tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17798728321383293392024-03-12T22:13:57.280-05:00"The Next Chapter" Rated RV-13Fester and CC, retired Baby Boomers, on an adventure to discover obscure visual and epicurean "diamonds in the rough", live life by The Seven Second Rule and reveal the Next Chapter in their lives.Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-24857515408555429892013-12-03T09:44:00.000-06:002013-12-03T09:45:58.825-06:00December 3, 2013 "Thank You Patterson RV"<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Weslaco,%20TX"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/TX/Weslaco.gif" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Slap my butt and call me Shorty.
As hard as I try and stay current on our blog, it is becoming more difficult to
do with so many distractions that pop up at a moment’s notice. So, daily I must
choose between doing “something”, or writing about what we’re doing. With that said,
I’ll try and catch up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">A little over a month ago,
while in Childress, we encountered a problem with our HWH slide and leveling
system. Ass CC was extending the last slide out, it abruptly stopped before
fully extending. I looked at my watch and it was 3:35 pm on Friday. Both
Winnebago and HWH close at 3:30, so it looks like it will be Monday before I
can talk to anyone at either location. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Over the weekend, I surfed
the Web for answers and narrowed it down to the motor that drives the hydraulic
pump. On Monday I called the extended warranty people, and they gave me three
names of people to call. When I called them, the first said I was too far away
for them to drive on a service call, the second one only did RV glass repair,
and the third was in Tucson, and said they would be happy to look at it, IF we
brought the rig in. Right…….drive to Tucson with the slides out. NOT! Back on
the web and look for a Winnebago/Itasca dealer in route to the RGV. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Patterson RV Sales in
Wichita Falls, just slightly out of our way, said they could look at it
Thursday morning, no sooner, BUT, we would have to retract the slides manually;
easier said than done. If I had an air impact wrench, it would have been a
breeze, as it were, it took about an hour for each of the two front slides. The
two bedroom slides had to be pushed in from the outside with good ol’ brute
force. Lucky for us, there were construction workers camped nearby, and CC
sweet talked 4 of them to come over and help. Relatively easy to get in using
this method, compared to the front two. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">While in Childress we had a
great visit with CC’s daughter, Letta and her family, and enjoyed cooking class
with her preparing eggplant and chicken parmesan, CC’s favorite. I’m thinking
Letta is trying to suck up to her mom???
Whatever the reason, CC loved it and we all enjoyed good meals together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We decided to leave
Childress on Wednesday, and drive the 120 miles to Wichita Falls, rather than
get up at 5 am on Thursday, to make it to Paterson by 8:30 am for our scheduled
appointment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">After the summer of repairs
we have encountered, I was not overly optimistic as we arrived at Patterson,
and commented to CC, “plan on at least a week in Wichita Falls, before we
continue southward to the RGV.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">But every once in a while,
Murphy doesn’t raise his red head, and miracles can and do happen. I cannot
begin to say enough good things about Patterson RV. They are in my books the
best service we have experienced in almost 4 years of full-timing. They informed
us every step of the way on what repair was being done, and the overall status.
Our service technician was Darren, and was the best one I have ever known; bar
none. He had our problem diagnosed within an hour of arrival, and 30 minutes
later had the motor disassembled, and notified us the repair was a simple as
new brushes. He further elated me with information that Patterson had a good
relationship with a local company that specializes in rebuilding electric
motors. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">I now believe a good, <s>no</s>
GREAT RV dealer <s>can</s> does exist. Any other RV service provider would have
told us they would have to order a new motor from HWH, wait for it to arrive in
about a week, and bring our rig back to install the new motor. But not
Patterson, they went the extra mile, and for that we are extremely grateful.
After paying our $100 deductible for the extended warranty, we were back on the
road by 4 pm. Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We left Wichita
Falls and drove southward on US281 to our usual stop for a few days at Coffee
Creek RV Park, just outside of Santo, TX. We really enjoy this place; quiet,
peaceful, and a great hot tub and pool. After the last few weeks it was nice to
just relax and relieve some stress soaking in the Jacuzzi. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Braunig Lake RV
Park, just south of San Antonio would be our next home for a few days, as we
work our way to the RGV for the winter. The weather was warm and humid, just
perfect for enjoying the pool beside the lake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Drum roll please…………………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Our travel day to
the RGV was uneventful, just the way we like them, and arrived at our winter
home in Weslaco, TX at Ranchero Village. It didn’t take us long to get set up
and make our way to the pool. The park only had 8 other campers when we
arrived, which is typical for this time of year, as most do not arrive until
after Thanksgiving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The following day
CC decided a trip SOTB (south of the border) was in order. We spent the day
walking around town visiting our Mexican friends; margaritas in hand. After a
late light lunch of tacos, we ventured NOTB, as pool time was calling our
names.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Now, after a month,
we fell settled in for the winter, and back to our somewhat usual “routine”,
which consists of 8 am exercise, 2 pm pool time and 4 pm happy hour. Every
other hour is open to spur of the moment activities, which occur on a daily
basis. We do manage to stay busy and active, and it’s hard to believe how fast
the time flies. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Now that we are up
to date, CC promises she will be more conscientious about updating the blog more
frequently. That will happen if I can convince her that two trips SOTB per week
is not “necessary”, but I will admit those $2 margaritas are a tempting
persuasion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Thanks for stopping
by. Until next time, take care and stay well…………………..</span></div>
Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-47173560397552411512013-10-17T15:47:00.001-05:002013-10-17T16:24:22.639-05:00October 17, 2013 - “Family and Friends”<span style="display: block !important; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; width: 488px;"><a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Oklahoma%20City,%20OK" title="Oklahoma City, OK Weather Forecast"><img alt="Find more about Weather in Oklahoma City, OK" src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/OK/Oklahoma_City.gif" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/" style="font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px;" title="Get latest Weather Forecast updates">Click for weather forecast</a></span><br />
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<span style="display: block !important; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left; width: 488px;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Wallace State Park was so quiet and peaceful, we decided after our stressful adventure at Winnebago, we needed some “quiet time”, and so we decided to stay a few more days.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="display: block !important; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left; width: 488px;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">From Wallace, we high tailed it to Bartlesville, OK to meet back up with Carl and Carla who were on their way back to the St. Louis area after spending most of their month in UT and AZ. Osage Hills State Park would become our home for the next week.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="display: block !important; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left; width: 488px;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The area was perfect for Carla’s pet, Tula, to get some much needed exercise after being cooped up for almost two months in the Airstream.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="display: block !important; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left; width: 488px;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Carl wanted to make a return visit to Woolaroc, Frank Phillips ranch just south of Bartlesville. CC and I spent part of our childhood growing up in OK, and never knew this place existed, but we are certainly glad Carl insisted, as it is truly amazing. The museum, exotic and domestic animals, and the lake and surrounding woods; I can now understand why he felt so strongly about Woolaroc.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="display: block !important; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: center; width: 488px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXDZe75AzqdQX7DmRo4tnq3YmekyXrlTIuJoKaOI8czmG82wZ34NH6SglckJxRyKSvD3pgF8DstA0T1pn-pWuFteMWXO5RvbksYMa0h5403ZCsOXEhyphenhyphenavP81YHuUnmJBVJXPYi83LyDbC/s1600/IMG_5377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXDZe75AzqdQX7DmRo4tnq3YmekyXrlTIuJoKaOI8czmG82wZ34NH6SglckJxRyKSvD3pgF8DstA0T1pn-pWuFteMWXO5RvbksYMa0h5403ZCsOXEhyphenhyphenavP81YHuUnmJBVJXPYi83LyDbC/s400/IMG_5377.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Once again, our travel planner suggested we venture to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy. It is protected as the largest tallgrass prairie in the world, and home to almost 3,000 bison.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15VroO_IGDhMyimnxfobRlsG5L2WvVeYdt8hNwM4fxtj-kBapwF3nk8TWcSH154TJhsqtDnp_dEuaB1VCX36Y-B_Gu8AAhNCME469IR6J8nm4Xnezffw1EmZuNp_pvFsr0uTTqjvlROFx/s1600/IMG_5379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15VroO_IGDhMyimnxfobRlsG5L2WvVeYdt8hNwM4fxtj-kBapwF3nk8TWcSH154TJhsqtDnp_dEuaB1VCX36Y-B_Gu8AAhNCME469IR6J8nm4Xnezffw1EmZuNp_pvFsr0uTTqjvlROFx/s400/IMG_5379.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">At week’s end, we bid farewell to Carl and Carla, and pointed Elly in the direction of OKC, for a visit with family and friends. CC’s daughter, Letta, drove in for the weekend with her granddaughter, Haley, for hugs and kisses from relatives in the area. CC’s aunt Gayle, had not yet met Haley, and she wasted no time in wrapping Gayle around her little finger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETKlcveS0Ohvf7M-_q_WA7WOxcDZCpcOHKMGuprcYma8MzaNEf9V9ZDTieDeWReZrzNbngBixGC70LqulyEvqrQq4dYhmJeT3YO_lrCwXEMCJeMOzIPHw9bJAnaJ5G_WyqQm6nCqUDvcR/s1600/IMG_5386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETKlcveS0Ohvf7M-_q_WA7WOxcDZCpcOHKMGuprcYma8MzaNEf9V9ZDTieDeWReZrzNbngBixGC70LqulyEvqrQq4dYhmJeT3YO_lrCwXEMCJeMOzIPHw9bJAnaJ5G_WyqQm6nCqUDvcR/s400/IMG_5386.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">On our second day in OKC, CC’s brother, Mike, called and said he was flying in for a visit. Being a Delta pilot allows him the privilege of flying, space available, wherever and whenever he desires, free of charge. We had not seen him in three years, so it was good to catch up and indulge in a Scottish beverage or two, after lunch at Pearl’s with mother Jo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_UmI8iWNyR4LqvtZ_bIcbeIybvUsranX3m7px33_bkdW8A9btY5Es741EkCKaqZ4hXVAv2Irz0X9cfP6LjZm_9mupO1LmKxpEDjlir04zWtfxjMj1vr50y-_Kjop-ls6sQItWjpoNA_f/s1600/IMG_5388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_UmI8iWNyR4LqvtZ_bIcbeIybvUsranX3m7px33_bkdW8A9btY5Es741EkCKaqZ4hXVAv2Irz0X9cfP6LjZm_9mupO1LmKxpEDjlir04zWtfxjMj1vr50y-_Kjop-ls6sQItWjpoNA_f/s400/IMG_5388.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The week was a blur; dinner with Rick at Abuelo’s was fantastic. Thanks Rick. Good luck in your new position with Chesapeake. Sid and his son Conner, just back from Iraq, met CC and I for a cold one, and we learned of his upcoming nuptials….Congrats Conner. Always a highlight of our time in OKC, is our annual dinner at Gabriella’s with Chuck and Kelley, Bobby and Marilyn; next year we need to take a timeout from the frivolity for a picture. Take care of you and yours, they are all you have. Thanks for the good time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">John and Vicki invited us to a weekend of sailing at Lake Texoma. The weather and wind were perfect on Friday, temps in the 80’s and winds 15 – 20 mph. By the time we returned to their condo, Letta called and said she was on the way, as she needed some down time outside of Childress; long story don’t ask. All in all we had a fantastic visit, unfortunately the winds died on Saturday, which meant a top speed of 1.9 knots. Thanks John and Vicki.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2J9ueVdgqeUbwFN6c1L-z919xQk7u5Cn7LSYgdGj9tns4fJ7f1kuuUAFtnSTfjnb1x2Woez0DjY7nzAQudM210MUtCLgJMo-cHdqv3Ec8_KhJJO3foC3uE7GZlXkyMSTyVuqYAEK28FtV/s1600/IMG_5409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2J9ueVdgqeUbwFN6c1L-z919xQk7u5Cn7LSYgdGj9tns4fJ7f1kuuUAFtnSTfjnb1x2Woez0DjY7nzAQudM210MUtCLgJMo-cHdqv3Ec8_KhJJO3foC3uE7GZlXkyMSTyVuqYAEK28FtV/s400/IMG_5409.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">That rounds out our visit in OKC. Tomorrow we will move to Childress, TX for a few days before moving southward to our winter home. Thanks for stopping by. Take care and stay well………….........<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</span>Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-49697792478388218902013-09-21T14:41:00.000-05:002013-09-21T14:41:02.160-05:00September 21, 2013 – “Winnebago – Never Again”<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Forest%20City,%20IA"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/IA/Forest City.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We have now been in Forest City since September 9, and the events that transpired here have not been pleasant. To say that Winnebago is a reputable company couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact they operate much like some of our elected officials by promising the world before you buy (or vote), and then stick it to you after the sale (election). Sound familiar?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We checked in, bright and early, at 7 am on Monday morning. They had our appointment reservation, noting the broken roller and cracked tile. We also wanted an oil and filter change and chassis lube. Since service customers are limited to 3 items to be repaired, unless their coach is still under the factory warranty (1 year), I had to choose between the wind noise emanating from the driver side window, OR, get them to check the slide that we spent 2 days at Lazy Days last year getting adjusted. I chose the noise, which was a mistake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">By 3 pm, Monday afternoon, they had completed the oil and filter and chassis lube. They deliver the coaches back to the parking lot in front of the service center and instructed us to again show up at 7 am on Tuesday, and to plan on spending 2 nights in a hotel while they were repairing the slide. OK, if that’s the only way for repairs to be completed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The following morning, Tuesday, we delivered the coach promptly at 7 am, and proceeded across the street to the Lodge Resort, and were told we could check in after noon. Later that afternoon, Al, our service advisor, phoned and asked if I wanted them to replace all 8 rollers or just the broken one. To which I replied, why replace only the broken one that had failed? Al informed me Winnebago had switched vendors, and the new rollers were substantially better. Since the slide was already out, which was estimated at 20 hours labor to remove and replace, I thought it prudent to change all 8 rollers to the newly designed ones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Wednesday afternoon, Al again phoned me with news that our tile could not be exactly matched. They had a 16” tile, but it was the wrong color. They had the right color in a 12” tile, which would mean piecing together a few tiles to fill the void. Al asked if we could come over to the service center, and make a decision, to which we complied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">While in our coach, I asked Dave, the service technician, if I could see the broken roller. To which he replied, “What broken roller?” The one on the front that was broken, I said. Dave then informed me it wasn’t broken and why it had malfunctioned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">What was originally diagnosed by Leach Camper Sales in Lincoln, NE, as a broken slide roller, turned out to be a bent slide roller mounting bracket caused by the improper installation of the bed rail when the motorhome was manufactured at Winnebago. The bed rail SHOULD extend the length of the slide, and is what the 8 rollers rest on when the slide is out. It is a 2-1/2” to 3” wide board, and is at the very outer edge of the motorhome, so the slide doesn’t rest on the ceramic tile floor. It was originally installed about 2”-3” too short, causing the front roller to roll on the edge of the board, and over time caused the front end of the board to become concave on the top side.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6WwwXh9MAfvwDzCLTx4gWH8mTtceR7KHar3RkUoy7em8PkbXbTxIy-4NAlI5SPGrmsQZvlpiQ-nDaq3SvqPNOQOmDvh5QBMtB1dv9tJeXc9scUW-8STrI4JVGHgUVb6DBkbpzYNpA_vm/s1600/concave_convex.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6WwwXh9MAfvwDzCLTx4gWH8mTtceR7KHar3RkUoy7em8PkbXbTxIy-4NAlI5SPGrmsQZvlpiQ-nDaq3SvqPNOQOmDvh5QBMtB1dv9tJeXc9scUW-8STrI4JVGHgUVb6DBkbpzYNpA_vm/s200/concave_convex.gif" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Over
time, the roller bracket malformed due to the increase in weight on the
unsupported half of the roller. The bracket in turn, scratched the floor,
scoring the ceramic tile, and eventually the 16” tile snapped. Dave then took
me back in our coach and showed me how he replaced and extended the bed rail,
to fully and completely support the weight of the front roller. If it had been
done this way, the right way, when the coach was originally built, I seriously doubt
I would have had any problems at all with the slide roller(s).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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following morning we were informed that we would need to spend an additional
night at the Lodge, to allow for the thinset to cure for 24 hours before the
tile could be grouted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">By 3 pm
on Friday afternoon, Winnebago had completed the repairs, and presented me with
a bill of $3,852. When I explained to Al Steen, our service advisor, that the lion’s
share of the bill (over $2,600) was directly related to the slide repair, and I
felt Winnebago should bear some responsibility, as the rail bed was incorrectly
installed when the coach was built. Al said he would check with his boss, and
in about 10 minutes returned and said, “I’ve knocked off 2 hours of labor”. I
stood there in utter amazement, and after regaining my composure said, “That’s
all? $210? That is all Winnebago feels is fair?” To which he responded, “Well,
your coach is after all, over 3 years old. I have some flexibility, but over 3
years when the warranty is one year, what do you expect?” “Maybe 50%”, I
replied, and added, “I don’t think $210 is fair”. Al then apologetically added,
“I’m sorry you feel that way”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">And the issue
with the wind noise resulted in 1.4 hours of labor ($147), and a description on
the statement; “Wind noise driver’s window (SA 9-9) Test drive, no more noise
than normal.” Really? 1.4 hours for a test drive?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">By now I’m
starting to think I made a BIG mistake of buying another Winnebago product,
after a similar experience 3 years ago with the ’06 Suncruiser while we were
here for service. It’s been a week now since Winnebago gave me the shaft, and I’ve
slept since, and now feel confident, that I did indeed make a mistake. We have
talked to too many Tiffin owners over the past 3 years, and feel if we had purchased
a Tiffin, Bob (Tiffin) would have covered 100% of the slide repair. Everyone
who speaks of him responds in a similar fashion, stating him to be one of the
fairest, honest, reputable men they know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Winnebago, as they are NOT a good buy. I’m taking my future business to Tiffin…….</span></div>
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Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-76528793185688210622013-09-11T18:38:00.001-05:002013-09-11T18:42:46.278-05:00September 11, 2013 – “Is Winnebago a Good Company?”<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Forest%20City,%20IA"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/IA/Forest City.gif" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Our time in Montrose, CO with Carl and Carla, this third day of September, is over. They will continue westward, while we travel eastward to Forest City, IA. This day we journey I-70 over Vail and Loveland passes, with an overnight stop at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in Golden, CO.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">On the outskirts of Denver and on the road shortly past 9 am, to hopefully avoid rush hour, we’re back on I-70 for a short distance. Now I-76 becomes the wind beneath our sails, as we lumber towards Nebraska. I use the term, with tongue in cheek, as I-76 JUST HAS to be one of the roughest roads we have ever been on…..EVER!!!!! At times we could only travel at 45 mph to maintain the structural integrity of Elly. Finally we cross the state line, and merge with I-80; now we’re flying at 65 mph, the maximum speed we travel due to the speed restriction on the toad. We arrive in Ogallala, and overnight at the Country View Campground.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Travel day 3, back on I-80 towards Kearney, NE, where we planned to stay at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds. We stopped here overnight 3 years ago for $10; electric only. When we discovered they had raised their rate to $15, coupled with the fact they are only a few hundred yards from the railroad tracks, where trains run constantly, all night long, we hit our favorite campground finder, </span><a href="http://www.rvparkreviews.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">www.rvparkreviews.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"> where CC found Hall County Campground ($20) in nearby Grand Island.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9b9c5FFWmazG_mke46tz-MJLNdramlYiPV9RlR6jO1SsY8qVLv6tgOt_u2mfBO1FdeZj9nIeRQzB4GhxOjDJqqmFxwhHn3-1vMduxDE6sTJC4wr2rNVRTraa3WUruORnA1OKqZ3eA_jn/s1600/IMG_5323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9b9c5FFWmazG_mke46tz-MJLNdramlYiPV9RlR6jO1SsY8qVLv6tgOt_u2mfBO1FdeZj9nIeRQzB4GhxOjDJqqmFxwhHn3-1vMduxDE6sTJC4wr2rNVRTraa3WUruORnA1OKqZ3eA_jn/s400/IMG_5323.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The park is located about 3 miles south of town, and is very quiet, which made for a good night’s sleep; well worth the additional $5.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Day 4, once again I-80 is our pathway eastward where we will return to Walnut Creek in Papillion, NE, for yet another overnight stay. CC contacted her friend, Dixie, and made plans to have dinner with her and her husband, Ken. This is an unusual year, travelwise, and this marks the third time in 30 days we have seen Ken and Dixie. It is always a treat for us to meet up with old friends, especially when a good meal is involved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br />
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">On the Friday morning of travel day 5, CC and I both woke up feeling the effects of not have traveled this fast for quite some time, and realize we are both creatures of habit, and this pace is not our normal. But press on we must, as our appointment in Forest City is Monday. Once again, we jumped on I-80 towards Des Moines, IA, to Prairie Flower State Park for another overnight sleep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We both can see light at the end of the tunnel on our last travel day up I-35. Today was the shortest travel day, about 140 miles, but it seemed to take forever. We pulled into Forest City, after stopping in Clear Lake to wash Elly and her toad. All of the good camping spots at the Winnebago Service Center were already taken by 2:30 pm, so we overnighted across the street at the Welcome Center.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Monday morning 5:30 am, September 6, we awoke and started the arduous task of prepping Elly for her orthopedic doctor appointment, to have her slide removed and roller(s) replaced. We ahd her in the waiting room at promptly 7 am. By noon, we were notified of the diagnosis, and that surgery would take place Tuesday morning, an overnight stay, replace rollers and broken tile, another overnight, and grout and re-install slide on Thursday. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWyp_6z9X625vGht0DBfDUmV6fBPZuZT3LyE5glbzBAhCr3uWdZgANiXR5BcKV9mmu4ijWjB92wZeDXM8UVcgOaqV1kP7tpjhyphenhyphen2EmLSFZUChWMUPLJh5Y7AFiS10NkKbn5kMevGWcQeMB/s1600/IMG_5325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWyp_6z9X625vGht0DBfDUmV6fBPZuZT3LyE5glbzBAhCr3uWdZgANiXR5BcKV9mmu4ijWjB92wZeDXM8UVcgOaqV1kP7tpjhyphenhyphen2EmLSFZUChWMUPLJh5Y7AFiS10NkKbn5kMevGWcQeMB/s400/IMG_5325.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The Knights Inn Lodge is now our home for 2 nights. In 1969 it was originally a 17 acre estate of the daughter of John K. Hanson, founder of Winnebago Industries. In 1987 Winnebago purchased the property, and together with Wyndam Properties, added 10 “Embassy Suites”, converted the main residence to a lodge, and converted the stables to 5 guest rooms. It opened it’s doors to the public in 1988. In 2008, the property was purchased by a retired Methodist Minister, who operates the lodge to this day. The view from the back deck overlooks Bear Creek Golf Course and the banks of the Winnebago River.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQ_Bpn2Eck9-ofiwhlQCmvsaTidRZDrLTtxLmlqL8_nRt7IPWF9PFeFJywpMrrH_6dUBZlKUVAOkBOZwyywCVg_ZGo2NPQYxRT7vTPb3injObcFnYxHbD8gk3EZxoJgPT4WveOm93wGf0/s1600/IMG_5327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQ_Bpn2Eck9-ofiwhlQCmvsaTidRZDrLTtxLmlqL8_nRt7IPWF9PFeFJywpMrrH_6dUBZlKUVAOkBOZwyywCVg_ZGo2NPQYxRT7vTPb3injObcFnYxHbD8gk3EZxoJgPT4WveOm93wGf0/s400/IMG_5327.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTumHLFZonGy_fzmn6IpPFijojVDaiD83deLn0PsoM9uR1CZg369ce2uFp2rA75JUgsarUKO7rH3m2PlgD4AtSY58I_gYjdfJbvuUbF3gp7GanddpHCYCTqruO2vzUi70yspb_VLwaQx74/s1600/IMG_5328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTumHLFZonGy_fzmn6IpPFijojVDaiD83deLn0PsoM9uR1CZg369ce2uFp2rA75JUgsarUKO7rH3m2PlgD4AtSY58I_gYjdfJbvuUbF3gp7GanddpHCYCTqruO2vzUi70yspb_VLwaQx74/s400/IMG_5328.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Will we be departing Forest City tomorrow? If past performance is any indication of future performance, probably not. Three years ago we were here originally for 2-3 days, and ended up almost two weeks. I spoke with a gentleman that purchased a new 2014 Meridian, on August 6, and of the 65 days of ownership he has spent the past three weeks at the service center. Hold on; my phone is ringing………………………(to be continued)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Just
back from the service center, as Al, our advisor had called to tell us they
were having problems matching the tile. Could we come over and decide what we
would like to do. It seems the 18” tile that “matched” was the wrong color. They’re
alternative solution, replace the 18” tile with a 12” tile of the same color,
and piece together leaving 2 more grout joints than the original. CC decided
the 12” solution was “less obtrusive” than the different color. Not perfect,
but under the circumstances, tolerable. While inside our rig, inside the service
center, I asked if I could take a picture of the repair work, as the slide was
only partially in. “Absolutely not”, was their reply. “We have a strict no
pictures policy”. “But we’re on the inside of MY rig(?)”, I responded. Again, “Absolutely
NOT”. As we left I asked CC, why the hell did I buy another Winnebago product?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">To
be continued………………………………</span></div>
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Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-61091926786733661572013-08-28T15:36:00.001-05:002013-08-30T11:22:38.052-05:00August 28, 2013 – “Exploring Montrose, CO and Beyond”<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Montrose,%20CO"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/CO/Montrose.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
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all settled in here at <a href="http://cedarcreekrv.com/">Cedar Creek RV Park</a>, and decided to extend our stay due
to 1) Labor Day Weekend approaching, and not wanting to worry about finding a
campsite, and 2) There is so much to see and do in the area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvJBo8EAKiejihJIFH63_Zdj21yFdNqpUE7ycpDF2GyG5Ak_cQiupXwyOMNGFCI0GjbgeoJlsWoLtIfpAXMYP9WZwjco0Kqg25_ooz2OhsMVP_XeNi7gNJ9-AEjdiaEYkrSQYcnEp6Jd5/s1600/IMG_5216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvJBo8EAKiejihJIFH63_Zdj21yFdNqpUE7ycpDF2GyG5Ak_cQiupXwyOMNGFCI0GjbgeoJlsWoLtIfpAXMYP9WZwjco0Kqg25_ooz2OhsMVP_XeNi7gNJ9-AEjdiaEYkrSQYcnEp6Jd5/s400/IMG_5216.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Montrose
is an excellent spot to see some of the most scenic parts of Colorado. The
vistas are all around, everywhere you look. No visit to the area would be
complete without stopping at Black Canyon National Park.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqAWod7KHOyUDqud7MIpDSsL2fegTxl3lJSUKkKSwpT-MWCcvs6vGMKlHuCEX2kHjTwvwSh_46CBdlFwQ-NwjWCn0AQ7vCHA2NLK0N3vvjJtUCCu230UBxBCApm4xvl3aLPRMeXw9ER_B/s1600/IMG_5217A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqAWod7KHOyUDqud7MIpDSsL2fegTxl3lJSUKkKSwpT-MWCcvs6vGMKlHuCEX2kHjTwvwSh_46CBdlFwQ-NwjWCn0AQ7vCHA2NLK0N3vvjJtUCCu230UBxBCApm4xvl3aLPRMeXw9ER_B/s400/IMG_5217A.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Understandably,
Painted Wall is the most photographed location in the park; looking back in
history over 2 million years of geographical formations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9cO4NMlK5U21o4fvHNQX-7FF6IcM2JO3IuDhyphenhyphenPMWd-1-iF_a6OgLDg330TOevTPYVXJ1guI-4CS8GpHhsNKZKQ3NBlZu6-vtCqbq0Q2P2rBgIOG1nzYmiihkUYom7c97t6fs4EmccN2G/s1600/IMG_5217B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT9cO4NMlK5U21o4fvHNQX-7FF6IcM2JO3IuDhyphenhyphenPMWd-1-iF_a6OgLDg330TOevTPYVXJ1guI-4CS8GpHhsNKZKQ3NBlZu6-vtCqbq0Q2P2rBgIOG1nzYmiihkUYom7c97t6fs4EmccN2G/s400/IMG_5217B.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Another
great day trip is Ouray, CO. As most mountain towns in the area, this
originated as a mining town in the late 1800’s</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgck8o9JtaaHGodfh_1dG27QSQlmwW676qZLvDM0sOogkhKYB_KxY9kQG6K4VsTSBruw1tSSsE9HqxDCAIvwqIVIXwCPgP4UlgpfQ3Z2pnzgTJTFaUA2c5kJYnYb5gS4OZDv9PVle8SHQqz/s1600/IMG_5217C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgck8o9JtaaHGodfh_1dG27QSQlmwW676qZLvDM0sOogkhKYB_KxY9kQG6K4VsTSBruw1tSSsE9HqxDCAIvwqIVIXwCPgP4UlgpfQ3Z2pnzgTJTFaUA2c5kJYnYb5gS4OZDv9PVle8SHQqz/s400/IMG_5217C.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Carla
and CC enjoyed the shopping in all the quaint and unique shops, and Carl and I
wandered from bench to bench, just visiting and taking in the scenery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmABjvMBmYHOKHSOJkQ-nt9etNhS2Gmyp9o_LSn-h-3cZbTzArqFzZdigeUrCCR_OfqElmOJbsdujMAhpkx26yxOFnr0i9D76AQhuPRr9m_F_CSGx9GgiKk9ioT-vcZMsF6xSBKbWfFzo/s1600/IMG_5217D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmABjvMBmYHOKHSOJkQ-nt9etNhS2Gmyp9o_LSn-h-3cZbTzArqFzZdigeUrCCR_OfqElmOJbsdujMAhpkx26yxOFnr0i9D76AQhuPRr9m_F_CSGx9GgiKk9ioT-vcZMsF6xSBKbWfFzo/s400/IMG_5217D.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The
following day Carl went fly fishing, while Carla and CC did laundry. I sorted
through the hundreds of pictures taken, and culled the unfavorable ones.
Dinners are always a co-op effort, and are definitely ad lib, and if I must
say, outstanding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The next
day we covered 130 miles, mostly off-road, across Owl Creek Pass, which served
as a backdrop for the filming of the classic John Wayne movie, “True Grit”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2Uyfk1euLHt8mo0P5Tymk-OsoHXrOT-Q814WaN4iQ_zpZZe2NFpDh3uugri6jZ385F04w0H7a7yICSl8k0poJrslm6Ngdmgg5N3Q5Es58QI9YlitsM3137uDgtSii9WLaFTOEw5V5R0j/s1600/IMG_5256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY2Uyfk1euLHt8mo0P5Tymk-OsoHXrOT-Q814WaN4iQ_zpZZe2NFpDh3uugri6jZ385F04w0H7a7yICSl8k0poJrslm6Ngdmgg5N3Q5Es58QI9YlitsM3137uDgtSii9WLaFTOEw5V5R0j/s400/IMG_5256.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Also in
the area is Chimney Rock, a unique geological formation similar to Devils Tower
in Wyoming, and according to locals, is larger. Personally, having seen both, I
have my doubts.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwMv1v8svwp4E2r0-eNcOXFMjKLF57afAva4ZL3EozTCl-43wMtfmEipA4n_Egf8KTjux9qxm9WkfU4lwbc7Hm9l2jSqYzfA26psWzL80BVJWJlOvZB_zw3v7A2xBgP04_KC81HcR7Aq6/s1600/IMG_5259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwMv1v8svwp4E2r0-eNcOXFMjKLF57afAva4ZL3EozTCl-43wMtfmEipA4n_Egf8KTjux9qxm9WkfU4lwbc7Hm9l2jSqYzfA26psWzL80BVJWJlOvZB_zw3v7A2xBgP04_KC81HcR7Aq6/s400/IMG_5259.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzuwm896yhgdXsBSEqe3KBy2JJYeKUYng_6aXSZ3HsKHePoZ40gYM_hVcJEGsOlQXKv4G-qxtOY8s9ZyP1DvliaVstitcT54eL2sfvDW50hj7NbadbwM9LzYZVfPMyG6ozfJpZr0Dm7r2/s1600/IMG_5248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzuwm896yhgdXsBSEqe3KBy2JJYeKUYng_6aXSZ3HsKHePoZ40gYM_hVcJEGsOlQXKv4G-qxtOY8s9ZyP1DvliaVstitcT54eL2sfvDW50hj7NbadbwM9LzYZVfPMyG6ozfJpZr0Dm7r2/s400/IMG_5248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We met a
couple from Florida that recommended a visit to The Double RL Ranch just south
of Ridgway, CO, describing it as “the most beautiful place we’ve seen”. Well,
alright then.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3Or6O1X0Kw6iVFxxhXR6-4B01z5v5biUP-24Ichyw-OL8YEt0uGvJWa93kjEYQdWlH3L-SzHghi7MwL-Kkm9_7hnEn-fFFYBMkMCKSN4HONlvENTxGOo6bBaoiqya3v03oEBgo8ZMAyW/s1600/IMG_5260A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih3Or6O1X0Kw6iVFxxhXR6-4B01z5v5biUP-24Ichyw-OL8YEt0uGvJWa93kjEYQdWlH3L-SzHghi7MwL-Kkm9_7hnEn-fFFYBMkMCKSN4HONlvENTxGOo6bBaoiqya3v03oEBgo8ZMAyW/s400/IMG_5260A.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">This
17,000 acre ranch is owned by Ralph Loren. For an in depth sneak peak at the
inner workings of the ranch, <a href="http://mistercrew.com/blog/2011/08/10/ralph-lauren-at-the-double-rl-ranch/">click here</a> to view a video produced by Oprah.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">On yet another day trip, we
traveled 60 miles south, to the mining town of Silverton. Today, this town
would dry up overnight, IF the Durango to Silverton Railroad quit running. As
it is now, it serves the local merchants well as it runs two trains per day
during peak season, and one train per day year round.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylHXTgcHbmkucnJmclc25XMoCscKw8yhTIu__U3-TNrYAcISLjoPmvz8wirrvhNSepI0Oj1f7B3NTNjUKc3z6HTCVbI_wWss_48ZCgyiuFK2OgeIs8caR8DpvKK5NI8xRC_RJZuRSgT17/s1600/IMG_5286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgylHXTgcHbmkucnJmclc25XMoCscKw8yhTIu__U3-TNrYAcISLjoPmvz8wirrvhNSepI0Oj1f7B3NTNjUKc3z6HTCVbI_wWss_48ZCgyiuFK2OgeIs8caR8DpvKK5NI8xRC_RJZuRSgT17/s400/IMG_5286.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Main Street has been saved
by the National Historic Society, as well as many of the buildings in town, and
except for the cars, looks the same as it did in the late 1800’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">A local watering hole,
Handlebars, came highly recommended, so being lunch time, decided to give it a
try.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokR0y2lGbWB43pwBUVdwIZC93sVULtwdb9xEll8okXcF-AwrKHNMPNlc4cwcOKWe3vgf1w_Lj6j2lIEdrOtGgbyh7OpYX1oXuGqsZfrwTFzmH6DXCTC88Be7JBdEn10VGbj17V5X99idf/s1600/IMG_5279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgokR0y2lGbWB43pwBUVdwIZC93sVULtwdb9xEll8okXcF-AwrKHNMPNlc4cwcOKWe3vgf1w_Lj6j2lIEdrOtGgbyh7OpYX1oXuGqsZfrwTFzmH6DXCTC88Be7JBdEn10VGbj17V5X99idf/s400/IMG_5279.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">While the ambiance is very
unique, displaying an eclectic mix of new and old, the food did not match our
expectations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEVz89JYq9VCDoQYv3cqdPpLUphWRgK5E6RcsHNnWYAHoDIPaGiV5JPPFjdnUFwwkd_U8nuiyg9Qff9I_j1fPQeP1tls-TkbvaBNo0fGnDdkZMxgApByoASemWinZdt8nUdfwNttwaAIk/s1600/IMG_5277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEVz89JYq9VCDoQYv3cqdPpLUphWRgK5E6RcsHNnWYAHoDIPaGiV5JPPFjdnUFwwkd_U8nuiyg9Qff9I_j1fPQeP1tls-TkbvaBNo0fGnDdkZMxgApByoASemWinZdt8nUdfwNttwaAIk/s400/IMG_5277.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">And yet another day trip, we
traversed back eastward toward Gunnison, and The Blue Mesa Reservoir, to Morrow
Point. The National Park Service has a guided boat tour through the Black
Canyon, a few miles downstream from the Blue Mesa Dam. After 236 stairs and
almost a mile hike we reached our starting point, and boarded the boat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI19KjMOd7-k5XwD1Ez3vdGkIhnJJZUBtHkMs-kgTM0VmpXftWWKnr3x5Z3LlNhE_oQfxBUvn1m2vipP2tk1Ki6nV6QjshTtowLEDdUw3OVUpsImjZwRgAFY5LTnoTZtn3yONqHKJOiLjN/s1600/IMG_5291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI19KjMOd7-k5XwD1Ez3vdGkIhnJJZUBtHkMs-kgTM0VmpXftWWKnr3x5Z3LlNhE_oQfxBUvn1m2vipP2tk1Ki6nV6QjshTtowLEDdUw3OVUpsImjZwRgAFY5LTnoTZtn3yONqHKJOiLjN/s400/IMG_5291.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Even this late in the
season, Chipeta Falls is still flowing at a fraction of herself during the
Spring thaw.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTsDfpwiW5WUbOHBEY_9I5mjGPEAn0J3tr3hdTZqmRWEQXlkLNpNWTX1FjcsqfMaopBgf9yRCnqom8TrSqhmCwkPJJAl0iZ-UfZzdZoPubHsMLXTQFr7ra-2wt9sQ1Wcs0LTXVGz79s7j/s1600/IMG_5298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTTsDfpwiW5WUbOHBEY_9I5mjGPEAn0J3tr3hdTZqmRWEQXlkLNpNWTX1FjcsqfMaopBgf9yRCnqom8TrSqhmCwkPJJAl0iZ-UfZzdZoPubHsMLXTQFr7ra-2wt9sQ1Wcs0LTXVGz79s7j/s400/IMG_5298.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The trip lasted almost 2
hours, and the scenery was overwhelming. Steep canyon walls carved by the
Gunnison River for over 2 million years; at some places the cliffs raise some
2,400 feet above the water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ldbuvDHbXvsz_wCdGyHo2kM0x8mdi7eIrdOT-7Wklon2aqHvRgWJhujfR2X0-4nwtmoUz7pnfW36qHReI7rtWIIfsSaUWffdigOh-xquVw_gnzXX9PK_7rxocZs1ineHf2ugZSgXzTT9/s1600/IMG_5301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ldbuvDHbXvsz_wCdGyHo2kM0x8mdi7eIrdOT-7Wklon2aqHvRgWJhujfR2X0-4nwtmoUz7pnfW36qHReI7rtWIIfsSaUWffdigOh-xquVw_gnzXX9PK_7rxocZs1ineHf2ugZSgXzTT9/s400/IMG_5301.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">That sums up a few of the
things we’ve been doing to keep us amused and occupied since our arrival in
Montrose. In a mere 6 days, we’ll say good-bye to Carl and Carla, and Montrose,
as we journey back to Forest City, IA and our appointment at Winnebago. Thanks
for stopping by, and until next time, take care and stay well…………………………………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-62180581427222619972013-08-19T14:08:00.000-05:002013-08-19T14:10:42.660-05:00August 19, 2013 "Hurry up and Wait"<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Montrose,%20CO"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/CO/Montrose.gif" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">While in
Central Iowa, we made our way by Newton for a stop at Maytag Dairy, for some of
their fantastic blue cheese. After sampling some white cheddar and havarti,
those were also in our shopping basket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdbdNctx6Eo_f6XikXhnsKWMRKu9wSIQ-_pepPcIk5ErXNVNkVXJduM5nH14wmiOOjMfB52TLc3-lkpvmrb7JPo_ZbJhgt7smEviUSZtJvXamYNFDtSdguoDKxyno6Ia5CyNRVmt7-Z0l/s1600/IMG_5182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdbdNctx6Eo_f6XikXhnsKWMRKu9wSIQ-_pepPcIk5ErXNVNkVXJduM5nH14wmiOOjMfB52TLc3-lkpvmrb7JPo_ZbJhgt7smEviUSZtJvXamYNFDtSdguoDKxyno6Ia5CyNRVmt7-Z0l/s400/IMG_5182.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Hurry up
and wait, is what we are now doing. Making our way to Leach RV in Lincoln, NE
for our August 6 appointment, we decided on a stop in Papillion, NE for a week
long stay at Walnut Creek Lake RV Park. We have stayed here before, and even
though they only have electric, the peace and quiet offered outweighs the
absence of full hook-ups.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFiKaStPjx9VYMFAT9_mRjS_FDZr-nD9HZSJ-70tUwQMzh8nkeJ0_w3fmp9sjKRpjwtoNCrBY5Mzcw83tOh2KREXWBwW5umDMvrI0zRFbeekTN6Eg4xkJKRUKksiXTU4f2C8olOkgVm6T/s1600/IMG_5187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFiKaStPjx9VYMFAT9_mRjS_FDZr-nD9HZSJ-70tUwQMzh8nkeJ0_w3fmp9sjKRpjwtoNCrBY5Mzcw83tOh2KREXWBwW5umDMvrI0zRFbeekTN6Eg4xkJKRUKksiXTU4f2C8olOkgVm6T/s400/IMG_5187.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">In
keeping with our travel theme this year, CC planned a visit with her longtime
friend, Dixie, who lives nearby. Plenty of laughter is always present when
those two get together.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuEkaBCkYNX_LmzolOhW2Jfwfakc3-D3NEAwcWsli1zq5ZF_soudNxanbZMg6eBWwJAHK6n035Svwk8G5K48PoMTJUUTNC6GaEYPwMrk5Gr91DsFKk7PnRJSM7luzXt0lhxIRGpci5LOl/s1600/IMG_5193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcuEkaBCkYNX_LmzolOhW2Jfwfakc3-D3NEAwcWsli1zq5ZF_soudNxanbZMg6eBWwJAHK6n035Svwk8G5K48PoMTJUUTNC6GaEYPwMrk5Gr91DsFKk7PnRJSM7luzXt0lhxIRGpci5LOl/s400/IMG_5193.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">While in
the area, Dixie and her family treated us to pizza at Big Fred’s, an Omaha
tradition since 1965. CC and I ordered a small, and we had leftovers. The
others in the party ordered larges, and also had leftovers times 10. Later in
the week, Dixie invited us for a family meal with Nathan, Nicole, Elijah,
Dixie, Noah, CC, Lindsay and Mackinsey.</span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBhmN0kPuQCXRkPrcsmhUR35HS6IbGyi7T8RTyR_jCU-BUMXPwz3teYfMCPoO_Udhvh7RLhmYGysey7kjQ2mEgK_m32M-JDMUWHwWE67Tn00Njh44NLiG1d95A8MxfaFIvf3ta9COpkZ6/s1600/IMG_5196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBhmN0kPuQCXRkPrcsmhUR35HS6IbGyi7T8RTyR_jCU-BUMXPwz3teYfMCPoO_Udhvh7RLhmYGysey7kjQ2mEgK_m32M-JDMUWHwWE67Tn00Njh44NLiG1d95A8MxfaFIvf3ta9COpkZ6/s400/IMG_5196.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">On the
morning of August 6, we traveled the short 55 miles westward to Lincoln for our
8 o’clock appointment at Leach’s. We had three items for them to repair; the
passenger side front slide needed an adjustment (or so we thought), the door
awning was not fully closing, and the fiberglass engine access door had
separated from the steel frame, most likely on the roads of Indiana. Shortly
before noon we were notified to door awning had been adjusted, and the engine
access door would need to be removed. According to Leach, Winnebago did not use
enough adhesive when they attached the cover to the frame, and the adhesive
would need to cure overnight. OK, no problem. The slide was another matter. They
diagnosed the problem as a broken slide roller, which was beyond their
expertise to repair, and we would have to go to the factory in Forest City, IA
if we wanted it repaired. The following day when we returned to have the engine
door reattached, Leach presented me with the bill, and I was not a happy
camper. It seems the Extended Platinum Warranty they sold me in 2011, would not
cover any of the repairs, part of which was $165 to diagnose my slide problem,
which they did not or could not fix. To say that I am not pleased with my
experience at Leach would be an understatement. IMHO, they are just like most
of the RV Dealers we have visited; maximize profits with minimal effort.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">OK, more
hurry up and wait. Our appointment at Winnebago in Forest City is September 9.
Do we hang out around Lincoln / Omaha for the next month or move to a cooler
climate? We normally spend the month of September in our old home state of
Colorado, so this year will be different and we’ll do August. With that
decision behind us…….westward ho! As we traveled along I-80, needing fuel, we
pulled into Flying J. When we were ready to pull away from the pump, I realized
the two truckers on each side of me had pulled out at an angle, fencing me in.
I’m sure they were having a good ol’ time knowing exactly what they were doing,
so we just sat and waited them out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzIx399-MNzZTtGI19ehLt_D_GFd-k9m84eJPmXr8NivwG_B3-Ikhw1c1yJeA4CxxFudO0QbpNhXd7QlS8vS2XGyT_O0o0PNFzI0jtAN86mABQZUCvrNKsK606_gewQAiH7_n5HxTUXnm/s1600/IMG_5197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVzIx399-MNzZTtGI19ehLt_D_GFd-k9m84eJPmXr8NivwG_B3-Ikhw1c1yJeA4CxxFudO0QbpNhXd7QlS8vS2XGyT_O0o0PNFzI0jtAN86mABQZUCvrNKsK606_gewQAiH7_n5HxTUXnm/s400/IMG_5197.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We
arrived in Elizabeth, CO, and pulled into our usual spot on C and D Loop at
Rick and Zoe’s RV Resort. The following morning I got up early enough to
capture a shot of the rising sun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAw4J5EKVUCsfCe-TZaK6GxHlLa-6RCMvx1SK5kLfB7F-TQUSpO5vqDs_7AuV0MTU2RRrvJrUUzRuftHSpKiLR4JCa_SL5O0ACUc4X98wmBQg0egv-dt2SbElLFHnjEk3SEPWKTgF54JQ/s1600/IMG_4385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAw4J5EKVUCsfCe-TZaK6GxHlLa-6RCMvx1SK5kLfB7F-TQUSpO5vqDs_7AuV0MTU2RRrvJrUUzRuftHSpKiLR4JCa_SL5O0ACUc4X98wmBQg0egv-dt2SbElLFHnjEk3SEPWKTgF54JQ/s400/IMG_4385.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">While
our time in Elizabeth was short, we had an enjoyable visit and caught up on the
past years events of our mutual friends and immediate families. Dinners were
always memorable with lively conversation, great food and wine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">While we
were in Troy, MO last month, we tentatively made plans to spend August and/or
September with Carl and Carla, playing tour guide for them in our old home
state. Carl and Carla arrived in Elizabeth, and Rick and Zoe were gracious
enough to let them camp overnight before our departure to Buena Vista, where we
spent two days sightseeing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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drive from Buena Vista to Gunnison over Monarch Pass had CC white knuckled, as
she buried her head in her Kindle as we descended the steep, winding road.
After we arrived and got settled in at our campground, Carl was anxious to
experience some off-roading in the National Forest around Lake City. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">After a
brief two day stay in Gunnison, we moved westward on US-50 to Montrose, where
the Cedar Creek RV Park will be our new home for the balance of August. We have
numerous sights to see and things we want to do while we are here, so I’m sure
the time here will seem short. After Labor Day, CC and I will head eastward to
Forest City, IA, and Carl and Carla will continue their journeys through Utah,
Arizona, and New Mexico.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thanks
for stopping by. Until next time, take care and stay well………………….</span></div>
Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-7870823146901901052013-07-19T13:40:00.002-05:002013-07-19T13:42:38.411-05:00July 19, 2013 - "Friends and Repairs"<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Waukee,%20IA"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/IA/Waukee.gif" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Each
year as CC and I begin our travel season, we decide on a theme. Last year it
was “National Parks in the West”, and the year before it was “Coastal - Across
the Gulf and up the Atlantic”. This year CC chose “Family and Friends” as our
focus, and since our last posting, we have been busy doing just that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">While we
stayed at <a href="http://www.whisperinghillsrv.com/">Whispering Hills RV Park</a> outside of Georgetown, KY, we got to know
the park owners, Pat and Monica. They are good, hardworking people, and their
personalities closely matched ours, so friendship was inevitable. They joined
us for a few “Happy Hours” with water bottle in hand; understandably no adult
beverages for them while on duty. We finally managed a dinner together off
site, and had a wonderful time and got to know them better. If you’re ever in
the Lexington area, we highly recommend their campground.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeJftFTtA5FtQg_WaY0RxE-QU3L1MsBnb-xo_odKPpWysP9QDSlzA2b0NGHht6yhTzmMO-0c8kmJW-d64GVVl_3_RG9ADAngkLLg7sXzmXE4bX5c77cwXUjcIza6nrUs8N7kNlri_0t_0/s1600/IMG_5148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibeJftFTtA5FtQg_WaY0RxE-QU3L1MsBnb-xo_odKPpWysP9QDSlzA2b0NGHht6yhTzmMO-0c8kmJW-d64GVVl_3_RG9ADAngkLLg7sXzmXE4bX5c77cwXUjcIza6nrUs8N7kNlri_0t_0/s400/IMG_5148.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Wow, the
fourth of July is already upon us; what happened to June? A longtime friend is on
assignment working in West Virginia, and living in Pittsburg, PA. We made plans
with him and his wife to meet for the holiday. Zanesville, OH was not our first
choice, but since we were late in making plans, the Greenbriar Resort in WV was
already booked. Oh well, we are more interested in getting together than we are
about WHERE it is. We stayed at a cute little place, <a href="http://www.wolfieskamping.com/home.php">Wolfie’s Campground</a>, while
our friends took up residency at a nearby hotel. We had a great time with Terry
and Janice, and thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent with them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbVh4_kmnabfKhLy9XXpBqixtdf_Xb8LVCErbAqD-OTZmFQ-qSCIHmHDKrZrbr4R_84DUqufxVIJRxrjtwAQJVmNA0MVEgwG98a9DAqyvuNAyy5R7s5e0zFKDuwvNO0BIM4K6NqkT6ZvD/s1600/PICT0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQbVh4_kmnabfKhLy9XXpBqixtdf_Xb8LVCErbAqD-OTZmFQ-qSCIHmHDKrZrbr4R_84DUqufxVIJRxrjtwAQJVmNA0MVEgwG98a9DAqyvuNAyy5R7s5e0zFKDuwvNO0BIM4K6NqkT6ZvD/s400/PICT0109.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">While in
Zanesville, we made plans to get together with our “Winter Texan” friends from
Ranchero Village, Gary and Becky, who have lived in the area all of their
lives. We had lunch at a little lakeside biker bar and then they turned their
attention on playing tour guide to a couple of freeloaders. Thanks, Gary and
Becky; we had a great time. See ya in Weslaco!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2bB_s5OLjP5xpxq2AW44GQ6KncvIMztUUszoTvcPsYW4Wpn8yjatjCcyiVN6D5A-ZQ7E-UbTihNdKSCM5mu9q4dGyNHvXvi8LDO-qUcGo8JHZ70z7GlYVsOwYoffGCIY5UvSaDM94_4O/s1600/IMG_5160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2bB_s5OLjP5xpxq2AW44GQ6KncvIMztUUszoTvcPsYW4Wpn8yjatjCcyiVN6D5A-ZQ7E-UbTihNdKSCM5mu9q4dGyNHvXvi8LDO-qUcGo8JHZ70z7GlYVsOwYoffGCIY5UvSaDM94_4O/s400/IMG_5160.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Now
where to? CC and I really have no firm travel plans this year. So, we got on
Google Maps and go through our Family and Friends list, and decide to head
west. The morning we left Zanesville, the front leveling jacks on the rig were
not completely retracting. They were up enough to drive, but not up enough to inflate
the front air bags on the chassis, which would make driving nearly impossible;
definitely NOT recommended. I crawled underneath to see if I could identify any
problems, cleaned the ram shafts completely with WD-40 and wiped them almost
dry, leaving a fine film on each ram, thinking this would solve the
problem…..It didn’t. Finally with a
little coaxing from a make-shift pry bar, I was able to get them up and silence
the “jacks down” ringing bell, which sends a signal to the front air bags to
inflate. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We
stopped in Richmond, IN at <a href="http://www.campingfriend.com/GrandpasFarmRVPark/default.asp?file=Home">Grandpa’s Farm Campground</a> the first night in route
to see our friends in Troy, MO, Carl and Carla, also “Winter Texans”. The
following morning, same scenario with the front jacks. Living this lifestyle,
we live by the mantra, “Our plans are written in the sand”. New destination <a href="http://www.hwhcorp.com/%E2%80%8E">HWHCorporation</a> in Moscow, IA via Troy, MO. HWH manufactured the leveling jacks and
slides for our motor home, and going directly to the factory will ensure they
are repaired correctly the first time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">After
another travel day we pulled into <a href="http://www.camplakewoodcampground.com/index.php">Camp Lakewood RV Park</a> in Effingham, IN. As we
move westward, the temps are definitely increasing. After we got set up, I
asked CC if she wanted to go to the pool and cool off, she replied, “They have
no pool; only a lake”. OK…….turn down the AC. As we prepared to depart the
following morning, our jacks showed no improvement and needed “coaxing” again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We arrived in Troy, and after some severe
“jockeying”, managed to get set up at Carl’s shop; as some would refer to as
his “man cave”. Our visit was short, but enjoyable, as Carl and Carla were busy
shuffling grandkids from Iowa to Missouri to Kentucky and back again. CC and I
both agreed with their style of grand parenting, spoil ‘em rotten, and then
give ‘em back to their parents. LOL After all, isn’t that what grandparents are
for? We had a great visit, and enjoyed some great food, libations and laughter;
did I mention laughter? See you two in Texas, if not before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Working with HWH in Moscow, IA, is great; they
are a pleasure to do business with, and really take customer service to the
next level. Too bad the majority of RV Dealers don’t follow suit, for if they
did, this lifestyle would be enjoyable 100% of the time. Dealers just want to
sell you something, get your money, and then say, “The hell with ya!” We called
HWH on a Thursday, and set an appointment for the following Monday. We arrived
about 10:30 am, and were told by the service technician that the seals were bad
in both front jacks. The cost to re-build would be $311.50 each plus one hour
of labor. HWH called our extended warranty provider, and they agreed to cover
the cost, less our $100 deductible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Since we are traveling on I-80, and we have a
couple of issues that need to be addressed on the rig, we decided to call Leach
Camper Sales of Lincoln, NE, right off I-80. By contrast with the great
customer service we received at HWH, we have an appointment with Leach, from
whom we purchased this rig, along with their $7,000+ “Priority Service”
Extended Warranty, and were first told the earliest they could get us in would
be August 6. That’s three WEEKS! Sure didn’t take ‘em that long to take our
money in August 2011. “Priority Service”….my ass. They finally shuffled some
things around, and said “How about July 30. Will that work?” To which I
replied, “Not really, but you’ve got me by the family jewels, so you’re the one
calling the shots. What about that VIP Priority Service you promised?” Long
pause, and finally they responded, “Well that’s the best we can do.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">CC found a highly rated RV Park just west of
Des Moines in Waukee, IA. We checked in for a week at the <a href="http://www.timberlineiowa.com/">Timberline Campground</a>,
and after set up decided to go for a swim; finally a pool and none too soon, as
the heat index is approaching the century mark.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Tonight, we have plans for pizza with Winter
Texan neighbors, Dick and Judy, who spend their summers nearby. Tomorrow, more
frivolity with another set of Texas neighbors, Walt and Wendy, who still
maintain a Spring-Summer-Fall home about 20 miles south of the campground.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Thanks for taking the time to stop by. Until
next time, take care and stay well…………….</span></div>
Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-18849907181399801922013-06-28T09:56:00.000-05:002013-06-29T07:18:32.454-05:00June 28, 2013 – “The Bourbon Trail”<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Georgetown,%20KY"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/KY/Georgetown.gif" /></a><br />
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it; <a href="http://kybourbontrail.com/">The Bourbon Trail</a>! Now we await our trophy which will proclaim victory; a free(?) T-shirt.
When we visited the first distillery, Makers Mark, we acquired a passport. To
be victorious, you must visit all seven of the distilleries on the “Trail”, and
get your passport stamped at each one. After completion, you mail the passports
to the Kentucky Distillers Association, and wait for 4 – 6 weeks to receive the
shirts. To complete the “Trail” we spent $34 each for admission fees, while all
are not free, Wild Turkey and Four Roses are. (As usual, click on any image to
enlarge.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">First on
our list was </span><a href="http://www.makersmark.com/" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Makers Mark</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;"> in Loretto, KY. The winding narrow road traverses
through the rolling hills through some dense forests that are completely shaded
even on the sunniest of days. Once you arrive, you can proudly proclaim you are
in Hillbilly Heaven.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The
process for making all bourbons is basically the same, but each distillery
alters or tweaks some of the steps or processes to make each unique. All
bourbons are whiskeys, but not all whiskeys are bourbons. Congress enacted
legislation in 1964 outlining what criteria are needed for a whiskey to be
labeled Bourbon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">In order
to be labeled bourbon, the whiskey must be made in the US and contain in its
recipe at least 51% corn. It must be distilled to less than 160 proof (80%
alcohol) from fermented grain mash, and matured in new charred white oak
barrels at no more than 120 proof. Nothing further can be added, except water,
and must be bottled at 80 proof or higher. Maker’s Mark introduced a new
bourbon recently, Makers 46, which is actually the char level of the barrel,
and added internal staves of a different char level, to add depth and dimension
to the finished product.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Maker’s
is a relatively small distillery, and has remained with the same family for eight
generations. The tour was very informative, considering this was our first distillery,
and culminated with a sampling of their products. By law, they cannot serve
over one ounce in total of all the samples; about ¼ ounce per sample.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Next, we
decided on <a href="http://www.jimbeam.com/">Jim Beam</a>. What a difference, as Beam is the largest bourbon
distillery in the US. By comparison, Maker’s Mark bottles 3,000 cases per day,
and hand dips each bottle in wax, while Jim Beam’s automated line is running
30,000 cases per day!</span></div>
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one, was surprised by the number of brands under the Jim Beam umbrella; not
being a bourbon connoisseur. By comparison, Maker’s Mark has two products, and
pictured below are but a sampling of Jim Beam’s offerings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The
entire bourbon making process at Beam is automated, and monitored by 2 – 4
employees in the control room. Each step is carefully scrutinized, and
samplings are taken often from each step to ensure quality control.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">And so
we did, sample that is. Here at Jim Beam, they give each guest a debit card
with a two sample balance on it. You have the opportunity to sample any two of
their products you choose at automated kiosks; very high tech. Again, less
than ½ ounce per sample.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Shortly after prohibition
ended in 1934, <a href="http://www.heavenhill.com/home">Heaven Hill Distilleries</a> was founded by a group of Bardstown
area investors and the five Shapira brothers. The company had 12 employees at
the time of its founding. Today, the company is the largest independent, family
owned and operated producer and marketer of distilled spirits in the country.
According to industry analysts, Heaven Hill is now the seventh largest spirits
supplier in the US, and second largest holder of aging Bourbon whiskey in the
world with an inventory in excess of 900,000 barrels. (Each barrel holds 53
gallons); that’s almost 17 million gallons of bourbon!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">CC and I were somewhat
disappointed with this tour. Their distillery is 40 miles away in Louisville,
and the bottling plant here was not part of the tour. They do have a nice
museum/heritage center, so the only actual thing we were able to tour was one
of the many rick houses where the bourbon is aged. For the $5 tour cost each,
not a great value for your money, IMHO.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The sampling room was very
new and modern, and our guide let us sample two of the four choices available.
As CC and I were sniffing, sipping, swirling, and tasting, I was interested in
the design aspect of the tasting room and my thoughts wandered to my past
career. As my eyes moved from one design feature to the next, I was for a
moment perplexed as to why the Star of David would be incorporated into the
ceiling’s design at its highest point, and then it hit me; the reason, not the
bourbon. I’ll be the first to admit I’m not always the sharpest knife in the
drawer, so you are probably one step ahead of me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The oldest
and smallest distillery in Kentucky traces its origins to 1797 when Elijah
Pepper began distilling in Woodford County. This National Landmark crafts
<a href="http://www.woodfordreserve.com/">Woodford Reserve </a>Distiller’s Select, the Official Bourbon of the Kentucky
Derby, along with their new expression Double Oaked. The only distiller to utilize copper
pot stills and triple distillation process used to handcraft Bourbon today.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">All
whiskeys, including Bourbon, begin with the grinding or crushing of grains and
malted barley. If it’s bourbon, it MUST be a minimum of 51% corn, and usually
rye to add flavor. This mash is cooked for 3 -4 hours to break down the
starches in the grains. The mash is slowly cooled to around 120 degrees and the
malted barley is added. The barley contains an enzyme that converts the
starches into sugars. This sour mash is transferred to the fermenting tubs, and
the yeast is added. The fermentation process converts the sugars into alcohol
and as a byproduct of that process, carbon dioxide is released. The sour mash
is allowed to ferment for 3 – 4 days. Sound like making beer? It should as they
are almost identical. Each distillery has as another flavor enhancer, the
option of using a variety of materials for their fermenters; some use stainless
steel. Woodford Reserve uses cypress, and they claim it adds another layer of
flavor to their bourbon(s).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">After
fermentation, the mixture is filtered, and transferred to large holding tanks
waiting to be distilled. Again, each distillery uses a different style of
“still”, but they all accomplish the same thing. The mixture is heated and as
the steam (alcohol) rises it is condensed and collected. This condensed product
is now referred to as “low wine” at around 120 proof. The low wine is run
through a “doubler” still and the product is now referred to as “high wine”
somewhere around 150 – 160 proof. The high wine is now ready to be placed in
barrels for the aging process. However, Woodford Reserve is the only distillery
we toured that uses a triple distillations process. So the high wine is distilled
one final time before barreling. Just another example of what makes them
different from the rest, and one they feel can justify a higher cost to the
consumer for their product(s).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Woodford
Reserve is small, by comparison, and uses different chars on their barrels,
depending on the product to be aged. Below are four different barrels that are
used. The char level is increased moving from left to right. They obviously
would not divulge which barrel is used on what bourbon. Another marketing ploy,
or does it actually change the flavor profile?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR8LYy5MbiV5finGbnYzXZGqo2D-Kdr732nokiQbY3lOBQPTdhcqQ-8PBRODDICrvcACNt5kW1elXE2xsb8KJvYXQiNAs2WvuweNpx_Jx2CBs2o4S2TENEOMRA8feDDi7PKb5t9OS9oLq/s1000/IMG_5088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwR8LYy5MbiV5finGbnYzXZGqo2D-Kdr732nokiQbY3lOBQPTdhcqQ-8PBRODDICrvcACNt5kW1elXE2xsb8KJvYXQiNAs2WvuweNpx_Jx2CBs2o4S2TENEOMRA8feDDi7PKb5t9OS9oLq/s400/IMG_5088.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">We were
allowed to sample three different bourbons (their choices). CC and I both liked
the Distillers Select, but honestly my taste buds are not sensitive enough to
taste much of a difference. We could both identify which sample had the
greatest percentage of alcohol, but as far as taste difference; not so much.
Maybe that is why neither of us are fanatical about the beverage. IMHO,
everything they claim sets them apart from the other bourbon distilleries, is
just that; claims. Overall the tour was great, and the distillery is one of the
only ones constructed from limestone. The $7 tour cost was relatively cheap
entertainment for the hour and a half tour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Founded in 2011,<a href="http://www.kentuckyale.com/tours"> Town BranchDistillery</a> is owned and founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, an Irishman. He came to this country
and founded Alltech, a company that specializes in the production of industrial
yeasts. A natural offspring, Alltech Brewery followed, and in 2011 came the
distillery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">This is by far the smallest
distillery on the Bourbon Trail, and we had to ask ourselves why this one would
be included, while Buffalo Trace is excluded. I’m sure it has to be the yeast
connection, as while Town Branch is new, and the only distillery in Lexington,
the tour at $7 each is IMHO, the worst value on the Trail. It is so small, that
the fermenter and copper stills are located in the same room.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The two cypress fermenters
at Town Branch, by contrast to Wild Turkey’s 26, look like they have barely
been used in their two years of production.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioO1By33O6tpbtMdVSbTFatyVg3_TaSityH_t_AzYJ5c1PCL2ztZwbryaH6vM_ZoHRE7VyAP7irztSzxw4Cwnp-wmHXMRGLr7nIwpOT-iT-Ru5SKkDl8q1mo6xumWC9Kt6uJNHZUB39nuR/s1000/IMG_5097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioO1By33O6tpbtMdVSbTFatyVg3_TaSityH_t_AzYJ5c1PCL2ztZwbryaH6vM_ZoHRE7VyAP7irztSzxw4Cwnp-wmHXMRGLr7nIwpOT-iT-Ru5SKkDl8q1mo6xumWC9Kt6uJNHZUB39nuR/s400/IMG_5097.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;"><a href="http://wildturkeybourbon.com/">Wild Turkey</a> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">is a brand of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Kentucky<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>straight<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>bourbon
whiskey<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>distilled and bottled by the Austin Nichols division of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Campari Group. The distillery is located near<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Lawrenceburg,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Kentucky, and the tour is complimentary.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The
onsite grain elevators are constantly being re-filled. The large one on the
right is corn, and it contains enough corn for one day of production. The
smaller one for rye, and hold about five day’s worth of production.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Wild
Turkey offers nine different bourbons, and three different whiskeys.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyHZlldmpzrxYEBxTud7BPdAxKP8P8-5JUOmsw47c4VgbpimJTpTv8XWtvF8QJxolnj92jHQicYDcdfTrkBbtTNo3lfiDThyjqoXjuZfSi3J2huwNieVYDbysRIFK32Y5_ovNAHDHln_X/s1000/IMG_5103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyHZlldmpzrxYEBxTud7BPdAxKP8P8-5JUOmsw47c4VgbpimJTpTv8XWtvF8QJxolnj92jHQicYDcdfTrkBbtTNo3lfiDThyjqoXjuZfSi3J2huwNieVYDbysRIFK32Y5_ovNAHDHln_X/s400/IMG_5103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The
30,000 gallon fermenters are stainless steel, and for cooling the mash, they
draw water from the Kentucky River, which flows through the cooling coils
inside the fermenter. Interestingly enough, the reason this tank is empty, as
is all their fermenters this time of year, they cease production when the water
levels in the river drop, and the temperatures increase. Production will begin
again in the fall, when water levels rise and temperatures fall. This is a
normal practice for all of the distilleries we visited.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKAK5bVc5mi_JQ0qMyWh6iL9c0eb9LMROaOpXnGd5uwsJS5huiHxG2yxiihS965x6LHd3p42TykBGCIqZmlXq-55dXoBjCDuTBXaEwVx3sFrcMeY8uG7hQg7wYApPs0T_uJqH3JY8tQVC/s1000/IMG_5104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKAK5bVc5mi_JQ0qMyWh6iL9c0eb9LMROaOpXnGd5uwsJS5huiHxG2yxiihS965x6LHd3p42TykBGCIqZmlXq-55dXoBjCDuTBXaEwVx3sFrcMeY8uG7hQg7wYApPs0T_uJqH3JY8tQVC/s400/IMG_5104.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The
new, year old distillery, is the most modern, high tech one on the Trail.
Almost every aspect in the process is mechanically computer controlled. Humans
are used to steam clean the fermenters between batches, and perform routine
maintenance on the equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHPsa8UtnMhoj8SxKzdO93d-17oTp-6jtGTteRyVbfrSL-vGDPdiM7FKd4QsoaoPQMuwJlgMK_fH03FUk7OIODehM7BEYZXwMlJPuwytjSZm1LVJ9HBfVWFlGMl6bYpPJfMx5xzXUeOZk/s1000/IMG_5108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSHPsa8UtnMhoj8SxKzdO93d-17oTp-6jtGTteRyVbfrSL-vGDPdiM7FKd4QsoaoPQMuwJlgMK_fH03FUk7OIODehM7BEYZXwMlJPuwytjSZm1LVJ9HBfVWFlGMl6bYpPJfMx5xzXUeOZk/s400/IMG_5108.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Every
step in the bourbon making process is taste tested. On the left are samples of
low wine, high wine, and “White Dog” (moonshine). On the right are samples of
bourbons being considered for bottling, provided they match a specific flavor
and color profile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">On
our way to the sampling room, CC pauses by a mega-barrel of this distilleries
namesake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Just down the road from Wild
Turkey, we make our way to our final stop on the Bourbon Trail; the <a href="http://fourrosesbourbon.com/">Four RosesDistillery</a>, and for the first time will tour two distilleries in just one day, and
this tour is also complimentary. YaHooo! This distillery has a unique style of
architecture, one usually not associated with bourbon; southwestern adobe
complete with clay tile roofs.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahNX1utwB4CoBSp5NHMdDsV_EwUlCnI5lzcGUnx3bAyDdAKP70X76ARqKIOguk7CMcSNio1pcJLojA-F1ncsnEXgp15o0M839HNIVhlhiNEpohL6tcEv5jn8_6YDFSLdPDtkbU5JGOcvo/s1600/IMG_5119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahNX1utwB4CoBSp5NHMdDsV_EwUlCnI5lzcGUnx3bAyDdAKP70X76ARqKIOguk7CMcSNio1pcJLojA-F1ncsnEXgp15o0M839HNIVhlhiNEpohL6tcEv5jn8_6YDFSLdPDtkbU5JGOcvo/s400/IMG_5119.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Four Roses was at one time,
the “Premier” bourbon of choice. It was sold to Seagram’s, who over the process
of ownership managed to take it from number one, to one many bourbon drinkers
referred to as “swill”. Now, under new ownership it is slowly building its way
back to the top, and in 2012 was named “Bourbon of the Year”; old school in
every aspect of production, right down to the cypress fermenters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">This is a good visual
representation of the distillation process, which occurs in the still, aptly
located inside the stillhouse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdwVph16IhrnlQ1G07OGgWmJtFFCxGwcprUIy0ElGr4jx5xdrUIx4-AbcSn-Vs5DdgWAR4MktDsPQjc5pHOUvubFe0dUjwhgbmWixv6Bio_sXynt-AmRQOR_kGBh2O2kzg9biFqBhLze3/s1000/IMG_5128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJdwVph16IhrnlQ1G07OGgWmJtFFCxGwcprUIy0ElGr4jx5xdrUIx4-AbcSn-Vs5DdgWAR4MktDsPQjc5pHOUvubFe0dUjwhgbmWixv6Bio_sXynt-AmRQOR_kGBh2O2kzg9biFqBhLze3/s400/IMG_5128.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Most commercial stills are
two to five stories tall, and the one at Four Roses is no exception. Here, an
exterior picture of the “Stillhouse”; all five stories.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEAemsZUpZfvcv0M5fQRe7QHcwsrE1MgOq_HR_TYkekntw1-uDgqEW6gm2s3y65yltJQUX69jJVZ1xwpXcNve_omCSsJVuHz1MEy_S9FwsPkcAxOPVGvKEvJxm1PiIAW0rOXuKnAjX_st/s1000/IMG_5129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEAemsZUpZfvcv0M5fQRe7QHcwsrE1MgOq_HR_TYkekntw1-uDgqEW6gm2s3y65yltJQUX69jJVZ1xwpXcNve_omCSsJVuHz1MEy_S9FwsPkcAxOPVGvKEvJxm1PiIAW0rOXuKnAjX_st/s400/IMG_5129.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Well folks, that completes
our requirements for The Bourbon Trail. We are only about 15 miles from the
Buffalo Trace Distillery, and will more than likely take that one in as well,
since we are so close, AND, it is complimentary as well. Double YaHoo!! Thanks
for taking time to stop by, and see what a couple of fulltimers do on a day to
day basis. It is not for those that are faint of heart, but we do live a
blessed life. Until next time, take care and stay well…………………</span></div>
</div>
Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-52554440148595279792013-06-25T06:47:00.002-05:002013-06-26T08:57:34.127-05:00June 25, 2013 – “Houston, we have lift off”<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Georgetown,%20KY"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/KY/Georgetown.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The
inverter arrived yesterday afternoon, and after a brief rainstorm here, we were
able to re-install it. Between the two of us, we “got ur done” around 7:30 pm.
CC’s smaller hands were invaluable and her contortionist abilities were challenged,
as anyone who has worked on an RV can attest. All that is left to do is button
everything up, double check the connectors and clamps, and replace the safety
cover panel.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvM0VKcB5AjHMCiyEgR9eA1pS45MFroIL6TKV5eNc-3NSGhWXyplNbE4vAuZYZqsopmLKVXrcHbtDbY0IWsEhRzU84CMIwsYLVIlZV8VWJEhAImCstH5dcyi9-CbzoxSBKRx2fjj_ZmPgg/s1600/IMG_5135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvM0VKcB5AjHMCiyEgR9eA1pS45MFroIL6TKV5eNc-3NSGhWXyplNbE4vAuZYZqsopmLKVXrcHbtDbY0IWsEhRzU84CMIwsYLVIlZV8VWJEhAImCstH5dcyi9-CbzoxSBKRx2fjj_ZmPgg/s400/IMG_5135.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Happy
hour was indeed happy last night!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-87338327749356582002013-06-16T11:32:00.002-05:002013-06-26T08:57:34.132-05:00June 16, 2013 "Murphy Returns - Georgetown, KY"<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Georgetown,%20KY"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/KY/Georgetown.gif" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Mere
minutes had passed since our last post on June 2, when at the door a knock was
heard. Not a strange one, but one we knew all too well; Murphy was back! Why he
has to show up and rain on our parade when we have plans is frustrating, to say
the least. CC was in the process of preparing a gourmet meal of frozen pizza,
when the lights went out….BAM! I’m thinking either power outage of blown main
circuit breaker. The neighbors had power and our breaker was not tripped.
Hmmmm……………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We also
had no DC power, and the voltmeter indicated 10.5V, which had shut down the
inverter due to low voltage. Hmmmm……….A check of all circuit breakers on the
rig showed no signs of tripping. Hmmmm……….All I’m trying to do now is to
quickly find the problem, get it solved, so CC can continue baking our dinner,
as it is now approaching 7 pm. Ah…..start the generator and that will power the
oven…..NOT! Double Hmmmm……….No power, AC or DC anyplace in the rig. AH!!! Start
the engine and let the alternator quickly charge the batteries, but there was
barely enough juice left in the chassis battery to turn over the diesel.
Finally it started, but running the inverter to power the oven wasn’t going to
happen. I’m getting hungry, and I tend to not think very straight when my blood
sugar drops. GET THE PIZZA COOKED!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">So, I
grab an extension cord from the basement; plug it into the 110V 20A outlet on
the shore power pole and the other end directly into the oven cord, thus by
passing the outlet. HALLEUIJAH!!!! Now we look like the Beverly Hillbillies
with an extension cord running out the front door. At this point who cares? CC
finally is able to finish baking the pizza, which by this time doesn’t look
very good, but at this point I am hungry enough to eat a shoe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Now that
my blood sugar levels have returned to normal, I can think more logically. But
what the hell is going on; I am definitely perplexed. It is now close to 8:30
pm on Sunday night, so calling ANYONE, anywhere in customer service is not an
option. I am quickly running out of options. AHH!........Get on the internet
you idiot! Right, I’m on it. Now close to 10:30 pm, and I’m no where closer to
finding the problem than I was when Murphy first reared his ugly red head; he
has really outdone himself this time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Luckily
for us the weather is cool enough that we don’t need the air conditioners to
sleep, and my thinking, at this point, is maybe if I sleep on it, a solution to
the problem will present itself. Hell, I’d be grateful to just isolate the
problem, and then work on a solution to resolve it. CC reminded me of one of my
favorite sayings, “Problems don’t exist, but situations that need to be
corrected do.” OK Houston, we have a situation.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The
following morning, I was up early, again searching the internet for
troubleshooting the situation. I sent an e-mail to the engineers at Winnebago,
and upon sending it immediately got a reply e-mail notifying me that they would
respond within 48 hours. Well isn’t that just great. So I try calling them, and
get some rookie in customer service that spends the first 20 minutes telling me
to check what I have already checked, as she is obviously just reading off a
checklist. I once again tried to explain my problem, but she was more
interested in completing her checklist. OK, we’ll do it her way. By now 45
minutes into our call, we have completed her checklist, she informs me she will
pass along my information to their engineering department, as she hasn’t a clue
what might be causing me to have a “situation”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">One
thing I’m sure of, the four 12V coach batteries are drained. They are the
originals, and they are four years old, so I make the decision to replace them.
I called a local NAPA and ordered replacement Group 31 AGM’s with a capacity of
200 amp hours each, as the originals were wet cells with 150ah. The local NAPA
didn’t have them in stock, so they will have them shipped down from their
Indianapolis warehouse. So far Murphy’s visit has cost me ten Benjamins, and I
still haven’t isolated the “situation”.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JAw-fQA9OThKcqH0x2OyK8g9E1Ogu3-4Q_TPmroMMbX2w9c2vpXV-o3u3A7G38jB-zNc09PTuQZwY1BCcc78zYmo57x4cWjnxIa8tXV2WJ_SalelzRgrlQvZoG-W8ZHVvinPGA7FUKKd/s1600/IMG_5070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JAw-fQA9OThKcqH0x2OyK8g9E1Ogu3-4Q_TPmroMMbX2w9c2vpXV-o3u3A7G38jB-zNc09PTuQZwY1BCcc78zYmo57x4cWjnxIa8tXV2WJ_SalelzRgrlQvZoG-W8ZHVvinPGA7FUKKd/s400/IMG_5070.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">OK, the
microwave oven worked when plugged into an extension cord, would that possibly
“fix” the refrigerator as well? Only one way to find out. VOILA!!! Houston we
may have come one step closer to a solution.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">What we
have so far, no AC power coming to the AC outlets in the rig from our 50 amp
shore power cord. The only way the microwave/oven will operate is though the
inverter, thus draining our coach batteries, AND the charger on the inverter is
not charging the batteries. When the Winnebago engineers designed this rig,
they put a 120VAC sub-panel in the breaker box, and there are three breakers;
(1) Receptacles, (2) Microwave, (3) Refrigerator. Hold on Houston, we’re
getting close!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Next
verify from the Dimensions Inverter Manual what might be happening. By cracky,
I think we may have isolated the “situation”. I send an e-mail to Dimensions,
outlining my predicament, and within two hours they reaffirm my evaluation; the
external AC relay/switch on the inverter has malfunctioned. Their only
solution, return the inverter to them in St. Paul, and they will repair and
return it within two weeks. Gee, thanks Murphy, another six Benjamins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Oh, what
about that return call or e-mail from the Winnebago engineers you asked? E-mail
actually, and I did get one, with a .pdf attachment. Of what you asked? The
wiring diagram of our rig. And yes, I did have a few expletives to describe
what I thought of them. Other owners of Class A’s tell me Winnebago is one of
the best. I must admit, they are; at passing the buck!!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">So, here
in Georgetown, KY, just north of Lexington we live, at Whispering Hills RV
Park; waiting for our inverter to be returned, hopefully by week’s end, but
most likely the next. While we wait, CC and I will once again, be on our quest
to conquer “The Bourbon Trail”. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Until next time, take care and stay well.......................</span></div>
Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-44584917818151125282013-06-02T14:05:00.000-05:002013-06-02T14:06:17.312-05:00June 2, 2013 – “Nashville, TN to Louisville, KY”<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Louisville,%20KY"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/KY/Louisville.gif" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Our time
in Nashville passed much too quickly, and to be honest, CC and I were unsure of
exactly where we wanted to go. I have never been a car fanatic, probably
because I could or would never spend that kind of money on transportation, but
since we are here, the <a href="http://www.corvettemuseum.org/">National Corvette Museum</a> was calling my name, about 50 –
60 miles north of Nashville in Bowling Green, KY, right off I-65, adjacent to
The GM Factory where all Corvettes are born</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 20px;">(As always click on any image to enlarge, or click on underlined to expand the topic.)</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCZGA3my-r6Y4tPNaZoSdrEOOzcSFo86uBdl7eRbHMdxV_HJV3Wwb5EGTo46s8sDJQgdzIyXvmWU_JyX1qL5G-Qjn70rSIBB36ZRbPxqyP6NQFbIrMhriPAfBfeEWEzye-lmC3P4rDaps/s1600/IMG_4975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCZGA3my-r6Y4tPNaZoSdrEOOzcSFo86uBdl7eRbHMdxV_HJV3Wwb5EGTo46s8sDJQgdzIyXvmWU_JyX1qL5G-Qjn70rSIBB36ZRbPxqyP6NQFbIrMhriPAfBfeEWEzye-lmC3P4rDaps/s400/IMG_4975.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Upon
entering the facility we were both impressed; they spent a fortune on this
place. We bought our tickets ($8 each for seniors over 60), and also inquired
about taking the GM tour of the Corvette Factory, and were told the tour is not
running due to GM changing manufacturing equipment necessary for the Gen 7
Corvette. Production is scheduled for sometime in July, and the first ones off
the line will be built for employees. This is when, if there is a problem, GM
can correct it before the Corvettes go into full production, at which time the
factory tours will, once again, be open to the public. Oh well, just my luck.
It seems I’m always a day late or a dollar short. OK, on to the museum, a brief
history of the Corvette. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Generation
1 – 1953 to 1962 and Generation 2 – 1963 to 1967<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58tlsiuztZezhtF8ApkjleYHApfP9jnfIWobOTL06Vfa1diESjWDwXd-5qkum9gcHFidXVG8D7bDC6vCm0DD5tbO0UUex0diuGyTdAyQfmJdTralwmp50sWgc75w6uBwy7xLQ9RQak7mU/s1600/IMG_4980A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58tlsiuztZezhtF8ApkjleYHApfP9jnfIWobOTL06Vfa1diESjWDwXd-5qkum9gcHFidXVG8D7bDC6vCm0DD5tbO0UUex0diuGyTdAyQfmJdTralwmp50sWgc75w6uBwy7xLQ9RQak7mU/s400/IMG_4980A.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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1953 is one of the museums most valuable, serial #60 and in mint condition,
said to be worth 7 figures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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3 – 1968 to 1982 and Generation 4 – 1984 - 1996<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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5 – 1992 to 2004 and Generation 6 – 2005 to 2013<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrNBYAC1r_mISEofAP18pgNPWxiO2WiznFo5Ecu4y3GrfmT0IkRm7l5gRRHwAxppjUWDjQxAPS59OzrrDiuqgkjz-EAS2vPdRQd1rp1YvwH81aeGIEfLYvt1WFhXKU22NOyL0SIKE9OUG/s1600/IMG_4983A.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrNBYAC1r_mISEofAP18pgNPWxiO2WiznFo5Ecu4y3GrfmT0IkRm7l5gRRHwAxppjUWDjQxAPS59OzrrDiuqgkjz-EAS2vPdRQd1rp1YvwH81aeGIEfLYvt1WFhXKU22NOyL0SIKE9OUG/s400/IMG_4983A.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Side by
side; 2003 versus 2013. Which Vette gets your juices flowing?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMWPbEAX7UtyfI_6RrxHV2xVW5Gt2zEzlhmhX42T0s9E1xwsnU4oQN76dGwNrbCPtplAsxlfMSX3DgrWeOy1Ysk_ApC9glGbRZF_FHctg-zd10MUOQZTlNepPcTvTWCku-3u3eZTs09vs/s1600/IMG_4992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMWPbEAX7UtyfI_6RrxHV2xVW5Gt2zEzlhmhX42T0s9E1xwsnU4oQN76dGwNrbCPtplAsxlfMSX3DgrWeOy1Ysk_ApC9glGbRZF_FHctg-zd10MUOQZTlNepPcTvTWCku-3u3eZTs09vs/s400/IMG_4992.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58aE980xKymX9iRLJAYPUiq4uqyHgJuotyLcyp9f7_MV-W6b4ESM3Kk-jnQ9GcQo4sXmibrf87-F0iEcsfkxYDLUTcnqFPAFOwwmWBXZYbqJ4ZHHHpQrQYEq534NdNQTWXVUkCjG6m6Mm/s1600/IMG_4993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58aE980xKymX9iRLJAYPUiq4uqyHgJuotyLcyp9f7_MV-W6b4ESM3Kk-jnQ9GcQo4sXmibrf87-F0iEcsfkxYDLUTcnqFPAFOwwmWBXZYbqJ4ZHHHpQrQYEq534NdNQTWXVUkCjG6m6Mm/s400/IMG_4993.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><a href="http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupes/1301_2014_chevrolet_corvette_stingray_first_look/viewall.html">Generation7 Corvette – 2014</a> to</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">???? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3ct6QwOM8cl_EqsRam2SOMGkfXpj9WBqeOvMLMH6yavS8agZcC6H-KM3rlobcFbdanM1bLJDFZ9lYTwiBwp0aJ5dqsP2yt1b8hnZALfaFCeved9NydhqqbbIAFuuf0RJ-g7qjlzSKNyg/s1600/IMG_4985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP3ct6QwOM8cl_EqsRam2SOMGkfXpj9WBqeOvMLMH6yavS8agZcC6H-KM3rlobcFbdanM1bLJDFZ9lYTwiBwp0aJ5dqsP2yt1b8hnZALfaFCeved9NydhqqbbIAFuuf0RJ-g7qjlzSKNyg/s400/IMG_4985.JPG" width="305" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjfjdvEucL6p-Cmth0UqeBZC2LGFqr0uoJsupDfrOOml1wwZP_H4KXeo_gifS9DUX5CpSuBTEzOezu2hRo8RaKotVFheULlBCJdGqWD-LG_XAEwvfRXwJOOZMkMaxNI45Q6H2u0aEbBYw/s1600/2014-corvette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjfjdvEucL6p-Cmth0UqeBZC2LGFqr0uoJsupDfrOOml1wwZP_H4KXeo_gifS9DUX5CpSuBTEzOezu2hRo8RaKotVFheULlBCJdGqWD-LG_XAEwvfRXwJOOZMkMaxNI45Q6H2u0aEbBYw/s400/2014-corvette.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">If you
are ever in the area, I would highly recommend this museum. We spent about two
hours, and only left because we were hungry for lunch. They do have an on site
café, but we thought we would try someplace “local” in the Bowling Green area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">After lunch,
we traveled 25 miles north to our home for the next week, <a href="http://www.singinghillsrvpark.com/index.htm">Singing Hills RV Park</a>
just outside of Cave City, KY. Upon arrival CC and I were pensive due to mixed
reviews, but after we settled in, and realized we were far enough away from I-65
to not be bothered by the noise, and would have to rate it a high 7 or a low 8.
The next morning it became VERY apparent just how they came up with the name.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaia9pBrjfq_QDwPuzAFTiC1ZKkS7It0ktbhj0rek9pqBo6sjYMQJqAoOWkyXdeUqx_aKDLKI6dhhpJWGWCMCmL43-z9Iz3wyfDeMhHAfQBNspNvMxTwincq0NVInAR5dbcsGXFD6and1/s1600/IMG_5013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiaia9pBrjfq_QDwPuzAFTiC1ZKkS7It0ktbhj0rek9pqBo6sjYMQJqAoOWkyXdeUqx_aKDLKI6dhhpJWGWCMCmL43-z9Iz3wyfDeMhHAfQBNspNvMxTwincq0NVInAR5dbcsGXFD6and1/s400/IMG_5013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">CC has
been wanting a “lap-puppy” since we embarked on this odyssey 3 years ago, and I
being the frugal one, have nixed her desires. But today, during happy hour,
something occurred that must have been heaven sent; CC’s “lap-kitty” arrived
out of nowhere. She says it not the same, but I say, “You can never have too
much kitty!!!”. She has yet to name it and claims one kitty in this house is
enough. Time will tell………………..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTCQoJQNxnW47Zc39JpDmFEAr1FrKES54D4VVWLaB8kmixVEgocBlym0nMbT6uYlTT4kD6ICG8GkA66BXPhadb9b80HSn2Yif8sy5ADWnkdBetdk861g-qkQHqAlk3ZCKVdgqibrzFMdU/s1600/IMG_4999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTCQoJQNxnW47Zc39JpDmFEAr1FrKES54D4VVWLaB8kmixVEgocBlym0nMbT6uYlTT4kD6ICG8GkA66BXPhadb9b80HSn2Yif8sy5ADWnkdBetdk861g-qkQHqAlk3ZCKVdgqibrzFMdU/s400/IMG_4999.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Next
time, we will be on a mission to conquer “The Bourbon Trail” in central
Kentucky. While we’re here in Louisville, we’ll visit three distilleries; Jim
Beam, Maker’s Mark and Heaven Hill. Then
we will move the home to Lexington, and visit the other four. Until next time,
take care, stay well, and thanks for dropping in……………………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-92173042103736837632013-05-20T13:11:00.000-05:002013-05-20T14:38:21.793-05:00May 19, 2013 – “Vicksburg, MS to Nashville, TN”<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Nashville,%20TN"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/TN/Nashville.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Before
we left Vicksburg, we made a quick stop at the Vicksburg Battlefield and
Museum. Lucky for us, as this was the last free day to see this National Park
and coincided with the last day our NP pass was valid as we purchased it last
April. At $80, we have gotten our money’s worth out of it. We decided to
purchase the audio CD that explains the stops along the roadway. As we toured
the battlefield via automobile, it became apparent to me just how close the
Union line was from the Confederate line; only 50 to 100 yards apart for almost
6 miles around the eastern side of Vicksburg. (Click on any image to enlarge or
any underlined topic to learn more)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The
Civil War was the deadliest war in US history, partly because all that fought
were Americans, but also it was mostly fought hand-to-hand, and puncture wounds
from a bayonet were most always lethal. The Confederates were flanked by the
Union to the east, and the Mississippi River on the west, bring into play the
Union Navy sailing up the river. Once the blockade of the river was breached by
Cairo, the first Union “Ironsides” to be used in that battle, the Confederates
were surrounded. It wasn’t long, however, that Confederate spies planted mines (at
that time called torpedos) in the Yazoo River and sank the Cairo on December
12, 1862. The Union went on to form a blockade around the city, eliminating
provisions from reaching the Rebels, and on July 4, 1863 the starving troops
surrendered to the Union. The Cairo laid on the Yazoo river bottom for 102
years, before being raised and partially rebuilt here at the museum.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">“Houston,
we have a problem”, words I recall from Apollo 7, but apropos the following
morning, as we tried to leave Askew’s Crossing RV Park, the ground was just
soft enough from the recent rains, that as I tried to depart, could not. Rather
than bury the rig and/or tear up their grass, I went to the office for advice;
a few minutes later, voila………………(Great people and a great RV Park)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Finally
on the road to Benchmark RV Park in Meridian, MS, it rained on us most of the
way. We stopped at a rest stop for lunch, and along side of us was a semi with
a big “Cooper Standard #29” painted on it. CC said, “I wonder who that is?”
Well we are in the heart of NASCAR, and after a brief Goggle search determined
it was <a href="http://bradracing.com/cars/29">Brad Keselowski</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The following day the rain
continued, so while CC got caught up on laundry, I worked on closing the books
for April. I am thrilled to see that we are still under budget for the year by
$5,200, but realize as we travel northward, our expenses increase, just as they
have in years past. It’s a fact that wages and the cost of living are more in
the north, and I often wonder if people are interested more in their standard
of living OR their quality of life? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Friday we traveled to Hoover
RV Park just outside Birmingham to visit with ex-neighbors Patrick and
Jennifer. They have, since their move in 2006, added son Carson, and daughter
Taylor. Beautiful kids, but who would have expected anything less from their
parent’s genetic combination.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">We had a
great visit, and took the kids to the zoo. Carson is at that age (5), that all
he wants to do is GO; waiting is not in his vocabulary as he would run from one
exhibit to the next, and got particularly excited about feeding the Lorikeets.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Taylor,
on the other hand, seems to be content just being in the moment. She can
entertain herself with her stamps and stamp pad, which is usually out of ink
(according to her), or by just chillin’ at the zoo; but all the while keeping
one eye on big brother, and announces verbosely of his indiscretions. Patrick,
I think you are going to need to follow </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBXBTMU1JRs" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Rodney Atkins</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;"> advice when she
becomes a teen. (Click on the underlined for the rest of the story and grit your teeth through the opening ad))</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Our visit in
Birmingham was much too short and we enjoyed every minute. CC and I chuckle to
ourselves, knowing the Patrick and Jennifer of Denver, and this parental
version we now know. The conversations we had with them about having children
seemed so foreign to them then, but I’ll be the first to admit it; they are
good parents and love their children unconditionally. My only question is, when
is #3 planned? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">All good
things must come to an end, and so it is we travel northwest to Tupelo, MS
where we will once again get on the Natchez Trace for our trip to Nashville. We
arrived unscathed at the Campground at Barnes Crossing for our two day stay.
Nice park and super friendly people, and less than a mile from the Trace, so if
you’re ever in the area, we highly recommend it.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The most
significant landmark of Tupelo's modern history is the <a href="http://www.elvispresleybirthplace.com/">Birthplace of Elvis</a>,
a modest, two-room house where the King of Rock & Roll was born on January
8, 1935. From this humble beginning, Elvis Presley began his swift rise to
become the world's most popular entertainer. The house, built by his father
with $180, draws over 50,000 visitors each year from across the world.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 120%;">The trip up the Trace was peaceful,
very little traffic and with the 50 mph speed limit, gave us time to look
around and smell the roses. Most of the time we only drove 40 – 45, as there
were more cyclist than vehicles, and being a twisty two-lane highway through
the hills, we wanted to be careful and not force any on the riders into the
ditch. We stopped for lunch at this peaceful creek side location.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 120%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 120%;">Many traveling the Trace in the 1800’s
succumbed to disease, snakebite, or Indian attack and in some instances entire
families fell fatally victim during the hazardous 444 mile journey.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib08AdGsK-v2cNtCyAn3eaWgnNecheTd4ifm4WFQhFM0HYILbzrZRcNAqmSkrTb35CYaL8IMUT1vM7oVsexKFBFdczn-50CIHvCr_Wy0M7kpAbBL6_3o5vNendVwdz-lSlaVPBtDP7pBF4/s1600/IMG_4857A.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib08AdGsK-v2cNtCyAn3eaWgnNecheTd4ifm4WFQhFM0HYILbzrZRcNAqmSkrTb35CYaL8IMUT1vM7oVsexKFBFdczn-50CIHvCr_Wy0M7kpAbBL6_3o5vNendVwdz-lSlaVPBtDP7pBF4/s400/IMG_4857A.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 120%;">This headstone caught my eye, and it
seems she outlived her death by 11 months.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1KpJAcaWnJH7zj_SXllymmAr_yyOSNudQoOrSgT4983t3J23BujjkcW-TWae6pcu-5O8LjBstM_NNs1ujOcHjGX0haAuG48Wu_xPagENbFHqhh6lqa6J2Ke0PoFobKJ4NAszxp85vnCa/s1600/IMG_4857B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1KpJAcaWnJH7zj_SXllymmAr_yyOSNudQoOrSgT4983t3J23BujjkcW-TWae6pcu-5O8LjBstM_NNs1ujOcHjGX0haAuG48Wu_xPagENbFHqhh6lqa6J2Ke0PoFobKJ4NAszxp85vnCa/s320/IMG_4857B.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 120%;">We arrived at <a href="http://www.tworiverscampground.com/">Two Rivers Campground</a> in
Nashville, and escorted to site 205. After we set up, we realized there was a
tree blocking the satellite dish, so CC went back to the office and asked if we
could move a few sites down to 207, where we were pretty sure we would get
reception, to which they agreed and we did. Perfecto!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 120%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 120%;">Our primary reason for being here is to
visit my cousin, Wendell, who has been in ill health since birth with an
undistinguishable mystery hernia, to which he reverts to on a “as needed
basis”. Now that he is a grandfather, my major concern is for the baby, and the
genetic links she may have inherited. We invited to whole family to share a
special dinner with us at the infamous nearby eatery, Chez Dos Rios. Afterwards,
the court appointed parole officer removed my cousin’s shackles so we could get
a family picture.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8ZIkpDdG92m2Wq9VkzkgCo4lumcszhl7B_15QhH04AO1RGL2IHM__oDdlp8Y0alkHSJBLRohOjFokrVpw-90cpQ3djquj5XrxHi-COLMQolPpm1rDRV6O6prF7LIuaytYHI1nzKt6vEB/s1600/Wendell+and+Family+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8ZIkpDdG92m2Wq9VkzkgCo4lumcszhl7B_15QhH04AO1RGL2IHM__oDdlp8Y0alkHSJBLRohOjFokrVpw-90cpQ3djquj5XrxHi-COLMQolPpm1rDRV6O6prF7LIuaytYHI1nzKt6vEB/s400/Wendell+and+Family+-+Copy.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">T</span><span style="line-height: 120%;">he following morning we journeyed
downtown to the Visitor’s Center, to purchase a Total Access Pass which allows
us to choose 4 out 15 or 20 different attractions in and around Nashville for
only $50, which is almost a 50% savings off of the original tour price. We had
heard from others that The Hermitage was a must see; so it was after dining at
Gabby’s Burgers near downtown. I’ll give the burger a 7 and the fries a 2; not
exactly star billing that TripAdvisor and Urban Spoon had it to be. Now, on to
The Hermitage east of Nashville.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hermitage_(Nashville,_Tennessee)">Hermitage</a> Manor Home is
the home of Andrew Jackson, our seventh President, and was built between 1819
and 1821 on the 420 acre plantation. (They only allow pictures outside the home,
but the inside is very opulent; especially by 1820 standards.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMnWNg8EgumcQ_HOoumRK82MlOkmzGKjZ0augEAqtHQyzJiz4HCIu7UMrisIUaApDVG_fWcYLXIUxlSS-QvMT0Q93sf_4jUH_H9h_ChyphenhyphenqqPljpAgWL2NCX3xLgvFnEEdI4bjA_d0sENeR/s1600/IMG_4870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMnWNg8EgumcQ_HOoumRK82MlOkmzGKjZ0augEAqtHQyzJiz4HCIu7UMrisIUaApDVG_fWcYLXIUxlSS-QvMT0Q93sf_4jUH_H9h_ChyphenhyphenqqPljpAgWL2NCX3xLgvFnEEdI4bjA_d0sENeR/s400/IMG_4870.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The tour starts in the
visitor’s center with a short movie about the life of General Jackson. The day
we visited, so did a school group of about 100 fourth / fifth graders. I don’t
remember being that disrespectful at that age, but guess that is why they are
often referred to as “The Me Generation”.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZ39ZPbyC2jcntzDKb8zcWfszvaYuLksKmsfwJGIrYATBZ6qmCuvg-CBxvbGwdgSlJpWjRk0UePZi67cTiHaAi1ITXf1GFJ9Np_9nOc7p3ARaZ9QmN1FNKugmlgF5BWe-dy0jjqkb1LzT/s1600/IMG_4863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfZ39ZPbyC2jcntzDKb8zcWfszvaYuLksKmsfwJGIrYATBZ6qmCuvg-CBxvbGwdgSlJpWjRk0UePZi67cTiHaAi1ITXf1GFJ9Np_9nOc7p3ARaZ9QmN1FNKugmlgF5BWe-dy0jjqkb1LzT/s400/IMG_4863.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">This was General Jackson’s
home at The Hermitage from 1804 to 1821. As you can see, there is a huge
difference in the two homes.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUehesW3ogJxByOFPPL4JJPmvrWtjvvujNvK9G5SYf1msTV9bvQiUnDPoCxN1n13eUZUxwNjAkdMO0SPlauavlzbVdAC-pmF3I3tptcqHLnm2jczqUCVN48crXzIyzIi7tyJBlRM8dCSrX/s1600/IMG_4876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUehesW3ogJxByOFPPL4JJPmvrWtjvvujNvK9G5SYf1msTV9bvQiUnDPoCxN1n13eUZUxwNjAkdMO0SPlauavlzbVdAC-pmF3I3tptcqHLnm2jczqUCVN48crXzIyzIi7tyJBlRM8dCSrX/s400/IMG_4876.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The tomb of Andrew and wife
Rachael Jackson is located in the Hermitage garden.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The following day took us to
</span><a href="http://www.fontanelmansion.com/index.php" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Fontanel</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">; a 27,000 square foot log home built by Barbara Mandrell and her
husband, Ken, in 1987 – 1988, and lived there with their 3 children until they
sold it in 2002. The family loved to entertain guests but sleep-overs were not
encouraged as they only had two guest bedrooms in this sprawling mansion.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnHUBaqvCfrpeXfpUHjUYr2ylBWGHrPrkAPwyY-lZJkMdJQoy1Lys25YQ8-uUbxF5_3t7fn7vGiky01poRQ9zNdQvmmAmZTkonHbBEfXzQ-aq2X4NYmO2jcXe9gLh7cxGpuPWrUtZBDeY/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUnHUBaqvCfrpeXfpUHjUYr2ylBWGHrPrkAPwyY-lZJkMdJQoy1Lys25YQ8-uUbxF5_3t7fn7vGiky01poRQ9zNdQvmmAmZTkonHbBEfXzQ-aq2X4NYmO2jcXe9gLh7cxGpuPWrUtZBDeY/s400/IMG_0002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Barbara Ann
Mandrell <span id="goog_1701855028"></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">(born December 25, 1948) is an American country music singer. She is
best-known for a 1970s–1980s series of Top 10 hits and TV shows (1980-82) that
helped her become one of country music's most successful female vocalists of
the 1970s and 1980s.</span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/QsoHXJL-47g?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">For whatever reason, the YouTube on Blogger was unable (or I'm too dense) to find the video showing the construction of this behemoth. So click on the following to watch it. I think you'll find it fascinating.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">YouTube video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=PKLFm0u-bcU">Building the Fontanel</a></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The following day we made
the 12 mile trip downtown Nashville, and visited the Country Music Hall of Fame
and Museum. The building itself is very spacious and contemporary, not what you
would expect. After visiting the Patsy Cline exhibit, it was slightly mundane.
All the displays are behind glass, and for each artist inducted, usually
consist of an article of clothing, shoes or boots, musical instrument(s), hat,
and a few other various mementos. Each artist represented the same way, over
and over and over. I was so un-impressed; I didn’t even take a picture, which
they actually allow, albeit without flash. The overall lighting was dim, so it
was a moot point anyway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Next up on our list to visit
is </span><a href="http://bellemeadeplantation.com/" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Belle Meade</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;"> Plantation, no doubt a distant relative, and has been on my
“Must See List” for many, many years. CC and I have visited many plantations on
our travels this year, one that she has aptly named “Our Family and Friends
Tour 2013”, so this falls in that category and goes without saying, is special.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Well, that sums up what and who we’ve been doing. From Nashville, we’ve
decided northward toward Louisville, KY to The Bourbon Trail, National Corvette
Museum, and possibly Mammoth Cave. We’ve seen Carlsbad Caverns and so I’m
guarded about this cave as I fear a replay of the Country Music Museum; but
only time will tell. Thanks for taking the time to drop in, as this posting has
been most likely the longest ever. Until next time, take care and stay
well………..</span></div>
Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-38236073168381140662013-04-29T08:56:00.000-05:002013-04-29T14:13:30.485-05:00April 29, 2013 – “Vidalia, LA to Vicksburg, MS”<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Vicksburg,%20MS"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/MS/Vicksburg.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The
short trip from Alexandria was uneventful, and we arrived at <a href="http://www.riverviewrvpark.com/">Riverview RV Park</a>
on the banks of the Mississippi River in Vidalia, LA about 1:30 pm.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"> The park is on the river side of the levee, and two years ago was
under about 4 foot of water. With all the rain between St. Louis and Chicago,
it is only a matter of time before the water levels raise here. From our rig,
we had an excellent view of the “Mighty Mississippi” and watched the Riverboat
Pilots push barges in both directions day and night. (As usual, click on any
image to enlarge or any underlined to expand the topic.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The
following morning, due to rain being predicted for Wednesday, we decided to
travel back westward about 10 miles to the <a href="http://www.louisianatravel.com/frogmore-plantation">Frogmore Plantation</a>. For us, this
was a different look at plantation life, and I think more accurately depicts
what actual life in the mid 1800’s was really like</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCE-flWWp6aMonbAgweaM1LCFm43Loz7hVsZNZDh5tF380KgR7W8VPycWarUBYSY7XWc9TwkB5kbZQVeNpqz_5WgVhrAueVEG8g7XSDfz0G64AUz7HabCotplK2kug4hblP1k9zMSczCJ/s1600/IMG_4636B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCE-flWWp6aMonbAgweaM1LCFm43Loz7hVsZNZDh5tF380KgR7W8VPycWarUBYSY7XWc9TwkB5kbZQVeNpqz_5WgVhrAueVEG8g7XSDfz0G64AUz7HabCotplK2kug4hblP1k9zMSczCJ/s400/IMG_4636B.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">This was
indeed a tough life, and nothing was wasted, at to which this sign can attest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 120%;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Slaves
worked from “see to can’t”, and had to live on very modest rations handed out
weekly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpJun2Of0lIaW4kWGEMlglKx8k-jPPfA4VbRfFBv5bEOMoRL0QBa7zl-iEJxxWHogEoNaRTsWd7RgDUxIqCnbNb6UEYVdfTtcaKIkRxp8CKyFHRxEYPaJ89MxOwHSeBhT5goRKZfD6trm/s1600/IMG_4642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpJun2Of0lIaW4kWGEMlglKx8k-jPPfA4VbRfFBv5bEOMoRL0QBa7zl-iEJxxWHogEoNaRTsWd7RgDUxIqCnbNb6UEYVdfTtcaKIkRxp8CKyFHRxEYPaJ89MxOwHSeBhT5goRKZfD6trm/s400/IMG_4642.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">As many
as 8 – 10 slaves would be housed in this simple two room structure, raised off
of the ground to increase the air flow and stay cooler during the hot, humid
summers. It also served them well as springtime rains would often cause
flooding of this cotton plantation located in the Mississippi Delta.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3YjgOsC3l-zYj453OM-tBK9BBHss3YpKLsq75y8qqgpNYgVho3i9X8zXxF57TfYd6FYFG6uRe_hTrm-5tcfugvEDjTYgjCWLXdjKBvFvygzhVgynONWWI25vleo4NPX-EhRwrKxYeRzI/s1600/IMG_4649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib3YjgOsC3l-zYj453OM-tBK9BBHss3YpKLsq75y8qqgpNYgVho3i9X8zXxF57TfYd6FYFG6uRe_hTrm-5tcfugvEDjTYgjCWLXdjKBvFvygzhVgynONWWI25vleo4NPX-EhRwrKxYeRzI/s400/IMG_4649.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOAi4qEG564nnxow2MuRob01ncpnJVYxdBbPUYGiznlxKb1jUiYKMDqDqsrrdhQJEIk-_5RHZWUqlS0eJ-kkjxx3517m9GTZEPab3J0xFoEsoNfnL-_NjeJKeZ3dzbbGWxCYua9U3UsLt/s1600/IMG_4650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaOAi4qEG564nnxow2MuRob01ncpnJVYxdBbPUYGiznlxKb1jUiYKMDqDqsrrdhQJEIk-_5RHZWUqlS0eJ-kkjxx3517m9GTZEPab3J0xFoEsoNfnL-_NjeJKeZ3dzbbGWxCYua9U3UsLt/s400/IMG_4650.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Pictured
below, the kitchen in the foreground, consisting of an oven and stew pot, with
two hole restroom and cotton in the background.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHgLj81rUF9RV2M0LIWkHutrZ82LpWSF6vZOqbD3dNJQwzs__z1KuPA0IgU6b75hB4WBd0nPya_4fUmYkL2RjAPNNP30A8OhAxpTvF6r-RIuyiH5G-JGHTHPAI3joeZ-OWpyOfufRCNrU/s1600/IMG_4653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFHgLj81rUF9RV2M0LIWkHutrZ82LpWSF6vZOqbD3dNJQwzs__z1KuPA0IgU6b75hB4WBd0nPya_4fUmYkL2RjAPNNP30A8OhAxpTvF6r-RIuyiH5G-JGHTHPAI3joeZ-OWpyOfufRCNrU/s400/IMG_4653.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Most
of the barns were destroyed by Union soldiers during the Civil War, but this
one is the original dating back to the early 1800’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4kE3LBkCOTkyRM9kr7WCbPTszPclZvS1E2dRuc6phQJGeldG3PJcAw3LU8dQClwEJM1kE0-eg5ddM3MHxs8uJOSF4h9m_BqymgkQlPk1pcYHOVk46EqJ0nxj92xPJgeBXjZToiryyASr/s1600/IMG_4656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN4kE3LBkCOTkyRM9kr7WCbPTszPclZvS1E2dRuc6phQJGeldG3PJcAw3LU8dQClwEJM1kE0-eg5ddM3MHxs8uJOSF4h9m_BqymgkQlPk1pcYHOVk46EqJ0nxj92xPJgeBXjZToiryyASr/s400/IMG_4656.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Ginning
cotton prior to the invention of the gin was a laborious task. Only one pound
of cotton per day could be de-seeded by a single slave. This was the first
steam powered cotton gin in the South, and was delivered in its first year of
production after the patent was granted to Munger in 1884.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMpXTvZPDO2CyJm56VAfT42Gxy7LzH8AU3hDXzdP723eubk52hzHopsEsrCJL-ZUgLmzztK2qYKEqCvp7lU6M1A7dhDp08DGdIbELZpcSqFurS1oXUNpBpRGN312CqrFM9jDUlHey4tE3/s1600/IMG_4660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWMpXTvZPDO2CyJm56VAfT42Gxy7LzH8AU3hDXzdP723eubk52hzHopsEsrCJL-ZUgLmzztK2qYKEqCvp7lU6M1A7dhDp08DGdIbELZpcSqFurS1oXUNpBpRGN312CqrFM9jDUlHey4tE3/s400/IMG_4660.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Rain
was predicted for Wednesday, which it did, but subsided by around noon, so CC
and I set out to see one of the many Antebellum Homes across the river on the
higher grounds of Natchez, MS. Which one to visit was quickly decided when we
discovered most charged $12 per person for a tour. However the<a href="http://www.city-data.com/articles/Melrose-Natchez-Mississippi-Historic.html"> Melrose </a>is
operated by the National Park Service, and since we purchased a yearly pass, it
was a no brainer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPp90vFtlTG4lIV96AeRcPoQ5g3BTmcrVwUwlqe2hW5aDMtR0WxldxjoWdsC6A0lHApO9s0WLoDdambXVFahA6Rjimvp7rnSETSZ8OyCsQF8hUZ7EgjGHuMnFLxOXqSfRExKwdZhyphenhyphenecEi/s1600/IMG_4663B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPp90vFtlTG4lIV96AeRcPoQ5g3BTmcrVwUwlqe2hW5aDMtR0WxldxjoWdsC6A0lHApO9s0WLoDdambXVFahA6Rjimvp7rnSETSZ8OyCsQF8hUZ7EgjGHuMnFLxOXqSfRExKwdZhyphenhyphenecEi/s400/IMG_4663B.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Lavish
is just one way to describe Melrose. The National Park Service allows pictures
but NO FLASH. I think they purposely keep the house dark with only minimal
lighting, to prevent pictures from being taken. Of the few that were decent,
this one of the dining room illustrates their way of living in the 1850’s. The
most fascinating fact about Melrose is ALL the furniture is original, not
reproductions or period pieces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The
parlor, or living room was equally opulent, with 24 karat gold leaf window
cornices.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The
children’s bedroom was nothing like I had growing up. How about you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">This
estate had 25 slaves that lived at Melrose, and their accommodations were
dramatically different than those of Frogmore Plantation, and actually had
plaster walls, solid floors, glass windows and operational doors. Life as a
slave at Melrose was much different than at Frogmore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">We
discovered Natchez to be one of those “Diamonds in the Rough”, that we are
constantly searching. One could easily spend a week or two here as there is so much
to see. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/793390@N22/pool/">Click here</a> to see more images of this historic town. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Thursday
we visited the world renowned <a href="http://www.preserveamerica.gov/PAcommunity-ferridayLA.html">Delta Music Museum</a> located in the bustling
metropolis of Ferriday, LA. Their “claim to fame” is being the birthplace of
cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Mickey Gilley and Jimmy Swaggart; as well as notable broadcaster
and journalist Howard K. Smith and finally, Ann Boyar Warner, wife of Hollywood movie
mogul Jack L. Warner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">After
a brief introduction about the museum, one of the volunteers directs you to a
small theatre to view a short documentary on all of the 20 inductees. Most are
one hit wonders, but they all have their roots along the banks of the
Mississippi from Vicksburg to New Orleans. All but one were present when they
were inducted into this homegrown small town replication of the Stars on
Hollywood Boulevard. Care to guess which one missed this prolific event? If you
guessed Jerry Lee Lewis, you win the prize. But really, in his defense, he’s a
busy man, as just last November, at the spry age of 77, got married for the
seventh time! Triple sevens; hallelujah!!! Bet there was a “</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yRdDnrB5kM" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Whole Lotta Shakin’Goin’ on</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">”…….........And just maybe, at his age, experienced “</span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IjgZGhHrYY" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Great Balls of Fire</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">(Click
on underlined to listen to two of his top hits)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Friday
morning we drove the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm">Natchez Trace Parkway</a> from Natchez to just outside
Jackson, MS. The drive was relaxing; very little traffic and no commercial
trucks as they are not allowed on the Trace. It’s only a two lane road with no
paved shoulders, but the short 90 mile drive took us nearly 3 hours to
complete.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">We
had reports from others that there were “numerous” places along the Trace to
pull over and explore the area. We did see numerous ones, albeit NOT for a 43
foot coach with toad. In the first 90 miles on the Trace there are only about 3
or 4 large enough to accommodate our rig.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">We
exited the Trace just west of Jackson, where we back-tracked on I-20 West for 15
miles to Edwards, MS. Here CC found <a href="http://www.askewslanding.com/">Askews Landing Campground</a> on our “go to”
travel website, where we were graciously greeted and escorted to our site. CC
and I both commented about how friendly people in the South are to everyone.
After our last couple of weeks of travel, I wonder how different our country
would be today if the Confederates had won the war. From our experience, I can
only assume that it would be like it is here today, live and let live; you do
your thing and I’ll do mine and afterward we can have a cold one (or two).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The
view as we exit our “home” is extremely spacious, and the grounds are grassy
and well manicured. This land is still owned by the same family that owned it
before the Civil War, the Askew’s, and Dan and Edna take great pride in
ownership, and it shows</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">In
fact, right across from the office, is this historical marker.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Painted
on the side of the pavilion is this mural depicting the </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-askew.html" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Battle at Askew’sFerry</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">, about a half mile west of the campground, where Dan’s great-great grandfather
operated a ferry crossing the Big Black River.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">On
Saturday morning, after coffee and our usual WDYWTDT, I logged onto <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/">www.tripadvisor.com</a>
and searched for things to do in Vicksburg, 15 miles west of the campground.
Numerous things caught my eye, but after watching all those barges down river
in Vidalia, the <a href="http://www.lmrm.org/mv-mississippi-iv">Lower Mississippi River Museum</a> in Vicksburg stuck out like a
sore thumb. They had onsite one of the largest tugs on the river, AND it was
open to tour. And it gets better………..for FREE. Hallelujah; today is my lucky
day. I may just have to buy a Powerball ticket as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Whew……..!!!!!
What a week. I think we may need to slow down a little, as we’re just not used
to this much excitement. We had only planned on being here until Monday, but
have decided to stay for a couple of days. From here, we’ll move to Meridian,
MS, and make our way to the Birmingham area by the weekend to visit friends and
former neighbors, Patrick and Jennifer. For now, that’s about it. Thanks for
stopping by and catching up on our dull lifestyle. Until next time, take care
and stay well…………………..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<br />Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-85307898941363112242013-04-21T15:25:00.001-05:002013-04-29T08:58:49.422-05:00April 21, 2013 – “Alexandria, LA”<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Alexandria,%20LA"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/LA/Alexandria.gif" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">I will
post a short one while we have a good internet connection today. We left Jasper
last Monday, missed a turn, and ended up on a road with a sign that read,
“Bridge ahead 28,000 pound limit”. That damned Murphy again? So, what’s a guy
to do? Pull over on a two lane road with no shoulders, unhook the Equinox, and
turn this rig around. It took some doing, but we got it done. What really
aggravates me is the Rand McNally for RV’s navigational device was routing us
that way, and it is supposed to route us around bridges we are too heavy for and
around underpasses we are too tall for. (Click on any image to enlarge.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zO8GOwuR7Vg_JL0hagF9wSDZ4pDrS8o-FUFmQ9n2cXESzy1h-Lrpivu9D3Z_hkjO8pkoy0naefqPGmErS1pT4wkZ0O9JDUof9ySR22HjmgzAwHwuY1Nb7o32lzAFnlCWP62m5UgJhxqK/s1600/IMG_4609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zO8GOwuR7Vg_JL0hagF9wSDZ4pDrS8o-FUFmQ9n2cXESzy1h-Lrpivu9D3Z_hkjO8pkoy0naefqPGmErS1pT4wkZ0O9JDUof9ySR22HjmgzAwHwuY1Nb7o32lzAFnlCWP62m5UgJhxqK/s400/IMG_4609.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We
eventually made it to LA Hwy 8, which runs from the border with TX, through
Leesville, LA (Ft. Polk), up to Alexandria, so I’m thinking we’ve got it made.
Not so fast. This highway is nothing more than a rough two lane logging road
with no shoulders. Did I mention it was rough? If I didn’t, it was. Luckily the
only traffic we encountered was from oncoming logging trucks….loaded. Most were
driving like a bat out of hell with their pants on fire. Yep, Murphy is still
with us. It was only 120 miles from Jasper to Alexandria, but it felt like so
much more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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arrived at Alexandria RV Park, which we found on our numero uno website, </span><a href="http://www.rvparkreviews.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">www.rvparkreviews.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">. It only had one review, but we took the chance, and once we
arrived, were glad we did.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizT8c4iZ9oXiAxp025wsZWgb4oCyi4_DYdouFkv0t4rL9CcNTZYvyuB4bLhrysBj2MAYHe-cxKjvQ2ev_T1YWPd3CthEOWAudINWTysAD2-sVpDn0okYX2Poinu_qT4LTmJNrO9eRwjBW5/s1600/IMG_4636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizT8c4iZ9oXiAxp025wsZWgb4oCyi4_DYdouFkv0t4rL9CcNTZYvyuB4bLhrysBj2MAYHe-cxKjvQ2ev_T1YWPd3CthEOWAudINWTysAD2-sVpDn0okYX2Poinu_qT4LTmJNrO9eRwjBW5/s400/IMG_4636.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The
following day CC got caught up on laundry, while I tried unsuccessfully to
connect to the wi-fi available here. They only have 10 campsites, and their
router is about 75 yards away, so all I could manage to pick up was a very weak
signal. I finally gave up, and decided a trip to Best Buy for a wi-fi amplifier
was in order.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Now that
we have a better internet connection, thanks to the amplifier, CC spent most of
Wednesday planning our next few stops in route to Birmingham. With that bit of
research completed, it was now time for “Happy Hour”.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Thursday we planned a visit to the <a href="http://www.kenthouse.org/site/">Kent Plantation House</a></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">, which </span><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">is
central Louisiana's oldest standing structure and is listed in the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">National
Register of Historic Places. It is a representation
of<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>plantation life between
1795 and 1855. The main structure was erected in
1800. The<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>Creole<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>house and restored period outbuildings are now used as a
showcase for tourists.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">For
more images of the Kent Plantation House, </span><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=Kent+Plantation+House&rlz=1C1TSNO_enUS492US500&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=ekN0UdnMEqrH2wXgj4GQCg&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1600&bih=809" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">click here</a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">Tomorrow
we move a short 90 miles east to Natchez, MS. We plan on a little sightseeing
and a trip up the Natchez Trace Parkway later in the week. That’s about it for
now, until next time, take care and stay well. Thanks for stopping by and
catching up on this couple of gypsies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-17171736893710450512013-04-12T09:41:00.000-05:002013-04-29T08:59:11.133-05:00April 12, 2013 – “On the Road…..Again”<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Jasper,%20TX"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/TX/Jasper.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We departed our winter home in Weslaco on April 4 in route to an overnight stay in Victoria, TX. Our first destination of our travels this season is actually Spring, TX, just north of Houston, but since that is about 6 hours from Weslaco, we decided to break it up into two legs. Why rush things? We wanted to arrive in Spring on Friday afternoon to begin our weekend visit with friends Rodney and Dena, so why hurry?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We bucked a pretty good headwind as we made our way north to Victoria, but other than that, the trip was uneventful as we made our way to the Lazy Longhorn RV Park. It had better than favorable reviews and ratings on our travel “bible” </span><a href="http://www.rvparkreviews.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="color: blue;">www.RVParkReviews.com</span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">. Nice park; clean and well kept, but very narrow streets and campsites made it challenging maneuvering the rig. In fact, the first spot we tried to get in was so tight due to tree branches, we decided to unhook the toad, and move to an adjacent site. We probably would not stay here again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Last week, as we were preparing to leave Weslaco, we did some regular maintenance on the rig. One of which was servicing the six batteries. Every time I undertake this chore, it reminds me of the fact the engineers and designers at Winnebago don’t own an RV. For if they did, they would not have designed the battery compartment the way they did, making it impossible to service the batteries without removing the door completely from the rig. My knees are not as “supple” as they once were, and almost every time I’m forced to perform work tasks on said knees, they are unappreciative and “talk” to me later. We managed to complete the battery service, and re-attach the door, but they following day my knee was not only talking to me, it was screaming obscenities to boot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Last Friday we departed Victoria in route to Spring. I was not especially thrilled at the thought of driving in and around Houston, the fourth largest city in the US, but we timed it so we arrived on the outskirts around 1:30 pm. Our Rand McNally for RV’s (we fondly refer to as Randy) routed us on US-59 to the 610 loop north to I-45, since we had “Avoid Toll Roads” active on Randy. If I have it to do over again, I would gladly pay the tolls on the #8 Sam Houston Tollway around Houston. If your RV travel plans include this sprawling metropolis, either take the #8, or plan your travel through on a Sunday morning</span>.</div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We finally arrived at Rayford Crossing RV Resort in Spring, TX around 3 pm and quickly got settled. After eliminating the stress sweat from our bodies in the showers, we called our friends to make plans for the evening. We drove the short 5 miles to their place, and after an adult beverage (only 1), we made our way to <a href="http://www.pappacitos.com/home/">Pappacito’s Cantina</a> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">for dinner. As frequent readers of our blog already know, CC’s favorite food is Tex-Mex, and her second most favorite is Mexican; and yes, there is a difference between the two. I would rate Pappacito’s as some of, if not THE best Tex-Mex we have ever eaten. Check out their website and look for one coming to your area in the future, as they are part of the Pappadeaux Cajun Seafood group. The food was great and the company of Rodney and Dena were equally enjoyed. We had a great time, made even better when Rodney picked up the check ;-) Thanks buddy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">The following day we ventured to Old Town Spring, had an adult beverage at the Loose Caboose and did some shopping. I hate shopping, so maybe the one margarita I had was stronger than I thought. Or possibly CC knew that una margarita would weaken my will? Yeah, that’s it! (As usual, click on any image to enlarge.)</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQWp1KX9oemJmmEkqvqf_J9Fz27kfpsnzdUbIIIlmKCz0GfqnUcTDyE9D1O3GJY3RIdyqrw1Jv6RJM7cnYWWXzan80nkM4CPNoMs1Iw6S0pU201hFM-f83tX0EqDB0qvBIRryGOBiEr3R/s1600/IMG_4594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjQWp1KX9oemJmmEkqvqf_J9Fz27kfpsnzdUbIIIlmKCz0GfqnUcTDyE9D1O3GJY3RIdyqrw1Jv6RJM7cnYWWXzan80nkM4CPNoMs1Iw6S0pU201hFM-f83tX0EqDB0qvBIRryGOBiEr3R/s400/IMG_4594.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Late in the afternoon we were back at the rig, where we grilled ribeye steaks and uncorked a bottle of great vino. Good food, good friends, and good conversation; it just doesn’t get any better than that. The last time we saw Rodney and Dena was 3 years ago, and we had a lot of “catching up” to do so it was late when we bid them farewell for the evening, saying “to be continued manana!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">What visit to Spring, TX would be complete without a visit to Old Town Spring? We did that yesterday you say? Well, yes, BUT we didn’t get to see it all, so back we went. First things first, as we lunched at one of the local’s favorites, Wunsche Brothers Grill & Bar.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">A short walk down the street was a little shop, The Steel Horse, that in the 1930’s was actually a bank. Not just any bank, but one that was robbed by the infamous Bonnie & Clyde. The shop owners have left the safe intact, and created a mini-museum inside. CC and I couldn’t resist recreating the historic event. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBROZYsN9T3ge2b8O8ViPkNVaevFjCzUhk9KBvP1i59EQU_pJqWN6ZLGuEHMeCbK-0FV_mKCMFNIJq7MrKb55oMDbALZQB1FelriJ_vL7RlmJ3sWljnwNlUpD8R7EYivAyqnFNriF8egf/s1600/IMG_4595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBROZYsN9T3ge2b8O8ViPkNVaevFjCzUhk9KBvP1i59EQU_pJqWN6ZLGuEHMeCbK-0FV_mKCMFNIJq7MrKb55oMDbALZQB1FelriJ_vL7RlmJ3sWljnwNlUpD8R7EYivAyqnFNriF8egf/s400/IMG_4595.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSLhtv2cgrt_PSj_E_36Hp156YdSHo19EPGBUtttv-0kn0QvOSGXnLQjxjbQ_6PQgWlDpWJM4MP94rUuQ2094PbXhThC60cAYAy_-0YRW4sKU6ITXDB0C6urIMrsy6qPW1-TFAbE8rOLG/s1600/IMG_4598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSLhtv2cgrt_PSj_E_36Hp156YdSHo19EPGBUtttv-0kn0QvOSGXnLQjxjbQ_6PQgWlDpWJM4MP94rUuQ2094PbXhThC60cAYAy_-0YRW4sKU6ITXDB0C6urIMrsy6qPW1-TFAbE8rOLG/s1600/IMG_4598.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">As they say, (who is they?) all good things must come to an end. Our visit with Rodney and Dena drew to a close on Sunday afternoon. Dena had a 3 hour drive ahead of her, and Rodney had some “work” to do for a Monday morning meeting, so we bid our adieus, vowing to stay in closer touch. CC and I are just glad we got to spend the time we did with our longtime friends.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 120%;">Monday morning we departed Spring in route to Martin Dies Jr. State Park just west of Jasper, TX. As we drove around looking for just the right spot, we decided it was so pretty and peaceful here, to stay for a week. CC could catch up on some of her reading and I could do a little fishing. Here is a bit of free information you won’t find anywhere else, so it more than makes up for price you paid for the subscription to our blog.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="line-height: 120%;">At any of the Texas State Parks, after paying the daily entrance fee of $3 - $6, or purchasing an annual pass for $70, you don’t need a state fishing license to fish from the bank, docks or piers. You only need a fishing license if you fish from a boat. Take that to the bank………….….Shampoozie!</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 120%;">That’s all folks! Until next time from an undetermined at this time location; take care and stay well……………………..</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 120%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 120%;">ps It's only April 12, and our Verizon air card shows we have already used 75% of our monthly allowance, so we hit the road early in search of a wi-fi hotspot. So, here we are at Whataburger in Jasper, and although the connection is good, it's limited bandwidth makes posting slightly frustrating. (Expletives deleted)</span></div>
</o:p></span></span>Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-55927891881096452672013-03-31T14:07:00.000-05:002013-03-31T14:11:35.815-05:00March 31, 2013 “Happy Easter”<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Weslaco,%20TX"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/TX/Weslaco.gif" /></a>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Our time
spent as “Winter Texans” is nearing the end for 2013. The park has been slowly
becoming less populated in the past two weeks, and today only about 25 units
remain in the RV section. Most of those, including us, will depart in the
coming week, as we know of only a handful that will stay through April. CC and
I both commented that this winter has gone by quicker than in the past, but we
then realized we were about a month late in arriving to our winter home in
Weslaco.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">To be
continued when our internet connection improves………………..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-24852099991711190522013-02-08T16:23:00.000-06:002013-02-08T16:47:44.323-06:00February 8, 2013 “Kites and Piñatas”<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Weslaco,%20TX"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/TX/Weslaco.gif" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Try as I
do, to keep current on the blog, it seems increasingly harder the longer we are
Winter Texans. When we first arrived here in the RGV, CC and I were both easily
frustrated by how slow life’s pace was. The people here drive slow, walk slow,
talk slow (unless you are trying to communicate in Spanish, then they spit out
the words faster than my ears can comprendo). In fact we both commented when we
first arrived, “If I get slow like that, just shoot me”. But, since actions
speak louder than words, it seems we have in reality, adjusted quite well, as
the frequency of our blog illustrates.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The
first weekend in February, the 13</span><sup style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 120%;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;"> Annual Kite Festival was held on
South Padre Island (SPI), and we planned on driving the 55 miles, spend the
day, and return home Saturday evening. We got caught up in traffic due to a
parade in Los Fresnos, and more congestion in Port Isabel, due to construction
on the causeway. What is normally an hour drive, turned into almost 2 hours. It
seems the locals have adopted the sluggish behavior of the Winter Texans. We
finally arrived to SPI around 11 am, and proceeded to the festival held on the
flats north of the Convention Center. The weather was perfect; warm with a
slight breeze. (As usual, click on any image to enlarge)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Maybe we
had high expectations, due to all the pre-festival hype on the local television
stations. We both were a little under-whelmed, thinking we would experience
something similar to the Albuquerque Balloon Festival, only with kites, since
this was billed as the largest kite festival in North America. We stayed for a
couple of hours, hoping to see more, but that didn’t happen, so as we left, we
checked that off our bucket list, and headed home.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WOA1GA7IDUPpnwzzX95BcirWGfvIE7mWX-RMf-kx6d5DqjjkszfiZE6AqakwnsEUKWhnZNsXvaoqQezO3R4ULPwMdlC1W4Q1qea5LI_xSSh0URqVZown_JGgyKRiunHtz4mrfnRDWDPm/s1600/IMG_4517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WOA1GA7IDUPpnwzzX95BcirWGfvIE7mWX-RMf-kx6d5DqjjkszfiZE6AqakwnsEUKWhnZNsXvaoqQezO3R4ULPwMdlC1W4Q1qea5LI_xSSh0URqVZown_JGgyKRiunHtz4mrfnRDWDPm/s400/IMG_4517.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">It’s
hard to believe we have been here for 10 weeks, as it seems like we just arrived
yesterday. Over the past weeks on our visits to Nuevo Progreso (NP) I have
accumulated photos of various Piñatas available. In Mexico, they are used at
birthdays, and anytime a party for kids is given. They are empty when you buy them, and are
then filled with candy, small toys, money, etc., by the person hosting the
party.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">The
papier-mâché constructed Piñata is usually hung from a tree branch on a rope,
five or six feet above the ground. The children are blindfolded, one at a time,
spun around a few times to disorient them and given a stick to swing at the
hanging Piñata. The children take turns attempting to hit the Piñata hard
enough to cause it to break, thus freeing the candy and gifts for the screaming
party-goers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">These
are but a small sampling of Piñatas available. They will even “custom-make” one
if you provide them a sketch or picture. Prices are really cheap, and range
from $5 for the smaller ones to less than $20 for the larger more elaborate
ones. What sets the host back is the plethora of candy and gifts placed inside.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscCOoEijhCyCp93eo6erI_-Hlo241HvAdAMoH3sUG4sxC5IYQfV5SiBCieivWilZCCW17axxhniKInop4sAnVqR7ESXXOJDoE1MdOiWz_rrzg3CzmTSrXeIBNh_iIL20Yk4i58eNbmuXf/s1600/Pinatas3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscCOoEijhCyCp93eo6erI_-Hlo241HvAdAMoH3sUG4sxC5IYQfV5SiBCieivWilZCCW17axxhniKInop4sAnVqR7ESXXOJDoE1MdOiWz_rrzg3CzmTSrXeIBNh_iIL20Yk4i58eNbmuXf/s400/Pinatas3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Almost
all of the department stores in NP sell Piñatas. There is even one “Party
Store” that specializes in anything and everything associated with parties that
have a huge selection of Piñatas ranging in size, price and subject matter.
They also sell costumes, which are also very popular in Mexico.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Over
the last three winters we’ve been in the RGV, we’ve seen many parties and
parades hosted by the local Hispanics, as well as south of the border. They
LOVE a party, of any type. But a true party includes a Piñata (or two), food
(lots of it), cerveza fria, loud, loud
music and fireworks. If you are ever invited to a party given by them, accept
the invitation, and go and witness something you have never seen before. They
LOVE their parties; maybe that’s why they are always happy and smiling.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">That’s
all for now. Take care and stay well, until next time………………….</span></div>
<br />
<br />Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-54679558746371917392013-01-15T10:16:00.000-06:002013-01-16T08:09:22.853-06:00January 5 - 14, 2013 "Friends - New & Old"<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Weslaco,%20TX"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/TX/Weslaco.gif" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Slap my hands and call me Shorty.
As hard as I try and stay current on our blog, it is becoming more difficult to
do with so many distractions that pop up at a moment’s notice. So, daily I must
choose between doing “something”, or writing about what we’re doing. With that said,
I’ll try and catch up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">We had visitors from
Cheyenne, WY; our friends Tom and Trudy, with whom we try and see if our
travels take us close to their place. They were accompanied by their daughter,
Pam, as we introduced them to Nuevo Progreso (NP). We all had a wonderful time,
and one of us had a few too many margaritas. I’m not one to name names, so I’ll
just leave it, and chalk it up to the fact that they were probably just young
and inexperienced with such beverages. (Click on any image to enlarge)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9SUrF-JPrMmDmE4ibKGnrYPUwqYgaScivlLznc-ezKDfxXAj9KnUbhS3l_NynMhsdb63g0F8An14yprm4PePJ2gKB6CIt_HDhzo1HT1uF_R8wfZNb7g8suz_e_iewUPLnd4AbVl1iE20/s1600/IMG_4459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9SUrF-JPrMmDmE4ibKGnrYPUwqYgaScivlLznc-ezKDfxXAj9KnUbhS3l_NynMhsdb63g0F8An14yprm4PePJ2gKB6CIt_HDhzo1HT1uF_R8wfZNb7g8suz_e_iewUPLnd4AbVl1iE20/s400/IMG_4459.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Every day since we arrived,
CC continues with exercise classes at 8 am, now moved to 7:15 to allow for two
classes each morning as more Winter Texans arrive. She has also virtually
eliminated margaritas from her routine in NP when she realized that one
margarita contained over 700 calories, about half of her total daily target.
That also got my attention, as we are both trying to shed a few LB’s, and after
some extensive research, we have both switched to a healthier alternative; gin
and diet tonic, which has 130 calories and zero carbs. Since tonic water (agua
aquina) is not available in NP, we must take our own. No problemo as our
favorite bartender, Tony, is only too happy to oblige!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The weather has been
cooler than normal, and has drastically curtailed our favorite daily activity; “pool
time”. Occasionally, we bite the bullet and venture to the hot tub to relax and
ease my aching back. This is an extremely difficult lifestyle we live, and is
taxing the limits of my sciatica. For those of you who may be considering full
timing, please take this into account before making any life changing decisions. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Arial; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Fellow blogger HeyDuke50 (</span><a href="http://zeetraveler.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">http://zeetraveler.blogspot.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">) commented a few weeks ago to notify them the next time
we were going to MX, and so we did. John and Sharon embarked on their full time
lifestyle just a few months after we began ours, and our travels over this past
summer covered many of the same places, albeit in the reverse direction. We
made plans to meet them at the border and walk over the bridge into NP
together. Rather than being redundant, I just realized as I’m writing this that
John & Sharon already beat me to it and posted about our trip to NP. Log on
to their blog and read all about it. Their rendition is much more eloquent than
mine could ever hope to be. I will only add that we had a blast and when we met
John & Sharon, we felt an instant connection. As my Dad would say, they are
good people, and we hope to see them again on Friday. Cheers!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">To further illustrate the
challenging aspects of this lifestyle, last Friday morning CC and I had our day
planned, only to be disrupted into total chaos by Carl & Carla, when the
phoned us around 9 am and informed us that they and 4 others from South Padre
were going to NP for dental appointments. We already had our daily plans made,
but, sacrifice if we must, after all, what are friends for? They would
reciprocate if the tables were turned. Right? Aaah….maybe not! So I tell CC,
“We have to suck it up, and take one for the team.”</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00u-IZwm8PHryJocOro5Ubfl-RSo1f5Os07eDmGWBk6L1-S5hLC8IlKNc786LQ_3bFovKdU8pqqPEGc09-LTLzQnTSLCHSNdr2Kf6t1uWT0vwyHQCJZnioFMovwIkZNnhYw-cek1FVc9o/s1600/IMG_4490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj00u-IZwm8PHryJocOro5Ubfl-RSo1f5Os07eDmGWBk6L1-S5hLC8IlKNc786LQ_3bFovKdU8pqqPEGc09-LTLzQnTSLCHSNdr2Kf6t1uWT0vwyHQCJZnioFMovwIkZNnhYw-cek1FVc9o/s400/IMG_4490.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;">After lunch, a few in the
group wanted to get manicures / pedicures, so we ventured southward and dropped
them off as we continued to Arriba’s, located across the street from the school
in Progreso Plaza. As luck would have it, it was Happy Hour, which meant 2 for
1 drink specials. I think we all agreed, the margaritas were definitely not as
good as Tony’s. Pictured below, left to right, John, Sharon. CC, Carla Jack
& Cindy.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRDyxPbwXK35Jo3hB6en4UqT4QHfmK67Das2832loFcNAY57x6ohcqWGnoI7rqthg8ARilKMzWUdeLF2Cw3GCrQeuQvdaM_QCPDDx7oj33SmNjornXv4GCoAG65JLHxfWGxXRgTHWxXPp/s1600/IMG_4492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRDyxPbwXK35Jo3hB6en4UqT4QHfmK67Das2832loFcNAY57x6ohcqWGnoI7rqthg8ARilKMzWUdeLF2Cw3GCrQeuQvdaM_QCPDDx7oj33SmNjornXv4GCoAG65JLHxfWGxXRgTHWxXPp/s400/IMG_4492.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;">I know it seems that we
spend ALL of our time in MX, but that is not true. We do have a lot of fun here
in the park as well. It’s just that several of our neighbors are either on the
LAM or in the Federal Witness Protection Program, and wouldn’t take to kindly
of us if we published their names, pictures or event accounts. Just one more
reason this lifestyle is so taxing; you really got to be on your toes 24/7.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Until next time, take care
and stay well………………….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-78762623542221443872013-01-04T09:12:00.000-06:002013-01-04T10:51:00.659-06:00January 4, 2013 - "2012 Budget"<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Weslaco,%20TX"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/TX/Weslaco.gif" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The
final numbers are in, and we did much better than last year when we were OVER
budget by an average of $105 per month. This year, as the chart below shows, we
were $312 per month UNDER budget, which is a net improvement of over $5,000 annually.
(Click on the image to enlarge)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5GinfvNeuHcAU4b02uzw1f45SXJmSTRxEIAVMNB8zHKMQCF0BiH8fbieMYw125drMSlBwcdvohOJ2UfJVGXoJAJznwcAh82iB1171mMZw5nXzXUtGXUfduVyvMxjuaq6VykS6Wl6V-Zg/s1600/2012+Average+Monthly+Expenses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5GinfvNeuHcAU4b02uzw1f45SXJmSTRxEIAVMNB8zHKMQCF0BiH8fbieMYw125drMSlBwcdvohOJ2UfJVGXoJAJznwcAh82iB1171mMZw5nXzXUtGXUfduVyvMxjuaq6VykS6Wl6V-Zg/s1600/2012+Average+Monthly+Expenses.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;">As you
can see, we were over on some categories, and under on others. We traveled more
miles in 2012 than we did in 2011, but we traveled West vs East. Campground
fees are generally more the further north one travels, simply because those
destinations have a shorter camping season to generate revenue. Our
Entertainment expenses were down, simply because we focused on visiting as many
National Parks as we could, and bought an annual parks pass. Vacation expenses
were down, as we only took two mini-vacations last year. I know what you’re
thinking, and even though to outsiders it looks like we are on vacation
365/24/7, this lifestyle is a lot of work; not for the faint of heart; and, we
do need a break from it every now and then. Overall, I’m pleased with our
efforts, and while we didn’t live extravagantly, we surely did not live like
church mice either.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have
been busy watching the BCS Games, and following the Denver Broncos, fully
realizing we are nearing the end of football season until next Fall. We were happy
to see our OSU Cowboys roll over Purdue and the Broncos lock up home field
advantage through the playoffs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since
today is Friday, and CC’s favorite; Nuevo Progreso Day. I’m certain we will
meet our friends from other parks in the RGV and have a terrible time, as usual.
One of them will inevitably insist on buying us a margarita, and so as not to
hurt their feelings, we will just have to accept it, and, as they twist my arm
with at least 0.2 foot pounds of torque, will begrudgingly drink it. Oh, the sacrifices
we make living this lifestyle. Another $2 margarita you ask? Oh what the heck,
why not; every hour is Happy Hour! This one is on me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 120%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until
next time, take care and stay well………………..</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-67980804650201143412012-12-31T20:09:00.000-06:002013-01-04T10:41:54.211-06:00December 31, 2012 "Happy New Year"<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Weslaco,%20TX"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/TX/Weslaco.gif" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">CC and I want to wish everyone a healthy and prosperous Happy New
Year! The fireworks are booming in the background as I write this. Those
Hispanics / Mexicans love their noisemakers. If we don’t make it to midnight,
we’ll surely be awakened by their exuberance. We’re sitting outside watching
the LSU vs Clemson game as it’s 72 right now. It is truly a blessed life we
live.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">I’m working on the 2012 Budget, so that will be forthcoming, but preliminary
figures indicate we came in about $500 - $600 per month under budget. That’s
enough for me to say Hooray!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Until next time, take care and stay well…………..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-74238733776353427232012-12-24T13:52:00.001-06:002013-01-04T10:41:54.216-06:00December 4 - 23, 2012 "Welcome Back Winter Texans"<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Weslaco,%20TX"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/TX/Weslaco.gif" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;">The time since we arrived at Ranchero Village has flown by, even
quicker than usual by meeting dozens of new people in the new park and getting
acclimated to the way things are done here by the long-time Winter Texans who
have flocked here for years. We have made some amazingly wonderful new friends
and reunited with friends from past years here in Weslaco.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">CC and I are both on a quest to shed a few pounds, so we have been
eating more responsibly and preparing more meals versus going out to eat and
not knowing exactly how the food is prepared. One thing is for certain here in
the RGV, if the tortilla chips taste good, they have been fried in lard! It’s
especially hard for CC to resist, considering chips and salsa are one of her
primary food groups; but I must admit, she is doing quite well at resisting the
temptation. Another helpful activity in our quest is Happy Hour; everyday at 4
pm. Helpful because here at this new park, food and snacks are omitted, unlike
past years; eliminating that aspect HAS to help, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">On December 7, the Welcome Back Winter Texan Appreciation Day was
held in Nuevo Progreso, MX, a mere 6 miles south of us. When they advertised
free food, drinks and gifts, we were “all in”. To begin the day, we met a group
of friends from last year for breakfast at Rene’s Bakery in NP around 8 am, and
from there it was on to El Disco for one of Tony’s famous margaritas. It’s 5
o’clock somewhere, right? From there, we ventured outside and strolled along
the sidewalk and watched the parade, various street performers, and the beer
girls. It’s a tough life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Until next time, take care and stay well………………..</span></div>
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Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-61693997154676798962012-12-03T14:05:00.001-06:002013-01-04T10:41:54.207-06:00December 3, 2012 - "Back in the RGV"<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Weslaco,%20TX"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/TX/Weslaco.gif" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s been a month since our last post, and suffices it to say, it has felt like longer. With that said, it reminds me of advice given to me by my parents, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”. So now on to the positives………….<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We finally left McClains RV in OKC, not because everything was fixed, but the contrary. It seemed everything they fixed involved further, additional “mysteriously costly” repairs. So after three weeks of that, we moved to Childress, TX, to visit CC’s daughter, Letta, and her family.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">CC had a great time hugging on her new great grandbaby, Haley. Luckily for CC, Mary stayed close by over the weekend, as that little girl is most definitely a mama’s girl. Pictured below are four generations, from left to right, CC, Haley and her mom, Mary, and Letta.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;">GGCC and Haley; see any resemblance?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;">We called MCD in McKinney, TX, to make an appointment to get the shades repaired, and the soonest they could get us in was Monday, Nov. 19. OK, we’ll just extend a week here and CC can get in a few more hugs because the next time she will she Haley, most likely after she begins walking. The week flew by, as it usually does when visiting family and friends, and had a fantastic time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The following Monday morning we drove the 250 miles to McKinney, and arrived at MCD shortly after noon. They backed us in to one of their 12 RV sites, and told us they would get us in ASAP. Tuesday at 8 am, they knocked on the door, and proceeded to repair the damaged cab shade. While the two techs were in the rig, they checked ALL of the MCD shades and adjusted the tension and stops, so now they are all working like new. We departed MCD shortly after 11 am, only 23 hours after we arrived; now THAT is what I call customer service. We cannot say anything bad about MCD. If you are thinking about replacing your old pleated day/night shades, MCD is the best. Granted they are not cheap, but quality made in the USA; we like that!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Finally, all the needed repairs complete, and Murphy behind us, we move southward to the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), about 3 weeks behind our preliminary schedule. After overnight stops in Santos and San Antonio, we arrived at our winter home at Ranchero Village in Weslaco, TX shortly after noon on Thanksgiving. We located the manager and he opened the south gate and escorted us to our site; actual grass without sand burrs and large concrete pads, something unfamiliar to us in past winters here in the RGV.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Friday morning we did the usual WDYWTDT, and you guessed it, CC opted for going to Nuevo Progreso, MX for shopping, margaritas and lunch. It was like old home week, as we met up with old friends from past years at Pancho’s in El Disco I. Do we look like we’re having fun?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;">That’s it, that’s all for now. Until next time,
take care and stay well………….</span></div>
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Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-25322073771294398422012-10-29T19:24:00.000-05:002013-01-04T10:42:18.088-06:00October 8 - 27, 2012 "Still in Oklahoma City"<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Oklahoma%20City,%20OK"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/OK/Oklahoma_City.gif" /></a><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Shortly after arriving in OKC, I decided to make an appointment to get the non-working items on the rig repaired. Not wanting to duplicate the problems we had at Steve Casey’s in Denver, this time I researched and found McClain’s to be one of Winebago / Itasca’s top dealers. When I called, they told me the earliest they could fit me in would be October 22; almost 3 weeks away. Well, if that’s the best they can do, let’s do it. We had planned to be here for 2 – 3 weeks, so a little longer </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">wasn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> a big deal.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">After getting her mom’s phone / cable / internet bundled, and getting her new computer set up, CC has been busy doing mother / daughter “things”, of which I’m not sure I want to know the details. In addition, we have both been busy seeing old friends over dinners, at happy hours, and football games; we are, after all in the heart of football country. CC’s daughter, Letta, came for “a girls weekend out”, while Rick and I went fishing and stayed in his Lake Hudson “cabin”; now my wallet is lighter and the freezer is full of fish. You do the math.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Monday, October 22, came before we knew it. Upon arrival at McClain’s I was told they didn’t make appointments; it was first come, first served. Say what? I was not a happy camper, and it probably came through in my subsequent conversation with Julie, the customer service rep at McClain’s. She asked what our problems were and I said I went over that with the person that made the appointment, to which she repeated, “We don’t take appointments”. I took a deep breath and started in on my litany; the Kingdome satellite system is not locking onto the satellite, the electric element in our Aqua-Hot is not working, the Dometic ice maker is not making ice and we have a broken support bracket on our front windshield MCD motorized shades. She said, “OK, I’ll try and work you in today”. With that exchange behind us, we proceeded to the customer lounge.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">By 4 pm, CC was getting mildly irritated, and went to speak with Julie and soothe any wounds I may have inflicted earlier. A few minutes later CC returned and said they were trying to get to our list but they were very busy due to an RV Show in OKC the previous weekend. Julie did offer to let us “wait” in our rig, versus sitting in their lounge, and just as we were headed out the door, the service technician, Lloyd, said he was ready for our rig. OK, it’s 4:30, how much can they get done by closing at 6 pm? That would be nada. They backed the rig out of the shop, and parked it in one of their complimentary sites with full hook ups adjacent to the service building.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Tuesday morning we were in the shop by 9 am, and Lloyd diagnosed the Dometic problem, stating we needed a complete new ice maker. He tried to troubleshoot the Aqua-Hot, but could find nothing wrong. He acknowledged that there was indeed a problem with the King-Dome, as it would lock on and a few minutes later lose the satellite. By 6 pm, they backed us out of service, and back into our temporary “home site”. Julie then informed us Lloyd would not be in on Wednesday, due to a previously scheduled doctor’s appointment, and the fact she would like him to continue with our rig since he was their most experienced tech. What was I to say? OK seemed the proper response; not exactly what I wanted to say. As CC reminded me later, you catch more bees with honey, than you do with vinegar.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Thursday morning at 9 am, the rig was again in the shop. Lloyd spent the day trouble shooting and on the phone with King Dome, trying to get that issue resolved. Around 3 pm he informed us that our extended warranty required the system had to be returned to the King Dome factory for repair or replacement, which would take 2 – 3 weeks. What the hell? Now I’m thinking IF the person I spoke with from McClain’s, when we arrived in OKC had told me to bring the rig in then, we would be back in business by now. I was not a happy camper. I was equally miffed at our extended warranty. While I tried to regain my composure, Lloyd was busy troubleshooting our Aqua-Hot issue. By 6 pm we were once again in our “home site”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Friday morning, 9 am, the rig was moved back into service. Around 10 am, Julie approached us in the customer service lounge and informed us that our extended warranty would not pay for shipping the King-Dome back to the factory, which was $160. By now, I’m REALLY not happy. “Let’s go call them”, I said. Julie put me on the phone with Lou from our extended warrant provider, and I tried to calmly and carefully explain the situation to him. When he finally asked what I wanted to do, I bit my tongue, and asked if it would be possible to get an allowance on a new satellite system, so as not to detain us in OKC an additional 3 weeks. When he said yes, I almost fell over, and when he offered $900 I </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">couldn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> believe my ears. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">CC and I researched our options, knowing we definitely did not want another King-Dome, and finally decided we really </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">didn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> need “in motion” but for sure wanted the automatic satellite locator feature. The Winegard Mini-Max was our choice, and luckily for us, had one in stock, and installed by the end of the day. Finally…….something is getting fixed. Lloyd also diagnosed the Aqua-Hot problem to be a bad 110 volt, 14 gauge wire running from the circuit breaker to the Aqua-Hot. We’re waiting to hear back from Winebago on whether or not they will cover the cost of that repair.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">So, here we sit, waiting on the </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">ice maker</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> from Dometic and a bracket for the front MCD motorized shades. Originally, Julie “predicted” they would be here November 5. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it gets here this week, as both CC and I are getting a case of hitch-itch. The staff here at McClain’s has been fantastic since our initial meeting Monday morning. CC says they are just tired of seeing our ugly mugs; I say, “Pass me the honey”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBji4Ybc0MMNFJlHgJ6MAvk98lZXgwsndIGj_Ziv9H5Ypv14XkVuknFiP396r4ohLwVkNkjEVpoQ-naD2SpWszHQmn087xvlbc5ybeqTY_5_8fbHLuoHqB1ZWomw_ID7eS74JheAaPW42e/s1600/IMG_4400-Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBji4Ybc0MMNFJlHgJ6MAvk98lZXgwsndIGj_Ziv9H5Ypv14XkVuknFiP396r4ohLwVkNkjEVpoQ-naD2SpWszHQmn087xvlbc5ybeqTY_5_8fbHLuoHqB1ZWomw_ID7eS74JheAaPW42e/s400/IMG_4400-Small.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Until next time, take care and stay well………………..</span></div><br />
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</span></div>Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-39690661292657986142012-10-08T12:56:00.000-05:002013-01-04T10:42:18.092-06:00October 1 - 7, 2012 "Oklahoma City Area"<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Oklahoma%20City,%20OK"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/OK/Oklahoma_City.gif" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Part of our ritual when leaving Colorado is keeping one eye on the
weather. When they predict snow, we leave one day before, which is what we did
last year. Since it worked well then, we followed the same protocol this year,
and the weather followed suit. We pressed on to Oklahoma City with an overnight
boondocking in Hays, KS at Wally World. As we turned south off of I-70 onto
I-135, the strong winds from the north pushed us to Wichita in record time, and
ultimately arrived at our destination in Oklahoma City by 4 pm.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4doLACaasrX9EWRben2P9xgdFKJ8eK7XaTmjD-5-CVg8jQ9jcRgSYkbU9zp7ZyPItLFhwyRL39LKUhoZZde9G2ceCMrAGIhP0r0AoZJseL2kqLr2SwfMT-9RlrVEKTLoaXf6b4jKGlLTJ/s1600/IMG_4391-Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4doLACaasrX9EWRben2P9xgdFKJ8eK7XaTmjD-5-CVg8jQ9jcRgSYkbU9zp7ZyPItLFhwyRL39LKUhoZZde9G2ceCMrAGIhP0r0AoZJseL2kqLr2SwfMT-9RlrVEKTLoaXf6b4jKGlLTJ/s400/IMG_4391-Small.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;">CC has been busy helping her mom “streamline” her communication
network, and setting up her new computer. By bundling with Cox, she was able to
shave about $70 per month from her expenses, AND move up to digital TV and a 15
Mbps connection to the internet, as she had been on dial-up since the discovery
of dirt; they still have dial-up?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We have an appointment to have a few items repaired at McClains RV
on October 22, and hopefully they will complete the repairs in one day,
provided they don’t need to order parts. What repairs? The ice maker is not
making ice, the King-Dome satellite system is not connecting to any satellite,
and the electric element is not heating the Aqua-Hot, so we must run the diesel
burner for heat and hot water. All these are minor non-essential items, but we
like to stay on top of things, and not let the list get too long. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">We also hope to catch up with long-time friends while we are in the
area, and fully understand sometimes “life” takes priority over visiting with a
couple of homeless gypsies. So, there you have our comings and goings for the
immediate future. Thanks for taking time to check in on us and until next time,
take care and stay well…………….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1779872832138329339.post-30177623629010426172012-09-30T13:46:00.000-05:002013-01-04T10:43:13.310-06:00September 8 - 30, 2012 "Back Home(?) in Colorado"<a href="http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=Aurora,%20CO"><img src="http://weathersticker.wunderground.com/weathersticker/big2_cond/language/english/US/CO/Aurora.gif" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are back at Cherry Creek State Park, enjoying life in the city; visiting friends, having lunches with ex-bosses, meeting with CC’s computer guru to fix a few problems, and generally doing “back home” activities. That pretty much sums up our month here in Colorado. Even though we have been gone over two years, it still feels like we’re home while we are here, and we definitely don’t need the Garmin. I hate to admit it, but I haven’t taken a picture in weeks, as our life here is probably much like your life while you are “home”. But, that is getting ready to change.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We’re dealing with a case of “Hitch-Itch”, so on Wednesday, we’ll leave here in route to Oklahoma to visit CC’s mom, once again enjoying life on the road. Take care, stay well and thanks for stopping by...........</span>Fester and CChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15624234577700776707noreply@blogger.com0