswoman. Tell them to take away the tax breaks congress is giving the oil companies. Contact the RV lobbying groups who have friends in Washington and tell them to make a lot of noise! Cut back on your consumption on gas and diesel.

We all need to be in this together…or we will find ourselves stranded on the one way street going in the wrong direction toward the point of no return.

…unless of course…we are already there!

In my next blog, I'll detail my adventure up to the Gila Cliff Dwellings just north of Silver City, NM. Incredible!

Until next time,

~Barb :-)

I finally made it to New Mexico!

2008-03-31T12:28:00.015-04:00

Well....I'm on the road heading west! (Let's all do a happy dance!)

I didn't make it to Del Rio as I had intended as the coach needed a new spare tire. Of course, the only time I could get in to have this taken care of was on the Friday I was planning to head to Del Rio. I had the service performed at Potranco Automotive in San Antonio, TX. Please note, they did not honor their original quote claiming they couldn't get the tire they quoted. My spare tire ended up costing me $300.00! Quite a bit more than the original quote! I felt the sting of the old "bait and switch". What could I do? They knew I was leaving town and I didn't have much of a choice. That really sucked for me!

(Before going any farther, I want to thank my friends Dave and Larry who helped me load my car and motorcycle onto my tow dolly. The bike didn't quite make it up the ramp and thanks to these two wonderful guys a disaster was averted. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I couldn't have done it without you!)

I left San Antonio on Friday afternoon after finishing up with the tire replacement. I made it as far as Ft. Stockton, TX where I spent the night at a lovely little RV park right off of I-10 at Warnock Road, Ft. Stockton RV Park. I think the best thing about this former KOA campground is they have a full service cafe (Roadrunner Cafe) serving breakfast and dinner at great prices. Menu prices top out at $8.95. I had the catfish dinner and portions were generous. Their convenience store stocked all of the necessities including beer and wine! The park is quiet and it was easy to get in and out of my pull through space. All sites are gravel, not much shade, but well kept. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The only negatives I can comment on is placement of the the sewer hookup which is located far away (to the rear of the sites) from the electric/water hookups. You'll need an extra long hose to reach or you can do what I did...hit the dump station on your way out. Also, they claim to have free WiFi, but while I was there I could never get connected. There is no CATV. Amenities include: pool, playground, horseshoe pit, basketball court, outdoor BBQ pit/patio and laundry facility. Rates are reasonable. Using my Good Sam discount I paid $24.30 for one night.

The next stop on my journey west was in Deming, NM. A quaint little (tiny) town, where (as my good friends Dave and Audrey told me) all the action can be found at K-Mart and WalMart both of which are conveniently located right next door to each other. I stayed overnight at Little Vineyard RV Park located on Business I-10. This park was busy (in and outs) and a bit noisy, but nice. All sites here are loose gravel, not much shade, but I did manage to find a site with a tree affording me shade in late afternoon. The laundry facilities are nice and clean and inexpensive, only $1.00 per load to wash and dry. They advertise free WiFi, but I was only able to connect one time. It didn't work 99% of the time. CATV worked perfectly! Rates are reasonable. Using my Good Sam discount I paid $22.25 for one night. Visit Little Vineyard (hit your back button to return to this page)

I made it into Silver City, NM on Sunday...hitting WalMart to do my grocery shopping before heading over to my current location at a really neat RV park, the Rose Valley RV Park (just one stop light away from Wally-Mart). Wow! This place is great! I was going to stay downtown, but I'm glad I ended up here. Situated about a mile outside Silver City, Rose Valley is off the highway so it's very quiet. The park is large: 44 quietly secluded acres and looks just like a rustic old-timey western cowboy town circa 1800's, but with modern amenities. This park is gorgeous...very new and well planned. There isn't much shade as most of the trees are young and not fully grown. When designing the park, it's evident the owners went out of their way to preserve the natural vegetation and beauty of the land. All pull through sites are long, wide and spacious, though all are not level...not surprising considering the park is located in the middle of the mountains. Back-in sites are a bit smaller yet are still quite spacious. Each campsite has a privacy barrier which is made from sheets of tin attached to large upright rough-hewn posts and logs which make for a nice front yard and wind break. WiFi here is also free and once connected, it works perfectly! There is no CATV. Amenities include: fitness room, laundry, and group facilities.

Rates here are a bit more expensive than other RV parks in the area, but in this case you get what you pay for! I plunked down $180.00 for a week's stay in a pull through site. Pull through sites are $180.00 per week regardless of length of stay. I was thinking of upgrading and staying for the month for $300.00, but when I checked with the front office, they only had two spaces available for the month of April at a rate of $400.00 per month. Apparently the $300.00 monthly rate applies to back-in sites with an electric meter...you pay for your electric usage separately. Back-in sites without a meter are a flat $400.00. I think I'll continue to move west when my week's stay is over as I'm not crazy about the two remaining sites. Let's hope I can fit all of my adventures in! Visit Rose Valley (hit your back button to return to this page)

Links to New Mexico pics (hit your back button to return to this page):

My front yard in New Mexico

Desert blooms

New Mexico Visitor Center

New Mexico Visitor Center 2

The road to Silver City

New Mexico Mountains

In my next blog...City of Rocks, Gila Cliff Dwellings, The Catwalk and more!

Until next time!

~Barb :-)

Heading to Calli!

2008-03-12T13:17:00.002-04:00

Good news! I've made a plan!

I'm leaving San Antonio for Del Rio the last week of March. A very dear friend of mine relocated to Del Rio to work at Laughlin AFB and through email, we reconnected. I'll explore Del Rio for a few days, maybe head down to Mexico and then push on to Silver City, NM. I hear that part of NM is amazing on motorcycle so I'll spend about a week, maybe more there. Then I'm headed to Tucson to bike and explore that area. I'll probably stick around there for a week and then blast off for CA. I have a friend in Los Angeles who just had a baby and she's invited me to visit. We'll see. I leave my life loose and enjoy being spontaneous. My summer gig is waiting in Northern CA, so I should really try to be up there by the end of April so I can get settled in.

I've been planning my trip from Arizona to NorCal and it looks like it'll be a challenge. Hopefully, with enough forethought it won't be quite as challenging as my trip to Texas.

One can only hope...and pray!

Until next time!
~Barb

Tow your car & motorcycle together + tow ratings!

2008-03-12T12:54:00.006-04:00

I've done the research and I'm happy to share it! I currently tow a 2006 Hyundai Tiburon and a Yamaha FZ-6 on a tow dolly behind my gas propelled 1999 Winnebago Adventurer.

I have two mantras for you:

1. Do your homework, do your homework, do your homework!

2. Don't guess, don't guess, don't guess!

Here's what you need to know:

1. Do your math. Figure out what your rig is rated to travel fully loaded (GCWR) and how much it's rated to tow. You do this by looking at your weight ratings usually posted inside a cabinet door. My rig can tow up to 5,000 lbs and it says so on the sticker on the tow bar. Never tow more than the bar is rated for. If you do and you have an accident, guess what..(?)..your insurance will most likely not pay the losses!

You add the total weight of everything together! For instance, on my rig my GCWR is 21,000 lbs. When I'm towing my dolly, bike and car I cannot exceed 21,000 lbs total. My bike is 450 lbs, my car is 3,700 lbs, my dolly is 600 lbs, for a total of 4,700 lbs which is within the hitch rating. My coach can only weigh 16,300 lbs loaded with clothing, food, fuel, stuff in under storage, etc. (16,300 + 4700 = 21,000 total GCWR.)

To find out how much your rig weighs, take it to a certified scale at a truck stop and weigh it when it's full and then remove items you can do without so you can safely tow your dolly, bike and car within the tow rating.

Tow hitch ratings:

Class 1 style hitches have a 2000 lbs. gross towing weight and 200 lbs. tongue weight unless noted otherwise.

Class 2 style hitches have a 3500 lbs. gross towing weight and 350 lbs. tongue weight unless noted otherwise.

Class 3 style hitches have a 5000 lbs. gross towing weight and 500 lbs. tongue weight unless noted otherwise.

Class 4 style hitches have a 7500 lbs. gross towing weight and 1000 lbs. tongue weight unless noted otherwise.

Class 5 style hitches have a 10000 lbs. gross towing weight and 1200 lbs. tongue weight unless noted otherwise.

Info source: Hitches Online

2. Motorcycle lifts: Before installing a motorcycle lift to the chassis of your coach or trailer, call the manufacturer. Many will not honor the chassis warranty if you go welding a lift to it! Winnebago will not honor a chassis warranty on any chassis that has been "modified". Do your homework on this...call the manufacturer and ask! While you have them on the phone, ask them what they recommend when towing with their product.

3. Tow dollies: Why buy a tow dolly? Yes, they are a hassle. However, this is the best way to go if you want to take your bike and car with you when you travel.

All tow dollies are not created equal! There are many brands out there from which to choose, but not all are made sturdy enough to tow a car and a bike. Definitely shop around and compare quality, price, warranty and features.

I don't recommend a bolted together tow dolly for this particular application...too many screws to vibrate apart! Buy something that is welded together and built like a tank. You'll be towing two vehicles. Don't take any chances! I bought and recommend the Landgrebe TD 40 101 with Extended Tongue and Motorcycle Carrier (click the underlined text for link), hand made craftsmanship...expensive, but IMHO the best money can buy for the sake of quality and piece of mind.

4. Electric brakes or surge (hydraulic) brakes? I recommend electric brakes with an in cab brake controller. Surge brakes are illegal in some states. Also, when coming down a steep incline, you can heat up surge brakes to the point where they will literally melt. Electric brakes offer electronic and manual control. Do not use electric brakes on boat trailers for obvious reasons (h2o and electricity don't mix).

5. Do you need a license tag (hard plate) for your dolly? In some states you do and in some you don't. I'm a FL resident. FL does not require you to tag your dolly. Contact your state DMV to find out for sure.

6. Insurance: I recommend you call your insurance carrier to check on coverage for your dolly. ALWAYS lock your dolly when not in use and store it in a safe place. Dollies can be easily stolen!

PICS:

Have fun with your toys and keep the rubber side down!

~Barb

Work Camping: making money & getting started!

2008-03-11T13:32:00.008-04:00

During my travels, I've run into many folks who are interested in giving RV life a whirl. This blog entry is devoted to answering several questions about getting started and making money while you live on the road.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If you're thinking about embarking on the adventure of RV life or if you're ready to take the plunge, here are a few suggestions and tips that should help you as you begin your journey into the great unknown:

A big question in the mind of many is, "How do I make $ while living on the road?"

Job suggestions:

1. If you have a skill, work as self employed.
Examples: freelance graphic design, web design, any internet based service or business, consulting, government contracting, (licensed) therapeutic massage, professional travel nurse, mobile deejay, artist, vendor at a flea market, work at carnivals or fairs, work for concessionaires at national parks, bartender, waitress, security, part time seasonal park ranger, river/outdoor guide, instruction such as fishing, hunting, dance, painting...there are many skills that can be used to make $$ and live the full or part time RV life. It's never too late to learn a new skill!

2. Work a part time job at WalMart, Home Depot, Lowes, KMart, etc. At the very least you'll make $7 - $10 an hour at 25 - 40 hours per week. That's enough money to either pay bills and expenses or save for a "treat". Some people work camp and also work part time. Others work 25 - 30 hours per week at a paying job and pay for their site outright. It's up to you.

3. Find a job in a location where you'd like to be, take the job and go there with your rig. Live in an RV resort or campground and enjoy a simple and fun way of living!

As for what it takes to get going and to live on the road:
You don't need a ton of money. I see good quality used trailers out there starting at $3,000.00 - $5,000.00 and then prices go up depending on what you want. There are always great deals on RVs to be found on Craigslist.org. That's where I found my pick up truck when I had a trailer and my motor coach when I decided to drive my home!

If you decide to buy a travel trailer and a tow vehicle:
Be sure to speak with the service dept. NOT the sales dept. before making a purchase. You need to have enough power in the engine to comfortably tow a trailer. Plus, you MUST have the correct gear ratio in the differential. For instance, with the 2007 Ford F150 "there should be a big * beside that 10.5K tow rating. An '07 F-150 brochure, states that figure is only available on the 4x2 regular cab with the HD payload rating. That vehicle has an 8100 GVW, which really makes it a 3/4-ton truck. All other '07 F-150s, including others with the HD payload option, are rated to tow 9500 pounds or less, depending on configuration."

Configuration meaning: size of engine and rear differential ratio combined to perform at max towing capability.

Don't listen to your salesman...talk to the service department FIRST to find out exactly what you'll need to get the job done or you'll find your tow vehicle struggling up inclines straining to pull your trailer. You can severely damage your tow vehicle this way!

If you decide to buy a motor home:
Talk to both diesel and gas owners. Both types of vehicles have advantages and disadvantages. There are many topics here in this forum discussing the pros and cons of both.

Bottom line...be sure you get a rig which suits your purpose. If you tow, you'll need an engine powerful enough to get you up inclines without straining and killing your motorized home on wheels.

Questions to consider:
Will you be towing?
What will you tow...a car, a boat, a motorcycle, a car and a motorcycle?
Will you flat tow or dolly tow?

Again, you'll find many topics and threads on several forums addressing these issues.

Forums:
Forums are an incredible resource! You'll find a wide variety of topics on everything you've ever wanted to know and haven't thought of when it comes to the RV lifestyle. Check out Workamper.com Trailerlife.com, RVAmerica.com, Good Sam Club, Escapees (SKP), and FMCA to gain valuable info and knowledge.

Camping:
Buy a tent and go camping at state, county and regional parks and while there, just walk up to folks with travel trailers, 5th wheels, and motor homes...ask them questions. You'll be surprised at how friendly we are and we're ALWAYS willing to share info. We LOVE recruiting folks into the RV life! It's wonderful!

Other great ways to find info:
Go to RV rallies and shows, google any RV topic for info. Subscribe to Workamper News Magazine for articles and information. Workamper News has a really great online bookstore!

Suggested reads:
The Complete Idiot's Guide to RVing
Complete Guide to Fulltiming
The RV Handbook

Join Groups:
Good Sams Club (IMHO they are the best!)
Escapees
RVing Women
Family Motor Coach Association

Places to visit on the web (See the links posted to your right on this blog page):
* Workcamper News :: RV Jobs and Camping Jobs (Obviously you found this one!)
* Campgrounds and camping reservations :: Reserve America
* Camping World :: RV parts, accessories, & other items
* FMCA :: The club for motorhome enthusiasts
* Fun Roads :: RV parts, accessories, travel ideas
* Good Sam Club :: RV Owners Organization
* KOA :: Kampgrounds of America
* RV Links :: RV links and info
* RV Resources.com :: Dealers, rentals, insurance & more
* RV.com :: Product reviews, events, resources, recipes
* Trailer Life :: America's #1 RV Magazine

Good luck to you as you head for the open road!

Happy trails!
~Barb

San Antonio: From the eye of an accidental tourist.

2008-03-02T12:44:00.016-05:00

Did you know that San Antonio is the second largest city in Texas and the 8th largest city in the U.S.? I didn't! I had no idea! Over 2 million people live in the greater San Antonio metropolitan area, smaller than Houston and larger than Dallas/Ft. Worth. This "little" mission town is experiencing labor pains as it grows into a huge city by leaps and bounds...and it shows.

Development and construction is rampant. It seems every available scrap of land is being built upon. Roads are under construction, traffic can be a horrible nightmare, especially traveling between San Antonio and Austin which can take 5 - 6 hours on a bad day. People tend to drive like little old ladies going very slowly in the fast lane...or they drive like "screaming banshees from hell" switching lanes as if they were in the Indy 500. Seriously bad accidents on the Interstates are common here. You can throw your GPS out of the window as exits are closed, there are frequent street closures because of special events, and streets become one-way seemingly over night making navigation systems useless here.

I would also like to note it seems suburban areas are not as "clean" or well maintained as the older city center of San Antonio and close-in neighborhoods. People roll up on the side of the road and dump their trash, furniture or whatever they consider to be garbage right there in plain sight. No one seems to care! I've driven down Hwy 151 near the 410 Loop and seen piles of crap just dumped on the shoulder of the road. It's disheartening and disgusting.

Now that you're aware of the bad and ugly...I'll tell you about the good and beautiful! Let's start out in the country and work our way back to San Antonio.

Even though the outskirts of town can be a bit dingy, I have found the inspiring beauty of the Texas hill country. The folks in the hill country keep the litter picked up and they keep the countryside looking quite pretty. I've been to Medina Lake, Canyon Lake and Guadalupe River State Park. Loved all three! Both lakes are man-made and well stocked with fish. Sailing, power boating, canoeing and kayaking are all favorites out on the lakes. If you fancy fly fishing, the Guadalupe River is the place to visit. Local outdoor shops can recommend good guides for fishing, hunting and just about anything outdoors. There are several caverns, state parks and wilderness recreation areas just waiting to be explored!

There are also many enchanting vistas to be found as you drive along the winding wilderness roads to the west of the I-35 San Antonio to Austin corridor. One of my most favorite scenic drives (so far) is down the twisting and narrow River Road which lazily follows and criss-crosses the Guadalupe River between Comfort and New Braunfels. This area is known as "tubing heaven", the place where all the locals go with big truck tire tubes in hand used to float down the river on hot summer days.

If you're into motorcycles, you'll want to check out "The Three Sisters". Here's an excerpt from the Hill Country Cruising Website:

"The Three Sisters" or " The Hundred Mile Loop" (RR335, RR336, & RR337) are without a doubt the best motorcycle roads to be found in the Hill Country of Texas. These are the roads everyone wants to ride when they visit the Texas Hill Country. Again I caution, if you are a new rider or are a cautious type, then you DO NOT belong on these three roads. They follow canyons and climb over jagged, steep and crumbling hills. They have many tight twisty curves with shear drop offs and not much in the way of guard rails. In one section about 15 miles long, there are around 65 curves. If you are an experienced rider, then this is the ride for you. If you like scenic panoramic views, bring your camera and take this ride!"

Out in the Hill country you'll find quaint little "western towns" where cowboys in big buckled jeans, dusty boots, cowboy hats and "grande" pick up trucks are the norm. Be sure to visit Bandera which is a blast from the past! It's like stepping into a town from the days of Wyatt Earp and Billy the Kid. Be sure to visit the "Cowboy Store" where you'll find all the fixins to make yourself "a little more country". Other towns of note: Comfort, Kerrville, Gruene (pronounced Green), Boerne, and Brackettville...where the movie THE ALAMO, was filmed in 1959 starring John Wayne. The Alamo Village movie location remains today as a tourist destination.

Now on to San Antonio!

San Antonio came into existence as the result of Spanish colonization and was named for the Italian Saint Anthony of Padua, whose feast day was on June 13 when a Spanish expedition stopped in the area in 1691. The city of San Antonio grew up around a military presidio, a Spanish villa and the Mission San Antonio de Padua today known as "The Alamo". Originally there were six missions, only five remain today.

Four missions are part of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. I started my "self" guided tour at Espada in the south and worked my way north up to Mission Concepción in the city of San Antonio. The Alamo is the first and original Spanish mission in S.A. and I saved it for last as it really isn't as exciting or vibrant as the others. I also visited Espada Dam and Espada Aqueduct which is authentic medieval and fashioned exactly as a Roman Aqueduct. Fascinating to say the least! The missions do offer tours guided by park rangers throughout the day. Each mission has it's own distinct style and architecture. All are magnificent remnants of a historical past which shaped the destiny of Texas.

One of the most impressive places I've visited is the San Antonio River Walk (also known as Paseo del Río) which is a network of pedestrian walkways around the San Antonio River. Built one story beneath the busy streets of downtown San Antonio, River Walk is a tourist destination which winds and loops under bridges lined with rather pricey bars, shops and restaurants. I suggest you take the guided water boat tour to see and hear the history of River Walk, Alamo Plaza, River Center, the Arneson River Theatre, and the Tower Life Building. During the annual springtime Fiesta San Antonio, the River Parade features flowery floats that literally float!

Downtown is home to many districts including the Alamo District, Alamodome District, Central Business District, Convention Center District, Historic Civic District, Houston Street District, King William Historic District, La Villita District, Market Square District, North Downtown, North River District, River Bend District, SoSo (South of Southtown), Southtown, and the University District. All have quaint shops, bistros, clubs, bars and their own individuality. They are all worthy of visiting if you have time.

Other notable places to visit:

~San Fernando Cathedral, the oldest active cathedral in the United States.
~The Aztec Theater built in 1926, is the only surviving exotic-themed movie palace in Texas, and is one of the most impressive such buildings in the U.S.
~ The Tower of the Americas, the theme structure for HemisFair '68.
~ The San Antonio Japanese Tea Gardens (also known as the Sunken Gardens) is a registered Texas historical landmark located in an abandoned limestone rock quarry.
~La Villita, a thriving artists' colony dating back to the 18th century.

I've managed to find places which have taken my breath away and inspired me. They are here...!

Follow these links to see a few of my S.A. pics (be sure to hit the back button after viewing each picture):

Espada Aqueduct
Mission San Jose
Espada Dam Crossing
Mission Concepcion
Cross at Mission Espada

Until next time!
Barb

No more hosting at Admiralty RV Resort

2008-02-29T22:20:00.004-05:00

Working at Admiralty RV Resort wasn't my cup o' tea. I've hosted at several other places where the work environment was much more laid back. It was difficult to work at Admiralty...it was just too stressful. I felt micro-managed and I'm accustomed to being more of a self-starter with less supervision. I've paid for a site through the end of March and then I'm heading out.

I can't say this has been a totally bad trip because I've seen and experienced places I would not have otherwise taken the time to explore.

It's been a great learning experience for me, but it'll be time to move on at month's end.

Until next time!
Barb

About Admiralty RV Resort, San Antonio Texas

2008-02-05T15:05:00.003-05:00

If you've been keeping up with my blog, you know I'm now a host at Admiralty RV Resort.

The following are a few things to know:

Because of Spring Break, March is the busiest month of the year for RV resorts near Sea World San Antonio. Plan to make reservations early. Admiralty RV Resort has a large pool, a jacuzzi, a fitness room, a playground for the kids, a laundry facility, cable TV, and WiFi. Spaces are tight and shade is limited. There are pull-through and back-in sites available. Most sites are large enough to park your rig and at least one car ranging from 60 feet in length down to about 35 feet. They do have limited "luxury" pull through sites with a landscaped yard. Many sites do have small grassy yards. It's best to ride through with a map and pick a few of your "favorite" sites before making a decision. Admiralty RV Resort offers daily, weekly and monthly site rentals. Site pricing starts at $36 per night.

Do not park your rig along the back fence as directly behind is a neighborhood complete with dogs who stay outside 99% of the time...barking. Also, some of the pet owners in the neighborhood (behind the fence) do not clean up after their pets and the smell of doggie poo can be pervasive...it just depends on which way the wind blows.

Speaking of pets, Admiralty RV Resort does allow up to 2 dogs, they must be on a leash at all times and you must clean up after Fido. Aggressive breeds including Rottweilers, Doberman Pinchers and Pit Bulls are NOT allowed.

Admiralty RV Resort offers several discounts including Good Sam, AAA, TACO and Passport America. Restrictions apply!

If you're a tourist this location is close to Sea World which is just 10 minutes away (the resort runs a shuttle) or if you're interested in sightseeing, Admiralty RV Resort can arrange a guided tour of many of the most popular tourist destinations including the Texas hill country and the historic San Antonio Missions. All tours are provided by an independent tour company, not Admiralty RV Resort. In the resort office, you can also purchase very inexpensive bus tickets to downtown San Antonio, and ride the trolleys all day at no extra charge. (Tickets are $4.00 each, prices subject to change without notice.) Shopping is very close as are restaurants and bars.

As for the "natives", everyone in this area seems very friendly and quite helpful. Texas has a nice, down home feel.

At this time there is a drought in this part of Texas. It is very dry and there is a fire alert which means no open fires. The weather here is moderate in the winter, there are a few cold snaps. Temperatures in winter range from the low 40s to the 80s, but are mostly constant hovering between the 50s at night to the mid 70s during the day. The weather, for the most part, is dry with some humidity, but it can be very windy and when it rains...it pours! There is a possibility of tornadoes in this part of the country as warm Gulf moisture collides with cold fronts coming in from the west during early spring and through summer. Spring is moderately warm and summer is best described as...HOT! In Autumn temps start to cool in October. The country side is mostly brush with not so tall trees. The hill country is a contrast with lush greenery, hills (obviously) and picturesque vistas.

Downtown San Antonio is beautiful! Riverwalk is a prime destination. Be sure to take a guided riverboat tour when visiting. Take a trolley to the Farmer's Market and Market Square for food and fun! For a breathtaking walk back into history visit the Spanish missions and be sure to check out First Friday if you happen to be in town.

Until next time!
Barb

...by the hair on my chinny, chin, chin!

2008-02-05T08:00:00.000-05:00

Well....

I MADE IT! Let's all do a happy dance!!

I would've written sooner, but all the driving and stress finally caught up with me. I pretty much collapsed when I got here and then I started training. It's been non-stop. I'd like to say my trip down was non-eventful, but alas, I wouldn't have a great story to share with you if it was anything less than...non-eventful!

I made fantastic time in the car...of course I was driving 70 - 80 mph the whole way. I spent the night at my friend Amanda's house on Monday night and left at 7:00 am on Tuesday morning. I made it from DC to West Memphis, AK on Tuesday night...by the skin of my teeth.

I hit the worst weather you can imagine between Nashville and Memphis, driving was " white knuckle hair raising" in the pouring rain and unbelievable wind. The worst was about an hour from Memphis. I kid you not, the rain was so hard I couldn't see outside my windshield and the rain was blowing straight sideways right to left. The wind blew a tractor trailer across the road and it almost took off the front end of my car! I immediately pulled over (there was no paved shoulder) and waited out the storm on the grassy shoulder. Everyone pulled over...cars, pick up trucks, 18 wheelers...it was not possible to drive. Later, I heard on the radio that it was an unconfirmed tornado!!!!!!

After the storm passed, I drove into the Memphis area and realized I was running on fumes...the idiot light was flashing, so I pulled off to get gas. Everything was dark...no electricity anywhere! The storms and wind had killed power for over 100,000 people in the Memphis area. I was about to lose my cookies from stress as I was so low on gas and I was completely LOST. I saw a FedEx truck and pulled over to ask the driver if he knew where I could get gas...he said power was on about 5 miles away and gave me directions. He was an angel...he gave great directions and just when I thought I was going to have to push my car, I found a gas station with lights and pumps on and coasted in. Just in the nick of time! The attendant showed me a crack in the window where a trash can had hit it. He said he heard on the news the wind had been blowing at almost 90 mph there!

After getting gas, I drove through Memphis and got a hotel room in West Memphis, AK. The lady at the front desk told me their lights had just come back on..the truck stop next door clocked winds at 85 mph. Believe me, I was thanking God for getting me there with all my fingers and toes when I finally crawled into bed.

I got up the next day and drove another 14 hours to San Antonio...yes, I'll admit I missed my exit in Little Rock and almost ended up in Oklahoma, so I turned around and doubled back. It was okay though, because my little detour took me through some of the most beautiful countryside I have ever seen. After pulling over in Austin for a short break, I made it into my driveway just before sunrise on Thursday morning. I got into my bed, put my head on the pillow...and slept for almost 12 hours. I was so happy to get to San Antonio safely. What an adventure!

I've been hitting it hard with intense training and I haven't had any time to explore the area, but I picked up several magazines and there seems to be quite a bit to see and do here. I plan to take 3 guided tours to see the hill country, downtown San Antonio, and the Spanish missions. I'll let someone else do all the driving (for a change!!) so I can relax, eat, drink and be a tourist! I'll be sure to take pics and send some your way.

Admiralty RV Resort is very nice, but it's completely different from CHSP. CHSP is very "natural" and rustic. Admiralty is more of a motor-home, pull-behind trailer park. Space is tight and shade is at a premium. I'll have more in depth info to share about the resort in my next post.

I'm already working on cleaning and repairing their computers and properly networking their printers...so I'm enjoying myself!

I'll keep you posted!

Barb :-)

Whew! I made it to Texas and I'm on the road again!

2008-01-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

I finally made it into the RV park in San Antonio at about 5 pm on Friday night. They gave me an over night pull through space as it was raining. I was up at 6 am on Saturday morning getting my coach into my permanent space, doing laundry, assessing damage to the coach, etc.

The trip down in the RV last week was TORTURE! It was a difficult trip. I will say by the grace of God, I made it in one piece with the help of several "angels", kind strangers who helped me along the way.

My coach is a bit wrecked from the trip...I hit really terrible roads going down. The worst was just outside Dallas...my coach bottomed out twice and I swear I thought it was going to just fall apart! It's gonna cost me about $2,000.00 to repair it and make it road worthy again. I'll be selling my Jeep to fix the coach.

I worked all day Saturday on the RV and then drove to Austin (traffic was totally screwed up all the way there and back) to meet my new friend Nancy for dinner and drinks and I finally got back to my place in San Antonio on Sunday morning at about 1:30 am (3 hours there and 2.5 hours back, aghhhh!!)...I worked on a contract until 4 am, took a nap until 6 am...and got on a 10 am Southwest flight to Philly!

My friends Andrea and Alex picked me up at the airport drove me back down to Rehoboth to get my car and that's where I am right now. I was beyond exhausted when I made it to the hotel and I slept like a bear! I'm driving back down to Texas today...I leave in about an hour as I must get back to start work at the RV resort on Saturday.

If you ever plan to RV or travel out towards Texas, watch out for a ton of construction and rough pavement on I-20 in Alabama, Louisiana (just after you cross the Mississippi River), and especially on I-20 approaching Dallas, about 25 miles out. The signs say "BUMP IN ROAD", but be prepared to bottom out! If you need gas, I highly recommend the "Flying J" Travel Plaza truck stops. They are large, have plenty of parking, hot showers, good restaurants and they are easy to maneuver, plus they have fuel docks especially made for RVs and large towed rigs such as 5th wheels.

I plan to check out River Walk and the Alamo in San Antonio. I'll write and let you know how they are and I'll keep you posted about any other fun things to do and see.

Until then,
BIG hugs!
Barb :-)

Happy New Year!

2008-01-04T15:13:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to you in 2008! I wish you much joy and great prosperity in the coming new year!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Whew! I am soooooo glad the holidays are over! It was fun to see my friends, but it was good to make it back home and to sleep in my very own bed after many miles of driving and a great deal of eating, drinking and merriment!

I was in Baltimore and Philly for Christmas. Lots of driving and I also worked from my laptop most of the holiday as I'm a technical consultant working on a contract for the U.S. Army now. I made it to church in Baltimore with my best "boy friend" John on Christmas Eve and I must say that was the highlight of my entire holiday season! The service at the Baltimore Unitarian Universalist Church was amazing...it was so moving I cried! John and I looked great all dressed up for church...!

In the meantime, I love my consulting job...it keeps me busy and I can do it from anywhere in the country as long as I have a secure internet connection and a cell signal. As a matter of fact, I'm leaving the Mid-Atlantic (finally) as I've accepted a camp host position in San Antonio, TX. I start the first week in February through June. I feel this new position is a blessing. When I called, the resort manager said she had my workamper resume out on her desk and was looking at it. How about that? Pretty cool!!

I work 24 hours a week and get free electricity, water, and sewer; free WiFi, free cable television, and a $10 weekly laundry allowance. I also get a place to park all my vehicles (I'll be towing the Jeep and flying back north to drive the car down), a nice big site for my motor coach and the manager agreed to a 24 hour per week flex schedule so I can work on my gov't contracts, no problem!

I'll be finished with my Delaware State Parks commitment mid January and then it'll be time to roll out. I'm starting to really get excited about going south. I'm no big fan of cold weather, and I would have stayed up north to help out at the park, (TONS of work to done there) but the park manager decided not to have winter season hosts. I've been invited back in the spring, but with gas prices being so high I'm not sure I'll be back up this way. I've been wanting to get out to California, so I may spend my summer on the West Coast. It's not June yet, so I have no idea where I'm headed after San Antonio...serendipity...I LOVE IT!

San Antonio has been at the top of my list as a place I want to check out as I hear it's very nice there. Much to explore, lots to do and see...a new adventure for me. Also, Austin is another place I've always wanted to visit, so I get 2 for 1! I have a pen pal in Austin which makes it all that much better because I'll have a friend nearby. Also, my best friend's daughter lives in Austin.

I'm convinced that going to San Antonio is part of God's plan for me, so...T-E-X-A-S...here I come!

Until next time!

Hugs,
Barb :-D

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-23T11:28:00.000-05:00

I know it’s been a while since I’ve written here on my blog. My excuse is this: There hasn’t really been very much to write about. Everything is totally status quo, at least for now.

I’ve been busily working on a couple of contracts…trying to learn the tricks of a new trade, government proposal technical writer and editor. So far, so good! The work has been steady, the pay is good…although the money is slow to arrive. I’ve cut way back on entertainment and outgoing expenses, except for the occasional downloaded movie from MovieLink, having a night out of pizza and wine with my friend Irene and I did get to finally hang out and get caught up with my pal Leanne last time I was in the DC area. We spent an afternoon exploring at The Torpedo Factory in Old Town Alexandria...FUN!

By the way, Leanne has a "green" blog you might want to check out at: www.msorganiclady.wordpress.com It's filled with a ton of useful information and links and you can follow along with she and her husband's adventure as they build a totally "green" eco-friendly home together using materials they gather and harvest from their land in West (by God) Virginia.

I did manage to make it to Virginia for Thanksgiving with my very dear friends the Trumbetic family. This is our seventh Thanksgiving together. We met back in 2000 when I experienced my very first back surgery. They looked after me and took care of me, helped me through my recovery. They are my extended family and I love them very much! It was good to see everyone again. I can't believe how the kids have all grown into Jr. adults. It completely amazes me how fast kids grow...UP! Dinner was fabulous and I have leftovers for days!

Today I’ll do Thanksgiving all over again with my best friend Susan. We scored a Tofurkey from the local health food store in Del Ray (Alexandria) and we plan to prepare it with all the goodies. Her daughter couldn’t make it up from Texas for turkey day, so we’re planning a mini feast and a relaxed day of burping and belching after we’re stuffed to the gills!

Life at the park has been good…a bit on the cold side, but not too bad really. It’s the wind that has been ferocious! I’m glad I moved my rig over to youth camping. I have more shelter there than I had at the family campground. My coach doesn’t shake quite as much in my new location. Visitors coming into the park have tapered off, though we do get busy on the weekends with surfers, hikers & bikers, the fishing pier has been busy, and we’ve had youth groups in for camping every other week. Actually, we have groups in about 3 times a month, so I stay busy. There’s always trash to be picked up, I’ve been doing grounds maintenance and I’ve been working on graphic design stuff. Half of the sites in the family campground have been closed and soon the water will be off. I’m surprised at the amount of people who have been camping in the cold and rainy weather. Die-hards!

My contract at the park ends in a few weeks and I still have no idea where I’m heading, nothing like serendipity, right? It seems as though nothing is coming together for my trip to warmer weather for the winter. Plus gas prices are going through the roof. I did the math and with prices at almost $3.50 a gallon in most places, it’ll cost me about $3 thousand just for gas round trip to go south and come back. UNBELIEVEABLE! As sad as it seems, I’m considering putting my coach into winter storage and renting a room for 4 or 5 months. It’ll cost much less. To be perfectly honest with you…I am VERY sad about this. I DO NOT want to do this! My coach is my HOME. I wish I could find a place to winter. It makes me sick that gas prices go up during the holidays. The greedy bastards who run the oil companies hike the prices when they know demand is high. It really hurts everyone, not just me. I have several friends who have changed their travel plans because they can't afford to make it home for the holidays. It's just so heartbreaking to know that people can't be with those they love because they can't afford to buy gasoline.

It totally sucks, but life goes on and it looks like I might be stuck inside brick and mortar (no, no, no!!) this winter…unless a miracle happens. I’m praying for a miracle! God always looks out for me and I have no doubt where ever I land…I’ll be exactly where I’m supposed to be, doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing…I have so much to be grateful for...

…and on that note, I’ll close for now!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hugs,

Barb : )

Busy, busy, busy! :: October 16, 2007

2007-10-16T14:43:00.001-04:00

Today finds me in DC...well, Alexandria, VA to be exact. I'm helping my best friend with her remodel. Since her daughter married and moved to Texas, she's been trying to get her house in shape so she can put it on the market. Her goal is to retire in Hawaii. Now that's a nice goal!

I'm also starting a new contract and in addition to the new contract, I'll be working on projects at the park. I have plenty to keep me busy for the next month. My plan is to make enough denero ($$) to get my medical bills paid and out of the way so I can get traveling to a warmer climate before it gets super cold up here. My coach gets downright frigid when the mercury drops below 32 degrees.

I have to admit, the weather has been much warmer than usual here and I'm loving it! We've had perfect beach weather over at the Cape for the entire month of October. The locals aren't happy, but seeing as how I'm from Florida, this weather suits me fine. The weather may be warm now...but it won't stay this way much longer. In the meantime, I plan to get my Jeep out on the sand as much as possible and enjoy this fabulous fall weather!

I'm loving my stay at Cape Henlopen State Park. Everyone there is wonderful! They are so nice, very laid back and I enjoy working with them, very much. Just this past Saturday night the Friends of Cape Henlopen had their Wine, Beer and Cheese tasting. It was a smashing success! I enjoyed meeting new people and helping with the event. For me the best part of being at CHSP is helping as a camp host/volunteer. It's a great feeling to be of service and to help make a difference.

The season is really starting to wind down now...although post Labor day has been very busy because of the warm weather, so there's been lots to do. Not only do I host at the Youth Camps up by the Point, but I've also been driving the golf cart around, picking up trash, I've been sweeping sidewalks and doing odds and ends to help keep the park spotless for our visitors. When I get back, I'll have plenty to do: making lists of things needing repair in the Youth Camps, redesigning the Youth Camp check in books, and I'm going to help build a database too.

So, until its time for me to move on, I'm making myself useful!

I've been looking for places down South or out West to hang for the winter season, but nothings jelled yet. I've had a couple of interesting prospects, but I have a feeling that when the time is right, God will give me a sign...as always...and then I'll be on my way.

Until then...it's just one day at a time!

High Dune Adventure :: 10/01/07

2007-10-01T01:30:00.000-04:00

I hope this update finds you well and happy as cooler weather settles in. I love autumn at the beach!

I finaly made it back to the state park in Delaware...although I'm no longer in the same camp site. I went to Chicago at the start of September to do a couple of job interviews. They went well, and I was offered a lucrative marketing and promotions position, but I decided against moving there...too cold and harsh in the winter! I guess it's true...you can't pay me to be that far up north in the winter! LOL

I visited a beautiful state park, beach and campground just an hour out of Chicago called Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. The water was emerald green, the beach and dunes were stunning. I visited the campground and was quite impressed! The sites are manicured have water and electric and every road and site is completely paved. There are many beautiful sites, several where you can pull your rig right up to the side of a dune with paths that take you directly to the beach with no more than a 5 or 10 minute walk.

The park also has many wooded areas with lots of paths for exploration. They have a camp host program with a 2 month limit as they like to have turnover with their hosts. They say their goal is to provide a nice experience for hosts and they encourage hosts to come and enjoy the park. The manager's name is Brandt if you ever decide you'd like to host or visit. It gets 5 stars in my personal book because of the cleanliness, friendliness, and overall beauty of the entire facility. You'll find shopping and places to eat just 5 miles outside the park.

I also visited a state park in Illinois called Illinois Beach State Park. I wasn't as impressed with this park, but it was quite beautiful. The campground was much more rustic and very large and spread out. It was a completely different experience from Indiana Dunes...not in a bad way, but the natural setting (plants, etc.) was much different although in the same general part of the country. The beach wasn't as breath taking as the one in Indiana, but was still very nice. I'll give this park 3 and a half stars out of 5. It's still worthy of a visit. Also, the little town just outside the park is quaint and offers shopping and restaurants.

Upon my return to Cape Henlopen we had a new round of volunteers, the summer hosts had left except for myself and another guy. A very nice shady space opened up in youth camping on the other side of the park and seeing as how I've been in charge of youth camping all summer, it only made sense for me to move my rig over there. It's very quiet when the kids aren't there, complete solitude would best describe it. I have the place all to myself. The beach is within walking distance and there's a hawk's nest in a tower which is directly across the street from me. It makes for great bird watching. I really like the new location although cell phone reception is spotty at best.

I'm planning to stick around here through October as they need the help. All of the full time employees are gone and the park is relying on all of the volunteers to take up the slack. The weather here has been amazing...sunny and very warm. The park has been packed with visitors on the weekends and it seems more busy than usual during the week as well. Needless to say, there is plenty to do for those of us who have elected to stay on through autumn.

I would very much like to make it up north towards the mountains in New York State before I head south. I've been working on two contracts and have a third coming. I'm hoping to travel up that way to see the fall colors (if I can break away) before heading to a warmer winter climate. I'm thinking of heading back to Florida for the winter or preferably out to the western states...maybe Arizona, Nevada, or Southern California. Of course, it depends on which way the wind blows and where the good Lord drops my feet. At any rate, I'll keep you posted and let you know what develops.

I've also been busy taking care of a few loose ends from events that transpired over the course of the year. Finally, my identity woes are settled and my health is much improved so I can start looking forward to a new adventure. 2007 surely has been a doosey!

In the meantime, I see I've managed to write a mini-novella, so I'll close for now.

Greetings from Chicago! :: Saturday 9/8/07

2007-09-08T15:08:00.000-04:00

I'm in Chicago. I drove my car and left everything back at the beach. I was going to bring the coach, but the Jeep has a hole in the gas tank and the gas tank has to be replaced…another $600.00 expense! I hope this is it for the Jeep. I’ve dubbed it “The hole in the pavement I keep repairing.”

The car is comfy, so I brought it. I actually enjoyed the drive though it was long, but very picturesque. I'm staying with my friend Steve who lives about 25 miles north of the city in a very quaint little town on the lake.

I've been scoping out the club scene here as I've been offered a position as general manager of a very large nightclub. It's huge and looks like a totally '80's bar. It needs to be updated and brought into the year 2007 for sure! I'm still undecided. We'll see what happens.

I have another job interview lined up on Tuesday in downtown Chicago and that's the job I really want to land. It pays very well, plus full bennies. Keep your fingers crossed.

Who knows where I'll end up.

Already August! :: Sunday 8/5/07

2007-08-05T11:07:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe that it's August and soon to be September. Mercy, time does fly! Pretty soon, it'll be time for sweaters again. I don't mind the change of seasons, but I'm not a fan of cold weather...gotta find warmer digs soon!

I'm still working here at the park. I told them I'd stay through October, but it really slows down after Labor Day, so I have no idea what they'll have me doing in September and October. For now, I'm still working in the camp registration booth, doing graphic design, trash pick up, whatever.

My Jeep is finally out of the shop. All total, I've spent about $6000.00 on it, $3k to buy it and I've put another $3k into it. So far so good, but I'm not selling the car until I spend more time driving the Jeep around to work out the bugs. Since it left the shop, I've had a few minor problems with it, nothing serious...just tweaking, but I'd hate to sell the car and then have the Jeep break down. I figure another month and I should have the bugs worked out...hopefully!

High season at the Cape :: 7/25/07

2007-07-25T12:37:00.000-04:00

I'll probably stay here in Lewes through September, maybe October. We'll see what happens. I got a job waiting tables to make some extra cash and unfortunately, the people who own the place are idiots...nice people, but they are poor managers. We've had 5 or 6 people quit just since the 4th of July. I'm planning to do the same too as soon as I find another way to make some extra cash. I need to pay off my medical bills and try to get some money saved up.

I'm also working at the park 24 hours a week and I'm really liking it. I'm doing an assortment of duties so the variety is good. The park is balls to the walls BUSY! We usually close the park on the weekends because it fills to capacity. The campground is always full...never an empty space all week. People drive from all over the place to come here. A guy drove straight through from Ohio just to come camp here with his wife and kids. Says he's been doing this since he was a kid. I was just amazed by this.

I'm still doing freelance consultant work. I've been sending out my resume' all over the place looking into marketing and promotions gigs for the fall and winter months. Hopefully I'll find work somewhere warm. I hate the thought of being up north for another cold winter. I'm also wheeling and dealing with some folks in DC to let me handle their marketing. I could do that remotely from the laptop and phone, head south, maybe Florida, fly up to DC once or twice a month to do my business. I did this a few years back and it wasn't a bad set up.

Life at the beach :: Tues. 7/17/07

2007-07-17T16:08:00.000-04:00

Well, there is no lack of work to be done at the park. It is BUSY! No one has to fight over stuff to do anymore that's for sure. We had it good in April and part of May. Now it's work, work, work! That's not a bad thing at all, except it's amazing how the tourists can be so scanky. The pier is always filthy and no sooner do you get it cleaned up, people are throwing trash down. It's the same in the campground and generally speaking, in the entire park.

I don't really do trash pickup or outdoor stuff anymore. I was bitten by a deer tick and ended up with the beginning stages of Lyme Disease. Luckily I caught it early and got on the antibiotics immediately. I go for my blood test next week to make sure I'm cured. I now help with the Youth Group camping. I do check ins and check outs and I do light maintenance on the dorms and group camping facilities. (The park lost their youth group camp host, so I stepped in.) I love it and it keeps me busy! I continue to design advertisements and fliers and I also work in the camp registration booth one night a week.

My Jeep....my, my, my! It's been a nightmare! The Jeep has been in the shop for 3 weeks now. I haven't gotten to enjoy it at all since I bought it.

The folks I bought it from told me all it really needed was a carburetor to get it running right, but that wasn't the case at all. I had to replace the entire carbbed fuel system with a fuel injected system to keep it within emissions...very expensive! I could have done a cheaper repair, but it would not have passed the sniff test and if I ever wanted to sell the Jeep, I would have had a hard time doing so. The 4 wheel drive also didn't engage properly so that was another issue of importance. Then there were the minor issues such as a new muffler, small oil leak, the need for a new radiator and a couple of very minor things...and those were things I knew about and had budgeted for, but the fuel injection was totally unexpected. So far, I have close to $6,000.00 into the Jeep.

My mechanic called me yesterday and told me he hopes to have the Jeep fixed for me this week as he'd like to move it out of his shop...he also said he's sure I'd like to enjoy it instead of stopping by to visit it once a week. He's right! I've taken a part time job as a waitress to help pay for the Jeep repairs and pay down the rest of my medical expenses from my tumor removal and the Lyme Disease. I'm not complaining...it's just that I'd really like to have a little fun in my Jeep! To be honest, God has blessed me with a fantastic mechanic and the Jeep runs very well. My mechanic told me that when he's through with it, it'll be practically brand new! Shoot, almost every part on it has been replaced!!!!

Lyme Disease, the Jeep, etc. :: Mon. 7/9/07

2007-07-09T21:00:00.000-04:00

I'm still working on the identity thing...hopefully I'll have it cleared up by September. I'm waiting on my social security info to be cleared up. Apparently, that's the big hold up right now. Nope CA isn't in the cards for me this year. Maybe in the future.

It's been a weird year for me health-wise. As you know, I was ill and wasn't able to leave Bull Run when planned as a result. Well, I had only been on the job for a month at the State Park here at the beach when I was bitten by a deer tick and contracted Lyme Disease. I've been on antibiotics for a month now...just finished them...and I go for my blood test next week to see if the drugs stopped the Lyme Disease. I got all the classic symptoms and I've felt pretty crappy all during the month of June, but I caught it early, so my new doc is very certain the drugs she prescribed will kill it completely. I'll keep you posted. Of course, the med bills are killing my purse. What else is new? (Sarcasticly I ask.)

Let's see...I bought a Jeep. It's a nice looking Jeep, but it doesn't run for shit. It's been in the shop for two weeks now. It's a money pit. I thought I was getting a good deal, as I thought all it needed was a carb. As it turns out, it needed an entire new fuel injection system and a few other things...the few other things I could deal with, but but the fuel injection set me back a bunch of money. I still have no idea when the Jeep will be ready. The plan is to sell the car...as much as I LOVE the car...I hate the payments. But looking back, if I had known that I would be investing as much as I am in the Jeep, I would have just paid it all towards the car. Who knew?

Anyway, I ended up getting a job waiting tables for extra cash and also because I've been bored out of my skull. I only work part time at the park and I needed a little more to keep myself busy. Now I gogogo all the time! I'm finally starting to feel better and I'm trying to get back into shape.

Well, that's about it from here. I'm doing laundry and my sheets are dry so I'll be running along.

Not going to Calli :: Thurs. 6/14/07

2007-06-14T10:57:00.000-04:00

Greetings!

Well, I never made it to California! I guess the Good Lord wanted me to stay right where I am in Delaware.

**********
Long story short, my identity WAS stolen. Yep! Somebody out there in cyber-land decided to be me for a while. Just long enough to rack up charges and screw with my social security number. The job in Calli couldn't wait and I didn't want to start something new without taking care of the identity problem. So, here I am...hanging out as a camp host for the remainder of the summer at the state park.

I'm looking for winter jobs as I will most likely leave here in late Sept. or early Oct. and I want to get a jump on host jobs down South or out West for the coming season. I have no intention of wintering up North again this year, unless of course someone makes me an offer I cannot refuse. It would have to be a darn good one!

I've been staying busy here with my hosting duties...I can't believe it's already mid-June! I bought a Jeep Wrangler which turned out to be more of a project than I wanted. I hope to get it running properly as my car doesn't tow well behind the RV and the Jeep is a perfect tow vehicle. Keep your fingers crossed!

I might be staying in Delaware :: Mon. 5/7/07

2007-05-07T18:00:00.000-04:00

I'm not going anywhere for at least a month. California probably isn't in the cards.

It looks like someone may have helped themselves to my identity. This past Friday, I got a letter from the IRS, called them and they said they needed me to verify my identity...they told me I have to contact the Social Security Admin. too. Then I opened up my credit card bill and I have several charges on there that I didn't make. Well...needless to say, I am not going anywhere until I get all this straightened out.

The IRS gave me 30 days to do what I have to do for them. We'll see what Social Security has to say. I canceled my credit card right away and I'm keeping the bare minimum in my bank account until this blows over. It's a pain in the ass, but I gotta do what I gotta do.

As for storage...it's gotten to be a HUGE task! Lord have mercy on my soul...and I mean that in every sincere way. I'm not even half way through my stuff yet and I've been working on it every day for two weeks solid. I'm so sick of going to my storage unit! I've managed to sell a few big things, but I have a long way to go! At least I can move around in there better now that some of the stuff is gone. It'll be a miracle if I get it all cleared out in a month.

I spoke to the volunteer coordinator here at the state park, explained my situation, and he said it just so happens the people who were scheduled to come into this site canceled and I can stay here as long as I want...all summer if need be. Talk about Divine Intervention! Maybe I'm just not meant to go to CA this summer...it sure is beginning to look that way. I've already contacted the guy in CA and told him I'm not coming. Something else will come down the pike when it's meant to be.

In the meantime, I'm really happy here at the beach. The people here are friendly, I get full hookups and I don't have to leave my site for water or to dump, the work so far has been easy...and hmmmmm maybe this isn't such a bad spot to be after all!

Destination Delaware :: Wed. 4/11/07

2007-04-11T22:00:00.000-04:00

getting here...was a new experience. i was stressed all the way through DC, especially on the 495 beltway. my trip went well...folks were pretty nice and let me change lanes. i had to pull over once to check out my tow dolly and i'm glad i did cause my car had shifted a bit. not a major deal, but i had to re tighten the tow straps. i was so happy to get over the Bay Bridge. after that, my stress level went down and i enjoyed the rest of the trip. i was able to get my bike and car unloaded...i needed help with the bike.

the tow dolly worked great, but my car is not well suited for towing on the dolly. actually, its a royal pain in the butt...it sits way too low, no clearance. i love my car, but it's not practical. after this experience, i'm really thinking hard about selling it.

my site is fantastic! no traffic noise, at night i can hear the horn on the buoy out in the channel. i can see most every star in the sky. my site is huge with so many trees on one side it'll be hard to count them! my yard is a mix of pine needles and sand. i have a very nice deck with a picnic table, a fire ring in the sand...and best of all full hook ups! i have super nice neighbors (also camp hosts) and they are camped a good ways from me. i have no neighbors on the other side, just sand pines. the beach is a short bicycle ride across the road.

i start my host duties tomorrow...i settle in today. its nice to be at the beach! : )

Preparing to Leave Bull Run :: Tuesday 4/10/07

2007-04-10T10:47:00.000-04:00

Well, I’m finally healed enough to take off for the beach. So, tomorrow is the big day. I’ve spend 5 days taking my time, getting everything prepared for my trip to Delaware. It’s my first big trip in my coach and I’m excited, but nervous. It’s only 3 hours away, so I should be okay.

Thus starts my big adventure. I landed a job out in California producing events in Napa, but first I need to go to Rehoboth and clean out my storage unit. I called the state park in Lewes and they need volunteers, so I’ll be there for 3 weeks hosting while I clean out my storage unit. Then it’s on to Calli. I’m pretty excited!

I’m kind of sad to leave Bull Run. It’s been a really nice place to be these past couple of years. I feel a great sense of accomplishment having started out cleaning bathrooms and ending up producing the Holiday Festival of Lights…their “Biggest, Brightest, Best” light show ever. It’s been quite a ride, that’s for sure! I’ve et interesting people, had great adventures, and made new friends. I’ll miss being here, but…it’s time to move on. God has new plans for me. He leads…I follow!

Destination: Delaware!

Bull Run Park - Centreville, VA :: Thurs. 3/15/07

2007-03-15T13:00:00.000-04:00

I was hoping to have been on the road by now, but I had a bit of unexpected news...a bit of a scare actually!

I've had 2 biopsies for cancer in the last 3 weeks. Luckily they both came back negative, but there's a slight problem with my blood work so now I have to go for more extensive testing. I'm still recovering from biopsy #2...involved a bit of surgery, so no traveling for me until I get this all resolved.

I'm staying positive...so far 2 out of the 3 isn't so bad! I am very blessed!

I'm hoping I'll get the okay to scoot by the end of March, no later than first or second week of April. It's making me crazy to have to stay put. Even though the weather is finally getting really nice (79 degrees and sunny yesterday) I am sooooo ready to be out of here and on my way to new adventure!

We did manage a bit of snow...not sure if I sent these already or not, but here are a few pics of Bull Run just a couple of weeks ago.

All my best!