I know....we have been slackers in updating the blog!
We spent Thanksgiving at a friend of Nikki's boyfriend, Travis. What a great dinner and fun people. Filled up on all the fixin's. There must have been 10 pies to pick from. Before dinner and after we played some corn hole on the "competition" course. We had official scoring poles and drink holders!
Kathy has been volunteering taking care of babies and working at the food bank at the church we are attending. It was much easier this year since we have established friends at the church. Kathy works Wednesday at the food pantry, we both work Thursday night and Friday mornings we pickup food for the pantry.
This Sunday we'll be going to a Christmas party for all the food pantry workers.
Last weekend we went to the Wilmington Christmas Parade. Think of Saline's parade multiplied by enough people to make it a hour long and not very many floats.
Bill's doing good and finally bought a "real" bed for his apartment! Hopefully he is sleeping better now.
Nikki just got a promotion at her work and is being moved from the costal region to the city of Wilmington.
We are spending Christmas at Nikki's this year and Bill is flying in from Colorado. Kathy's sister and brother, Jackie and Tim are driving up from Jacksonville, Fl. Looking forward to having everyone together.
We are working on next year plans. Still not firm but I looks like we'll be leaving North Carolina the 2nd week in April so we can be in Colorado by May 1st. We'll be there until October 19th and then will travel to Arizona where we plan to spend the month of November. We'll work our way back to North Carolina to arrive mid December.
On the vehicle side I've decided to hang on to the truck a few more years. The Cummins is hardly broken in at 155,000 miles. I've decided to go with a Suncoast Stage 2 transmission and triple disk converter. A great combination for solid towing. I'm also going to put a Kelderman 4 link airbag rear suspension on in. That will replace the rear springs all together, increase the load capacity and really smooth out the ride. After spending a lot of time researching, these get the best reviews on the forums both diesel and rv.
We are constantly looking at 5th wheels. Staying at one of the largest RV dealers campgrounds in the country next November in Tucson (Lazydays Tucson). It will certainly be tempting. Who knows, the right deal might come along.
Will keep everyone posted.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Halloween 2012
This year, Hurricane Sandy rained out trick or treat at the campground, but the church we go to, Wrightsboro First United Methodist has a "Trick or Trunk" in the parking lot. We decided to go. Packed up the candy in Nikki's car and setup in the parking lot. We were underdressed for the occasion! Had a lot of fun and there were lots of kids.
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| It was cold, 55 degree's! Not as fancy as everyone else. |
Monday, October 29, 2012
See Ya - Sandy
Fortunately, Sandy stayed about 300+ miles off the coast and did not have a significant impact on southern North Carolina. It started raining Friday night and rained very heavy through Sunday morning. Winds stayed around 30-35 mph with gusts to 60 but nothing really that bad. The area had 3 to 8 inches of rain depending on where you were. We were around 4 inches.
NC was spared, unlike the looks of Delaware, New Jersey and New York. Hope everyone we know in those states makes it through ok!!!
NC was spared, unlike the looks of Delaware, New Jersey and New York. Hope everyone we know in those states makes it through ok!!!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Reading Electric Meters - 101
We have a digital meter at the campsite. It looks similar to your car with black numbers and then one gray number on the end. When we got here I thought it was 7.3 hours. WRONG..... that is 73 hours. Today it read 70.3 which is 703 hours. So we used 630 hours or $69.30. Still well within what I budgeted. We are averaging about 20.3 hours per day with a lot of A/C useage. I expect it will decrease now as we don't really need the A/C much during the day. It is stayng around 75-80 and 55-65 at night.
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| This reads 705 hours NO decimals |
Sunday, October 14, 2012
One year on the road!!!!
Tomorrow will be one year since we've been on the road!
Its gone by so fast.
Today we had our Sunday morning pancakes, sausage and ate outside in the screen house. It was a beautiful day today, 82 degree's and blue skies. Almost identical to last year at this time.
We had Nikki and her friend Stephanie over for breakfast. We went to get pumpkins and did a little carving today too.
So plans for 2013......
We'll be in North Carolina until March. Then off to Arizona and Colorado for the summer.
We have agreed to be camp hosts in Carbondale from May 1st until October 15th.
Its gone by so fast.
Today we had our Sunday morning pancakes, sausage and ate outside in the screen house. It was a beautiful day today, 82 degree's and blue skies. Almost identical to last year at this time.
We had Nikki and her friend Stephanie over for breakfast. We went to get pumpkins and did a little carving today too.
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| Stephanie hard at work |
So this was a bit strange. All the seeds in the "ghost" pumpkin were growing inside the pumpkin!
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| Go STATE! |
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| The Thinker |
So plans for 2013......
We'll be in North Carolina until March. Then off to Arizona and Colorado for the summer.
We have agreed to be camp hosts in Carbondale from May 1st until October 15th.
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| This year's site - # 43 |
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Monthly rates and eletric meters
Ever wonder how many kilowatt hours you use in an RV at a campsite? At the KOA in Wilmington they charge for the site (monthly) and now charge for electric separate. 11 cents per kilowatt hour.
I did research but really couldn't find much on it. Plenty on homes but not much on RV's. The general information I found shows the average home uses 1 kilowat per hour.
We have 30amp service for our RV. One A/C (which is constantly running right now), 2 computers, external montior (always on), frig and our TV (42") is generally on during the evening for 3-4 hours.
Keeping track it looks like we use about 2.5 kilowatt hours a day. That's 77.5 hours per month or $8.26 per month in electricity. Not bad!
In October I'll update with the actual numbers.
Update:
First full week (9/16 - 9/23) of electric with A/C running about 8 hours a day and Frig on A/C -
Started 7.1 kwh Ended 26.1
Total 18.8 kwh * .11 = $2.068 cost first week
I did research but really couldn't find much on it. Plenty on homes but not much on RV's. The general information I found shows the average home uses 1 kilowat per hour.
We have 30amp service for our RV. One A/C (which is constantly running right now), 2 computers, external montior (always on), frig and our TV (42") is generally on during the evening for 3-4 hours.
Keeping track it looks like we use about 2.5 kilowatt hours a day. That's 77.5 hours per month or $8.26 per month in electricity. Not bad!
In October I'll update with the actual numbers.
Update:
First full week (9/16 - 9/23) of electric with A/C running about 8 hours a day and Frig on A/C -
Started 7.1 kwh Ended 26.1
Total 18.8 kwh * .11 = $2.068 cost first week
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Back in North Carolina
We left New York last Tuesday and went to Delaware. Tuesday night we had dinner with Nancy and Tom at their home. We used to live next door to them in Delaware around 1984. We got to see Alex and Brad and everyone was doing great. Wow....Nancy now retired and Tom is retiring in October. I hope he does not drive everyone crazy! We had a great evening sharing old stories and catching up. You can see a picture of everyone on Kathy's facebook page.
Wednesday we drove to the Washington, DC area and spent the night. Thursday we drove to Rocky Mount, NC (north NC) and spent Thursday through Sunday morning there. KOA was having a "stay Friday get Saturday free" event and the Wilmington KOA was booked until Sunday. Rocky Mount is owned by the same family that owns the Wilmington KOA.
We arrived in Wilmington on Sunday afternoon. Last year we were in site 41, this year we are two down in site 43. The campground is pretty busy still.
Since we left in March we have travelled 15,045 miles and 27 states! I'm getting ready to start planning for 2013.
Wednesday we drove to the Washington, DC area and spent the night. Thursday we drove to Rocky Mount, NC (north NC) and spent Thursday through Sunday morning there. KOA was having a "stay Friday get Saturday free" event and the Wilmington KOA was booked until Sunday. Rocky Mount is owned by the same family that owns the Wilmington KOA.
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| Rocky Mount KOA, NC |
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| Wilmington KOA - Site 43 |
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| States travelled in 2012 |
Monday, September 10, 2012
New York City
New York City North / Newburgh KOA
Today we went to New York City. The KOA is in Plattekill, NY which is about an hour and half north west of New York City. We drove to Beacon, NY (about 11 miles from the campground) and took the MTA North Train to Grand Central Station. It took about one and half hours. From there we decided to walk to the 9/11 Memorial. We had a reservation to get in at 1 p.m. We arrived in Grand Central Station around 10:30.
The tree Kathy is standing by is the only tree that survived the 9/11 destruction!
After the Memorial we took a trip on the Staten Island Ferry and saw the Statue of Liberty. The ferry ride is about 25 minutes each way.
After the long walk in the morning we decided to take the subway back. Its subway 5 green from the financial district to get you back to Grand Central Station and it takes about 15 minutes. We got back to Grand Central around 3:45 and found the train back to Beacon was leaving at 4:10.
It was a great day. Everything but the train ride is free! For the memorial you go online to make and print your reservation.
Today we went to New York City. The KOA is in Plattekill, NY which is about an hour and half north west of New York City. We drove to Beacon, NY (about 11 miles from the campground) and took the MTA North Train to Grand Central Station. It took about one and half hours. From there we decided to walk to the 9/11 Memorial. We had a reservation to get in at 1 p.m. We arrived in Grand Central Station around 10:30.
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| Beacon Station - Metro North Train |
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| Walking to the Memorial |
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| Reflection ponds |
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| The Memorial Chopper |
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| The Survivor Tree |
The tree Kathy is standing by is the only tree that survived the 9/11 destruction!
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| Wall Street Bull |
After the long walk in the morning we decided to take the subway back. Its subway 5 green from the financial district to get you back to Grand Central Station and it takes about 15 minutes. We got back to Grand Central around 3:45 and found the train back to Beacon was leaving at 4:10.
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| Coast Guard Gun ship on the Hudson River |
It was a great day. Everything but the train ride is free! For the memorial you go online to make and print your reservation.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Nantucket
Tuesday we left for Nantucket. A two hour drive to Hyannis Port, MA and then a two hour ferry ride to Nantucket. Its pretty nice this week. Most the tourist have left. We arrived around 11:30 and went around the shops on Tuesday. Wednesday we drove the Island went to the light houses. A little more shopping and some ice cream. It reminds me some of Mackinaw Island but bigger and with vehicles. A lot of grand vacation homes from old money. A beautiful area.
Thursday after we head back to Ayer and Sunday we start our trek south for the winter.
Thursday after we head back to Ayer and Sunday we start our trek south for the winter.
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| Beach art |
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| Oh.....that stinks! Hero's and Dottie's mess Michelle and Jeff's dogs |
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| Kathy and Michelle |
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| A view from the light house |
Friday, August 31, 2012
Ogunquit, Maine
We left Maine today and went back to Ayer, Ma to Julie's house. We'll be here over the weekend and Labor day then we'll leave the 5th wheel at Julie's and go to Nantucket Island for Tuesday thru Thursday.
Last night we took a walk on the Marginal walkway which is a paved walkway that follows the coastline for a few miles. Beautiful old homes and wonderful views of the ocean. It was a very nice evening to take a stroll.
We left Maine today and went back to Ayer, Ma to Julie's house. We'll be here over the weekend and Labor day then we'll leave the 5th wheel at Julie's and go to Nantucket Island for Tuesday thru Thursday.
Last night we took a walk on the Marginal walkway which is a paved walkway that follows the coastline for a few miles. Beautiful old homes and wonderful views of the ocean. It was a very nice evening to take a stroll.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
A quick update:
Friday - Monday 8/31 - 9/3
Julie's, Ayer, MA.
Tuesday - Thursday 9/6
Michelle and Jeff on Nantucket Island.
Friday - Sunday AM 9/9
Julie's, Ayer, MA
Sunday afternoon - Tuesday morning 9/11
KOA Plattekill, NY (New York City area)
Tuesday afternoon/night 9/11
Coatesville, PA (Philly area)
Driving to Newark, Delaware to have dinner with our friends Tom and Nancy
Wednesday afternoon/night, 9/12
KOA, Meadsville, MD (Washington, DC area)
Thursday afternoon/night, 9/13 thru Sunday morning 9/16
KOA, Rocky Mount, NC (Northern NC)
Friday, 9/16- end of March 2013
KOA, Wilmington, NC for the winter unless it gets cold then we'll move further south until it gets warm :)
The complete trip for 2012
Friday - Monday 8/31 - 9/3
Julie's, Ayer, MA.
Tuesday - Thursday 9/6
Michelle and Jeff on Nantucket Island.
Friday - Sunday AM 9/9
Julie's, Ayer, MA
Sunday afternoon - Tuesday morning 9/11
KOA Plattekill, NY (New York City area)
Tuesday afternoon/night 9/11
Coatesville, PA (Philly area)
Driving to Newark, Delaware to have dinner with our friends Tom and Nancy
Wednesday afternoon/night, 9/12
KOA, Meadsville, MD (Washington, DC area)
Thursday afternoon/night, 9/13 thru Sunday morning 9/16
KOA, Rocky Mount, NC (Northern NC)
Friday, 9/16- end of March 2013
KOA, Wilmington, NC for the winter unless it gets cold then we'll move further south until it gets warm :)
The complete trip for 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
Wells, Maine
Today we drove from Littleton, Ma to Wells, Maine. Wells is just north of Ogunquit which is a large shopping area. The traffic was not bad and we got here around 1 p.m. We are staying at the Pinerosa Camping Area which is a beautiful camp ground. Lots of tents, popups and trailers. A very nice pool and play area as well.
We'll be here until the 31st. We are then heading back to Littleton to spend Labor day weekend at Julies.
Still up in the air where we are headed after that but probably New York City area for a week then visit friends in Delaware and then on our way back to North Carolina.
Site H3 - Pinerosa Camping Area, Wells, ME
Today we drove from Littleton, Ma to Wells, Maine. Wells is just north of Ogunquit which is a large shopping area. The traffic was not bad and we got here around 1 p.m. We are staying at the Pinerosa Camping Area which is a beautiful camp ground. Lots of tents, popups and trailers. A very nice pool and play area as well.
We'll be here until the 31st. We are then heading back to Littleton to spend Labor day weekend at Julies.
Still up in the air where we are headed after that but probably New York City area for a week then visit friends in Delaware and then on our way back to North Carolina.
The map is filling up!
We are here:
Since we left in March we have travelled a total of 13,300 miles.
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| Our trip for 2012 to date |
Monday, August 20, 2012
The family get together at Olive Garden -
Sunday night we were all supposed to get together at Nashoba Club for pizza to celebrate Mikes graduation and departure for college. We all arrived at Nashoba Club only to find that they were closed the 21st only. They are normally open every Sunday.
Off to Olive Garden in Leominster. Had a great meal, lots of fun. It was nice to get everyone together for an evening! Janet and Bob we missed you.
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Sunday night we were all supposed to get together at Nashoba Club for pizza to celebrate Mikes graduation and departure for college. We all arrived at Nashoba Club only to find that they were closed the 21st only. They are normally open every Sunday.
Off to Olive Garden in Leominster. Had a great meal, lots of fun. It was nice to get everyone together for an evening! Janet and Bob we missed you.
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| Nick, David, Bill, Mike, Nikki |
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Littleton, Ma
We made it to Littleton, Ma on Wednesday afternoon. After setting up we went to the grocery store and then rested until we left to get bill from the airport in Providence, RI at 11:10 p.m. We got back around 1:00 a.m.. Thursday we didn't do much and Friday Nikki drove up from North Carolina. Everyone is here and its pretty nice! Today we went to Kimballs Ice cream. Wow has that place grown! Bumper boats, mini golf, par 3 course, arcades, restaurant, and other things to do. John and his grand kids. Tyler, Grace and their mom Jamie. Julie and David and Nick showed up too.
Boston Minuteman Campground where we are staying is a great campground. Sites are big, lots of tree's and shade. Very clean restrooms and small pool. Definitely recommend staying here if you are in the area.
Sunday we drive to Portsmouth, NH to meet Pat and Tom for a while.
A HUGE thank you to Scott and Peggy for putting up with us for a month and sharing your home while our 5th wheel was in for repair. We miss you guys!!
We are here:
8/15 - 8/24 - Littleton, Ma
8/24 - 8/31 - Wells, Me.
We made it to Littleton, Ma on Wednesday afternoon. After setting up we went to the grocery store and then rested until we left to get bill from the airport in Providence, RI at 11:10 p.m. We got back around 1:00 a.m.. Thursday we didn't do much and Friday Nikki drove up from North Carolina. Everyone is here and its pretty nice! Today we went to Kimballs Ice cream. Wow has that place grown! Bumper boats, mini golf, par 3 course, arcades, restaurant, and other things to do. John and his grand kids. Tyler, Grace and their mom Jamie. Julie and David and Nick showed up too.
Boston Minuteman Campground where we are staying is a great campground. Sites are big, lots of tree's and shade. Very clean restrooms and small pool. Definitely recommend staying here if you are in the area.
Sunday we drive to Portsmouth, NH to meet Pat and Tom for a while.
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| Site 30 at Boston Minuteman Campground |
A HUGE thank you to Scott and Peggy for putting up with us for a month and sharing your home while our 5th wheel was in for repair. We miss you guys!!
We are here:
8/15 - 8/24 - Littleton, Ma
8/24 - 8/31 - Wells, Me.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Two week update
We arrived in Mashall, MI on Wednesday, July 11. We camped with Suzzane and Steve and then left for Saline on Sunday. On Monday, July 16th the 5th wheel went to Camping World in Belleville, MI for repairs. We have been staying at Scott and Peggy's since we got here.
This past weekend I played in a golf outing with Scott, and Sunday Kathy and I went out to Wamplers Lake to Kent and Sue's cottage. The lake is really low! They put their boat up on the lift in the spring and the lake has dropped so much that when they lower it, it doesn't touch the water. I've never seens the lake this low.
I called Camping World today and they said maybe Wednesday the 5th wheel will be ready. All depends on when Dometic sends out an awning part they need. Of course the style we have isn't sold anymore. We have a 5th wheel "short" arm model which no one uses now. Always interesting! We are supposed to go to Marshall this coming weekend with Suzzane and Steve. Maybe....maybe not. Have to wait and see.
No much more to report...
We arrived in Mashall, MI on Wednesday, July 11. We camped with Suzzane and Steve and then left for Saline on Sunday. On Monday, July 16th the 5th wheel went to Camping World in Belleville, MI for repairs. We have been staying at Scott and Peggy's since we got here.
This past weekend I played in a golf outing with Scott, and Sunday Kathy and I went out to Wamplers Lake to Kent and Sue's cottage. The lake is really low! They put their boat up on the lift in the spring and the lake has dropped so much that when they lower it, it doesn't touch the water. I've never seens the lake this low.
I called Camping World today and they said maybe Wednesday the 5th wheel will be ready. All depends on when Dometic sends out an awning part they need. Of course the style we have isn't sold anymore. We have a 5th wheel "short" arm model which no one uses now. Always interesting! We are supposed to go to Marshall this coming weekend with Suzzane and Steve. Maybe....maybe not. Have to wait and see.
No much more to report...
Monday, July 9, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
On the road again
Friday we left for Michigan. Friday night we stayed in a rest area in Fort Morgan, CO. Saturday we drove to the Grand Island KOA in Doniphan, NE.
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| Parked at Grand Island KOA |
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| Corn for miles |
We arrived at the KOA in Rock Island, IL Sunday afternoon and will be here until Wednesday (pic's to come). This is a really nice family spot with a cool pool and splash zone as well as a small lake with paddle boats and fishing.
Tuesday is tire day! With some answered prayers we made it here with out incident. I originally thought we could wait until we got back to North Carolina but after spotting cracks in the side walls (and not small ones) on all tires I decided it was time to get all new ones. I had Michelin's on the truck and got 74,758 miles on them since April '09. Not bad!!
We are here -
Total miles traveled so far: 4,369
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