We're on track to head out for Topsail Hill State Park near Destin, Florida next week. Pumpkin is nowhere near ready and the weather has not been too favorable to get it ready, but beginning this weekend it should be better.
I drove Pumpkin to Forsyth yesterday to get a funky valve stem changed out. We had to replace it on the trip out to Custer State Park in 2011. I had all 6 valve stems changed before we left because one had failed. As it turned out, the tire shop screwed one up and it leaked. The replacement wouldn't accept the extension so it was a real pain to air up. Anyway, it's fixed now and the trip also served to check out Pumpkin on the road. All seems good. What's left now is cleaning, straightening up, de-winterizing and loading...that's all.
So, if all goes well, we'll be hitting the road on March 14, nearly a year to the day from our last trip before my neck surgeries started.
We have reservations for Mar. 17-23. Dusty and Traci will be there, too, in the site right next to us. I'm pumped.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Ugh! Winter is dragging.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Seems like winter has gone into some kind of time shift. It is really really slow. But, that could be because I'm still waiting for my neck to heal and because we have reservations for Topsail (Destin, Fl) with the St. Louis bunch.
Anyway, as soon as my neck and the weather permit, it will be time to start prepping Pumpkin for the trip. Other than de-winterizing, there shouldn't be much to do. Oh, there is one thing. I bought a new 32" LCD TV and mounting bracket. The little TV we had was just that, little, and the viewing angle was atrocious. My plan is to mount the new one so it stores against the little window above the bunk on the passenger side. Then to view, it will swing out toward the center over the bunk. As for other stuff, just the usual needs to be done...air tires and check/change oil. The generator needs service, too, but we might be able to wait until after March for that one.
Seems like winter has gone into some kind of time shift. It is really really slow. But, that could be because I'm still waiting for my neck to heal and because we have reservations for Topsail (Destin, Fl) with the St. Louis bunch.
Anyway, as soon as my neck and the weather permit, it will be time to start prepping Pumpkin for the trip. Other than de-winterizing, there shouldn't be much to do. Oh, there is one thing. I bought a new 32" LCD TV and mounting bracket. The little TV we had was just that, little, and the viewing angle was atrocious. My plan is to mount the new one so it stores against the little window above the bunk on the passenger side. Then to view, it will swing out toward the center over the bunk. As for other stuff, just the usual needs to be done...air tires and check/change oil. The generator needs service, too, but we might be able to wait until after March for that one.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
No Joy
Well, summer is over and we're well into fall and Pumpkin still sits. My surgery recovery is going very very slowly.
I did get Coors back from the shop. It runs well again. Thank goodness something went right.
The boys are coming the end of this month to help us get some things done around here that I've not been able to handle. They will help me winterize Pumpkin as well as lots of other chores that have fallen behind. I haven't mowed since before surgery. But, one good thing that came out of the drought we had was that mowing was not needed - until now. So, one of my guys will mow and probably mulch leaves in the process as the leaves have started to turn and fall.
I did get Coors back from the shop. It runs well again. Thank goodness something went right.
The boys are coming the end of this month to help us get some things done around here that I've not been able to handle. They will help me winterize Pumpkin as well as lots of other chores that have fallen behind. I haven't mowed since before surgery. But, one good thing that came out of the drought we had was that mowing was not needed - until now. So, one of my guys will mow and probably mulch leaves in the process as the leaves have started to turn and fall.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
We Want To Hit The Road..But
Here it is, the end of July, and we're still stuck at home. This danged neck surgery has grounded us for waaay too long. But, we're shooting for somewhere around Labor Day to be able to get going again. In the meantime, Pumpkin sits idle (behaving, I hope).
Coors sits at the shop where I took it way back in June. The mechanic says he has is fixed. I sure hope so. But, as of last Friday, I'm not able to drive. So, Coors will have to wait, too.
Coors sits at the shop where I took it way back in June. The mechanic says he has is fixed. I sure hope so. But, as of last Friday, I'm not able to drive. So, Coors will have to wait, too.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
No Stopping Us Now - Oh, Wait...
Ever since we bought Pumpkin, the front brakes have been a bit dodgy. If I had to ride them much at all, they would cause a front-end wobble or shimmy. Last year I replaced the calipers because one of them was sticking. That helped, but didn't fix the problem. So, we bit the bullet and I took Pumpkin to the local Ford dealer for some front brake work. About $800 later, Pumpkin has the best brakes it's ever had since we bought it.
The reason for the high cost was both front rotors had to be replaced. The wobble was due to warped rotors and when they tried to turn them, the metal was sort of crystallized. It left the surface rough like sandpaper which would eat pads pretty fast. So, we had to replace both rotors. Actually, I think they (Ford dealer) ran into this problem on the rear brakes as well when we had them rebuilt shortly after buying Pumpkin. The mechanic ran into a problem turning one of those rotors. Now that I've seen what happened to the front rotors, I suspect the rear rotors had much the same problem because the mechanic described the problem has "chattering" when he turned one of the rotors. It could be Pumpkin's brakes had been ridden enough to cause extreme overheating of the rotors. Anyway, I'll have to keep an eye on the rear brake pads just in case the rotors are rough.
Today, I'm finally trying to finish up the overhead bunk project. I installed two of three plywood panels to cover the front and the the area where the clearance lights wiring runs. I wanted to make these panels easily removable like I did the bunk floor so I could inspect for water intrusion periodically (paranoia, remember?). I wound up removing the two panels I had already installed and redoing the entire area. Everything has been cut and fitted and just received a coat of polyurethane. Once that's dry, I'll stick the panels in and, hopefully, that's that.
Only one last major project to do before we head to the family reunion in July and that is to service the generator. I'm contemplating tackling that one myself, but because of its location and poor access, it might be more than I want to do - or can do. But, it needs a new oil filter and the oil changed at the very least. We don't use it much, but I sure want it to work when we do need it.
Oh yes. Our bed in Pumpkin has never been very comfortable for me. It kills my arthritic shoulders. We had a 1 1/2" foam topper on it that helped, but still didn't fix it for me. A couple of weeks ago we bought a new 4" memory foam topper for our bed in the house. It had a 2" memory foam topper that we removed. I'm putting it on our bed in Pumpkin along with the regular foam topper already there. I'm hoping it will help.
The reason for the high cost was both front rotors had to be replaced. The wobble was due to warped rotors and when they tried to turn them, the metal was sort of crystallized. It left the surface rough like sandpaper which would eat pads pretty fast. So, we had to replace both rotors. Actually, I think they (Ford dealer) ran into this problem on the rear brakes as well when we had them rebuilt shortly after buying Pumpkin. The mechanic ran into a problem turning one of those rotors. Now that I've seen what happened to the front rotors, I suspect the rear rotors had much the same problem because the mechanic described the problem has "chattering" when he turned one of the rotors. It could be Pumpkin's brakes had been ridden enough to cause extreme overheating of the rotors. Anyway, I'll have to keep an eye on the rear brake pads just in case the rotors are rough.
Today, I'm finally trying to finish up the overhead bunk project. I installed two of three plywood panels to cover the front and the the area where the clearance lights wiring runs. I wanted to make these panels easily removable like I did the bunk floor so I could inspect for water intrusion periodically (paranoia, remember?). I wound up removing the two panels I had already installed and redoing the entire area. Everything has been cut and fitted and just received a coat of polyurethane. Once that's dry, I'll stick the panels in and, hopefully, that's that.
Only one last major project to do before we head to the family reunion in July and that is to service the generator. I'm contemplating tackling that one myself, but because of its location and poor access, it might be more than I want to do - or can do. But, it needs a new oil filter and the oil changed at the very least. We don't use it much, but I sure want it to work when we do need it.
Oh yes. Our bed in Pumpkin has never been very comfortable for me. It kills my arthritic shoulders. We had a 1 1/2" foam topper on it that helped, but still didn't fix it for me. A couple of weeks ago we bought a new 4" memory foam topper for our bed in the house. It had a 2" memory foam topper that we removed. I'm putting it on our bed in Pumpkin along with the regular foam topper already there. I'm hoping it will help.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Not A Particularly Good Day
Okay, I tore into it today. The news was not good. In fact, I have decided to totally rebuild it again. But, this time I'm going to do away with much of the possible leak sources. I'm going to take out the front and side windows and replace them with solid pieces of Filon siding (Filon is what the siding is made from). We are still wrestling with the cost involved, but this is probably the best way to go since we don't want/need the front or side windows.
It was amazing how much damage had been done in just a few months. The bottom plywood layer of the bed was totally saturated and falling apart. The moisture had wicked up and saturated the top layer of the bed enough to cause mold and mildew.
I'm still trying to determine where the leak was. I'm pretty sure it occurred way back in April when we went to Kentucky to meet the kids. It rained all day every day on the way there and stormed really hard on the way home. Since then, we didn't get enough rain to cause the kind of problem we've hard. Since the left side blew off during our last trip, I suspect the was penetration in that area. However, there does appear to be a possible leak around the front window.
It was Joyce's idea, and I like it, to make the top layer of the bed removable so if it ever leaks again, the top layer could come off and allow the area to be dried out, hopefully averting another mold and mildew condition.
Tomorrow I'm pulling off the "wrap around" - the top and front section that contains the front window. I'll get an accurate measurement of the size then I can order the new Filon (shipping cost is so great, I don't dare risk not buying enough to start with).
Beginning here through March 12 of 2012, the posts are consolidated in the "Special Page" listed as "Pumpkin Patch Part Deux".
It was amazing how much damage had been done in just a few months. The bottom plywood layer of the bed was totally saturated and falling apart. The moisture had wicked up and saturated the top layer of the bed enough to cause mold and mildew.
I'm still trying to determine where the leak was. I'm pretty sure it occurred way back in April when we went to Kentucky to meet the kids. It rained all day every day on the way there and stormed really hard on the way home. Since then, we didn't get enough rain to cause the kind of problem we've hard. Since the left side blew off during our last trip, I suspect the was penetration in that area. However, there does appear to be a possible leak around the front window.
It was Joyce's idea, and I like it, to make the top layer of the bed removable so if it ever leaks again, the top layer could come off and allow the area to be dried out, hopefully averting another mold and mildew condition.
Tomorrow I'm pulling off the "wrap around" - the top and front section that contains the front window. I'll get an accurate measurement of the size then I can order the new Filon (shipping cost is so great, I don't dare risk not buying enough to start with).
Beginning here through March 12 of 2012, the posts are consolidated in the "Special Page" listed as "Pumpkin Patch Part Deux".
Monday, October 17, 2011
After All, It Is October
It has been a very nice weekend. Stephen and I got in some fishing and we all got in some of Stephen's good food.
Friday evening Ditto and I went out in the boat. We were hoping to get some night crawlers for the weekend, but the marina had closed already. So, we just fished a bit. No catchin', just fishin'. Then Saturday, Stephen, Ditto and I went out. Stephen caught several itty bitty perch and Ditto helped keep them from attacking us. I fished for bass using plastic worm, but only had a few perch strikes. When we got back, we drug out the puzzle board and started work on one of the more difficult puzzles we've worked in some time. Mike and Russ came down Saturday afternoon and helped to reduce the excess wine stock and to eat some fish and veggies Stephen brought not caught.
Sunday evening Stephen and I went out again. Ditto got left behind. Joyce stayed at camp and doggie sat Ditto, Betty and Boop. We went over to some bluffs across the lake and Stephen promptly began hauling in nice big bluegill. We had started out late so we didn't have a lot of time, but Stephen caught six good keepers. Then I told him it was my turn and we motored back across the lake and found some shallows with a lot of brush. In about three casts, I felt a nice tug. I let him run with it a while then set the hook. Wow! I had a nice battle with a big fat bass. Actually, it was only a smidgen over 15 inches, but was pretty hefty. It gave me a nice thrill. I measured it, thanked it and set it free.
Our plan was to stay until Tuesday morning. But, the weather change that was predicted made a speedier approach than earlier predictions. So, this Monday morning Stephen and I decided it might be advisable to pack it in and get home. We both will have to winterize our RVs and neither of us wanted to do it in 30 degree temperatures. So, today we'll load the boat and lawn chairs and "stuff". I'll help Stephen do some preliminary winterizing. I have a small air compressor so we can blow the water out of the water lines and I'll show him how to drain the water heater and fresh water tank. About all he should have to do when he gets home is pour some RV anti-freeze in the drain traps.
All-in-all, this has been another nice camping trip.
Friday evening Ditto and I went out in the boat. We were hoping to get some night crawlers for the weekend, but the marina had closed already. So, we just fished a bit. No catchin', just fishin'. Then Saturday, Stephen, Ditto and I went out. Stephen caught several itty bitty perch and Ditto helped keep them from attacking us. I fished for bass using plastic worm, but only had a few perch strikes. When we got back, we drug out the puzzle board and started work on one of the more difficult puzzles we've worked in some time. Mike and Russ came down Saturday afternoon and helped to reduce the excess wine stock and to eat some fish and veggies Stephen brought not caught.
Sunday evening Stephen and I went out again. Ditto got left behind. Joyce stayed at camp and doggie sat Ditto, Betty and Boop. We went over to some bluffs across the lake and Stephen promptly began hauling in nice big bluegill. We had started out late so we didn't have a lot of time, but Stephen caught six good keepers. Then I told him it was my turn and we motored back across the lake and found some shallows with a lot of brush. In about three casts, I felt a nice tug. I let him run with it a while then set the hook. Wow! I had a nice battle with a big fat bass. Actually, it was only a smidgen over 15 inches, but was pretty hefty. It gave me a nice thrill. I measured it, thanked it and set it free.
Our plan was to stay until Tuesday morning. But, the weather change that was predicted made a speedier approach than earlier predictions. So, this Monday morning Stephen and I decided it might be advisable to pack it in and get home. We both will have to winterize our RVs and neither of us wanted to do it in 30 degree temperatures. So, today we'll load the boat and lawn chairs and "stuff". I'll help Stephen do some preliminary winterizing. I have a small air compressor so we can blow the water out of the water lines and I'll show him how to drain the water heater and fresh water tank. About all he should have to do when he gets home is pour some RV anti-freeze in the drain traps.
All-in-all, this has been another nice camping trip.
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