tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55577142174556331712024-03-21T02:28:43.869-05:00What A View!!! Traveling in Our Winnebago ViewKarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.comBlogger1480125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-70846755850256585432024-03-10T11:43:00.004-05:002024-03-10T14:20:00.429-05:00Maumelle COE near Little Rock Arkansas <p>On Friday, we headed up along the Arkansas River to just the west side of Little Rock. We did have to hop on a couple interstates but they weren't too bad. We really prefer driving back roads. </p><p>We made a pit stop in Little Rock Arkansas. We had located a Trader Joe's! There are only two in Wisconsin and they are over 100 plus miles away from us. I love their Two Buck Chuck! It is actually their wines from Charles Shaw wineries. It used to be $2 a bottle, thus the nickname. It is now $4.49 a bottle. But the name still sticks. We picked up a case as well as some other groceries. Steve found his favorite beer over at a Walmart nearby. </p><p>We worked our way up out of Little Rock to the west, and North into Maumelle COE Park which is on a widened out spot of the Arkansas River. </p><p>We had already made reservations through the Recreation.gov website for a waterfront site. Again, we had absolutely no problems with the website once we fixed the crazy back-dated login information. We have no idea why it reverted to that setting last week, but now everything seems to work out well when we log in and reserve new sites. </p><p>We backed into our site which was B29. Beautiful and spacious right along on the river with a great view.</p><p>The welcoming committee eagerly greeted us. They meandered their way through the site and left their little deposits of joy everywhere. Ugh!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZj_ZIOTrfqj0V26M-Xrwa303oqUbeuTZ9ndqoJ70QHh0zb0JzcA8_8UgTfWz07TCwT6JIL9_7COAIxMfmly4ocBkvAFLz0lHuguXO2h9n626OYFRxFRkN67L2t77EeH4gORvbPt41k6gSx0wjbwWutQo_k18vQaDnmE7SDSPakuI2kbcU7s6R2TAhqz1J/s1963/20240308_124514.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1596" data-original-width="1963" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZj_ZIOTrfqj0V26M-Xrwa303oqUbeuTZ9ndqoJ70QHh0zb0JzcA8_8UgTfWz07TCwT6JIL9_7COAIxMfmly4ocBkvAFLz0lHuguXO2h9n626OYFRxFRkN67L2t77EeH4gORvbPt41k6gSx0wjbwWutQo_k18vQaDnmE7SDSPakuI2kbcU7s6R2TAhqz1J/w640-h520/20240308_124514.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It is a large park with 128 sites. They are all spaced out in various loops to ease the traffic burden and make for more intimate camping. The park has a lot of tall mature trees which I am sure helps with the shade in the summer months.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the link from the recreation.gov site with more information: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://g.co/kgs/JraJ95E">https://g.co/kgs/JraJ95E</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The price of camping here is $30 a night. With our America the beautiful senior access pass, we are here for $15 a night. This is the first park that we actually had to stop at the gatehouse to check in, even though we were reserved. We were also given a pass to tape up and hang in the front windshield. Then it was requested that we stop at the gatehouse when we exit and turn the pass back in. I suppose that way the lady can keep track if a site is vacated early? She seemed rather picky on having to know exactly who we were, logged in even though we were reserved, and requested to look again at our senior access pass. It was already plugged in on the site but we had to go back to the RV to bring it in person just to show her. Then she couldn't read the tiny numbers so Steve had to read them off to her. Then she could double check what we had already logged into the computer. We don't know, maybe people are abusing this pass? Anyhow, once the login stuff was taken care of, we were able to enjoy moving over and getting set up on our campsite.</div><div><br /></div>I could not find a map online of the actual park from their own website. But I did find this image I stole from somebody else who had done a park review. Please ignore the highlighted sites. Incidentally, sites 1 through 10 are specifically reserved for patients from the local medical complex. So 1 through 10 can only be taken with a doctor's reservation confirming that you are attending medical treatments at their center. The other 118 sites are reservable.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Yv4baxzJI5BDfAZBWSjh56t-O5f7i614di2460ZL-BpiDPbd6O6c1xXyTZMPr6BcAsleBQLC7pvbUzlfSIASaiTxqrLunWY8gzMnxH6U7D9FurKjBYKh95n1cwAUG-krRlUJLzAldU0OXlhg7zRZAkYQROoN98XxIdaGzRflkRoVaMVQ1V0X96klAU77/s1246/photo6jpg.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="947" data-original-width="1246" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Yv4baxzJI5BDfAZBWSjh56t-O5f7i614di2460ZL-BpiDPbd6O6c1xXyTZMPr6BcAsleBQLC7pvbUzlfSIASaiTxqrLunWY8gzMnxH6U7D9FurKjBYKh95n1cwAUG-krRlUJLzAldU0OXlhg7zRZAkYQROoN98XxIdaGzRflkRoVaMVQ1V0X96klAU77/w640-h486/photo6jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There are nice shower houses and bathrooms scattered throughout the park as well as some beautiful picnic areas. All of the sites are paved and most are level and big rig friendly. There were only a few that might be complicated to get a larger RV into. There were also some walk-in tenting sites that some scouts were occupying. They were having a variety of badge earning activities and look like they were having fun.</div><div><br /></div><div>The park is located next to a large yacht club. All of the boats are parked under covered canopies in the water. Quite pampered and there are some really big boats housed there. The general neighborhood heading out to the park is beautiful farmland country estates with horses and equestrian centers. </div><div><br /></div><div>Shopping, restaurants, and groceries are all located within 5 mi of the park. </div><div><br /></div>As I said, we were on a water side site. It was really pretty and we are happy to see green grass. The trees are just starting to bud out, and we even saw some bumblebees flickering from one little flower blossom to another in the grass.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAPWkI7r-o4t1yWoOHivCRpWzHUqfaINSHrEpIhhJB4ClBaeUQZdTMOqhGPcLx1iY66srIk2Vzo9Le1yrAm_vNFGOvAZm-CRg_5CTfCUCSKQzd2T7_0o-EaVSm-RQU49uCMy69gNYUpudSLFTSSiEmJXGoD6t-Me4PqMCCGXiF-AJUeki5GtPhatAy4nv/s4080/20240309_153443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAPWkI7r-o4t1yWoOHivCRpWzHUqfaINSHrEpIhhJB4ClBaeUQZdTMOqhGPcLx1iY66srIk2Vzo9Le1yrAm_vNFGOvAZm-CRg_5CTfCUCSKQzd2T7_0o-EaVSm-RQU49uCMy69gNYUpudSLFTSSiEmJXGoD6t-Me4PqMCCGXiF-AJUeki5GtPhatAy4nv/w640-h296/20240309_153443.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Like I said, the geese are all over in the campground. They don't even seem bothered by dogs whatsoever. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFrr5US7ocMZ-86roKvuwzBcemhcpMqQxXFwKoTtXGrUoqHOY4GnNPsyIKCUEM8AQDLOLbsfs-Fh_vQBOW_5lm3ThH_vi07d6cMHlSFNoTO43Gp-GSCsSOWiIznV9LNYGrxuu-GZL3IwjhUVWFgrfW-orDrrEEmAU4uaGrKLbpmyEVI98a6JtuW3hNdqA/s4080/20240308_155330.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwFrr5US7ocMZ-86roKvuwzBcemhcpMqQxXFwKoTtXGrUoqHOY4GnNPsyIKCUEM8AQDLOLbsfs-Fh_vQBOW_5lm3ThH_vi07d6cMHlSFNoTO43Gp-GSCsSOWiIznV9LNYGrxuu-GZL3IwjhUVWFgrfW-orDrrEEmAU4uaGrKLbpmyEVI98a6JtuW3hNdqA/w640-h296/20240308_155330.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>As we were taking a nice little walk around the park, little Nicholas spotted a squirrel!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuHmHeULZdHEpzkpW_gT1B9FIsyBdOzHxYvmfNNVxfxY12xAtWQGN1bXgE7__7enCD0AZOUX5cnK0qlpQbuLvkOlYdxkuKU-EAKOjy2jyVav3zz-U6TGCf-fqDWUr0HciriYth_kU6c0oGJCDq996HsjrLH_sO66nLeFd4hIEVCl0-Jsd4y8amb84k9Fb/s4080/20240308_155723.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuHmHeULZdHEpzkpW_gT1B9FIsyBdOzHxYvmfNNVxfxY12xAtWQGN1bXgE7__7enCD0AZOUX5cnK0qlpQbuLvkOlYdxkuKU-EAKOjy2jyVav3zz-U6TGCf-fqDWUr0HciriYth_kU6c0oGJCDq996HsjrLH_sO66nLeFd4hIEVCl0-Jsd4y8amb84k9Fb/w296-h640/20240308_155723.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The squirrel spotted him as well. Around and around the tree he went, chattering down at Nicholas just to tease him. </div><div><br /></div><div>So how do you catch a squirrel?</div><div><br /></div><div>You climb a tree, and act like a nut!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsshxsJh4gL7H-lX9Wqw1uBuP4EXD9qXbDO6_0MYpwhPUVuKCUWDvYxnIP5JZ_Z-HGnz_7MShgRnCKnioccA8UQcxqUyJ5FD-aOggIJPifZARP8sGeNyIxLhLC0YMVyEEMsHj0GjLOmNEg1m_qH8whs56txheph0Nu8hShwsTU-UKuda4-QBizdGSyvDiK/s4080/20240308_155716.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsshxsJh4gL7H-lX9Wqw1uBuP4EXD9qXbDO6_0MYpwhPUVuKCUWDvYxnIP5JZ_Z-HGnz_7MShgRnCKnioccA8UQcxqUyJ5FD-aOggIJPifZARP8sGeNyIxLhLC0YMVyEEMsHj0GjLOmNEg1m_qH8whs56txheph0Nu8hShwsTU-UKuda4-QBizdGSyvDiK/w296-h640/20240308_155716.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Lol lol lol.... Of course, he didn't actually catch the squirrel. But he sure had fun trying. It added to his excitement. We do notice that he watches for every squirrel or bird as we are walking along in the woods. Extremely inquisitive. Also, those were his only friends when he was on the run in the woods for weeks on end, all on his own, before he became ours. </div><div><br /></div><div>Friday evening was pretty rainy, as well as Saturday morning was cloudy, windy and damp. By the afternoon, the sun had come out it was turning into a really nice day.</div><div><br /></div><div>We checked out some of the bike trail maps heading into town, since it was so close by. There are trails everywhere, and about 80% of them are paved bike trails specific for bike riding. Others are along the sides of roads in bike lanes. I don't know if I'm good enough yet for that. But I was willing to try. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJZ34YwZ5_jwT0QI5o87Uz15hYEkoTzAW5UuKrpLtklnkNiXK5HnGiykbUlnIwTtzSLvD6houxpxdiKEAiNGDFNBQUz7FgHyz7otZJbXdRVdEOfDvWvSF-ANMvGOJAAm2UhXufzIn9VB3TRZcJiYvTQDubmiZkS5TVtu7LvWv57JzECfxlNTvWBXqpFYi/s803/art-map-nov-2018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="803" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJZ34YwZ5_jwT0QI5o87Uz15hYEkoTzAW5UuKrpLtklnkNiXK5HnGiykbUlnIwTtzSLvD6houxpxdiKEAiNGDFNBQUz7FgHyz7otZJbXdRVdEOfDvWvSF-ANMvGOJAAm2UhXufzIn9VB3TRZcJiYvTQDubmiZkS5TVtu7LvWv57JzECfxlNTvWBXqpFYi/w640-h384/art-map-nov-2018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Steve unpacked our bikes and put them together. We decided not to take the dogs along in their little doggie trailer this time. It's best if we explore an area first before we take them along.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our cargo trailer works so well to carry the bikes. We also carry along things like a larger propane tank and some firewood. Also extra jugs of fresh drinking water. Steve is able to move those few items out of the way and then take the bikes out to get ready to go for a ride. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTt-QBc3B6ZyMhBvaVZIUyBzJvzljM32ioc3kzQtRfgfGJ50FxgPP0C2IYkdY8Q7rPJmtXB6OSlcjvuDIYb4KYyMML63AXb0HEHu8SI1VH5YZLBCnqY9s2X3pfjXEJHhPSWtWYXp7X1snKAyIbaPFYuoGW0RxJmUNL6irplOUAU3tur7idI8BIpRmxn-1/s4080/20240309_144713.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTt-QBc3B6ZyMhBvaVZIUyBzJvzljM32ioc3kzQtRfgfGJ50FxgPP0C2IYkdY8Q7rPJmtXB6OSlcjvuDIYb4KYyMML63AXb0HEHu8SI1VH5YZLBCnqY9s2X3pfjXEJHhPSWtWYXp7X1snKAyIbaPFYuoGW0RxJmUNL6irplOUAU3tur7idI8BIpRmxn-1/w640-h296/20240309_144713.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Like I mentioned in my last blog, I had no idea that after the age of 60 I would be riding a bike. Plus enjoying it so much? These Lectric bikes sure are a lot of fun. Now that we have them geared up with accessories, and adjusted to the way we like them, it is extremely enjoyable. We also have the little Sena communication devices on our helmets. We can talk to each other back and forth without hollering. It's nice to let each of us know when there are cars coming up behind us or which way we're going to turn, or just discuss what we are seeing. Money well spent!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoH4yLJgdNNFIYRWlRB803v97IXw6pjaQ6iHfQXebE2Tch5jjpHF83CmI80QHXhKi2yXDJ7XY4yB8-ooW8HCT2SN7rknWKMf5pJO5LGq5uIK7YFFbhk84JbI8eaB9FO31RdjF3uny55npuS9ijb7A6-2z2f0dY-7ZJgYyFTfGEnkGjclA6xDJun0FZCOd/s4080/20240309_145247.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoH4yLJgdNNFIYRWlRB803v97IXw6pjaQ6iHfQXebE2Tch5jjpHF83CmI80QHXhKi2yXDJ7XY4yB8-ooW8HCT2SN7rknWKMf5pJO5LGq5uIK7YFFbhk84JbI8eaB9FO31RdjF3uny55npuS9ijb7A6-2z2f0dY-7ZJgYyFTfGEnkGjclA6xDJun0FZCOd/w640-h296/20240309_145247.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We started riding around the park and went on down towards the West end, near the big yacht club. There were a few fishermen out on the river. But it's not yet summer where these folks are taking their yachts out of their storage mooring spots and cruising around the lake. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kNikO0FOtKU2pDbT9_uR5vxLFcY6viuOH6vUDUE3EFnvURcFqq7UOTzX4Qh1Atl4u7BKw0Ntt5RfmHFAP880pFM64nEliLZqZE9QiAW34qsdV6_Zzmzm3hX3pjrskjaHwOA5KUAnElRiZCUmW1uPdQL5N6QbGWhY2jQkoDU8u_sniGRLctciQEQxbkq6/s4000/20240309_151513.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kNikO0FOtKU2pDbT9_uR5vxLFcY6viuOH6vUDUE3EFnvURcFqq7UOTzX4Qh1Atl4u7BKw0Ntt5RfmHFAP880pFM64nEliLZqZE9QiAW34qsdV6_Zzmzm3hX3pjrskjaHwOA5KUAnElRiZCUmW1uPdQL5N6QbGWhY2jQkoDU8u_sniGRLctciQEQxbkq6/w640-h296/20240309_151513.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The wind was colder than we expected, even though it was sunny out. We decided to just stay within the confines of the park and ride around instead of going into town. We put on over 4 miles just inside of the park itself. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6k-RF2eCUNv7YEX71BmSI2tgD1R2_dmgXKGKt6YdCPLN86aIpIggdpveCgwaJzN4XYt3HEIfXo_fA5zvCxJk3G18a2Ais-KcoKWkMmVNmd-ytLR5FdZBcc_8850A_zQ0oUIC3tlNRH3W5-hbNHz6cGUv6UhUl-dwDYwFVeDiFc2CwK_sSYszV2sAUVXN4/s2340/Screenshot_20240309_153012_MapMyFitness.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6k-RF2eCUNv7YEX71BmSI2tgD1R2_dmgXKGKt6YdCPLN86aIpIggdpveCgwaJzN4XYt3HEIfXo_fA5zvCxJk3G18a2Ais-KcoKWkMmVNmd-ytLR5FdZBcc_8850A_zQ0oUIC3tlNRH3W5-hbNHz6cGUv6UhUl-dwDYwFVeDiFc2CwK_sSYszV2sAUVXN4/w296-h640/Screenshot_20240309_153012_MapMyFitness.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It ended up turning a little cooler than we thought on Saturday night. It was going to get down into the '30s! Although we had a nice sunset, Steve decided to put away the bikes as we were done riding for the evening. Yes, we do put them away each night and lock them up. Better to be safe than sorry.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFNZysd4MPygG0pVEjkjeTl91djbtNnZf-4uI5yt8aO5A8CqpkaM4O_aDq6h9pbJfSAaTrrvFB-JcgT5JOnGQS9boFCNEU5AUFAjZwJ2SIiSTstQSnw8pKcGpZZo5o5TcvsDytcKvZQRgQD0LysvrUc6BS6M3DSF5TsNGG87BF0PBzeC0O8RD4NoVGqOq/s1699/20240309_180606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1082" data-original-width="1699" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFNZysd4MPygG0pVEjkjeTl91djbtNnZf-4uI5yt8aO5A8CqpkaM4O_aDq6h9pbJfSAaTrrvFB-JcgT5JOnGQS9boFCNEU5AUFAjZwJ2SIiSTstQSnw8pKcGpZZo5o5TcvsDytcKvZQRgQD0LysvrUc6BS6M3DSF5TsNGG87BF0PBzeC0O8RD4NoVGqOq/w640-h408/20240309_180606.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We did notice a lot of RVs pulling into the park all together as a group. They all seemed to know each other as they were walking from site to site. A large amount of sites all around us suddenly filled up very fast. We only saw two empty sites in the entire area of the park we were in. We know our site itself was reserved for Sunday evening and for the rest of the week. We looked up in all these other sites and discovered that they were reserved for a week too. We assume they were some type of camping group altogether. The visiting went on back and forth between all of them as they were getting backed in and settled in and arranged on their various sites. I can only imagine one of them is waiting on another site for one night for us to leave. Then they get to pull into ours and be with the rest of their friends.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, we decided to cook dinner inside. We had been thinking about grilling outside with our fresh slab of salmon from Trader Joe's. But instead we will save that for Sunday evening. Steve made up a kettle of his famous Texas Hash instead. I suppose we could call it Arkansas Hash?</div><div><br /></div><div>We watched the sun setting in a beautiful blue clear sky. No clouds to add more colorful formations. But it was a promise of a beautiful Sunday coming up. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwkc8mm2qV8uGkQCUTlNX1fHtvMKSa568zP8AyibuudeUm5BQAe9mrFJ-1VIhp6JrNxPPkPmuL1j3ZQuZHNltma33uGvmUyqE4KiGQXYUF8sQodDbnODul4_IZnkXhhD9V6Fx-kLPIaZhy7Ked_0XbTKvOLVKBmifJCpDKePmx3vpISyGeVF_Fbfcd3Qv/s3781/20240309_180128.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1746" data-original-width="3781" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwkc8mm2qV8uGkQCUTlNX1fHtvMKSa568zP8AyibuudeUm5BQAe9mrFJ-1VIhp6JrNxPPkPmuL1j3ZQuZHNltma33uGvmUyqE4KiGQXYUF8sQodDbnODul4_IZnkXhhD9V6Fx-kLPIaZhy7Ked_0XbTKvOLVKBmifJCpDKePmx3vpISyGeVF_Fbfcd3Qv/w640-h296/20240309_180128.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>One thing I wanted to mention is that I'm getting a little tired of drinking water from plastic bottles. In the past, we always bought these big blue 5 gallon bottles from our local supplier in Wisconsin. It's called Nicolet Water Company. It's actually located up near my dad's cabin by Crooked Lake near Mountain, Wisconsin. Their water comes from an artesian well and it is always perfect when we buy it in these large 5 gallon jugs. We have this little battery operated pump that we can use to fill our glasses, the coffee pot, or the dog's water dishes. It is rechargeable with a USB cord. It works very well for our needs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, we went through that original jug of water of course a couple weeks ago. We've been buying the blue refill jugs at Walmart's. You never know where they are filled from. But the taste is just not to my liking.</div><div><br /></div><div>It tastes very plasticky, and kind of sulfury. I find I am not drinking enough water, I'm just avoiding it because of the taste. That is not good.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHnn-J3iM1EQPZq_AhTjg2U04SWGsfB_NQ5DWkpQxSjdcsujpvOcBwKxF9eAtC3PvkrzWzyT0AavCV9wHbAamBWFYasotUGhGVeNBaFTsMEXhDMv2ogpc18F-rNfRPcGyX2GUctgJa5WWSWag7xqN9WXiaju2id3s94lFt3Q-DLKLZXqW0B4-pKC4tHVe/s2000/received_618304543767901.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLHnn-J3iM1EQPZq_AhTjg2U04SWGsfB_NQ5DWkpQxSjdcsujpvOcBwKxF9eAtC3PvkrzWzyT0AavCV9wHbAamBWFYasotUGhGVeNBaFTsMEXhDMv2ogpc18F-rNfRPcGyX2GUctgJa5WWSWag7xqN9WXiaju2id3s94lFt3Q-DLKLZXqW0B4-pKC4tHVe/w288-h640/received_618304543767901.jpeg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">So we did decide to buy a Brita water pitcher. It does filter the water pretty well, and we are not buying it in big jugs. But it still has somewhat of a "plastic-y taste". </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJGAP3Ipx1XkX1ZV317xTnhnFvFDHZk2Y4_eE_Ug6-4A3UqF58_1bOpE2wx6Z0nIOJL4LbK6ALiNMJa9hvJEuvOgqfogcTSbO-zR1VHsQOv-PkKBG0pbCf-sVVSQrlAuYmAki9M3F7N8sTpDsF9ImvlPa8laDoF3MUFCP3cgx-f38LGr2hxGCx5Kgw8QY/s4080/20240309_164137.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJGAP3Ipx1XkX1ZV317xTnhnFvFDHZk2Y4_eE_Ug6-4A3UqF58_1bOpE2wx6Z0nIOJL4LbK6ALiNMJa9hvJEuvOgqfogcTSbO-zR1VHsQOv-PkKBG0pbCf-sVVSQrlAuYmAki9M3F7N8sTpDsF9ImvlPa8laDoF3MUFCP3cgx-f38LGr2hxGCx5Kgw8QY/w296-h640/20240309_164137.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Some of our RVing friends, as well as some of the YouTubers we watch, have invested in the Berkey water system. We watched some YouTubes on the testing for bacteria and other unwanted particles and chemicals. The tests are really amazing and I think this is what we may look for next. I think the biggest bonus is that it's made from stainless steel. No plastic!</div><div><br /></div><div>The RVers on our Winnebago View Facebook group have found a perfect spot to set one. Right where the spigot leans over into the sink. There is a firmly mounted grab handle for going in and out the door right next to it. So they strap the Berkey to the grab handle and it rides securely in that spot. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXQTJ2z8AbGnb_uNFlNVZ1X5XLuzUHZ3evSlNbPXNNbYYO3gPfJ7hIGCqjuo0fiDFdxBrIuRcmK_wEAYLGASFr83bxsdgDLdfYCtDzPIEiXXz5GiDHDCjQdL6-6rXHkKr53pivGYVMuCTUyojzNVVTdeI_t4iSb-hvBTBL4W3yEyZcFRbdvdrws7Fm-w3/s2340/Screenshot_20240309_164515_Facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXQTJ2z8AbGnb_uNFlNVZ1X5XLuzUHZ3evSlNbPXNNbYYO3gPfJ7hIGCqjuo0fiDFdxBrIuRcmK_wEAYLGASFr83bxsdgDLdfYCtDzPIEiXXz5GiDHDCjQdL6-6rXHkKr53pivGYVMuCTUyojzNVVTdeI_t4iSb-hvBTBL4W3yEyZcFRbdvdrws7Fm-w3/w296-h640/Screenshot_20240309_164515_Facebook.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We started doing some more research, and these type of filters are good for 10 years! Clean out the main basin every month or so. These work so good you can even scoop up pond water or lake water and dump it in there and it will totally clean it out. At the other end all of the testing shows that it is just pure good refreshing drinking water coming out of the spigot. We also watched some YouTubes of other manufacturers brands. They are not as well known. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nupot-9hSue-MnoaPPYqJTP1NZlldAYYT1i_TddxJyrPQaD5RXnMkOTE1oNcF4VsNRyfVK-DqjmJtXn4ooVja7s8jHfZATz8fcOpPa2pJ9iq4NvmmlnflQds9BpaFCMc9r4iduYxCAFtWIhlk8jmQj3FiWychX8Ms8b8W9mffMWc7_SFlqwK3Pw4v5GZ/s2340/Screenshot_20240309_164422_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nupot-9hSue-MnoaPPYqJTP1NZlldAYYT1i_TddxJyrPQaD5RXnMkOTE1oNcF4VsNRyfVK-DqjmJtXn4ooVja7s8jHfZATz8fcOpPa2pJ9iq4NvmmlnflQds9BpaFCMc9r4iduYxCAFtWIhlk8jmQj3FiWychX8Ms8b8W9mffMWc7_SFlqwK3Pw4v5GZ/w296-h640/Screenshot_20240309_164422_Chrome.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>The Berkey has been around for 10 years. But it is more than double the price. Maybe you get what you pay for? I guess I'm looking for availability of replacement filters. Are the odd name brand ones just as good? Are the filters interchangeable? What are your thoughts?</p><p>I think I would buy one now, but they are not available locally. We would have to order one through the company or through Amazon and have it shipped to our home. That really doesn't help us when we are on the road. </p><p>Okay, its now Sunday morning. Time to get a move on. Today is moving day and we need to get off this campsite. We are heading further west about another hour towards another Corps of Engineers Park called Carter Cove on Nimrod Lake. There are a couple different Corps of Engineer parks on the shores of this lake. So we will check them all out and see where we end up tonight??? </p></div>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-23103502232451363262024-03-08T17:23:00.001-06:002024-03-08T18:17:55.536-06:00Moving Day Craziness - on to Tar Camp COE in Redfield Arkansas<p>Leaving Merrisach Lake COE was going to be hard. It is located near Tichnor, Arkansas. Just east of DeWitt. It was such a beautiful spot but we knew we had to move on. Someone else had our stupendous site D9 reserved. Read my previous blog to see why we loved it so much. We could have moved to another site and spent more time at the park, but some of our idea of adventure is to try other parks too. So we went online and looked ahead for the next Corps of Engineers Park.</p><p>There was one further up the Arkansas River called Tar Camp, near Redfield. Almost all of their sites were empty so we knew there wouldn't be a problem getting one. We would wait until we got there and then pay for a site --- once we could pick one out to our liking.</p><p>In the meantime, that means it's Moving Day! </p><p>The first thing we have to do is stow all of our gear and pull in the slides and unplug and hit the road. It doesn't take us long to do that. Steve had everything strapped down in the cargo trailer already the night before.</p><p>We searched ahead on the GPS for a laundromat. We found one that looked relatively new from the Google Earth pictures, and it also had a large gravel turnaround area in the back of its parking lot to easily accommodate our motorhome and cargo trailer.</p><p>This is a Sunday morning and we figured it'd be pretty easy to get a spot in a laundromat to wash clothes. Oh boy, were we ever wrong!</p><p>The town was called Pine Bluff, Arkansas. We pulled off the highway and made our way up to the laundromat. It wasn't very far. Well, it happened to be right next door to a church. And I'll tell you why that fact matters in just a minute...</p><p>We gathered up all of our dirty laundry and went inside to get started. There were about 20 washing machines. Absolutely every single one was being used or already done with the cycle and still had wet clothes laying in them. There was not a single vacant machine in sight. There were also three people waiting impatiently on chairs with huge loads of multiple laundry hampers, waiting for an empty machine. Nobody was taking the wet clothes out of the machines that had cycles completed. Easily more than half of the machines were sitting there occupied and not being emptied. One lady said to another "Don't dare touch anyone's clothes, you will get knifed for doing that!" Huh?</p><p>After listening to some of the other grumbling people waiting, I figured it out. People toss their laundry in to wash, and then went next door to church! We would be waiting an extra 15 minutes until the services ended before those people would come back and get their clothes out of the washers. Plus, ahead of us were more people waiting for machines. It looked like it would take us a couple hours to get our laundry done if we stayed at this location. No thank you.</p><p>But we did take the liberty of their functioning coin changing machine. We had some quarters on hand but definitely needed more. We've been finding it difficult to ask cash register people when we check out any where at a store if we can exchange dollars for quarters. So in the meantime, we tossed in $30 to the coin machine and came away with a Ziploc baggie full of quarters. It almost felt like going to a casino! (Not that we ever go to casinos anyhow.... )</p><p>We hauled our dirty laundry back out into the motorhome. I looked up again on Google maps and found another laundromat, this a few miles further into town. It looked like a rougher part of town and the laundromat didn't really look to be super wonderful. But at least it was a place to go. We wandered our way up there. The parking lot was a bit more rugged but we found a spot to park out of the way. We carried in our dirty laundry and there were only three other people in the entire place! Many many vacant machines, and pretty decent clean tables for folding. </p><p>The only thing different was, they were pretty new large front loading machines, but they were $6.50 for a load to wash! That was a lot more than what we're used to, that's for sure. We loaded up all of our dirty laundry and completely did all of our bedding and towels. I decided I wanted to wash both of our big quilts and get everything freshened up. Four large loads later, which equaled $25, everything was clean. The dryers were 12 minutes for every quarter. So another $10 later we had everything dry and loaded back out into the motorhome. $35.00 for laundry?? Boy oh boy do I ever miss the onboard washer and dryer of our last motorhome!!! Did I ever mention that I HATE laundromats???</p><p>Our next stop on the way was to hit the Walmart before we got back up on the highway. Sunday afternoon in a Walmart is absolutely crazy! We zoomed around as best we could, and grabbed everything that we needed. It just seemed to be every aisle had people wandering around aimlessly, standing in the way or stopping in the middle of the lanes and not letting you pass. We got out of there as quick as we could and stowed away our new groceries in the motorhome. Now it was time to hit the road to our next destination.</p><p>We drove through a pretty nice neighborhood and wound our way down to the river at Tar Camp COE just out of Redfield, Arkansas. The park was quite a distance from town and it was very quiet.</p><p>The sites stretched all along the riverbank and there were only three other campers in the entire park. They were all packing up and getting ready to leave. Check out time was 3:00 p.m. . There was one whole loop of the park that appeared to be brand new. We later found out it was due to some flooding. It had recently been completely rebuilt. They had two big flat bed trailers and a crane ready to place a new shower building that came in two pieces. The big cement building is completely plumbed and furnished and ready to go and just needs to be lifted off the flatbeds and placed together with a seam down the middle. Very interesting way to construct bathrooms on the spot. These are built up on the inside with toilets, sinks and shower stalls too. Everything is completely there, even the wiring. It just needs to be set into place and hooked up and ready to go.</p><p>We looped around and pulled the motorhome into a wide area of the road. We chose a site and then went online to try to reserve it.</p><p>Well, we logged into Recreation.gov where we have an account. (Keep in mind this was the THIRD Corp of Engineers park we have been at and have used Recreation.gov each time to register)</p><p>We would get everything all plugged in online in the boxes on the form and get down to the credit card in the shopping cart and it would deny us! We know it wasn't our credit card, but we tried a different one anyhow. Denied. Then we tried a third one! We were actually even trying to pay with our PayPal account which it says it would also accept as a form of payment. Nothing would go through. We kept getting denied. It was absolutely crazy! I checked all 3 credit card companies and we were fine and good to go, no problems with any of them, and NO attemps from the Corp of Engineers in that last few hours that would have been questionable or pending. Hmmmm???</p><p>We had successfully used the same registration for Corps of Engineer parks at our last two campgrounds on the Recreation.gov site. Why was this not working? It kept making me plug everything in each time--- and then it would deny us. Of course it's a timed reservation shopping cart checkout system and it would time out and make you start all over again.</p><p>Finally, the host came by in his little cart and asked if we needed some assistance. We told him we are having trouble logging in or completing a reservation. He said he really couldn't help us because the Corps of Engineers had just recently taken away their old defunct out of date computers. They are due for brand new computers any day now. But they had no way to access the reservation system for us. He also didn't have any idea of who's coming and who's not, until they get a new system. So he said just pull into the site we wanted and spend the night and call the 800 number and see if we could get registered that way.</p><p>So, we did just that. We chose the site we liked and got all set up. We tried the 800 number, and guess what? We get a recording saying that they are temporarily out of service!</p><p>What the heck???</p><p>So I guess we were going to spend the night and be a little radical and not be paid for the night... Hope no ranger comes by so that we get into trouble? As you can see, nobody was waiting for our campsite or any other site by this time on a Sunday night. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYp96Xm5b3goO3hKzWBqM6GwsMgL7DDr20Un7_v9FQh-oqS99BWQrBd4XsH_EwSBpaAzIy3JyhFqFlR94UeI_z6KvXeMeC3pY3mj2KLF1UooUEtp5HObTxs8aRzi2U3l7tsZc2LCfZbzae67-mxugqZ8B7EnySOP9EGo-519cGixe714rfFYc62FTbt9Y/s4000/20240304_112152.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYp96Xm5b3goO3hKzWBqM6GwsMgL7DDr20Un7_v9FQh-oqS99BWQrBd4XsH_EwSBpaAzIy3JyhFqFlR94UeI_z6KvXeMeC3pY3mj2KLF1UooUEtp5HObTxs8aRzi2U3l7tsZc2LCfZbzae67-mxugqZ8B7EnySOP9EGo-519cGixe714rfFYc62FTbt9Y/w640-h298/20240304_112152.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>After that, I grabbed my cell phone and tried just one more time. For some strange reason it wanted me to completely log back out and in again and change my password? Then when I finally got in, it pulled up our old profile from wayyyyy back over 12 years ago when we lived out on the river in Oconto. It had our old address in the pre filled-in blanks. Maybe that's why it wouldn't accept our credit cards because the addresses didn't match? So I went in the profile and I changed it back to our current address. Guess what? It went through right away! </p><p>We figured that since we were finally logged into the system, we reserved this site for five nights in a row to just settle in and relax.</p><p>Whatabugger of a day!!!! </p><p>Tar Camp is a very nice campground all along the banks of the Arkansas River, again with viewing of barges and tugboats going by. It was very pleasant and quiet with good facilities. I guess a lot of fisherman frequent the park, but otherwise, it's a pretty quiet place. It's known that you can usually get a campsite even on a weekend.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnW1ypi8Sp7_r6tQGdj_BLdf18NmRAnN3msU3BVqwgU1m-av9aGyu2PBpNN417pDcuSontHLXAShONhppmrxcmeH5eNagDOzgQrGLIhxs794Pd30HuTilC5ACLMTr7m9BbjL00EqWUAlkOl1IWx8O0y_KRVPiaNOmPwNlypNiYFJlot6hl-j7-halC-5O-/s4080/20240305_111738.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnW1ypi8Sp7_r6tQGdj_BLdf18NmRAnN3msU3BVqwgU1m-av9aGyu2PBpNN417pDcuSontHLXAShONhppmrxcmeH5eNagDOzgQrGLIhxs794Pd30HuTilC5ACLMTr7m9BbjL00EqWUAlkOl1IWx8O0y_KRVPiaNOmPwNlypNiYFJlot6hl-j7-halC-5O-/w640-h296/20240305_111738.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The other three campers have pulled out and now we were all by ourselves except for the host at the beginning of the park. Each site has this covered pergola and picnic table, 30 and 50 amp power, water spigot and firering and lantern hanger. Sites are $26 a night, but with the America The Beautiful Senior Access Pass, it's only $13 a night for us. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDfWRV6IEOAurzdmX0H8ZO0iNqmcjc9VI7AYk5RF_QDxyeC4dywuaDUSWSAnnxHmf1BmNE_wbRwL1oHPrn6qhdVMVcFLiIhuSypykK9Ve_y4aLgDgXdhS7FY7bsojhe4xcyVBEOGsSLNDGRRnVRKtifaj27Y_bGIXGmFMUw6zx31zWasWJgcvkTIi4BCC/s4000/20240305_111728.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDfWRV6IEOAurzdmX0H8ZO0iNqmcjc9VI7AYk5RF_QDxyeC4dywuaDUSWSAnnxHmf1BmNE_wbRwL1oHPrn6qhdVMVcFLiIhuSypykK9Ve_y4aLgDgXdhS7FY7bsojhe4xcyVBEOGsSLNDGRRnVRKtifaj27Y_bGIXGmFMUw6zx31zWasWJgcvkTIi4BCC/w640-h296/20240305_111728.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After the day we had, it was time to set out the lawn chairs and crack open a beverage. We deserved it. Both dogs needed a good long walk around the park, and we needed to enjoy the rest of our evening. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpVexMVp0LR6QKZVRb1-cmW22Mo5GEfSVgwrD5v3LiKfTm4iLM_LI61p0LNTsQ7jpFKdZouczmup1j7p2DPqfPwu7yFg2_xXIm1L1j3rlBxz4fIV4bbAYZYvJMin8-7laaImI8g5HJ-hGN0gPZ2LTVy4bmrZtqeV-kppAuilwuo5YYKMneHJ0-qednoNF/s4080/20240304_162601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMpVexMVp0LR6QKZVRb1-cmW22Mo5GEfSVgwrD5v3LiKfTm4iLM_LI61p0LNTsQ7jpFKdZouczmup1j7p2DPqfPwu7yFg2_xXIm1L1j3rlBxz4fIV4bbAYZYvJMin8-7laaImI8g5HJ-hGN0gPZ2LTVy4bmrZtqeV-kppAuilwuo5YYKMneHJ0-qednoNF/w640-h296/20240304_162601.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It was a peaceful night, and we woke up with new energy and a calm peaceful outlook in our quiet campsite. All we are looking for on this trip are temps in the 70s during the day, and not lower than about 40-50 at night. No big sightseeing things, no tourist traps, no crazy interstates or big cities. Just calm and relaxing stretches in natural settings on a budget. </p><p>On Monday, the sun finally came out and we were totally enjoying the warmth and sunshine. </p><p>We took the dogs out for a fun ride in their little trailer behind our e-bikes. There weren't a lot of places to go, but we at least got around the park. Added to that, we knew that we were due for about 3 days of rain. Got to get out when the getting is good.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmxVN2MEdHFpP50cYTOFuVGJygKxPe0EUkGsnRLFBWLQ0nW5qAFmh8U_doWUih86NJvEYolgBX2fpsfgb19ZN3nRfDV6X0m2gz8lqULkN9b4rZocBOLlBYHrzUuaVnjdfEsGpj7inwL6Ic516f4V64XJPsEadkgOO_RqzBJ1_F5xZ2Xq7aD-gqjGJL7LA/s4080/20240305_170130.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidmxVN2MEdHFpP50cYTOFuVGJygKxPe0EUkGsnRLFBWLQ0nW5qAFmh8U_doWUih86NJvEYolgBX2fpsfgb19ZN3nRfDV6X0m2gz8lqULkN9b4rZocBOLlBYHrzUuaVnjdfEsGpj7inwL6Ic516f4V64XJPsEadkgOO_RqzBJ1_F5xZ2Xq7aD-gqjGJL7LA/w640-h296/20240305_170130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">JUST LOOK AT THOSE FACES! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOxfvtObZ5Kcy2mDvAbl3nodFZf8ebU6f6xva6SDMjbDKppHIeKfdiAh1uMO7qXq2VsaHmiLbUx4vi0TZssEHvwo_TTqG2nuq3pM-4idt_J_IRHZa_xSWXxV798UMPNqTCeki0DQ4VTAcVy2N3LNe_33lUlSNwA5Mmwy2kRTUud0XKDMFW4FrejKdNVUe/s4080/20240305_171021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOxfvtObZ5Kcy2mDvAbl3nodFZf8ebU6f6xva6SDMjbDKppHIeKfdiAh1uMO7qXq2VsaHmiLbUx4vi0TZssEHvwo_TTqG2nuq3pM-4idt_J_IRHZa_xSWXxV798UMPNqTCeki0DQ4VTAcVy2N3LNe_33lUlSNwA5Mmwy2kRTUud0XKDMFW4FrejKdNVUe/w296-h640/20240305_171021.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div>They are really enjoying the process of riding along, and we stop and let them out to see and sniff new places. Even if it's just to the boat landing or a picnic area. We found some cows up the road in a rural fenced in field. That was interesting, but we kept them IN the trailer for that. <div><br /></div><div>The sun was setting, but we could see the dark clouds rolling in for the storms due later that night. We filled a "bug out bag" with weather radio, phone chargers, wallets, portable hard drive from the laptop and current medications. Just in case... we were only a few sites away from a large concrete bath building that we could go rush into for shelter. We even left the dog harnesses on them overnight for easy reach and their leashes by the door next to our shoes. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjZP6sstoPybKRcWEj-W2JQHel0z0bZ-EASIoYSCXKkssL2aUH5JIrikPWLKqvhYm1amc-5vdnY1qcfHV3WEKXvvFOort8IIdTrxRFlU_JAkHcL_bLCUdLOcea5PQMGvQt6_vBWRNWZoyvB-SdYpr6iy-_4MV50YAd9272Jb0CjfWet_2U3EW3XNNvtlg/s4000/20240305_170124.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjZP6sstoPybKRcWEj-W2JQHel0z0bZ-EASIoYSCXKkssL2aUH5JIrikPWLKqvhYm1amc-5vdnY1qcfHV3WEKXvvFOort8IIdTrxRFlU_JAkHcL_bLCUdLOcea5PQMGvQt6_vBWRNWZoyvB-SdYpr6iy-_4MV50YAd9272Jb0CjfWet_2U3EW3XNNvtlg/w640-h296/20240305_170124.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The storms rolled on past overnight, and mostly we only got the winds and the rains. Glad we were not treated to the hail and lightening and tornadoes that other areas experienced. </p><p>The next day, a motorhome pulled in a couple sites away and we met some really wonderful people from Northeast Alabama. They are musicians and play the mandolin and the ukulele. (Hi Mike and Penny!) We had so much in common and really enjoyed jaw jacking for quite a while. The ranger joined us for a bit too, as he was making his rounds.</p><p>The next 3 days were intermittent rain, storms, and lots of dreary weather. We had one more evening of sunshine to enjoy but that was about it. We didnt even get to burn a campfire, but we gave our wood away to some other folks instead. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VtnJWGJLjVFV0LmEcJO17ko9ezYhsnAcDlYyBOimWVHyqbTaZtVL9ap9JFh8NGcj99VWvVgrWQsVEeAF1p1Kq0aR1CGuYYjclVGc9rFHsHQGMDLbIgzthOaXTU-C4xkq89a5_F37amsgANmH5BZJdKtBa8f6JYyrBpFZzVVVrHLYtFY-GuIs-BepX5NF/s4080/20240304_163656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VtnJWGJLjVFV0LmEcJO17ko9ezYhsnAcDlYyBOimWVHyqbTaZtVL9ap9JFh8NGcj99VWvVgrWQsVEeAF1p1Kq0aR1CGuYYjclVGc9rFHsHQGMDLbIgzthOaXTU-C4xkq89a5_F37amsgANmH5BZJdKtBa8f6JYyrBpFZzVVVrHLYtFY-GuIs-BepX5NF/w296-h640/20240304_163656.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We did manage some outdoor cooking in between rainshowers. Steve set up his Blackstone flat iron griddle on the concrete table and took care of some of the dinner duties. It's nice when we can cook outside. The food always tastes better, don't you think?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8atuzRRDzq8_aETQa-1ypO5popPvE9Koxrbx-eIX3PswIkat-OLI_1eqciOXPYffcKb5ZOXHUHM7yYfeZ9TeueUtit5wZ2KGD4hrrLsi_j8LAbKeC8ZkoXfrj9kZ0Y9D14S1pmVgHwR6gyJ7oAvDsCmgjNJGWbXp2L0glqOs5rf8lXB9ofFuT4_iz-bAj/s2605/20240304_162159.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2605" data-original-width="1816" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8atuzRRDzq8_aETQa-1ypO5popPvE9Koxrbx-eIX3PswIkat-OLI_1eqciOXPYffcKb5ZOXHUHM7yYfeZ9TeueUtit5wZ2KGD4hrrLsi_j8LAbKeC8ZkoXfrj9kZ0Y9D14S1pmVgHwR6gyJ7oAvDsCmgjNJGWbXp2L0glqOs5rf8lXB9ofFuT4_iz-bAj/w446-h640/20240304_162159.jpg" width="446" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I had marinated up some boneless skinless chicken thighs during the day. He was able to grill them up and set aside 2/3 of it for future meals. The last third, he slathered with Sweet Bay Rays BBQ sauce and finished them up for our dinner. Yummmmmm</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilA7lr0O8jM_Vx13xHWh2J7JZTDD_H10-PA9-NLYl1akER1GSDwmtmpp81fkzyMN6TyaXbvV6QF41U4KUkRhCWYMsLLX8p8wtOlkeFQogeQFUe25-eCsRalnfFWS-MIqxVO_uRjwGuAwORRQ81ZPnOZd3pxL3LRlVWFWJPIZaFCVFRPikRaStQEtoV2x0J/s2381/20240304_162613.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="2381" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilA7lr0O8jM_Vx13xHWh2J7JZTDD_H10-PA9-NLYl1akER1GSDwmtmpp81fkzyMN6TyaXbvV6QF41U4KUkRhCWYMsLLX8p8wtOlkeFQogeQFUe25-eCsRalnfFWS-MIqxVO_uRjwGuAwORRQ81ZPnOZd3pxL3LRlVWFWJPIZaFCVFRPikRaStQEtoV2x0J/w640-h348/20240304_162613.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>During the rainy portion of the days, we were comfy and cozy inside the motorhome. The dogs were a bit antsy, so we got them out in between rain showers to run off some energy. Especially Nicholas. </div><div><br /></div><div>One evening, we had spaghetti for dinner. Little did we know we had our OWN Lady and the Tramp!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aNq0v6CeFG0" width="320" youtube-src-id="aNq0v6CeFG0"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We are content on the rainy days. Steve did some searching and looking around on Marketplace and the internet. He's got a couple ideas in his brain of a few modifications he wants to make on the motorhome. He was watching some You Tubes and looking up some specs on things. Doesn't he look happy?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOC2rhKlb4PdjFiAp4WZS5DrxVuagi513mTks9TQ6Z9s_uUbClPFgYxVS72GCUH13RaCuOAyMVl_EYFfaTr11ZlWuQYGT5o1_G01K0RehCqm1KYnAh1pw0M6ov0WMZopRJWlNU_tB9zM06ab8IXO-Lla6iwka_-4caWL_fFU0DmIswvl50PGgJeArGA73/s4000/20240307_103335.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKOC2rhKlb4PdjFiAp4WZS5DrxVuagi513mTks9TQ6Z9s_uUbClPFgYxVS72GCUH13RaCuOAyMVl_EYFfaTr11ZlWuQYGT5o1_G01K0RehCqm1KYnAh1pw0M6ov0WMZopRJWlNU_tB9zM06ab8IXO-Lla6iwka_-4caWL_fFU0DmIswvl50PGgJeArGA73/w640-h296/20240307_103335.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The rain just came down in buckets on Thursday. We had so much rain that we were checking the flood reports for the area, and making sure we were in a quick getaway mode to higher ground if the need arose.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdT-EnghmTsweFxNVZy_CKQFCcmQkKol1OSP2hyphenhyphen79R8H4G3zvVgIxvu2H7MAXnCe1LriEtNakMo6dH6Tm052DcZZLm5l5gwYYDazWberEY0g8rhmZNuWST3NfWT4eLzXnFSAGh_GsWEf5vvbRkUzuDVa6wg1Yo0hJTxFy213OR6xv9bERYQ4IVMIeiSh8/s3549/20240307_103538.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="3549" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdT-EnghmTsweFxNVZy_CKQFCcmQkKol1OSP2hyphenhyphen79R8H4G3zvVgIxvu2H7MAXnCe1LriEtNakMo6dH6Tm052DcZZLm5l5gwYYDazWberEY0g8rhmZNuWST3NfWT4eLzXnFSAGh_GsWEf5vvbRkUzuDVa6wg1Yo0hJTxFy213OR6xv9bERYQ4IVMIeiSh8/w640-h180/20240307_103538.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I simmered up a pot of beef vegetable soup with some tenderloin tips we had brought in the freezer from home. Instead of cooking on the griddle outside, we made due with swapping recipes over to indoor cooked items. It sure smelled great inside the motorhome for the rest of the day.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdKnPQ7AhbQlM1LTUyXvEr5s2IzP4-PD7faQ1KrSVQQWdzO5q8GhK35hym4IyGEJCzHbVeSSrzyu74OVRQbad_8O9gYcDOmiui4sNgM7zcVRuLzeiamz1NvcSyvBgOz_aJPMaxM8QBCXZPnyXaNTsCjjenwsq0rs6noA7_U5eVMwUq2BtyfzvC4xrZloj/s4080/20240307_121955.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdKnPQ7AhbQlM1LTUyXvEr5s2IzP4-PD7faQ1KrSVQQWdzO5q8GhK35hym4IyGEJCzHbVeSSrzyu74OVRQbad_8O9gYcDOmiui4sNgM7zcVRuLzeiamz1NvcSyvBgOz_aJPMaxM8QBCXZPnyXaNTsCjjenwsq0rs6noA7_U5eVMwUq2BtyfzvC4xrZloj/w640-h296/20240307_121955.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I did get a lot of sewing done. I set up my little Singer Featherweight machine and my tiny iron. I had precut all of the pieces at home to take along. We watched some old western movies on Grit tv station, or some great home fix up shows on HGTV. It doesn't take a lot to entertain us. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXme4xXHALSqOjOVH2u4qQRL3b1lNKClVJ1eB3ZxXhyeXezMgljjQTuvXVHnhIIaeLRkyMts3e6kNBik01riJpR3U7bx1nAn2UUr15sFqGgqzzOVQJ4zUdtzEslfuJrmnZ2-yZav5IPnIvy74emtu0ktNydr8pPvND0LXdCKEyBkPkQLcvRyNStL53OcK/s2471/20240307_103319.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1133" data-original-width="2471" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXme4xXHALSqOjOVH2u4qQRL3b1lNKClVJ1eB3ZxXhyeXezMgljjQTuvXVHnhIIaeLRkyMts3e6kNBik01riJpR3U7bx1nAn2UUr15sFqGgqzzOVQJ4zUdtzEslfuJrmnZ2-yZav5IPnIvy74emtu0ktNydr8pPvND0LXdCKEyBkPkQLcvRyNStL53OcK/w640-h294/20240307_103319.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I've completed 19 blocks now of my maple leaf quilt. I am going to make them spread out in four different directions. Not sure if I am going to put a little thin border of dark brown around each one yet or not. (called "Sashing" and "Cornerstones") I will see. I need to complete 48 ten inch blocks before I need to decide. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaAydcusPts1PZF8LjhNCExfth8gbuWpcvbRzExELPWYDOxZmWke0PbvZqHLyfiX_fO9C-D4iAWn8yCZgVvqe48g5zLF-5Vcp0nficUHm43HepxyeIhTaL_TZjnDq5zJiWHd2Y9wZBfZrVQuPIdJVyyqgNNEXQRyi6_rA_6oo-BgsnFDRcHkuCkPKcqI8/s1656/20240306_113716.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1656" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQaAydcusPts1PZF8LjhNCExfth8gbuWpcvbRzExELPWYDOxZmWke0PbvZqHLyfiX_fO9C-D4iAWn8yCZgVvqe48g5zLF-5Vcp0nficUHm43HepxyeIhTaL_TZjnDq5zJiWHd2Y9wZBfZrVQuPIdJVyyqgNNEXQRyi6_rA_6oo-BgsnFDRcHkuCkPKcqI8/w640-h426/20240306_113716.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Now it is Friday. </p><p>We looked ahead and decided to go to Maumelle Corps of Engineers Park which is just a bit further west of Little Rock. A nice guy by the name of Tom that we met back in Jonesboro had recommended it. I went online and found a nice campsite for the weekend. I was able to reserve it with absolutely no problem now that the correct address is in our profile on Recreation.gov. Go figger! </p><p>So as I write this today is another Moving Day and we are heading out of Tar Camp COE this morning. It's only 47 miles up to Maumelle. Even though check in time isn't until 4:00 p.m., a friend of Tom's is already camping there on another site nearby. He walked over this morning and made sure our site was already empty. So we are on the road now to make one quick stop at a Trader Joe's, and then we are going to head on over to Maumelle and get set up for the weekend.</p><p>From there, who knows? Stay tuned...</p><p><br /></p></div></div>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-1378432309309696592024-03-04T11:41:00.002-06:002024-03-04T23:01:42.349-06:00Days 29-32 BEST Campsite In The Park! Merrisach Lake COE Tichnor Arkansas<p>We had reached our eighth day at Pendleton Bend and decided that maybe it was time to move on to another Corps of Engineers Park. The host at Pendleton Bend was telling us about a very nice park just up on the other side the river and only a few miles downstream on the canal. The name is Merrisach Lake, And the bottom edge of the lake flows into the man-made Arkansas Post canal. The campground is located right at the intersection between the lake and the canal.</p><p>We went online and just kind of looked at the map and chose a site and reserved it for three nights. We had NO IDEA that it was the absolute best site in the entire park!!! </p><p>As we packed up from Pendleton Bend, we dumped our holding tanks and had to drive 30 miles up and around to get to a campground that really was only about 6 miles as the crow flies down the river. </p><p>In the tiny town of Gillett, we stopped at the Dollar General for a little stock up of a few items to get us through the next 4 days. </p><p>Here is a link to the website with all the information:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232640&ved=2ahUKEwiiwvTK_9qEAxULHNAFHQuxCmsQ_Bd6BAgZEAY&opi=89978449&usg=AOvVaw3s1VTyo-98sHcEi1oIJZqC" target="_blank">Merrisach Lake COE Campground</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p>As we pulled into the park, we went down to the D Peninsula to find our campsite, D9. </p><p>Ooooh my!!! </p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2YAssXPPES57jGDaKK7gEdjgJLYqv_xIe1GpTpiEtvJ-ngGnntSMYwW9yJ3mOejrMvfgqvHkvZpCo0QBwzquPx04LbIJHYnl0cBbNUz8tEVFBT2RY5Zr6ee0ePRkp1JZKQJAJaYRqG415UqYbIe3HtofL11LOdop2oZSZdaSSkAIfx95FfyNvYUfLtJ_/s4000/20240302_112546.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2YAssXPPES57jGDaKK7gEdjgJLYqv_xIe1GpTpiEtvJ-ngGnntSMYwW9yJ3mOejrMvfgqvHkvZpCo0QBwzquPx04LbIJHYnl0cBbNUz8tEVFBT2RY5Zr6ee0ePRkp1JZKQJAJaYRqG415UqYbIe3HtofL11LOdop2oZSZdaSSkAIfx95FfyNvYUfLtJ_/w640-h296/20240302_112546.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We were at the end of a little roundabout cul-de-sac with the one and only sight facing out of the end of the peninsula. We had a water view all the way around almost 300°!... I cannot imagine any campsite being any better than this. There was nobody else in the entire campground other than the two camp hosts way up by the gatehouse. Total peace and quiet.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_iajotCbnZoZDSuUF51fKTAqmKIM-2jUde6N7d8-HQn4aqFq2iMVtv6aALuwU9K0-c5kAqzkpat3wU4NaHgZn-rtF8tF0nsvECn_hjceedVGXWFM9zP9vFaJ6bNqTbDU5eu4Ws_ymFo8Y71xlMLQ1c51HaAMl6r5RbMJgxRDhRCH2Pq3muzBDKIn2OkZ/s1832/Screenshot_20240304_093628_Recreationgov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1832" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_iajotCbnZoZDSuUF51fKTAqmKIM-2jUde6N7d8-HQn4aqFq2iMVtv6aALuwU9K0-c5kAqzkpat3wU4NaHgZn-rtF8tF0nsvECn_hjceedVGXWFM9zP9vFaJ6bNqTbDU5eu4Ws_ymFo8Y71xlMLQ1c51HaAMl6r5RbMJgxRDhRCH2Pq3muzBDKIn2OkZ/w378-h640/Screenshot_20240304_093628_Recreationgov.jpg" width="378" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>To top it off, the site is a pull-through site. We left our little cargo trailer hooked right up to use as our garage out the back of the campsite. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEQLqnRS-M1-QmxL3FDmVNIt59fKnRBmDAm72Yva2SLSBMN2OgQxwHNz9OfRjNfwFXDNlUamMLPpRrVgZMmVaYAsLg1IxLba2rYQm_3fDrJPppz6nz_D76P_QdnUxwEh-g-3MfpmkSKqaEGShLWUZ8Wc_uvNWCX7PAuAyXG0qGIxvPmarVLXI2kF1Xi3f/s4080/20240302_112428.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEQLqnRS-M1-QmxL3FDmVNIt59fKnRBmDAm72Yva2SLSBMN2OgQxwHNz9OfRjNfwFXDNlUamMLPpRrVgZMmVaYAsLg1IxLba2rYQm_3fDrJPppz6nz_D76P_QdnUxwEh-g-3MfpmkSKqaEGShLWUZ8Wc_uvNWCX7PAuAyXG0qGIxvPmarVLXI2kF1Xi3f/w640-h296/20240302_112428.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Each campsite has a covered pergola over the cement picnic table and benches. There's also a fire ring and a charcoal grill. Each campsite has electric as well as water (no sewer). </div><div><br /></div><div>There are nice clean heated bathrooms a short walk away. Each separate bathroom has a separate shower area. There are two for the women and two for the men. How nice is that?</div><div><br /></div><div>The rate is $26 a night for this site, but with our America the Beautiful Senior Access Pass, we get it for $13 a night. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Lcp_TYHKcGK2191Xcmy9p9-X4hzGtccHXN8Fan1JZlfWOKEZL_eqU3zrv5VuZ4PZexPoZBAjApKVPvtwsanGBdvmvyUIcSoCTAKFAfGQ2KJGR04hNV09FK9AoOqkv643nycHHGV7IEx9QyqYjzACMI2Bs5MoXHx4_vL_n-aEaMRVdsfPumBSkK1hIAbk/s4080/20240229_113216.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Lcp_TYHKcGK2191Xcmy9p9-X4hzGtccHXN8Fan1JZlfWOKEZL_eqU3zrv5VuZ4PZexPoZBAjApKVPvtwsanGBdvmvyUIcSoCTAKFAfGQ2KJGR04hNV09FK9AoOqkv643nycHHGV7IEx9QyqYjzACMI2Bs5MoXHx4_vL_n-aEaMRVdsfPumBSkK1hIAbk/w640-h296/20240229_113216.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The paved patio area is perfectly level. The little gravel area around the table and fire pit is nice to keep the mud and the grass from being tracked into the motorhome. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3g4QymY4nfTyC-EIv6_n5j_9Dczr7sK07o4y4NT07XGY-cGArqdMiriskN3W1j_POfdVjQc3KkMzUG-8Ctuo42jrkg8sYNL3La5Qte3YbRBiqOPyPTggB6dqJphmyWejtajmKCUSW5I3Sy4idsHwXsDXIeGhiZ7kQ0l9wtqTAe8W6HWzRYx9Q7M70Wwye/s4000/20240229_113201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3g4QymY4nfTyC-EIv6_n5j_9Dczr7sK07o4y4NT07XGY-cGArqdMiriskN3W1j_POfdVjQc3KkMzUG-8Ctuo42jrkg8sYNL3La5Qte3YbRBiqOPyPTggB6dqJphmyWejtajmKCUSW5I3Sy4idsHwXsDXIeGhiZ7kQ0l9wtqTAe8W6HWzRYx9Q7M70Wwye/w640-h296/20240229_113201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Incidentally, although there are alligators known to be in this lake, all around the edges of the campground are a kind of a low molded barrier that I'm sure also helps with erosion. It might deter an alligator from wanting to crawl up into the park. There are more swampy areas in the park that I think are a better habitat for the gators to hang out. Of course, this time of year the alligators are dormant and hiding out in secluded areas. </div><div><br /></div><div>We are enjoying the occasional tugboats going past, pushing heavily loaded barges down the river or empty ones back up again to refill. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVde3zqbNtlfwZoi6_MAKIGlxNZWWO-13o2yIc9trAvMK2rAXutLwnhdvlV3S9hHTDAYLDxaMSJM389FGImm6CfilGbHmzfDcPiu3UVvaL3zRIsD6xD1pdulMo_s50uLgWqWkwqMW7LwgS21ybn1oUj44Et4WK-aR2HkSjeVZaGXVUf1wFJD7MoBjPhML/s4080/20240302_143258.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVde3zqbNtlfwZoi6_MAKIGlxNZWWO-13o2yIc9trAvMK2rAXutLwnhdvlV3S9hHTDAYLDxaMSJM389FGImm6CfilGbHmzfDcPiu3UVvaL3zRIsD6xD1pdulMo_s50uLgWqWkwqMW7LwgS21ybn1oUj44Et4WK-aR2HkSjeVZaGXVUf1wFJD7MoBjPhML/w640-h296/20240302_143258.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is right next to the campground, and we find it very interesting to watch them float on by. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XlGPIXjzSgyYaWkuki5dDNLHcyzIhBXaQGbsbZb4c3YLBcRtKPYrUuufGz07UI_XWUfmJaD-vexEoCfmb5H3V1amxdIhMrKg-Kv7jxYu8s3uiXeoz_zP0bHSyWMMQESElUaKXyLVHAKsa0bJBf1-k1a1DYfUANeiLEggaNcyMScsD6Z4TxOzirSoHnyW/s4000/20240302_143249.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7XlGPIXjzSgyYaWkuki5dDNLHcyzIhBXaQGbsbZb4c3YLBcRtKPYrUuufGz07UI_XWUfmJaD-vexEoCfmb5H3V1amxdIhMrKg-Kv7jxYu8s3uiXeoz_zP0bHSyWMMQESElUaKXyLVHAKsa0bJBf1-k1a1DYfUANeiLEggaNcyMScsD6Z4TxOzirSoHnyW/w640-h296/20240302_143249.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We hopped on our bikes and pedalled down river to this tall bridge near the lock for the transported barges. From our bikes, we could not access the actual area to view down into the lock. But from underneath we can see where the boats enter the large chamber. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqQd8Re4USKIVEXKtwKwNrUXO4tL4WDPzjFVtJWu3xxjvVt9NOH_fE4wwoituveHsgCFhP_F20h5B9e7_DPx4AJmoUUEC72MCP9lw6SrhRace0rgmmkfNMXPBCK76rGAOMHZg6Rmkk9j7k5S3Z965N1eBnZax9GXwxT5fhIxJrrWTqdsQkS8jFfYl1r7O/s4080/20240302_131320.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMqQd8Re4USKIVEXKtwKwNrUXO4tL4WDPzjFVtJWu3xxjvVt9NOH_fE4wwoituveHsgCFhP_F20h5B9e7_DPx4AJmoUUEC72MCP9lw6SrhRace0rgmmkfNMXPBCK76rGAOMHZg6Rmkk9j7k5S3Z965N1eBnZax9GXwxT5fhIxJrrWTqdsQkS8jFfYl1r7O/w640-h296/20240302_131320.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, if we pedalled our bikes to the top of this very tall bridge, we could look down as the barges passed through. But Chicken Karen was not about to pedal up that high and look over the edge. Not only do the heights bother me, but I don't know if I am that adept yet at riding the bike up such a tall incline. That adventure can wait for another time. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jCkqCyVmRYQn05LJPtv-lFFMERiSPfIHEPrw-K3ele096Yf9dQhqdSe3d5GiTn6rA1TNGBmip1fO6WHD2-hs87WxN6aR-86EcPvyoFAjI14v1HYdp5kvx9GxZyTq3zo49aJuAiv4RjYTK0KQJAH_F8C0Zcx-fdel_isGhF8t3ZPIi3xHm_ONCOiKJo6c/s6608/20240302_131336.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="6608" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jCkqCyVmRYQn05LJPtv-lFFMERiSPfIHEPrw-K3ele096Yf9dQhqdSe3d5GiTn6rA1TNGBmip1fO6WHD2-hs87WxN6aR-86EcPvyoFAjI14v1HYdp5kvx9GxZyTq3zo49aJuAiv4RjYTK0KQJAH_F8C0Zcx-fdel_isGhF8t3ZPIi3xHm_ONCOiKJo6c/w640-h264/20240302_131336.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of our e-bikes, we managed to hit a milestone! Yes, we now entered The 100 Mile Club. That may seem like a little thing to some people, but to us 60 plus year old folks who just bought these bikes in November, I think it's quite a feat. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXW4OI5gIAoHzqqJr1H4ksEb8o4nOK7_yiGgRy3q9uonFXMaB9gXudM0lo_ssRT1WqA-OpgTLTitnthMYT51ppF47HlIXF42ksaBlsG-IijiFhO_iGV0m7IeepyvF-f4zW2jzgZBUkLv3KYc6euqOmbyzH3fXV4tM4b-ooS8ofQrEOdwFcO3iPNgyIA91q/s3444/20240302_161621.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3444" data-original-width="1810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXW4OI5gIAoHzqqJr1H4ksEb8o4nOK7_yiGgRy3q9uonFXMaB9gXudM0lo_ssRT1WqA-OpgTLTitnthMYT51ppF47HlIXF42ksaBlsG-IijiFhO_iGV0m7IeepyvF-f4zW2jzgZBUkLv3KYc6euqOmbyzH3fXV4tM4b-ooS8ofQrEOdwFcO3iPNgyIA91q/w336-h640/20240302_161621.jpg" width="336" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would be back on a bicycle again. But these e-bikes make it so easy to get up and down the hills, and they are really a lot of fun to ride. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxrxRONZPKsRMwnYET-ES0DjuUC3HZYK6VzObruppaRVWp4_2Q7ajRyzb64840JeIiBl-ytE7YS5WmJ6kPU1of9zh5I8binD2tGWKguTdWjC_c520L7BHUfzc2JwvWparoeHng-m9WlW534UEVfGW95HIOU_DMfb3i4rgNz2XajwuKEaOV7Lo-KhlWnAx/s1938/20240302_161753.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1666" data-original-width="1938" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxrxRONZPKsRMwnYET-ES0DjuUC3HZYK6VzObruppaRVWp4_2Q7ajRyzb64840JeIiBl-ytE7YS5WmJ6kPU1of9zh5I8binD2tGWKguTdWjC_c520L7BHUfzc2JwvWparoeHng-m9WlW534UEVfGW95HIOU_DMfb3i4rgNz2XajwuKEaOV7Lo-KhlWnAx/w640-h550/20240302_161753.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We pedalled around the campground, exploring a couple of loops and then down to the tall bridge over the locks. We also went a little bit further to read the sign at a nature preserve. All together we pedalled almost 7 mi during our 100 mark milestone. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXptx6CG_OBycpq1hG0URyrULPV6ZpcOqGj7O2k7sHz2t3iKb67PgbChs12gvlo9BeZlSpCUuCPYxBhCxNx9yTUS6WLXSUrPOukuOe7RgRrzoZhYkZFwGe9k0IXFvJzaN9HKyOwAomLEr6Wu3eS-AdJUnEgaMKXTBhOdWop2eidDjVUG1FawiKx2kqjcE/s1584/Screenshot_20240302_134110_MapMyFitness.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="1079" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXptx6CG_OBycpq1hG0URyrULPV6ZpcOqGj7O2k7sHz2t3iKb67PgbChs12gvlo9BeZlSpCUuCPYxBhCxNx9yTUS6WLXSUrPOukuOe7RgRrzoZhYkZFwGe9k0IXFvJzaN9HKyOwAomLEr6Wu3eS-AdJUnEgaMKXTBhOdWop2eidDjVUG1FawiKx2kqjcE/w436-h640/Screenshot_20240302_134110_MapMyFitness.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These bikes are just so much fun, and I posted this photo to the Lectric Bike Owners page on Facebook. It's nice to see so many older folks enjoying these bikes. It's good to get out and about, fresh air and sunshine, and have new adventures. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFkLv7upHb9pv8UCbdAhtHG8jvjubjfCGlov0BJ3SS8G3HL3KDegKbRwqRkI5kXDRhviaySqMrnN2gPiS-YAIBlsxLG48THdU0oc-U450ghR2M8AFRli77YfQvL-aOYLHPNRjyYVo0lhIuaIcWumEK_OZ9Q4G2WmWg98A57pmuQiVskAc6H6PFP9xRJZo/s4080/20240302_161926.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFkLv7upHb9pv8UCbdAhtHG8jvjubjfCGlov0BJ3SS8G3HL3KDegKbRwqRkI5kXDRhviaySqMrnN2gPiS-YAIBlsxLG48THdU0oc-U450ghR2M8AFRli77YfQvL-aOYLHPNRjyYVo0lhIuaIcWumEK_OZ9Q4G2WmWg98A57pmuQiVskAc6H6PFP9xRJZo/w296-h640/20240302_161926.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Now, on to set ourselves up</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> to reach the </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">500 mile club?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div>A fellow blogger had let us know that he was going to be pulling into a spot at the same campground, a few sites away. It was nice to meet Daryl in person, and he had lots of great hints and ideas of places to go. Here is his blog if anyone would like to follow along: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://gozatravels.blogspot.com/?m=1" target="_blank">https://gozatravels.blogspot.com/?m=1</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>One of our reasons for escaping the cold weather of Wisconsin, is to see some green. The trees are just starting to bud out, and we've seen some magnolia blooms, crabapple blossoms, and wild daffodils growing in the ditches. </div><div><br /></div><div>On our bike ride, the sun had just come out and this beautiful field was a blaze with yellowish green new growth. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskzg7EfYyNwdgK5PxH-Ceq7Sd12hme_QFKoUao_0dNyBchjFYanAc6ePcVRJqqbaz5KbJeVY4nIMx3VKsFAiyvgoVIbZ9cbMDNNArH7_6OaWMMsdyj0KGkF0yAxjVCR-HrMJ71S7jiuQbc931wk8SGhWS6Yx79c2peQgay4Vlds9aMZ_aTskTnJwsdRLs/s4080/20240302_162356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskzg7EfYyNwdgK5PxH-Ceq7Sd12hme_QFKoUao_0dNyBchjFYanAc6ePcVRJqqbaz5KbJeVY4nIMx3VKsFAiyvgoVIbZ9cbMDNNArH7_6OaWMMsdyj0KGkF0yAxjVCR-HrMJ71S7jiuQbc931wk8SGhWS6Yx79c2peQgay4Vlds9aMZ_aTskTnJwsdRLs/w640-h296/20240302_162356.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>By our second night, a few more campers had joined us in the campground. Although it was very quiet, we no longer had our peninsula to ourselves. But we did have a spectacular sunset to share with everyone!! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznICLlZAqgfN3njy0onkkceeUo-p1dPmR9Ka2GGKm9_dT-Tzime4Mih-36zoDkbCuaEdJpUxXY4sNn2WTA5mCyfjCWFF2M5dADyo1CfvUBedX7wUNzUT2DgraolpAq1sfkslv0dMotF981doxHs3y84uie2K51HEhSnNjTPgem8JE8ws7Z02RmK5kJfr6/s1149/20240302_174807.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="674" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznICLlZAqgfN3njy0onkkceeUo-p1dPmR9Ka2GGKm9_dT-Tzime4Mih-36zoDkbCuaEdJpUxXY4sNn2WTA5mCyfjCWFF2M5dADyo1CfvUBedX7wUNzUT2DgraolpAq1sfkslv0dMotF981doxHs3y84uie2K51HEhSnNjTPgem8JE8ws7Z02RmK5kJfr6/w376-h640/20240302_174807.jpg" width="376" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I just can't believe standing in front of our motorhome, I could twist from left to right and do this panorama photo. All of this was ours to enjoy for three nights. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijvivhxhzfLgz04fYJ-sHqiBxt-jRE6T0qb-ao-TUKUy0If-ArKJ4OYIONO72sD-_zZqQxtZiQkLKooniQTYyGqnlumXHax9n_kMRjdGj0IAjpsyVzIfCf3bHV8JhyWpbZKcqMQtCejqn_xU6f9_jb_whHvjlQMf5OduNLIOMkCxvglIQW9FkU8pll9um/s3962/20240302_174812.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="3962" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijvivhxhzfLgz04fYJ-sHqiBxt-jRE6T0qb-ao-TUKUy0If-ArKJ4OYIONO72sD-_zZqQxtZiQkLKooniQTYyGqnlumXHax9n_kMRjdGj0IAjpsyVzIfCf3bHV8JhyWpbZKcqMQtCejqn_xU6f9_jb_whHvjlQMf5OduNLIOMkCxvglIQW9FkU8pll9um/w640-h162/20240302_174812.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then it was time to move on... </div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The upcoming blog will be </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">about our next selected</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Corps of Engineers Park, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and a crazy crazy moving day!! </div>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-69019720297022769862024-03-01T08:15:00.005-06:002024-03-01T08:16:25.641-06:00CAMPGROUND REVIEW - PENDLETON BEND CORPS OF ENGINEERS NEAR DUMAS ARKANSAS<p>We stayed here for eight nights, and I thought I better write a review about the park itself. My last blog post was our personal experiences, and enjoying the site at the campground. </p><p>I was unable to find a campground map online, but I snapped this one from the maps on the counter at the gatehouse at the campground itself. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivC3AvFDTr6IuaVPRNlcRRYFuUq9cBepym8d_V78AOE0Hp68_EzN9kUs7ntNFXMU_eiUvBYpj2t19QW-VK6AD-DlStXi5vtXETOkh7HAgDq4CBJUFjAW6XIDqIS2hUCI5mNUlsafq2hcePF_WkCrynz7D_OnYX21-ayQIwghBLFJlSnJKyT063sMsho3na/s4080/20240222_091639.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivC3AvFDTr6IuaVPRNlcRRYFuUq9cBepym8d_V78AOE0Hp68_EzN9kUs7ntNFXMU_eiUvBYpj2t19QW-VK6AD-DlStXi5vtXETOkh7HAgDq4CBJUFjAW6XIDqIS2hUCI5mNUlsafq2hcePF_WkCrynz7D_OnYX21-ayQIwghBLFJlSnJKyT063sMsho3na/w640-h296/20240222_091639.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><p>We came here on a February weekday to try it out for one night. You need to check in online for a site. No pay post or envelopes for any first come first serve sites. </p><p>The friendly host at the gatehouse (if available) will help you reserve... or use a direct oldfashioned landline phone located outside on the wall at the gate house will connect you to staff at recreation.gov</p><p>We used our America the Beautiful Senior Access pass for half price, which brought it from $24 down to $12 for the prime waterfront sites in the C loop. </p><p>We liked it so much after one night, we went online and booked for seven more nights.</p></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07JutOp0JKE0QAqASEDFk7BDOZGg_M2YI1I-fw9gLQ7uXpw4Q9AfsalHazI9_5rf1nvk6SU7JiYYDX8USKNZMtTqIE8Er9RZ-QB7ZsHb7HylyvaIDrZHeOBUhz-XxVm4evOs7RDitZ4rpITpB6NWQJ-nqrIb3ZSyLYgj6opvExpWdLCGhqyWcD63e-JB_/s4080/20240225_111112.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh07JutOp0JKE0QAqASEDFk7BDOZGg_M2YI1I-fw9gLQ7uXpw4Q9AfsalHazI9_5rf1nvk6SU7JiYYDX8USKNZMtTqIE8Er9RZ-QB7ZsHb7HylyvaIDrZHeOBUhz-XxVm4evOs7RDitZ4rpITpB6NWQJ-nqrIb3ZSyLYgj6opvExpWdLCGhqyWcD63e-JB_/w640-h296/20240225_111112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><p><br /></p><p>Three sites in the C loop are along the Arkansas River, and in our opinion the best sites in the park. Each one has a raised patio deck area with railing around, pergola covering over cement picnic tables and nice fire rings. Each site has electric and water. Some sites are 30 amp, some sites are 50 amp. There's also a fish cleaning table at each site! </p><p>The rest of the sites are across the road in the woods with easier access to the bath/shower house. There's also a playground area in day use picnic area with additional bathrooms. Dump station at entrance to the park. Large parking lot for access to boat ramp and garbage dumpster.</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDIkPwtRigJK9_j2Kmyjf7gTNSNQlPDNQSzPa8pzWh9yVOy4lVibQmmomPG0Qd9Q6Y-IBDt7aihaDkO1E2ujgvAoG5Hnd4l6AGfoxZGSmlh8qag5upAW4j7lp8e8n3ikyxemXEGNlygZVV3GaK-NbxgUQbfnbGCAJ50bbFB5SXZopVfZt9dojZuDUfYHk/s4080/20240221_174532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxDIkPwtRigJK9_j2Kmyjf7gTNSNQlPDNQSzPa8pzWh9yVOy4lVibQmmomPG0Qd9Q6Y-IBDt7aihaDkO1E2ujgvAoG5Hnd4l6AGfoxZGSmlh8qag5upAW4j7lp8e8n3ikyxemXEGNlygZVV3GaK-NbxgUQbfnbGCAJ50bbFB5SXZopVfZt9dojZuDUfYHk/w640-h296/20240221_174532.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sites are spaced generosly apart with level cement parking pads and grassy areas, as well as some shade trees along the waterfront. The rest of the campground is shaded and sites are a little closer together. We noticed some sites have water spigots spaced quite a distance from the center pads, so bring an extra hose. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ixaYBlHgWxAY2vX6rGmI8bWyZEo4hM9DuGEfumqyCZYAa2liagTJhkMwz50mdxKsh34Pmr_3CP6UlkdC-J6Qz2WYuMVUHcYrT-jzMl87zXFnLWRJy6xRCh0Ku24rs-WbvwK4g8f67-HnECXHPp16gMlEhhUEpKHI1xEsphtTZ3enVP2tolWwbNTg6vJ3/s1628/Screenshot_20240221_170950_Maps.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1628" data-original-width="1079" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ixaYBlHgWxAY2vX6rGmI8bWyZEo4hM9DuGEfumqyCZYAa2liagTJhkMwz50mdxKsh34Pmr_3CP6UlkdC-J6Qz2WYuMVUHcYrT-jzMl87zXFnLWRJy6xRCh0Ku24rs-WbvwK4g8f67-HnECXHPp16gMlEhhUEpKHI1xEsphtTZ3enVP2tolWwbNTg6vJ3/w424-h640/Screenshot_20240221_170950_Maps.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Some vehicle traffic on road going through the park to the dam and the other campground further to the east. But not excessive. Mainly just workers from the hydroelectric dam being constructed down the river. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qPJJqoKrSsNoYI6srmIde3ru76YRTmKRHCHePrQYaprvogjFh-1qyKN5A2bmegLp0uaZ64Zau_WpJtwxGllI3M1PImeJvMDhe0Wh21vKgvYds6fRFzHdzr9g1rDA1dvpDVFAhiY2z7MHicAmZ51PmvFDKYZ9OfS7hccHRwGH7Goyn1iZkQXPr7PrBkRS/s4000/20240221_152004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1qPJJqoKrSsNoYI6srmIde3ru76YRTmKRHCHePrQYaprvogjFh-1qyKN5A2bmegLp0uaZ64Zau_WpJtwxGllI3M1PImeJvMDhe0Wh21vKgvYds6fRFzHdzr9g1rDA1dvpDVFAhiY2z7MHicAmZ51PmvFDKYZ9OfS7hccHRwGH7Goyn1iZkQXPr7PrBkRS/w640-h296/20240221_152004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><p>Broadcast TV antenna pulls in approximately 9 stations, some substations with retro sit coms or police crime shows. One local ABC station from Little Rock faded in and out, but was better at night. </p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2YMWyaVreL8uiz-oi0PMt4x1BShkwLfatCkIqlebppb6Vu0NGHTI4LE69AptT78PnRXlHQH7v7tq7PsAGqz49mrA2TGvqZBoALqQ0jiUpx1Pvw8jPnQu7h93Two_0f2ohgw7_UJGM1aWlvfTK8ugXD0XVDDN0qvRbAqCmq7Hdeo_xVTMPbpQtZ3HVEm0/s4000/20240221_145950.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2YMWyaVreL8uiz-oi0PMt4x1BShkwLfatCkIqlebppb6Vu0NGHTI4LE69AptT78PnRXlHQH7v7tq7PsAGqz49mrA2TGvqZBoALqQ0jiUpx1Pvw8jPnQu7h93Two_0f2ohgw7_UJGM1aWlvfTK8ugXD0XVDDN0qvRbAqCmq7Hdeo_xVTMPbpQtZ3HVEm0/w640-h296/20240221_145950.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>LTE coverage in two to three bar range on my roaming cell phone with a Wisconsin plan. Husband's Verizon cell phone pulls in 2 to 3 bars 4G coverage. Enough to stream movies or upload photos. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdsxiOwn6ecx9cXXUdcKD0fVO2LB0H-UWmGK8Pwfqf9cSbq_v2bXDv0o6sK1vaksd5vdN0ey3bE0XhOmonMeJLumb-c49B6l3ZxWsTimx151N8MA1ZYy18rnl2izcRKa9c2pOeBGYB3WhrW0O9466qfKV3SPwxj1fDjQNaLXLQioirAFVIENcixxjlowE/s4080/20240221_145900.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirdsxiOwn6ecx9cXXUdcKD0fVO2LB0H-UWmGK8Pwfqf9cSbq_v2bXDv0o6sK1vaksd5vdN0ey3bE0XhOmonMeJLumb-c49B6l3ZxWsTimx151N8MA1ZYy18rnl2izcRKa9c2pOeBGYB3WhrW0O9466qfKV3SPwxj1fDjQNaLXLQioirAFVIENcixxjlowE/w640-h296/20240221_145900.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><p>Stock up on your groceries and beverages before you come, no local shopping or stores within a reasonable distance. DeWitt to the north or Dumas to the south are the nearest cities with any type of conveniences. Camper and RV Propane available in DeWitt at Blue Seal Petroleum. </p></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lS63NfpQrOYQsYSvpqahTdTAE3HSgH5-fvgXeAlal_Qn1ZKc5rYAqGClCuBJLnBa3yU6jeBfjmOMvwRk6Is-jXrxa9idSfzeAjNrii652To_csgXLBT1VwTxU0mojThGszNE3gBX1zPqYX-mdyT8ErLcV8OVTGUmjMKgNn7fY5TOGuGLUKZBWzn26DxQ/s4000/20240221_145734.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5lS63NfpQrOYQsYSvpqahTdTAE3HSgH5-fvgXeAlal_Qn1ZKc5rYAqGClCuBJLnBa3yU6jeBfjmOMvwRk6Is-jXrxa9idSfzeAjNrii652To_csgXLBT1VwTxU0mojThGszNE3gBX1zPqYX-mdyT8ErLcV8OVTGUmjMKgNn7fY5TOGuGLUKZBWzn26DxQ/w640-h296/20240221_145734.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><p>Viewing of big barges going down the river on their way out to the Mississippi is very interesting and they are very quiet. Not a disruption or disturbance. The motors make a quiet humming sound and is not overly noticeable. </p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-BTLjYxVLrWSbAqBpY-V106Pr93tSLV3uDBnkWZfZA9LtT6U9y04v1_1g3EFtWS67yGFWj_BZn_WDvIpJ-IZcyaOQ_Re8dIkQdUXs1-TM8dpneeSh8vaUsSPeejyMGlnfG8-QZL1skedgQR7JbpEfFcV5HjJAMYv-N33BCUiktWpvseHl-vf75OvrYUP/s4080/20240223_101732.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK-BTLjYxVLrWSbAqBpY-V106Pr93tSLV3uDBnkWZfZA9LtT6U9y04v1_1g3EFtWS67yGFWj_BZn_WDvIpJ-IZcyaOQ_Re8dIkQdUXs1-TM8dpneeSh8vaUsSPeejyMGlnfG8-QZL1skedgQR7JbpEfFcV5HjJAMYv-N33BCUiktWpvseHl-vf75OvrYUP/w640-h296/20240223_101732.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We really enjoyed watching them push the empty barges upriver, and bring the heavy filled barges down again. Sometimes they would stop right in front of the campground to stage a few barges until a few more were filled. Then they were all lashed together and headed on down the river to the Mississippi. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zFulHfZq8x3GJohUj0xVH17vklp6yUBm7hS0C1Og_1hPAzZJ1XiuXUpWS9-mk2RxO67DDjA7_n4WPIL3NdwwzauIlj5zawcdhnwUHFJ_tRs65z5b1nTldrJH9bw14ydG1Z-uBgzpvi93Rg8ecmVUt8fFfVclCwAeuRHhQ7ZNz2MPGO_lu96RlasSjsDt/s4080/20240224_160723.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6zFulHfZq8x3GJohUj0xVH17vklp6yUBm7hS0C1Og_1hPAzZJ1XiuXUpWS9-mk2RxO67DDjA7_n4WPIL3NdwwzauIlj5zawcdhnwUHFJ_tRs65z5b1nTldrJH9bw14ydG1Z-uBgzpvi93Rg8ecmVUt8fFfVclCwAeuRHhQ7ZNz2MPGO_lu96RlasSjsDt/w640-h296/20240224_160723.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>The barges take a quick left turn just past the campground and work their way down into a 9 mile long man-made canal. From there they are able to reach the White River, which then flows down into the Mississippi River. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1A7rz9g-enOB8hJVL4ZCc2IEZZMsQEE8zN3UDuCILns3aPG4ZkLbMhW8zhowcop8aRfm2r-0xLi6iMkilzwuOdKZrgzlbhRzHTg6WD22W8KoMi9wMdUjR8ZqBVQuqOlHjUu1dnQsHwtohVEdZOpTNI5_zbFAtNOkFufULLNyTr0IpTmXdYKVsKm5RWj6r/s2135/Screenshot_20240222_180416_Maps.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1018" data-original-width="2135" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1A7rz9g-enOB8hJVL4ZCc2IEZZMsQEE8zN3UDuCILns3aPG4ZkLbMhW8zhowcop8aRfm2r-0xLi6iMkilzwuOdKZrgzlbhRzHTg6WD22W8KoMi9wMdUjR8ZqBVQuqOlHjUu1dnQsHwtohVEdZOpTNI5_zbFAtNOkFufULLNyTr0IpTmXdYKVsKm5RWj6r/w640-h306/Screenshot_20240222_180416_Maps.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>We enjoyed ourselves for eight nights and then moved on to another COE campground located further east on the canal. That campground name is Merrisach Lake. Will do my next blog post from there. </p><p>We are here in February 2024 with a lot of beautiful birds singing and an occasional fisherman out on the river. Only three other campers in the campground besides the host. </p><p>Traveling in a Winnebago View 25-ft motorhome and cargo trailer. </p>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-31548790826506708032024-02-26T11:25:00.009-06:002024-03-04T10:19:29.903-06:00Days 22-29 - Pendleton Bend COE, Dumas, Arkansas<p>Some kinds of things you don't really see around Wisconsin... Like dead armadillos smushed on the side of the road! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbNPKkXznmNQFq80PX6CmcSvUl5oQZCyt7ZrtK5cMwFj-hL4p21bAlYhFMMYzWb07-SQjcotlOhTzCfHZAC13PtjwQ_DGgCe5J4hMBVaLtv7HKvIT-2kDqP1dlEOwd_kBFb2KMpoJBouv94Ty2jCZ6zkRM-KXPx5DAMj3TUrwffsEgx7aDmUr6_7EpsEr/s4080/20240222_091008.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbNPKkXznmNQFq80PX6CmcSvUl5oQZCyt7ZrtK5cMwFj-hL4p21bAlYhFMMYzWb07-SQjcotlOhTzCfHZAC13PtjwQ_DGgCe5J4hMBVaLtv7HKvIT-2kDqP1dlEOwd_kBFb2KMpoJBouv94Ty2jCZ6zkRM-KXPx5DAMj3TUrwffsEgx7aDmUr6_7EpsEr/w640-h296/20240222_091008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We are here for a week at Pendleton Bend Corps of Engineers Campground near Dumas, Arkansas. In my previous blog I talked a little bit about the campground, and in my next one I will do a complete campground review. But for now I will just talk about what we've been doing for the first four or five days here.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, we got out our E-bikes and toured around the area. There really aren't any bike paths, and we are just riding on the edges of the road. We decided to not pull the trailer for the dogs at this time. It needs a little wider area and we really wouldn't want to go off into the gravel with one wheel and make it topsy-turvy if there was a car passing us. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRh7mja0a_PlkcgHLWLr7s-VBXZiYo2HIvhWywXz8bNkG0e7r0hSezjIsm7i_j8PxbCHPG9r9zobekOrhQjBItbspSueXgjiP0MyWxJKu2B-J9z_Av6kL2NvgSFd2XPzf0FPn9o-iZTrtytGM_WeZ5ToKdJTm5QGBaAZ89C8G2CLLtEhnh5JCt_qczFOzJ/s2434/20240222_150045.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1727" data-original-width="2434" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRh7mja0a_PlkcgHLWLr7s-VBXZiYo2HIvhWywXz8bNkG0e7r0hSezjIsm7i_j8PxbCHPG9r9zobekOrhQjBItbspSueXgjiP0MyWxJKu2B-J9z_Av6kL2NvgSFd2XPzf0FPn9o-iZTrtytGM_WeZ5ToKdJTm5QGBaAZ89C8G2CLLtEhnh5JCt_qczFOzJ/w640-h454/20240222_150045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On the way out to the campground, along the banks of the Arkansas River, is one of the Riceland rice storage areas. Riceland is one of the biggest companies in the country and is privately owned, with a board of directors that comprised of 33 farmers from the 33 counties that are elected to the board. We read up a little bit about the company and it seemed really interesting. From this particular spot, they load the rice up into barges and ship it on down the river.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiLiD8DVAyoAIwDwIWMjcV0J2thpr-TKVDZGYTimrpHhPIA5jFRZ4qcUczMzCaxhg1tsdmiWEz6qR6Ew2DqLPj7FQDtSM3mbR331hBJYmpElyKCbqTRXH8VEMcoYJxxHZeirPpAOGTApY_LMglrvRVfoQQA3ze3GzthsRwxkL5-jpHspOxfATKI7ATScJ/s4000/20240222_154423.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiLiD8DVAyoAIwDwIWMjcV0J2thpr-TKVDZGYTimrpHhPIA5jFRZ4qcUczMzCaxhg1tsdmiWEz6qR6Ew2DqLPj7FQDtSM3mbR331hBJYmpElyKCbqTRXH8VEMcoYJxxHZeirPpAOGTApY_LMglrvRVfoQQA3ze3GzthsRwxkL5-jpHspOxfATKI7ATScJ/w640-h296/20240222_154423.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After it goes a certain distance down the Arkansas River, the barges shift over to a 9 mile long man-made canal. From there it goes into the White River and out into the Mississippi. Next week we are going to camp over at another Corps of Engineer Park by the canal. I will write more about that then. </div><div><br /></div><div>It has been really interesting watching the barges get lined up by the tugboats. They maneuver the barges around in different spots sometimes in front of the campground. Once they get four or six lashed together, they take off and head down the river. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-k4KWqakjWesKEN7eTZEV-m6jsaKhrSdo1VCqegvh-dyWy-OEpjsqr4RSh4yEUDtiG2T-Rhw74J2T8DUhMtl9jYdGpmLyirbh_ZYzTnTdbckv5LvachfmchRpo9O5UkJxx0vrA9EdJ7pj1kzzkOcSjgLc0mHh3rRzKa9TS6JpwQGRbDzqIEoYKhSrpPrA/s4080/20240223_101732.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-k4KWqakjWesKEN7eTZEV-m6jsaKhrSdo1VCqegvh-dyWy-OEpjsqr4RSh4yEUDtiG2T-Rhw74J2T8DUhMtl9jYdGpmLyirbh_ZYzTnTdbckv5LvachfmchRpo9O5UkJxx0vrA9EdJ7pj1kzzkOcSjgLc0mHh3rRzKa9TS6JpwQGRbDzqIEoYKhSrpPrA/w640-h296/20240223_101732.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I made a little video clip of where they were maneuvering them around just south of the campground, we thought maybe one was stuck. But then we realized later, that no, it was just a staging area until the other tugboat could bring down the rest of the barges.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q9uhtnPFQk0" width="320" youtube-src-id="q9uhtnPFQk0"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We found some dead fall branches laying here and there from the storm that went through the night before. Incidentally, the new dog Nicholas didn't even flinch at any of the thunder or lightning or torrential rain that went on for a couple hours. Yay!</div><div><br /></div><div>Steve has along this cute little electric chainsaw and we were able to cut up enough firewood for an evening campfire. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Fwfh3yOZ9uNe9PhH5exqodVFkcDXx219NnMYDomGL4nWK8_QsMmdZCOvAGU8fAUATIjWwZZFhKNG4LKbyEiQQPcVHELz9bb-yXX68idJnCBvKr5-hXNeBS_26cxkkdY5ruZgGYc4gSU5WGKUWb5EJRiGgpZsROUPTzP-Xm2o26FTyIEGLNj6bBRXXxNE/s4080/20240222_164512.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Fwfh3yOZ9uNe9PhH5exqodVFkcDXx219NnMYDomGL4nWK8_QsMmdZCOvAGU8fAUATIjWwZZFhKNG4LKbyEiQQPcVHELz9bb-yXX68idJnCBvKr5-hXNeBS_26cxkkdY5ruZgGYc4gSU5WGKUWb5EJRiGgpZsROUPTzP-Xm2o26FTyIEGLNj6bBRXXxNE/w296-h640/20240222_164512.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One of our favorite RVing YouTubers, <a href="https://youtube.com/@KennyOfAllTrades?si=hGzMQspNUDEzMiFj" target="_blank">Kenny Of All Trades</a>, uses these little fire starter packages. We never really thought much about them but once we saw them on his videos, we saw how quick they worked for him. He starts up fires with full pieces of wood. Not even really starting with kindling!!! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZDllJueOhtNnoN0zS9FRvF1SEGaL0OOY4rlpYe7aK69M6vC0SGz0rMoxY519sqPYJBN5nsYMz2x86MfP11yGOrk4KK0utORIHHMd3TTrNks9lC_RNOylWZgKtsLUnFGQigCqHCIZaTiOVkkVyDHywBlyWFN3ti54qz4Sz6Rlt9J6FTmqcNUBCffxoBAs/s4080/20240224_181624.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZDllJueOhtNnoN0zS9FRvF1SEGaL0OOY4rlpYe7aK69M6vC0SGz0rMoxY519sqPYJBN5nsYMz2x86MfP11yGOrk4KK0utORIHHMd3TTrNks9lC_RNOylWZgKtsLUnFGQigCqHCIZaTiOVkkVyDHywBlyWFN3ti54qz4Sz6Rlt9J6FTmqcNUBCffxoBAs/w640-h296/20240224_181624.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>They can be bought in boxes of 12 or even larger from places like Walmart or Amazon etc I think he mention that he buys his at Cabela's. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They work great! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In no time we had a roaring fire!!! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1QYKJHrKwzte9neF9MqPcWPaTzAWllDasoB3JFnejNo46DOlKqEPvU11ELNiTOZleNor5mYiRQHHhG7ixWkCN6k9AfRPUctEv_btM3sniZQFthkwIHXExnVjgwP8eUdnlyVEv72unARIHdCkyQfOCXTvYHLWAK8IlDaN-Bj2XNGav-mGeKKZhU68AJo5/s2928/20240224_181332.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2928" data-original-width="1538" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho1QYKJHrKwzte9neF9MqPcWPaTzAWllDasoB3JFnejNo46DOlKqEPvU11ELNiTOZleNor5mYiRQHHhG7ixWkCN6k9AfRPUctEv_btM3sniZQFthkwIHXExnVjgwP8eUdnlyVEv72unARIHdCkyQfOCXTvYHLWAK8IlDaN-Bj2XNGav-mGeKKZhU68AJo5/w336-h640/20240224_181332.jpg" width="336" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>On one of the days we took a ride further to the east, down to the dam on the Arkansas River. I believe this is the Wilbur D Mills Basin, and there is another campground down there which is not open yet this time of year.</div><div><br /></div><div>The dam is huge and they are currently putting up a another section with a separated route of the river for a hydroelectric dam. We were able to ride the bikes out there and look around. There's even a small picnicking spot on the damn itself with picnic tables and pergolas.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKd4aXu_NQYkF8zaXOn6YoHlq1tcHb0AqVwMGtT5f5xvwy3JZHMYgbH-Up45n3QZBuy8pCc3ThcaDmmbQmYK5hjTtHqtA5zufxUjDCXsTQL9T7-f6_LYvhCf7UcmRAhnasAlRsOd7-V4uiJ-EzODrXFqlX0KgaN_bjTztLA_qXDv4EOtaPfDjxfB6YDeB9/s4080/20240224_115051.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKd4aXu_NQYkF8zaXOn6YoHlq1tcHb0AqVwMGtT5f5xvwy3JZHMYgbH-Up45n3QZBuy8pCc3ThcaDmmbQmYK5hjTtHqtA5zufxUjDCXsTQL9T7-f6_LYvhCf7UcmRAhnasAlRsOd7-V4uiJ-EzODrXFqlX0KgaN_bjTztLA_qXDv4EOtaPfDjxfB6YDeB9/w640-h296/20240224_115051.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There were a lot of people fishing along the banks of the dam. Even though there were big signs posted NO FISHING. There are a lot of parking spots and boat ramp access sections all over in this part of the river. The website says for these Corps of Engineer campgrounds in this stretch they are highly used by fishermen year round. </div><div><br /></div><div>So far, there were three other campers here on the weekend. They have all left and now there's only us and one other camper today. I don't know if they are staying or leaving. It doesn't appear they are reserved on the website. The host even left. We may be the only ones here until Thursday when we leave??</div><div><br /></div><div>But the sites are so nice and spacious and roomy. We are really enjoying the covered pergola over the concrete picnic table. Steve set up our Camp Chef oven AKA my "Easy-Bake Oven"! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEqq3-YO8lZKd-yiRqtt0CCnKqgaEJLE4KXAX2H00-uUjMjNWtSxLgxRcphjIzqYlpLHNpdRQuDPKQszdKUYHA0c5FSEiQxN444BjK67qk5-iMPhao8yT9ZkAUxqdjQ4EWsAuw_06_lChOjGJCygK3Rgb6z-U6TPwuIsA57WuGKs6zVi9lLdItP94oRGN/s4080/20240224_123225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEqq3-YO8lZKd-yiRqtt0CCnKqgaEJLE4KXAX2H00-uUjMjNWtSxLgxRcphjIzqYlpLHNpdRQuDPKQszdKUYHA0c5FSEiQxN444BjK67qk5-iMPhao8yT9ZkAUxqdjQ4EWsAuw_06_lChOjGJCygK3Rgb6z-U6TPwuIsA57WuGKs6zVi9lLdItP94oRGN/w296-h640/20240224_123225.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I whipped up a couple pans of my chicken pot pie casserole. If you notice, underneath, on the metal shelf above the burner, I have a pizza stone. This helps dissipate the heat and spread it out within the oven for even baking. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPF2iXa1PMgJoyrxYyT5BAxUt49zc4kS4D6nC2MiijDm7ywh5FxdUvD6bNkIgR1rZabUwNmGWUWThRdj2x-MIRUszXOvC4M9VTFC_TNm7z8T_0-MYxAk6HXfEuKUY-DOZxxDFNgqDIAa73SEjSZUJg-ti9SNQFVY8W6pSOJLujXVy-Ox8UyTudmYUkNzW/s4080/20240224_160635.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuPF2iXa1PMgJoyrxYyT5BAxUt49zc4kS4D6nC2MiijDm7ywh5FxdUvD6bNkIgR1rZabUwNmGWUWThRdj2x-MIRUszXOvC4M9VTFC_TNm7z8T_0-MYxAk6HXfEuKUY-DOZxxDFNgqDIAa73SEjSZUJg-ti9SNQFVY8W6pSOJLujXVy-Ox8UyTudmYUkNzW/w296-h640/20240224_160635.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>My chicken pot pie casserole recipe is pretty basic. I use a roll of flaky biscuits and split them in half crosswise. I put one layer of them in the bottom of the pan with non-stick cooking spray. Then on top I put shredded chicken. I use either leftovers picked from a from rotisserie chicken, or maybe excess chicken that I cooked in the pressure cooker and tossed in the freezer for later use. Then I put on a layer of frozen vegetables. You could use fresh, but I am limited on access to fresh ones right now. On top of that I put a layer of cream of celery soup. Some people use cream of mushroom but I think that's too heavy. Cream of celery seems much lighter. And then on the very top I put the other halves of the flaky biscuits. I brush them with butter and add a little seasoning to the top. I cover with tin foil and toss them in for about 375 for 20 minutes. Then I take the tin foil off and rotate the pans. I put them back in for about another 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the contents are bubbling up around the corners. Done!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRMJBMW19kdennm1He9cXnZNgpxVvSoAqWfiJA01DQgYWLjQaYUoVMvuyYXOOmrp-GT6NDqPYLeiSAuGReEmeSjat8io84a5FNbboLW9Bj91pM-JWVYF9BRFQmrfUuL0K_2V4bKysBjmZj1oKeEl_fU5c7nvU4FLOhQwkdmFcTYLkDPucD0X7sjJk_6IR/s3509/20240224_172714.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="3509" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcRMJBMW19kdennm1He9cXnZNgpxVvSoAqWfiJA01DQgYWLjQaYUoVMvuyYXOOmrp-GT6NDqPYLeiSAuGReEmeSjat8io84a5FNbboLW9Bj91pM-JWVYF9BRFQmrfUuL0K_2V4bKysBjmZj1oKeEl_fU5c7nvU4FLOhQwkdmFcTYLkDPucD0X7sjJk_6IR/w640-h344/20240224_172714.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>The extra pan I will toss back in the freezer for an easy quick meal down the road. </div><div><br /></div><div>The dogs have really been enjoying this camping trip so far. We've been gone now for almost a month. They are truly the reason why we have the motorhome. We can travel at will, and not be searching for hotels that allow pets. We can have them with us all the while and not be leaving them alone in vehicles if we were eating in restaurants. That's why we like RVing... Our pets can be with us and we can operate on our own schedules.</div><div><br /></div><div>But----- they also need attention too. Steve is the doorman letting them in and out anytime they demand it. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMltIpjC8NsUuePzxW5EoNsveZlqj0xt9S7WsjZ3ah33Jf_lteBxNvUSf-RO-qeV-nT1P_v3eVazUHFdUoHh2t55QDAmL84iJd50kIpgYITQFyBmMFuVHeLhiXaWb6N9Zha3Dd_JT0jNe3hEZG3rwtIPQfwVOBOoopPK6wr7BfN7-A88zFYU3enULUgedz/s4080/20240224_161827.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMltIpjC8NsUuePzxW5EoNsveZlqj0xt9S7WsjZ3ah33Jf_lteBxNvUSf-RO-qeV-nT1P_v3eVazUHFdUoHh2t55QDAmL84iJd50kIpgYITQFyBmMFuVHeLhiXaWb6N9Zha3Dd_JT0jNe3hEZG3rwtIPQfwVOBOoopPK6wr7BfN7-A88zFYU3enULUgedz/w296-h640/20240224_161827.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We have been relaxing out on the patio area in our lawn chairs. The dogs are always tied up on secure cables but they do have the reach to cuddle with us when they want to.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMb8dVzjWAE41RK6rEH_II2DBoRskqsAevI7hAjK0OOMbUaW3ceYC_77Q9-iOdErRT4CVh3ddcBz6uuOgmIXz84UQuLNn-zkNvHRSvBQTXb9Rm865Ll1jeSSffnc_HrLqzTar7OQndGX8ZvBkGke5qvpqSK92-52-goT-wv7iSIIWXSKVzwueiP0F3ZJEU/s3064/20240224_162023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1625" data-original-width="3064" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMb8dVzjWAE41RK6rEH_II2DBoRskqsAevI7hAjK0OOMbUaW3ceYC_77Q9-iOdErRT4CVh3ddcBz6uuOgmIXz84UQuLNn-zkNvHRSvBQTXb9Rm865Ll1jeSSffnc_HrLqzTar7OQndGX8ZvBkGke5qvpqSK92-52-goT-wv7iSIIWXSKVzwueiP0F3ZJEU/w640-h341/20240224_162023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This weather has been absolutely fantastic. We are up in the '70s and it might even go into the low '80s later this week. We actually kicked on the air conditioner yesterday for a while while we laid down to rest. Can you believe that? Air conditioning in February?</div><div><br /></div><div>It was so warm, that Mr. Blue Jeans Steve decided to take them off and put on shorts and sandals! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbnYyH_4c-jSnN-99L62xVrl0mH22kNyNhpObG5WyVkKXSpjRI-UCJNsATNozoR5enXpLFEOzwPOpJdcwrISgQZZSgs02A6tOISQApZ7qeAMHDCeJ5Woag9DkIaqWjRs9rwS42nYh8InPp4YcUB6H5nzsPXHAx37ompXZDDIoKP48X6XY9n1JEqjxfFJL/s2660/20240225_113228.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2660" data-original-width="1189" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbnYyH_4c-jSnN-99L62xVrl0mH22kNyNhpObG5WyVkKXSpjRI-UCJNsATNozoR5enXpLFEOzwPOpJdcwrISgQZZSgs02A6tOISQApZ7qeAMHDCeJ5Woag9DkIaqWjRs9rwS42nYh8InPp4YcUB6H5nzsPXHAx37ompXZDDIoKP48X6XY9n1JEqjxfFJL/w286-h640/20240225_113228.jpg" width="286" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Blinding!!! </div></div></div>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-27547399785176936442024-02-23T10:13:00.018-06:002024-02-23T22:06:07.868-06:00Days 22-29 Moving on to Pendleton Bend Corps of Engineers Campground<p>It was time to leave Craighead Forest Campground. Our 14 days were up. The host did say if we wanted to stay longer, we could move up to the beginning group of sites where they have longer term deals for the winter. Once April 1st starts, then all of the sites are subjected to the 14-day rule. </p><p>But no, we decided that we were going to move on. As much as we enjoyed our stay, it was time to look for something else. </p><p>We are both so funny, we had to go take one more ride on the bikes on the last day before leaving. It was our last chance to go for a ride on the park trails. We went the opposite way this time which was facing the challenge of a big, big hill to climb. On our previous bike rides before, we've always gone around counter clockwise so we were always going down the hill. But this time I said let's try it cuz Steve kept asking to go clockwise. So we decided that I could face my fears tackling a big hill climb. </p><p>I did it! With the pedal assist that helps me pedal uphill and being in a low gear, I was able to get my way all the way to the top of the tallest hill!</p><p>We explored every little peninsula of the park going down the trails and getting in our fill on our last ride around the park. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02KCxG5GZDmEHaYAE_EEvCc-uPDr6fFJ182R7y2oKtAZHpgvufrUxLg42AkNv48Pspe2maSxGHX9PatvXtRGNG1KedZm-A_oc6W6rQKHe4KeQY5iT1dLlDstfJIcJDwRapA-eAy351p_CdXdnYov4zQks6AHKTSgBJPQJ3l-eT3Lvd88J75lfIm4SdgkQ/s1709/Screenshot_20240219_134205_MapMyFitness.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1709" data-original-width="1079" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02KCxG5GZDmEHaYAE_EEvCc-uPDr6fFJ182R7y2oKtAZHpgvufrUxLg42AkNv48Pspe2maSxGHX9PatvXtRGNG1KedZm-A_oc6W6rQKHe4KeQY5iT1dLlDstfJIcJDwRapA-eAy351p_CdXdnYov4zQks6AHKTSgBJPQJ3l-eT3Lvd88J75lfIm4SdgkQ/w404-h640/Screenshot_20240219_134205_MapMyFitness.jpg" width="404" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In the morning, we pulled up stakes and headed out. Our first stop was to head over to the Love's truck stop to fill our propane tank. We were down to about a third of a tank and figured we better get it topped off before our next campground. Well, we got there about 8:00 a.m. they said sorry, nobody around to fill propane tanks until 10:00 a.m. Arrgghhh!!<div><br /></div><div>So we headed on south down our intended path. We stopped for a grocery replenishment, fresh things like vegetables, milk, and eggs. </div><div><br /></div><div>We needed to stop at a post office, and found a little town to mail out a couple things. This was their only gas station:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHnRYmYM0AztunTRHrZtQTbRTYJFrHDXbXJeT46UWOMt650GSFXVC1rVzNW2Jkjh0oXoVruXYIPaIUnXZ08ocbVwjD0CfQGEsDK8uhjwi3i6oTMpimebLQdlRz7ChsJjvuIb0pJk2b3WSQ_z3oZd-hniTGZEHP3CxUydopjOjIliRHEMWr_vgprNcL62c/s1877/20240221_124527.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1877" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXHnRYmYM0AztunTRHrZtQTbRTYJFrHDXbXJeT46UWOMt650GSFXVC1rVzNW2Jkjh0oXoVruXYIPaIUnXZ08ocbVwjD0CfQGEsDK8uhjwi3i6oTMpimebLQdlRz7ChsJjvuIb0pJk2b3WSQ_z3oZd-hniTGZEHP3CxUydopjOjIliRHEMWr_vgprNcL62c/w640-h440/20240221_124527.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I wonder if they have fresh diesel fuel? </div><div style="text-align: center;">They certainly didn't have propane!! </div><div><br /></div><div>Each town we went through, we scanned ahead on the GPS looking for propane. Honestly, we even stopped at bulk home delivery companies and they all said "no, we don't fill motorhomes". We stopped at another Love's truck stop and they did not even have propane filling facilities. We stopped at two TSC Tractor Supply stores which normally have bulk propane, and neither one had it. This was getting frustrating! Finally after our fifth try, we found a little town called DeWitt. And there we found a place called Blue Seal Petroleum that was more than happy to fill our propane tanks. Even their sign said RVs and Campers! Steve filled our main motorhome tank as well as our 5 lb extra barbecue tank. It was probably the cheapest price we have ever paid for propane. $2.40 a liquid gallon. So for $15 we were all topped off and on our way. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qasoxIxIgZPyxvbvzJCnSVMfrmFXQ9d816IaDj9zl8UrnwlloRlv1K3oMBjDLaw62vCISpSYLukfiUQq31G6jqkEJK4duOVLleRqdHjme2a-FcXfNZO2_Dx2Q10z3XIcYeQxJmpVZMvCk1qLlii8E1wnbFE7AiWdAO5D3a3tJr3aQ9pe7sy-EXJjjWSQ/s4000/20240221_131425.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qasoxIxIgZPyxvbvzJCnSVMfrmFXQ9d816IaDj9zl8UrnwlloRlv1K3oMBjDLaw62vCISpSYLukfiUQq31G6jqkEJK4duOVLleRqdHjme2a-FcXfNZO2_Dx2Q10z3XIcYeQxJmpVZMvCk1qLlii8E1wnbFE7AiWdAO5D3a3tJr3aQ9pe7sy-EXJjjWSQ/w640-h296/20240221_131425.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we were cruising along, I also reminded Steve that he was out of beer. Many of the grocery stores in these areas do not carry any type of liquor at all. They are dry counties. But we did see a drive-thru liquor store coming up and took a quick turn in. Honestly, it was a little metal shack in the back of this lot with a drive around gravel path. It had a drive-up window similar to a bank!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIRCubPXQ7rqooIF-offGEd0vKwQa_NwAeyKZgIKs-g0_x-71yFNhrVhyZP1FtNvpuUYePE2WAvQ7F7rRgQV7eatx_qdf9WkBKpLQxaIT3BXHmPz9T6itKGRUmsw5gF8IIXBJsuZV-ZQwAyKHOMmJje2ipJBuUgyVD6lujspNxIFmUBCp7OdF4phop2g7/s4080/20240221_135356.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIRCubPXQ7rqooIF-offGEd0vKwQa_NwAeyKZgIKs-g0_x-71yFNhrVhyZP1FtNvpuUYePE2WAvQ7F7rRgQV7eatx_qdf9WkBKpLQxaIT3BXHmPz9T6itKGRUmsw5gF8IIXBJsuZV-ZQwAyKHOMmJje2ipJBuUgyVD6lujspNxIFmUBCp7OdF4phop2g7/w640-h296/20240221_135356.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>But surprisingly, Steve found his favorite Modelo brand from Mexico. So he was all set for another week of camping.</div><div><br /></div><div>We drove on down to the Arkansas River. There were two Army Corps of Engineer parks that we wanted to check out. The first one was Pendleton Bend. We read some really good reviews about it. We decided to drive on a little bit further on the same road to the Wilbur D Mills Campground. This one was completely closed! It didn't say that on the website. So we turned around and went back up to the Pendleton Bend one. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are three beautiful campsites along the river, as well as another 28 sites across the road scattered in the woods. We chose site C2 along the river, and spoke to a passing worker who said just pick a site and wait for the ranger to pay. There are no pay posts or envelopes. There is a telephone on the gatehouse with a direct line to recreation.gov. But we decided to just wait for a ranger to come around to collect. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOhABC1Rnh2PxEKHbqMDZg7aawqRus83O10EBV87aUfUAsFcecKjLLRqIUl193c1lAPOm-r_nIujPO2AG-J7vCRbDeJ65H1KM-D5ZzHCWfFyOZSg85fjxw5mbRic3rKorgU3K7J9P8WmOHI2wRvak3ARfrsIp3Kte1hJM3Zx42Wbkj5QCABSx_PzKDA1f/s4080/20240222_091639.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOhABC1Rnh2PxEKHbqMDZg7aawqRus83O10EBV87aUfUAsFcecKjLLRqIUl193c1lAPOm-r_nIujPO2AG-J7vCRbDeJ65H1KM-D5ZzHCWfFyOZSg85fjxw5mbRic3rKorgU3K7J9P8WmOHI2wRvak3ARfrsIp3Kte1hJM3Zx42Wbkj5QCABSx_PzKDA1f/w640-h296/20240222_091639.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>So that is what we did, these beautiful sites have level cement parking pads, concrete tables and benches covered by a pergola, and a very nice fire ring.</div><div><br /></div><div>The edges were leveled out with a retaining wall and landscape stone. It was like we had our own private patio within the fence. All for the bargain price of $12 a night! The regular fee is $24, but the Army Corps of Engineers accepts our America the Beautiful Senior Access Pass to give us half price camping. This includes electric and water at the site, as well as a dump station at the entrance. There is a shower building with free showers and flush toilets, and all of the campsites are spaced far apart. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7e564YoHHVg2LcEn3awS6TMG23XIM3VUbtk9FM88PZxBK6LIPbkkxps2LLoCVlXQor86eXt_kXqoUL2xhFI9PkI5IzHjf_eU744iEJ9gKTgW1_kvUz6_WkMQ_qSiYin6YVpCnE4A7pjFIYQawHb6tYdxPjiXRjRHQy1rcqITW4a_0AX87-XjERc4xjz7O/s4000/20240221_145734.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7e564YoHHVg2LcEn3awS6TMG23XIM3VUbtk9FM88PZxBK6LIPbkkxps2LLoCVlXQor86eXt_kXqoUL2xhFI9PkI5IzHjf_eU744iEJ9gKTgW1_kvUz6_WkMQ_qSiYin6YVpCnE4A7pjFIYQawHb6tYdxPjiXRjRHQy1rcqITW4a_0AX87-XjERc4xjz7O/w640-h296/20240221_145734.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The motorhome fit on the pad as well as our cargo trailer backed right in behind it. The view of the river right across from us was absolutely amazing. From time to time large barges float on past. More on that later...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyus30qJFteo1W_IrL7omWAP_aNNy_aLd8-Pqwd32tNy0sva8ZxNMASR4sCoUq8bTlKkMckPpzs-ezwPHeGLlIXXruDex4ZRY2OqwFKIS4d5C3IgVcCeUDC5np5sVOQEODBQa_B4oZPAoIovFRNZ1T0Nw2kqhB7j4_PLojyx4Tz9QbVIKsoGmBC1XtG9F/s4080/20240221_145831.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyus30qJFteo1W_IrL7omWAP_aNNy_aLd8-Pqwd32tNy0sva8ZxNMASR4sCoUq8bTlKkMckPpzs-ezwPHeGLlIXXruDex4ZRY2OqwFKIS4d5C3IgVcCeUDC5np5sVOQEODBQa_B4oZPAoIovFRNZ1T0Nw2kqhB7j4_PLojyx4Tz9QbVIKsoGmBC1XtG9F/w640-h296/20240221_145831.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>We kicked back in our lawn chairs to enjoy an amazing sunset. Steve had his beer, and I had my wine and my camera. The dogs were relaxed at our feet on their tie out cables with nobody else around. There were two other campers back in the campground and one small stealth cargo trailer. That was it. Total peace and quiet for us!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyInfPjSmD1nJMz02IHdvW-D-_yh0szJ27xip0G2irGoHuot-hLY-HwryNx2Cc69VHRZhslCMMGoaHb5AJZOl09Q3PFJLInc4gbdk9eOhMj3Fbpjuk_THVptrdSce9geEct84xglkOb_R7G2DpXhQor1jsoij783SfCad30cABTIW3gD4e5JgNOVDf3ZAT/s4000/20240221_173311.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1844" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyInfPjSmD1nJMz02IHdvW-D-_yh0szJ27xip0G2irGoHuot-hLY-HwryNx2Cc69VHRZhslCMMGoaHb5AJZOl09Q3PFJLInc4gbdk9eOhMj3Fbpjuk_THVptrdSce9geEct84xglkOb_R7G2DpXhQor1jsoij783SfCad30cABTIW3gD4e5JgNOVDf3ZAT/w296-h640/20240221_173311.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Just before the sun went down we walked down to the parking lot nearby for the boat ramp. There's a large dumpster there to dump our garbage. It was a nice walk back and we settled in for a quiet evening.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQ7PusdiEBjleLv_VoPQsAwbTUkLPKtrYKiiXrY-uxuxN97NFSf3SXsxrltHZrXzdL2mZbMV7_WWSCS1UJK-XT7cuUc4dndbdy-XXoHnYx3gNr_RE1bQwLgDGRAG6XjwZ6NuBV2MvViZp4VBpwJYXZJozVVLgYJFYRdEio71bWk-_6eZ505BE1qzCRABS/s4080/20240221_174441.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQ7PusdiEBjleLv_VoPQsAwbTUkLPKtrYKiiXrY-uxuxN97NFSf3SXsxrltHZrXzdL2mZbMV7_WWSCS1UJK-XT7cuUc4dndbdy-XXoHnYx3gNr_RE1bQwLgDGRAG6XjwZ6NuBV2MvViZp4VBpwJYXZJozVVLgYJFYRdEio71bWk-_6eZ505BE1qzCRABS/w640-h296/20240221_174441.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The reviews on this site said there was little to no cell phone service and no TV broadcast stations. Well, we went on with both our cell phones and got two to three bars. I am on a roaming plan from a Wisconsin-based company. Steve is on a Verizon plan through Visible. Both of us got adequate signals, and we were even able to stream some shows off Roku during the night. Scanning with the antenna, brought in 15 broadcast TV stations. Yes, some of them were substations of retro TV or police drama shows. But they were still TV stations nevertheless.</div><div><p>The next morning we decided that we would stay here for a week. It is good to try a place out for one night before committing to a full week or more. The ranger still hadn't come around but we did go online to reserve our site C2 for 7 days. Rut roh, the site we chose was going to be reserved for the weekend by someone else. But site C1 right next door is going to be open so we clicked on and reserved that for 7 days. It would be very easy to just move over because we really weren't set up much from our first night. </p><p>Just as Steve started to get things ready to move, a campground host pulled into the site up by the gatehouse. She was getting all set up herself on her own site, but came over to talk with us. There would be no ranger coming to collect money, she said they don't do that. She had been gone for 3 days and came back to collect the fees for the weekend. She helped us get online in the gatehouse and pay for the previous night on C2. Then she double checked for us that our 7 day reservation went through for C1. We were good to go and she was extremely helpful. Very nice lady. We moved on over to site C1 which is exactly the same view and same amenities as C2 was. Now we were set for the week!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSbPELfbilZZW8k48cgW0aXXz96YOKX4ouDThdYtPxe6Cl2Fnl-VrGTHL-oSasQ-AHojLhwujuTuOyN7-SUnjr71FCYcwv2yeIOROfgfIGhiol3ZosBaOrwA2qNVuNpKKy9DL_dv4WVxbvtutKNhcxnzQ9I4KOpLQrpAzNt4XKUPsGMVD3VyPlMY-Dmhy/s4000/20240222_164327.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSbPELfbilZZW8k48cgW0aXXz96YOKX4ouDThdYtPxe6Cl2Fnl-VrGTHL-oSasQ-AHojLhwujuTuOyN7-SUnjr71FCYcwv2yeIOROfgfIGhiol3ZosBaOrwA2qNVuNpKKy9DL_dv4WVxbvtutKNhcxnzQ9I4KOpLQrpAzNt4XKUPsGMVD3VyPlMY-Dmhy/w640-h296/20240222_164327.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was a little cloudy in the afternoon, but all in all it was a great day. We had windows open and fresh air, and enjoyed ourselves in the quiet peaceful campground.</div><div><br /></div><div>We tossed some burgers on the griddle and enjoyed an absolutely wonderful evening. The sun was setting as the clouds were rolling in. We knew we were going to be due for a big thunderstorm during the night. So we better enjoy what we can while we can!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0rc0w6iHgVEyIl0sE2deMmu6iFHUMnfyU9QiMSRntZ9QegNZphAey928sHaF-hsufLY8630fUeUSOJLvM_FPOwLWLKomSIou20t0Kk6d11a0Tf2CT5PEg1KRRVTz3d2jB-Kx2F9VZnWCOOQ4FDVRTrh9u85nxNuCoVgKJTaFGrkkdHAB6NwoqO1UxghO/s4080/20240222_173840.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0rc0w6iHgVEyIl0sE2deMmu6iFHUMnfyU9QiMSRntZ9QegNZphAey928sHaF-hsufLY8630fUeUSOJLvM_FPOwLWLKomSIou20t0Kk6d11a0Tf2CT5PEg1KRRVTz3d2jB-Kx2F9VZnWCOOQ4FDVRTrh9u85nxNuCoVgKJTaFGrkkdHAB6NwoqO1UxghO/w640-h296/20240222_173840.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The temperatures here are up in the '70s during the day and in the '60s or high '50s at night. Exactly what we were looking for...</div><div><br /></div><div>205 miles today</div><div>1,073 Total so far</div><div><br /></div>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-81641877986183184592024-02-17T10:06:00.000-06:002024-02-17T10:06:25.643-06:00Winnebago View Motorhome Repairs and Modifications While On The Road<p>The other day, we pulled up stakes and went into the town of Jonesboro to run a few errands. We had broken a tiny spring in our latch on the screen door. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jUam4-tPOjUD-7Kf-88RhZywbZokOEPxWvUjMnQFjBcLGE0qJlsZLfF8-OQMHvT2xatPZntI27W0V5VfUMnX5JTJ5Qa0KP9i8seAQud1Y25BCbTOqv-7WJTz0_E76VPp0ZNDqcODlNhlptKjXzLtiXlY0Va56fcH84_xLksPItWzo5bNglAc9oMdIuaE/s3787/20240208_121417.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="3787" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9jUam4-tPOjUD-7Kf-88RhZywbZokOEPxWvUjMnQFjBcLGE0qJlsZLfF8-OQMHvT2xatPZntI27W0V5VfUMnX5JTJ5Qa0KP9i8seAQud1Y25BCbTOqv-7WJTz0_E76VPp0ZNDqcODlNhlptKjXzLtiXlY0Va56fcH84_xLksPItWzo5bNglAc9oMdIuaE/w640-h318/20240208_121417.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>We found out we could order the spring off Amazon, actually a pack of 10 of them. But that's kind of hard to do when you're traveling on the road and you don't know where you're going next. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_jCCGIiUldHarLATKcem2897dObRlYYvIW79aRI4TYCFGzbbZHpeq4psPI9xlFd0bw_gXxk3Vy3XlQBBDt5lc-T5rDkO1o-3Mrl8pN8Pb_NUOrJRIYScXLTyhUyviRL9yEHVw20On35_ClNRSTFDnyjF5yQ6hVFy1ZB_SKrfELL7ROAEA9BNvWW-bZL_/s960/FB_IMG_1708097987498.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_jCCGIiUldHarLATKcem2897dObRlYYvIW79aRI4TYCFGzbbZHpeq4psPI9xlFd0bw_gXxk3Vy3XlQBBDt5lc-T5rDkO1o-3Mrl8pN8Pb_NUOrJRIYScXLTyhUyviRL9yEHVw20On35_ClNRSTFDnyjF5yQ6hVFy1ZB_SKrfELL7ROAEA9BNvWW-bZL_/w360-h640/FB_IMG_1708097987498.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>We swung by the local RV dealer to see if we could replace either the spring, or the whole latch. They had three different latches but none of them were the exact same design. I think we can function or bend a spring on our own. The latch is fine. It's just the spring that broke. We will see. But we left there empty-handed.</p><p>In the meantime, we fashioned a rubber band to help hold the latch up into place. It works good enough for now...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIfMzodvVzqizqraBVsGtCOdpuHD7jovtKvK21OIcqOsiPLWGccYuEC0A6XOvXafzDWW5ccE9hWG-kvOjkfMJdmUcMsW5yip44fyDtVBNkKe9k0waacRdgvSC_hls_QeB3Aa4UpyeXJLLkYeo-mGaTXPZ1FexJQuz9RBBlua4zEEL0xuQTeL10UxlcPi8/s2790/20240216_110841.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2790" data-original-width="1814" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjIfMzodvVzqizqraBVsGtCOdpuHD7jovtKvK21OIcqOsiPLWGccYuEC0A6XOvXafzDWW5ccE9hWG-kvOjkfMJdmUcMsW5yip44fyDtVBNkKe9k0waacRdgvSC_hls_QeB3Aa4UpyeXJLLkYeo-mGaTXPZ1FexJQuz9RBBlua4zEEL0xuQTeL10UxlcPi8/w416-h640/20240216_110841.jpg" width="416" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Steve is not one to leave things just half-arsed MacGyver'd, so he will fix it as soon as he has a chance to get another spring. <br /><p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~</p><p>Also, while in town the other day, we swung into Home Depot to grab a few narrower profile pipe threaded nuts. We bought this wonderful thermostatic mixing valve for the shower in the motorhome. But the nuts that came with it were a little too thick to give us the proper clearance and the ability to correctly attach the water lines to the back of the faucets.</p><p>This thermostatic mixing valve will allow us to take showers without the cold water intruding into the length of the hose during the pause mode. Any of you RV people know that to conserve water, the pause mode is necessary. Basically, you get yourself wet and then pause the shower. Either by little button or a lever on the shower head. While you're busy soaping up your body, the pressure of the cold water is stronger than the pressure of the hot water. That means the entire hose fills up with cold water. When you go to release the pause lever, you get EEEEK ice cold water! Well then you have to waste more cold water until the hot water comes up through the hose again. Wastes water when you are boondocking. </p><p>Of course then when you hit pause to do conditioner in your hair or soap up the rest of your body or shave, again you are paused. And again you get a blast of ice cold water!!!</p><p>Not only that, while the shower head is hanging up in the holder you're getting a drip drip drip of ice cold water on you. The drip drip drip is necessary so the pressure does not build in the lines and it's some kind of safety feature.</p><p>Well, to avoid this, many people on our Winnebago View list are installing these European thermostatic mixing valves. It correctly sets your desired temperature at each of the valves on each side and prevents any other water from backing up the hose each time you use the pause lever at the end by the shower head. It doesn't allow the cold to feed into the hot, or the hot to feed into the cold.</p><p>We ordered this one before we left and took it along with us to work on while we are on the road...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_JoHOE8UJStCU_0B-0uwSxKblxsJcKIpV-s3xQarOTRaxsmifuQSHbPYf8GfX3rvKvueUhyM5qTu3eLjyDQOuVUFKttXcUKFLX8T01bY0W8Af39cdWXIEVDMyXigBwWfr8h7gmLARw_FSyAC2y3YEc0Q59ByYpZrODMTPXbaH7q9aGbxrIZ3Wu1sTb87/s4080/20240208_134552.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_JoHOE8UJStCU_0B-0uwSxKblxsJcKIpV-s3xQarOTRaxsmifuQSHbPYf8GfX3rvKvueUhyM5qTu3eLjyDQOuVUFKttXcUKFLX8T01bY0W8Af39cdWXIEVDMyXigBwWfr8h7gmLARw_FSyAC2y3YEc0Q59ByYpZrODMTPXbaH7q9aGbxrIZ3Wu1sTb87/w296-h640/20240208_134552.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><p>Steve brought along all the tools needed to do the swap out while we are on the road.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGs3Rj9SdKpdrorubUgdFEA4yEyGUg5u1jCdLUEul6qZy3grBzGZvh0BPSKCbcQKLfCc4vrZyuXWtt7Tfoaq5wgccoeQddChqxNjWRy3EWdCGAvuHsT7yNLxgHpAwAnC-vDufDjNgtPY0ynhGbJFSo4qxQoXgxZcJ7mSvFIkJgbLP44vptIfR6wM9F9As/s3327/20240208_134527.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1615" data-original-width="3327" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGs3Rj9SdKpdrorubUgdFEA4yEyGUg5u1jCdLUEul6qZy3grBzGZvh0BPSKCbcQKLfCc4vrZyuXWtt7Tfoaq5wgccoeQddChqxNjWRy3EWdCGAvuHsT7yNLxgHpAwAnC-vDufDjNgtPY0ynhGbJFSo4qxQoXgxZcJ7mSvFIkJgbLP44vptIfR6wM9F9As/w640-h310/20240208_134527.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It's important that this one has the offset pieces of pipe so it can narrow down or widen up to the right diameter spacing between the faucets of the existing fixture. Well, Steve still had to drill out another hole to make it fit. Later we will cover the existing hole with a small cap. In the meantime we have a piece of elastomeric roof patch tape that we put over it. That will keep the water out of it until we get a proper sealed cap.</p><p>In this photo below, you will see that Steve tied the water lines that are down in the wall up to the grab bar in the shower. That is so the lines do not drop down behind in the wall and need to be fished up again. Also, he was careful to take out the tiny washers in each of the fittings so they didn't fall down into the wall. Those washers are necessary when screwing the lines onto the back of the new fixture. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjlRWvp5nPPWFUUKWQIyNEzM2X7nJbblmiLZqqP0Lg4T1rZSvr6rrn_whKKo5DRDj8v-G0r8F-WRptUqMSv684nZQwGHwVAUo3V19RN9GQE3kpfj9D_iKm_xS5m_hpqubEnH2Di2YT8o2pOs2JBNthuyLrkfA2x676LEDjYdO3Yo-YHOQx_L-T6stnPiB/s4080/20240208_134545.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDjlRWvp5nPPWFUUKWQIyNEzM2X7nJbblmiLZqqP0Lg4T1rZSvr6rrn_whKKo5DRDj8v-G0r8F-WRptUqMSv684nZQwGHwVAUo3V19RN9GQE3kpfj9D_iKm_xS5m_hpqubEnH2Di2YT8o2pOs2JBNthuyLrkfA2x676LEDjYdO3Yo-YHOQx_L-T6stnPiB/w296-h640/20240208_134545.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Steve got it all into place and it's functioning perfectly!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzBrmrGrAVpzIYLhz7l85Ou66-rYj7zYfK4n2tN4kpZ507PhgSckcnbTTr16sQpoKj40mXAcGpiyQ7rEtXja8uRMid3zfmuOsB3aexNZ2UMsTFaVlIhv4Vkw_uwmLCjLGSC9oCp6498Ss_t0-Cw5DK78Ts4oRTHj4bA6DHDYIyNFyJ9GHvaRW2x35HuNn/s4080/20240216_151923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzBrmrGrAVpzIYLhz7l85Ou66-rYj7zYfK4n2tN4kpZ507PhgSckcnbTTr16sQpoKj40mXAcGpiyQ7rEtXja8uRMid3zfmuOsB3aexNZ2UMsTFaVlIhv4Vkw_uwmLCjLGSC9oCp6498Ss_t0-Cw5DK78Ts4oRTHj4bA6DHDYIyNFyJ9GHvaRW2x35HuNn/w296-h640/20240216_151923.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The diverter portion with the tub spout will be handy if we ever want to fill up a big scrub bucket of soapy water, fill a 5 gallon blue water jug for drinking or just filling the bigger dog dish that doesn't fit in the tiny bathroom sink. </div><div><br /></div><div>Later on we will put a little vinyl hole cover attachment next to the device. It will cover the old hole from the previous set of faucets. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfmK1ZaNvhEMwDPyLg9pVKxnOI3emfS4TYMV3va1AWhtXIeNhyWdvPmtEfqKAuJQrrCTKF1v14fljF9T-JSufLBaA-CHVW8XWsvK06x5dNIyrMwFgB8Ux_lfhEEs1svpAkQ_yZqqzxQ1VId_JcwrkYqwIt-TWBYyFMjouCVe7Fm20ZWpK3YCy81oY4C2I/s4080/20240216_151932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfmK1ZaNvhEMwDPyLg9pVKxnOI3emfS4TYMV3va1AWhtXIeNhyWdvPmtEfqKAuJQrrCTKF1v14fljF9T-JSufLBaA-CHVW8XWsvK06x5dNIyrMwFgB8Ux_lfhEEs1svpAkQ_yZqqzxQ1VId_JcwrkYqwIt-TWBYyFMjouCVe7Fm20ZWpK3YCy81oY4C2I/w640-h296/20240216_151932.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~</p><p>While we were at Home Depot we also picked up some larger fender washers. The brackets on the cargo trailer holding up our lawn chairs had pulled through because the heads of the bolts were just a little bit too small for the spaces of the holes on the steel bars. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGEmv2ibhFW8H0weKByil2u76SSljsxmts0_9L1dH8Cm79OzVJA9gZAWf7TyWwHr9oLvButG3vvkjNt1EF0QFohFtjTvZDkagJZGUqWIhjZrwQjBAPSVnGnAQuKOc5uoAhqSh3YcaLAw2Jg1j8jsXODDZiYTMZY6bu6RJc-FkQD_QtDSEIeUPREoWE2R3/s2880/20240213_124120.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGEmv2ibhFW8H0weKByil2u76SSljsxmts0_9L1dH8Cm79OzVJA9gZAWf7TyWwHr9oLvButG3vvkjNt1EF0QFohFtjTvZDkagJZGUqWIhjZrwQjBAPSVnGnAQuKOc5uoAhqSh3YcaLAw2Jg1j8jsXODDZiYTMZY6bu6RJc-FkQD_QtDSEIeUPREoWE2R3/w640-h640/20240213_124120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>By putting a fender washer behind each bolt head, they will now hold firmly and not pop up all the way through.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIm4Vkl_ALRYJvs8Zxm_m6WtzmBWPrk5V4u-4hRLQe93gSeaJZGLVNTOztWQwm7-YZ1hwK7vLcjOHmCrFC2vK6qBtCbfCJxvl_xah0EBIiwIPT6xe6Qpr8EO3mXvClTSt7ve3JAvAkoZvqkCiOPhHsvshNCG9BUl2qBVxlKggG4cEoYCSpQSNEpU2WlzAj/s2982/20240213_122307.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2982" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIm4Vkl_ALRYJvs8Zxm_m6WtzmBWPrk5V4u-4hRLQe93gSeaJZGLVNTOztWQwm7-YZ1hwK7vLcjOHmCrFC2vK6qBtCbfCJxvl_xah0EBIiwIPT6xe6Qpr8EO3mXvClTSt7ve3JAvAkoZvqkCiOPhHsvshNCG9BUl2qBVxlKggG4cEoYCSpQSNEpU2WlzAj/w404-h640/20240213_122307.jpg" width="404" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>He reassembled all of the hooks back onto the steel bar. Using the picnic table as his workbench was very handy.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcxtqLhhf3NgaPbgpbYseYmKkac6C2ca_HOEbivcUgOsCKLYUpnvncyby-F1P_lBLTsWX6IfwfdScAeBatjz3y9HQ_zhDVHBAxyfYhwWt5yrcw6jDFzZJqthoW-BrmgQ8RyvhNPQrIOcRYMXyrcbDF8hq9qzwmM6DFN3hgZYkt_tngn6Mn2uQKjdNS-lK/s4080/20240213_122258.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcxtqLhhf3NgaPbgpbYseYmKkac6C2ca_HOEbivcUgOsCKLYUpnvncyby-F1P_lBLTsWX6IfwfdScAeBatjz3y9HQ_zhDVHBAxyfYhwWt5yrcw6jDFzZJqthoW-BrmgQ8RyvhNPQrIOcRYMXyrcbDF8hq9qzwmM6DFN3hgZYkt_tngn6Mn2uQKjdNS-lK/w640-h296/20240213_122258.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>In no time he was fastening them back up inside of the cargo trailer where they belong. These are so convenient to hang our lawn chairs on each of the side walls, and the chairs are strapped securely at the bottom edges so they don't fall down on our bikes. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPT9mtik5YUvfNc46Miu1gELrgkKJhsjGhDBbIEGHijod7188Z0A5fnXNwZXY6CtZWhL21W0IyvT5PfymVZbNaX107HwfwOuv-D85G8jOaSzhNd4-3UB7u3DIwTEJC9XkVcpTt9E-iHl7avjOZU7glPSyfkE-ezl5NkhQRKyczW7zthA5ahQDVPeCmzEWn/s4080/20240213_122502.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPT9mtik5YUvfNc46Miu1gELrgkKJhsjGhDBbIEGHijod7188Z0A5fnXNwZXY6CtZWhL21W0IyvT5PfymVZbNaX107HwfwOuv-D85G8jOaSzhNd4-3UB7u3DIwTEJC9XkVcpTt9E-iHl7avjOZU7glPSyfkE-ezl5NkhQRKyczW7zthA5ahQDVPeCmzEWn/w640-h296/20240213_122502.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>A couple of the neighboring guys wandered on by to chit chat with Steve when he had his cargo trailer open. We have now dubbed it as "Steve's Garage"!!! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJn0sM2weFB4wtvlWBAO03UThzk6h-8BVlBJU844S8-sMeHvWmh4TPVzB05-P-MA21g0DnxOctlLu3v-wRsf29omVbBN09J3rxli1laYLuawfVk2H4X4sHMhcR3jbKXlKlfHactOg753yTxYGgchnDFqMcAm-WohjohKU9-6EOy2KGpKR-jZBhxsmlbjQ/s4080/20240213_123234.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJn0sM2weFB4wtvlWBAO03UThzk6h-8BVlBJU844S8-sMeHvWmh4TPVzB05-P-MA21g0DnxOctlLu3v-wRsf29omVbBN09J3rxli1laYLuawfVk2H4X4sHMhcR3jbKXlKlfHactOg753yTxYGgchnDFqMcAm-WohjohKU9-6EOy2KGpKR-jZBhxsmlbjQ/w296-h640/20240213_123234.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>The last thing we picked up at Home Depot were some extra little nuts for our lawn chairs. A couple have already fallen off so Steve bought some of the nylon locking nuts, or what are called aircraft nuts. These are just some cheap lawn chairs from Dunham's sports, but we like them because they fold up very flat and take up less space in our cargo areas. So by adding these new nuts, we will give the chairs a longer life. </p><p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~</p><p style="text-align: left;">This little device is handy!!! Sometimes when an RV is parked a little bit off level, the bathroom door will swing one way or swing the other. By Murphy's law, it probably always swings the way you don't want it to!</p><p style="text-align: left;">I know we could always just leave the door shut tight and clicked with the latch into the frame. </p><p style="text-align: left;">With this extreme cold weather, we like to leave the bathroom door open so it doesn't get too cold in there. But if the door is swinging out into the walkway, it's always in the way as we are trying to pass back and forth.</p><p style="text-align: left;">We saw this hint from someone else, it is a locking doorstop that can be set in any position to keep the door in one spot. It's spring loaded that you can push the top plunger down with the tip of your toe, and then a little side lever you can touch with the toe to release it. No bending over.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVp7MuIJCabBHTZSCKwGjR3AuKWi2UnNSRcngEyIeVhDiPEZuuq7UbOU5c2n16FU6-LrH8Vke866NsFMorZ7HcIuw7aNlykBwh3EBMoD99zwAx3UcapgjARDoWpfKRzQxdYV3cTpVkOKozN0ccD6HZq28dH98dJaGMBNx-3ha51MCW9dbxI0y0Vs3TP_L/s4080/20240217_090909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVp7MuIJCabBHTZSCKwGjR3AuKWi2UnNSRcngEyIeVhDiPEZuuq7UbOU5c2n16FU6-LrH8Vke866NsFMorZ7HcIuw7aNlykBwh3EBMoD99zwAx3UcapgjARDoWpfKRzQxdYV3cTpVkOKozN0ccD6HZq28dH98dJaGMBNx-3ha51MCW9dbxI0y0Vs3TP_L/w296-h640/20240217_090909.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Steve had to reinforce it a little bit with a piece of stock metal to extend it down just far enough. These hollow core doors really don't have a lot of strength. So if you buy one, be careful where you mount it. <br /><p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~</p><p style="text-align: left;">Now, just in case you think Steve gets to have all the fun doing ALL of the repairs and modifications, you may be wrong. I get to do them too!</p><p style="text-align: left;">A month ago, before leaving, I had decided that we needed a better shower curtain in our motorhome. I ordered this nice waterproof fabric pleated one. It was about 5 inches too long, so before we left home I carefully cut it off and zigzagged the edge. It frays very easily, so it needs to be zigzagged almost immediately after cutting.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Once we got the new shower curtain hung into place, I decided I wanted to get some clips or little tab catches down each side to keep the shower curtain snug to the shower stall. This would prevent any extra water from spraying over into the rest of the bathroom or damaging the wood or the flooring or the wallpaper.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The only problem was, inside of each clip are two little molded on plastic bumps. I'm sure these are to help snugly fit a thin plastic shower curtain. But the one I ordered was a thicker waterproof fabric one. Hmmmmmm what to do?</p><p style="text-align: left;">I took a serrated steak knife and very carefully sawed away at each little set of bumps in each of the 10 clips. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67xRN1VkhKYSHgaJaBaDpmTnc_xBy3xlZdogqCNmphH4pLSR6OrWlM3ZEs0uC59faLHSGzrBhaau4xBAaF4R_bpqQkH_gx8l900-0cfuF0mzZVehyMdcfiiO-zRiLofdi2_i-Kzyk2IQa0wno021gQeeWKALILHt3sgcIL22_2MBSYq1WSWEVHa1Uk4DP/s2880/20240213_160115.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67xRN1VkhKYSHgaJaBaDpmTnc_xBy3xlZdogqCNmphH4pLSR6OrWlM3ZEs0uC59faLHSGzrBhaau4xBAaF4R_bpqQkH_gx8l900-0cfuF0mzZVehyMdcfiiO-zRiLofdi2_i-Kzyk2IQa0wno021gQeeWKALILHt3sgcIL22_2MBSYq1WSWEVHa1Uk4DP/w640-h640/20240213_160115.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It worked! And I didn't cut myself either. Now there was enough space in the clip to hold the fabric shower curtain. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjwX112QZbVu4EUPFCIfiJI0G-7UD6XI6RQhCqU01-7WXt_UwU-dIvv9hyphenhyphen4ED8EdWpjj97U3kYEhAeujQsSYQCK6g9OKv2iJRvQngU0fWHOdX2d3KDh4oz8a3i8e_EB2IoRQX0gMWXePLa6WC243_jn0zFn-Ak-M5B7IpHilUQRLfs3qmbcoydBp792ez/s3762/20240213_155739.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3762" data-original-width="1734" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjwX112QZbVu4EUPFCIfiJI0G-7UD6XI6RQhCqU01-7WXt_UwU-dIvv9hyphenhyphen4ED8EdWpjj97U3kYEhAeujQsSYQCK6g9OKv2iJRvQngU0fWHOdX2d3KDh4oz8a3i8e_EB2IoRQX0gMWXePLa6WC243_jn0zFn-Ak-M5B7IpHilUQRLfs3qmbcoydBp792ez/w294-h640/20240213_155739.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And there it is!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(The streak of color is a reflection </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">from off the mirror)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFE3jCCIXOamujAW8J9J5Xh2G_CTdC1spc-Mce95Yhzd2EtSBcNEjPZQuVx213zzYxUodqt41QKSH2VAQGCyvsDuI5OZSLUPfU8NCc6Lvex1spYQPWSvAjKw3hJdbkeQ62KFXf12i6Pr43O-bgUPlrQs-F-oXcKUibi9-PyorkCZ3A3ML_0GGOWlwsbJJH/s4080/20240213_155811.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFE3jCCIXOamujAW8J9J5Xh2G_CTdC1spc-Mce95Yhzd2EtSBcNEjPZQuVx213zzYxUodqt41QKSH2VAQGCyvsDuI5OZSLUPfU8NCc6Lvex1spYQPWSvAjKw3hJdbkeQ62KFXf12i6Pr43O-bgUPlrQs-F-oXcKUibi9-PyorkCZ3A3ML_0GGOWlwsbJJH/w296-h640/20240213_155811.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It got rather chilly here overnight in Jonesboro Arkansas. It was down to 29° this morning. We have heaters on our holding tanks, and we never leave our water hose out. We fill the freshwater tank with the hose, and put the hose away. We have a supplemental electric space heater besides the propane furnace. We also pull in the living room slide for less area to heat, and less drafts or air leakage. It was really windy last night!!</div><div><br /></div><div>And to top it off, we have an electric mattress pad on our bed. Comfy cozy!</div><div><br /></div><div>We are staying here until the middle of the week, and from there we will meander maybe a little further south. The temperatures are supposed to be up in the '70s again, which is just the way we like it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I told Steve that all that I'm asking for out of this entire vacation is to find nice quiet places in the woods, with tall trees, a beautiful view over water, and grass on the ground for the dogs. I think we are staying away from gravel or cactus or goat head spurs and the desert this time. I just want to relax and enjoy the nice weather without snow.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's not a lot to ask for, is it?</div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-64499600752477660972024-02-17T09:20:00.000-06:002024-02-17T09:20:00.596-06:00Our Dogs Got Wheels!!! <p><br /></p><p>If you read my blog back in January, you would remember this post about getting an InStep Sync bicycle trailer for behind our E-bikes:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/2024/01/gearing-up-to-head-south.html?m=1" target="_blank">https://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/2024/01/gearing-up-to-head-south.html?m=1</a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0roN9zsgBIs7AwNmYVssAq4LYj5Q2FzZIUWUaemluKUppH2EhwEZTGTvmCEC-9UJ069QFlnjBen7v9FtCgwf035pRPRURmCb7g3Jm-0aH3Mn5DS6UfnhPDBu31PlDftimqtUMZ8GPu_Jy2EGEGdxJjPHN9f53I6TVn7XKigK5zz4JpD3zqz_RWyWhYag/s2340/Screenshot_20240127_102747_Chrome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0roN9zsgBIs7AwNmYVssAq4LYj5Q2FzZIUWUaemluKUppH2EhwEZTGTvmCEC-9UJ069QFlnjBen7v9FtCgwf035pRPRURmCb7g3Jm-0aH3Mn5DS6UfnhPDBu31PlDftimqtUMZ8GPu_Jy2EGEGdxJjPHN9f53I6TVn7XKigK5zz4JpD3zqz_RWyWhYag/w296-h640/Screenshot_20240127_102747_Chrome.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We happened to snatch it up on clearance for only $25! Normally $150.00<p>It's made for children up to 40 lb. If we add together a little Binney at 21 lb and a little Nicholas at 17 lb, I think we have a pretty good total! </p><div>We had a beautiful day on Thursday, with sunshine up in the mid '70s! It was time to give this thing a workout.... </div><p>First, we need two sassy little dogs who want to go for a ride. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRHTtkiC9shRdgH2JksBAisggB9vdj-ACYkBe-LJHZWXCQmDS9CLn4bDSQluhuxAmWuzF-cuCIlVgtzfzKZ84ydiWeCTiX0MvV_G3haOwFUaIS8rmGpbJ8BaIEFw9N6DM7kmKOZzAUcO_3awj6J1fbTAzQJooYmLE_UIeiDJVIiZVFcUJJVfyXc22O5hw/s4080/20240215_115422.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRHTtkiC9shRdgH2JksBAisggB9vdj-ACYkBe-LJHZWXCQmDS9CLn4bDSQluhuxAmWuzF-cuCIlVgtzfzKZ84ydiWeCTiX0MvV_G3haOwFUaIS8rmGpbJ8BaIEFw9N6DM7kmKOZzAUcO_3awj6J1fbTAzQJooYmLE_UIeiDJVIiZVFcUJJVfyXc22O5hw/w640-h296/20240215_115422.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p>The bottom of the trailer has just a piece of fabric, kind of like the floor of a tent. So we set a doggy bed in there, on a bottom tray from a collapsible dog crate. Now they have a solid floor to lay on. We had also removed the child sling seat and child harness.</p><p>Both of the dogs are harnessed up, and the handle ends of their short leashes are fed right through one of the top support bars of the trailer. Eliminating any possible accidental escape, and for keeping them close by in case of a problem or a wreck. </p><p>We had let them sit in the trailer when we first assembled it last month in our home. But of course our ground was covered with snow and we weren't about to take them for a test ride back then. So this is the actual first time they are going to go for a ride. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7cOnYd3tT47MX2TEdTPAM7gYIhKo9JpmnMDKWHA1LGS3BflFJM0Vb0euPoL4Mt7l1zthvJ4dDaFmENYjnzKXpUElq0v-YsjqQi_Gtb2QEFpqKRHGR1IPZPibg2MfyQzPqnBld1O6208ApqScZBGK5aJ7Umz4RWtnU6hjMe4_ctmwRh8Z4W22YOTWdN5l/s4080/20240215_115806.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc7cOnYd3tT47MX2TEdTPAM7gYIhKo9JpmnMDKWHA1LGS3BflFJM0Vb0euPoL4Mt7l1zthvJ4dDaFmENYjnzKXpUElq0v-YsjqQi_Gtb2QEFpqKRHGR1IPZPibg2MfyQzPqnBld1O6208ApqScZBGK5aJ7Umz4RWtnU6hjMe4_ctmwRh8Z4W22YOTWdN5l/w296-h640/20240215_115806.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We got them all strapped into place, and then from there Steve carefully wheeled them around the end of the loop in the campground before we decided to actually go for a ride. I made a video of the process:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k8qVhlinLZM" width="320" youtube-src-id="k8qVhlinLZM"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>They did very well! We wanted them to learn that going for the ride wasn't just the process of the ride and coming right back to the camper. No. We wanted to stop somewhere and take them out so they would get the idea that this was a destination and the trailer was necessary to get there. So we stopped at another part of the park to let them out and do some sniffing. We also brought along their longer leashes, a water bowl and a bottle of water to give them some refreshment. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lp5zyWjXgBotbpldLOjHCrDMQvhB17ECGShkbjLOClDc0T3SBM5nF3LNJYRIrDqgrlapjWVM8Dc8TDrVDElNNufRwSCC39hSdXeRmjBVzEOgVyZ2rDKHW8rHmoMdAXyGcfm5mN2kg67OjFNuY5RP8Iyt1zEFhJLJ3-s92RloSt-7Us8lDUalXzqZPGF2/s4080/20240215_115428.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7lp5zyWjXgBotbpldLOjHCrDMQvhB17ECGShkbjLOClDc0T3SBM5nF3LNJYRIrDqgrlapjWVM8Dc8TDrVDElNNufRwSCC39hSdXeRmjBVzEOgVyZ2rDKHW8rHmoMdAXyGcfm5mN2kg67OjFNuY5RP8Iyt1zEFhJLJ3-s92RloSt-7Us8lDUalXzqZPGF2/w640-h296/20240215_115428.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We have the trailer hooked to Steve's E-bike. He said it's really not that hard to pedal with the dogs back there. Having the pedal assist electric feature on the bike is an added plus. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is just a little hitch bracket that needed to be screwed on the same bolt as the rear axle. The trailer then can disengage with a little hitch pin and safety strap. We are going to order a second hitch bracket to put on my bike. That way either of us could tow them. The entire trailer folds up and the wheels come off and it can be stored, taking up very little space.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-il9QXoADZToJ66n7UxcYgj9wdrYgZLO5pYSs_jWPNekK1thDH9w2Yn1f8c8ofiATZ2Kk0ESFbTogbou3PTO1YthJm4pM9aEgwGCBDOuP_rPVubDp7n4G4EVae3eNsVl29m1FT_6JAup8tSJ57JpEK_dL7pJ99PcqYXP4u9mO7JKazfWFHH6b9OTQqVP/s2502/20240128_114505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="2502" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-il9QXoADZToJ66n7UxcYgj9wdrYgZLO5pYSs_jWPNekK1thDH9w2Yn1f8c8ofiATZ2Kk0ESFbTogbou3PTO1YthJm4pM9aEgwGCBDOuP_rPVubDp7n4G4EVae3eNsVl29m1FT_6JAup8tSJ57JpEK_dL7pJ99PcqYXP4u9mO7JKazfWFHH6b9OTQqVP/w640-h482/20240128_114505.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I think they are going to enjoy going for adventures in this new vehicle. It will be a great way for us to get out and see things, and not just leave the dogs behind in the motorhome.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HK3ZbGBrH0hnSAbi6shOxo1kL5h4K2_Aint7ln4HeC7sJXQ5fbywGv4YrQrNiw-6ku9zqFYrIS3HQjBd6s9GFFTho6UDXXNm2FAGPNw-fDq3xm4PBnsVSpjrZUjmMOWj2pWPQo5LbU7ookk1aI_RiSQ7SZaToHS28WF0MYtmsM9Llthf-PYzeo5liChE/s4080/20240215_115622.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9HK3ZbGBrH0hnSAbi6shOxo1kL5h4K2_Aint7ln4HeC7sJXQ5fbywGv4YrQrNiw-6ku9zqFYrIS3HQjBd6s9GFFTho6UDXXNm2FAGPNw-fDq3xm4PBnsVSpjrZUjmMOWj2pWPQo5LbU7ookk1aI_RiSQ7SZaToHS28WF0MYtmsM9Llthf-PYzeo5liChE/w296-h640/20240215_115622.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>It was really cute as they were riding along, Nick was keeping a careful eye on me out of the back window. Binney was curled up in the front section and she just was watching out the side windows with a smile on her face. Can't you see it?</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczJaqqy8WV2Mo610POGJQPPUwd8XFFSerkLJduxx-hFz3khMsVWKqMtIEMpyFiYSGNlsUr3VrsklXDH-J3rtdk2Sj3xvFDjn5yOp5-FacKmEoZs58fxDKZVxRzvaH4a9ywAYO19Dk_TqBPsoisnL3HqOMYEX6vH5hia8aGve8qmKKLEowdM2SIYzm8Q8c/s4080/20240215_115828.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiczJaqqy8WV2Mo610POGJQPPUwd8XFFSerkLJduxx-hFz3khMsVWKqMtIEMpyFiYSGNlsUr3VrsklXDH-J3rtdk2Sj3xvFDjn5yOp5-FacKmEoZs58fxDKZVxRzvaH4a9ywAYO19Dk_TqBPsoisnL3HqOMYEX6vH5hia8aGve8qmKKLEowdM2SIYzm8Q8c/w640-h296/20240215_115828.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So far, we have been on the road for 16 days. The dogs are doing very well adjusting to RV life for a couple months. Nicholas spent the first week recovering from his neutering appointment. And now he is back to his normal energetic self this week. Watch this YouTube that I shot yesterday on the big lawn area next to our motorhome:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vMzgq3FBqYg" width="320" youtube-src-id="vMzgq3FBqYg"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I watch that over and over, </div><div style="text-align: center;">and just laugh out loud!!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>My next blog post I have been working on a little bit here and there during the last 2 weeks. It will be chock full of different things that we have been modifying, repairing, or adding to our motorhome. </p><p>Yes, even when we are traveling, Steve has all of his tools along. </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-30399959543647923972024-02-15T18:18:00.005-06:002024-02-15T18:28:36.947-06:00Days 15-22 Whewww Freezing Rain Sleet And Snow in Arkansas Overnight and Valentine's Day<p style="text-align: left;">On Monday, we experienced a pretty yucky day. It started out with rain and later as the temperatures dropped, it became an icy freezing rain and sleet and even snowflakes falling!!! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmYco1I9TIo54hYhyphenhyphenGnoFXZOtCuHSs3bkgOmxveEeGggLUe6DDRS-PefzSRIO9TqxRnyCClMcGxUJHFCgzVKRrMAnm5ki7tbDW-QFWpKTGIHH48E80uyz9LL8RflSEwlZXVQev5CZVdS4JfBRnMvv9G58Tr5KL1E-td7LYqCBGkdatfRN1Ox-O_WWMNYi/s4080/20240212_142858.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmYco1I9TIo54hYhyphenhyphenGnoFXZOtCuHSs3bkgOmxveEeGggLUe6DDRS-PefzSRIO9TqxRnyCClMcGxUJHFCgzVKRrMAnm5ki7tbDW-QFWpKTGIHH48E80uyz9LL8RflSEwlZXVQev5CZVdS4JfBRnMvv9G58Tr5KL1E-td7LYqCBGkdatfRN1Ox-O_WWMNYi/w640-h296/20240212_142858.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Even here in Northern Arkansas, at Craighead Forest in Jonesboro, we can get some snow! Got down to 29°. Our holding tanks are also heated. We have an extra space heater as well as the propane furnace. Above 40° or so the electric heat strips up in the air conditioner also work. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2H4J2Us32MkDY2iJUqwChCvMAUhM4kv3OzvzMtLTSlL7pSflooGfWFGy6grQKKxJN0zUW74mWGHQwxmejplbWsvbDCtTTtCbOAlcb3UjKbU9hnFQEtt59zl52a51zp0sT9JlNW9Op3bzvVtdIPBiZrZToMmArLJ1cCHjncx1-thb4mUkD6q1Ba7Zh8y6/s4080/20240212_142905.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2H4J2Us32MkDY2iJUqwChCvMAUhM4kv3OzvzMtLTSlL7pSflooGfWFGy6grQKKxJN0zUW74mWGHQwxmejplbWsvbDCtTTtCbOAlcb3UjKbU9hnFQEtt59zl52a51zp0sT9JlNW9Op3bzvVtdIPBiZrZToMmArLJ1cCHjncx1-thb4mUkD6q1Ba7Zh8y6/w640-h296/20240212_142905.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We snuggled up inside, cozy and warm. We played some cribbage, and the loser had to bundle up to go let the dogs out! (It was Steve)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihrXCXCQn8cS0aZoVwVCvSknOVXpSWTLjjYa8fVBdzK3KmafDee9iiQap-5A53hwdMb_mtNIkHtB6DhHjB7FYf70o4hPGv3s_R4GD309fTgitRhHzileVPNliHB6YM05jd3mLq4UHAM_aLX3XWtrFXlZqOSCNNTqYpNLwOlSn9p3vmUhzMBRyFLhrIxk1/s4080/20240212_143058.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihrXCXCQn8cS0aZoVwVCvSknOVXpSWTLjjYa8fVBdzK3KmafDee9iiQap-5A53hwdMb_mtNIkHtB6DhHjB7FYf70o4hPGv3s_R4GD309fTgitRhHzileVPNliHB6YM05jd3mLq4UHAM_aLX3XWtrFXlZqOSCNNTqYpNLwOlSn9p3vmUhzMBRyFLhrIxk1/w640-h296/20240212_143058.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As the end of our 7-day stay here neared an end, it happened to land on Wednesday (which was Valentine's Day).</div><div><br /></div><div>Steve asked what I would like for a Valentine's Day present? Well, I suggested to stay here one more week!</div><div><br /></div><div>The people next to us on site 41 were leaving Wednesday morning. Their site is just wonderful and located at the end of the peninsula. It has about 180° view of all water. If we would park nose-in first, we would have water views out the front windshield, all the way down the whole side of the rig with our best windows, and also out the back window! So we went up and registered with the host for another 7 days for that site. </div><div><br /></div><div>For Steve's Valentine's Day present, I got up early and baked him his absolute most favorite coffee cake.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1u3aSN8EYUc1twL0Hcny_Js0kVGboWoy8c6mvSVQXrD5LDAA0LpYAWSGlhz1By7TAnsVXhKJQFzRboGoV8hJq6LMo3RulD4-uRimPAdQtWk7XQhlCVAfgg4RW5I9J0lT1aYSLLCT2JI_nQF8Lpsbp3mqgax2rhZW8-KRhKcbSVx_maNy-DPIlYuco1lr/s2307/20240214_081115.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1689" data-original-width="2307" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1u3aSN8EYUc1twL0Hcny_Js0kVGboWoy8c6mvSVQXrD5LDAA0LpYAWSGlhz1By7TAnsVXhKJQFzRboGoV8hJq6LMo3RulD4-uRimPAdQtWk7XQhlCVAfgg4RW5I9J0lT1aYSLLCT2JI_nQF8Lpsbp3mqgax2rhZW8-KRhKcbSVx_maNy-DPIlYuco1lr/w640-h468/20240214_081115.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He did share some with me and the dogs. How nice of him. Sure made the camper smell great early in the morning with perking coffee and cinnamon coffee cake. We brought two pieces up to the campground host as a little gift. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcS_f3FMiOZkbUwkYEP6v5CDjyVj0QSbAjE_P_8kAwzbFy93l0luKVNa2HpSTkFiRT_y3cWxr0mYD5kkeHnCcNYYKXJzAihgLTAwJpsUYt31JcQe-nlJ2yoh2oeD9jfqCWsK62IyBQvP6I5309WtCGbnpBoO5iswdf0sk8enF-OvnASjTpe1L8yzfapNG/s2012/20240214_081534.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2012" data-original-width="1596" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcS_f3FMiOZkbUwkYEP6v5CDjyVj0QSbAjE_P_8kAwzbFy93l0luKVNa2HpSTkFiRT_y3cWxr0mYD5kkeHnCcNYYKXJzAihgLTAwJpsUYt31JcQe-nlJ2yoh2oeD9jfqCWsK62IyBQvP6I5309WtCGbnpBoO5iswdf0sk8enF-OvnASjTpe1L8yzfapNG/w508-h640/20240214_081534.jpg" width="508" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>These two little cuddle bugs are becoming quite the pair. It's hard to believe that only a month and a half ago he was caught up in the woods on a snagged leash, and scared to death. He was skin and bones with barely any energy. The vet said he was dangerously close to death from dehydration and starved down to skin and bones. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfoIsb0SvxZQfGZuBUrfFzc-EFqG2lo6E5usEsXj-S77Nzklq0yzEG7BzIp4Tc13Xd5IMlAZBjhLxE61974XBgChHwEuXoOtQR9nTEmM5JW2a7iM3Ac7HclWqGcR7ukjqucW5dW1jmi-BRXVjuyHmNzx3mBcBUZVmHvUgp3Gxjcalh-uNw78XdNujrMip/s1174/Screenshot_20240214_191035_Photo%20Editor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1174" data-original-width="1079" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJfoIsb0SvxZQfGZuBUrfFzc-EFqG2lo6E5usEsXj-S77Nzklq0yzEG7BzIp4Tc13Xd5IMlAZBjhLxE61974XBgChHwEuXoOtQR9nTEmM5JW2a7iM3Ac7HclWqGcR7ukjqucW5dW1jmi-BRXVjuyHmNzx3mBcBUZVmHvUgp3Gxjcalh-uNw78XdNujrMip/w588-h640/Screenshot_20240214_191035_Photo%20Editor.jpg" width="588" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Back to our campsite:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Since we knew we had to pull in the slides and move the motorhome to the next site, it was a good time to run into town and replenish a few perishable grocery supplies. We were low on milk and bread, and we could use another dozen eggs. We are pretty well stocked up on everything else. I brought a freezer full of our own meat. We are keeping one extra tote down below in a compartment with extra canned goods and dry grocery goods to supplement our menus. </div><div><p>We made a stop, in the pouring rain, at Walmart. We stocked up on a few more supplies and bought a couple cuddly fleece blankets for the dogs when they sleep down on their beds on the floor on each side of our bed. We found some cute little fleece blankets with doggy paw prints on them. How cute is that? Each dog has a little bed placed on each side of our bed. It's so funny, they share the one side bed together at the beginning of the night, and in the morning we will find them both curled up together on the other side on the other bed! </p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZY2Wg22ltZhVgmyFL54K2A-Gk2PvruTI_AjzAJRx1dHz8Uuo9vBYhMwA-vFP4yDfT9MsG3210jMB_w7DcqAbCjv2kkX0zGDo7WMagGoxNPHLZgOkLS1GnaPqyllwQauztwmwYBsITZyajd1szs1y8Wtt2I6BGWtl1WfHrzZa_WBpxYKj0bjFnIxDdgPur/s4080/20240213_124646.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZY2Wg22ltZhVgmyFL54K2A-Gk2PvruTI_AjzAJRx1dHz8Uuo9vBYhMwA-vFP4yDfT9MsG3210jMB_w7DcqAbCjv2kkX0zGDo7WMagGoxNPHLZgOkLS1GnaPqyllwQauztwmwYBsITZyajd1szs1y8Wtt2I6BGWtl1WfHrzZa_WBpxYKj0bjFnIxDdgPur/w640-h296/20240213_124646.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><p>Their doggy beds are actually two mattress pads from baby diaper changing tables! They are vinyl and washable, and fit just perfectly between our bed and the wall. </p><p>I bought one more blanket and a big hank of elastic. I'm going to cut it in half and make two nice matching bed covers that are removable and washable. </p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKtJHpJji37tw_34KSL-d8xHr8myD7n9_zLE8Ub7U714hyphenhyphenSWF_Q3PFK6JZcYKnVHGwMHNIVr-BLQiV_jVa2BbRfhJo24GjOluU6sjdNv6uf8Gay7-afpAhJjZJYztY1fMz525L3FqRVwlyACS6QIqgW6O0B3LjRFl6g7nuRR1-lcfsZEGJ9QezOMexgIS/s4000/20240213_124739.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1844" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKtJHpJji37tw_34KSL-d8xHr8myD7n9_zLE8Ub7U714hyphenhyphenSWF_Q3PFK6JZcYKnVHGwMHNIVr-BLQiV_jVa2BbRfhJo24GjOluU6sjdNv6uf8Gay7-afpAhJjZJYztY1fMz525L3FqRVwlyACS6QIqgW6O0B3LjRFl6g7nuRR1-lcfsZEGJ9QezOMexgIS/w296-h640/20240213_124739.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of sleeping, this Nicholas has a built-in alarm clock in his little head. His brain tells him when it is 6:50 a.m. on the dot. He stands up shakes his fur and jingles his collar tags. Then he launches himself and lands in a heap right in the middle of our bed between us! "GET UP GET UP! START THE DAY! WHAT IS EXCITING TODAY! BARK BARK BARK!!!" </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, back to our errands in the town of Jonesboro. It was really really busy and we wanted to get the heck out of town and back to the campground. </div><p>While we were there, we stopped at the local Ace hardware store. We had looked up online and saw that they had a nice little portable dehumidifier. Since the rainy icky snowy sleedy slushy day earlier in the week, we did have a lot of moisture building up on the single pane windows on the inside. We had used up a few towels mopping the windows and the wallpaper below of wetness and run off. Our last motorhome had dual pane windows and we really weren't used to this during humid damp cold weather. </p><p>So this little portable dehumidifier was our Valentine's Day present to each other. Lol! </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvUtIT16Kw7BC9OLBeybd4eTUxr00baRQRSycfYocFOtjwfL2-j2w3_r6d4euskXzg6REraXMSj5vV6-Lw7kfWmvBc9f2wZUxpeOq36EjYQm8r300_rUpFkFMh607S0O5-qri3DJWfU9tGAuXWDaFUhMzPu3_p4rVGjIgVtjujB92908xXsFofm3z0b3B/s4080/20240214_152056.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRvUtIT16Kw7BC9OLBeybd4eTUxr00baRQRSycfYocFOtjwfL2-j2w3_r6d4euskXzg6REraXMSj5vV6-Lw7kfWmvBc9f2wZUxpeOq36EjYQm8r300_rUpFkFMh607S0O5-qri3DJWfU9tGAuXWDaFUhMzPu3_p4rVGjIgVtjujB92908xXsFofm3z0b3B/w296-h640/20240214_152056.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p>We got back to the campground around 10:00 a.m. The neighbors had just left and pulled out. We waved to them as they were heading to the dump station. Then we were able to slide right into the spot that they had vacated. Which of course, we had already paid for with the host earlier that morning. </p><p>Once that weather had passed, by Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday we were in a beautiful stretch of weather with sunny skies and temperature in the mid '60s!</p><p>The skies turned bright blue. The temps were climbing and we were going to have an absolutely gorgeous day. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9VQ0eI0-eEjbYxbi-BLF0mYRf_VsTPH1hxIhPi19iD4PH4fmPrrsvgkuWsEL0MYdPoZIiGgczwLa0y8rw6107oK9esyi9S4vWFSrXL3FO5ArEuvNNtMC1jQZGQh2qEsDGUyRuJx3Vky1B1sBjBcOw_s5yTxUwbVfHDY_APxC9tE4Aoc-RwWsy5zIWFcc/s3754/20240214_112729.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1731" data-original-width="3754" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9VQ0eI0-eEjbYxbi-BLF0mYRf_VsTPH1hxIhPi19iD4PH4fmPrrsvgkuWsEL0MYdPoZIiGgczwLa0y8rw6107oK9esyi9S4vWFSrXL3FO5ArEuvNNtMC1jQZGQh2qEsDGUyRuJx3Vky1B1sBjBcOw_s5yTxUwbVfHDY_APxC9tE4Aoc-RwWsy5zIWFcc/w640-h296/20240214_112729.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Just look at this view all around the end most site of this peninsula. I really think it's the best campsite in the entire park!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEY7VRnCTUnwIuzVX4jufcAWKBRbkvnjvCVJqSnM3lHpk-7K3U0bUxX19BEGv1D90vBVDKoNFuoKyIHIP-dXhsnF94VVj1egJCuq1wssWu9QtCecitewKG6_5QJuBJzxad6B9Rmu_WdgSTjbIOxCAzbOdMEmDufhqHNR2IJ4NRNeV0IoF-r5LmB46tJf-/s4080/20240214_162256.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbEY7VRnCTUnwIuzVX4jufcAWKBRbkvnjvCVJqSnM3lHpk-7K3U0bUxX19BEGv1D90vBVDKoNFuoKyIHIP-dXhsnF94VVj1egJCuq1wssWu9QtCecitewKG6_5QJuBJzxad6B9Rmu_WdgSTjbIOxCAzbOdMEmDufhqHNR2IJ4NRNeV0IoF-r5LmB46tJf-/w640-h296/20240214_162256.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This morning we woke up to an even better weather forecast. This time up into the '70s! This is the view out of the kitchen window because we had pulled in nose first to the site. Yes, I know it means our power cord crosses over underneath the rig to reach the post. But it's worth it. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcAyg4XDZ-XneXnf70cfMt2cPKq94sRk17SbAemh7S_0QO-_BJB1sYU9xPxnuOd969uCvTcIBUesjT32tKLP80NWpXZK5xzbpmSIIq723o1Fyh6vmkydbEY25ML8HGtp-XRpqAqt2hRrjuFcKnew5ominPNsVLhejXZD7VCT9jrMWdbm0uaEIYcO4FeF9/s3294/20240215_085259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="3294" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcAyg4XDZ-XneXnf70cfMt2cPKq94sRk17SbAemh7S_0QO-_BJB1sYU9xPxnuOd969uCvTcIBUesjT32tKLP80NWpXZK5xzbpmSIIq723o1Fyh6vmkydbEY25ML8HGtp-XRpqAqt2hRrjuFcKnew5ominPNsVLhejXZD7VCT9jrMWdbm0uaEIYcO4FeF9/w640-h250/20240215_085259.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the view out the front windshield. There's a little cove in the woods where the water comes into a little inlet. The Canadian geese seem to sneak up in there to sleep at night. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB32-YaMbE4-rJntiihyphenhyphen5XhG559kyjfYgHcduAbqjG0b7gQvXSSu58JFKNVh0mMfb4zvJsNMDz799uLLcQlddR42nFs-spQ85CeXF-adjeWSHaiOTpjbzWtP-txosF_lpKczTqdQSjvmbUlMMneC18MSLMvLQMhDpILzOTv3FSeym0hhfL_n41e39ZXmiU/s4000/20240215_085308.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="4000" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB32-YaMbE4-rJntiihyphenhyphen5XhG559kyjfYgHcduAbqjG0b7gQvXSSu58JFKNVh0mMfb4zvJsNMDz799uLLcQlddR42nFs-spQ85CeXF-adjeWSHaiOTpjbzWtP-txosF_lpKczTqdQSjvmbUlMMneC18MSLMvLQMhDpILzOTv3FSeym0hhfL_n41e39ZXmiU/w640-h216/20240215_085308.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the view out the bedroom window and around the back. I just can't believe we get a water view about 180° in this campsite. There is a narrow walking path along the edge that people walk past. But mostly it is just like a big huge yard, just for us. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQyE4JbOqaj8K8zunl51710LkUxNHFVngfSheD_69K_NQ2jy96KxY781TypPXLX3h6cCYNuQqL1X_0wjYFWG_pFFymOjMbhy-65HlsHYyye-w9OEiBrfPQiNWWnsgEi0-vckxknmlmftcQhgMI44MSp-NicUdqle8688C0u7bbFSfmaYhsnj_5jkTJmgp/s4000/20240215_085321.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1258" data-original-width="4000" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQyE4JbOqaj8K8zunl51710LkUxNHFVngfSheD_69K_NQ2jy96KxY781TypPXLX3h6cCYNuQqL1X_0wjYFWG_pFFymOjMbhy-65HlsHYyye-w9OEiBrfPQiNWWnsgEi0-vckxknmlmftcQhgMI44MSp-NicUdqle8688C0u7bbFSfmaYhsnj_5jkTJmgp/w640-h202/20240215_085321.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>We decided to take out the e-bikes and try out some of these trails. We want to try the new little bike trailer for the dogs, but first we wanted to go on the trails ourselves. </p><p>Here is our little cargo trailer with the bikes and all of our extra gear arranged inside. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bciPqkWYi7JWoJ4pXhGTVfUcJmkDDrkRyK0qB-Jn7mQuZ9zrSXAlrKtKJiLUtXnQkhoCtyJjZhuYo64LddFNvlNycqy3ipZDUPmXz-CdP9aKrJ-j2vyLFmANAsGR7Y2RSqs68BCwT3i7pSObQCqWROxx8RzSBsutKFg4ffmq7T3Da9hm0iUklx3rC_hp/s4000/20240213_133305.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1844" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bciPqkWYi7JWoJ4pXhGTVfUcJmkDDrkRyK0qB-Jn7mQuZ9zrSXAlrKtKJiLUtXnQkhoCtyJjZhuYo64LddFNvlNycqy3ipZDUPmXz-CdP9aKrJ-j2vyLFmANAsGR7Y2RSqs68BCwT3i7pSObQCqWROxx8RzSBsutKFg4ffmq7T3Da9hm0iUklx3rC_hp/w296-h640/20240213_133305.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The easiest trail is about 3 miles around the lake. The entire trail is paved and smooth and only one major hill up and down. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s6dHgup4WMQ2vrQbKWAm0g9JAubnYGM1KDBfDK0SQwkdz4h4lWSfioyAIjVMMm3223VBMBezM8NG16N-i3OklCHakJnZ7qzMeITnvUKiy4NVSKwCKcsY4A_DC2GFhRYqWWkLwvjRG4mPvzrit4PFN1fXukqwcdvHPkqi0NMISWloA99lydOJTLrGdudZ/s1228/Screenshot_20240207_190611_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1228" data-original-width="1052" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8s6dHgup4WMQ2vrQbKWAm0g9JAubnYGM1KDBfDK0SQwkdz4h4lWSfioyAIjVMMm3223VBMBezM8NG16N-i3OklCHakJnZ7qzMeITnvUKiy4NVSKwCKcsY4A_DC2GFhRYqWWkLwvjRG4mPvzrit4PFN1fXukqwcdvHPkqi0NMISWloA99lydOJTLrGdudZ/w548-h640/Screenshot_20240207_190611_Chrome.jpg" width="548" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>With the e-bikes and the pedal assist, it's pretty easy to tackle those hills and not even break a sweat. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNkwJ6oqR9fopWVj-W0CrFv8xx_2sHNZeGJkYgei-ZPCBdjIc-8xIx8hvIMpyovJy6hCB6wUCfkPl_GCd6Ovq82uQC4hSXDu8U0UkpIxfoqt08eUBe7v3osp6PecApWQRYjr-QMxsEKYGOL00PVhCvz-3eEpVWhXwxF_wijn17F1jBCYgoOhib1CefCIh/s4080/20240214_125623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNkwJ6oqR9fopWVj-W0CrFv8xx_2sHNZeGJkYgei-ZPCBdjIc-8xIx8hvIMpyovJy6hCB6wUCfkPl_GCd6Ovq82uQC4hSXDu8U0UkpIxfoqt08eUBe7v3osp6PecApWQRYjr-QMxsEKYGOL00PVhCvz-3eEpVWhXwxF_wijn17F1jBCYgoOhib1CefCIh/w640-h296/20240214_125623.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We made it around the entire lake in about 20 minutes. Even with a little stop on the bridge for a Valentine's Day kiss. It's just over 3 miles. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdS-yCC4Ailq_dVHGLb-1qK_SEuNu6Wwn3K7i_880I7M-wwFvvV2FhlGYImDw3dqafWZ9u1jSM5iktNbaJ2zLg4pCPiZi_3Hsy_hryk8FVG_gkoaQlFDkfgiMTjILJIBfDi7NOcGPfE-aY-ycMtp_Lv9DypHry8z6d73l28iKejZtPGYVx2HCU5HMF3NZ8/s4000/20240214_125657.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdS-yCC4Ailq_dVHGLb-1qK_SEuNu6Wwn3K7i_880I7M-wwFvvV2FhlGYImDw3dqafWZ9u1jSM5iktNbaJ2zLg4pCPiZi_3Hsy_hryk8FVG_gkoaQlFDkfgiMTjILJIBfDi7NOcGPfE-aY-ycMtp_Lv9DypHry8z6d73l28iKejZtPGYVx2HCU5HMF3NZ8/w480-h640/20240214_125657.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Since we bought these bikes back in November, we haven't put that many miles on them because of the snow and the cold. It feels so good to get out and use them now. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSat6SIZsQqyIvsz0-vIu1wNMrR_vZC_JAQjbLPkF1jnxzlZM1w6ASB71mB_E7BmkLWm4HK_76V53avQDeaQr4DStIoDU_nyHVmMR83BOXmUyb7rTuKmEHmwRBZr53M1ufsyS7Ii6bpy_OvGUqBF3oRPnBAC9SbXorbLpCnatJV5u0B5uwbhS0OrpoWHp6/s4080/20240214_125737.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSat6SIZsQqyIvsz0-vIu1wNMrR_vZC_JAQjbLPkF1jnxzlZM1w6ASB71mB_E7BmkLWm4HK_76V53avQDeaQr4DStIoDU_nyHVmMR83BOXmUyb7rTuKmEHmwRBZr53M1ufsyS7Ii6bpy_OvGUqBF3oRPnBAC9SbXorbLpCnatJV5u0B5uwbhS0OrpoWHp6/w296-h640/20240214_125737.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>One of our neighbors came over to ask about the bikes, and he is considering ordering one himself. He is thinking his wife might like the trike version. These are the Lectric brand bikes and we are really happy with them. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGljvOqHacUXqNLasrqKtl6ph2LCEP_D4NwaxRs4167OsjSrl8ipi-Ig7Uz2fACwVoiHxZOe7Scmgl8DO4kdDHKk22fLetabJoAOevo6P0vdb-LUhyphenhyphen4yWQjGcXiNOAddn-BqHsj1l4_qCW5fDe0X6AWWYCUo0dMbPyf1_eGMnZL2ngg0nf0UTELEeBBPq/s4000/20240214_131458.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyGljvOqHacUXqNLasrqKtl6ph2LCEP_D4NwaxRs4167OsjSrl8ipi-Ig7Uz2fACwVoiHxZOe7Scmgl8DO4kdDHKk22fLetabJoAOevo6P0vdb-LUhyphenhyphen4yWQjGcXiNOAddn-BqHsj1l4_qCW5fDe0X6AWWYCUo0dMbPyf1_eGMnZL2ngg0nf0UTELEeBBPq/w640-h296/20240214_131458.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Today we decided to pop the dogs in to the little trailer that we bought. I will put that adventure in my next blog.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-6631860077365477742024-02-12T17:44:00.002-06:002024-02-13T11:51:35.121-06:00CAMPGROUND REVIEW- Craighead Forest, Jonesboro, Arkansas<p>Since we are relaxing at this campground, I have a little time on my hands to do a proper campground review!</p><p>We found this place due to a series of great reviews on the Campendium App. It's one of multiple apps that we used to find camping spots. We also look on the USDA Forest Service app, Recreation.gov app, and the Dyrt. I also have a lot of campgrounds downloaded with POI, (points of interest), on my Streets and Trips program on the laptop.</p><p>This city park is located just on the southern edge of Jonesboro, Arkansas. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hEpgllw2Nev2SMncZ1uVbq_hExKJHSLHcAfHUJIv0xw3mt3_-nOtPFZkp0Wj6bqV7QAh8RtMz5zWoFZbfvIPMzHeZZhRU3QMfRW1Q9Rl0pty_mVTszqKgO_cBzycm5dYJBX_mvBfvdZom4q57o7yEYCVJOApnykigmc38KYcWgI2d3u5SfQUT_aVkiKu/s1544/Screenshot_20240211_123622_Maps.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hEpgllw2Nev2SMncZ1uVbq_hExKJHSLHcAfHUJIv0xw3mt3_-nOtPFZkp0Wj6bqV7QAh8RtMz5zWoFZbfvIPMzHeZZhRU3QMfRW1Q9Rl0pty_mVTszqKgO_cBzycm5dYJBX_mvBfvdZom4q57o7yEYCVJOApnykigmc38KYcWgI2d3u5SfQUT_aVkiKu/w448-h640/Screenshot_20240211_123622_Maps.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is from their website:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jonesboro.org/199/Camping" target="_blank">https://www.jonesboro.org/199/Camping</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #383838; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.2px; margin-bottom: 1.4em; margin-top: 0px;">Craighead Forest Park opened when the Young Men's Civic Club began work on the lake in 1937. It is now a city owned park that is situated in the scenic beauty of Crowley's Ridge. This 692 acre park offers many recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #383838; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.2px; margin-bottom: 1.4em; margin-top: 0px;">Craighead Forest Park is located at 4910 South Culberhouse Road in Jonesboro Arkansas. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities including:</p><ul style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #383838; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.2px; line-height: 1.5; margin: 1em 0px 1.4em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2em;"><li style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">Basketball</li><li style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">Bike/running trails</li><li style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">Bird watching</li><li style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">Camping</li><li style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">Disc golf</li><li style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">Fishing</li><li style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">Horseshoes</li><li style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">Playgrounds</li><li style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">Softball</li><li style="border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 0.35em;">Volleyball</li></ul></div><h2 class="subhead1" style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4d748b; font-family: "Source Sans Pro"; font-size: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0.167em;">RV Camp Grounds</h2><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #383838; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.2px; margin-bottom: 1.4em; margin-top: 0px;">The RV camp grounds at Craighead Forest Park boast 41 sites, all with water and electrical hook-ups (50 amps). All sites have access to a personal table, patio, fire ring, and grill. We do offer handicap access. The Campground also boosts a modern bathhouse with toilets and showers, as well as pay laundry machines. There is a dump station for all guest and we offer non-guest paid dumping.</p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #383838; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.2px; margin-bottom: 1.4em; margin-top: 0px;">We also offer tent sites and a primitive tent area. Pets are welcome at the park and are free to take advantage of the many trails (if properly leashed) or even take a jump and a swim at our dog jumping pier. </p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #383838; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.2px; margin-bottom: 1.4em; margin-top: 0px;"><span face="sans-serif" id="isPasted" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Camping at Craighead Forest Park is now available all 365 days every year.</span> Our Campground is currently set up as first come first serve. We do not offer reservations at this time. </p><p style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; box-sizing: border-box; color: #383838; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 15.2px; margin-bottom: 1.4em; margin-top: 0px;">If you would like more information about camping at Craighead Forest Park you can call us at 870-933-4604 .</p><br /><br />This is me now:<br /><br />The rate per night is $25 which includes 50/30/20 amp electric and water at your site. They also offer a senior rate of only $15 a night. If you choose to stay an entire week, then it is reduced down to $90. That comes out to $12.85 a night!<div><br /></div><div>Cell phone signal is pretty good, and about 30 or so broadcast TV stations on the antenna. We do see other people with portable satellite units set out in open spots to reach the sky. <br /><p style="text-align: left;">The 41 campsites are all spaced along a single lane with a turnaround loop at the end by the water. The only people that really drive down here on this road are the people actually camping here, or the park staff. It's very quiet. You can see the distance between each of the paved sites in the photo below. If you are going to leave your site for the day, the host will put out a red cone to make sure nobody else comes to take your site. As you can see the one in the foreground of the camping van next to us. They just got back from a grocery store run. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdbgI7mYiQaNe2Mva5D0KFZzHlam9PQQy7K7TBFjQB_bfvjabcY-8iYZi6Q2glOro5hjlTHPM-hXGtEyC9gxdVpSl3rmZMRFLCsHgpYtW7vZCoBwQyU2eVWslF9-s42LNL4V5Y3XlLtp3hevQAxgYbUQXNbTSytEHtASDZdCYT6niprapaULkOqTp8qMJ/s4080/20240208_090257.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvdbgI7mYiQaNe2Mva5D0KFZzHlam9PQQy7K7TBFjQB_bfvjabcY-8iYZi6Q2glOro5hjlTHPM-hXGtEyC9gxdVpSl3rmZMRFLCsHgpYtW7vZCoBwQyU2eVWslF9-s42LNL4V5Y3XlLtp3hevQAxgYbUQXNbTSytEHtASDZdCYT6niprapaULkOqTp8qMJ/w640-h296/20240208_090257.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Up near the top of the lane, the campsites are spaced a little closer together. The people there seem very social and came out to greet us as we walked by with the dogs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_VtrHmIzC4VYP-VfQwusiv1MlDEA-pdNCPbrdLuMPYRQ1QwOvZgtlWLsheKJEZDJewtTJjb1-K_yuKb8tTySYMi04-AtFqB1rgRnre_sblFFrZFsF1QhODgd5H61vX3bTpCCnHm1as-OP6KEgXfk9_0AnNxb6zKrHpRJnB7nO6I3Ob4ToSU62NKa2sXu/s4000/20240211_112636.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_VtrHmIzC4VYP-VfQwusiv1MlDEA-pdNCPbrdLuMPYRQ1QwOvZgtlWLsheKJEZDJewtTJjb1-K_yuKb8tTySYMi04-AtFqB1rgRnre_sblFFrZFsF1QhODgd5H61vX3bTpCCnHm1as-OP6KEgXfk9_0AnNxb6zKrHpRJnB7nO6I3Ob4ToSU62NKa2sXu/w640-h296/20240211_112636.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And FREE firewood!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;">--Take what you need, use what you take--</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyYUn8V515PGn-ydbfQiOVow_o6MkRfmAJC161wT8Tc_RRMlg_fuFWmzH9nu8Tk3lpX2P3Cf_ohDGDE_DcvpbKO4p2OXmwLzZac8mVnThV8Y5PK4pT14G82Zl2G3uYhg64aoBhWdkpG-4MIafC0e9cTDxLFVrMa9ql-zcFGTTdn0gdoI2k7mvbldDKppX/s4080/20240208_154119.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMyYUn8V515PGn-ydbfQiOVow_o6MkRfmAJC161wT8Tc_RRMlg_fuFWmzH9nu8Tk3lpX2P3Cf_ohDGDE_DcvpbKO4p2OXmwLzZac8mVnThV8Y5PK4pT14G82Zl2G3uYhg64aoBhWdkpG-4MIafC0e9cTDxLFVrMa9ql-zcFGTTdn0gdoI2k7mvbldDKppX/w640-h296/20240208_154119.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The restroom / shower / laundry building is fairly new and extremely clean and nice. There's additional parking in front of the building if you want to drive there. The building is conveniently located in the center of the camping sites rather than up at one end or down at the other.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGLvnCt_UIOg_19A_CoZe48q5e90ghkYpWBdnfcZySHe0hYOAhbYt9bX3SMH6C3SxtnihqWfahbK_Qlm0PRYvT9NtIs8ZjYNoxb9b4FMG5ruKeMQaGVZ96QZhsMtYHyD__UqWBD00WIjAkIc0TCcATZRQrqPCqQK859IGCNgGEr0FV0xb6rnXXbq2juxI/s4080/20240208_154103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGLvnCt_UIOg_19A_CoZe48q5e90ghkYpWBdnfcZySHe0hYOAhbYt9bX3SMH6C3SxtnihqWfahbK_Qlm0PRYvT9NtIs8ZjYNoxb9b4FMG5ruKeMQaGVZ96QZhsMtYHyD__UqWBD00WIjAkIc0TCcATZRQrqPCqQK859IGCNgGEr0FV0xb6rnXXbq2juxI/w640-h296/20240208_154103.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This is the women's side, with nice hot showers, and plenty of room in the stalls with changing benches, and hand dryers and outlets on the wall for hair styling appliances. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ12jJmb2MqE9iH2sKcQcbMR5jyLG6PhSx8PQPyyT2FNweJ0UEuId-t5xdxYhJvxsPX1bnvCQgELE1QQCA7XIEvBNuTE2AvcrueZuILnY0bC8zohyphenhyphenyur6zEWlVeJeZdV0YjrGPJqweIkLF_YWL8gnOIjicOUqCmi9r2OLacYA1IBoBsPE2l7zQDmmnxl9M/s4000/20240208_154000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ12jJmb2MqE9iH2sKcQcbMR5jyLG6PhSx8PQPyyT2FNweJ0UEuId-t5xdxYhJvxsPX1bnvCQgELE1QQCA7XIEvBNuTE2AvcrueZuILnY0bC8zohyphenhyphenyur6zEWlVeJeZdV0YjrGPJqweIkLF_YWL8gnOIjicOUqCmi9r2OLacYA1IBoBsPE2l7zQDmmnxl9M/w640-h296/20240208_154000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The restroom side also has a nice bench to keep your things up off the floor. I noticed the floor is beautiful terrazzo type flooring, which is clean and well kept.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRaDndTbf8x6KJbD00CEIC0p1aqSlVFLMOSuS-D-fOBAzcbfXRR1QWilsDeddoD8eZcvGMF4xmCD0l8lwhA7HXhW5S6W8s7tys9br9RHYEZtLkFYjEIJR8PkxGZ4n6GYKUm4ufap31fadRtAlZE4P_3UyKXliNCB3nGvYQJqcCrZnQQkReYN_EYGzmZs1/s4000/20240208_154005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRaDndTbf8x6KJbD00CEIC0p1aqSlVFLMOSuS-D-fOBAzcbfXRR1QWilsDeddoD8eZcvGMF4xmCD0l8lwhA7HXhW5S6W8s7tys9br9RHYEZtLkFYjEIJR8PkxGZ4n6GYKUm4ufap31fadRtAlZE4P_3UyKXliNCB3nGvYQJqcCrZnQQkReYN_EYGzmZs1/w640-h296/20240208_154005.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In the front of the building is a small laundry area. Two washers, and two dryers. Someone also left a full bottle of laundry soap in case you forgot your own. How nice is that? So $1.50 to wash and $1 to dry. Our load was finished with only one round of quarters so we did not need to use multiple coins to finish up our laundry.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwfxOdZbcJUukIo7TiANURrulaKO3xWNhN0pQOhFtvURhGW7-2PYyg4pFGoLh9oZIXYWxiTxXEtmD7_lEMD653LRrg8gLXL-xmZq2GMBiXRseX60JwTVUFklHg6eg_cghJrelcGQA3LwSED4IQ4mWMLPWVeut3ZD-cnXqPaLh8sD8cFWRWNqGiaW6mvdr/s4000/20240208_154033.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwfxOdZbcJUukIo7TiANURrulaKO3xWNhN0pQOhFtvURhGW7-2PYyg4pFGoLh9oZIXYWxiTxXEtmD7_lEMD653LRrg8gLXL-xmZq2GMBiXRseX60JwTVUFklHg6eg_cghJrelcGQA3LwSED4IQ4mWMLPWVeut3ZD-cnXqPaLh8sD8cFWRWNqGiaW6mvdr/w640-h296/20240208_154033.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This is the space between us and the site next to us. We are very appreciative of the green grass this time of year. The dogs moreso than us, appreciate having a place to go. Of course, we pick up after every episode. Each campsite also has a large city plastic refuse bin. Really makes it easy to dispose of your waste and we have noticed there's not any litter around anywhere within the campground. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGeAWGF44VKDh6n5wAbDzSPl3fybP22VsaCeBie-xUHcVmV62Yf1M4XJbDqNi6oMGm6rHKZxT9IZNZ2v-g9SUy7HYMjI6pHNFFLCXR4S821cqf5cK3gHizKP91q7eehfkxmjv_JYJmeVyrodLIQV-nBNyrbdhXsU0qSa8bOHd3w0brZLnmmAgY-s2Dd4l/s4000/20240209_082612.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNGeAWGF44VKDh6n5wAbDzSPl3fybP22VsaCeBie-xUHcVmV62Yf1M4XJbDqNi6oMGm6rHKZxT9IZNZ2v-g9SUy7HYMjI6pHNFFLCXR4S821cqf5cK3gHizKP91q7eehfkxmjv_JYJmeVyrodLIQV-nBNyrbdhXsU0qSa8bOHd3w0brZLnmmAgY-s2Dd4l/w640-h296/20240209_082612.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The camping loop is on somewhat of a little peninsula with a bay shape overlooking to another pavilion area. This is the view out our front windshield because there's nobody directly across from us. Even though we are not on a waterfront site, we have gorgeous views out the side in the front of our rig.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQ8oHsjbv5GYR7E-A6qBSTF3S2PRd-MZOiM8hUMrvWsPKf4t-rbpEVsDyVVvkiKUSHLrYClxBzwikqYcEAIEwtGfsGShyPcM21fpXLazO1BFs6DHeUlwPyUZehJPaYX996fwjrPlIWucNM3KzWqs7kAi1dzS2swKj9pw8Pj1hqTzCZvtD5HVlCtTxBxhX/s3791/20240209_094707.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1623" data-original-width="3791" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQ8oHsjbv5GYR7E-A6qBSTF3S2PRd-MZOiM8hUMrvWsPKf4t-rbpEVsDyVVvkiKUSHLrYClxBzwikqYcEAIEwtGfsGShyPcM21fpXLazO1BFs6DHeUlwPyUZehJPaYX996fwjrPlIWucNM3KzWqs7kAi1dzS2swKj9pw8Pj1hqTzCZvtD5HVlCtTxBxhX/w640-h274/20240209_094707.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>At the end of the campground loop, there is this beautiful little dock with two benches on to sit and enjoy the waterfront.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsFY58zQDdeF2dwCwSPfTM-g0iS8R6aGwAac3hErBxAgSrRsJHEx3BtIlOphK8IjUhHjj_ylUp1-lYT2ZIjoJzB_a6q6TJmhn73XaXBCGRg-35TnM6f_2oglNARO0VAv4oKnYVPJQs3MWc4FjUp335OmUfye0vfb9wShDo-v-eB_8yh2aHFHnVgch2jjh/s4080/20240207_155203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsFY58zQDdeF2dwCwSPfTM-g0iS8R6aGwAac3hErBxAgSrRsJHEx3BtIlOphK8IjUhHjj_ylUp1-lYT2ZIjoJzB_a6q6TJmhn73XaXBCGRg-35TnM6f_2oglNARO0VAv4oKnYVPJQs3MWc4FjUp335OmUfye0vfb9wShDo-v-eB_8yh2aHFHnVgch2jjh/w640-h296/20240207_155203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>We were serenaded by some elegant Canadian geese, and there are some mallard ducks as well as a few domestic ducks that have found their way into the park! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWFr5Az4l4dGochhzjdZBTG0E4wuMzUyNr3WQCOvXPwfyl7PbuGkibLZdL4rLUJag9-3tHvet3owCjFSx9vatkDq1kYx26D2679cjHuzZ7ZLln5CLoZuskuk6JFCgFqNlgj3AoEcrrfL0_Mt7WpFMiUqfir-Jgn3coLV_Gu5FPwOAEaEeyI9KoI9uyGr1/s4080/20240211_113555.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWFr5Az4l4dGochhzjdZBTG0E4wuMzUyNr3WQCOvXPwfyl7PbuGkibLZdL4rLUJag9-3tHvet3owCjFSx9vatkDq1kYx26D2679cjHuzZ7ZLln5CLoZuskuk6JFCgFqNlgj3AoEcrrfL0_Mt7WpFMiUqfir-Jgn3coLV_Gu5FPwOAEaEeyI9KoI9uyGr1/w640-h296/20240211_113555.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I brought down some leftover popcorn from our movie night. I'm not sure if I was supposed to feed them or not, but they seem to enjoy the little bit of a treat. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qWq9gvEKnXM" width="320" youtube-src-id="qWq9gvEKnXM"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's the map from their website of the park and all of the facilities that it offers. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmm0hn55QUE0bni24eg7VJBnJ8i-cd7uvesa_GEtQ_BuZQbOXfUwmqdcjuoPXbVhlR4Br4YUFnFFnp-JkLCdN2-toFn0FtFADyvwB-5e1KMJno4JnTEhrgjX6cLUIvIWwVFPZTGbGTZEfwDlbZSvBNSqfzGRcpl9S3udXbNgJq2UBegXiul3Ob_LcRU5_a/s942/Screenshot_20240207_190540_PDF%20Extra.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="942" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmm0hn55QUE0bni24eg7VJBnJ8i-cd7uvesa_GEtQ_BuZQbOXfUwmqdcjuoPXbVhlR4Br4YUFnFFnp-JkLCdN2-toFn0FtFADyvwB-5e1KMJno4JnTEhrgjX6cLUIvIWwVFPZTGbGTZEfwDlbZSvBNSqfzGRcpl9S3udXbNgJq2UBegXiul3Ob_LcRU5_a/w640-h546/Screenshot_20240207_190540_PDF%20Extra.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>There are myriads of trails all around through this entire 600 plus acre park. They are rated by difficulty. Most are paved, some are gravel for mountain biking and one specific section is for ATVs. We have not gotten out our E-bikes yet to go for a ride, maybe later this week when things warm up in the sun comes back out. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wm8fGrKI4o_jr-MzE7Klyo1kbbt-Jt6FEqq3PW5C8EtzucyC68ERwSPFWsl6o-kw7TU-oGEoMMSrLpw5GBj3ONRc0vqlTXA_oNabvKaYPk2ypsz8SrqwPyhFqLEcNutuNV9Sp8Ia50XaUtJH7uLQkVgkEi-fP8aaRXEuUuuzSxUHJRRlp8ELEWzdKSFw/s1228/Screenshot_20240207_190611_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1228" data-original-width="1052" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wm8fGrKI4o_jr-MzE7Klyo1kbbt-Jt6FEqq3PW5C8EtzucyC68ERwSPFWsl6o-kw7TU-oGEoMMSrLpw5GBj3ONRc0vqlTXA_oNabvKaYPk2ypsz8SrqwPyhFqLEcNutuNV9Sp8Ia50XaUtJH7uLQkVgkEi-fP8aaRXEuUuuzSxUHJRRlp8ELEWzdKSFw/w548-h640/Screenshot_20240207_190611_Chrome.jpg" width="548" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We did walk on some of the trails with the dogs. This was quite interesting sight back in the woods near the campground. We found this very interesting burl on a tree. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vvdjRLfoOtaYeYzGh69WEKM1HNju9OMnm4IDr7klvfh0WVjhFOT4mhWjZD84kTzbnHsEwtPdUi-y6SrTSEtRAPsLwUhqPFdoPXGJ_PrqlZeX0g_60VEt2_nO9o0SAwQiwt5VpVgdfuz0lyCguL7JeeFXlj1dpIyDFi9sH6hQj9Ll7ujWOV3kLPNWCrN-/s4080/20240210_105705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5vvdjRLfoOtaYeYzGh69WEKM1HNju9OMnm4IDr7klvfh0WVjhFOT4mhWjZD84kTzbnHsEwtPdUi-y6SrTSEtRAPsLwUhqPFdoPXGJ_PrqlZeX0g_60VEt2_nO9o0SAwQiwt5VpVgdfuz0lyCguL7JeeFXlj1dpIyDFi9sH6hQj9Ll7ujWOV3kLPNWCrN-/w296-h640/20240210_105705.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I believe there may have been some nature directed courses being held here because there was some very interesting log benches erected nearby.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfAFaOkFH7txHWmv7rEg_UgMBPx2qnqWGa2FWCTzQNm0qUslkh5yvLgCedkrq06PgTPzvvIJlCm5dxheQpJghNpQPAy0Dzwtao1Kta5cLDamdAHPds2n_-dAjaxI_HfDixTS9QHzr6O3yEhnQoHyHemGt78nJMG_5T144SAxqJOrlHE12pgyfU4yklFlH/s4000/20240210_105740.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVfAFaOkFH7txHWmv7rEg_UgMBPx2qnqWGa2FWCTzQNm0qUslkh5yvLgCedkrq06PgTPzvvIJlCm5dxheQpJghNpQPAy0Dzwtao1Kta5cLDamdAHPds2n_-dAjaxI_HfDixTS9QHzr6O3yEhnQoHyHemGt78nJMG_5T144SAxqJOrlHE12pgyfU4yklFlH/w640-h296/20240210_105740.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This is one of the many trails that loop around through the park. They are nice wide clean asphalt lanes, with markers to clearly identify the crossroads so there aren't any mishaps.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_9zcUhDCsIemz0tv9T1ZIoHmLs3aKA3vl0_bhhHTEUQOGSnxdt5KXq7OzY7YVPn1DL58Jw7gcSXQnOxN7P2gYMv2lGfKvJO0eJ2gkePyXnoncKoc0jGE5boOKkyn35vnb7Non8Cyu6tdHADn9FH71kppVHnzK2IFuePfCH8VF6hI5uoD6OMD-Qgj3cJE/s4000/20240211_112642.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1844" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_9zcUhDCsIemz0tv9T1ZIoHmLs3aKA3vl0_bhhHTEUQOGSnxdt5KXq7OzY7YVPn1DL58Jw7gcSXQnOxN7P2gYMv2lGfKvJO0eJ2gkePyXnoncKoc0jGE5boOKkyn35vnb7Non8Cyu6tdHADn9FH71kppVHnzK2IFuePfCH8VF6hI5uoD6OMD-Qgj3cJE/w296-h640/20240211_112642.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The sky cleared up the other day and we were able to get out and take a walk around some of the park. We met a few people here and there, but it is not crowded at all. Considering this warm weather we are having for February, even the local newscasters say this is unusually warm to have 60 plus degree days.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeaSgm2M2dQYV5qsJgJoYVo3kawiXSgDkD2hx8WepxYjLFlDzQkesR-uFTj9QxyCy0gBhoWqcoGNnisQwpVQG_igdC2rCO0bPCrkwhyphenhyphenRjvUIgZKsoUlMuhP4P_ihbtdXKq5Ue2qC2PNivkyot5gdIcFxdf0jvvjBI0LZzTAN9P3YtUZFDYRTCVcrgh25P/s4000/20240211_113218.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYeaSgm2M2dQYV5qsJgJoYVo3kawiXSgDkD2hx8WepxYjLFlDzQkesR-uFTj9QxyCy0gBhoWqcoGNnisQwpVQG_igdC2rCO0bPCrkwhyphenhyphenRjvUIgZKsoUlMuhP4P_ihbtdXKq5Ue2qC2PNivkyot5gdIcFxdf0jvvjBI0LZzTAN9P3YtUZFDYRTCVcrgh25P/w640-h296/20240211_113218.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I really enjoyed the natural setting and that the park is not overly manicured or completely recreationalized. The reservoir of water which makes up Craighead Lake, ebbs and flows around throughout these little bays. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-Jm4P4V1uUuT6X4TvHgphqS4Qm42-Mf1XGNDJaFaWUAmmsAPzvKH0coLM_Uh4tT3a3L7fJoUNTQ4KbwPDaHMjRAbhOBaYU55vzi1Hpn2qAkX3EFpatjR0tgZ8r2_CPKlaMc1z3vURJXP3otuWmX9m9KnjvEPe1JfCqFJAcJfC_9ajPCSuqTlfRQEPUe5/s4080/20240211_113314.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-Jm4P4V1uUuT6X4TvHgphqS4Qm42-Mf1XGNDJaFaWUAmmsAPzvKH0coLM_Uh4tT3a3L7fJoUNTQ4KbwPDaHMjRAbhOBaYU55vzi1Hpn2qAkX3EFpatjR0tgZ8r2_CPKlaMc1z3vURJXP3otuWmX9m9KnjvEPe1JfCqFJAcJfC_9ajPCSuqTlfRQEPUe5/w640-h296/20240211_113314.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There is a walking trail completely around the park that is about 2 mi right next to the shore. Steve walked at the entire way around including across the levy, or dam, which creates the lake.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLW8ClDuDRBRmVlHfMqrQ9dAQrx1DaGsjfy3a9d2vzAkwi0I5tDXMUCN6CYUA47wiITOHlXbZFyopEOU3ewNhPgFYywIU_Qf7l8rWQPCCEOkj_dqOUkvettbbyY6xu7wnGY8BR7A_grQ2SP3uMmujGSu2dbhFk_3I6nu3vodx2SgbBM7lrrwQ5Nr2asXe/s4080/20240211_113712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLW8ClDuDRBRmVlHfMqrQ9dAQrx1DaGsjfy3a9d2vzAkwi0I5tDXMUCN6CYUA47wiITOHlXbZFyopEOU3ewNhPgFYywIU_Qf7l8rWQPCCEOkj_dqOUkvettbbyY6xu7wnGY8BR7A_grQ2SP3uMmujGSu2dbhFk_3I6nu3vodx2SgbBM7lrrwQ5Nr2asXe/w640-h296/20240211_113712.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>As far as the other things that most RVers would want to know, within five or six miles are all the major shopping stores, restaurants, chain stores as well as some interesting local shops. We did do a run this morning to a local RV dealer for a replacement screen door latch, stopped at Home Depot for a couple little doodads, and hit up the Walmart to stock up on some of our grocery needs. The Walmart Murphy oil fuel station had diesel for $3.59 a gallon. We topped off the tank so when we do leave here later this week, we are ready to roll. </p><p>All in all, I would recommend this park for a great overnight stop that's only a few miles off the interstate. It's also nice to stay for a week or so and explore the area like we are doing. There are a couple large 40 ft motorhomes here as well as a few small tab trailers and even two or three sites with tents. They are enjoying the use of an electric post with a heater inside of their tent I am sure. Someone actually did an overnight of "car camping" in the tenting area of five rustic sites. We spoke to her and she was also appreciating the nice hot showers and laundry facilities that went along with her camp fee. </p><p>We would come back here again, for sure if we were in the area! </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div></div>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-53027714553036185392024-02-10T11:57:00.007-06:002024-02-10T13:18:21.743-06:00Days 6-13 Craighead Forest, Jonesboro Arkansas<p> I am finally feeling up to snuff at least 90%. So we decided to leave Cave in Rock State Park in Illinois and head south and west towards Arkansas. It looks like we were going to be in four different states in one day. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEVirz6UmsuEOPOreQa18ta-u1w6n4YXKDL8dQujX-ZaljEM8sqHshBiB3gIQchDG_z-zVTXF1-U45nHsglhCJbtu7xhR_MCEVtob8QMkDv46-LXI73urXkY-dHaMG1fxVnvpvDPXHRpk3yC9tFuw-79nsbqXxen5mkaXb_7vxbe3yxwDyf6AHhAykapc/s2880/20240210_090620.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEVirz6UmsuEOPOreQa18ta-u1w6n4YXKDL8dQujX-ZaljEM8sqHshBiB3gIQchDG_z-zVTXF1-U45nHsglhCJbtu7xhR_MCEVtob8QMkDv46-LXI73urXkY-dHaMG1fxVnvpvDPXHRpk3yC9tFuw-79nsbqXxen5mkaXb_7vxbe3yxwDyf6AHhAykapc/w640-h640/20240210_090620.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>While we are cruising along, I am writing in my quilted journal. This was a gift from my friend Judy back in Wisconsin. We used it on our last trip out east. So now I started a new section on this trip.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidO5fhUo8acV6mk2IgnZufGGr9j54NvwT_hCY1GpFC4VszgFUTlUuuZE4YcLRhWkHELgRfcV_BeUOZkZR9I0O7UfS8M1jHlAsB03QcAkc_lEON9RcdgQw9arQ5vTQMfAQlyzMMbxKnFO20DurfFGTY41zq1w5V9UScEjZXNRX320_uvW7op8v92RzSldGR/s4080/20240207_114622.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidO5fhUo8acV6mk2IgnZufGGr9j54NvwT_hCY1GpFC4VszgFUTlUuuZE4YcLRhWkHELgRfcV_BeUOZkZR9I0O7UfS8M1jHlAsB03QcAkc_lEON9RcdgQw9arQ5vTQMfAQlyzMMbxKnFO20DurfFGTY41zq1w5V9UScEjZXNRX320_uvW7op8v92RzSldGR/w296-h640/20240207_114622.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When logging things in, I'm using my pen from my beloved late mother-in-law, Mary Anne Pfundtner. I think these are some promotional pens saying "Happy Holidays" on them from a long time ago, before she passed away. I like writing with it, it makes me smile! The other thing that makes me smile is my sea turtle sticker on my computer laptop. That's from my granddaughter Chelsea! She loves sea turtles and plastered them all over this laptop that I inherited from her. Boy oh boy, that's technology when you inherit hand me down electronics from your grandchildren!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwR9Es4xlHtP7GWmJsKy4ojDbtIQ_zrnfI1S2Ku0fF0aQY8pV_mXPoRuusHYNPHGv2ft2qtPGFcXA3uBuAhkH5ulNm9WWtSF97u3bRYQsyinPLsF8t1wz875DSLHtp-qeTnlic8S1m5vtI-sdJ92t37XdQwFT6bz2Px63z7KDheW7ER9EeAo_EksQaKZ7/s2961/20240207_114610.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1645" data-original-width="2961" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqwR9Es4xlHtP7GWmJsKy4ojDbtIQ_zrnfI1S2Ku0fF0aQY8pV_mXPoRuusHYNPHGv2ft2qtPGFcXA3uBuAhkH5ulNm9WWtSF97u3bRYQsyinPLsF8t1wz875DSLHtp-qeTnlic8S1m5vtI-sdJ92t37XdQwFT6bz2Px63z7KDheW7ER9EeAo_EksQaKZ7/w640-h356/20240207_114610.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>First we had to zig zag our way down along the banks of the Ohio River and cross over into Kentucky near Paducah. From there we had to loop back up into Illinois again! There's a lot of flooding in this area from the high amounts of rain that they've been experiencing the last week or so. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnfn3i9iJMoftS7KwckSd42bYyNRmF2K3L1fxWCnayOlE1wX5xPsqG2pBKmNhoeZx1AEhubkK3JgIajGVp0D_Shnpe0sKR8vumic6tw9FngmE-NpVLvzWpmvQkH9klWBSsyhk_fYw-WyPJrIcCdyjg2Jho6OIBCj-niyiGiQx__dPstZ3QAVpM8IcRI01/s4080/20240207_122126.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnfn3i9iJMoftS7KwckSd42bYyNRmF2K3L1fxWCnayOlE1wX5xPsqG2pBKmNhoeZx1AEhubkK3JgIajGVp0D_Shnpe0sKR8vumic6tw9FngmE-NpVLvzWpmvQkH9klWBSsyhk_fYw-WyPJrIcCdyjg2Jho6OIBCj-niyiGiQx__dPstZ3QAVpM8IcRI01/w640-h296/20240207_122126.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The big bridge was open over at Cairo, Illinois but the smaller bridge that went over the Mississippi to get around down towards Arkansas was out of commission. So we had to loop over even further north towards Urbandale to be able to make our way south!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here it is, the Mighty Mississippi! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7qOemF4zlv12XE1modkukfRgugAdLuTRG5Ud8kwnqG99l7NsnS4gqn2gW9wvoAJEGtn4SOgxjlDW5pqjt8ISKUvQQkRoQ2G08aDK-RzHYSPKkeSR7fKsaer_zGwCj_d_o-EP8eVJjJlRt6BIodYeOT1nxJ1vZjihK8-D9UFAf2Z7ZahyphenhyphenDIkhqahmsD-P/s4080/20240207_122516.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7qOemF4zlv12XE1modkukfRgugAdLuTRG5Ud8kwnqG99l7NsnS4gqn2gW9wvoAJEGtn4SOgxjlDW5pqjt8ISKUvQQkRoQ2G08aDK-RzHYSPKkeSR7fKsaer_zGwCj_d_o-EP8eVJjJlRt6BIodYeOT1nxJ1vZjihK8-D9UFAf2Z7ZahyphenhyphenDIkhqahmsD-P/w640-h296/20240207_122516.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I know there are reflections of the window in this photo but it was amazing how much product is shipped up and down this river on barges. Year round everything is always functioning no matter what. Quite the busy piece of transportation that we sometimes forget about. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQmqCYV2k5gyJCmP_zVQtDcmri4vuIE2pb547gtD1NrFv83vc31kMJPIIQTWikWxXANUTPSF18e8CC-EETCLoR9DqABhgRlyhQJVJs87GYuIPGw-zfAmZNHnwArGpBDLg_eLxLOd3KAlQ5_Twk_St-C78R_whu9i6FqgUDGcm7_7DMCUP1N9Ood7TW20w/s4080/20240207_122518.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQmqCYV2k5gyJCmP_zVQtDcmri4vuIE2pb547gtD1NrFv83vc31kMJPIIQTWikWxXANUTPSF18e8CC-EETCLoR9DqABhgRlyhQJVJs87GYuIPGw-zfAmZNHnwArGpBDLg_eLxLOd3KAlQ5_Twk_St-C78R_whu9i6FqgUDGcm7_7DMCUP1N9Ood7TW20w/w640-h296/20240207_122518.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So we left Illinois, went into Kentucky, went back in Illinois, and then made our way into Missouri. Once we were in Missouri, we were able to angle our way down towards Arkansas. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We were headed towards the Jonesboro area. I had read some really interesting reviews online on the Campendium app about this beautiful city park at the southern end of town. I wasn't so sure we wanted to stay at a city park but the reviews really sounded interesting. It turns out it's this huge portion of land was set aside to develop the most wonderful recreation area!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jonesboro.org/197/Craighead-Forest-Park" target="_blank">https://www.jonesboro.org/197/Craighead-Forest-Park</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It is called Craighead Forest. It has myriads of trails, pavilions, children's playgrounds and picnic areas, as well as even an ATV park and a dog jumping platform into the water. Everything is so well planned out, that the RV section is in a quiet peninsula all of it's own. The only people that come down here are the people who are actually staying in the RV park itself.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDwXCgLQnskgzd5mFEt-8Ner7lH69CiIoDKjNdAzjaWkoJ6t7SMGI0U9TRnWwM2-LRqUFnkgDIl-CeVOatTWhhIiyqLuNWkI372Upa-ViIn2Aht4UdsEP1aYHliQBCOIXAqPVxHQ2px8VI4AYFcWqriuDg0QUV6BGOjAHMsO_loc3ZP6h3eoQPnejuWwy/s942/Screenshot_20240207_190540_PDF%20Extra.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="942" height="546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDwXCgLQnskgzd5mFEt-8Ner7lH69CiIoDKjNdAzjaWkoJ6t7SMGI0U9TRnWwM2-LRqUFnkgDIl-CeVOatTWhhIiyqLuNWkI372Upa-ViIn2Aht4UdsEP1aYHliQBCOIXAqPVxHQ2px8VI4AYFcWqriuDg0QUV6BGOjAHMsO_loc3ZP6h3eoQPnejuWwy/w640-h546/Screenshot_20240207_190540_PDF%20Extra.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The facilities are so beautifully developed and meticulously maintained. Everything is pristine and new and well kept. It is actually all first come first serve for the 41 RV sites. Each one has electric and water. They furnish a large rack of firewood, free for the taking. The bathhouse facility has hot showers and a laundry room with $1.50 wash, $1.00 dry.</div><div><br /></div><div>What is really amazing are the rates. To normally stay here it's $25 a night. But if you are a senior you get it for $15. That is amazing in itself. But the next best part is that if you stay for 7 days it's only $90 for the entire week! That comes out to about $12.85 a day. </div><div><br /></div><div>We drove in and there were about 9 or 10 empty sites to choose from. We chose site 39 down near the water. We walked back up to the host lady and paid for our site. They accept all credit cards except American Express. So we paid with cash. Normally we don't like to pay this many days in advance. For the great price, as well as how quiet and clean and peaceful it was, it was worth it to save a site for a whole week. We could have paid day by day if we wanted to, because there are no reservations and you could just pay each day to maintain your site--- up to 14 days.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Along the shoreline around the entire lake is a gravel walking trail. Throughout other parts of the park are paved trails for bikes and joggers. The ATV section is down in the lower left part of the park and they are not allowed in the rest of the park. There are mountain bike trails and even a bike park with jumps for mountain bikes. Along the fitness trail are various pieces of equipment, and I will show you later on how we utilized them. LOL</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqTxDMtAGLlke-SjpDWGWwVqqq050vLUPAOtPBg1OHwYP1ZfYiNdTLYZSB4EdUIb1pf17sIeTeOAKCjWcFZzrD55CDxHCwUKd6sdx-UTlM5vf5Wt7LEqrdvaXvpO01d1XYrDufwQoLs24E9LTwxLctbdCaVPIPlWThaugldsPdsXkD5X7VLnhl0jN_HFB/s4080/20240208_090217.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqTxDMtAGLlke-SjpDWGWwVqqq050vLUPAOtPBg1OHwYP1ZfYiNdTLYZSB4EdUIb1pf17sIeTeOAKCjWcFZzrD55CDxHCwUKd6sdx-UTlM5vf5Wt7LEqrdvaXvpO01d1XYrDufwQoLs24E9LTwxLctbdCaVPIPlWThaugldsPdsXkD5X7VLnhl0jN_HFB/w640-h296/20240208_090217.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The cloudy skies opened up and bits of blue were shining through. The temperatures were up in the mid-60s and it was absolutely gorgeous!! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbq4337tToiaKSSqQOkXhVrYCtpAzqZU1Rp98v4PjapbGSqe-l70PWvMit-mEdF2wwUMu1SsWCnls6KOTNdB1a4fCifkDXUuXpPt5a3tUDslzbXc4glsHg3JCwWMkKPTcpF1DzErRhaxdBG1roLtKmJ9Ezm6SS7psUIGl4DB74tFXSyqaQ_8Q_XLZDa_T/s4080/20240208_090246.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAbq4337tToiaKSSqQOkXhVrYCtpAzqZU1Rp98v4PjapbGSqe-l70PWvMit-mEdF2wwUMu1SsWCnls6KOTNdB1a4fCifkDXUuXpPt5a3tUDslzbXc4glsHg3JCwWMkKPTcpF1DzErRhaxdBG1roLtKmJ9Ezm6SS7psUIGl4DB74tFXSyqaQ_8Q_XLZDa_T/w640-h296/20240208_090246.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Down at our end of the loop the sites are spaced quite of ways apart compared to up closer where they are a little tighter. This is just exactly to our liking. Green grass, trees, and sunshine with a beautiful view. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikdZbtfL0wSKSJay0_PjqIcbMxihhUdA3aktudtO97byDnZJk6-7qVZDlh7bwlzBY4oB78TrioEjan2m2SoTosa3An6kRVzW5DH3EkH9voIJoeUIiU9VyvRU73FmSHEqC2ZcLFhOLNPzwJz_JPjwtAD1iD5x5vRo6rleghpqy3zhyphenhyphenu2wzhdtNNjLYCoHR/s4080/20240208_090320.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikdZbtfL0wSKSJay0_PjqIcbMxihhUdA3aktudtO97byDnZJk6-7qVZDlh7bwlzBY4oB78TrioEjan2m2SoTosa3An6kRVzW5DH3EkH9voIJoeUIiU9VyvRU73FmSHEqC2ZcLFhOLNPzwJz_JPjwtAD1iD5x5vRo6rleghpqy3zhyphenhyphenu2wzhdtNNjLYCoHR/w640-h296/20240208_090320.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Although we were not on a waterfront site, our front windshield has a beautiful expansive view of the water across the road. There's nobody directly across from us. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2_eD_MSdFdWIRcGaV3kkvuCJrxPGUP5jn5MlBqEOrwJYi8tJ7TJVfx3Q8jgWlNPQJsBk1JRO7JYSBk_yAJo-Qi1a-cr46UDaSIjC4cfu3RPrbjwxoY0jvhLSg8xiAZn0pgdDV4ZurL5gUhWt27eio0yQjBzNBLps99pAJVPl8jKhepKbjo5Yv9ofaLcJ/s3791/20240209_094707.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1623" data-original-width="3791" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2_eD_MSdFdWIRcGaV3kkvuCJrxPGUP5jn5MlBqEOrwJYi8tJ7TJVfx3Q8jgWlNPQJsBk1JRO7JYSBk_yAJo-Qi1a-cr46UDaSIjC4cfu3RPrbjwxoY0jvhLSg8xiAZn0pgdDV4ZurL5gUhWt27eio0yQjBzNBLps99pAJVPl8jKhepKbjo5Yv9ofaLcJ/w640-h274/20240209_094707.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>We set out the lawn chairs and relaxed for the afternoon until it was time to start dinner. This is exactly what we were looking for!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikESBP-nDoY1iOj7I2sI-6cQ1EFl7adivMauotlHgQXDT5PGgiVFBvHGOK8BP2AlfqApL4sdolYifB_nES1QeOBTSx7NVm-GV8YEiAYlpw5gE3p3iTcbdR8UnKjMtQRafBPoSwzF7eR73Ntm55QFvQnfBMW81J6lC2DtwkXTv2pDB41jC1m1AtiCFfh-oV/s4080/20240208_090349.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikESBP-nDoY1iOj7I2sI-6cQ1EFl7adivMauotlHgQXDT5PGgiVFBvHGOK8BP2AlfqApL4sdolYifB_nES1QeOBTSx7NVm-GV8YEiAYlpw5gE3p3iTcbdR8UnKjMtQRafBPoSwzF7eR73Ntm55QFvQnfBMW81J6lC2DtwkXTv2pDB41jC1m1AtiCFfh-oV/w296-h640/20240208_090349.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>In the evening, we set up Steve's Visible phone as a hotspot and plugged in our Roku stick. We were able to catch up on a few of our favorite shows on HGTV and Amazon Prime. There are also about 30 TV broadcast stations in the area so we could catch local news and weather when we wanted to. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPfmhJ2ynj87o812ywxGQSkAi5ixnt9A_EBTAZQuiuVo5ExDB4GZTG9EO3xxHK03q8Jg5JqZVGSQzfE-72ayE_JHfTf5wtPFG4lyA4-A2oJHXXCCBOS6FTzR6dGgynXB26FkGvmLQRK3xIDDli0mWg3xaNeErUYwKywQgSjcBPM143iKmlIiw_G8O6k26/s4000/20240208_182304.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPfmhJ2ynj87o812ywxGQSkAi5ixnt9A_EBTAZQuiuVo5ExDB4GZTG9EO3xxHK03q8Jg5JqZVGSQzfE-72ayE_JHfTf5wtPFG4lyA4-A2oJHXXCCBOS6FTzR6dGgynXB26FkGvmLQRK3xIDDli0mWg3xaNeErUYwKywQgSjcBPM143iKmlIiw_G8O6k26/w640-h296/20240208_182304.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Steve was craving something sweet so I whipped up a pan of brownies in our convection microwave combo. Because it's only a square shape, a rectangular cookie sheet does not work. But my round deep dish pizza pan fits! He wanted to cut it into big pizza shaped wedges, but I decided it could be smaller squares, with a few odd corners. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was after dark, otherwise I would have taken out our propane Camp Chef oven and baked them out on the picnic table. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-83C44u4qlroeV_21VoPZu0ccBUZEzEtJHLCMsIOoMF6tUbCgkoCXjNWL2P4XiQCGiVFr0CGAwHYEOwIIWp7SqUpQhii7xqWnCAEATdA_YRdn-zVLynnLeObzwBARetP1Ck5RZN-mokWbgW43XV8pjxpHYb7aB7u6lUPmXDT6uKlx92OM_BhX1BWXZMQ0/s3104/20240208_210516.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1785" data-original-width="3104" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-83C44u4qlroeV_21VoPZu0ccBUZEzEtJHLCMsIOoMF6tUbCgkoCXjNWL2P4XiQCGiVFr0CGAwHYEOwIIWp7SqUpQhii7xqWnCAEATdA_YRdn-zVLynnLeObzwBARetP1Ck5RZN-mokWbgW43XV8pjxpHYb7aB7u6lUPmXDT6uKlx92OM_BhX1BWXZMQ0/w640-h368/20240208_210516.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>With more people around, Nicholas has to learn more of his "camping manners". We really have to be consistent and train him absolutely every single time about barking at anything he sees. He is learning, but he is still a baby at 1-year-old and needs a lot of attention and guidance. He is learning by leaps and bounds. And by leaps and bounds I mean we have to get him out and walk him a LOT so he's not leaping and bounding all over inside of the motorhome!!</div><div><br /></div><div>On the fitness trail, we found a couple things to keep him occupied and challenge his trust in us... </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCtJ1gWKCEelE0XV16VjyBjPpFIXCaJ1DvJKaXlaLZSFYIIdEL1W_AmMdeedrMT9NaXfFZVpGGPQgwm1iLGObHXtFXuUjWsiYA2tqTyx4WMFzg5aq2mTeu6B36ABNFUn9JNQsi4O95Q3NG2tAA638P4I9iGbUcqY-l6Esyf2gJJeYTgfQbQfgPKfSoLRb/s4080/20240209_154847.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCtJ1gWKCEelE0XV16VjyBjPpFIXCaJ1DvJKaXlaLZSFYIIdEL1W_AmMdeedrMT9NaXfFZVpGGPQgwm1iLGObHXtFXuUjWsiYA2tqTyx4WMFzg5aq2mTeu6B36ABNFUn9JNQsi4O95Q3NG2tAA638P4I9iGbUcqY-l6Esyf2gJJeYTgfQbQfgPKfSoLRb/w296-h640/20240209_154847.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUzIf8nd6GdY-XGAWpOQDWEYkYsNtOuSNOfozUDIdW34J9XLHyRCVkL0EEZDCteBwVGOCjwpmDClaR-k7mzSFwg6-Gnl7vjDVHSPwWcX0m3hvuHDzGR5Yv7Oe3P3fLQHw5pgNRRiyAdBbozalWDaAp4b2fR9WzLeiH-owbRlDjVo1tdRjskh9BQxpPqZ5/s4080/20240209_154916.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbUzIf8nd6GdY-XGAWpOQDWEYkYsNtOuSNOfozUDIdW34J9XLHyRCVkL0EEZDCteBwVGOCjwpmDClaR-k7mzSFwg6-Gnl7vjDVHSPwWcX0m3hvuHDzGR5Yv7Oe3P3fLQHw5pgNRRiyAdBbozalWDaAp4b2fR9WzLeiH-owbRlDjVo1tdRjskh9BQxpPqZ5/w296-h640/20240209_154916.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBl6ZZj4KuEGz7MuRkmY8gwDLMPCnBxQgmSP6jFMfwCLHassSstAxklHoSDppwY54Unnqp25aES5ZKnob9goszj_Y8H1iMtMjweGQDMxJZwscBFSfZJCYsxQPR0MszQrV7sKMyebiwQVm4Nkzuwnu2MoKwksae34seewwGPEclr0RS4VsYHSbuawudbQAe/s2880/20240210_112724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBl6ZZj4KuEGz7MuRkmY8gwDLMPCnBxQgmSP6jFMfwCLHassSstAxklHoSDppwY54Unnqp25aES5ZKnob9goszj_Y8H1iMtMjweGQDMxJZwscBFSfZJCYsxQPR0MszQrV7sKMyebiwQVm4Nkzuwnu2MoKwksae34seewwGPEclr0RS4VsYHSbuawudbQAe/w640-h640/20240210_112724.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We noticed that our neighbor across the road had his water heater compartment open and was draining water onto the ground. Of course, that is the universal sign for any guys to get together to see what they can do to help fix something! The same way a raised hood on the front of a vehicle attracts passerbys to help out.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Steve wandered on over and lent a hand. The problem was a cracked nylon drain plug that was leaking and needed to be removed and replaced with a new one. The only problem was is the old one was not coming out easily. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLkK_ZZ_MFX9f40BY6VhQO8wo2kbZwLT-jlgPcIGEj_NrmhcAUaWjx-xBOpM8dZkh3W4OoJ42CwmTuZJR1hHoYM1bz0PPnWkPxxnMjlHIiWvCiCqmY-Y4aeLM9BA_eESdSTD8xDOTa813OpY3dopbc7QCBoXX-4xzbBcpY40AtPycfvNpcx-pxKLdb_XX/s4080/20240209_095506.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLkK_ZZ_MFX9f40BY6VhQO8wo2kbZwLT-jlgPcIGEj_NrmhcAUaWjx-xBOpM8dZkh3W4OoJ42CwmTuZJR1hHoYM1bz0PPnWkPxxnMjlHIiWvCiCqmY-Y4aeLM9BA_eESdSTD8xDOTa813OpY3dopbc7QCBoXX-4xzbBcpY40AtPycfvNpcx-pxKLdb_XX/w640-h296/20240209_095506.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>They put their heads together and assorted tools were brought out. Soon they got the thing out in pieces without damaging the metal threads!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44CDo8ldpY6qUttnJdE-wRegbSuhgZ7oRMaYK3DBWLnH7f7t37zQS8HnrIp1jQ_tSI0TO3cCsdqUcqnzDcnYzL2wBtQkBgct6zB56AXPCpul1SQerA6i8q2LmcHM-0dOLsLpLCXJ5nR6ptZQU-qCHaXbrE0QUtZ5mlRvkDGVUuyd9qrgK2ZlFlnw18zJj/s4080/20240209_095841.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44CDo8ldpY6qUttnJdE-wRegbSuhgZ7oRMaYK3DBWLnH7f7t37zQS8HnrIp1jQ_tSI0TO3cCsdqUcqnzDcnYzL2wBtQkBgct6zB56AXPCpul1SQerA6i8q2LmcHM-0dOLsLpLCXJ5nR6ptZQU-qCHaXbrE0QUtZ5mlRvkDGVUuyd9qrgK2ZlFlnw18zJj/w640-h296/20240209_095841.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>They had the new one in and put back together in no time with the use of Teflon tape as well as a layer of TFE plumbing paste. The leaks were gone and he was back in business.</div><div><br /></div><div>We visited for a while, his name was Tom and his wife is Donna and they are from Little Rock Arkansas. He furnished us with some wonderful treats of products that he sells part-time on the side at Sam's Club's. He also furnished Steve with a can of a local honey type microbrew beer. How nice was that? We brought over a couple of fresh brownies on a paper plate in return.</div><div><br /></div><div>Later on that evening he invited us to join him at his campfire, along with a few beverages of choice. It was a nice evening and we sat out until 9:00 p.m. The temperature is in the '60s and we have absolutely no complaints about sitting around a campfire in the evening with a light jacket or sweatshirt on.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbiS98eiSDJ3ouKBsmYF6-zAMeX9d4ZiJ30cvjmRd3xJ41VIaoHTXJSvwHN58MmSNL2wDz-KIq2JfyRMK8zAlYhRGKUiTS9gdX_ezFwJsDtjNWddJs7aFikGRd-uUjypIJl-kXd8MGJskqjfuf9abQvyLVlWwMUQ0zGosZcNOlJHy-PUlvdwxiY_TIXB7/s4080/20240209_184018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbiS98eiSDJ3ouKBsmYF6-zAMeX9d4ZiJ30cvjmRd3xJ41VIaoHTXJSvwHN58MmSNL2wDz-KIq2JfyRMK8zAlYhRGKUiTS9gdX_ezFwJsDtjNWddJs7aFikGRd-uUjypIJl-kXd8MGJskqjfuf9abQvyLVlWwMUQ0zGosZcNOlJHy-PUlvdwxiY_TIXB7/w296-h640/20240209_184018.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I know the weather back in Wisconsin is unusually warm, and on our security cameras we are seeing the snow banks disappear daily. We also can keep track of our furnace at home via Wi-Fi and we know it's been so warm it hasn't even needed to kick in during the day. This is really unusual for the month of February in Wisconsin.</div><div><br /></div><div>But we are still glad that we took off and got away for a couple months!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Staying here until the 14th, and then not sure where we are going next. Somewhere further south and west?</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">256 mi travel today</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">868 mi so far</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-83796812462816153842024-02-06T10:24:00.005-06:002024-02-06T11:13:41.168-06:00Day 3 - 4 - 5 at Cave In Rock State Park in Illinois<p>Here we are again for three, four and five days of our vacation at Cave in Rock State Park located at the southern tip of Illinois.</p><p>For more information on the park, please go to my previous blog post</p><p>I'm not feeling the best, a flu bug seems to have caught me. So we hunkered down for a couple more days here at the park. It's a nice location and we are up on top of a hill overlooking the big loop of empty sites. There's only one other camper here so we have it basically to ourselves. They are gone all day and just come back in the evening.</p><p>Things are quiet and peaceful. We are parked in a lovely area of oak trees and pine trees. Every once in awhile a random acorn falls down off of the tree overhead and lands on the roof. Plop!</p><p>We haven't needed to use the solar on the cargo trailer because this campsite has electric hookups. If you look back a few blogs, you will see that Steve installed 320 Watts of solar on the roof of our cargo trailer. We can use this to supplement our power grid, along with the Bluetti power station. We can run electrical things directly off the cargo trailer, like charging our e-bikes or running an extension cord out into the campsite for something. Or else we can plug the 30 amp cord of our motorhome directly into the Bluetti to have additional power in the motorhome when we are boondocking. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcmMrRVW9LGdBjjm42WqRaSF2TRJT3YL-mxgMOLH4oenboOx8FOagPk5Ep3E-2oCDThEk2_8N2gK6d5GP4GKcFtp5MiHBWi5p4CT3tB56lTfARXPY_OSioWK0O2jOrAOs8M4EGX3xm-smWlpK4SW1XftsMZbabUwhnEcqzWViSQ5PFxkBFxvzOsm_j3du/s3062/20240203_163944.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1209" data-original-width="3062" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOcmMrRVW9LGdBjjm42WqRaSF2TRJT3YL-mxgMOLH4oenboOx8FOagPk5Ep3E-2oCDThEk2_8N2gK6d5GP4GKcFtp5MiHBWi5p4CT3tB56lTfARXPY_OSioWK0O2jOrAOs8M4EGX3xm-smWlpK4SW1XftsMZbabUwhnEcqzWViSQ5PFxkBFxvzOsm_j3du/w640-h252/20240203_163944.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We've seen a lot of birds flying around and some noisy crows or ravens have been circling over in the woods and making some noise. Little Nicholas seems to enjoy watching the birds. He perches up on our bed and looks out the window. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Eljx2KdlxX9wMv9v2trm_vUgPSikMdKk5kdfshHMhcdwim_rLJ0tZOxiRSVbmRjrvqbcTsY5CHkDS_hKdj41wyzEy8ZlfqoeI6BSKTjPDCixy0BZIMHwvBxCXgEGvIG6831GzjtPIHnLsyGDmiAjIIty5OXoxPYahquJmdP4WX7twmI5q0Jw4H5sZ7Z4/s4080/20240204_080523.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Eljx2KdlxX9wMv9v2trm_vUgPSikMdKk5kdfshHMhcdwim_rLJ0tZOxiRSVbmRjrvqbcTsY5CHkDS_hKdj41wyzEy8ZlfqoeI6BSKTjPDCixy0BZIMHwvBxCXgEGvIG6831GzjtPIHnLsyGDmiAjIIty5OXoxPYahquJmdP4WX7twmI5q0Jw4H5sZ7Z4/w296-h640/20240204_080523.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My friend Paula asked how is Nicholas doing after his neutering surgery and not jumping around. Well, he can get up and down off of our bed pretty easily because there's a little step on a platform at the end of the bed and then around the corner up onto the doggy bed. From that platform, there is another platform that actually encompasses our water pump next to the bed and then from there he can hop up onto the bed itself. So it's really like four little steps to get up there so he's not just jumping up and hampering his incision. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaunB3dqc3xTODE7Ei7nTZ22k_70jRdVLv-clBkeA4uHTo_d9AOuZNAIXO57G4kKhPLrV_uYTcvQLJp6Y1gW3H6MyqlZtTesXUnfCumXA3fLiPgTDYzFo6ovkhh65_9oYUDVSso16sa9jq-P1T8bQjVH3qU8bmRrF0DfjAnN48zyPhHliVUGPRRk0h4Sj/s2880/20240204_102818.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaunB3dqc3xTODE7Ei7nTZ22k_70jRdVLv-clBkeA4uHTo_d9AOuZNAIXO57G4kKhPLrV_uYTcvQLJp6Y1gW3H6MyqlZtTesXUnfCumXA3fLiPgTDYzFo6ovkhh65_9oYUDVSso16sa9jq-P1T8bQjVH3qU8bmRrF0DfjAnN48zyPhHliVUGPRRk0h4Sj/w640-h640/20240204_102818.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>It is still getting cold here at night, down in the '30s. Last night it was down to 29. We are okay with our heated holding tanks. But we also do lose a lot of heat through the single pane windows. Our last motorhome had dual pane and it made a big difference.<div><br /></div><div>We had cut some of this Reflectix insulating silver material to fit in many of our windows last fall. But we just didn't have a roll wide enough to complete the last three windows that were taller than the rest. I had ordered some right before we left and it came in time. We stuffed the roll into a compartment to work on while we were on the road.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOo2Rj22Z-gP97ZJcLIMXbO7nIaSD5yDI2hYWvZm-O1WEJ2ri9hW0rMND3bdv3gOi-6ZHbteriKoeUjjQ9aoOkakr1cCip8x0hUzQnQi8KN0YLV3ywtcCEdlL1xbtfQXTHfz7B9zNtsGPFhD1CyhnvHQYLruXDp6gPj9bgXnWDOIOpwBHQhDMI0e3BW8pf/s4080/20240204_111919.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOo2Rj22Z-gP97ZJcLIMXbO7nIaSD5yDI2hYWvZm-O1WEJ2ri9hW0rMND3bdv3gOi-6ZHbteriKoeUjjQ9aoOkakr1cCip8x0hUzQnQi8KN0YLV3ywtcCEdlL1xbtfQXTHfz7B9zNtsGPFhD1CyhnvHQYLruXDp6gPj9bgXnWDOIOpwBHQhDMI0e3BW8pf/w296-h640/20240204_111919.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Steve decided to get that task done by measuring, carefully cutting, and then marking each one for which window it goes in.</div><div><br /></div><div>This one he cut very carefully to fit in between the screen door and in the main door. He cuts it a tiny bit more than the exact size of the frame. Then it kind of wedges in and holds there even when the door open and closes. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSscgmtQEnsV1uiwv9GRgSz7l1gmfU2RkO-B3zGOVLDObG5lXfGVhDLiMfyfxTs8PpS7eeyxV9HyibGLEeVoj-tW25uJpaemGNeZBiZcvSmQAlIWzpUmGP0Ob3vXJSonLAtOqsdYfRy4qdlZUAi2LEC2T5hZkbliPIbuBTmtGZc_LG72ulApOvtMfARkf/s4080/20240204_111924.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCSscgmtQEnsV1uiwv9GRgSz7l1gmfU2RkO-B3zGOVLDObG5lXfGVhDLiMfyfxTs8PpS7eeyxV9HyibGLEeVoj-tW25uJpaemGNeZBiZcvSmQAlIWzpUmGP0Ob3vXJSonLAtOqsdYfRy4qdlZUAi2LEC2T5hZkbliPIbuBTmtGZc_LG72ulApOvtMfARkf/w296-h640/20240204_111924.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He shoved me out of my sick bed so I could snap this picture while he was working on the one for the window over our headboard.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyjf7uZAtnjwCzqFyl5WVNhHb15tpqQ8Xv_X-imHLXsmemIUNN_YxUA8Yarw3kKkaAyPhmI_wxyw0K8D4Xtfa_YkgmOujcJW4LmtXPN8V_3OyP3w7ucY9z3zUKSDc42HoCly9YMdpPIIgDpJwi1bxbzjwkMz3TscEijhe4nPtBHYOFi1Bo0E9HlKe2H7Z/s4080/20240204_112018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguyjf7uZAtnjwCzqFyl5WVNhHb15tpqQ8Xv_X-imHLXsmemIUNN_YxUA8Yarw3kKkaAyPhmI_wxyw0K8D4Xtfa_YkgmOujcJW4LmtXPN8V_3OyP3w7ucY9z3zUKSDc42HoCly9YMdpPIIgDpJwi1bxbzjwkMz3TscEijhe4nPtBHYOFi1Bo0E9HlKe2H7Z/w296-h640/20240204_112018.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>He completed the job on Sunday, so we had the chance to use all the Reflectix panels in every window on Sunday and Monday nights. It works really well! </div><div><br /></div><div>Especially noticeable is the one right over the headboard on the bed. I did notice that when I brought the dogs out late at night for a potty run, while looking back at the motorhome I couldn't see any light shining through at all. So it would be a good "stealth camping" tool as well as insulation. Nobody would know you are inside! </div><div><br /></div><div>We take them off each morning to let the sun shine in, and roll them up to stow away up on the top bunk. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday, the temperatures rose all the way up into the '60s. It was absolutely wonderful. We sat out in the lawn chairs for a while, and the dogs each claimed their rightful seats on each side of me. I felt like a Queen with my Royal Subjects at my sides. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk3fiD5KQyJ8BEBN06AeOYxAmaRtgdKvdURpTD0Le9UCyqG8ZWlQfzOZ0IFXMkl0tbbM3n_yt4Q3U745YvvnKbeSEdwxTfouNBTsQbdwcatsVokj3aWquyVd42VNfaFMX1vlMYmnhr1iZvu1ymJSm832-NcI-weDdJ47ljBbfozKuco6LBAV6CutPHFt6/s4080/20240205_120111.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk3fiD5KQyJ8BEBN06AeOYxAmaRtgdKvdURpTD0Le9UCyqG8ZWlQfzOZ0IFXMkl0tbbM3n_yt4Q3U745YvvnKbeSEdwxTfouNBTsQbdwcatsVokj3aWquyVd42VNfaFMX1vlMYmnhr1iZvu1ymJSm832-NcI-weDdJ47ljBbfozKuco6LBAV6CutPHFt6/w640-h296/20240205_120111.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It was so nice out, we had turned off the heater and opened up the main door with just the screen door in place. This is the new grid we mounted right before we left on vacation. We bought it at Camping World to prevent Nicholas from possibly pushing through the mesh screen if he saw something interesting outside. His puppy enthusiasm could easily take over his sense of being a good dog. We definitely don't want him on the run!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQO2rn1dQYsZvI4k7GodOQKlh1nYTqoW0OC6GWBUj2YV3I8wc0hRGPTKFMKaoSgAsYiKgP6QbHYHJxoK-6XgMa_XNdlTt8EqAocp1APPwNW9vu-H0TNnaqwmp1_Ky-vKbVVUQLgsbRSiuwUR3MJebq70ES6u96ox-Wz5y0kdVjNoteKejQ3NfqbfnUf2e/s4080/20240205_145329.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQO2rn1dQYsZvI4k7GodOQKlh1nYTqoW0OC6GWBUj2YV3I8wc0hRGPTKFMKaoSgAsYiKgP6QbHYHJxoK-6XgMa_XNdlTt8EqAocp1APPwNW9vu-H0TNnaqwmp1_Ky-vKbVVUQLgsbRSiuwUR3MJebq70ES6u96ox-Wz5y0kdVjNoteKejQ3NfqbfnUf2e/w296-h640/20240205_145329.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Steve also attached a little barrel clasp to the door to prevent him from just pushing hard to open it. We were going to do the butterfly catch that we did before on our last motorhome, but we couldn't find the right piece at the hardware store. So this barrel catch will work. We can lock or unlock it from the outside by sliding open the slider and reaching around with our hand.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCMytdiTm8EUB6Fh83gAC4cp1vbe4xMEa-BsBKVpsvq3aCvxKolmyyIpRo4AnbWNfsR01lrXrnzBuW9F0IBQEkdCx-cF0VeE7dgCpxmJJbQ12Yt91K4rd0rK2eIWt_4rEXnWWCAu1iId_yqhzRCfi_1CpglbUdZ3g1g-5C2N95xh3XoFlYt5Z_SpGtKpS/s2880/20240206_092242.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCMytdiTm8EUB6Fh83gAC4cp1vbe4xMEa-BsBKVpsvq3aCvxKolmyyIpRo4AnbWNfsR01lrXrnzBuW9F0IBQEkdCx-cF0VeE7dgCpxmJJbQ12Yt91K4rd0rK2eIWt_4rEXnWWCAu1iId_yqhzRCfi_1CpglbUdZ3g1g-5C2N95xh3XoFlYt5Z_SpGtKpS/w640-h640/20240206_092242.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>My mid-afternoon, I felt good enough to go for a nice little walk. A few sites away from us there's a sprawling open meadow with a pond down below. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWESh1_XQQ-5O58cM07NB4SeRqzHzKWst3Y1EMOPqt0ajwgOoal1SvpyVJxveF_Dfk_z-z0mxqRzJZK5rTY01TGw7RuPDNkCztZN43gjt6mZJm4XhwDa7JV2y_gmLovo0lbwNHf0RxrUWJN77ULpTjH7Ci5XLQY_UeHEhuSVpIwhf3DrQu-rtkeJtEruW/s4080/20240205_150006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyWESh1_XQQ-5O58cM07NB4SeRqzHzKWst3Y1EMOPqt0ajwgOoal1SvpyVJxveF_Dfk_z-z0mxqRzJZK5rTY01TGw7RuPDNkCztZN43gjt6mZJm4XhwDa7JV2y_gmLovo0lbwNHf0RxrUWJN77ULpTjH7Ci5XLQY_UeHEhuSVpIwhf3DrQu-rtkeJtEruW/w640-h296/20240205_150006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We took the dogs on down there to take a little look around. Don't know if there's any fish in it or not. I bet it's a popular place in the middle of summer with the kids. The Ohio River nearby is way too rapid and dangerous for any swimming to go on. So I don't know what they use this pond for, but the little pier is cute. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyT1ecqaW9-3hO7mf2QIQQfILwKad-TBbKwkCDVXOvYiy-C3_i7AYb5V5A4i_qJG6cNvtizJeEWKjTv5RwSpaxYElwTBN7Zxx8_XH7o0zOAmITVi9ngv6uCld1jjmXZ95rza9jBMVECABW-rG_SRz6zKj2X85tJWsZq-0YH2ojJHRQ5-gTifr6lfitnjO/s4080/20240205_150232.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpyT1ecqaW9-3hO7mf2QIQQfILwKad-TBbKwkCDVXOvYiy-C3_i7AYb5V5A4i_qJG6cNvtizJeEWKjTv5RwSpaxYElwTBN7Zxx8_XH7o0zOAmITVi9ngv6uCld1jjmXZ95rza9jBMVECABW-rG_SRz6zKj2X85tJWsZq-0YH2ojJHRQ5-gTifr6lfitnjO/w640-h296/20240205_150232.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, it felt really good to get out and stretch our legs for a little bit. The dogs enjoyed the walk and I enjoyed getting a little fresh air.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaNrjYYFKUWQeY4i6Zva5v76ZZQ7aiBmllpfyv4pTSJpNm7s9aAkYFfzS50wvAQ9pWqBvopy9E8QgEDpirzG9XA2absWnf3u5Y6SfMQeqrWEnMgR1PdbSifzsWu9RicFC2W4hoaskyLiwrn5h2Eq2htH9b0IHh6iGhISA7hr_uUZP2DrzEgmYfKOb1rKc/s4080/20240205_150848.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaNrjYYFKUWQeY4i6Zva5v76ZZQ7aiBmllpfyv4pTSJpNm7s9aAkYFfzS50wvAQ9pWqBvopy9E8QgEDpirzG9XA2absWnf3u5Y6SfMQeqrWEnMgR1PdbSifzsWu9RicFC2W4hoaskyLiwrn5h2Eq2htH9b0IHh6iGhISA7hr_uUZP2DrzEgmYfKOb1rKc/w640-h296/20240205_150848.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>These kind of temperatures are just wonderful, compared to the cold and damp weather back home. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhUn9uR763xr201-H_fwyTojs8EfY_VZ2ulINSjYvdhNyq6Qwm0HE47nmDPEi4gO9KS5Ob6KEzkT6ZamHTWBmveSetVXj9eKziZqNyWPZWf2F1sFVpnmZV4iOdygQzPeaI4odLUDhBsNNgT5YTbMLrxWa5AoUJ1MINJCVGI_jHXGerjhWXkouObQry_9U/s1984/20240205_151357.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1255" data-original-width="1984" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOhUn9uR763xr201-H_fwyTojs8EfY_VZ2ulINSjYvdhNyq6Qwm0HE47nmDPEi4gO9KS5Ob6KEzkT6ZamHTWBmveSetVXj9eKziZqNyWPZWf2F1sFVpnmZV4iOdygQzPeaI4odLUDhBsNNgT5YTbMLrxWa5AoUJ1MINJCVGI_jHXGerjhWXkouObQry_9U/w640-h404/20240205_151357.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We are staying here one more night, and then we will see how good I feel. See if we should travel on or stay here a little longer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, I should correct myself from yesterday's blog. The website said the sites were $20. But when Steve went to go pay the host, it was only $18 per night. Not sure why. </div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe because the shower house is closed? There is running water at faucets in the park.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our freshwater was getting a little low. So Steve hauled a couple of our 2 gallon folding water totes and added some to our tank. It's nice to have options. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's time to wrap up this blog now. The chef is cooking me breakfast! <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vdrCIh-SyfYbRIoxp5ereRFbpqYhP5ic1aMLQnT7anyAm-Eqkn6YnD7wL9QVL_kcxRUHWD2nmQksab6bDVA_fbemPDMAfK661bMBESL8UZSsZMJWh6M4R9VlAMcIONGLSUiu8szY8y6cWML7HaDuxOGtPR9ThsyFPSqHOeuo6PrE_5xDKx4eHhJjkBcv/s4000/20240206_093133.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1vdrCIh-SyfYbRIoxp5ereRFbpqYhP5ic1aMLQnT7anyAm-Eqkn6YnD7wL9QVL_kcxRUHWD2nmQksab6bDVA_fbemPDMAfK661bMBESL8UZSsZMJWh6M4R9VlAMcIONGLSUiu8szY8y6cWML7HaDuxOGtPR9ThsyFPSqHOeuo6PrE_5xDKx4eHhJjkBcv/w640-h296/20240206_093133.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>We will see what tomorrow may bring. <br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-8922099441715329672024-02-05T16:32:00.003-06:002024-02-05T17:15:36.520-06:00Day 2 - To The South End of Illinois - Cave In Rock State Park<p>Leaving Central Illinois, we soon routed our way to get off the interstate. He found some nice double digit state roads that were in good shape and still heading directly south. This is our kind of traveling. We would much rather prefer to see the back roads and the small towns of the USA. All you see from the interstate is the same chain stores, town after town after town, all of the same franchises and strip malls and shopping centers.</p><p>The sky was clear blue but there were some clouds coming in from the southwest. We were really enjoying that beautiful orb of light overhead. We literally had to turn off the heat in the motorhome and open up the vents to get some of that fresh air. That hot sunshine blasting on us through the front windshield felt strangely good for the middle of February. You sure can tell we are from Wisconsin!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMy5Fm3eCwqcAB9aoOR1XkbQ4BjyCQtYHgQdPzYLpc1I3Y_lp-zL3pKVCZxD4OH6nqzvcg8F0epgfSxUYFNZIKRuz_SXleh8rXWU3Qlw_Wd11Q_03w3URgYPfxaiUJlGgqe-H1xID_XI38rnPIq2NMni20qOiQPfHb7py1iGjl20y6yHzf3YVrlU7SIi_/s4000/20240203_122948.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXMy5Fm3eCwqcAB9aoOR1XkbQ4BjyCQtYHgQdPzYLpc1I3Y_lp-zL3pKVCZxD4OH6nqzvcg8F0epgfSxUYFNZIKRuz_SXleh8rXWU3Qlw_Wd11Q_03w3URgYPfxaiUJlGgqe-H1xID_XI38rnPIq2NMni20qOiQPfHb7py1iGjl20y6yHzf3YVrlU7SIi_/w640-h296/20240203_122948.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We were driving along, I noticed it was getting near noon. I looked ahead at the next little town called Montrose Illinois. I zoomed in on the town with my Google maps and saw a little teeny intersection. There was a circular park looking thing, as well as a little parking lot next to it for about 3 or 4 cars. I told Steve this might make a good stop to make lunch! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1wFC7Fo3TFWTsENX42YwwRQevwXBoGRPALUcBgPXxeiWCzUJ-v2tNn2esx4jckt1diST6Yj5FlLs4i6bbG4fRss1ggtTFey6s6Wo8r190BM8k-jcg_aE61zN-ZvIJ4MaPCd9eBPX_b4hotzPPA4-nb8tvVc_fGGM6RJsLgpnf8ql9m-Dxx7y-MVYtYiI/s1686/Screenshot_20240204_171141_Maps.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1686" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ1wFC7Fo3TFWTsENX42YwwRQevwXBoGRPALUcBgPXxeiWCzUJ-v2tNn2esx4jckt1diST6Yj5FlLs4i6bbG4fRss1ggtTFey6s6Wo8r190BM8k-jcg_aE61zN-ZvIJ4MaPCd9eBPX_b4hotzPPA4-nb8tvVc_fGGM6RJsLgpnf8ql9m-Dxx7y-MVYtYiI/w410-h640/Screenshot_20240204_171141_Maps.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We pulled in and it was a really nice memorial done up for the veterans. It had all the names of their local veterans as well as a separate panel to one side of current hometown people that are serving in the military at this time. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IJKN_zhtFwzh0u0SFPlHEJBj1ubkVlhjqQ1440gIfYk8kXFdvUBPb3qoPliPZ3ZamdbjSqUzUZooYvhZIjHf7a7xHvvQIIvmGGWD4wWOeq0epzOBIFfTp_dyKP5NNH-z4F27d4pWUknIm6rwAI3bhaa1qj57B9BOrG4sJI2G_z6hES97aJIaEjNiDNP5/s4080/20240203_125322.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5IJKN_zhtFwzh0u0SFPlHEJBj1ubkVlhjqQ1440gIfYk8kXFdvUBPb3qoPliPZ3ZamdbjSqUzUZooYvhZIjHf7a7xHvvQIIvmGGWD4wWOeq0epzOBIFfTp_dyKP5NNH-z4F27d4pWUknIm6rwAI3bhaa1qj57B9BOrG4sJI2G_z6hES97aJIaEjNiDNP5/w296-h640/20240203_125322.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What a beautiful array of stones with names of all of the fallen soldiers. In the center if you stood in the middle of the circle you could also read a soldier's prayer through the opening onto the back wall. Very nicely done! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6txBAqfiQ32IC0nKq6sF6RvEXIHLXEPIGlyruD0Z0SM-QVmmsxCDDZwxhzOQBTrvwYWUk0HsjAm9niVvs-UPeCl_MACiUcx2I4j8jLBNpWM_zlbtRvQBGL64nmsuPmdYCDv1v1vmsYL4CrMf57tASYq5tgghN4Mb41Xtl-Jjr1Yeto_tUbvDMqikgkFdh/s4080/20240203_125357.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6txBAqfiQ32IC0nKq6sF6RvEXIHLXEPIGlyruD0Z0SM-QVmmsxCDDZwxhzOQBTrvwYWUk0HsjAm9niVvs-UPeCl_MACiUcx2I4j8jLBNpWM_zlbtRvQBGL64nmsuPmdYCDv1v1vmsYL4CrMf57tASYq5tgghN4Mb41Xtl-Jjr1Yeto_tUbvDMqikgkFdh/w296-h640/20240203_125357.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We took the dogs out and made a nice little exercise walk around the parks boundaries. It felt good to stretch our legs and walk among the blades of green grass!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRA9PONnw7SlpbxsJo1dJq6RB6RV8gEy4qE-xinwfDpwzVeAY7Bdq7kHUAY055znpX8jmd_t9LSGLgc46hWFfOgzpQAwYX7cDSBbJAKtK6ozPgzz9lqCbkHFR6ivc8MajlhyphenhyphenV7xvcfe0aHIxuBL0l998FsTfN0yg0IoyYmcvBERNJxYS2QZ438XVqumrwd/s4080/20240203_125511.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRA9PONnw7SlpbxsJo1dJq6RB6RV8gEy4qE-xinwfDpwzVeAY7Bdq7kHUAY055znpX8jmd_t9LSGLgc46hWFfOgzpQAwYX7cDSBbJAKtK6ozPgzz9lqCbkHFR6ivc8MajlhyphenhyphenV7xvcfe0aHIxuBL0l998FsTfN0yg0IoyYmcvBERNJxYS2QZ438XVqumrwd/w640-h296/20240203_125511.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Lo and behold, I looked down and saw my first dandelion of the season! What a treat... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLj_kKFtWv2KATWoZF8BPjEG-naBCn_6WZmT5DAOFwEvJc8VIZz_61UOeP_8iwirzJUYEWCWWlqIL1ecWFvhTgiIzU86u_J8Ue8lLCnnZlxIZGTtKEniqQ3ZiROhI99ftRr5-lq9SESHeMkD34ymaGQTzZ-g1HnpsHREDglH4eIVcr_YO2M0vFP71mrrn/s1995/20240203_132152.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1995" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjLj_kKFtWv2KATWoZF8BPjEG-naBCn_6WZmT5DAOFwEvJc8VIZz_61UOeP_8iwirzJUYEWCWWlqIL1ecWFvhTgiIzU86u_J8Ue8lLCnnZlxIZGTtKEniqQ3ZiROhI99ftRr5-lq9SESHeMkD34ymaGQTzZ-g1HnpsHREDglH4eIVcr_YO2M0vFP71mrrn/w604-h640/20240203_132152.jpg" width="604" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We made up a little lunch, stretched our legs a bit one more time with the dogs, and then headed back on the highway in the southerly direction.</div><div><br /></div><div>More and more we were seeing these little oil pumping units scattered among the farm fields. Here and there were accumulation tanks on various corners where I am sure the crude oil is pumped over to be gathered. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsM0ZoBKQDMhEWuY-R-tFq2vbEAyXHHx-x0ZWFgUjvWlSV4K5M3AIHah82_t1UcNq8O_81xPGzNCg7zYFAWC08wdFyAxvg-r59qPSAVrN79cyeKn2IQtVnz606HDj9D7R3ZILuVG91zHToS62cdHs6S5xDLuui4P5o_7_TsW_S1_fzQOT3Tq-EdTUP0Om/s2250/20240203_143255.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="2250" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJsM0ZoBKQDMhEWuY-R-tFq2vbEAyXHHx-x0ZWFgUjvWlSV4K5M3AIHah82_t1UcNq8O_81xPGzNCg7zYFAWC08wdFyAxvg-r59qPSAVrN79cyeKn2IQtVnz606HDj9D7R3ZILuVG91zHToS62cdHs6S5xDLuui4P5o_7_TsW_S1_fzQOT3Tq-EdTUP0Om/w640-h536/20240203_143255.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Some were working, some were not. I would imagine the farmers get paid pretty well to have these spaced here and there among their farmland. All they have to do is plow and plant and harvest around it. </div><div><br /></div><div>As we drove along, we were seeing more and more green! What a delightful change after all of the heavy white snow, dark gray skies, and winter winds of Wisconsin. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pfrAVuIojnFeoyDAab30uoPoGESASe_6o0TSIMb8x5GJUGJte7nQ-06z6x7n7i7xVEdDUjzkMNbaeu5dgZVyl60g1tT0jxQ69VUXkij4Wc0GhOkrUV1wu_FMXD-4UoeD8jiDxAhPrdL6dKxip4jpMg-EUBVuW1RLOy2pKHey-7Du0d8EXhPy9mGx6Dsq/s4080/20240203_151521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9pfrAVuIojnFeoyDAab30uoPoGESASe_6o0TSIMb8x5GJUGJte7nQ-06z6x7n7i7xVEdDUjzkMNbaeu5dgZVyl60g1tT0jxQ69VUXkij4Wc0GhOkrUV1wu_FMXD-4UoeD8jiDxAhPrdL6dKxip4jpMg-EUBVuW1RLOy2pKHey-7Du0d8EXhPy9mGx6Dsq/w640-h296/20240203_151521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our intended goal to reach for the night was a place we have been before. The reason why we are stopping there is because we know it's there and we know we can hook up and we know we can get comfortable. I was not feeling the best even before we left, and I have a feeling of flu bug is taking it's toll on me as the day wears on.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the far southern end of Illinois is a state park called Cave In Rock, located on the shores of the Ohio River. Over the river is Kentucky on the other side. There is a little ferry to take across if you wish to get over there instead of going all the way around to the major highways to take a big bridge.</div><div><br /></div><div>The State Park is just on the Eastern edge of the little town called Cave in Rock. Yes, there is a big cave down along the shore but we haven't been able to get down there yet. The last time we were here the floodwaters were so high we couldn't get to that area to see it. Maybe this time!</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is their website:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/camp/park.caveinrock.html">https://dnr.illinois.gov/parks/camp/park.caveinrock.html</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As we were driving into the park entrance we could see this big barge coming up the river. It's way out there along the edge of the trees if you look closely at the photo below. Then there's also a ferry boat used to transport heavy equipment in the foreground. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssJ1yyGsrn-HBYl1Xw4Wqwydr4r7j20AfzTtIbDa15LwcHjaG3oLOdXkm1m8jiBMF1Uo62i18Ie_YfusjUhnxM_3P3YHkRXkL5mQ3JAsaFEWN77f5XdIYPRGbGMHeDoo9zbAypum4wfoisIjlIEibE6TcLvFAKVfDLzIu5GlyLSEyyA75zGV9uaF1Uge8/s4080/20240203_161628.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssJ1yyGsrn-HBYl1Xw4Wqwydr4r7j20AfzTtIbDa15LwcHjaG3oLOdXkm1m8jiBMF1Uo62i18Ie_YfusjUhnxM_3P3YHkRXkL5mQ3JAsaFEWN77f5XdIYPRGbGMHeDoo9zbAypum4wfoisIjlIEibE6TcLvFAKVfDLzIu5GlyLSEyyA75zGV9uaF1Uge8/w640-h296/20240203_161628.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhso3qgo2ZO31RAlFXziizn5hiOFF3p9Sv3AK0I4v-TadJ8aM7QZKWhWojGz8x3_wQHuI16ken1sPeyrqtVnHrWLxGkUenrH3xl8OWodVyA6HcDnqaYgd1tsMu9TZ9i6lnOApIQrUssBKzBpAje55GWN1cIjwa1eqy5Gleal7EYVRqOY_SUnghOsSTnru9B/s1494/Screenshot_20240203_155008_Messenger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhso3qgo2ZO31RAlFXziizn5hiOFF3p9Sv3AK0I4v-TadJ8aM7QZKWhWojGz8x3_wQHuI16ken1sPeyrqtVnHrWLxGkUenrH3xl8OWodVyA6HcDnqaYgd1tsMu9TZ9i6lnOApIQrUssBKzBpAje55GWN1cIjwa1eqy5Gleal7EYVRqOY_SUnghOsSTnru9B/w462-h640/Screenshot_20240203_155008_Messenger.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We came to the entrance of the park, and we know from past experience that we need to pay the host directly. There is no pay post or envelopes. As we drove past his site we, saw he was not there. But that's okay, we knew we would catch up with him later.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are two loops to this campground, one which is all electric sites, and the other one is tenting sites. Their website calls them actually class b / tenting sites. We also know from the website that the shower building is closed. But there is water within the park as well as the dump station is open. Each site has 50 and 30 amp electric, in the loop that we chose. We actually drove up to the top of the loop up on the hill and took the same site we had last time!</div><div><br /></div><div>There was only one other camper in the entire park besides us. And they looked very quiet. Steve later found out that they are there to be close to a hospital for a medical situation for a mother-in-law. So they are gone all day over at the hospital and just come back here to sleep. </div><div><br /></div><div>All the sites are paved and level, and each one has an additional shorter parking spur next to it to put your vehicle. Perfect to back in our little cargo trailer. Yes, we do have a locking hitch device as well as a locking pin device on the trailer and an alarm we can set for motion or even movement behind the trailer. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfq7RhplJHo1gaTUkpDZy2VY6mHOdMd2FoYFK-yNFAmAjBiegCfW2eUH9QAkVTw4nBrrs-myryTiw7muiLDU0qsjPqDNS88ce52RkfugniZzrPsV_lv-uAOwOxSXjMNWuxSoTIbNMvCVwkU46jzig-hG9_mtJQYEYT1qMy1npki-9GjgheEwO82NbT_Lf/s4080/20240203_163836.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfq7RhplJHo1gaTUkpDZy2VY6mHOdMd2FoYFK-yNFAmAjBiegCfW2eUH9QAkVTw4nBrrs-myryTiw7muiLDU0qsjPqDNS88ce52RkfugniZzrPsV_lv-uAOwOxSXjMNWuxSoTIbNMvCVwkU46jzig-hG9_mtJQYEYT1qMy1npki-9GjgheEwO82NbT_Lf/w640-h296/20240203_163836.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The center of this big loop of campsites is wide open and grassy. It's covered with many oak leaves and fallen acorns. The last time we were here, we woke up in the morning and looked out to about 20 or 30 deer browsing among the acorns! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZ-bFP4lYmpIIYZ_sG3jFhBmvrcamK3neZzlXPx-jrFy6AFUTga6DLCF-YaQa9Gur_fqgpC8QtC6z7DYikWp_QqDABrELmjpIDYPgVYok81lCCweccgOsXcRuUhM_9cX-B0JXyKRg8rRE-SKvN6RV-kEfK-awF2JNCcbaP7_GrJPYTDKAMrEgl8hm_1vg/s4000/20240203_163951.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZ-bFP4lYmpIIYZ_sG3jFhBmvrcamK3neZzlXPx-jrFy6AFUTga6DLCF-YaQa9Gur_fqgpC8QtC6z7DYikWp_QqDABrELmjpIDYPgVYok81lCCweccgOsXcRuUhM_9cX-B0JXyKRg8rRE-SKvN6RV-kEfK-awF2JNCcbaP7_GrJPYTDKAMrEgl8hm_1vg/w640-h296/20240203_163951.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The weather was beautiful, the temps were up in the mid-fifties. The dogs couldn't wait to get outside and stretch out and relax on the grass. Well, the crunchy leaves anyhow. It was such a change from the snow and the ice and the cold up north. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHAisxrR8ghekE-CoJYQqHqFxps7SIUu7EabHAmqADOUjnrg-aQW1qguHbTPTjwZKUqx3RCNdEcC0zQBlogJV_SPV6ydG55qCMAKI6dmVGxOBhNWh97X1Td2oDa84bT-ACimLmtgl2dqTS4LRrZoKjScD_4_bBEdXjmtvyRSbpwTOce_mKE8YF_CTo1RQ/s4080/20240203_164405.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHAisxrR8ghekE-CoJYQqHqFxps7SIUu7EabHAmqADOUjnrg-aQW1qguHbTPTjwZKUqx3RCNdEcC0zQBlogJV_SPV6ydG55qCMAKI6dmVGxOBhNWh97X1Td2oDa84bT-ACimLmtgl2dqTS4LRrZoKjScD_4_bBEdXjmtvyRSbpwTOce_mKE8YF_CTo1RQ/w296-h640/20240203_164405.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We got out the lawn chairs and Nicholas seems to enjoy perching on one of them. Binney always sits on a sitting one while we relax in our reclining chairs. Glad we got two sitting chairs when they were on sale instead of just one!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODMcr1zhMHXWWgCfyT6BotJXwQGe0V28p96kmi5ctnc02kAteJ8wri-LVzf_iD9IzrCCO3gXf6_93XgKBp-ZkpzYXocrGfDVKVyBmt0uTpUjK_sYeAqCVG1UVqLcCQ_3EQvCFc-p_vzFtTZ4xZCsfnUl7zEMD0e44sAaImgpEmq7IvBXiMg8p7LLb78Bd/s4080/20240203_164746.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODMcr1zhMHXWWgCfyT6BotJXwQGe0V28p96kmi5ctnc02kAteJ8wri-LVzf_iD9IzrCCO3gXf6_93XgKBp-ZkpzYXocrGfDVKVyBmt0uTpUjK_sYeAqCVG1UVqLcCQ_3EQvCFc-p_vzFtTZ4xZCsfnUl7zEMD0e44sAaImgpEmq7IvBXiMg8p7LLb78Bd/w296-h640/20240203_164746.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We got settled into the campsite. We put some chicken pot pies from our favorite deli in the convection microwave and ran the Roku stick through Steve's visible phone hotspot. He gets unlimited streaming. There are about 20 stations in the area of regular broadcast TV too.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have been binge watching a series called In With the Old on Amazon Prime. All about people fixing up old houses. Right up our alley, hey?</div><div><br /></div><div>By now I was feeling a little worse, I think a flu bug got me. I have the flu shot but who knows how many strains are floating around. We went to bed early, And we were soon fast asleep in the peaceful quiet woods. No complaints at all about this campsite whatsoever. For 20 bucks with electric power, it's a pretty good stop at the very southern end of Illinois.</div><div><br /></div><div>We woke up in the morning to a sunny day. Steve perked up some coffee and we shared some donuts with the dogs.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEEXiYOLb32Cpn63_oOPtEoem9csEPVI1a2ZDFWfthva2hWDMqEsVweXeLpZH7BBLuI41_qOwLngQr6LDzswFrvEV3Mb369GJPrax5np44PLebqplp377wPQSnZyIpw1ogihAqbDXD6qKXDyJUg7hqnlxAcwSCCW6i1hOwnl10RsGB2FFuTctB0gG12Zj/s4080/20240204_082017.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEEXiYOLb32Cpn63_oOPtEoem9csEPVI1a2ZDFWfthva2hWDMqEsVweXeLpZH7BBLuI41_qOwLngQr6LDzswFrvEV3Mb369GJPrax5np44PLebqplp377wPQSnZyIpw1ogihAqbDXD6qKXDyJUg7hqnlxAcwSCCW6i1hOwnl10RsGB2FFuTctB0gG12Zj/w640-h296/20240204_082017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>But I was actually feeling worse. So we weren't going to go any further.</div><div><br /></div><div>285 miles traveled today</div><div>612 total</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-65714404688894972532024-02-04T12:37:00.003-06:002024-02-04T14:47:14.622-06:00Day 1 - Heading South <p>It's time to head on out and go south! The vet said that our little Nicholas could travel if he wasn't bothering his incision, and if it looked good without any swelling or draining. We didn't even need to put the cone of shame on him. He was being very good about not bothering the incision. We also got him some gabapentin and toradol to keep him from bouncing and jumping all over the place like a kangaroo, and to help with pain. </p><p>We actually decided that it would be easier to contain him and keep him from jumping around within the confines of the motorhome, compared to at home. At home with wide open concept spaces and his flying leaps up and down the stairs to the she-shed, he would probably do more damage to himself. By being in the motorhome it was easier to contain him and to keep an eye on him. We plan to just lift him up and carry him to go outside. The side of the bed in the motorhome has two little steps going up to get onto the bed. So he wouldn't even need to jump up or down to join us for naps or morning snuggles. </p><p>By Friday morning, we were good to go! </p><p>We just had a few more things to load in that were waiting by the door. Then we set the alarms and security cameras, turned off the water, ice maker, and drain the lines. Set the furnace down low and notified all of our neighbors. Everyone's taking care of things like our snow removal and our plants. So we can leave with peace of mind. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVO7XAURibK3yDfzGqOeZDoPb21QLDh5dKBneAjzSpBxgAZIJ3Lg2NFxd8L0oZlrCZXxtRudNB3wwfjGe96ptQsxqw6NYCf4XDtr3XJedf5SDV3njRCoVw8e6cds35tHb_MM6ad0Nd48-mrFDOywrHLxJFFHj2pykWmAid6Gq3RbCWOMUWY0uzFks8yD2/s4080/20240202_100422.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTVO7XAURibK3yDfzGqOeZDoPb21QLDh5dKBneAjzSpBxgAZIJ3Lg2NFxd8L0oZlrCZXxtRudNB3wwfjGe96ptQsxqw6NYCf4XDtr3XJedf5SDV3njRCoVw8e6cds35tHb_MM6ad0Nd48-mrFDOywrHLxJFFHj2pykWmAid6Gq3RbCWOMUWY0uzFks8yD2/w640-h296/20240202_100422.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Steve rolled out our little cargo trailer from the garage and we hooked it right on the back of the motorhome. Time to head on out and get on the street. We tested the lights and made sure everything was good to go. Our tire pressure monitors were all in place. Everything was aired up and running correctly.</div><div><br /></div><div>On our year of 2016 Winnebago View, we are able to still leave the rear view camera on while driving down the road. That way we can keep an eye on the trailer. On the newer versions, it will only operate when you are in reverse. The rest of the time the camera screen is on other things like the GPS or the radio. We sure appreciate being able to keep an eye on it while we are driving down the road. Otherwise we would have to get an auxiliary camera and hook it up separately. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-mpmkD-osI_wEZ2nExGkbVbf2vkB1ThfCkQO0xtByrrCX_x8Q61xyFepdrUkpKBvZaaYH_YrB4UXkKCSzS_7U3jUfmqTAemmOWd_5inSMyoffHFQXLLyOhgFWFcrFNmmgzpwgjM2imbhmq5vSiViSvJ6GcD-GDmnPO5xTS2bhbOaI7Bg5fvr0cxDnq_m/s2130/20240202_163542.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="2130" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh-mpmkD-osI_wEZ2nExGkbVbf2vkB1ThfCkQO0xtByrrCX_x8Q61xyFepdrUkpKBvZaaYH_YrB4UXkKCSzS_7U3jUfmqTAemmOWd_5inSMyoffHFQXLLyOhgFWFcrFNmmgzpwgjM2imbhmq5vSiViSvJ6GcD-GDmnPO5xTS2bhbOaI7Bg5fvr0cxDnq_m/w640-h386/20240202_163542.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>All of the roads were dry and in great shape. We hadn't had snow since the big storm the week before. The temperatures were up in the '40s as we cruised along through Southern Wisconsin. </div><div><br /></div><div>We were getting close to the Madison area when our phone rang. It was some friends we know from back in Oconto. They were calling because they were on the highway just ahead of us. They had passed us and recognized our motorhome and thought it was us in the drivers cockpit area. Sure enough! Isn't that hilarious? We had to drive 100+ miles away to see our own neighbors from Oconto!! </div><div><br /></div><div>In no time we were crossing over the border into Illinois. Flat flat flat land. But we really enjoyed seeing the beautiful blue sky. We hadn't had sunshine in Wisconsin for over a week. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13Cfl-3DSBiEdiuaDb6Kz5SMPUgLX7m-WH5z3L3S17lfmN-Hbm03K2Yi9jJNud_vSXQuTenLyMrfIuqtJZPkcJUHkS_0MJn0YqGI-MwINV6Jlc01jA-oHRUz5jM26gdSQdcbEy9HnOUD71l9GjNcF8Z5LOkym8KuJk-voO-R1oY19Mz67d3xoH1PxYNOl/s4000/20240202_164101.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh13Cfl-3DSBiEdiuaDb6Kz5SMPUgLX7m-WH5z3L3S17lfmN-Hbm03K2Yi9jJNud_vSXQuTenLyMrfIuqtJZPkcJUHkS_0MJn0YqGI-MwINV6Jlc01jA-oHRUz5jM26gdSQdcbEy9HnOUD71l9GjNcF8Z5LOkym8KuJk-voO-R1oY19Mz67d3xoH1PxYNOl/w640-h296/20240202_164101.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Some other years when we have left in the middle of winter, we have driven on ice covered roads or snowy windy sub zero conditions. This was a really nice time to get out of Dodge and hit the road.</div><div><br /></div><div>I do enjoy using my Microsoft Streets and Trips on the laptop. I know it is no longer supported but it does still operate with a separate GPS dongle that plugs in a USB port. I have an articulating arm laptop holder that lets it set nicely in front of my passenger seat. This way we don't need to use the in-dash GPS and that screen can be reserved for the backup camera. With this big screen of the laptop we can maneuver and change add and adapt things. We can also keep track of our entire trip and make push pin notes of anything of importance. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4we4yz8j2ZUIpmapbRIniNPFQO4aX5WWiFEVfuhqmVlAfUgBM3WHAHr4Ngvpdwt7nWqq1KgcbjeHHmybCIJX2SS1J79nZ5FY75HcrPcUEtOUYUciVSwDhkMPtrKiN7yvkf4b0ekIOisGK5aMjZg9iTx3wko0Z8KV_z3K3jGSKVX35N-RA0S8N0R9z85fE/s4080/20240202_163520.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4we4yz8j2ZUIpmapbRIniNPFQO4aX5WWiFEVfuhqmVlAfUgBM3WHAHr4Ngvpdwt7nWqq1KgcbjeHHmybCIJX2SS1J79nZ5FY75HcrPcUEtOUYUciVSwDhkMPtrKiN7yvkf4b0ekIOisGK5aMjZg9iTx3wko0Z8KV_z3K3jGSKVX35N-RA0S8N0R9z85fE/w640-h296/20240202_163520.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our goal of the first day was to reach this little Shell gas station with a Burger King attached. Why would we want to go there? Because they have six RV slots with full hookups that you can stay at. They are open year-round. For $20 you can slide right in, hook up, dump your tanks if you wish, and even go buy a burger. Lol! </div><div><br /></div><div>It is located just south of the town Wenona, Illinois on Interstate 39. We have stopped here as our first stop every time we head south because it's just about long enough driving distance for us of 327 miles from home. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-eTh_0TRUfWWRuxnLgLTrHHxT0AOOXAvPhGRKoZwhdDHx-woszyyCYy0RvnRBDvzU3jqP0a4Thyphenhyphenwc2Wt0O6MA0-KQLcpWWEsu4dvbVHGpS5X5c65Rlap8txGHnNhoNkTMt67JbVoW87NpEGynBhIdM5hbAFgsDakMS34ArrFufHE1MkCY1xcUiKIDybl/s1938/Screenshot_20240204_104343_Maps.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1938" data-original-width="1079" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg-eTh_0TRUfWWRuxnLgLTrHHxT0AOOXAvPhGRKoZwhdDHx-woszyyCYy0RvnRBDvzU3jqP0a4Thyphenhyphenwc2Wt0O6MA0-KQLcpWWEsu4dvbVHGpS5X5c65Rlap8txGHnNhoNkTMt67JbVoW87NpEGynBhIdM5hbAFgsDakMS34ArrFufHE1MkCY1xcUiKIDybl/w356-h640/Screenshot_20240204_104343_Maps.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We chose the furthest slot away from the building, because we knew we can hear the drive-thru at Burger King if we park any closer. Once the drive-thru closes at 10:00 p.m., then it's nice and quiet. You do hear a train every now and then, but it's far enough away from the interstate, that you don't hear a lot of highway noise. Not too bad for 20 bucks! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIj65L-c22zTUkxGmHuh0kgdnGGkVjWenBsJx6d0hyZEYlqBHx0TQJgR1l5Sqwt5FYMaXNzhZixSo34QRJELXyeL55mYHV1Sm-SD9QS5pd3R5p4Rpmuc9OTb4XzuIVoNfCgABc2siVTw236JI_PtjC0Hh52xWo8H0VljQViUSPeMr4G39-AKearuJnw-K/s2048/received_1416687185599616.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfIj65L-c22zTUkxGmHuh0kgdnGGkVjWenBsJx6d0hyZEYlqBHx0TQJgR1l5Sqwt5FYMaXNzhZixSo34QRJELXyeL55mYHV1Sm-SD9QS5pd3R5p4Rpmuc9OTb4XzuIVoNfCgABc2siVTw236JI_PtjC0Hh52xWo8H0VljQViUSPeMr4G39-AKearuJnw-K/w640-h360/received_1416687185599616.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We took the dogs out for a little potty break and then they were ready to play. We brought along a tote full of their favorite dog toys to make them feel like they were at home.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjCWkrvi2r7dpYV58bc1TiuklJgTFxpE7xF2KDlqvY0pKdH2P7e3VTjoeHtUH-zwrBa-4MZCcPCyPbPsUpk8JWjhmx3ZgK3nri1nC2fmwYhAbepKcLPI7DXGnSWMmrv_ROWkih4zWDisRXc7yu7ghL1zZW59pv14UNjnXVSEKmG6IDhOoNGl7brhZX3Ka/s4080/20240202_193513.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjCWkrvi2r7dpYV58bc1TiuklJgTFxpE7xF2KDlqvY0pKdH2P7e3VTjoeHtUH-zwrBa-4MZCcPCyPbPsUpk8JWjhmx3ZgK3nri1nC2fmwYhAbepKcLPI7DXGnSWMmrv_ROWkih4zWDisRXc7yu7ghL1zZW59pv14UNjnXVSEKmG6IDhOoNGl7brhZX3Ka/w640-h296/20240202_193513.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We popped a pizza in the convection microwave, turned on our hotspot from Steve's Visible phone, and watched some HGTV programs on Roku until bedtime. It was very relaxing after our first day on the road.</div><div><br /></div><div>It did get down to 30° overnight. It's kind of nice to be plugged in to show power and not waste all of our battery power to run the main propane furnace. We do have a smaller catalytic Coleman heater but that's not big enough to keep up with 30° weather. When we have available electrical hookups, we can run a supplementary electric space heater as well. Our freshwater tank is above board and remains heated when the propane furnace runs. Both of our holding tanks also have electric heating pads on them. Normally we would turn them on when we have hookups, but we hadn't yet used them so they were still empty from being winterized. </div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning we awoke to beautiful bright sunshine again. Both of the dogs had to hop up on the bed and hang out and see what was going on. They join us for donuts and coffee. Each of them get the tiny last bite of our donut, and wait patiently until it's their turn. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vJzSkP1h8c6eouhzvgCkgkXtDVUq-CHSPhDHmRclPw9hM_j49GZ8bAUB6L3M2kvB-4uWjeBlnwBLHiOTfl8ovQXASgd4gUrQiAFinKemPc2CrK2NcGxh1h025dlrBGnxpvCyh2xEC9izF_s9gpTkboRsVaEEWBqh79xJrEdvXt1eaCJWNY_kTP2B53hn/s4000/20240203_074226.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vJzSkP1h8c6eouhzvgCkgkXtDVUq-CHSPhDHmRclPw9hM_j49GZ8bAUB6L3M2kvB-4uWjeBlnwBLHiOTfl8ovQXASgd4gUrQiAFinKemPc2CrK2NcGxh1h025dlrBGnxpvCyh2xEC9izF_s9gpTkboRsVaEEWBqh79xJrEdvXt1eaCJWNY_kTP2B53hn/w640-h296/20240203_074226.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a daytime shot of the six RV slots alongside the Burger King. We were in the one closest to where I am standing because there was grass right outside the door. It was very easy to let the dogs out to do their thing, and clean up afterwards of course. There's enough room to extend slides so that's never an issue. Compared to being in a parking lot somewhere. I think more stations should have these RV slots for overnighters who just need a safe spot to park and then move on the next day. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh603mgqKnTHPkxSXKgyv3zrLygKWrIQXXhaj0qoqi-HpTYqBRw19y5tATWzEnTcfxmVhlmFo6I4gBOk91RF0EUEOVrRFZAumyqcJ9kIlaD6h5mZuh81MkmD94QAkqDs__cKtplryB49g9Z3WEvD9OBu1qWF5Cfo0PTAkSpgiVjHcbAnaer-oFc7fIANIjr/s4000/20240203_100605.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh603mgqKnTHPkxSXKgyv3zrLygKWrIQXXhaj0qoqi-HpTYqBRw19y5tATWzEnTcfxmVhlmFo6I4gBOk91RF0EUEOVrRFZAumyqcJ9kIlaD6h5mZuh81MkmD94QAkqDs__cKtplryB49g9Z3WEvD9OBu1qWF5Cfo0PTAkSpgiVjHcbAnaer-oFc7fIANIjr/w640-h296/20240203_100605.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">That's it for our first day. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I will catch up the second day blog next, I wasn't feeling that good so I am one day behind.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">327 miles traveled</p><p style="text-align: center;">Averaging 13.4 miles per gallon </p><p style="text-align: center;">but most of it was headwind. </p>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-61655257468765117852024-01-28T20:24:00.012-06:002024-01-29T07:22:05.901-06:00Gearing Up to Head South<p><br /></p><p>Well, we are in the final countdown to leave Wisconsin for the rest of the winter! </p><p>Fortunately, the veterinarian called us with a cancellation appointment that we could move up Nick's neutering by 8 days. That event will happen on Tuesday and we will see how well he is healed to leave near the end of the week. It will actually be much easier to keep him calm and from jumping around and being too active within the confines of the motorhome. As opposed to our open concept house in which he gallops around like a racehorse and takes flying leaps from furniture or up and down the stairs. Being under control in the motorhome or only outside on a leash instead of loose in his potty yard will make a big difference in his healing process, we hope.</p><p><br /></p><p>Monday, Steve and I both have our yearly general checkup physicals. We've already completed the blood work for that and we should be good to go for another year. Maintenance and tune-up!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We started thinking about things that we would need to adjust with having a new active young pup along as opposed to our sedate relaxed comfortable 11-year-old Sheltie Binney.</div><div><br /></div><div>She has never pushed on our screen door of the RV or ever even tried to go through it. But with new Nicholas, we want to be sure that he is safe and prevent escape by going through a screen.</div><div><br /></div><div>Many RV companies sell these door grilles. We looked up and found one on sale at Camping world from $39 down to $29 this week. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.campingworld.com/screen-door-grille-black-91422.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=%7BCampaign%7D&cq_cmp=19941437670&cq_con=&cq_term=&cq_plac=&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAk9itBhASEiwA1my_65tBnphUB79Tom_murfs3qk1FYF-M5qv6BFKWLFCjSTj-RlpXnKXPxoCJyYQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">RV screen door grille</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We picked one up from the local dealer in Green Bay. We don't often shop at Camping World, but in the case of a good sale, we will make an exception. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is made adjustable that it can fit almost any size RV door. A drill is necessary to pre-drill the four little holes in the four corners.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had a really nice warm day in the mid-30s with no wind. Perfect time to get it mounted and level in place. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmHoQ2S9HA8ukv9ubxnCFila9ferICa2jexnPiGQ5HutXaEPvmfGkd26qpLhmDR8Lxhe00wEqdDLPzasOAf29gaumpUPjXTDjpXen9vkXDzWHfG19wiUO9K3fksbFluEwihsmGOC2wtMjQ3TeHJZfYCmJmR6GMKMIp-WdCBcCtM8LEPC_M1RkxYAEQ6Yy/s4080/20240128_112153.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmHoQ2S9HA8ukv9ubxnCFila9ferICa2jexnPiGQ5HutXaEPvmfGkd26qpLhmDR8Lxhe00wEqdDLPzasOAf29gaumpUPjXTDjpXen9vkXDzWHfG19wiUO9K3fksbFluEwihsmGOC2wtMjQ3TeHJZfYCmJmR6GMKMIp-WdCBcCtM8LEPC_M1RkxYAEQ6Yy/w640-h296/20240128_112153.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Steve took care of the drilling and screwing in the mounting screws, and we made sure it was centered on the door. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZujPgdxDOwqZAZju3X6J7l3AVEJpdH77aOJE-w9LgP-_L2tQiWPjM8ZX1DKOGUB5-cIGEXojPaeDdLf9-wVS8-VNpDII8BMRtrnwmK5eeCqU35Ri3oAi228AzmjbQ01VwXs65SOJPqXZMc0a4bQlTmTZlPGbTIx0Zkv97Gv6xVrqUyK3KwgCIgwQtVo6/s4080/20240128_112138.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiZujPgdxDOwqZAZju3X6J7l3AVEJpdH77aOJE-w9LgP-_L2tQiWPjM8ZX1DKOGUB5-cIGEXojPaeDdLf9-wVS8-VNpDII8BMRtrnwmK5eeCqU35Ri3oAi228AzmjbQ01VwXs65SOJPqXZMc0a4bQlTmTZlPGbTIx0Zkv97Gv6xVrqUyK3KwgCIgwQtVo6/w296-h640/20240128_112138.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Once it was centered, we realized there would be an irritating rattle where the adjustable arms slide in and out of the main center section. So we did a little brainstorming: we looked it over and figured out that if we ran a thin bead of glue from a hot glue gun in the seam between the two pieces, it would prevent any rattling noise. This was my job. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovmM8W1CtMEZ5jk8VQM88mR-JW6eIJwpfmisXcnkaCZen-V2_KvFxqu-4KZwrgxqoCGIBI4kwhTaLThSl9XFPpzrJOzuv3Ql9IqvhFDUtqrSMZxMh-RhMjqwCi7vaf2dM_dv2rviVZ4pDnjG00eNIc1Oni8CPN6jli_N-V4TPBbLohRV9g2iM-pHj3msc/s2712/20240128_112242.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2712" data-original-width="1482" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjovmM8W1CtMEZ5jk8VQM88mR-JW6eIJwpfmisXcnkaCZen-V2_KvFxqu-4KZwrgxqoCGIBI4kwhTaLThSl9XFPpzrJOzuv3Ql9IqvhFDUtqrSMZxMh-RhMjqwCi7vaf2dM_dv2rviVZ4pDnjG00eNIc1Oni8CPN6jli_N-V4TPBbLohRV9g2iM-pHj3msc/w350-h640/20240128_112242.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's what it looks like from the outside, with the big door open and just the screen door latched in place. You really can't see it from the outside.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oTboAodIMsew7ilB_lUOyWdEgqy-ySzXeL-pXp_HVA9_tBp3zNGPj-F5nGmxru1KFsFrFBJ06u2vh5OSUP1b8dh4mqXs3ujC0txrNdrfbatQvMfXFpEbq6-B5TF9etDLDgVZcqCZLsx2sch9GN2QBPqSy2VUojSM5dzgB5zb9-e5-44C3T31AT8M6_VT/s4080/20240128_112530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8oTboAodIMsew7ilB_lUOyWdEgqy-ySzXeL-pXp_HVA9_tBp3zNGPj-F5nGmxru1KFsFrFBJ06u2vh5OSUP1b8dh4mqXs3ujC0txrNdrfbatQvMfXFpEbq6-B5TF9etDLDgVZcqCZLsx2sch9GN2QBPqSy2VUojSM5dzgB5zb9-e5-44C3T31AT8M6_VT/w296-h640/20240128_112530.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We have another project to get done, and it's a preventative one to make sure that this little guy Nicholas never escapes. Even when closed, RV screen doors can sometimes be bumped open with a good push. Our screen door latch is very firm. But for added insurance, we are going to add a butterfly wing nut to the inside of the door frame, just like we did on our last motorhome. That way we are sure it is locked tight--- but we can reach in through the slider to flip the butterfly toggle open if need be. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(This pic is from our last motorhome)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1R_u7XGJIPLPzDQraORivi9ysmLk3E9EdYn6MRU6qx0DzcajKm0taE7Yj5focLdogaq-CY0SwgNpHd2_6kVMScsWD0bDKfM7aWXqOBhTjbGmL-at7dyWecZ8KWq1wg2UE288PE1Iq-G4sf4IEA6SOIU9UAqug-f5GeKEDXsN_B6bhq3HtbdGVN2Pi6n3/s1600/screen%20door%20latch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1R_u7XGJIPLPzDQraORivi9ysmLk3E9EdYn6MRU6qx0DzcajKm0taE7Yj5focLdogaq-CY0SwgNpHd2_6kVMScsWD0bDKfM7aWXqOBhTjbGmL-at7dyWecZ8KWq1wg2UE288PE1Iq-G4sf4IEA6SOIU9UAqug-f5GeKEDXsN_B6bhq3HtbdGVN2Pi6n3/w640-h480/screen%20door%20latch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Well, since we went to Camping World for the grille, we decided to do a little shopping... Nearby at Fleet Farm. This is a farm and home type store that's popular in the Midwest. And this was something we've been thinking about for a couple weeks. We looked at various pet trailers to take along behind our e-bikes. Thinking that if the dogs would like it, it would add to our adventures. The price range was about $150 to $300 for anything made for pets!! Ack! Specialty items you know. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I happened to go on the local Fleet Farm website in their bicycle department looking for some little rubber tips for the end of our kickstands. And in the files of bike supplies--- I saw this little bike trailer! It was made for children, but what the heck, it could work for pets right? And it was on a clearance sale that I couldn't believe. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was $150.00 </div><div>marked down to </div><div>only $25.00!!! </div><div><br /></div>Actually it took going to three different stores to buy it. The first one in Green Bay, at the West side store said they had ONE in their inventory. We got there, and nobody could find it. <div><br /></div><div>So they contacted the next store down in Appleton who said they had SIX of them. We went there, nobody could find ANY of the six??? </div><div><br /></div><div>But they kindly called up to the Green Bay East side store who promised they had TWO of them for sure. So we went there. SUCCESS!!! </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Who on Earth buys a bicycle trailer in Wisconsin in the middle of January???</div><div><br /></div><div>We do! </div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPM8KBp9LYCIGJW1Oo_GQEUugiEDsj8zhDEWsxtaZBq3MCYJ4vNcyWauUoGg7Tdx31S3mQq5-leYn7gTEMYQeN-bRhTLN6iBrDEq-yHKXZDNmVyyLIr07zACGYLNkLEGcoYos66dbp5Pw6Utf2zUyNZlknFmMUXNb6I9RTH0kQDznt_i9HeOs8WmyV5Zw/s3349/20240128_113752.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3349" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPM8KBp9LYCIGJW1Oo_GQEUugiEDsj8zhDEWsxtaZBq3MCYJ4vNcyWauUoGg7Tdx31S3mQq5-leYn7gTEMYQeN-bRhTLN6iBrDEq-yHKXZDNmVyyLIr07zACGYLNkLEGcoYos66dbp5Pw6Utf2zUyNZlknFmMUXNb6I9RTH0kQDznt_i9HeOs8WmyV5Zw/w360-h640/20240128_113752.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The cart collapses down flat and both of the wheels can detach and store easily for storage. It weighs 24 lb and is made of a steel frame and nylon fabric. The dogs were both very curious as we unpackaged the trailer. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJr26f1JKUtIGdFs0r9riVUm8xCeFYzMU44ayeYHmnLSDwOoRF0ZaYcujh7DPv4h0xNG8MJISa9Wqy2V7YSH96wWm1KWiOy25JkvO77xd5Z93QQD37Ppmi6lzD8983BUWpxu8tn2QnEG3OSY_5KCTHpZMc9HgHum1ROQkdZ4Ufb_W3c-43llJJjNNhyphenhyphenwc/s2502/20240128_114505.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="2502" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJr26f1JKUtIGdFs0r9riVUm8xCeFYzMU44ayeYHmnLSDwOoRF0ZaYcujh7DPv4h0xNG8MJISa9Wqy2V7YSH96wWm1KWiOy25JkvO77xd5Z93QQD37Ppmi6lzD8983BUWpxu8tn2QnEG3OSY_5KCTHpZMc9HgHum1ROQkdZ4Ufb_W3c-43llJJjNNhyphenhyphenwc/w640-h482/20240128_114505.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It goes together quite easily. Inside there is a little seat and harness for a child. We unstrapped most of the harness and the seat portion was just a matter of two screws to remove from the frame. Now it was one open complete space inside.</div><div><br /></div><div>The bottom surface of the trailer is just lightweight liner fabric kind of like tent nylon. It really isn't made for pets so we adapted by adding this firm cushion as a base for the dogs. It is actually a baby changing table foam pad! Binney uses it as a bed in my She Shed. So we can put it in the trailer and put it back when not in use. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpvZUCYAExyyV-BFc8QSlMjzL8LmLYXqiucWzOrwa6wXMy8S2a-GurHMzi_J-4M7sqo5va3OU5ZpwTJLqqFJQ2sfU-F7xY5gThTRUsjIrpYSd52kjovPkJ0mo3o73k-K4ZPgQcooOw_zOlw-kzTy0Cd7CREayoWfmI56U3TKsZ2C5I12zrkFx-SGmdnel/s4080/20240128_120645.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpvZUCYAExyyV-BFc8QSlMjzL8LmLYXqiucWzOrwa6wXMy8S2a-GurHMzi_J-4M7sqo5va3OU5ZpwTJLqqFJQ2sfU-F7xY5gThTRUsjIrpYSd52kjovPkJ0mo3o73k-K4ZPgQcooOw_zOlw-kzTy0Cd7CREayoWfmI56U3TKsZ2C5I12zrkFx-SGmdnel/w296-h640/20240128_120645.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Just enough room for </div><div style="text-align: center;">two pampered pets!!! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jCVLovP6HMONYfdJP6xGAL8g8GXnxKEeF5EHXTi79kNvWl5fVU3mDcNurnBsWAPB6s6u6YvlppqVhU8ZzPPbii-yl01jvwhP2t97wy1M8glhEjGzsYJqwIzo-ryxrzzbnvgQwVYVEi1dSCJQrnW-vNoZ08VdxIndBnUeRIeQm1_rFsZzPPZ1yMf9rEXb/s2711/20240128_120625.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2711" data-original-width="1786" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2jCVLovP6HMONYfdJP6xGAL8g8GXnxKEeF5EHXTi79kNvWl5fVU3mDcNurnBsWAPB6s6u6YvlppqVhU8ZzPPbii-yl01jvwhP2t97wy1M8glhEjGzsYJqwIzo-ryxrzzbnvgQwVYVEi1dSCJQrnW-vNoZ08VdxIndBnUeRIeQm1_rFsZzPPZ1yMf9rEXb/w422-h640/20240128_120625.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Binney always does anything that we ever ask her to do without question. So we popped her in and quizzical Nicholas had to see what was going on. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Here's a little video:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ua_9yKa91DQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="ua_9yKa91DQ"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Once we get down South, and settled in somewhere, then we can add the bracket to the back axle of one of our e-bikes. Not sure which one of us is going to pull the trailer yet, but we can order an extra bracket so we can put it on either bike if we wish. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jJCbBjMzBu33WdPRqIROXJWB5mFxPmaLHb1k2g_b93yuA4IWj5CUcmpd9AN_nql-daIUhayAD0waIE7vSKIdO9XouEPnPQYKijPPJD5DSrdSVA-6b4HjMoEVyP5OWR6c6rouUJJuWdbr2BJn8Jq9y9QNBcWaPx8LpSECRulC9RxAtei5hPDSUosjULFX/s858/Screenshot_20240128_153729_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="858" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jJCbBjMzBu33WdPRqIROXJWB5mFxPmaLHb1k2g_b93yuA4IWj5CUcmpd9AN_nql-daIUhayAD0waIE7vSKIdO9XouEPnPQYKijPPJD5DSrdSVA-6b4HjMoEVyP5OWR6c6rouUJJuWdbr2BJn8Jq9y9QNBcWaPx8LpSECRulC9RxAtei5hPDSUosjULFX/w640-h514/Screenshot_20240128_153729_Chrome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">We will start out with just walking alongside of the bike, until they get used to it. We hope that they will both enjoy going for rides with us. </p><p style="text-align: left;">If they don't like it, we can always easily resell it for either a child or pet trailer, considering the price we only paid for it. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I spent the rest of the afternoon packing up things that can go in the motorhome already waiting out in the driveway. We're pretty much all set with clothes and dry goods and non-freezable items.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Slowly I am filling up these totes, lined up by the back door. These are all the items that could freeze. Even though we are enjoying some unusually warm weather in Wisconsin, best to not put anything out there that can freeze up. I don't think there's a single night this week that it's going to be below 32°! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSYZVuIRQ7mrmCVRxoyE8uL1LFKF5jBPMl0g3QVqUjWdWh9OiEeEd3SGwHY7hBteWCh-SfExLCh0BY0PxhbjTbJqu3JIYEloIPuZgr6AtiGDEM5CQ-loEqcWCGrQmIlPVRQHXd0kQDnhWZawPryZqPxdbzVqghOG6F9NWMI6R8nvWlzd-J3LqWXBAGkIk/s2993/20240128_170058.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1590" data-original-width="2993" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSYZVuIRQ7mrmCVRxoyE8uL1LFKF5jBPMl0g3QVqUjWdWh9OiEeEd3SGwHY7hBteWCh-SfExLCh0BY0PxhbjTbJqu3JIYEloIPuZgr6AtiGDEM5CQ-loEqcWCGrQmIlPVRQHXd0kQDnhWZawPryZqPxdbzVqghOG6F9NWMI6R8nvWlzd-J3LqWXBAGkIk/w640-h340/20240128_170058.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Once the vet clears Nicholas for being able to travel, we will toss in these last few totes and hit the road! </div><div><br /></div><div>Not sure exactly where we are going, we play it by ear. Probably down through Arkansas into Northern Texas or loop over into Oklahoma. We will see. We've done a lot of winter desert camping to Arizona and New Mexico, so maybe we want to do something a little closer in the middle of the country. We will see. Plans made in Jell-O! <br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the meantime, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">look what's happening here</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> in Wisconsin!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfTJpsxwAHFj78KOE4JxJqEMTmAUvEnfUWJ0boCMqhxAJue9smFLFodYye4z0V97NuWMPEigJwOs8RK2MrgUPm8YKW4fvODVIvm5hvTwOrhu0oQLe-lgNtEluL7cLtFJDwjk1dlP8eTjXULVHcAnSgymlEVLlH1q8vc1ckGFxIOpEnNJA_WXwFzuZqYgl/s3823/20240128_165500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1850" data-original-width="3823" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrfTJpsxwAHFj78KOE4JxJqEMTmAUvEnfUWJ0boCMqhxAJue9smFLFodYye4z0V97NuWMPEigJwOs8RK2MrgUPm8YKW4fvODVIvm5hvTwOrhu0oQLe-lgNtEluL7cLtFJDwjk1dlP8eTjXULVHcAnSgymlEVLlH1q8vc1ckGFxIOpEnNJA_WXwFzuZqYgl/w640-h310/20240128_165500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>All of our snow is melting melting melting melting! We got 18 inches from that last storm. Now we are down to bare ground in some areas and whatever remaining snow there is, is only about 2 in thick. This is almost unheard of for January in Wisconsin. Wowzers. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MEU1YfQNsq-kKS1Ph6XjqDIezsWXWVMmvD04y0c4RcwruYJ6iE60ZYukTMZw9HcZMZH0VG0QlnNGiCrRlEx5QHQ6V07D9m9FL_CG4n7nEywCYKOXQqpMwomRo7iEDZBcmaX2zCmj_OoHTuZ5Z_6JXQNPTpRrLOXdPMSHzVG4XE1PRa40Oj4s1tF80Y6R/s3887/20240128_165508.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3887" data-original-width="1792" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4MEU1YfQNsq-kKS1Ph6XjqDIezsWXWVMmvD04y0c4RcwruYJ6iE60ZYukTMZw9HcZMZH0VG0QlnNGiCrRlEx5QHQ6V07D9m9FL_CG4n7nEywCYKOXQqpMwomRo7iEDZBcmaX2zCmj_OoHTuZ5Z_6JXQNPTpRrLOXdPMSHzVG4XE1PRa40Oj4s1tF80Y6R/w296-h640/20240128_165508.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>And to finish up on a doggie note, we took Nicholas and Binney for some socialization over to Steve's brother's Pete and wife Cindy's house. They met Finnegan, their handsome golden retriever. I'm pleased to say that all three dogs were on their best behavior and socialized quite well. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0Mj2dAWsaT1r1yJt44tQL6qvhX1aq8AItms-Vzv0TRKm4jLVWZCGCbLhYT0wM1VTxjznDIMw0BxmhxN-6AO7Lqc9qp86BjZ3ASL_FMgZhbSxgNSOuOEt2EgPGUkv7dcbL6UdJZPXrEKPmVBXu6ylCmult2rhx1GRBL-VmkT6iEmDxEhvDHjCSgIrtV_b/s3173/20240127_150043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="3173" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0Mj2dAWsaT1r1yJt44tQL6qvhX1aq8AItms-Vzv0TRKm4jLVWZCGCbLhYT0wM1VTxjznDIMw0BxmhxN-6AO7Lqc9qp86BjZ3ASL_FMgZhbSxgNSOuOEt2EgPGUkv7dcbL6UdJZPXrEKPmVBXu6ylCmult2rhx1GRBL-VmkT6iEmDxEhvDHjCSgIrtV_b/w640-h380/20240127_150043.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">And we will finish off with a video</p><p style="text-align: center;">I think one of the best ones I have made:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x4iLcxG08uA" width="320" youtube-src-id="x4iLcxG08uA"></iframe></div><div><br /></div>It seems like we have been watching football all day. Glad to see Kansas City make it into the Super Bowl. Now we are watching the Lions against the 49ers. Hoping for the Lions. Third quarter and things are at a tie. </div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-10305415029237090682024-01-18T13:57:00.000-06:002024-01-18T13:57:14.373-06:00Planning Our Upcoming RV Adventure<p>The heavy snows have come to Wisconsin, just like a lot of other parts of the country. We have been snowblowing and shoveling it away and keeping a clear path behind the motorhome. Our cargo trailer with the e-bikes and all of our extra gear is safely stowed away out of the snow inside of our garage.</p><p>We are looking to make a getaway as soon as some other obligations are finished. We have our yearly checkups at the end of this month, and have already completed the pre-appointment blood work. All looks good.</p><p>We have a neutering appointment set for February 7th for the new dog, Nicholas. We know it'll probably be a good 7 to 10 days after that before he will be cleared to travel. So that brings us easily into the middle of February. AAARRRGGGHHHHH! </p><p>I KEEP TELLING STEVE: THIS IS THE WORST MONTH TO BE STUCK IN WISCONSIN!!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKW1B5Nzfe9U40SOcV92Dm6LFMjql_xpk5F-quyrlsLNenrl5yDKRw5UhzKg_c4-RxBhY6_NYDf1ywamJSHIZAxHi1IbaLCpt-IOoA3q1iISnFouVnQ3_HKfWQKppo26KcLPIssjRB7tAKk0_jB4Zw9p7pGIQ2LAefOuLmK5GVMLcmXcMXaSx82AV3PDu/s2910/20240118_105724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2910" data-original-width="1591" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKW1B5Nzfe9U40SOcV92Dm6LFMjql_xpk5F-quyrlsLNenrl5yDKRw5UhzKg_c4-RxBhY6_NYDf1ywamJSHIZAxHi1IbaLCpt-IOoA3q1iISnFouVnQ3_HKfWQKppo26KcLPIssjRB7tAKk0_jB4Zw9p7pGIQ2LAefOuLmK5GVMLcmXcMXaSx82AV3PDu/w350-h640/20240118_105724.jpg" width="350" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div>So I am proposing that we push ahead our physicals into April when we get back as well as Nick's neutering appointment. He isn't showing any signs of aggression or dominance. He doesn't even lift his leg when he goes pee. So I don't think he needs to be neutered immediately... Although that is the best situation for him to get it done. We just wish we could have gotten a sooner appointment at our vet. We did ask to be put on a cancellation list in case they get in earlier opening for him. </div><div><br /></div><div>He doesn't like this anymore than I do, so I am hoping to nudge him forward into saying heck with the appointments and let's just load up and go? </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WCO2zakMlQJ3HZr-Y3pkLYdns8y3AznHafIsulEK6UQHRvtSTfkfe8Z-j7dLr1syVj7jxwUP2UgfIquts0xhzhJVTcSU_0B5lX6cK5g2sSuw5eVswQNT2M8wk0jZsLyDVRhGnNNurQvUyMa2XJQBlkelup9LjnE94BEbzJ5hiLdwkojjqagcoyTepbkd/s1022/20240110_085151.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1022" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WCO2zakMlQJ3HZr-Y3pkLYdns8y3AznHafIsulEK6UQHRvtSTfkfe8Z-j7dLr1syVj7jxwUP2UgfIquts0xhzhJVTcSU_0B5lX6cK5g2sSuw5eVswQNT2M8wk0jZsLyDVRhGnNNurQvUyMa2XJQBlkelup9LjnE94BEbzJ5hiLdwkojjqagcoyTepbkd/w640-h572/20240110_085151.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Nicholas has chosen to take the easy path and just curl up inside the warmth of the house. He is really appreciating a good warm house after being on his own out in the cold miserable woods for 3 weeks trying to find food, water, and shelter! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghr7s6pXIJMZ4MeJ4DnMTld4KsxJKJ9nOZPlbL91fmGZ9o-wqs0HmKGYSZz172zzUHV-xmpoxG6LDT0k_MD8CWjVnkzve17xDeQcQLpOzuzJ3sWiG0c4HuhRvFqhdWwEyhYQruNxghT2vIM_beLS4peKxvvdvPiN2PyEKE_eLQfPFgx98ceVRa39psv8Jo/s4080/20240112_111007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghr7s6pXIJMZ4MeJ4DnMTld4KsxJKJ9nOZPlbL91fmGZ9o-wqs0HmKGYSZz172zzUHV-xmpoxG6LDT0k_MD8CWjVnkzve17xDeQcQLpOzuzJ3sWiG0c4HuhRvFqhdWwEyhYQruNxghT2vIM_beLS4peKxvvdvPiN2PyEKE_eLQfPFgx98ceVRa39psv8Jo/w296-h640/20240112_111007.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Binney says she will go out and be a snow puppy just long enough to go pee and get right back in the house!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSq8P2BlZ8CBBaqIQ0ARDnoNOFPUIo90hTHSBTDGPtGwCF1tZjZaErtJsRxIxYikWGycNRJ8wmMGqjBLksAEKNVUoIi5JhU-Y7GVQwZMplz4HNTvoo2OIN8efH02w63_YhEGRT-wZWBQUu7wChYEdWRJ8Q-gtO7VWGvEMBwrXKNUOia9cFmu-M_LIwt8b/s2868/20240112_121504.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2868" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHSq8P2BlZ8CBBaqIQ0ARDnoNOFPUIo90hTHSBTDGPtGwCF1tZjZaErtJsRxIxYikWGycNRJ8wmMGqjBLksAEKNVUoIi5JhU-Y7GVQwZMplz4HNTvoo2OIN8efH02w63_YhEGRT-wZWBQUu7wChYEdWRJ8Q-gtO7VWGvEMBwrXKNUOia9cFmu-M_LIwt8b/w420-h640/20240112_121504.jpg" width="420" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We got a whopper of a storm the other night. It was amazing blasting with blizzard conditions. The winds were equivilant to a F2 Hurricane. Everything's stuck and frozen shut. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiZMwokJ5J331IOrdDL6ZBrpbAEQIN2dGHQqtRxsbQFKGSNMekfcISufVNg0fTGViVy3BAP9wML-0QsbXy_c5lWYsEY_KMn8l6TbkQ3qReZc7KkCV87HEBRmSyiYjA5q7mHaSb-o2GF8yLRYlKu3-_xsOnAeHtRRhGLcbeGDIicLXtdsdE64AIWZujHco/s4080/20240112_180621.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCiZMwokJ5J331IOrdDL6ZBrpbAEQIN2dGHQqtRxsbQFKGSNMekfcISufVNg0fTGViVy3BAP9wML-0QsbXy_c5lWYsEY_KMn8l6TbkQ3qReZc7KkCV87HEBRmSyiYjA5q7mHaSb-o2GF8yLRYlKu3-_xsOnAeHtRRhGLcbeGDIicLXtdsdE64AIWZujHco/w296-h640/20240112_180621.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sustained winds for hours along with a good 12 to 14 inches of snow. It was blowing so much it was hard to accurately measure the snowfall. I think in our area we got closer to 18 inches. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3q_E_Bq_qjd09k4EZIdmGLNJQ1EQpvJVyBPgxIeH4i8mQ6eYKZkmEJ3jE9qJhF7fashcpAegR5_Zb6EwHegBjjP-XXsf1j34rfl-7OYADV6IJphyphenhyphens94EjhzEk71jj9SCwiYOgSIYFd-vNadjKSUu1I0hp1iWDuaBvYBnMOQY2GHf7fiG-jCr28ENqMfW8/s4080/20240113_110828.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3q_E_Bq_qjd09k4EZIdmGLNJQ1EQpvJVyBPgxIeH4i8mQ6eYKZkmEJ3jE9qJhF7fashcpAegR5_Zb6EwHegBjjP-XXsf1j34rfl-7OYADV6IJphyphenhyphens94EjhzEk71jj9SCwiYOgSIYFd-vNadjKSUu1I0hp1iWDuaBvYBnMOQY2GHf7fiG-jCr28ENqMfW8/w296-h640/20240113_110828.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We had prepared before the storm hit and had everything we needed at hand. There was no reason to go out. So we hunkered down and enjoyed the fire and binged watched some traveling YouTubes to get some ideas on our upcoming trip.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MvWm4cOjvoDPhyphenhyphenCPz35VCnRCp8gniDMLMk7iYj9cH3D9yrXil14GKt12trzkhBJj3DJpgW8tRuN27DNBLZ9X0R1KJXuiR2Q6hodI3B6LANDCbU8i3K-sHxlrtQLs0sZpt2qHY8idfNndjEaTq5Ji6gAEQuYQt7fYtUe2-XSa_kIq9cCiwAE_zxX6S36w/s3452/20240108_161256.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1822" data-original-width="3452" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MvWm4cOjvoDPhyphenhyphenCPz35VCnRCp8gniDMLMk7iYj9cH3D9yrXil14GKt12trzkhBJj3DJpgW8tRuN27DNBLZ9X0R1KJXuiR2Q6hodI3B6LANDCbU8i3K-sHxlrtQLs0sZpt2qHY8idfNndjEaTq5Ji6gAEQuYQt7fYtUe2-XSa_kIq9cCiwAE_zxX6S36w/w640-h338/20240108_161256.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>We are thinking about heading south as quick as we can. In about the middle of Illinois is a small town called Wenona. There's a gas station and Burger King just off the interstate. They have pull through RV sites with hookups alongside of their building. It's nice to have electric for the night and add some electric space heaters as well as the propane furnace. We will leave the motor home fully winterized until we get further south. We carry along a 5 gallon jug of drinking water for the first night and use RV antifreeze to flush the toilet. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>From there we are looking to get down maybe to the top edge of Arkansas by the second night. We've looked at a few campgrounds and made sure that they are open in the Ozark National Forest. We called ahead and found out Long Pool and Cove Lake are both open year round.<div><br /></div><div>Next we are looking at getting down into the corner of Arkansas Oklahoma and Texas area. We found a few places that we might meander around to. </div><div><br /></div><div>On the way back I would like to stop in Hamilton at Missouri Star Quilt Company, and then stop by our dear friend Rosie in Bethel, Missouri. </div><div><br /></div><div>We will just play it by ear and we don't make reservations. Because we are very adept at boondocking we don't need campgrounds with hookups. We prefer the National Forest where it's quiet and take the rustic sites.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Tentative ideas: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6z-D0q4a2s7TrP16qtekYrl4bqJW2Fauscg7ZA5VLri8r019yHaB5blXTjOfBEWobmqWxmdieTkGYp6Fatpj5cnkq60-ZI74dor0_2Y4fwwX6A5SZ9X943xUsROyreUOKzw5haBE3JNGwzqOUDirdN5-Anil5bJqx3Sl-SmVKcxsHEaNtutq4kv0ADkAQ/s499/received_350912944385923.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="377" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6z-D0q4a2s7TrP16qtekYrl4bqJW2Fauscg7ZA5VLri8r019yHaB5blXTjOfBEWobmqWxmdieTkGYp6Fatpj5cnkq60-ZI74dor0_2Y4fwwX6A5SZ9X943xUsROyreUOKzw5haBE3JNGwzqOUDirdN5-Anil5bJqx3Sl-SmVKcxsHEaNtutq4kv0ADkAQ/w484-h640/received_350912944385923.png" width="484" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Now.... </div><div style="text-align: center;">Just to get out of the snow</div><div style="text-align: center;">and hit the road!! </div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>One of our last commitments here for January was our granddaughter Chelsea's 14th birthday. We also combined it along with our delayed Christmas family event. First we took all of them out to our favorite little Mexican restaurant here in Oconto, Los Magueyes. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-0Sr7Au3Oixed3085H-iYWFf7y8LapVH89ZVoFWHTo7WhS7Lkt4VtsiwaxCRbO1_Pq2B2iIYnBnMGFGE7WB4c7Wl6Rn8ZmuQiy8CcmH5piCdz-fcd2jERi3bwsHa-a96zP_4_Z1Wj25uKNAE3rvyRTDikX5rzrn8d8p31h6YK1LRqrJzi-6-zlb7VX5D/s4080/20240114_123026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-0Sr7Au3Oixed3085H-iYWFf7y8LapVH89ZVoFWHTo7WhS7Lkt4VtsiwaxCRbO1_Pq2B2iIYnBnMGFGE7WB4c7Wl6Rn8ZmuQiy8CcmH5piCdz-fcd2jERi3bwsHa-a96zP_4_Z1Wj25uKNAE3rvyRTDikX5rzrn8d8p31h6YK1LRqrJzi-6-zlb7VX5D/w640-h296/20240114_123026.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The food was excellent, as always. And of course the birthday girl had to wear the token sombrero and get her Birthday Sopapita! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJknHe1YjYQXiDXK3SvdXtNDz2vObGFAZTOQQ9jHTajzVZ-bKEVIlr-ANxvtumVUimJAFO3Ckx3xlSx3nIbDAqgZXieZoLX0puWsGfo6iiqdswluYlYj4GGN-tftVjL0ERjowvB3_eD6v1RXP8q6YxgQzyBnIFqciZSBU7RBlUGeftpLoHraf5QkYGEAg/s4080/20240114_130332.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2296" data-original-width="4080" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJknHe1YjYQXiDXK3SvdXtNDz2vObGFAZTOQQ9jHTajzVZ-bKEVIlr-ANxvtumVUimJAFO3Ckx3xlSx3nIbDAqgZXieZoLX0puWsGfo6iiqdswluYlYj4GGN-tftVjL0ERjowvB3_eD6v1RXP8q6YxgQzyBnIFqciZSBU7RBlUGeftpLoHraf5QkYGEAg/w640-h360/20240114_130332.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After that we took them bowling at the local bowling alley for our Epic Bowling Day. We had a lot of fun!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c65ePagGYGQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="c65ePagGYGQ"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The snow is starting to get deep, </div><div style="text-align: center;">the deer out in the Nature Preserve behind our home </div><div style="text-align: center;">have come into our yard to check out the bird feeders! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55SAXkB3ppEe4lBHkysFElJiphJEm_O49OnKUqcUXHkTt8DrArN8FDoDclkz9qQZvFDAxVfss-sm35eYQVTa8vXlKK22AiWr8fPfa2anR0Ecib_9ssR7oeuz9vLXu88uU59C0guMwfQZyh9YCHUPpktaz0qbF60cdusttC2zfDYRKCJUH2Zw5M0hO_MTm/s2284/20240117_175009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2284" data-original-width="1285" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi55SAXkB3ppEe4lBHkysFElJiphJEm_O49OnKUqcUXHkTt8DrArN8FDoDclkz9qQZvFDAxVfss-sm35eYQVTa8vXlKK22AiWr8fPfa2anR0Ecib_9ssR7oeuz9vLXu88uU59C0guMwfQZyh9YCHUPpktaz0qbF60cdusttC2zfDYRKCJUH2Zw5M0hO_MTm/w360-h640/20240117_175009.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We told both of the dogs that we want to take them and go camping in the motorhome. So it's time to get Nicholas accustomed to the motorhome! Even though it was down around 0°, we turned on the furnace and set up an electric space heater to warm it up inside for a couple hours. Then we went out with the dogs and a food dish and a water dish and our lunch! We let him explore the motorhome and sniff everything. Binney showed him around, and told him all of her favorite spots. We had our lunch out there and watched some TV so Nick got used to the idea that we would just sit in the recliners and it was like another house. We think he got the idea??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyI9qgsFwLj6f1io80BjMseeBuIH6Y9L9IN2yceJdgLex-bfqy_tP1NKJhvhutpmPqj7qhMpshQCw5SlNiQ4dRc66cIvhkkpho224KAHhJb6j16KkRxrCfx_5XkIrToUrB9pQLO6pKhTTLSvkIdCGInBsH2FssJh-KaAqZ_FPguZ6kBeuPdswqR8zUyPo/s2880/20240118_111328.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyI9qgsFwLj6f1io80BjMseeBuIH6Y9L9IN2yceJdgLex-bfqy_tP1NKJhvhutpmPqj7qhMpshQCw5SlNiQ4dRc66cIvhkkpho224KAHhJb6j16KkRxrCfx_5XkIrToUrB9pQLO6pKhTTLSvkIdCGInBsH2FssJh-KaAqZ_FPguZ6kBeuPdswqR8zUyPo/w640-h640/20240118_111328.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>He has traveled well in our Saturn in a dog crate on the back seat. He doesn't show any signs of motion sickness or nervousness so we think we he will be a good traveler. We put on about 180 miles with him one day and it didn't bother him a bit. </div><div><br /></div><div>So as long as we pack up their toys, their doggy beds, and their doggy food.. they will love to go wherever we go. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since we've been kind of snowbound and trapped at home, I've been making some YouTubes of the dogs just being silly and getting to know each other. I think they are just hilarious. Here are a few links for your viewing pleasure:</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mp4BPmIuLE4" width="320" youtube-src-id="Mp4BPmIuLE4"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/miGU-ugmkb0" width="320" youtube-src-id="miGU-ugmkb0"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NQGNssUtrn0" width="320" youtube-src-id="NQGNssUtrn0"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KlUTuLFxjxk" width="320" youtube-src-id="KlUTuLFxjxk"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DoGNi9F8Fq8" width="320" youtube-src-id="DoGNi9F8Fq8"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8Ir7oXsQd3Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="8Ir7oXsQd3Q"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/peXNAH0UkNI" width="320" youtube-src-id="peXNAH0UkNI"></iframe></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Well, if Steve doesn't want to leave yet...</p><p style="text-align: center;">I do have some quilts to work on.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">This one is called North Star, </p><p style="text-align: center;">and will be done for my friend Cella.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWv0TyGzsYoRRXn9cvoq8kf-0GqbCFHwdsJgfKO5tBfADnAjvQYDmNDoa77V9MosIY3GYvpML_4B604lmiN9Q6M3s8loNPO8815G1i15yTHJtEHJhejoG2Kw7ztJm6vcDWgA-8Ij67hihZKyZg479ZqkB-WQ47YD90PFlqWZjEOm6_iKJidMm1WAif4lgk/s4000/20240115_113811.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1844" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWv0TyGzsYoRRXn9cvoq8kf-0GqbCFHwdsJgfKO5tBfADnAjvQYDmNDoa77V9MosIY3GYvpML_4B604lmiN9Q6M3s8loNPO8815G1i15yTHJtEHJhejoG2Kw7ztJm6vcDWgA-8Ij67hihZKyZg479ZqkB-WQ47YD90PFlqWZjEOm6_iKJidMm1WAif4lgk/w296-h640/20240115_113811.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>I am prepping and prewashing and cutting fabrics to take along to work on this one next. Called Autumn Leaves. I have a variety of rich brown, rust and gold prints to work on the blocks. The pattern has 3 sizes, I think I will work on the largest 10 inch ones for a big quilt. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmHjoBlMNz6GM0hYxLEDAUMJQ9Q1afoLAhaCmZJbXQZcGrRJ3O3gZ4C5ud-cOJ1vGfJ_X2IukTTBeBa62WfezZJlGScgdq1-fw1dtCyuikb3Y2VtahIOwJ-o9355n0APw8aJAlrmvI0rKl9FNwJK-xhlZXJFD8kx_G1Hjs4_gTf0xxBk5QuZd7RUBP2cw/s1079/Screenshot_20240116_122635_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1079" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmHjoBlMNz6GM0hYxLEDAUMJQ9Q1afoLAhaCmZJbXQZcGrRJ3O3gZ4C5ud-cOJ1vGfJ_X2IukTTBeBa62WfezZJlGScgdq1-fw1dtCyuikb3Y2VtahIOwJ-o9355n0APw8aJAlrmvI0rKl9FNwJK-xhlZXJFD8kx_G1Hjs4_gTf0xxBk5QuZd7RUBP2cw/w640-h620/Screenshot_20240116_122635_Chrome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Time to get a move on here,</p><p style="text-align: center;">maybe start packing?</p></div>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-90363807810072478742024-01-12T08:27:00.003-06:002024-01-12T08:48:13.610-06:00Next Step with Our Solar Power Bluetti Power Station<p>(I WROTE THIS BLOG LAST NIGHT BUT FORGOT TO HIT PUBLISH)</p><p><br /></p><p>The next step in our RV power setup arrived today by FedEx. It was already delayed one day in Chicago, due to the bad weather yesterday. Well, it got here just in time today before the big storm hits again tomorrow! </p><p>Steve excitedly examined the package, which appeared to be in really good shape. FedEx treated this box well. </p><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGUX8bqcSfhvWvWRMEFrYJTci-stsHCZnh-FOWZvXEAocbhhu0ipFvQOFWab6NVfEckyhPG3ezI6uscBqgRMqLnmCBxdgA9IWvMJymG6ZOUbTIYVJRpnFQz8KP65eslGt2m16AF9iw3mqYlAbVUXcw-mv5xAuwK5fP4JpUGwL7t6ULpXgA_FeigMhIgaF/s1919/20240111_135835.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1919" data-original-width="1794" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGUX8bqcSfhvWvWRMEFrYJTci-stsHCZnh-FOWZvXEAocbhhu0ipFvQOFWab6NVfEckyhPG3ezI6uscBqgRMqLnmCBxdgA9IWvMJymG6ZOUbTIYVJRpnFQz8KP65eslGt2m16AF9iw3mqYlAbVUXcw-mv5xAuwK5fP4JpUGwL7t6ULpXgA_FeigMhIgaF/w598-h640/20240111_135835.jpg" width="598" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Soon he had it unpacked and let it warm up for the required 6 hours to get it to room temperature before messing around with charging it up any further. It already came pre-charged at 57%. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8tNXeB-HX3oUMADW5-fS7bMmuvE6nP7KyOQiqFRqQXnoaWPqfDf_75pVOZ3u2rHNaKsaZA6fLgl6_NO3qwjjFOBOPcI4oCL3WxsbVBvkBJQn95_QHer1chh_gmuLCm-vQeItBH7Ib1TI387CELFZvf5ZNYATfuR7rnxZcazzA_oKsIt6rZWVTBbVYivU/s2893/20240111_161308.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="2893" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8tNXeB-HX3oUMADW5-fS7bMmuvE6nP7KyOQiqFRqQXnoaWPqfDf_75pVOZ3u2rHNaKsaZA6fLgl6_NO3qwjjFOBOPcI4oCL3WxsbVBvkBJQn95_QHer1chh_gmuLCm-vQeItBH7Ib1TI387CELFZvf5ZNYATfuR7rnxZcazzA_oKsIt6rZWVTBbVYivU/w640-h416/20240111_161308.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We downloaded the Bluetooth / Wi-Fi app to our phones and got all of the settings figured out for what we would be using it for. This is going to be a really nice addition to our camping experience. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This unit will take the place of a couple additional deep cycle batteries, as well as have inputs for solar or generator or DC charging from a vehicle's alternator while we drive. It also contains a built-in MPPT solar controller, a pure sine wave 2400 watt inverter, UPS unlimited power supply interruption, and surge protection. It operates from either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to our phones, which makes it easier for us to monitor and control it. </div><div><br /></div><div>We can use it as a separate power source out in the cargo trailer. It can be used to charge our e-bikes, or any other equipment we have out there. I can also use it for my sewing machine while sitting outside in the campsite. </div><div><br /></div><div>But the best use is that it has a large 30 amp RV outlet on it. We can take our big motorhome cord and plug it into the Bluetti Power Station, and it's like doubling our on board battery capacity! </div><div><br /></div><div>This is a LiFePO4 lithium iron phosphate battery as opposed to a lithium ion battery. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1m5l6FpPvU6f8pDoheqzrrMJgmpXDv4AUB1AYwvfsO1LB2PYuy1FP-h4r6I8V17fawJvuRx6kZL1GIA6M5Bb8Sayh-xas1G-XXvrTVAifYnaZX_1M82c5kkAM9VRqWqUdwrb1-GbXH59SlqeQ6tkgMh6AmfilSNLOdNHeEeLLxQDB8FzsC6Jku2Ctbd_Q/s1080/Screenshot_20240111_172406_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="1080" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1m5l6FpPvU6f8pDoheqzrrMJgmpXDv4AUB1AYwvfsO1LB2PYuy1FP-h4r6I8V17fawJvuRx6kZL1GIA6M5Bb8Sayh-xas1G-XXvrTVAifYnaZX_1M82c5kkAM9VRqWqUdwrb1-GbXH59SlqeQ6tkgMh6AmfilSNLOdNHeEeLLxQDB8FzsC6Jku2Ctbd_Q/w640-h286/Screenshot_20240111_172406_Chrome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Not only can we use this for camping, but it can be a backup power source in our home if the power goes out. We can use it to run our home refrigerator, and our modem and router for the Wi-Fi. Plus a few lights and be able to recharge phones etc. With our 2 natural gas fireplaces not needing any electrical power to heat the home, we are all set in case of a power outage. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Back to the "Blue Eddie"... My talk-to-text wants to call it that instead of Bluetti, ha ha. <div><br /></div><div>Main reason for picking this up was because we were going to get some additional batteries to utilize in the cargo trailer behind our motorhome. Last week Steve installed a 320 watt solar panel to the roof of our cargo trailer. This cargo trailer hauls our e-bikes, extra camping gear, and our lawn chairs. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWy40gJYd6YpwKz0sfIEXWmuCMB5zG72OdW-1mBIG1DvQJK1k5Eat_xEg9Y-DtxUy-M2q_kUT-T2PuoMZulyR8SiKnhu_p4GBMrJbFvYgP7eOnLxDvcaFql6CbEfgDyHGEUNABpOyj7LiZzHPYG4eaySmreVXCujk_Xb_ySmuF_h4l6rfic2c1leT05Xf/s2254/20240105_172036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="2254" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWWy40gJYd6YpwKz0sfIEXWmuCMB5zG72OdW-1mBIG1DvQJK1k5Eat_xEg9Y-DtxUy-M2q_kUT-T2PuoMZulyR8SiKnhu_p4GBMrJbFvYgP7eOnLxDvcaFql6CbEfgDyHGEUNABpOyj7LiZzHPYG4eaySmreVXCujk_Xb_ySmuF_h4l6rfic2c1leT05Xf/w640-h368/20240105_172036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>He made the panels tiltable in either direction if need be. But really, on our last motorhome we had 500 watts of panels and never tilted them. They always charged up well before noon to 100% on our battery bank. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX46vu2Gr2xMiFDLNf-UKg5hicJRmK20cJJMs8_pfviAAfWt8T3BlfSatjIFZBRUKQgUm3ju39H9Uy-IqG8LYlxlwcOUDckCc67DzojN6e20-yaQujbR-ccsoq_NF7RKeQJZHLzbCmJf2tR2aPkcIvolNkcqiWPog79wlIspD9Q51b6V3XJBaal1Uw-EOG/s2067/20240107_114106.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1741" data-original-width="2067" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX46vu2Gr2xMiFDLNf-UKg5hicJRmK20cJJMs8_pfviAAfWt8T3BlfSatjIFZBRUKQgUm3ju39H9Uy-IqG8LYlxlwcOUDckCc67DzojN6e20-yaQujbR-ccsoq_NF7RKeQJZHLzbCmJf2tR2aPkcIvolNkcqiWPog79wlIspD9Q51b6V3XJBaal1Uw-EOG/w640-h540/20240107_114106.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>But the added benefit of making them tiltable is he was able to then work on the wiring to guide it down through inside to the cargo trailer. </div><div><br /></div><div>He ordered this little junction box to guide this solar panel specific wire connectors down into the cargo trailer interior. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYS8wlQs7Vf0q1KoYNAazyGDJcLVjO_lx_T7z68w10fdrTEpN_7PIY5QtwcK0a-FW9lAZPQbYSgQekDOpGYNmQfiAHGrXT861wMhCU1wdfVjW15vVdyiqC0GVgjvXDgt_buQWeePXp6x8EJBA5PXsutosQAHh6zjPsmJpnsGdcN8vmPz9luzfD4UfWQ0B7/s2340/Screenshot_20240105_173911_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYS8wlQs7Vf0q1KoYNAazyGDJcLVjO_lx_T7z68w10fdrTEpN_7PIY5QtwcK0a-FW9lAZPQbYSgQekDOpGYNmQfiAHGrXT861wMhCU1wdfVjW15vVdyiqC0GVgjvXDgt_buQWeePXp6x8EJBA5PXsutosQAHh6zjPsmJpnsGdcN8vmPz9luzfD4UfWQ0B7/w296-h640/Screenshot_20240105_173911_Chrome.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>He took pictures of the process yesterday of drilling a hole right through the roof! Gasp! Then he added a rubber grommet into the hole. From there he cleaned the exterior surface very well with rubbing alcohol. Then he was able to stick down the gland junction box using very strong butyl tape. This is the same tape we used when we replaced the motorhome windows on the Safari. From there, he screwed it down tight and then he covered all the exterior edges with a good thick layer of Eternabond tape. I think he did a very good job! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOms_pgTBkFMkHL4iA8yg7I8aU4Xke_0vqd640DGwfOQmBumdidWlQbXWxbx7iUi_RoDmNTNrTnwjVHcHsBGKyz-j0gFR58WaTUUtM6dKARILWoFWsJdtCt6AJbF1p2Emr__Mp8zpED7uH0vvgHiXpM9uWevEFJliyxELAh5ELT3jjkg_YKAdOJ2dhMdcV/s2880/20240111_170527.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOms_pgTBkFMkHL4iA8yg7I8aU4Xke_0vqd640DGwfOQmBumdidWlQbXWxbx7iUi_RoDmNTNrTnwjVHcHsBGKyz-j0gFR58WaTUUtM6dKARILWoFWsJdtCt6AJbF1p2Emr__Mp8zpED7uH0vvgHiXpM9uWevEFJliyxELAh5ELT3jjkg_YKAdOJ2dhMdcV/w640-h640/20240111_170527.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Now that he guided the wires down to the inside, tomorrow we will go out in the garage and set up the "Blue Eddie" and see how well it works within the cargo trailer. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In Wisconsin, we have been blessed finally with some snowfall! It was really beautiful last night floating down like a snow globe. Earlier in the day it was very wet and icy and slushy. Towards evening the snowflakes turned big and fluffy. It was beautiful. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJX8aQzyKyiwMEpiogqFb64wekVSkf5xeCZP7WRjhDh-ccRbTmRvn-pDKOQUPorvMm3zAqMOkD1dtx-lA0Tr4JfTJX3K_ibfJEMHr54Qs8Az49rHPxLwFGeA-4YL8ICG-c0GyRwaLK63rkyoje-JyXiPB_ds6ryc-lSWkUNnmkUDYjDrvt3YU1QklN5zwc/s4080/20240110_220129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJX8aQzyKyiwMEpiogqFb64wekVSkf5xeCZP7WRjhDh-ccRbTmRvn-pDKOQUPorvMm3zAqMOkD1dtx-lA0Tr4JfTJX3K_ibfJEMHr54Qs8Az49rHPxLwFGeA-4YL8ICG-c0GyRwaLK63rkyoje-JyXiPB_ds6ryc-lSWkUNnmkUDYjDrvt3YU1QklN5zwc/w296-h640/20240110_220129.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div>With the fresh coat of snow on the ground, these two absolute silly dogs had to get outside and romp and play. Who would believe that they are 1 and 11 years old. That is 7 and 77 years old in dog years???? </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/miGU-ugmkb0" width="320" youtube-src-id="miGU-ugmkb0"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>By mid-afternoon, the snow let up and the sun actually peaked out with beautiful blue sky. Steve rushed out to get the snowblower going and get this wet heavy stuff out of the way. We are due for a big storm coming and then some very sub-zero temperatures. The stuff will freeze like a rock if you don't get it off the driveway now. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGBbzcyPHpEAdgIs_z4zwEXcUHgOHsUUDuXo3t3a6AWuAq_0AenXkyQi3B4NV8KMWxuInHF21SM8KHCi31VNMDFQESYfD60aaluxV4mHBhXIvR-0JVz7rzjtuNfR8tO-w4isS_70TssbRZyzfdR7hOv08FBei-7BjhhE58uLuWsEKLqAJNhfDRfwuMK6S/s4080/20240111_104914.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcGBbzcyPHpEAdgIs_z4zwEXcUHgOHsUUDuXo3t3a6AWuAq_0AenXkyQi3B4NV8KMWxuInHF21SM8KHCi31VNMDFQESYfD60aaluxV4mHBhXIvR-0JVz7rzjtuNfR8tO-w4isS_70TssbRZyzfdR7hOv08FBei-7BjhhE58uLuWsEKLqAJNhfDRfwuMK6S/w640-h296/20240111_104914.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>While he was doing that, I was laying out these quilt blocks in a pleasing pattern on our king size bed in the bedroom. This is going to be a queen size quilt with borders around the edges. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sc8S20OFQ5ZZ_p1I4Tr3HJShNyCnhXvj9-Q6izlB2G2IwuhkvWGYfEZnngyZxZot0p5jPgbWtAwWaYGNkvw8-JGmFk3sRnk9JSGFZbSjH_G06ULKs9GC_wzLhxMTPXxFqJp9359v6FNUW8p6V1qjvY6e9crTtroZx9VBFajYfNmbZdeSPGgi9caPeWmN/s4080/20240109_115209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sc8S20OFQ5ZZ_p1I4Tr3HJShNyCnhXvj9-Q6izlB2G2IwuhkvWGYfEZnngyZxZot0p5jPgbWtAwWaYGNkvw8-JGmFk3sRnk9JSGFZbSjH_G06ULKs9GC_wzLhxMTPXxFqJp9359v6FNUW8p6V1qjvY6e9crTtroZx9VBFajYfNmbZdeSPGgi9caPeWmN/w640-h296/20240109_115209.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I settled into my she shed and started sewing the blocks together into long strips. Each one is labeled with a hunk of blue painters tape designating row and column to keep them in order and facing in the right directions. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79wGmiVrnB8mOMJNxVe2OBrpcD2B5swOpgO53Rf4M-h2CeTxVC1J-uUBf0JMoadO2BVZMAg6nMcFYo8x5ENS2pxBSEBAqu8IYf3Fbf21tBP_cD8agZvmuSZCSeGuhfENtrGw5gV0wM8HcBqwQbtrnW0HYmSDGOCTtDOO6Rhld_SbX85xKuqM4ozGGeJ_2/s4080/20240110_105341.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg79wGmiVrnB8mOMJNxVe2OBrpcD2B5swOpgO53Rf4M-h2CeTxVC1J-uUBf0JMoadO2BVZMAg6nMcFYo8x5ENS2pxBSEBAqu8IYf3Fbf21tBP_cD8agZvmuSZCSeGuhfENtrGw5gV0wM8HcBqwQbtrnW0HYmSDGOCTtDOO6Rhld_SbX85xKuqM4ozGGeJ_2/w296-h640/20240110_105341.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Silly little Nicholas, our new little rescue puppy, was totally convinced that the sewing machine was going to EAT ME!! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NQGNssUtrn0" width="320" youtube-src-id="NQGNssUtrn0"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Once I propped him up on my sewing chair, He settled down and let me continue sewing. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriQ8pY8KR2PoLVYVj2uO9WLtuH7AYViJgf4Grbwk6G8qAY_r2q2TKJJ615LvVxkrhVi2_8gTLsVhETQ5YB3XklrRLCziL20p6flI8pBZcHR7Gl5FzxW6LFq1Hrj4h6S_R_DcrCSwUThmxIl9kQBHBPmu-H-gW7lnQpoZaQkxZDmwgAiZjKAf105PS5iZr/s4080/20240110_105429.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhriQ8pY8KR2PoLVYVj2uO9WLtuH7AYViJgf4Grbwk6G8qAY_r2q2TKJJ615LvVxkrhVi2_8gTLsVhETQ5YB3XklrRLCziL20p6flI8pBZcHR7Gl5FzxW6LFq1Hrj4h6S_R_DcrCSwUThmxIl9kQBHBPmu-H-gW7lnQpoZaQkxZDmwgAiZjKAf105PS5iZr/w296-h640/20240110_105429.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">They just released the weather storm warnings for what's coming in Wisconsin. I know across the whole country, there's a bunch of crazy weather. Looks like we are maybe going to end up with another foot of snow. It's the blasting winds that are going to be a problem. They said the wind gusts are going to be like an EF 2 tornado. It will be blizzard conditions!! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMRR8Us46bgVH5xVUzdvAzdmvaBNUZwHL33D65gncka1puaWFn2sNNnt11YdtVZqtx5t4AvkP-YLjig_cEDB0CCSWbBZyAXDfaLUu37peiS4WHt7kZi4sPBUwCuuuxQxVuel8C_6JJDIpBsHwJADiQiMBvriWZ2m9uRDhiNuxAk1gcEyMjyxUYr9kJBs7/s1080/Screenshot_20240111_173033_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="1080" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLMRR8Us46bgVH5xVUzdvAzdmvaBNUZwHL33D65gncka1puaWFn2sNNnt11YdtVZqtx5t4AvkP-YLjig_cEDB0CCSWbBZyAXDfaLUu37peiS4WHt7kZi4sPBUwCuuuxQxVuel8C_6JJDIpBsHwJADiQiMBvriWZ2m9uRDhiNuxAk1gcEyMjyxUYr9kJBs7/w640-h396/Screenshot_20240111_173033_Chrome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">We are just going to stay home and hunker down. Everything is stocked up in the cabinets in the fridge so we will be just fine.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-40059847803134044772024-01-07T10:22:00.011-06:002024-01-12T08:49:30.618-06:00Solaring Up Our Cargo Trailer for E-bikes Behind Winnebago View Motorhome<p>If you are a regular reader of my blog, you will know that in October we bought a couple of Lectric XP 3.0 E-bikes to take along when we go camping.</p><p>We decided to transport them inside of a small 4x6 cargo trailer. Here is my blog post about outfitting the cargo trailer:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/2023/12/outfitting-enclosed-cargo-trailer-for-e.html?m=0">outfitting-enclosed-cargo-trailer-for-e.bikes</a><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Now we've gone one step further, and decided to expand our solar array by putting a 320 watt panel up on the roof of the cargo trailer!</p><p>Previously, on our last motorhome, we had 500 Watts of solar on the roof and that was more than adequate, along with a bank of four deep cycle 6 volt batteries. </p><p>Now on this Winnebago View motorhome, we only have two 6 volt batteries, and a 100 watt set of portable solar panels. They work well, but we decided we would like to have something mounted up on a roof so we don't have to move them around as much. </p><p>We really didn't want to mount solar panels onto the roof of the new motorhome. We prefer to park in the shade for comfort. We decided to have the solar mounted on the roof of the cargo trailer. </p><p>Now we can charge up the e-bikes even while they are inside of the trailer. We have other items that could be charged from inside the trailer as well. </p><p>Plus, by having this roof solar panel set up, we can plug in the motorhome (via something new to us called a Power Station) so it can top off the motorhome batteries at the same time. </p><p>The third thought is that I would like to be able to run my sewing machine when we are camping, and have it set up outside. That usually means running a cord back into the motorhome's inverter power system. But now with this extra solar and equipment on the cargo trailer, I don't need to tap into the motorhome. We can save that power in those batteries for evenings and overnight. </p><p>Well, you know Steve... He was watching on Facebook Marketplace. There was a gentleman replacing some rental solar panels that were only a few years old. The company was changing an array to larger panels and he was selling these 320 watt panels for only $125 each. One was the exact size that we needed for the roof of the 4x6 cargo trailer. </p><p>He made up some brackets that can be tiltable. The panel is held up off the roof so it does not build up heat underneath it. The brackets are bolted into the side of the trailer rather than with multiple holes through the roof, avoiding any potential roof leaks. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT0l2cqXR7Ytfh338XTasMocYoYyiXl-wtVrCwIyysTffgUFpmYqRquPSYx23g7cBhhBa6Bpy3sgQXVL5XlderYrXs0AG4oKuZ2wXDHC6w1yfXe3_SjP6g4atQIMb0rTi1dgcjT4v1GrTYbyQjpgUXEpOOPZSpm8p-xMeo3yxdDo6LSWVtXL4D6dYT051/s2254/20240105_172036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1295" data-original-width="2254" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJT0l2cqXR7Ytfh338XTasMocYoYyiXl-wtVrCwIyysTffgUFpmYqRquPSYx23g7cBhhBa6Bpy3sgQXVL5XlderYrXs0AG4oKuZ2wXDHC6w1yfXe3_SjP6g4atQIMb0rTi1dgcjT4v1GrTYbyQjpgUXEpOOPZSpm8p-xMeo3yxdDo6LSWVtXL4D6dYT051/w640-h368/20240105_172036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>He put it together easily in one afternoon. Now the one single large panel is mounted up on the roof. He ordered a special grommet type shielded connector that will route the power cords to the inside with no risk of leaks. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-LYmcbqEUEc-kRhG6gO9t6GXlRdtNuKs4wQQITxGxMHJ9VZ231OEwPExkaITeL6jqm7t_m85e2m1UT_JbQ3set2sjF4eesqHT9GaJmc_tIEz9oh64wcQ58084A3NOFAVpOIN_e_1uqiSsAK9zLcVsMQOGkX7lvGb7vdj3AKFR3kvc_Jm9Jl4HVUb0SOc/s3025/20240105_172049.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1227" data-original-width="3025" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc-LYmcbqEUEc-kRhG6gO9t6GXlRdtNuKs4wQQITxGxMHJ9VZ231OEwPExkaITeL6jqm7t_m85e2m1UT_JbQ3set2sjF4eesqHT9GaJmc_tIEz9oh64wcQ58084A3NOFAVpOIN_e_1uqiSsAK9zLcVsMQOGkX7lvGb7vdj3AKFR3kvc_Jm9Jl4HVUb0SOc/w640-h260/20240105_172049.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It can tilt to either side if need be. But in all honesty, we made the old Safari's panels tiltable, but we never needed to tilt them. We were always charged up to 100% before noon.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8Lhi4juVONj2N_T6tIZcP0UXSn5wJppT0cTh8QagMIH8Ea3ODXSgdCOiuv4OMfaI1uk6pOxhFhAhpT-yY3DIPl6x54Ytha-MUpfqHmisfhmLywvFD4cOPoxzCQI5ed2n9AswfxCtYxHpoA1wyZUXEqaDpAyflSOhNIKbIfekLp1WexHq-nWnYWAUg88v/s2067/20240107_114106.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1741" data-original-width="2067" height="540" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8Lhi4juVONj2N_T6tIZcP0UXSn5wJppT0cTh8QagMIH8Ea3ODXSgdCOiuv4OMfaI1uk6pOxhFhAhpT-yY3DIPl6x54Ytha-MUpfqHmisfhmLywvFD4cOPoxzCQI5ed2n9AswfxCtYxHpoA1wyZUXEqaDpAyflSOhNIKbIfekLp1WexHq-nWnYWAUg88v/w640-h540/20240107_114106.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>This trailer is easily maneuverable around a campsite, so we can push it to where the sun is. Also, it can charge up this new system even while we are driving down the road.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuUCID6dC-E8TJlAyHXcZPwnfXJ4EaURU7TYWq8EKmBmiiWBVIa80Xu4AGd2wrcKrbw25Ky_wSByBo2fAyvIYs94hWoh0TpHPWspfWeD8oE3ovRsMjWmacLkTMEJhejD2T0CpeF-xg9ss0-qRD84sMt86ksP9Yb2QNOwxRtYCCp_IrQGImkRLKu508m0Q/s2489/20240105_172114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2489" data-original-width="1554" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuUCID6dC-E8TJlAyHXcZPwnfXJ4EaURU7TYWq8EKmBmiiWBVIa80Xu4AGd2wrcKrbw25Ky_wSByBo2fAyvIYs94hWoh0TpHPWspfWeD8oE3ovRsMjWmacLkTMEJhejD2T0CpeF-xg9ss0-qRD84sMt86ksP9Yb2QNOwxRtYCCp_IrQGImkRLKu508m0Q/w400-h640/20240105_172114.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Here's what the cargo trailer looks like when it's hooked up behind our motorhome.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VTXBPyYcynVqNXIGB_uJuMEUNs0QWFbY5a97cLgJnOcZoAuKJF9JENngCWPxXTceqj56yL6H1q9KEhsXt9Lex2YTmbTyp-b-IN-RRlT_env0XlSCHZ0YSgb3ZZ70MYRS5znWHh2ZPuaCyl6J_1d8ddh20MkNutJ0-VTjVgeWHEv9qlzKA-2JbTyr8hGZ/s783/FB_IMG_1704159339698.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="783" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VTXBPyYcynVqNXIGB_uJuMEUNs0QWFbY5a97cLgJnOcZoAuKJF9JENngCWPxXTceqj56yL6H1q9KEhsXt9Lex2YTmbTyp-b-IN-RRlT_env0XlSCHZ0YSgb3ZZ70MYRS5znWHh2ZPuaCyl6J_1d8ddh20MkNutJ0-VTjVgeWHEv9qlzKA-2JbTyr8hGZ/w640-h364/FB_IMG_1704159339698.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This little trailer hauls our Lectric E-bikes as well as our excess camping gear. We have things in there like our camp stove/oven, portable fire pit, instapot, chainsaw, and extra firewood or jugs of water if needed. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3jxTsoa3Zf3qljMn7HJAfAT7RGMF9F6jeJ41ufgSCIVgi4GM9ANgIjEwJjT-Z8seLT6zY8psKAULa2hGo0BtQQ0ykSycJcfl1SbyuiAmUiQnzRMkBjJLMXmGacv-MeAtzxknODiWQqmLgQ7Ic6N7aj5hWvBQqSr7jZHOlLB3d_W8ps4uvLRV-Zu7CNXp/s1080/FB_IMG_1704503807095.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="1080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3jxTsoa3Zf3qljMn7HJAfAT7RGMF9F6jeJ41ufgSCIVgi4GM9ANgIjEwJjT-Z8seLT6zY8psKAULa2hGo0BtQQ0ykSycJcfl1SbyuiAmUiQnzRMkBjJLMXmGacv-MeAtzxknODiWQqmLgQ7Ic6N7aj5hWvBQqSr7jZHOlLB3d_W8ps4uvLRV-Zu7CNXp/w640-h296/FB_IMG_1704503807095.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, back to the solar installation. The next step is once we get the power from the panels routed to the inside of the trailer, where does it go from there?</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, that is our newest acquisition. We just ordered a Bluetti AC200L power station. This is basically a huge LiFePO4 battery. Lithium iron phosphate. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipq9u4PLCO2Mi_xRM29-0RdNsqGKNaRlhqPz_cz6qKjqEMpGlmho77Jjq0mGund6mbdmTSMigFqkGUXtdwQFPKDVakKANuJsXFVmiemqdGonjJVD6zRVwVZRlkXoPwkXAqduf_hSQgD6CNfxQ6n3WmImKFldfRgQtpw7ReJVz1zGXI0a635CqLpTbEwOBS/s2340/Screenshot_20240105_173935_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipq9u4PLCO2Mi_xRM29-0RdNsqGKNaRlhqPz_cz6qKjqEMpGlmho77Jjq0mGund6mbdmTSMigFqkGUXtdwQFPKDVakKANuJsXFVmiemqdGonjJVD6zRVwVZRlkXoPwkXAqduf_hSQgD6CNfxQ6n3WmImKFldfRgQtpw7ReJVz1zGXI0a635CqLpTbEwOBS/w296-h640/Screenshot_20240105_173935_Chrome.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The unit already has built-in ALL of the additional equipment we normally would have to buy with a traditional solar setup installation:</div><div>It has the MPPT solar controller, </div><div>it has the battery charger, </div><div>it has the pure sine wave inverter,</div><div>it has uninterrupted power supply,</div><div>It has Wi-Fi / Bluetooth app connectivity for monitoring, </div><div>and it has surge protection. </div><div><br /></div><div>It can be charged up by solar, </div><div>or by 120vAC plug-in, </div><div>or by 12 volt car charging, </div><div>or from our generator. </div><div><br /></div><div>On the front surface are multiple outlets for 12 volts, USB, C type phone chargers, four 120vAC outlets and a large 30 amp outlet for the motorhome. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once this unit is charged up, it can handle being depleted all of the way down to 5%. Then it shuts off to protect itself. This is a lot different than our Trojan flooded wet cell batteries that we have on the motorhome itself. Those we never let get drained down any lower than the top 30%, with 70% remaining at all times. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the link to the unit we bought:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://bluettipower.com/products/ac200l" target="_blank">https://bluettipower.com/products/ac200l</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It will be here in a couple days, and I will do another blog post of everything all set up and operational.</div><div><br /></div><div>Steve added an exterior electrical hatch door on the side of the trailer to run cords out to our campsite from the power station. Now we could run my sewing machine, the instapot, or charge up the E-bikes, or our Sena helmet communication devices, or even our cell phones and laptops from right at the campsite. This will lessen the draw on the two batteries of the motorhome. At any time we can just run the motorhome cord into the cargo trailer and plug it in to the Bluetti for additional power. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, one more thing we added to the back of our cargo trailer is this handy-dandy solar powered motion detection light and alarm system. It's REALLY loud with flashing red and blue lights. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's one more item to protect ourselves, but also handy for seeing what we are doing behind the cargo trailer if it is dark out. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj467w9eozX0dYiYGY3z96BNkK3Il3kt6GNUVKkgo0ylsdWoLKGhhhduSaGyXLt20HzYvdG7Fn8yT6CPRt05ZfuUfYtiJOv1vczJj7Ygqw8QyN74kbx896tI4bRLhu52A3DO5oty_WuAd68vwieibRN9pzcVxgn6uU52dGPdT5J-A6x7b_UobcJyHEzEVO0/s4080/20240105_171916.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj467w9eozX0dYiYGY3z96BNkK3Il3kt6GNUVKkgo0ylsdWoLKGhhhduSaGyXLt20HzYvdG7Fn8yT6CPRt05ZfuUfYtiJOv1vczJj7Ygqw8QyN74kbx896tI4bRLhu52A3DO5oty_WuAd68vwieibRN9pzcVxgn6uU52dGPdT5J-A6x7b_UobcJyHEzEVO0/w640-h296/20240105_171916.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is the link to that:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09C5SXCBC?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title" target="_blank">Solar Motion Sensor Security Light</a><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2L6JqZSYUYXRdKPwNc2O5uqF0gs_pZPAGK-5e3DcslT_Vnztl7wl8e1uAjTGnAnI6gb8yVCNKchy_6p2Koeyp4aw9trCvf3MOuoTMrPZmYGISpCPEYDvZoQw4kvZcb6fvftZCK2MjgwBmBxkYjOKbNinBbnEwX_F-JgObpOSXCsUW3J0WYZUOyqRkEpA/s4080/20240105_171928.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik2L6JqZSYUYXRdKPwNc2O5uqF0gs_pZPAGK-5e3DcslT_Vnztl7wl8e1uAjTGnAnI6gb8yVCNKchy_6p2Koeyp4aw9trCvf3MOuoTMrPZmYGISpCPEYDvZoQw4kvZcb6fvftZCK2MjgwBmBxkYjOKbNinBbnEwX_F-JgObpOSXCsUW3J0WYZUOyqRkEpA/w296-h640/20240105_171928.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We are gearing up to get ready to head out mid-February, after Nicholas's neutering is complete.</div><div><br /></div><div>We are looking forward to doing some boondocking out on some dispersed camping perhaps in Texas, or BLM land in New Mexico or Arizona, who knows?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-52506774428041223522024-01-06T19:22:00.004-06:002024-01-12T11:33:41.939-06:00Days And Nights Mixed Up Like A Baby<p> </p><p>Here's an update on our little newest household member, Nicholas.</p><p>If you read my last blog, you would know about how he came to be in our home. </p><p>So we now made it through the first week and we are adjusting to "Life with Nick".</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoKWBlqz-T7ikgFi3jXus5lmU4Boci3GO1vcwsbO8DKq5AvK9LcmVokKRWMtRWdRuDsx7yk3mLuChcg3uJiGwezS4pBUzt0YV_Tf3ejAhmsVt96GgYhdIWpX3PI5zjLQ2ObJFGLxCdtbxTj41z7zLM3ZYSQNkRFgzCIW6LpF-5h0EhInqw3OiUQzApB4O/s1150/received_907022320597280.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="892" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcoKWBlqz-T7ikgFi3jXus5lmU4Boci3GO1vcwsbO8DKq5AvK9LcmVokKRWMtRWdRuDsx7yk3mLuChcg3uJiGwezS4pBUzt0YV_Tf3ejAhmsVt96GgYhdIWpX3PI5zjLQ2ObJFGLxCdtbxTj41z7zLM3ZYSQNkRFgzCIW6LpF-5h0EhInqw3OiUQzApB4O/w496-h640/received_907022320597280.jpeg" width="496" /></a></div><div><br /></div>He's been under strict vet care and meds and has been on a special diet to help him regain some weight and rehydrate himself. <div><br /></div><div>If you recall, he had been in the woods and roaming the first time for 8 days, and then the second time for 15 days! All on his own --- a little 11 month old pup in the woods. Trying to figure out how to eat and drink and find a safe place to sleep.</div><div><br /></div><div>At one point, he had been trapped by a dragging leash for about 5 or 6 days, starving and dehydrated with no ability to get food or water. Then he chewed the leash in half to free himself. This was right before we recovered him from the woods in a live trap on Christmas Eve! <div><br /></div><div>He has been adjusting really well to life in our house. He knows where his food dish is, he knows where his water dish is, and he's learning all of our signals and routines and lessons. <br /><div><br /></div><div>We also came to realize, that his days and nights are mixed up! Just like a baby!</div><div><br /></div><div>Because this was his second time on the loose, he became very wary of being seen during the daytime. So he must have been holed up somewhere, sleeping during the day. The only times we caught him on the Wi-Fi cameras near the live traps or the feeding stations was at night. So this little guy learned to only roam around at night to get food. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since coming here, he needed to be acclimated to sleeping at night. The first few nights we kept him in a dog crate just to be sure he wasn't wandering around our house or getting into mischief.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then we advanced to buying him a "big boy bed" and letting him sleep next to Binney and her "big girl bed" at the foot of our bed in our bedroom.</div><div><br /></div><div>That did the trick! He seemed to be so much more at ease when he wasn't in the dog crate for the night. He isn't wandering around, and he is sleeping all night.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoPk1ZZgVNryqLjYSQaVWb8cyRElA5VcLztkTYoOv-pK5O3RqftGEQenzXNGEbaT33KAO2BC6aWikvYnYgNMQjpOeGocDsKLGLeWsJwpIJvo0Twon9AyRx0NK5z5PIeyGxmoLFuZ35kca2grgcIbkR8YjWsps4lttQLQS5Xu2Kbm-Wgi57SolGGE3M4LD/s3244/20240102_222148.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="3244" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoPk1ZZgVNryqLjYSQaVWb8cyRElA5VcLztkTYoOv-pK5O3RqftGEQenzXNGEbaT33KAO2BC6aWikvYnYgNMQjpOeGocDsKLGLeWsJwpIJvo0Twon9AyRx0NK5z5PIeyGxmoLFuZ35kca2grgcIbkR8YjWsps4lttQLQS5Xu2Kbm-Wgi57SolGGE3M4LD/w640-h252/20240102_222148.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This picture was from the first night. By the second night they decided to switch beds! Binney took his new bed, and he took her old bed.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have been extremely careful with him around any open doors. All of our exit doors are locked, so there's no chance of accidental escape. Any time either of us wants to leave, he is double leashed and harnessed to be sure that he doesn't sneak out.</div><div><br /></div><div>So far, he doesn't show any interest in wanting to sneak out of the doors. But we aren't going to take that chance! We don't know if he's going to continue to be an escape artist, or once he bonds to us and wants to be with us.</div><div><br /></div><div>We are working on coming when called, name recognition, and basic obedience. We have walked him around the outside perimeter of the house multiple times on a double leash so he can get his bearings and realize that this is his home. We have gone around the block once, and then back to the house again to sit on the front porch. Yes, even in winter, I want him to know to come to the front porch if for some reason he ever got loose!</div><div><br /></div><div>We've invited over some of the grandkids, one at a time. We are working on kid-proofing him with children to be sure that he is rock solid around them. It took Claire a little while to get him accustomed to her small size and quick movements. But he did well and soon she had him literally eating out of her hand!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvqw42rpNkjm8edRUehuLm8jXcwCbBDusEimbNhc0msglC_lVmXqDqFAE1ENojBhhTO4nReSmt20i9bMFzY4uQkEJ2qJJZD2noWvxtvZHT1VyCBVTxkettUnC_FaTxKIdCL0JwkzlIpHPaW4fVrWRAQhfjwWDLyGLYbGy2mGEy8R1kVmjnRMcXtQl33fl/s4080/20231229_090519.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvqw42rpNkjm8edRUehuLm8jXcwCbBDusEimbNhc0msglC_lVmXqDqFAE1ENojBhhTO4nReSmt20i9bMFzY4uQkEJ2qJJZD2noWvxtvZHT1VyCBVTxkettUnC_FaTxKIdCL0JwkzlIpHPaW4fVrWRAQhfjwWDLyGLYbGy2mGEy8R1kVmjnRMcXtQl33fl/w296-h640/20231229_090519.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>They became "pack buddies" and took their nap together... </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUGfZeFxRkDC8YxGfN7LoAmy6xaS9Pp0qCdJDBnTM8azoOSQ7GFIQ1hd3UUV_YPNRdlrwyVOwHE1D5GvnwIvgzGfZC7G6ZUc-6lYtfFL2oz6Q_J9si-h9G2OnJ0SogGJUx2Z8K95klPNDfaxtx-_4YJ3-q8BlPwrRMrBpFX-nrZpG6S34IPhI5POfK-fL/s4080/20231229_133108.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhUGfZeFxRkDC8YxGfN7LoAmy6xaS9Pp0qCdJDBnTM8azoOSQ7GFIQ1hd3UUV_YPNRdlrwyVOwHE1D5GvnwIvgzGfZC7G6ZUc-6lYtfFL2oz6Q_J9si-h9G2OnJ0SogGJUx2Z8K95klPNDfaxtx-_4YJ3-q8BlPwrRMrBpFX-nrZpG6S34IPhI5POfK-fL/w640-h296/20231229_133108.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Next up on the list was Chelsea. She would like to be a veterinarian someday. She soon had Nick eating out of her hand too!!! She is extremely interested in Nick, because she was helping us the first time that he was caught, after his first escape. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyck6Z3STbyKqx_8VUNb4gVlAU4huoMEB5pPUfQabMCZ-WH11dQsYY8ftMsv7r3BKJlRh2_9jzLRVZHsHliFIB0X1ypIhXvGuzMh5scS9SDynTvg3dvlorIkbNCi39Irv_f8POscqRyMOoj6RTr7fvlo0eVo84kYIUPkQKGgYMzp0kugAsQ21A-lKAvHs/s4080/20240101_132906.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcyck6Z3STbyKqx_8VUNb4gVlAU4huoMEB5pPUfQabMCZ-WH11dQsYY8ftMsv7r3BKJlRh2_9jzLRVZHsHliFIB0X1ypIhXvGuzMh5scS9SDynTvg3dvlorIkbNCi39Irv_f8POscqRyMOoj6RTr7fvlo0eVo84kYIUPkQKGgYMzp0kugAsQ21A-lKAvHs/w640-h296/20240101_132906.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Now it was Clayton's turn. Nick had him figured out in no time flat. And soon they were cuddling up on the love seat and enjoying their time together.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQz-X82-qxR8rQ0q8qwOgCD6hMnQzqux8SmAPo3E7Y0iH9o9xDNMOnKdAYsM8OnQ-SEI_HA4tkVtAx3Rn7G4KnCl1-tUW7wPiwP8Y1WnIEE7ubIE-MErayU9sAyhyn1-mKQ9TOOazTof1uL8b4ApTxyVW3eMuxhKj0Dp1JNRxeVMd5ddXnbY-_ioQp-Td/s4080/20240102_200439.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2296" data-original-width="4080" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwQz-X82-qxR8rQ0q8qwOgCD6hMnQzqux8SmAPo3E7Y0iH9o9xDNMOnKdAYsM8OnQ-SEI_HA4tkVtAx3Rn7G4KnCl1-tUW7wPiwP8Y1WnIEE7ubIE-MErayU9sAyhyn1-mKQ9TOOazTof1uL8b4ApTxyVW3eMuxhKj0Dp1JNRxeVMd5ddXnbY-_ioQp-Td/w640-h360/20240102_200439.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Soon we will expose him to the rest of the grandkids, as well as more and more people. Our neighbors came over today and spent some time with him. At first he seemed a little protective and barky, but soon he was relaxed and by the time they were ready to leave, he allowed them to pet him. Slow and steady wins the race! </div><div><br /></div><div>Each evening, it's a barrel of laughs around here. Both dogs want to be on my lap or on Steve's lap or just taking turns. They've discovered the taste of freshly popped popcorn being tossed to them as treats. Oh joy! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfT1cPN46s5H7369aRBqGts5JmC_TV_7HSjYGMTFd1M8SsCEoVVlgswqiikQd2tM1izMmPjnO5JdxH7LoAS7mDUDv_0zLE11tvBk_2r82fSz9lGqOnhm73XahyKNt4WazYC6MpZkUSnOt9T5Dl4-OMpM_YT4Rgo3lhXgJge3rN9Mnuir2NzzmJKC0Kv5K/s4000/20240105_201137.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfT1cPN46s5H7369aRBqGts5JmC_TV_7HSjYGMTFd1M8SsCEoVVlgswqiikQd2tM1izMmPjnO5JdxH7LoAS7mDUDv_0zLE11tvBk_2r82fSz9lGqOnhm73XahyKNt4WazYC6MpZkUSnOt9T5Dl4-OMpM_YT4Rgo3lhXgJge3rN9Mnuir2NzzmJKC0Kv5K/w640-h480/20240105_201137.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, he has really fit in and Binney absolutely adores him. She has never once yet asked us "When is he going to leave???"</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViXFttinstLrp0DliTP8-rpA2PkIam_N7YSjuZRfY_NnXLQhy41B3ASBIS76RzI5o6bH0L_C3_5GRNjA0Lw_JUR_LfHvqeZXzMwPLm0R8DoiNuySJoROodFpHJxQXjuMeM7Hqp1BYd5BXYsA8c4uXWapSEefYtufeVesxwa-6G_tP-TCgPzBp4kdjPxKz/s3898/20240106_091850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="3898" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViXFttinstLrp0DliTP8-rpA2PkIam_N7YSjuZRfY_NnXLQhy41B3ASBIS76RzI5o6bH0L_C3_5GRNjA0Lw_JUR_LfHvqeZXzMwPLm0R8DoiNuySJoROodFpHJxQXjuMeM7Hqp1BYd5BXYsA8c4uXWapSEefYtufeVesxwa-6G_tP-TCgPzBp4kdjPxKz/w640-h226/20240106_091850.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This morning we woke up to a wonderful surprise of some snow. Being a dog that was imported from down South, this is a whole new experience for him. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNv_yePno57rHtU7mdp3lpTjfyTk4eIZIfwcqUua3gNCG_9pxeZpjkEu78InG2FgjFSwuPgQULlqTs_qaslZVlqJTADjxG5GKLMMozjT1zR2S9xa7-Z223u0Rf51X0PSvvLgFi14dBcGFghBcIfK6oFderfuTLIEt0bKxPuQ-Ef-8eVGR2MAAPOpLGxAq4/s2725/20240106_095057.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="2725" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNv_yePno57rHtU7mdp3lpTjfyTk4eIZIfwcqUua3gNCG_9pxeZpjkEu78InG2FgjFSwuPgQULlqTs_qaslZVlqJTADjxG5GKLMMozjT1zR2S9xa7-Z223u0Rf51X0PSvvLgFi14dBcGFghBcIfK6oFderfuTLIEt0bKxPuQ-Ef-8eVGR2MAAPOpLGxAq4/w640-h442/20240106_095057.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>They had a wonderful time playing in the snow... What a great way to start off the weekend. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9Qwxb3WzWUU" width="320" youtube-src-id="9Qwxb3WzWUU"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>His housebreaking is rock solid. Not a single mistake in the house. We take him out often into the secure fenced in potty yard. </div><div><br /></div><div>He has differentiated between what is a toy and what are our shoes or socks. He is comfortable with carrying toys around the house from room to room and taking them where he wants them to play with. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today he decided five different times that he needed to jump up on our very tall king size bed for his nap! Five times I took him back off. We will see what happens tomorrow.</div><div><br /></div><div>We do notice that between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. seems to be his most active antsy time. He has a lot of energy now. So we figured out how to take him out in the fenced in potty yard and wear off some of his steam:</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mp4BPmIuLE4" width="320" youtube-src-id="Mp4BPmIuLE4"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>We are so happy to see him healthy and energetic. What a far cry from two weeks ago when he was this frail weak little skeleton with a thin layer of skin and fur. There was absolutely no flesh on him and he was a mere shadow of the dog he is today. Looking at his sparkling eyes and smiling face with his wagging tail, we are grateful that he is here in our home and a part of our lives. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To wind this up, so it's not just all about the dogs, we would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year for 2024!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEIqL4lmsyYAHdhvwDI6g2TqyvsYDpW04DcNQF-y1MK-mqos8m_Du4h6-C6vs3n0Wz5el60F48XFpJGGfBagCaYA-066lNnpJTRqvLoviLgngZxwVFkY-0Q5U5vCwEGGqaEtgq4E99krFFkuTggqWQ6SPiXvVO8JCw8yfRXxX3THWQTNR7SEnEUh2mpSi/s612/FB_IMG_1704037969292.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="612" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiEIqL4lmsyYAHdhvwDI6g2TqyvsYDpW04DcNQF-y1MK-mqos8m_Du4h6-C6vs3n0Wz5el60F48XFpJGGfBagCaYA-066lNnpJTRqvLoviLgngZxwVFkY-0Q5U5vCwEGGqaEtgq4E99krFFkuTggqWQ6SPiXvVO8JCw8yfRXxX3THWQTNR7SEnEUh2mpSi/w640-h452/FB_IMG_1704037969292.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~</p><p>Stay tuned for my next blog, because we are starting a solar installation on the roof of our cargo trailer to haul along behind the motorhome. So finally I will have a blog post about RVing!!! </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div></div>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-9970702516558994772023-12-30T14:06:00.004-06:002024-01-12T08:51:05.004-06:00Christmas Decorations at Our House This Year 2023<p>Oh my, I started this blog post two weeks ago and never got around to posting it! For some reason (conducting a certain little sheltie dog hunt) I never got around to finishing it up...</p><p>So better late than never!! </p><p><br /></p><p>Here was the finished product, but I will go into the step by step with some quick paragraphs, mostly pictures!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaUs2nFoVZlcbEcRkLdCuBK3YH23fxqiGvxij-V_xBwuEzoiXc5-UwTeEm0C-Cmpdcwqp05i6zGSX4P0iuIsDE2UCKaObXRmxZ_TEGNxNKyrvXy0lLZpUI4XYNv2wCxJS04qUgvUtgaCJ2ulcZPXLLuyGA4CyFnp0xrvPBAIw1k0GzHBFPi22UenoM9RZ/s4080/20231119_115520.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1651" data-original-width="4080" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaUs2nFoVZlcbEcRkLdCuBK3YH23fxqiGvxij-V_xBwuEzoiXc5-UwTeEm0C-Cmpdcwqp05i6zGSX4P0iuIsDE2UCKaObXRmxZ_TEGNxNKyrvXy0lLZpUI4XYNv2wCxJS04qUgvUtgaCJ2ulcZPXLLuyGA4CyFnp0xrvPBAIw1k0GzHBFPi22UenoM9RZ/w640-h258/20231119_115520.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div><br /></div><div>The day after Thanksgiving the some of the grandkids were off school and decided to come over and give us a hand. The weather was warm and we were able to get up a lot of the outside decorations. We are outside in light jackets and sweatshirts. </div><div><br /></div><div>Clayton was in charge of our electrical connections and was figuring out everything to put up the lights and the garland along the front porch. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9msrwhtA6_TEggmFoHk5_SX3Zfi4PFjc7GY81wZAQV1VzYyfNWOSSl7RVuNQ0Bl4cxn4O25Fy6OTyWzIE4kCnVCOu40vIXlRRwMUX0q1TUNdNOfzssIEZ7M_3bBMXsns_mOV8UUHaivgsfW59n4LLHJEs5Byfx3AGpgMer_84QMfpSK_07NCiKFbOWpMl/s4080/20231118_133458.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9msrwhtA6_TEggmFoHk5_SX3Zfi4PFjc7GY81wZAQV1VzYyfNWOSSl7RVuNQ0Bl4cxn4O25Fy6OTyWzIE4kCnVCOu40vIXlRRwMUX0q1TUNdNOfzssIEZ7M_3bBMXsns_mOV8UUHaivgsfW59n4LLHJEs5Byfx3AGpgMer_84QMfpSK_07NCiKFbOWpMl/w296-h640/20231118_133458.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>When the kids were all done unloading the decorations, they even carried all the empty boxes back into the garage for me. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4cPzVRUSp5PqxB81sLLr70NNNjng5p4mhU50vWLve6505Sse4cUtDg4271IJ2mwpMCg3mYIkrXyDEmWWAguAzk5AXD67bTzXgoN86voF-HlL60l-_7OY8jSsutcWg0VBEzn0qJ9zwF1dMlYubCvnUWseX41j25Hk6HVT5SD83eHVDb-vU0Yy2D6YbkP7/s4080/20231118_140159.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4cPzVRUSp5PqxB81sLLr70NNNjng5p4mhU50vWLve6505Sse4cUtDg4271IJ2mwpMCg3mYIkrXyDEmWWAguAzk5AXD67bTzXgoN86voF-HlL60l-_7OY8jSsutcWg0VBEzn0qJ9zwF1dMlYubCvnUWseX41j25Hk6HVT5SD83eHVDb-vU0Yy2D6YbkP7/w640-h296/20231118_140159.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Chelsea arranged the bows and Claire helped hang up the stars and tie the strings. Pretty soon we had everything back into place just the way it was the year before. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNhT3X_V8buPd6qoRbL7aRmf1DuCTSm1-yawO9zX6b8K8Fwbas7oktfH58GsiM5sXnrkYXdvhAbB5rjUcTSSlDwnXsgXtrz0MrROfqhjFK93DAfSzsFfOnOaCtGCEwIL7H4N7MA_7Xt_uVde50HnS3D7vOY47_XlV9NqcvN7HUr40YTPby6GrmY1is6EH/s4059/20231118_142418.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1874" data-original-width="4059" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNhT3X_V8buPd6qoRbL7aRmf1DuCTSm1-yawO9zX6b8K8Fwbas7oktfH58GsiM5sXnrkYXdvhAbB5rjUcTSSlDwnXsgXtrz0MrROfqhjFK93DAfSzsFfOnOaCtGCEwIL7H4N7MA_7Xt_uVde50HnS3D7vOY47_XlV9NqcvN7HUr40YTPby6GrmY1is6EH/w640-h296/20231118_142418.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our skinny little Rudolph is standing guard between the two dining room windows.</div><div><br /></div><div>The red tinsel bristle brush tree is set up in the corner. It's quite vintagey looking and really cute in the corner of our red and white farmhouse. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3lrsONv-75M3rDHps3r_rXCumGf2RjNy0EiSScGCZ6-UE4cCi5i40AcGoyM8hlR8Q67Jahvfw_rIEr6hYJEIq4WdqnlwscweyJHWlka5k6XLLvXKsAo1In5BIpCI9tE5LKvV4kzGYXZM7zL4VaS1lK4EbuuIq30A2CTIazPZVoF7rcYERg-nACOVN-dO/s4080/20231119_115540.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX3lrsONv-75M3rDHps3r_rXCumGf2RjNy0EiSScGCZ6-UE4cCi5i40AcGoyM8hlR8Q67Jahvfw_rIEr6hYJEIq4WdqnlwscweyJHWlka5k6XLLvXKsAo1In5BIpCI9tE5LKvV4kzGYXZM7zL4VaS1lK4EbuuIq30A2CTIazPZVoF7rcYERg-nACOVN-dO/w640-h296/20231119_115540.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The stars are made from dollar store hangers and wireties as connectors and glued on sequins. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1T7utFWvfyAm0tZAjgDODpNaAxUMbVbdc1CzMp1C01y1QJrXW5o1KmtB-hCqZ1otxLeOLd12Nn_zb098_eSiqgmSNCc5fUnWmBipp24pqw-pugwYHs1dHrWho_2FNLVuba_PdTm6guAq5buA2Fw4DjdQ-ql8MOnVuZjmg_2b26phIF-7AH7hCpk5N4bb/s4080/20231119_115551.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1T7utFWvfyAm0tZAjgDODpNaAxUMbVbdc1CzMp1C01y1QJrXW5o1KmtB-hCqZ1otxLeOLd12Nn_zb098_eSiqgmSNCc5fUnWmBipp24pqw-pugwYHs1dHrWho_2FNLVuba_PdTm6guAq5buA2Fw4DjdQ-ql8MOnVuZjmg_2b26phIF-7AH7hCpk5N4bb/w296-h640/20231119_115551.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Chelsea balanced out all of the swag garlands and arranged the bows. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsOShPjBRLzGUp8QhYzU7wzmj9Gu3xiFIAJj1xqQWvaNdjl7ok54E_6i1K0bfXpgNvBPQpnG2RxntvzjjH2UZJHmnhUL6YGs98YRQBin4QZgd6KLiXGP5zKPR5_0AomLwdEQitU5wMTQIMwnXkFmo5LV7sxRMaWocBj_xqucWXDK9NJPaphNSLXI_tCjj/s4080/20231119_115600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNsOShPjBRLzGUp8QhYzU7wzmj9Gu3xiFIAJj1xqQWvaNdjl7ok54E_6i1K0bfXpgNvBPQpnG2RxntvzjjH2UZJHmnhUL6YGs98YRQBin4QZgd6KLiXGP5zKPR5_0AomLwdEQitU5wMTQIMwnXkFmo5LV7sxRMaWocBj_xqucWXDK9NJPaphNSLXI_tCjj/w640-h296/20231119_115600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Some bouquets of silk flowers were plopped into the ceramic planters by the she-shed windows. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6cKwmw6OvaJDH-GC3ljpHooqiqXSfdT70QLHAyAx9nPSteka4_kCBSu1IGmsNfhnbGxnWuL2qgsxUGLcPnyEN33dT9sLtiQ8W7xvK7EEZ-WvvJp_XraL2eYgDfTjFkbP62HplOhTTdbSd9On4NJX01D5v3UKp7pwzyBRa3NvXHN0J3o2xXxwOgm6Mxwh/s3940/20231119_115650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1819" data-original-width="3940" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6cKwmw6OvaJDH-GC3ljpHooqiqXSfdT70QLHAyAx9nPSteka4_kCBSu1IGmsNfhnbGxnWuL2qgsxUGLcPnyEN33dT9sLtiQ8W7xvK7EEZ-WvvJp_XraL2eYgDfTjFkbP62HplOhTTdbSd9On4NJX01D5v3UKp7pwzyBRa3NvXHN0J3o2xXxwOgm6Mxwh/w640-h296/20231119_115650.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The grandkids wound velvet ribbons around the columns of the pergola. After we were done, we realized one side was wound in the same direction as the other. We wanted them going in opposite directions! I tried to leave it the original way for that one day. It drove me nuts. The OCD in me had me go back out and unwind it and put it in the opposite direction!! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslszAts1M52vTpTtMZ02dV0LS33xGxRJ-0CuMB8lkPiNuO0UU3wqw2oYfgrZvNnQvWsVodOZ2gj1EMLcvRm_7JP_yo-ESq1As6JpyJGnIG34vSwES0rLS3c7F4k3-aCN3KlKfGky2QYFiVUoEKkAjLxGUFYlI0MsQUbhRQh7x2DCo_CZQ1rD6Y9CHidqF/s2958/20231119_115656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2958" data-original-width="1761" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjslszAts1M52vTpTtMZ02dV0LS33xGxRJ-0CuMB8lkPiNuO0UU3wqw2oYfgrZvNnQvWsVodOZ2gj1EMLcvRm_7JP_yo-ESq1As6JpyJGnIG34vSwES0rLS3c7F4k3-aCN3KlKfGky2QYFiVUoEKkAjLxGUFYlI0MsQUbhRQh7x2DCo_CZQ1rD6Y9CHidqF/w382-h640/20231119_115656.jpg" width="382" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Tah dahhhhhh all lit up at night! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFm0wfGx6F9f1Vv67lEHrUJMs6itvGuEvDL2epQB8EYElBcTCB7qJOwKCma5YGDllG7ClbjgH3mCi5ZoQH7cZFCWX8RuyS5qCGp7Wpzxxc6hGP0RpSN52do_QjPy-z10P8lG1mp0avcLz1YDjKbaglCJ_fAa6FIvYezrPqPoJBcChk0NelkOcF-XK-jgur/s3812/20231120_171704.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1823" data-original-width="3812" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFm0wfGx6F9f1Vv67lEHrUJMs6itvGuEvDL2epQB8EYElBcTCB7qJOwKCma5YGDllG7ClbjgH3mCi5ZoQH7cZFCWX8RuyS5qCGp7Wpzxxc6hGP0RpSN52do_QjPy-z10P8lG1mp0avcLz1YDjKbaglCJ_fAa6FIvYezrPqPoJBcChk0NelkOcF-XK-jgur/w640-h306/20231120_171704.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The little tree is really red, but in the photo it shows up as pink. We found this at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore a couple years ago.. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaYWGpGHkWUeY7WDrRR1PZRpTsnkIEFUJmA_Em_0IQyjT7x7RC02mY9iKiia55tT_vq3VRzLyqHDe0qCYqQJwWe7RfXblXBONGV6eV7ppYESccpMPyXEB4w48lKl9LkNBtMpH0oN0g4BnhnYetH9UVN-UiuMNbICQbe7ZgnqaQQuS89wkPjI4ZnECEBIx/s4080/20231120_171749.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoaYWGpGHkWUeY7WDrRR1PZRpTsnkIEFUJmA_Em_0IQyjT7x7RC02mY9iKiia55tT_vq3VRzLyqHDe0qCYqQJwWe7RfXblXBONGV6eV7ppYESccpMPyXEB4w48lKl9LkNBtMpH0oN0g4BnhnYetH9UVN-UiuMNbICQbe7ZgnqaQQuS89wkPjI4ZnECEBIx/w296-h640/20231120_171749.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Inside, I had cleared all of my dishes out of the china hutch. This is where the grandkids help to set up the Christmas village on all three glass shelves. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wXoLas-heYnkSQYGCWQsr3VYAoQI9bw-6J6louLT6_GVVAidn-d9LBsixUgRSWBx4OXN4SUXZCXzcaDss8ITHHCT7w_OWPTPKdaIpv5e-1KoNesmWoEVNKb0OD647vkzsAMc4twWgOR6kBltmJZqnugcQnDqe7bimc84-esBjAYZlYsJ_Vc01kIequ4z/s4000/20231122_125006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1844" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wXoLas-heYnkSQYGCWQsr3VYAoQI9bw-6J6louLT6_GVVAidn-d9LBsixUgRSWBx4OXN4SUXZCXzcaDss8ITHHCT7w_OWPTPKdaIpv5e-1KoNesmWoEVNKb0OD647vkzsAMc4twWgOR6kBltmJZqnugcQnDqe7bimc84-esBjAYZlYsJ_Vc01kIequ4z/w296-h640/20231122_125006.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Everyone pitched in and helped. Each child took a shelf and they added all of their extra little delightful statues and trees and clumps of batting for snow. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsvnPAdxc70sXufTsKzB27vfQQTRZAy2Du_PA4qIZHYQe7ovy-lGWtuRjOz_BW4CIRPgDmebSu0uum8Mzj0uL-PZMI4noEYHbPQwpHUj6p-XZClfJ8cb0C_ZztG2TKIRZKASNbmbQ3PvSaySYE7eH_6PdU-lnLFxEY9eejOV2FHDvUhhV9IpC-T0koOue/s4000/20231122_124752.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1844" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsvnPAdxc70sXufTsKzB27vfQQTRZAy2Du_PA4qIZHYQe7ovy-lGWtuRjOz_BW4CIRPgDmebSu0uum8Mzj0uL-PZMI4noEYHbPQwpHUj6p-XZClfJ8cb0C_ZztG2TKIRZKASNbmbQ3PvSaySYE7eH_6PdU-lnLFxEY9eejOV2FHDvUhhV9IpC-T0koOue/w296-h640/20231122_124752.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And here is the finished Christmas village for 2023.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4V6N2zjbvJL9e247iak1P9hxD-DR-KxGneogQl2UzFeYWIguNLe8ARJhZ8LO2HzaPWS2Hpk5FkiZwPUbLQuVlpR2Sr_ZdNXru4hK19e9hrKZc9ALfI5WNcsPu4-4wWOuJ507Fxih2eW-yPoBn_wJI-rBnpPLKKCdJ16TnB13HERqOI3C5bC88nCecTNea/s4080/20231122_131435.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4V6N2zjbvJL9e247iak1P9hxD-DR-KxGneogQl2UzFeYWIguNLe8ARJhZ8LO2HzaPWS2Hpk5FkiZwPUbLQuVlpR2Sr_ZdNXru4hK19e9hrKZc9ALfI5WNcsPu4-4wWOuJ507Fxih2eW-yPoBn_wJI-rBnpPLKKCdJ16TnB13HERqOI3C5bC88nCecTNea/w640-h296/20231122_131435.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>All lit up at night for dramatic effect. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXEInpV48pvzSKFZYcuofFbGnYrSbLN-DDqB4dD3oxK56vZwTWh6_A_N2_WMyUtnKs_yZWaUF-xoGa-wb6elL0PF0prU9Xdu8oZ1gtxnJntujlLJZ_L5dExVfDYUgScNL31rMiBcz4ZaCe5cXjj8dHceb3JaaMHstdaJbLFgjxmCxACJw78M5oZJiPq8A/s1872/20231212_170139.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1872" data-original-width="1789" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXEInpV48pvzSKFZYcuofFbGnYrSbLN-DDqB4dD3oxK56vZwTWh6_A_N2_WMyUtnKs_yZWaUF-xoGa-wb6elL0PF0prU9Xdu8oZ1gtxnJntujlLJZ_L5dExVfDYUgScNL31rMiBcz4ZaCe5cXjj8dHceb3JaaMHstdaJbLFgjxmCxACJw78M5oZJiPq8A/w612-h640/20231212_170139.jpg" width="612" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Now it was time to haul in all the parts of our artificial tree. Littlest Claire made sure she knew which part went first second third fourth and 5th. With her handy dandy tape measure, she had it all figured out! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgah9Y0ZzlVeEbP5xljxh33OsCK-kP3P356i3XwjuHmuP0rS07LpDqzJHoKaQrfO9ObM1eiPxGEj24b7msoNd0l7SZBusBTN15m_VbzNZPP0hQdkPUnDDXMXWpqplarcXI9jesZ2JpnaVSoe9cRMLOBRs4YkWMynhbOPe7OO7hwSFobTTJAt72puBZ5hCsr/s4080/20231124_093809.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgah9Y0ZzlVeEbP5xljxh33OsCK-kP3P356i3XwjuHmuP0rS07LpDqzJHoKaQrfO9ObM1eiPxGEj24b7msoNd0l7SZBusBTN15m_VbzNZPP0hQdkPUnDDXMXWpqplarcXI9jesZ2JpnaVSoe9cRMLOBRs4YkWMynhbOPe7OO7hwSFobTTJAt72puBZ5hCsr/w296-h640/20231124_093809.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Chelsea and Clayton took care of assembling the tree section by section. The tree is actually taller than this when it's up in the main part of the house where the ceilings are 9 ft tall. But this year we decided to put it together down in the She Shed where it's closer to maybe 8 ft tall at this end of the vaulted ceiling. So we had to omit the bottommost section to make the tree shorter. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVPfyOoXq8VndeWNq_12KdbXYXE8i126limpp-QpBQAdvgg4fcP67abQWe4kHUFOpTYh6TqYFx_4fd2wwQYUzRRJJ2vfKDZYKqVpDH6AmeQct3MvtF4ENus2EBJm2bscIfxa-oFYn0LhKnH1zP_0Zjv-dkzs7SuT2aq9LTS-FNacaKeleYGB4bCSp9Wr3/s4000/20231124_094621.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVPfyOoXq8VndeWNq_12KdbXYXE8i126limpp-QpBQAdvgg4fcP67abQWe4kHUFOpTYh6TqYFx_4fd2wwQYUzRRJJ2vfKDZYKqVpDH6AmeQct3MvtF4ENus2EBJm2bscIfxa-oFYn0LhKnH1zP_0Zjv-dkzs7SuT2aq9LTS-FNacaKeleYGB4bCSp9Wr3/w640-h296/20231124_094621.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Way up up to the tippy top! Sure is nice to have grandkids to do all this assembly for us. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8D77_aMcCPwku6akB8SR30PVW-sFnea7OCTOlbD_Fvup4PbbLYODoKFWyTpePHJvS6k9Z1SbkS5fnZMYR2tQQOEqEsy70HKzqqBfQbyr4ee8qMJT6Kqv6AEwrSFL6aPpHuFwoHTZU4Fa4U_4gkGbD6cRJ62qHyUc_SX4n7AgAuJW__RM-UXgBXs74w2bK/s4080/20231124_095032.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8D77_aMcCPwku6akB8SR30PVW-sFnea7OCTOlbD_Fvup4PbbLYODoKFWyTpePHJvS6k9Z1SbkS5fnZMYR2tQQOEqEsy70HKzqqBfQbyr4ee8qMJT6Kqv6AEwrSFL6aPpHuFwoHTZU4Fa4U_4gkGbD6cRJ62qHyUc_SX4n7AgAuJW__RM-UXgBXs74w2bK/w296-h640/20231124_095032.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Claire helped figure out the light sets and evenly distributed all four sets around the tree. We gave her a little help. And she got to do the final plug in and have another "tahhhdahhh" moment. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW91o3Ox3V4FCtSUkgVgGMJvRC0ykiBY8jdjaobCe9flFOwnjaYmqzMFGKXaVDCNlDq7dMRnKdWSf05wqTdSmhzTsZ4v_daOppAWwdRacJjwPvfOZiVRjfCnD4vjf7p44SwVJhzytSitxdDzZ-KIUy6kMlyb7yYnyImwpE2jdxwrxmecGrYb3WQSsd4tej/s4000/20231124_113747.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1844" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW91o3Ox3V4FCtSUkgVgGMJvRC0ykiBY8jdjaobCe9flFOwnjaYmqzMFGKXaVDCNlDq7dMRnKdWSf05wqTdSmhzTsZ4v_daOppAWwdRacJjwPvfOZiVRjfCnD4vjf7p44SwVJhzytSitxdDzZ-KIUy6kMlyb7yYnyImwpE2jdxwrxmecGrYb3WQSsd4tej/w296-h640/20231124_113747.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The ornaments went on a little bit at a time. The grandkids had to go home so I finished arranging them here there and everywhere. Each one has sentimental value and has a story behind it. There's a lot of great memories included on this tree. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwM-L9SDg31PKn0qA4YPrMB_hJuPWh-BoB1qeYV1pZD2HA8gRG5jxuaNkQxoTLchzbWiIX6AKTsqCzjUU6_kIX2iU5ez-bxZmzXWKcBuCP_1yXGeexkLiRHw7-n1D1tXmAzzLXyvD7xK92i1jRgVoDeuFuivmfEFrO6GRVRINNnUu4OdkBGNG-vcfmA7rW/s4000/20231130_103141.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwM-L9SDg31PKn0qA4YPrMB_hJuPWh-BoB1qeYV1pZD2HA8gRG5jxuaNkQxoTLchzbWiIX6AKTsqCzjUU6_kIX2iU5ez-bxZmzXWKcBuCP_1yXGeexkLiRHw7-n1D1tXmAzzLXyvD7xK92i1jRgVoDeuFuivmfEFrO6GRVRINNnUu4OdkBGNG-vcfmA7rW/w640-h296/20231130_103141.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">At night, Steve plays with the remote control for these LED lights. He can make them flash or alternate between white or colored etc. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCamGxSFM4qsXJPx69cxNKPDe-4NUl0J8_hS2m6JfWotAec3xOuUlxBreUFH2iNXOrkso903Opo9wSC7XXgT2AH7LgmAQzUWAjxYBil_f_5I19gKzx00uv8i_mXeNVdtFkiuvy_cxjGYgP-tqk7URxmZ70dpoOJmDQekyaX6Iqt5DCQwGJebvAYuEpYvbl/s3865/20231212_171228.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3865" data-original-width="1785" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCamGxSFM4qsXJPx69cxNKPDe-4NUl0J8_hS2m6JfWotAec3xOuUlxBreUFH2iNXOrkso903Opo9wSC7XXgT2AH7LgmAQzUWAjxYBil_f_5I19gKzx00uv8i_mXeNVdtFkiuvy_cxjGYgP-tqk7URxmZ70dpoOJmDQekyaX6Iqt5DCQwGJebvAYuEpYvbl/w296-h640/20231212_171228.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Upstairs in the living room, I finished hanging the little snowflakes from the open arch doorways. The stockings were all hung by the chimney with care... </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkUF4c8VrwBy9_L8NZnaffy-QMYW0Hipiw790fz-foOe6P6J5w3kTINPjpx31smDvQTo8MwHhgazO4-cIQYNc48izgzaal_Td3RQcnh_u2px9wifixlhY2jI21wECf678JONs1HvGlDffhD2xOe0lz84JejVBTY_eBUl59Fo5bleF960n7KCSoNae77pI/s4080/20231203_083747.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIkUF4c8VrwBy9_L8NZnaffy-QMYW0Hipiw790fz-foOe6P6J5w3kTINPjpx31smDvQTo8MwHhgazO4-cIQYNc48izgzaal_Td3RQcnh_u2px9wifixlhY2jI21wECf678JONs1HvGlDffhD2xOe0lz84JejVBTY_eBUl59Fo5bleF960n7KCSoNae77pI/w296-h640/20231203_083747.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Last year, Chelsea measured out the exact distance of the openings and then divided by the proper number of snowflakes. We made tiny spots with push pins so we know every year now we can evenly spread out the snowflakes. She is a little OCD like Grandma!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyv6wvmdKeJFJC1K6X8M8YgLEsbvE1wBIqTHGhZZJm9l7QQmxmlu82e0X52qHRJS4S0AWplM4xImolzC9vBmoWS3_nb6Kw78p6MzKdP5_uQ7lWCBp7zkochWMPcFxLRF0MzKmXR6moVknEKefQWgzkipQziYCwqRc-zWlKNP9KmhB9nWx7PRYsBFlQbfVi/s4080/20231203_083742.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyv6wvmdKeJFJC1K6X8M8YgLEsbvE1wBIqTHGhZZJm9l7QQmxmlu82e0X52qHRJS4S0AWplM4xImolzC9vBmoWS3_nb6Kw78p6MzKdP5_uQ7lWCBp7zkochWMPcFxLRF0MzKmXR6moVknEKefQWgzkipQziYCwqRc-zWlKNP9KmhB9nWx7PRYsBFlQbfVi/w640-h296/20231203_083742.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div>I added a few more things to the top of the buffet. Steve changes the light bulbs into flickering flame bulbs in both of the light fixtures. The candy dish was filled with treats, waiting for the next visit from some of our grandchildren. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcRFrfizgLzVvfp5FRZtShCfBOQ0q53Am1OqnjF7VNUl6aGl-2LxQ56AsF5lMBZVx2xqDgw5yYk9neox1FoJAWVAgL2ezPW4G0p8uEzlhTjsfVNcGke_RGCqU4B55kYj1GBRci3aYxA1OiCkLNIQwgnorum9QIEeHwmRbQBWgYCpN0Oz_aQDlCpflpzgw/s4080/20231203_134843.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcRFrfizgLzVvfp5FRZtShCfBOQ0q53Am1OqnjF7VNUl6aGl-2LxQ56AsF5lMBZVx2xqDgw5yYk9neox1FoJAWVAgL2ezPW4G0p8uEzlhTjsfVNcGke_RGCqU4B55kYj1GBRci3aYxA1OiCkLNIQwgnorum9QIEeHwmRbQBWgYCpN0Oz_aQDlCpflpzgw/w640-h296/20231203_134843.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Bit of decor here and there really makes the house feel festive and bright. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-abA4F-TuOwipWxs1b0sfYon6kqe77_InDk9EceM2GyREWUulGIab4mT1XbjvGcFwbww-5CysAoXXkx2ml0WZPWUl_uixfBmlN9MHEcJamTiKdO7ii0G_nYK7rn02OCgcF3xcuFdxbXmkCwhKSpjXpiwUgvx6HsGHYP7MHqjD4s3jUUier50tDB_irkj/s4000/20231203_134926.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-abA4F-TuOwipWxs1b0sfYon6kqe77_InDk9EceM2GyREWUulGIab4mT1XbjvGcFwbww-5CysAoXXkx2ml0WZPWUl_uixfBmlN9MHEcJamTiKdO7ii0G_nYK7rn02OCgcF3xcuFdxbXmkCwhKSpjXpiwUgvx6HsGHYP7MHqjD4s3jUUier50tDB_irkj/w640-h296/20231203_134926.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Across the top of the mantle I have pine garland with little colorful lights woven into it. Along the front edge I have my wooden rocking horse collection. Every year I look for a few more. My "stable" is just about full. </div><div><br /></div><div>The stockings are all hung, as well as the little teddy bear is waiting in the sleigh with a stack of Christmas story books. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMoa3Ectab93kQDrQWDKfZueS4NIlHTtbi2WYlvConN94G62MNoFmPIKh_dQVrpYHWDELfDsojekyQ1MwCTMx5P2Amg2ulMSHyiNigv3lQihO7bsz_ZVrWZ5_VBipfP_9Jgpr1i3NT-c8IasAkJkf9F4ZOkNxLAWeS-UDOFJCdlG0pi6WaE70q5P3QVN-/s4000/20231203_135001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1844" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMoa3Ectab93kQDrQWDKfZueS4NIlHTtbi2WYlvConN94G62MNoFmPIKh_dQVrpYHWDELfDsojekyQ1MwCTMx5P2Amg2ulMSHyiNigv3lQihO7bsz_ZVrWZ5_VBipfP_9Jgpr1i3NT-c8IasAkJkf9F4ZOkNxLAWeS-UDOFJCdlG0pi6WaE70q5P3QVN-/w296-h640/20231203_135001.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The silly little metal tree with magnetic ornaments we fondly call the "Grinch Tree". It looks like something straight out of Dr Seuss. There are tiny seed lights that flicker and flash in alternating patterns in strands strung around the tree for at night. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3xscIoI8CbCauH8ItbZ6Al6OxpqwldCsvyjVNJ_dk7vobV1TfhKS5ppzsYKgq-0xrRmIUeueg3Wa3soMcPTQ6Q3oqk6Lhy6e1_MPKMFM7uL2f-SwpSjPztXGnsW5B5eeLigG_40KUPvQblk7j3V3kD0q73uYEsQX_1yOHv6nq2Im7yM5GSqmMRTrDOm0/s4080/20231127_134226.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3xscIoI8CbCauH8ItbZ6Al6OxpqwldCsvyjVNJ_dk7vobV1TfhKS5ppzsYKgq-0xrRmIUeueg3Wa3soMcPTQ6Q3oqk6Lhy6e1_MPKMFM7uL2f-SwpSjPztXGnsW5B5eeLigG_40KUPvQblk7j3V3kD0q73uYEsQX_1yOHv6nq2Im7yM5GSqmMRTrDOm0/w296-h640/20231127_134226.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Tiny little plastic Rudolph has made it through all seven of my grandkids chewing on it from baby on upwards. If you wiggle his tail his nose lights up!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhko3WjeKgrf5Jm1gy_jYWqLM6-PNQzHgl0d0rD2qiOaX847HDtUyH8NDEaBqg_htGu43NLfNmvR1Fk8G7-vwKAVvgJ2mNbINlbi7OS_UucO67oChuQaX7G9rYogrKkvRQYCu6TsnFMwg-eBvpAuJ76uGeyFQRMqlAkiXuuNINWd-KUlvzvVJFzZPGPs4eu/s4080/20231127_134312.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhko3WjeKgrf5Jm1gy_jYWqLM6-PNQzHgl0d0rD2qiOaX847HDtUyH8NDEaBqg_htGu43NLfNmvR1Fk8G7-vwKAVvgJ2mNbINlbi7OS_UucO67oChuQaX7G9rYogrKkvRQYCu6TsnFMwg-eBvpAuJ76uGeyFQRMqlAkiXuuNINWd-KUlvzvVJFzZPGPs4eu/w640-h296/20231127_134312.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>These adorable little wine bottle cork deer were made by my friend Vicky. Totally adorable as well as the cork pine tree next to them on the shelf. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijKnJHEFvrIVXn0W0ZuQAwzq8EaixWhupSpXY1Ng7BhFg3ou0yhFZjAryltD1Y09KasrPGCni-TeCVVTk3TEOno2HD8u3SVyMomLHMJOrLdYM3dBf-qknLtpoAfqfKV8RdJWnW0YG_Iigwfm-9IOqQ9vsArpT7zhISsBpMqmJN_cj1nxXwq8wLRLt9fwm/s4080/20231127_134315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijKnJHEFvrIVXn0W0ZuQAwzq8EaixWhupSpXY1Ng7BhFg3ou0yhFZjAryltD1Y09KasrPGCni-TeCVVTk3TEOno2HD8u3SVyMomLHMJOrLdYM3dBf-qknLtpoAfqfKV8RdJWnW0YG_Iigwfm-9IOqQ9vsArpT7zhISsBpMqmJN_cj1nxXwq8wLRLt9fwm/w640-h296/20231127_134315.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My mama's little toy soldier nutcrackers that I got after she passed away. These are the gold and silver ones.... </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBrDgiWWd3kU3TLMtbEM3E2uaUCmk-GMbE6rpUax8H3KTEugA1H2r3MrEKUfG9FMwMJNh3QJ_7toB5v3uryvOWdNWtarMIMpWo-gV8kIDrYlszq6Ld3dns3VI_StV5ARlsx_AYWznmMALwpoDXv8Vwhg7j8WPaQAiG1amR2cWXkzoMCtdmdA2fiCygzoA/s4080/20231127_134336.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBrDgiWWd3kU3TLMtbEM3E2uaUCmk-GMbE6rpUax8H3KTEugA1H2r3MrEKUfG9FMwMJNh3QJ_7toB5v3uryvOWdNWtarMIMpWo-gV8kIDrYlszq6Ld3dns3VI_StV5ARlsx_AYWznmMALwpoDXv8Vwhg7j8WPaQAiG1amR2cWXkzoMCtdmdA2fiCygzoA/w640-h296/20231127_134336.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And these are the more colorful traditional ones.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcS9pXqe-VFCBUhMoW7bpBwzInpqcYZpM71W1pckLihqdeipQCD8-6x-TfSLhf6PU7D1GfnpfzPJ1DUYORIupDY0NUyO7dj7gTDXut6YXZqcGdLhGwDY0KDZ4l0JsgKUnaOAhRASM_EukACpRMQWKClOozLikpSkU7BMXQ1F_Ae-39qB-ZCEQvlLT57hn0/s4080/20231127_134344.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcS9pXqe-VFCBUhMoW7bpBwzInpqcYZpM71W1pckLihqdeipQCD8-6x-TfSLhf6PU7D1GfnpfzPJ1DUYORIupDY0NUyO7dj7gTDXut6YXZqcGdLhGwDY0KDZ4l0JsgKUnaOAhRASM_EukACpRMQWKClOozLikpSkU7BMXQ1F_Ae-39qB-ZCEQvlLT57hn0/w640-h296/20231127_134344.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Some cute little reindeer made from pine garland. I forget where I got these or homemade them but they sure are adorable. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn56fl4c-wobMnTLCtaIR-aO0HP9WwZmqIf81R3q2Xbfg2aE1D3Q0YeOnjNXd3-22h4y1XlQXpsE75O7PsSVOXIqm4LiiTO66RU0LKP-0tatxkjQaDqBn8yvlbdOlHiennTTy2I2NUOpAHidEwRSRYOWOo4g8OUYRDn_aFK5Tasd4oEkLuNAevVqCDIyph/s4080/20231127_134348.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn56fl4c-wobMnTLCtaIR-aO0HP9WwZmqIf81R3q2Xbfg2aE1D3Q0YeOnjNXd3-22h4y1XlQXpsE75O7PsSVOXIqm4LiiTO66RU0LKP-0tatxkjQaDqBn8yvlbdOlHiennTTy2I2NUOpAHidEwRSRYOWOo4g8OUYRDn_aFK5Tasd4oEkLuNAevVqCDIyph/w640-h296/20231127_134348.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Stained glass holly and berries carefully hung on the mirror in the center of the dining room. I love stained glass! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWM5JuPJQjzrzxnAsrQh6c1C_GjjiTEx1pM7BVgOPuSjoqxL3cqyINGBrV45RIuXoJk-MJAB35vgndUtLDldtkY_GAQB1bm-KHi9EIE8ClVIHzoY5lddA_QpQo1C4_9UQuIRwwWv9a7kAb-1GPrJ4bb7_aCLxlK5m2pW5QhSQTpe24D4EEuNB7b0j7wKSj/s4080/20231127_134406.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWM5JuPJQjzrzxnAsrQh6c1C_GjjiTEx1pM7BVgOPuSjoqxL3cqyINGBrV45RIuXoJk-MJAB35vgndUtLDldtkY_GAQB1bm-KHi9EIE8ClVIHzoY5lddA_QpQo1C4_9UQuIRwwWv9a7kAb-1GPrJ4bb7_aCLxlK5m2pW5QhSQTpe24D4EEuNB7b0j7wKSj/w296-h640/20231127_134406.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This delicately cut out tree was made by a fiber friend in my weaving guild about 25 or so years ago. It's made out of stiff cardstock cardboard and she cut the entire thing out with an exacto knife. If you look close at the top it's the partridge in the pear tree, and each row down is from the 12 Days of Christmas. I folded it up flat every year and store it away carefully. Such a treasure. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Pgvx-JrAWqUhRKyiOr8llP0SSIPaab37VI0XjlAEXM1PgN_85HLJfJaiprMvaxYNuXSijk5cz0BJirszsfJsHWqHKoU180uplgYJWbb_oGlSrmO-6s3qZUN0eF5SkxRqDDL-Rag3Qj0y-CT0D5Th-Y-0pj5uC5jVSudJ9yo96sWqTMIceAIJq0ToT6Zw/s4080/20231127_134430.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Pgvx-JrAWqUhRKyiOr8llP0SSIPaab37VI0XjlAEXM1PgN_85HLJfJaiprMvaxYNuXSijk5cz0BJirszsfJsHWqHKoU180uplgYJWbb_oGlSrmO-6s3qZUN0eF5SkxRqDDL-Rag3Qj0y-CT0D5Th-Y-0pj5uC5jVSudJ9yo96sWqTMIceAIJq0ToT6Zw/w296-h640/20231127_134430.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Steve hung up our mistletoe. We don't get fresh mistletoe every year, so this little artificial one does the trick just as well. I still get kisses----</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93UlKbEsjdCOEyQe8-UUAmqLYhXN80z1Nu1GdP3ONf5a21jPOkz83Nft_wH36nVCiClGgb2NHg_e8USa-nPRF7TjfqqNzquCh6Lx6WugEkOKcjNRltKS8TOdQOHJJ3-S6BPqTNEfqPLYoEOAbdfOKaiciQKYezXifURGHLl0aV4Ithlub4sNQ4L3uzEiU/s4080/20231127_134438.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93UlKbEsjdCOEyQe8-UUAmqLYhXN80z1Nu1GdP3ONf5a21jPOkz83Nft_wH36nVCiClGgb2NHg_e8USa-nPRF7TjfqqNzquCh6Lx6WugEkOKcjNRltKS8TOdQOHJJ3-S6BPqTNEfqPLYoEOAbdfOKaiciQKYezXifURGHLl0aV4Ithlub4sNQ4L3uzEiU/w296-h640/20231127_134438.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>These silly jump up toy ornaments are made out of wood in an old fashioned manner. I know they are newer but they are really cool. I used to try to hang them on the tree but they wiggle too much if you try to pull the bottom knob to make them jump. So instead we put them on these command hooks for the grandchildren to play with for the season. Someday they will get back on the tree again if there's nobody around yanking on them. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFWqi3IRLOxsKCxe6S00hJC0mc3oxUDe7CU7O5MuIIgvVMZ-fhLRvRDMgaqEDFNIBybVcN3k7LfwnyOWLZgaunrcavMc77dcbDWiAMdVhYvS1FdBbHwUnAJzeTkE1fcU1Qy83Ps5lFe1m5ScCXL6s1pCWOEEFMp0xTtXXvVdREzJlUdrUBWJexP6pT5Uu/s4080/20231127_134456.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFWqi3IRLOxsKCxe6S00hJC0mc3oxUDe7CU7O5MuIIgvVMZ-fhLRvRDMgaqEDFNIBybVcN3k7LfwnyOWLZgaunrcavMc77dcbDWiAMdVhYvS1FdBbHwUnAJzeTkE1fcU1Qy83Ps5lFe1m5ScCXL6s1pCWOEEFMp0xTtXXvVdREzJlUdrUBWJexP6pT5Uu/w640-h296/20231127_134456.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On the kitchen table bar top we have to have a scraggly old Charlie Brown Tree. Doesn't everyone? It has little teeny tiny ornaments and the kids like looking at it if they come over to eat a snack. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPePim4DF3sokKRHp80QGz5RZumwvbvV4oz_UGvyqX364C8k5LKMFQ7rl6H9A8oTGKrvICfB0PfIr2JCi0ZYQN0McS0meuTTDd3W7H4Kxv2ZRtvQzxT3X4QaX-F0QDOzkI4CuPy5X_TBF9ELD8lLCpcBw4EGF4IYlNm9ebc7C8ZfJyck1c8zAbRhBVAyei/s4080/20231129_113352.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPePim4DF3sokKRHp80QGz5RZumwvbvV4oz_UGvyqX364C8k5LKMFQ7rl6H9A8oTGKrvICfB0PfIr2JCi0ZYQN0McS0meuTTDd3W7H4Kxv2ZRtvQzxT3X4QaX-F0QDOzkI4CuPy5X_TBF9ELD8lLCpcBw4EGF4IYlNm9ebc7C8ZfJyck1c8zAbRhBVAyei/w296-h640/20231129_113352.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The last tree in our house is a fiber optic one. We had this one for in the motorhome when we lived in full time for a period. On this tree there are stuffed ornaments each one personalized with the name of all of our family members and extended family. Of course, we call it our "Family Tree". We keep this one right up in the front of the house by the dining room windows and turn it on and off each night. Since the main tree is down in the she shed, this is the only one that can be seen from the road. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9KRtdPv9kco1B07SW-B0m-Ncs3RcEq-yfb1Ie09kYju23SuOULx-iBHCKa0RmX3hs42Tx1SygwGTn0UrZwNHYzCjJ9_ef9wyNq7Q-ndVmMwu2bT_lpHlMsXEYlnsHbVAWK0bovBkPXtwNFb1ijwrce4eTW-Czz2o4vKJt7KSffdKWwyB9TpOTlORr5kg/s3307/20231212_170122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3307" data-original-width="1769" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9KRtdPv9kco1B07SW-B0m-Ncs3RcEq-yfb1Ie09kYju23SuOULx-iBHCKa0RmX3hs42Tx1SygwGTn0UrZwNHYzCjJ9_ef9wyNq7Q-ndVmMwu2bT_lpHlMsXEYlnsHbVAWK0bovBkPXtwNFb1ijwrce4eTW-Czz2o4vKJt7KSffdKWwyB9TpOTlORr5kg/w342-h640/20231212_170122.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Before Christmas, I spend time painting all of the grandchildren little village houses of their very own. I've been doing this for years. Every year they get a different village house and I have to make sure that I never give the same one to the same child. I keep a spreadsheet. Lol. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdL_Naa3k_VEB640anI60fGH3r0gczFuSiknHNk5-IcPyGz294uF93bDPnKMtFGPSnKP8s4njO-Rja1UPtAhjYYrCmeJMIhtpwluemKNNFOZNsJ5ACe3Fv87JYgTlkl8gkULQpMmlJDOPyywCz1zw3A2qwwtEJYoQz4B7dkUpl7JQfU2oRYi5cw5PoMI34/s4080/20231211_155035.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdL_Naa3k_VEB640anI60fGH3r0gczFuSiknHNk5-IcPyGz294uF93bDPnKMtFGPSnKP8s4njO-Rja1UPtAhjYYrCmeJMIhtpwluemKNNFOZNsJ5ACe3Fv87JYgTlkl8gkULQpMmlJDOPyywCz1zw3A2qwwtEJYoQz4B7dkUpl7JQfU2oRYi5cw5PoMI34/w640-h296/20231211_155035.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">While I paint, I have some of my most favorite music playing. I remember this album cover when I was a child in the 1960s.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93o8lJVZ1kxgtXivsLmKFOPwHGFy6TJRJfISp1ukkfXja28DOkDlcxvbq4wwXkfAyuaPFdija24q1czUjl5oBZhf7B5lZLdFeppoGKM1LmggrlIL144EvvFr3MnHNcfpcIUJ71lsdOd6EdHDGd7vRo878IN5DNDFIEBLYqq4iG7uUaLaJXSZIJBCcD4ki/s1131/Screenshot_20231119_120915_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1131" data-original-width="1079" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93o8lJVZ1kxgtXivsLmKFOPwHGFy6TJRJfISp1ukkfXja28DOkDlcxvbq4wwXkfAyuaPFdija24q1czUjl5oBZhf7B5lZLdFeppoGKM1LmggrlIL144EvvFr3MnHNcfpcIUJ71lsdOd6EdHDGd7vRo878IN5DNDFIEBLYqq4iG7uUaLaJXSZIJBCcD4ki/w610-h640/Screenshot_20231119_120915_Chrome.jpg" width="610" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Well, that's it for my belated post on Christmas decorations around the house.</p><p><br /></p><p>It still seems like "before Christmas" here, because everyone was sick on Christmas .... we did not have a family gathering yet. So instead, we are all going to get together when we have our epic bowling day in January with all of the kids and grandkids. We will exchange gifts then.</p><p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~</p><p>As an update on our newest family member, Little Nicholas is fitting right in. We had our newest vet appointment on Monday, which gave him great results. We have a neutering appointment set up for early next month. He is recovering from his ordeal. He was severely starved and dehydrated during his time alone in the woods. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCr0obsXjZ7loKccKwGMtStK1q9UDtqHxN4XHxcj5L1b4SH1d6Xr9inEXbxXkBFmI9A15AYIv3OPBsCgFHIpfWcZD4_JYr5YT7NGGCgkiATQG6VRCZ8D6GlcowoHl4aQ_4jUosUuljKpPkyF-2LL_zMjB16-03kc7Q3wvhwLP-YkW5WBk38WYQOpa9xu7E/s2855/20231227_072124.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1717" data-original-width="2855" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCr0obsXjZ7loKccKwGMtStK1q9UDtqHxN4XHxcj5L1b4SH1d6Xr9inEXbxXkBFmI9A15AYIv3OPBsCgFHIpfWcZD4_JYr5YT7NGGCgkiATQG6VRCZ8D6GlcowoHl4aQ_4jUosUuljKpPkyF-2LL_zMjB16-03kc7Q3wvhwLP-YkW5WBk38WYQOpa9xu7E/w640-h384/20231227_072124.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our house is now filled with the joy of another canine family member. (Look how skinny he is!)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHy3ApdhrsW-cYlnlAPn8bvHv2xRqIuSQrNJGsTewXQl01SHYNmVJwP5xgS6uMxW_q5ynP0TAcgB2Bq7xrCWV1cwr0HEOf2WvHhXfeQNLvLMULxsZi3PDVUSj0-K-CkqMMk7ZYnE8Y2t4f427QUQNpiyU9XTbfA_aOX0oUR0YJR1wa4c754Bf9-mFk0ACR/s2586/20231227_173036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2586" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHy3ApdhrsW-cYlnlAPn8bvHv2xRqIuSQrNJGsTewXQl01SHYNmVJwP5xgS6uMxW_q5ynP0TAcgB2Bq7xrCWV1cwr0HEOf2WvHhXfeQNLvLMULxsZi3PDVUSj0-K-CkqMMk7ZYnE8Y2t4f427QUQNpiyU9XTbfA_aOX0oUR0YJR1wa4c754Bf9-mFk0ACR/w466-h640/20231227_173036.jpg" width="466" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Binney is absolutely delighted to have him as part of our pack. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydV_rb3GORNjLjPdFK7SAzFDzrjNq7eMXm68wRsYvAqJdglJVYx8v9myKyn7uZGnAKURC0A4ZzLDgF_E9kHbOSz0X4X08RBGEakGNNiJxMcZfIT8OpK4M9isI3xTog6ijpGHar5l4XZcNHmanLMfdQ1EfpZa3esxpFtEgYgF915yea7JzgzSSSvLLmZ21/s752/received_7332209113489736.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="573" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydV_rb3GORNjLjPdFK7SAzFDzrjNq7eMXm68wRsYvAqJdglJVYx8v9myKyn7uZGnAKURC0A4ZzLDgF_E9kHbOSz0X4X08RBGEakGNNiJxMcZfIT8OpK4M9isI3xTog6ijpGHar5l4XZcNHmanLMfdQ1EfpZa3esxpFtEgYgF915yea7JzgzSSSvLLmZ21/w488-h640/received_7332209113489736.jpeg" width="488" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">Happy New Year!!! </p></div>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-79662148249622022372023-12-26T07:54:00.010-06:002024-01-30T22:05:23.367-06:00St Nicholas Came - and He's Not Who You Thought He Would Be!!! <p>For Christmas, all of our family members were sick! So we postponed our family gathering until early January. We all get together for an epic bowling day and Mexican meal for the grandkids anyhow, we will just add our gift-giving to the same day. </p><p>But we weren't alone, oh no no no!</p><p>We were busy busy busy helping track down a runaway 1 year old Shetland Sheepdog! The owner could no longer adequately care for him, and she has huge upcoming medical issues facing her. So she turned over ownership to us, if we could possibly catch it. </p><p>It was his second time escaping (we helped catch him the first time in November after he was on the run for a week) and he didn't know anybody or anything cuz he was just recently adopted by her two weeks before! </p><p>Since he had already been out on his own alone in the woods the week before, this time he was even more sly and trickier to catch. He learned to stop moving around during the daytime where people were trying to grab him. Instead, he was only moving at night.</p><p>He had a leash trailing behind him, and we were so scared of it getting snagged up in the woods somewhere.</p><p>This is the type of terrain he was hiding in:</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQMo-FPa6t217SJc3zORqKLTyBeySEsXm6dXXH6Twdp3U6ClF6Qo1MsibsCNt9015HepV29rHLBbyV1WMN-JLijSqggSRtc48qe22Os5qly4SPsDmi5o1jvC_IXql0CDkQDc67yNILTJGxFb9WujyxOEy_x9bevTQTcrqQwCuod5Km9uSG61rjrsKLNdR/s4080/20231222_103830.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQMo-FPa6t217SJc3zORqKLTyBeySEsXm6dXXH6Twdp3U6ClF6Qo1MsibsCNt9015HepV29rHLBbyV1WMN-JLijSqggSRtc48qe22Os5qly4SPsDmi5o1jvC_IXql0CDkQDc67yNILTJGxFb9WujyxOEy_x9bevTQTcrqQwCuod5Km9uSG61rjrsKLNdR/w640-h296/20231222_103830.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>This time around, the weather was at least warmer at night. In the high '30s instead of the freezing temps. We had tracked him down and figured he was eating food at the neighborhood feral cat feeding station. We assume he was getting fresh water from the river which is not yet frozen over. We know he was sleeping somewhere in these concrete columns and yard waste from the city municipal workers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkAKGpPuz_wrxmH3vTPzCyZyOYwrIF0YXdU-kV-EZObfDYZ93aTEmCsKDSk4wzxk1X5jkyFZlFsVU9U7kKGIM7X1utI6Y5K4o3YKwtba6Q399EoOwR5EcoaHScXNrKM_kxRHue2xVAg5lceNqQHaz7oWlNSQxDFEbBbPpIxEZ4Lpj84zRm2txpuf702RN/s2040/received_370702725331747.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="2040" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkAKGpPuz_wrxmH3vTPzCyZyOYwrIF0YXdU-kV-EZObfDYZ93aTEmCsKDSk4wzxk1X5jkyFZlFsVU9U7kKGIM7X1utI6Y5K4o3YKwtba6Q399EoOwR5EcoaHScXNrKM_kxRHue2xVAg5lceNqQHaz7oWlNSQxDFEbBbPpIxEZ4Lpj84zRm2txpuf702RN/w640-h296/received_370702725331747.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpmWsOazJ6sIlM0y4IpfaedheOUS1gbJCeBt9SNNVy8Ul8S8BUd3tKBbnMZJ2JKENnNGlesYC_XQ4uyCtSx1w3d6cwLLGaeO6TXKeRbbj-UE-5f4u4M2IvBcFnZj3Dfr7H3Y6AOc3dMswKQX_As-xe1ElKlpYGkP7MOB0oCF8M4NYSUn__aK9az95I00Z/s2040/received_1445731589489737.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="2040" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpmWsOazJ6sIlM0y4IpfaedheOUS1gbJCeBt9SNNVy8Ul8S8BUd3tKBbnMZJ2JKENnNGlesYC_XQ4uyCtSx1w3d6cwLLGaeO6TXKeRbbj-UE-5f4u4M2IvBcFnZj3Dfr7H3Y6AOc3dMswKQX_As-xe1ElKlpYGkP7MOB0oCF8M4NYSUn__aK9az95I00Z/w640-h296/received_1445731589489737.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShPeBiFR6SsNYl4Snlovh3J80olSF8jmd4BNYGaUkxiq4SpqlHWKKbB0UG5JXnJSlmVPAfnlLth0roQNWC5nrTNtzewyqeHUMGfU6EFu99CnPKfPjXacMhiItkJkV4hrhyBj5C3XYHB9YF9xTsrU8E3OW0eIZEVYt1ULvkpHkFrrYKhEEu6cQLyhPb5tZ/s2040/received_2831206003688326.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="2040" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShPeBiFR6SsNYl4Snlovh3J80olSF8jmd4BNYGaUkxiq4SpqlHWKKbB0UG5JXnJSlmVPAfnlLth0roQNWC5nrTNtzewyqeHUMGfU6EFu99CnPKfPjXacMhiItkJkV4hrhyBj5C3XYHB9YF9xTsrU8E3OW0eIZEVYt1ULvkpHkFrrYKhEEu6cQLyhPb5tZ/w640-h296/received_2831206003688326.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>We were utilizing the services of a local non-profit called Get Toby Home. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gettobyhome.org/" target="_blank">http://www.gettobyhome.org/</a><br /></p><p>They have all of the equipment and the knowledge. They brought us multiple large live traps along with game cameras, and also Wi-Fi GPS cameras which emit a signal back to their waiting computers in Green Bay. Their volunteer staff monitor the cameras 24/7. Any movements are detected, as well as any other feral cats, opossums, raccoons etc that get into the trap. The volunteers will bark or hiss or make noises through the cameras' speakers to scare off the animals before they get into the trap. Sometimes we had to go and let out various critters that got contained by accident. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOqRPY9SEVah5ElUV2AJKpVirg5YJG5a-iX2XBBFxWs_Ik07AJShWZvJQ-BqP1081VB5ljLzC8RK1LZs8x-wj8t9CAWHsdhMFruOZrNGqFWlasEqWtcbq-363oIw1_gRLJeYDblDynBPAys0AiZbbaSejFBxWUGrfkd-SJfwh9dlhyGnllwx6KoJCCTOb/s2040/received_769641384975973.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="2040" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoOqRPY9SEVah5ElUV2AJKpVirg5YJG5a-iX2XBBFxWs_Ik07AJShWZvJQ-BqP1081VB5ljLzC8RK1LZs8x-wj8t9CAWHsdhMFruOZrNGqFWlasEqWtcbq-363oIw1_gRLJeYDblDynBPAys0AiZbbaSejFBxWUGrfkd-SJfwh9dlhyGnllwx6KoJCCTOb/w640-h296/received_769641384975973.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga13RtRpGk0TzK6pKIEHAswLQ6P3dE9lRR6pl-xyvH93o7LS3OAkf2R5Y5QHTgXvHSd32laC8exL8J-ZHI2wru679nkJ7t9AwBHncAiNqNqtjtKeJz6TAmrLfLT8odZJY6c2vlej9WBSuE53ZYxB9dmN4OSVz8spPm6JmPrv8ljV6N3zJ_nb3scz2dgKFP/s2040/received_3489967757983148.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="942" data-original-width="2040" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga13RtRpGk0TzK6pKIEHAswLQ6P3dE9lRR6pl-xyvH93o7LS3OAkf2R5Y5QHTgXvHSd32laC8exL8J-ZHI2wru679nkJ7t9AwBHncAiNqNqtjtKeJz6TAmrLfLT8odZJY6c2vlej9WBSuE53ZYxB9dmN4OSVz8spPm6JmPrv8ljV6N3zJ_nb3scz2dgKFP/w640-h296/received_3489967757983148.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>We did a lot of the leg work on our end because we are at the far fringe of their service area. We were replenishing bait as well as moving traps from location to location. Depending on the sightings and graphing on the maps, we got pretty good at figuring out his routine and route that he would wander late at night. </p><p>They even sent up one volunteer with a thermal imaging drone who went over the entire woodsy marsh area that we knew the dog was holed up in. </p><p>So we spent two weeks tracking and following sightings and baiting live traps and moving Wi-Fi cameras around. </p><p>We were handing out flyers and talking to people and searching searching searching. </p><p>We were contacting property owners and obtaining permission to place live traps on their property. </p><p>10 large profile signs including a photo were set up around town at all major intersections. We plastered social media with posts and getting updates from helpful residents. And some "not so helpful" comments. Why are some people so mean when they are behind the invisibility of their keyboard? Some of the comments were just horrible!</p><p>We drove around and around and around many miles at slow speeds with flashlights at night because that's the only time he was moving around. I think we went through three or four sets of batteries in all of our flashlights! </p><p>At one point we had no spottings of him in five or six days. We were really concerned that the leash had gotten snagged up somewhere and he was dead. Either that, or he became coyote food.</p><p>Imagine our delight after 6 days he showed up on a camera again, this time dragging the leash only half as long. The end was all chewed off raggedy. So we are sure he was snagged up somewhere on a tree or rocks and had to chew himself free! He looked definitely skinnier by this time. He was starving!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWWkqC-Y6pfFKj5tgSxvOPW-TCIOOFpcVWLgluTq6Ul44kEmJS-NHhBC3nz0xBmDkDuWq7ekrBQ1641o7KrHHHLEw2tnCGhajrwh4TUwcp2qchxTdMfI51Gw8tGZ1EM0fnUKKy5cDm-Yq4BptQAcy3e_IhBYVFuDhhqTipeJanb4nAAMh3RlToAvuHFqR/s1079/Screenshot_20231222_145555_Video%20Editor.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="1079" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlWWkqC-Y6pfFKj5tgSxvOPW-TCIOOFpcVWLgluTq6Ul44kEmJS-NHhBC3nz0xBmDkDuWq7ekrBQ1641o7KrHHHLEw2tnCGhajrwh4TUwcp2qchxTdMfI51Gw8tGZ1EM0fnUKKy5cDm-Yq4BptQAcy3e_IhBYVFuDhhqTipeJanb4nAAMh3RlToAvuHFqR/w640-h440/Screenshot_20231222_145555_Video%20Editor.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>He was becoming more and more clever each time we were sighting him on the cameras. We actually have a trail of food going into the cage where he just needs to step on the trigger panel for the door to shut behind him.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQejYSb7-6huj5rg4O6RwNX5TkwgAKRx-iJ4azxWqo0PjEQcY9zCHkHWvTS2mKDHoTTVrcHfeQ__fBe2r5YQ_ATXeKO6zziMfTvyVl8Dimh-6jq1NN1WTTaE2e_9MClLX5OyUTtizkWm0YIIdw-WCUCjO6XFRc7BimmwQjKsaL6DYzTX9PCB6an0HOMO0/s4080/20231223_115212.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIQejYSb7-6huj5rg4O6RwNX5TkwgAKRx-iJ4azxWqo0PjEQcY9zCHkHWvTS2mKDHoTTVrcHfeQ__fBe2r5YQ_ATXeKO6zziMfTvyVl8Dimh-6jq1NN1WTTaE2e_9MClLX5OyUTtizkWm0YIIdw-WCUCjO6XFRc7BimmwQjKsaL6DYzTX9PCB6an0HOMO0/w640-h296/20231223_115212.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">We also left pieces of our scent around so he would get used to our smells. I wove Binney's dirty bandanas into the mesh of the cages. He would stop and smell her scent every time. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Every day when we would go back to re-bait the traps, we would bring along Binney and have her walk through the area. Many times she would obligatory leave a spot of pee. We would also grab any of her morning poops in a doggy bag and bring it to the trap sites. We would scatter it around so he would get used to her and also be attracted to come back to the area because she is a female. He is an intact male, never neutered!</p><p style="text-align: left;">So many times he would just come in so far, and back out. We needed him to step on this slanted piece of the cage to trigger the door shut. He would only go so far and stop. Arrgghhh! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbkDeLJj2OXvXytLZ7PjlN2CUfSMM9WNHBcn0F-X2XZxChw_s727EAa-bkibGnv0w8jPXjL8K_t6dvIBJT3eY-O8Zmj3niX2Ah9tx_uFUihmMwHUwldaHX0EPbBxIU5wclHomc1Vz4d6i_-w1A40b0gxypMdVNhxBHKDhQZrUENolmnPztwqERvxAB3XF/s474/Screenshot_20231224_082618_Gallery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="474" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbkDeLJj2OXvXytLZ7PjlN2CUfSMM9WNHBcn0F-X2XZxChw_s727EAa-bkibGnv0w8jPXjL8K_t6dvIBJT3eY-O8Zmj3niX2Ah9tx_uFUihmMwHUwldaHX0EPbBxIU5wclHomc1Vz4d6i_-w1A40b0gxypMdVNhxBHKDhQZrUENolmnPztwqERvxAB3XF/w640-h456/Screenshot_20231224_082618_Gallery.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Twice he actually decided to get to the food he would just grab the blanket and pull it backwards out of the cage! Watch this video!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/68Y6-KUN0KA" width="320" youtube-src-id="68Y6-KUN0KA"></iframe></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p>So then we had to get up at 3:00 a.m. and go out there and pull the blanket away from the opening so in case he did go back in, the trap door could shut correctly. If it happened to only go part way and get caught on the blanket, then he would be really really smart and never go back after such an experience. </p><p>Each time we saw him on the cameras, we were just so close! But just not enough for him to step on that trigger panel. </p><p>Our efforts were rewarded on the FIFTEENTH DAY!!!!----- on Christmas Eve we finally were able to capture him! </p><p>The Get Toby Home team were monitoring the cameras, even on Christmas Eve. They were ecstatically calling to us to go go go and get him!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIsCDY3_H-uFPBM4rh3W6ND89xlbvDGfk8wfJ-wFOeafacdbCf8JtPf2OUGjZyXU2LMPfxBTd1kmdieuLwZe92FuUPRg-5A82IBQ_PjLYRXnbOhkh4LNUJn46tGG35b3FdSLeEeLQ89L3LSFODgO-qWA12blWiTevFYvJO5N172lMXMksyfr8kxNMWBhC/s4080/20231224_174211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIsCDY3_H-uFPBM4rh3W6ND89xlbvDGfk8wfJ-wFOeafacdbCf8JtPf2OUGjZyXU2LMPfxBTd1kmdieuLwZe92FuUPRg-5A82IBQ_PjLYRXnbOhkh4LNUJn46tGG35b3FdSLeEeLQ89L3LSFODgO-qWA12blWiTevFYvJO5N172lMXMksyfr8kxNMWBhC/w640-h296/20231224_174211.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We placed the entire trap cage into the back of our Saturn and drove home into our garage and shut the door tight. </div><div><br /></div><div>He was very very scared, and very very skinny!</div><div><br /></div><div>I was giving him soothing sounds of my voice and I actually got some licks on my fingers through the mesh of the cage. He even leaned in and let me scratch his ear for comfort.</div><div><br /></div><div>We carefully transferred him from the end of the large live trap into our smaller dog crate. He willingly went in! </div><div><br /></div><div>Now we could carry the secure crate into our house where he would have no opportunity to get outside. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnsk6UbzkOIiV7MPwmPPkO7hsabK4lruUYNe0QpaBq6eZXqgCg7Y6CUZti8k57r9gw-4JxYbpB8ieT2xfq5aFkrVGrWNIx1JVnBHNd91FbdddGQpLMWqD5KnvDTrturG8-KxU-8WLkXRf3MHdRQihWuSyHUBFYH4eN8Y8Kb3X1BqMuEvDSehSPkk25pQX/s4080/20231224_175902.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnsk6UbzkOIiV7MPwmPPkO7hsabK4lruUYNe0QpaBq6eZXqgCg7Y6CUZti8k57r9gw-4JxYbpB8ieT2xfq5aFkrVGrWNIx1JVnBHNd91FbdddGQpLMWqD5KnvDTrturG8-KxU-8WLkXRf3MHdRQihWuSyHUBFYH4eN8Y8Kb3X1BqMuEvDSehSPkk25pQX/w640-h296/20231224_175902.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>He is very skinny and was dehydrated. It's hard to tell with all the hair in the picture but he is all skin and bones.</p><p>We got him inside and gave him water and a small amount of food. He ate it gingerly, he didn't wolf it down so we knew he was pretty weak.</p><p>He met Binney nose to nose and he was extremely interested in her, as well as her in him.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuWgCiQlWJOyET1NrDyXMjxDOZHAcnlAm8VRQR9pVzJ53TXSc-XmuR4SRHMXMvB5vyzs2ojcaiAqm7QI-GLcd843ixjfqllZwDTVMFtaf8dRlbqNYoSNts3IgmXHUsUBf9ryM-QgXu4NFKM-ldAF6NYV33GRXGocEyF8KgBmYyREIlzfK1EJG6aKW6RNl/s4080/20231224_180053.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2296" data-original-width="4080" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsuWgCiQlWJOyET1NrDyXMjxDOZHAcnlAm8VRQR9pVzJ53TXSc-XmuR4SRHMXMvB5vyzs2ojcaiAqm7QI-GLcd843ixjfqllZwDTVMFtaf8dRlbqNYoSNts3IgmXHUsUBf9ryM-QgXu4NFKM-ldAF6NYV33GRXGocEyF8KgBmYyREIlzfK1EJG6aKW6RNl/w640-h360/20231224_180053.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We removed the awful dragging leash that was chewed away by his little teeth to escape wherever he was snagged up. We also removed this slip choke collar which is definitely a no-no! He is now fitted with a secure harness as well as another buckle collar. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhY_dKlShkPVLhajFT8C3D0CAdQqBVneFbmanrNsQr0-S0DcS4MSKBfJivfPqmYcaYzqQjt5MyqqfjXxPEdyFBO76didjj8NY0PIrVfkR9Tkb_qrSBGMJRltjAA1ztpWqM4hqq29DuC3Fpboa7BaroeADdSlQFVdz-U6S9J9lTujjlA3NxHB1kqhq2F0_g/s2506/20231224_193537.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="2506" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhY_dKlShkPVLhajFT8C3D0CAdQqBVneFbmanrNsQr0-S0DcS4MSKBfJivfPqmYcaYzqQjt5MyqqfjXxPEdyFBO76didjj8NY0PIrVfkR9Tkb_qrSBGMJRltjAA1ztpWqM4hqq29DuC3Fpboa7BaroeADdSlQFVdz-U6S9J9lTujjlA3NxHB1kqhq2F0_g/w640-h482/20231224_193537.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Just look at this little guy! He has no idea about the wonderful world that is going to open up to him now that he is in our home. And Steve is right there to spoil him rotten!!!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zP_UNBdY-F-0eHEyxuexsVpazgDMUQcGpQwtXtSTv7sYQgQetFEntf8c3B7RpH7kuFoBOgoJDUqjw6R972cYCTz97l2-BDaEKciUb6YYamvp-FhYAI__4cX_cFNEtJzCGd0Jlvq6-XjSnlmohz-ReLv3LG9-XU2raO4_rIyZ6TgFRtaOz2LKMcIw_9MA/s4080/20231224_200636.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zP_UNBdY-F-0eHEyxuexsVpazgDMUQcGpQwtXtSTv7sYQgQetFEntf8c3B7RpH7kuFoBOgoJDUqjw6R972cYCTz97l2-BDaEKciUb6YYamvp-FhYAI__4cX_cFNEtJzCGd0Jlvq6-XjSnlmohz-ReLv3LG9-XU2raO4_rIyZ6TgFRtaOz2LKMcIw_9MA/w296-h640/20231224_200636.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>He was so exhausted that he went to sleep. I think he was comforted by the warmth and the soft sounds in our house. We kept things extremely quiet. Here he is falling asleep from sheer exhaustion, but still wanting to keep his head upright and alert!! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/32ImDt3Rjac" width="320" youtube-src-id="32ImDt3Rjac"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I believe that he is extremely thankful and appreciative of a warm home and kindness. Even though we have a fenced in yard for going potty, we are letting him out on dual leashes. One on the harness and one on the collar. With me standing at the other end monitoring him every second. He is also been outfitted with an air tag.</p><p>So we spent Christmas Day traveling to the ER vet and getting him medically checked out. He is only 12 lb and just feels so frail underneath all that fluff. We also got out all of the burrs and twigs that were embedded in his coat. </p><p>We have been rehydrating slowly as well as small amounts of food throughout the day, to not overstress his system.</p><p>We will be following up this week with our local vet, and of course get him in for all of his shots as well as a neutering session.</p><p>We are already bonding with him as well as our little female Sheltie Binney!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyuJjiilMbnN6z1_jKSe_pnWIhoq4xKlORkDY5q4U6uGzXx7yV5KNjzR0OBDcpoO1KMSpJ9oJ5rAembY4R9dW2LEvoBVG_1zNDO99UdWmq8pajOa0UDhMckuYwYqiMPnyl7NuZbngJrGf2G_ELxXx7RL-1GD3N82Ab9595IsMN3NiiNfpL-UwTqGZ4SbJ/s2188/20231225_070519.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1910" data-original-width="2188" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyuJjiilMbnN6z1_jKSe_pnWIhoq4xKlORkDY5q4U6uGzXx7yV5KNjzR0OBDcpoO1KMSpJ9oJ5rAembY4R9dW2LEvoBVG_1zNDO99UdWmq8pajOa0UDhMckuYwYqiMPnyl7NuZbngJrGf2G_ELxXx7RL-1GD3N82Ab9595IsMN3NiiNfpL-UwTqGZ4SbJ/w640-h558/20231225_070519.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Meet Nicholas, </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">as in St Nicholas </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">who came on Christmas Eve!!!</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDuiWgt3Opt9kCApO-68CbTURMCDIYscJTxOUxYvy_AmeU0DcRMlXx_t6T333GHPq6Mh79VAyL3r2K3m2r7Jn8oiv7C0Rfg1idgi5QaSiG-yvjOKybKzI_DZ7kbe7VycY6EB2kAvG8JIWjdmDVwq_4FIWhfSlwSlvYd7U0JP5nrd6bYLehKcnYUMXczAi/s4000/20231225_074452.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1844" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDuiWgt3Opt9kCApO-68CbTURMCDIYscJTxOUxYvy_AmeU0DcRMlXx_t6T333GHPq6Mh79VAyL3r2K3m2r7Jn8oiv7C0Rfg1idgi5QaSiG-yvjOKybKzI_DZ7kbe7VycY6EB2kAvG8JIWjdmDVwq_4FIWhfSlwSlvYd7U0JP5nrd6bYLehKcnYUMXczAi/w296-h640/20231225_074452.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">If you are looking for a really good place to donate this year, this local Get Toby Home organization is made up of all volunteers, a registered non-profit, and nobody gets wages. They rely totally on donations for all of their equipment. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.gettobyhome.org/" target="_blank">http://www.gettobyhome.org/</a><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">What a Merry Christmas to us!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-83718829526607505902023-12-11T13:40:00.002-06:002023-12-11T13:43:11.152-06:00CAMPGROUND REVIEW - Morgan Campground in Marinette County WI<p>As I mentioned in my last couple of blogs, the weather has been amazingly warm for November, and now into December in Wisconsin. </p><p>Last month, in the middle of the month, we decided to hop in the motorhome and go for a week to a campground that we know is open until November 30th.</p><p>It's a very nice, well kept county campground in the Northeast section of Wisconsin. It's almost to the border of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It's in Marinette County, and it's called Morgan Campground located on Timm's Lake. It's just East of Pembine Wisconsin. </p><p>Generally, in the summer months, it is pretty much booked up. You can reserve online here at their website:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.marinettecountywi.gov/parks/camping/morgan_park_campground/" target="_blank">Website for Morgan Campground at Timms Lake</a><br /></p><p>The sites are spacious and set apart with a lot of trees, brush and shrubbery in between. In the newest loop, furthest to the back of the campground, the sites are all pull through. These are near the new shower building. They all have electric at the campsites, and there are water spigots through around various locations in the campground. There is also a dump station along with potable water to fill your tank once you get there. </p><p>Our favorite sites are the newest ones, numbering in the '40s, at the far back of the campground. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFh2rySUUPXTNni9h7zZg-lA7TxLhL4CgKKgPuftO3jrm612bcEJ-LxzsUkdOCCWFWd5i8B5I06FmphvnjnkIysH5h94tqDdBiX8aIl2N5OmaIv2StpjecJpgL74XU5YlTCK9jaIOpJVhv5nn0iygnqlnyLSVE-6OQJTT4p4-TFotY3jr2MVCuWD_vJsj/s2340/Screenshot_20231207_161842_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="2340" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFh2rySUUPXTNni9h7zZg-lA7TxLhL4CgKKgPuftO3jrm612bcEJ-LxzsUkdOCCWFWd5i8B5I06FmphvnjnkIysH5h94tqDdBiX8aIl2N5OmaIv2StpjecJpgL74XU5YlTCK9jaIOpJVhv5nn0iygnqlnyLSVE-6OQJTT4p4-TFotY3jr2MVCuWD_vJsj/w640-h296/Screenshot_20231207_161842_Chrome.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>There are some hiking trails around the lake, and many of the locals come and use the beach area. The beach is located in a separate parking area from the campground. That is nice, so you don't get the local traffic driving through the campground on the way to the beach. <div><div><br /><p>From their website:</p><p>Morgan Park Campground provides 45 Campsites sites on the beautiful Timms Lake in northeastern Marinette County. All the sites at Morgan Park and Campground are reservation only.</p><p>A large group campsite ($80/night by reservation only) and an enclosed, lodge day use is also available ($100/day by reservation only).</p><p>Fees:</p><p>Electric Sites: $30.00/ night per site</p><p>Reservation Fee: $10.00/site non-refundable</p><p>Firewood: $5.00/bundle</p><p>Dump Station: Included ($20.00 fee for non-registered campers)</p><p>Day Use Fee Only: $5/day at entrance or with an annual Marinette County sticker</p><p>Opens: May 1</p><p>Closes: November 30</p><p><br /></p><p>Check-In Time: 3:00 pm</p><p>Check-Out Time: 12:00 pm</p><p><br /></p><p>Address</p><p>Morgan Park</p><p>19882 Timms Lake Road</p><p>Niagara, WI 54151</p><p><br /></p><p>Last time I did a review of this campground, I never went inside the really new shower building to take any pictures.</p><p>This beautiful building has an atrium-like interior walkway with big sunny windows that travel around three sides of the building. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJIVbeLiW9MdpUGoSIi9cAqTx7gmtxdlz4VCmwN47RofMzgXUBbRPQtZh9iGmtWmpa3IGrAOyotPL3HzfVngWzZ7jXAriQ71-DzAQyrZkE9p9WRFjY4pxopThiJFXnn0ghWxI0NnwlsN7CvUcW9d23GUI63FgNDZ8mkrQvdOc3P0WfDFo4NA5Ua8ce0-2/s4080/20231114_094020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJIVbeLiW9MdpUGoSIi9cAqTx7gmtxdlz4VCmwN47RofMzgXUBbRPQtZh9iGmtWmpa3IGrAOyotPL3HzfVngWzZ7jXAriQ71-DzAQyrZkE9p9WRFjY4pxopThiJFXnn0ghWxI0NnwlsN7CvUcW9d23GUI63FgNDZ8mkrQvdOc3P0WfDFo4NA5Ua8ce0-2/w640-h296/20231114_094020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>It's a great place to get out of the weather and come hide out in case of a storm if you are tent camping. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeCnJzDhzB_aPCfo8Vt1bylA9JC-XNhILH3_KpVcBxtA92NThW3fBPHbQe-jlihlX8wEW4PgTMoXjae7Ynm7QqdAvm2CIXtqEpTvVAu70OS9vwEJUg6Nde7z8Fv3J68GbJlgxFulhy9F0mkUliD5Hqtzw7nf1UMMHyPShhg279O1fYK4cScvoJhabIXDl/s4080/20231114_092031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeCnJzDhzB_aPCfo8Vt1bylA9JC-XNhILH3_KpVcBxtA92NThW3fBPHbQe-jlihlX8wEW4PgTMoXjae7Ynm7QqdAvm2CIXtqEpTvVAu70OS9vwEJUg6Nde7z8Fv3J68GbJlgxFulhy9F0mkUliD5Hqtzw7nf1UMMHyPShhg279O1fYK4cScvoJhabIXDl/w640-h296/20231114_092031.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Everything is very well kept and clean. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16xbktLkepAIHlyt1Yp8rHVdSlq-AxQHjPBLOeMmL3M5a_DbU6vO2JXy3Tk3EEgGJR8w9HScwp6esLXwtn_mOCcQxV9XhonuI5FMCkZ1BOYhL9joTN632srPxhxmvbnO_fOGxItx9VfGQXeQi97yuInJs6mNA1UFKMF5DC3KuGc0cAVpsihyhSprETFjZ/s4000/20231114_092154.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16xbktLkepAIHlyt1Yp8rHVdSlq-AxQHjPBLOeMmL3M5a_DbU6vO2JXy3Tk3EEgGJR8w9HScwp6esLXwtn_mOCcQxV9XhonuI5FMCkZ1BOYhL9joTN632srPxhxmvbnO_fOGxItx9VfGQXeQi97yuInJs6mNA1UFKMF5DC3KuGc0cAVpsihyhSprETFjZ/w640-h296/20231114_092154.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Each shower room is individually located with its own locking door. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbNHCezvK_VYlatOM6NW5ybXHc14TR-ul0ufZezNsl7fB4ZcUkZGs-n-KClGYsRZxYEbSNuJLjQh7ERhqD9MnaqC8LbzTjHXWlE8Vg1CEcTxHkMGFY_Wf_1rwJSN_zmkKtK6wKfCLGsVjIRX7fBtCyVnVHlY1Mw0BMKSeFmTGwmFkcBDGYGfhAlQ45A8P/s4000/20231114_092047.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1844" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbNHCezvK_VYlatOM6NW5ybXHc14TR-ul0ufZezNsl7fB4ZcUkZGs-n-KClGYsRZxYEbSNuJLjQh7ERhqD9MnaqC8LbzTjHXWlE8Vg1CEcTxHkMGFY_Wf_1rwJSN_zmkKtK6wKfCLGsVjIRX7fBtCyVnVHlY1Mw0BMKSeFmTGwmFkcBDGYGfhAlQ45A8P/w296-h640/20231114_092047.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The changing areas are tiled with dry floors, a sit-down bench, and hooks on the walls.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPngrKzIwZnqYeBIZS9Qelsyn8Kqt1eI-gQ6vvwv95Z7nYAIikHMNK3nE5z1YcEpzv29pJvi7fG1fUciCmAjRQLVutEpbxBu3fSFH4cObx44W7gwHVSw6kE7T2985AVaWithesDsihkUWimktFq9KSBE5VliXl_JVGLLCJAnCVieY-Yh1ae_Q_GiiFhc6C/s4000/20231114_092055.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1844" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPngrKzIwZnqYeBIZS9Qelsyn8Kqt1eI-gQ6vvwv95Z7nYAIikHMNK3nE5z1YcEpzv29pJvi7fG1fUciCmAjRQLVutEpbxBu3fSFH4cObx44W7gwHVSw6kE7T2985AVaWithesDsihkUWimktFq9KSBE5VliXl_JVGLLCJAnCVieY-Yh1ae_Q_GiiFhc6C/w296-h640/20231114_092055.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There is also a handy laundry area which is pretty much unheard of in County or State Parks in Wisconsin. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKcA1aY1_T9aUo4nVGTz_1PNj3S6Z13yLWvuO7G5ib8L-Klf7ULshMROieaaxL3GSQ8gIsj4RcTNjFT6ixVUdU2AYHNkVmbplnFivIyBdhZB-FONWowXHElFpBZdIjKlDAu9XUnsUFj6gjRtDCI0Kt6odglx-5lBHWQsB17miF6P2maE9J6K_R07730Xy/s4000/20231114_092148.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKcA1aY1_T9aUo4nVGTz_1PNj3S6Z13yLWvuO7G5ib8L-Klf7ULshMROieaaxL3GSQ8gIsj4RcTNjFT6ixVUdU2AYHNkVmbplnFivIyBdhZB-FONWowXHElFpBZdIjKlDAu9XUnsUFj6gjRtDCI0Kt6odglx-5lBHWQsB17miF6P2maE9J6K_R07730Xy/w640-h296/20231114_092148.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Everything is neat and clean and well kept... AND HEATED!!! Remember, this is the middle of November and this building is still accessible with hot showers and a laundry area and flush toilets.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeznLGlob_9_BjNHa7171MDoAnMB1-P2KQNGWnUaRn6raQSGQXxI88bpeIaUsmQOLY99p0fbG_eMbcG0Y1zQZyTNGL80IuGWekUNSsPMRHOyWIpAQhQP-PYee285QdZcQs28xF0w895KAkN2yJxWxhLZ7tbEGgDH0rm2KS_NqGLsJrLNEXOk7lWDmfN-jK/s4000/20231114_092111.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeznLGlob_9_BjNHa7171MDoAnMB1-P2KQNGWnUaRn6raQSGQXxI88bpeIaUsmQOLY99p0fbG_eMbcG0Y1zQZyTNGL80IuGWekUNSsPMRHOyWIpAQhQP-PYee285QdZcQs28xF0w895KAkN2yJxWxhLZ7tbEGgDH0rm2KS_NqGLsJrLNEXOk7lWDmfN-jK/w640-h296/20231114_092111.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><p>The main water within the campground over to the spigots and dump station had already been turned off. We were so glad to see that the water in the shower building was still available. Now we could stay longer with our limited amount of onboard water and take showers down at the building.</p><p>All in all, we recommend this very nice County campground of only 45 sites. Many of the sites are big rig friendly, and it is located in a beautiful quiet part of the Northwoods of Wisconsin. </p><p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~</p><p>Now that the review part is done, I will go back to our own camping for the week. </p><p>This is the first time that we are actually taking the enclosed cargo trailer for it's intended purpose, other than just our test ride. We watched it while we traveled through our backup camera while going down the road. Everything looks wonderful and it doesn't wobble or sway. It tracks very nicely behind our motorhome. Proper hitch height is important to make sure that it does not put too much weight on the tongue. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5Fr63h7k0J8bgpOmmAP3h0NvaNK7VVDYRkHHBEvABwb2pB5H30pmRtIt88k6H2WDdQuEiGJGhPX_nGCiVftchRqTzRr57Fgei3g1M4qynfF0Ty9wL2imy7g6gvnWuZ_fk9M0CNE6JxR3wYb_fpRjeIDZEzcQQ4juvzXP1q_FFR2Z5qNRaNpfCPMyXJ_0/s4080/20231111_141357.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2296" data-original-width="4080" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5Fr63h7k0J8bgpOmmAP3h0NvaNK7VVDYRkHHBEvABwb2pB5H30pmRtIt88k6H2WDdQuEiGJGhPX_nGCiVftchRqTzRr57Fgei3g1M4qynfF0Ty9wL2imy7g6gvnWuZ_fk9M0CNE6JxR3wYb_fpRjeIDZEzcQQ4juvzXP1q_FFR2Z5qNRaNpfCPMyXJ_0/w640-h360/20231111_141357.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We got up to our chosen site, number 44. We were so pleased to see the beautiful warm weather for the middle of November. It was actually so nice that we opened the windows and let fresh air in. The cargo trailer worked very well to transport our E-bikes as well as our other camping gear. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM19QfpdstSWv5IxUWgRi8s-4U3vP_BSp139CuTKD7EDxlO_sgOl2e_vJXtvEVDqF4fEdHGelccTKk2DkH08np4a-uJTKY05Jpf_9e18089pKrflwgjbBciNK3NhtJHuL6cIuT0JUUMax4I3p1kaUtJnoRnVgzBfb-l-SauY3Fqj9KnGHO2-dp0o7f06Zj/s4080/20231113_092708.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM19QfpdstSWv5IxUWgRi8s-4U3vP_BSp139CuTKD7EDxlO_sgOl2e_vJXtvEVDqF4fEdHGelccTKk2DkH08np4a-uJTKY05Jpf_9e18089pKrflwgjbBciNK3NhtJHuL6cIuT0JUUMax4I3p1kaUtJnoRnVgzBfb-l-SauY3Fqj9KnGHO2-dp0o7f06Zj/w640-h296/20231113_092708.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The weather was absolutely gorgeous as we got set up on our campsite. </div><div><br /></div><div>The site is level and quiet and tucked down in a little depression area between two hilly spots. </div><div><br /></div><div>A little while later we realized the cell phone signal was very, very faint. We knew that last time it was tough on our Cellcom phone. This time with our Visible phone through Verizon it was virtually non-existent. Even with Wee-Boost cellular booster, my phone would barely extend to one bar while Steve's phone was absolutely nothing. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAspvx_7uDGC0cI7r-p5VWTaFcyocMcvjILzoHKpCOOnXEFJS2Ys11_8e1gaX7RL_HdOG3vdPDclYBa1DMwBMylgHnl-j7PIOsyrOLbYXIKtPA0GH0bXDypVvR2pWYq6MX9917vogPsnRn7AxLMrn3jXzUmay7FnGePu7ST9EhyoNVifblJ1Pa5BqIKSt/s4080/20231113_093445.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVAspvx_7uDGC0cI7r-p5VWTaFcyocMcvjILzoHKpCOOnXEFJS2Ys11_8e1gaX7RL_HdOG3vdPDclYBa1DMwBMylgHnl-j7PIOsyrOLbYXIKtPA0GH0bXDypVvR2pWYq6MX9917vogPsnRn7AxLMrn3jXzUmay7FnGePu7ST9EhyoNVifblJ1Pa5BqIKSt/w296-h640/20231113_093445.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Since we were planning on staying four or five days, a quick call down to the folks in the park office in Marinette allowed us to switch campsites up to site number 19. It was located higher on a hill and in a more open space. Our signals improved two to three bars. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here was our campsite for the week. It's more "open" than we prefer. There were only four other campers in the entire campground. They were deer hunters up for bow season. Gone all day and to bed early at night. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYv_512yC3VSC2WChjnHVRamLdXz3-o2vTEumbe3Er4Mp3n3F4AB-OrLcLRIZiHkEyBF9FT3Z134xrK6VxMYqbmHOAYwfCa2UCfajwhzD5xxQw9goFMQcyaUMze0Clt4fhIPJ-WwwY5Yil74MHJ_pM-NLIyuYZ7Qm8n6cbUo7vz0IMT7JR575FUKwJnz0N/s4080/20231113_104006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYv_512yC3VSC2WChjnHVRamLdXz3-o2vTEumbe3Er4Mp3n3F4AB-OrLcLRIZiHkEyBF9FT3Z134xrK6VxMYqbmHOAYwfCa2UCfajwhzD5xxQw9goFMQcyaUMze0Clt4fhIPJ-WwwY5Yil74MHJ_pM-NLIyuYZ7Qm8n6cbUo7vz0IMT7JR575FUKwJnz0N/w640-h296/20231113_104006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We opened up the cargo trailer door with a little apprehension. We weren't sure how things would be inside after a pretty rough bumpy ride the last 20 miles or so. To our delight, everything was absolutely in place, exactly where we packed it. Yayyyyyy! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIHIZ-BzvVPDSssNTDOb6tybZ_cwtiLJ4sNIJcASu3Nndvf4Mll0A5fid3MDncKemUnXPzr8E-4HSr59u2D0O3LfAMmp6dKZvtovyesnBVLReNlfmmgf1l7cTBguSRPbWOd-nQouigb_hQHlfltXtwUGRSY3ZWhKCej0sfcrlINk6ka76lTcbaAewJQCC/s4000/20231113_104138.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1844" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyIHIZ-BzvVPDSssNTDOb6tybZ_cwtiLJ4sNIJcASu3Nndvf4Mll0A5fid3MDncKemUnXPzr8E-4HSr59u2D0O3LfAMmp6dKZvtovyesnBVLReNlfmmgf1l7cTBguSRPbWOd-nQouigb_hQHlfltXtwUGRSY3ZWhKCej0sfcrlINk6ka76lTcbaAewJQCC/w296-h640/20231113_104138.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Swinging open the wide back door allows us to reach in and grab out the things that we want. We really don't even have to remove the bikes just to bring out the firewood or the propane tank. The bikes are spaced far enough apart that we can reach the items on the shelves. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG24iKCVCr3GNQ5jPWF6Z9qHce49QRCQ8B_QDYHxgQaoxUxuw-2syllevY2VsEU8i5paT5sFhelzC-58AbzHbeCEG11FaZIiPnokjjbpEY9l35myEIZGlAvJXhm8_HjSUOe5wgHqc5a_oouxhojacJY524cAL9IuDl5T4C-ubfEMC-Rx4wRz63fd4sKWVL/s4080/20231113_104146.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG24iKCVCr3GNQ5jPWF6Z9qHce49QRCQ8B_QDYHxgQaoxUxuw-2syllevY2VsEU8i5paT5sFhelzC-58AbzHbeCEG11FaZIiPnokjjbpEY9l35myEIZGlAvJXhm8_HjSUOe5wgHqc5a_oouxhojacJY524cAL9IuDl5T4C-ubfEMC-Rx4wRz63fd4sKWVL/w640-h296/20231113_104146.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It was such a beautiful afternoon, we removed the bikes and got geared up to go for a ride around the campground. We wanted to do a little more practice up and down little hills and learning the differences between the gears and the various pedal assist modes. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8IZtpx4vDU-1VGjtlRiGqRgeCs1PvmBwLZIWre9x-1LtFZZhg5UQVZl5TwKYPROlriOa_MqS5DaO3U33HZa1ItkpcLn0W_fkHGmhVDZKUy4PVzrcOuOZAzVBItbteg_7NTGxzToHrJpbE7igjfaagExk6wYqC1iTv_aAgZ0rL6AZ7J-ihPp7ipK4q862/s4080/20231113_142631.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ8IZtpx4vDU-1VGjtlRiGqRgeCs1PvmBwLZIWre9x-1LtFZZhg5UQVZl5TwKYPROlriOa_MqS5DaO3U33HZa1ItkpcLn0W_fkHGmhVDZKUy4PVzrcOuOZAzVBItbteg_7NTGxzToHrJpbE7igjfaagExk6wYqC1iTv_aAgZ0rL6AZ7J-ihPp7ipK4q862/w640-h296/20231113_142631.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We finally got up enough guts to head on down towards the beach. It was kind of nice to drive down the big hill to get there but then we had to learn about going up the big hill to get back to the campground. It really wasn't very big, but to me it seemed huge because it was my first time facing a hill!!! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlHluBuHINZ2PUA4fQgiZeJdNKaoakLbi-YEaASyqqUqTCWIFrn2yc-s688xRaSRcbfgaPiwDvwgQTrp5I9md7trM5SRvRDzHQP0I7Vsbh9B0ruKoPMtvztzbLPicr-s8qHec6P6OeeUAiIE9a_gis2S2nAeQzQfTq9L7h8569SbfCHMrnUjt3d8sNilg/s4080/20231113_143531.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWlHluBuHINZ2PUA4fQgiZeJdNKaoakLbi-YEaASyqqUqTCWIFrn2yc-s688xRaSRcbfgaPiwDvwgQTrp5I9md7trM5SRvRDzHQP0I7Vsbh9B0ruKoPMtvztzbLPicr-s8qHec6P6OeeUAiIE9a_gis2S2nAeQzQfTq9L7h8569SbfCHMrnUjt3d8sNilg/w640-h296/20231113_143531.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I put it up to pedal assist three and started at the hill. It was amazing! The 63-year-old grandmother can pedal a bike up a hill and not get winded or exhausted. It was almost effortlessly assisting me pedal up to the top. These bikes are just so cool!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1NuwYX42L9kq5y5GeWr1GdBcuHoUatdpLfDGF4wdh2SaInceMVU9P3Pyw7Jd7ZZ6n1wOyNLttk0rcx4GJ02-uQLw8iUFsKnRKchQPCJFcBxyiaX_g2P-gbRqw5QkbdT190-fut490tk2DJQv_Pbj4z3tbg0PTtxorURQh5aixHdIADayydjTQchl1y_o/s4080/20231113_143617.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1NuwYX42L9kq5y5GeWr1GdBcuHoUatdpLfDGF4wdh2SaInceMVU9P3Pyw7Jd7ZZ6n1wOyNLttk0rcx4GJ02-uQLw8iUFsKnRKchQPCJFcBxyiaX_g2P-gbRqw5QkbdT190-fut490tk2DJQv_Pbj4z3tbg0PTtxorURQh5aixHdIADayydjTQchl1y_o/w640-h296/20231113_143617.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We rode around a bit more and then decided to put them away for the evening. It's so convenient to put them right back into the trailer and not have to fold them up or haul them inside the RV. We locked the trailer up securely for the night. Since then, we have ordered a motion detector light with a security alarm. That way if anybody ever fiddles around with the trailer, the alarm goes off long before the bike alarms even detect anything.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the sun went down, it got chilly really fast. The temps were going to be down in the mid twenties overnight. We were pretty cozy warm with the onboard propane furnace as well as an additional little electric space heater. Our grey and black water holding tanks are also heated for freezing temperatures. The freshwater tank is above the floor within the confines of the RV itself and has no danger of freezing. But we still crack open the cabinet doors so the warm air can circulate underneath the sinks in both the kitchen and the bathroom. </div><div><br /></div><div>Since we now had a pretty good cellular signal, Steve was able to hook up his unlimited service Visible phone to our Roku stick. We curled up and watched some movies and he popped us some popcorn----</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All of the comforts of home!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixP_tJmUOm_PZwM3tiS7NaX05WYwxAMeUAQ2J1Nzi1MdkDpIuAb6Me6nEZZlXqn7QcUy1nlElzQw-ghjba1sOZqHYY8sMXQTw1km5zOoxkAv6YADVe6sHFJF5Bu944b7PtPfUogQHkkDmJEblEvijfW1IeeV6rV7hP_r9Q21RANI73IHdmNd4Ueh6JngVo/s4080/20231114_192833.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixP_tJmUOm_PZwM3tiS7NaX05WYwxAMeUAQ2J1Nzi1MdkDpIuAb6Me6nEZZlXqn7QcUy1nlElzQw-ghjba1sOZqHYY8sMXQTw1km5zOoxkAv6YADVe6sHFJF5Bu944b7PtPfUogQHkkDmJEblEvijfW1IeeV6rV7hP_r9Q21RANI73IHdmNd4Ueh6JngVo/w296-h640/20231114_192833.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our last motorhome had dual pane windows and the cold weather really didn't matter as much for heat loss. </div><div><br /></div><div>But on this Winnebago, here is something we do to help with the heat loss through the single pane windows is to add this Reflectix insulation. We cut panels that fit snugly to the windows and the rigid material is easy to stick within the frames.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1z_h8Z_x4vtAnW37HqagnppalI7RjYA1Lf1PVKTn6p0MIYSzDQVbRMvOjQiiNFQsgw4RlGCB7fA8fh_zCQIj1-6FHlEvcImvmqgANTgMcf4AT5doITAuvK9glvMPEDUSaRuV2hlZ8mDh5iMERZHqSu0Ajf8y9hj9Uh19704p4Vwmh5_T9TXsIqWzgkwe/s2880/20231115_071600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF1z_h8Z_x4vtAnW37HqagnppalI7RjYA1Lf1PVKTn6p0MIYSzDQVbRMvOjQiiNFQsgw4RlGCB7fA8fh_zCQIj1-6FHlEvcImvmqgANTgMcf4AT5doITAuvK9glvMPEDUSaRuV2hlZ8mDh5iMERZHqSu0Ajf8y9hj9Uh19704p4Vwmh5_T9TXsIqWzgkwe/s320/20231115_071600.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We only put it up at night, and then take it off in the morning to let the sun light in.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of our favorite things to do camping is to cook a big breakfast part way through the morning. That way it kind of holds us over until an early supper. Steve has perfected the art of being able to do three different items on the two burner stove. He does up a flat griddle of hash browns, some slabs of bacon, and at the very end I cook the scrambled eggs. Because we have an electric hookup we were also able to use the toaster. Everything works well even in the much smaller kitchen of this 25 ft Winnebago View compared to the 38 ft Safari that we used to own. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pcZvTMQGwF98qZz45-EEZoJBrMKsCur2GYjsiqAECB3dOaM64fMGsbtiVfxNNlUJocJ3_sLmUIv6VYihMPUE6mqYveYGad1FBHds72vYrYya2hGNiGUOAAHwnt5hJIHZE8fh9NxKTAivgSuvtBbfYaPOKvRGmXJGVJ7HSQRGIxAVQYKbkodm6Mjw0agj/s4080/20231115_091957.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pcZvTMQGwF98qZz45-EEZoJBrMKsCur2GYjsiqAECB3dOaM64fMGsbtiVfxNNlUJocJ3_sLmUIv6VYihMPUE6mqYveYGad1FBHds72vYrYya2hGNiGUOAAHwnt5hJIHZE8fh9NxKTAivgSuvtBbfYaPOKvRGmXJGVJ7HSQRGIxAVQYKbkodm6Mjw0agj/w640-h296/20231115_091957.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The day warmed up, just as beautiful as the day before. Perhaps even a little bit warmer! Now it was time to actually explore a little more on our bikes. We were going to really take them out on a REAL road. We got our gear all set up and adjusted our helmets. We adjusted our mirrors on our handlebars. We took along extra gear in case we had troubles. Steve has a little tool kit, we have a pre-charged air pump and patch kit, and of course our cell phones. </div><div><br /></div><div>We peddled on the main road out of the campground and ventured further around the shore of the lake. We were headed to the waterfalls nearby called Long Slide Falls. It was SO pretty!!! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-kOzVIRiLk6XAzsrDtpP-P7-rEevNglQ-_P92oJhpXHVPL_pNsT_Qz_pZEDXnk4r4Pm88lPJrJZsuUpylaP6AkuddwPG5lUfZsbTLo8L22v2cm6FU6cO7fuH10lShuwhGCyd2lvACpqSYPje8qy-S4pwyG1oGh-dkdsL2HfgDxMEdTwgbQe1aOxjOCOg/s4080/20231115_113837.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-kOzVIRiLk6XAzsrDtpP-P7-rEevNglQ-_P92oJhpXHVPL_pNsT_Qz_pZEDXnk4r4Pm88lPJrJZsuUpylaP6AkuddwPG5lUfZsbTLo8L22v2cm6FU6cO7fuH10lShuwhGCyd2lvACpqSYPje8qy-S4pwyG1oGh-dkdsL2HfgDxMEdTwgbQe1aOxjOCOg/w640-h296/20231115_113837.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a video I made that I posted on YouTube:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j1EgKSr5bXw" width="320" youtube-src-id="j1EgKSr5bXw"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Steve had come here with the grandkids last year. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I had never been here. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ockr9wDTDEFB3J9pV186lvjS38sX8dtPsN64d4wEmfGg4ReVs5cxUfErLJUwHTNbk9thufE_h8qwOwmJkyTZeS1WrA3esMTGzARufev_vatIi6eObjz2fqsuHKwecBQhZLsxLfdZgZieeDvNg0-EXudHEylQsv3oaw5VcSyhDCWg7W2yzCli59F0h-MC/s496/Screenshot_20231116_093626_Gallery.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="496" data-original-width="445" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ockr9wDTDEFB3J9pV186lvjS38sX8dtPsN64d4wEmfGg4ReVs5cxUfErLJUwHTNbk9thufE_h8qwOwmJkyTZeS1WrA3esMTGzARufev_vatIi6eObjz2fqsuHKwecBQhZLsxLfdZgZieeDvNg0-EXudHEylQsv3oaw5VcSyhDCWg7W2yzCli59F0h-MC/w574-h640/Screenshot_20231116_093626_Gallery.jpg" width="574" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We sat by the shore for a while just enjoying the rushing water. In no time at all this whole area will be covered deep in snow and everything will be frozen over. So it's good to enjoy it while we can. </div><div><br /></div><div>We returned back to the campground and put on a total of 8 more miles on our bikes. It's good to take these little trips to get used to them. The bikes are able to do between 20 and 30 miles reasonably using the pedal assist mode. Maybe further if you used less assist.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJOIW_sLkTV4Di69GrZFSafzWMiBMMA1SkjaxFBhy9yMwJvu8Lg2XIPjmb3H8afWe5bxl0zMrcJiqaSrcaHOwpf4nT9fV37C3jKLrU6ocqKrUySsd_Aj2s_ImO31LtJy63Xp8-1m52gxfjIetSt8qDaCVQJtsTByvhkAD-9vKMNA8qlnNtQVzlIp7fdCP/s4080/20231115_121252.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHJOIW_sLkTV4Di69GrZFSafzWMiBMMA1SkjaxFBhy9yMwJvu8Lg2XIPjmb3H8afWe5bxl0zMrcJiqaSrcaHOwpf4nT9fV37C3jKLrU6ocqKrUySsd_Aj2s_ImO31LtJy63Xp8-1m52gxfjIetSt8qDaCVQJtsTByvhkAD-9vKMNA8qlnNtQVzlIp7fdCP/w296-h640/20231115_121252.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Little princess Binney waits patiently back in the motorhome for us while we are gone bike riding. I know people pull cute little pet carts behind their bicycles. I know she would be absolutely terrified, not want to do it, and not enjoy it in the least. So instead, she curls up in her little bed in the motorhome and waits for us. When we got back then she comes out to perch on her throne and see what we are making for supper. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNJf9O1YMtxxfzIBHHFfr_nbwKrGm2RKLnFdrxg5lXMmXJVaCoGxsS2T8kTOz56snNLuBWZUUl_f8kKbQ_VwmhjFCm0uoShyXXzUh6BuaLmijXITo3fLbQlGan1FycAC2XyOJv7YR_vUa8hUzO7qY7NdcLHus4hECikfSvxWAZfz3I8lss6qmK9GttN1C/s4080/20231115_121300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNJf9O1YMtxxfzIBHHFfr_nbwKrGm2RKLnFdrxg5lXMmXJVaCoGxsS2T8kTOz56snNLuBWZUUl_f8kKbQ_VwmhjFCm0uoShyXXzUh6BuaLmijXITo3fLbQlGan1FycAC2XyOJv7YR_vUa8hUzO7qY7NdcLHus4hECikfSvxWAZfz3I8lss6qmK9GttN1C/w296-h640/20231115_121300.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Even though the weather was warm, the sun was going to be setting soon. Steve started up a campfire to enjoy the evening outdoors. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQhxci_Ys8txMYv1Zlqyb2vDJbEBKAowMw_zeVoQ5d0t7d1PbfpEAF4aiumhNOqH_sNAogB5w_9p4UOhFvrvWpaq5GNWBoUEoIwjYnXhvHSwxFW8gGrlMq4zIFsIb5U4NInPezckm5qgbhYZiJGQmWEF0gcFrGM54xKFl8BsOKZD4KsxTEaEGHp1OcSRc/s4080/20231115_154953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxQhxci_Ys8txMYv1Zlqyb2vDJbEBKAowMw_zeVoQ5d0t7d1PbfpEAF4aiumhNOqH_sNAogB5w_9p4UOhFvrvWpaq5GNWBoUEoIwjYnXhvHSwxFW8gGrlMq4zIFsIb5U4NInPezckm5qgbhYZiJGQmWEF0gcFrGM54xKFl8BsOKZD4KsxTEaEGHp1OcSRc/w296-h640/20231115_154953.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>He pulled out our new Camp Chef oven. We really prefer this over the convection microwave unit inside of the motorhome. We set it up on the table and hooked it up to a portable propane tank. This also has some burners up on the top that can be cooked on with kettles as well as baking in the oven. The evening meal was going to be Cornish pasties. This is a delectable treat from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKaMOu6T1ZoO1cvtuQpoYR6XWQchXhOW9QIOTYNESBKKGgHXNcAB1Ni-EqiEfPpaqIn0RQ11aY86GDhF-iLiVt8mOIEnaJP9GSovXZ0lEHyEGgOPQacGEMhIeLT7xMh6uC9etdkMyo1skGF7BeS7PZi0B8exrZmV2u_stYApTSZ2l0u2LeX-BJMa8OuYM/s4080/20231115_154959.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkKaMOu6T1ZoO1cvtuQpoYR6XWQchXhOW9QIOTYNESBKKGgHXNcAB1Ni-EqiEfPpaqIn0RQ11aY86GDhF-iLiVt8mOIEnaJP9GSovXZ0lEHyEGgOPQacGEMhIeLT7xMh6uC9etdkMyo1skGF7BeS7PZi0B8exrZmV2u_stYApTSZ2l0u2LeX-BJMa8OuYM/w640-h296/20231115_154959.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We relaxed around the campfire with a few of our adult beverages. The woods were quiet for the night. The hunters nearby all went to bed early. They were going to head out in the pre-dawn hours to get to their hunting blinds somewhere in the woods, out of the park boundaries. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlEwvmMl8PqyqAup_6176cI8udNDD89GL0DjxjIfihlbW56Tx-E7pmIqykH4kWb_y74nSACuBNYcmFlqX0NoOPeJACzJ8e3HVYCyOGafRpnMEqY_pSSeJFoXl9o3WZI0JAReE1b0ia0GqnCETsHpilO0JC-ie4hm3a960DvDMMDE2i-98vP14ux-O9eeM/s4080/20231115_163931.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlEwvmMl8PqyqAup_6176cI8udNDD89GL0DjxjIfihlbW56Tx-E7pmIqykH4kWb_y74nSACuBNYcmFlqX0NoOPeJACzJ8e3HVYCyOGafRpnMEqY_pSSeJFoXl9o3WZI0JAReE1b0ia0GqnCETsHpilO0JC-ie4hm3a960DvDMMDE2i-98vP14ux-O9eeM/w296-h640/20231115_163931.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I grew up eating these pasties, and they are a nice way to have a meal all rolled into one crust. There are potatoes, rutabaga's, beef and pork sausage meat. They are baked in a lard crust that is wrapped around the interior contents. In the old days the miners would take these down in the mine with them and heat them up on their lanterns until lunch break. Some people prefer them with gravy over them, some people prefer them with ketchup. We like just a little bit of melted butter. The pasties from Pasty Oven in Florence Wisconsin, just over the border, are our favorite brand. The potatoes are larger slices and tastier than just little teeny bits that are mushy. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_BQSA1ns-Ub06e6Tu_hGUSlhpOi8RMF3GENSHhqrkzObuXjNpDnc6qkSabnRTJ4wLay67H9G_DRHpYqtWM4CBtxeDMnZmsE7BKBqJh5FMAUzyllJJVLEFKzqDh0hOhvki9NcNHrt_NEVZ083T9qX8qm3kxctMbP7aDJVJ0rKKtatmM_JshiKJ6r-zhgg/s4080/20231115_164329.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_BQSA1ns-Ub06e6Tu_hGUSlhpOi8RMF3GENSHhqrkzObuXjNpDnc6qkSabnRTJ4wLay67H9G_DRHpYqtWM4CBtxeDMnZmsE7BKBqJh5FMAUzyllJJVLEFKzqDh0hOhvki9NcNHrt_NEVZ083T9qX8qm3kxctMbP7aDJVJ0rKKtatmM_JshiKJ6r-zhgg/w640-h296/20231115_164329.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We sat outside until we burned the last hunk of firewood. It was time to crawl into bed. The temperatures were dropping and we were going to get cozy and warm in the motorhome. The luxury of having electric hookups meant we also had our electric mattress pad heater. We each had our sides turned on high to crawl into a cozy warm bed. Once we're in and warmed up, then we turn them down for overnight. It is a luxury for sure.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning it was pretty crisp outside but we decided to bake one of Steve's favorite breakfast coffee cakes. While he was busy letting out Binney to do her thing, I was mixing up his treat.</div><div><br /></div><div>He fired up the oven to preheat and I got the pan all ready inside. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kxM7r66mSNwW8J01ZT5aPvR1EfizBsJaQyRO65HUmdYTfImNmb8squ7OYivD0y33WUAHFOqgQu7X4tp5Ff1YHEoBJ207QsJj20Hn6gsVuIx2XQ2CpPk0nDkFxI2wHQ3f0ZmYt62lIPl5FXokDMixHGn5IAihr_9cqd7NBpq80WkGwTwoikO_MK87DgBs/s4080/20231116_081451.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_kxM7r66mSNwW8J01ZT5aPvR1EfizBsJaQyRO65HUmdYTfImNmb8squ7OYivD0y33WUAHFOqgQu7X4tp5Ff1YHEoBJ207QsJj20Hn6gsVuIx2XQ2CpPk0nDkFxI2wHQ3f0ZmYt62lIPl5FXokDMixHGn5IAihr_9cqd7NBpq80WkGwTwoikO_MK87DgBs/w640-h296/20231116_081451.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In 40 minutes his breakfast coffee cake was ready. We really like these Krusteaz cinnamon swirl coffee cake mixes. It truly is one of Steve's favorites. The mix is big enough to make coffee cake that lasts for 3 days. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneLo-BQP00LvRLImKJgRKbSiRRi7bTu812hx57n3Bters3z_tVIYhv2ExBZEblQQ-YSYknwvpaN0rqdRUqgvk4JPQfOtwLbVgRq-HKHNENklDN72noCeNQRWYGPATmQ-YZyNaTNdYXIyD2ocx4Pj5G20eq4Ec7lO2Pgdo8ErMJrTXjF_4IsUepOEGE_VU/s4080/20231116_082518.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneLo-BQP00LvRLImKJgRKbSiRRi7bTu812hx57n3Bters3z_tVIYhv2ExBZEblQQ-YSYknwvpaN0rqdRUqgvk4JPQfOtwLbVgRq-HKHNENklDN72noCeNQRWYGPATmQ-YZyNaTNdYXIyD2ocx4Pj5G20eq4Ec7lO2Pgdo8ErMJrTXjF_4IsUepOEGE_VU/w640-h296/20231116_082518.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We had a relaxing morning, waiting for the sun to warm up and the temps to increase to go for another bike ride. Steve was happy that we had a decent cellular signal that he could look at his beloved Facebook Marketplace. I was busy knitting on a wool hat. This is the kind of camping I like. Just relaxing in the woods and we don't have to do anything or go anywhere.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nJm0_BcpcgMZG8dwVgvWs1nTy_BJpQMLRlTobwhQOSi8OUwUaeF4wh8-AeFjbG8X1qZYzzS7xpeUCOq8L5pk-odpXhE_IxaNxXjbQPtIgztyJOqTmE6cOi3BDYgG61e2wY-E21PIUtFiSgVfhxyG3zYKIe6-uJZmAsghCetAeQ8t16byLzpKzg8Omtbc/s4080/20231116_101203.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nJm0_BcpcgMZG8dwVgvWs1nTy_BJpQMLRlTobwhQOSi8OUwUaeF4wh8-AeFjbG8X1qZYzzS7xpeUCOq8L5pk-odpXhE_IxaNxXjbQPtIgztyJOqTmE6cOi3BDYgG61e2wY-E21PIUtFiSgVfhxyG3zYKIe6-uJZmAsghCetAeQ8t16byLzpKzg8Omtbc/w296-h640/20231116_101203.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We were able to get outside as things warmed up. All of the hunters were gone early in the morning so we had the campground completely to ourselves. Total peace and quiet. Looking up at the beautiful blue sky and all of these birds and trees. What a great way to spend the day. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5g34a5MJi8XxMbaF6I_X_Ee6Pq1BtOIlyCB0x7saRGVPYW3sYjUE54jDBmrchhLELUw7YZAhEZZepLMpCAySCQQBtERoay2YAUtptMu3Nv4WOx0GIzCFnpERxraAW37E9XyZVQ-y7OnpXCT3_94pFACybEj-uD-4nri0UWHT3jlhMNUQpm-uKmb6kMOo/s4080/20231116_121944.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5g34a5MJi8XxMbaF6I_X_Ee6Pq1BtOIlyCB0x7saRGVPYW3sYjUE54jDBmrchhLELUw7YZAhEZZepLMpCAySCQQBtERoay2YAUtptMu3Nv4WOx0GIzCFnpERxraAW37E9XyZVQ-y7OnpXCT3_94pFACybEj-uD-4nri0UWHT3jlhMNUQpm-uKmb6kMOo/w296-h640/20231116_121944.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Even though the leaves are down, the trees look pretty tall and majestic against this totally blue sky. There is nothing altered or filtered on this photo. This is exactly the way it looked when I snapped the picture. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uLyBIp8twCQbhLmwrd91OFlC-giJVIWNSIYo7FB19hotQvJQ4XBr_o5qlNmhPbd6p8uc3sBCJji-vUeYlNZDkOXTELtxl31qqaRYElqXOjWRuK-e5nyMBlj3DfJL4cfF6t0ps4FIHpCJhWUe0RHBa5-7rY9zzI6rEwAJYxv2JGvFU6-LoUajwm9EZp-C/s4080/20231116_121950.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8uLyBIp8twCQbhLmwrd91OFlC-giJVIWNSIYo7FB19hotQvJQ4XBr_o5qlNmhPbd6p8uc3sBCJji-vUeYlNZDkOXTELtxl31qqaRYElqXOjWRuK-e5nyMBlj3DfJL4cfF6t0ps4FIHpCJhWUe0RHBa5-7rY9zzI6rEwAJYxv2JGvFU6-LoUajwm9EZp-C/w296-h640/20231116_121950.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Relaxing in our chairs, while settled in the campsite. Watching a few little rustles sounds here and there of chipmunks or squirrels. They are busy gathering up their stash for the winter. As long as they stay away from our motorhome, we are okay. We have added an extra mesh layer to the air intake as well as the cab filter area on our motorhome. Both are known depositories for sassy little chipmunks and squirrels with their stash of acorns! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dgxnDgSUuvGBJkH1cGcooDyVLNeyvA99pNwOr_6Kf94Iv6JHOeOICK5rA0Oo0VKcB5CY8-KXrhZ2V9weFE9OeAV_NGJsKYoZM-Bu89Fr1oC1cjNrnkOSAQNHBldw2Rq0H5QnGaS5Q9GfbiPrSHNZC2pcF5inUtwIsrlnSD6suSIxZavkVLGGNWhRQBhO/s4000/20231116_122002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1844" data-original-width="4000" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dgxnDgSUuvGBJkH1cGcooDyVLNeyvA99pNwOr_6Kf94Iv6JHOeOICK5rA0Oo0VKcB5CY8-KXrhZ2V9weFE9OeAV_NGJsKYoZM-Bu89Fr1oC1cjNrnkOSAQNHBldw2Rq0H5QnGaS5Q9GfbiPrSHNZC2pcF5inUtwIsrlnSD6suSIxZavkVLGGNWhRQBhO/w640-h296/20231116_122002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After lunch, we decided to go for another ride. This is what the trailer looks like when we take the bikes out. The grandkids are excited to think about next summer. They plan to spread out a queen size air mattress in here and make it into their bunkhouse! Lol! I think they will fit. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCd6S4o4Yp5fsAp9Cs4jL9lLtix65m2pgXt5UELvH8CzdqK2ixG53-g7kNhH1Z1MYE0suJS53puSJqZ7ACxA5wKpD0A2k0OmzGp211sHamZXaOHDgRbHnbGyxnexnRLLRH-lranNzDiSxPJvNi000jXKLkm9wYmZqCnapEFdkfsULsySFRRFmKlMf3OS_/s4080/20231116_134258.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCd6S4o4Yp5fsAp9Cs4jL9lLtix65m2pgXt5UELvH8CzdqK2ixG53-g7kNhH1Z1MYE0suJS53puSJqZ7ACxA5wKpD0A2k0OmzGp211sHamZXaOHDgRbHnbGyxnexnRLLRH-lranNzDiSxPJvNi000jXKLkm9wYmZqCnapEFdkfsULsySFRRFmKlMf3OS_/w296-h640/20231116_134258.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We took one more ride but then the wind started up. It was getting windier and some clouds were blowing in. We sat out by the campfire for a while but we didn't burn any more wood. That's not a good thing to do with dry leaves and woods with higher winds on their way. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-HfCo3pBQy3AC_jsqpttFpoY6j2lWqdB7TcfcACDEQCb0_H9SttyniA_zLkbimwdEI5Ejg4VjBuDylv94h9rjkX8mf4NbOADp-5S8v1cHvEAs3SqNbZfXDACBuI9dx0Vm5BZxvgl2YmMEcG7Leruhx6o_yv9-eMrZR6VkWzwbtFVCkpB-1Or75VTrZNL/s4080/20231116_134302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx-HfCo3pBQy3AC_jsqpttFpoY6j2lWqdB7TcfcACDEQCb0_H9SttyniA_zLkbimwdEI5Ejg4VjBuDylv94h9rjkX8mf4NbOADp-5S8v1cHvEAs3SqNbZfXDACBuI9dx0Vm5BZxvgl2YmMEcG7Leruhx6o_yv9-eMrZR6VkWzwbtFVCkpB-1Or75VTrZNL/w296-h640/20231116_134302.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We curled up back inside the motorhome and watched some movies for the evening. I did some sewing on my fold out table inside. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhk1ejkgAqXsO1l07odOoDB-_Xd-oMcDKVR8RtmPqBT53a0eKhloCiNlwq8-NDm2Jr4aZRHD9EtrK-0LBhyphenhyphenM_A3eFtZqDgKnzSfPZUJN9yAy5Muu3SWZJDCkBmvKBjFYPuhzRkqwebypRWZxg8nvWJlVKxdl9rPfFMt5LhRJlHMw88XsVNN0fXwTbnj8F/s4080/20231114_105211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhk1ejkgAqXsO1l07odOoDB-_Xd-oMcDKVR8RtmPqBT53a0eKhloCiNlwq8-NDm2Jr4aZRHD9EtrK-0LBhyphenhyphenM_A3eFtZqDgKnzSfPZUJN9yAy5Muu3SWZJDCkBmvKBjFYPuhzRkqwebypRWZxg8nvWJlVKxdl9rPfFMt5LhRJlHMw88XsVNN0fXwTbnj8F/w640-h296/20231114_105211.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The next 2 days were a little chillier and a tad bit too cold to do much bike riding. We did a little bit but we really didn't venture out too far.</div><div><br /></div><div>At least we are comfortable now with using the bikes and understanding more about the gears and the pedal assist modes. They will be a great addition to our vacationing this winter down south. This way we don't have to tow along a vehicle, but we can still get out and about.</div><div><br /></div><div>By Friday morning things clouded up in the winds were really picking up. It was time to head on back home anyhow, because Saturday morning was opening season for the hunting gun deer season in Wisconsin! That's the last time anyone wants to be out in the woods. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpEfBluRg8D3Gz2qiUYGP-GjY-kZkyFzu2rn4U0Ce94Cu9lXkmcQvOXAs9Lc4dsbp2foP09zGNIJ83w9a7IgWztuBg39KKbkSWovNbi4hTEh_Ep1ZIL-CmFBg8sEVX5XpKO5x1E7aPa5sju7IouUTIU86w6pnEc42CAy39hojlJ4_B4Is3Pe7ynh6VPQc/s4080/20231117_101746.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhpEfBluRg8D3Gz2qiUYGP-GjY-kZkyFzu2rn4U0Ce94Cu9lXkmcQvOXAs9Lc4dsbp2foP09zGNIJ83w9a7IgWztuBg39KKbkSWovNbi4hTEh_Ep1ZIL-CmFBg8sEVX5XpKO5x1E7aPa5sju7IouUTIU86w6pnEc42CAy39hojlJ4_B4Is3Pe7ynh6VPQc/w640-h296/20231117_101746.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Home again</div><div style="text-align: center;">Home again</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jiggety jigg</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div></div>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-68906487334963501232023-12-06T19:01:00.005-06:002024-03-09T16:21:49.780-06:00Outfitting An Enclosed Cargo Trailer For E-bikes<p>We made it through the Celebration of Life for Steve's Dad, our beloved patriarch of the Pfundtner clan. </p><p>He was our last living parent, now laid to rest. Family is healing and sharing the love and support from many friends and neighbors. </p><p>We have been keeping ourselves "busy" and finding things to occupy our creative selves.</p><p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~</p><p>Since we bought the two Lectric E-bikes (read my last blog- <a href="https://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/2023/10/our-lectric-xp-30-e-bikes-have-arrived.html?m=0" target="_blank">Our Lectric XP 3.0 E-bikes Have Arrived</a> ) we have been tossing around some ideas on transporting them.</p><p>Most people transport E-bikes on a rack hanging off the back of their RV. But then they are subjected to the harsh elements and possibly theft.</p><p>Some people fold the bikes up and carry them in large heavy totes inside of their RV. But the bikes are 65 lb or so. The bikes would always be in the way as we try to walk up and down the aisle in our motorhome. </p><p><br /></p><p>Soooooo ----- you know that Steveio! He started perusing the Facebook Marketplace and ran across a super duper bargain!!! </p><p>(doesn't he always?)</p><p><br /></p><p>He found a really nice, lightweight, well-built enclosed cargo trailer. It's only 4 ft wide by 6 ft long, and has an extra long tongue to the front hitch. More on that later. </p><p>A young doctor had used it to move here from Colorado and it was parked nice and neat and clean in his nice and neat and clean garage. Just what we were looking for... </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1ta9qyHExCeveKPCrGzfxgM4zu2WUlpSNILaIlazjNemErdoRRDHUbk1OQgvzQRg7ns-BRrZJPKq6JWTkgcgIsTNiNAPW96lGwdaQKxYD_zk0_flcgfHkAWfibrYnfjRMghUjNUEhbg_QhmmYMRQaFv5AEjFmPlABNWlwV_3RZw52mZXP0sThmZCZwjT/s1123/Screenshot_20231103_223617_Facebook.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1079" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1ta9qyHExCeveKPCrGzfxgM4zu2WUlpSNILaIlazjNemErdoRRDHUbk1OQgvzQRg7ns-BRrZJPKq6JWTkgcgIsTNiNAPW96lGwdaQKxYD_zk0_flcgfHkAWfibrYnfjRMghUjNUEhbg_QhmmYMRQaFv5AEjFmPlABNWlwV_3RZw52mZXP0sThmZCZwjT/w614-h640/Screenshot_20231103_223617_Facebook.jpg" width="614" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We checked it all out and made a deal. Then we went back the next morning after we robbed the bank for some cash. Lol! Actually, it's because we can only take out so much from an ATM in a 24-hour period. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, this is why we needed a long tongue. Most cargo trailers have an aerodynamic pointed front end called a "V-nose". They are great for added storage area and I am sure they pull much better behind things like pickup trucks to help cut the wind.</div><div><br /></div><div>That's not so important behind the big rectangular box of our motorhome though. </div><div><br /></div><div>We needed the type that's called a "bullnose" with a flatter front, with a longer tongue. We had checked with a few places about special ordering one, and it was going to be a little bit too pricey for our tastes. Steve found this used one that suited the unique need that we have. </div><div><br /></div><div>See that back slide out? Inside is the top pillow area half of our queen size bed. The slide extends out the back, and the middle of the bed folds down or opens up like a taco. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaJJ40kT3CuxKvV3PuXL7dxLMsXgfJBlTnFd_Z37USeo_fwKlenhsYbSF9eTBeyf9Ejc8DUMxGW9V0RmkJDvYpG4kOyiLnZ7GlCcAm8NF4UEVWxM6nQ6LrRaBTohQqezUsVROU7Rzm4cYk3RThMIG5Z6cWl9mDAhWNCVEuXBkq9e_uzhiw-8TB3BpysOS/s2869/20230415_085523.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="2869" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPaJJ40kT3CuxKvV3PuXL7dxLMsXgfJBlTnFd_Z37USeo_fwKlenhsYbSF9eTBeyf9Ejc8DUMxGW9V0RmkJDvYpG4kOyiLnZ7GlCcAm8NF4UEVWxM6nQ6LrRaBTohQqezUsVROU7Rzm4cYk3RThMIG5Z6cWl9mDAhWNCVEuXBkq9e_uzhiw-8TB3BpysOS/w640-h348/20230415_085523.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>If we had bikes on a rack, we would have to have the type of rack that would swing away or swing down just to be able to put out the bed at night to park and sleep somewhere. Or we would have to completely unload the bikes?? By having an enclosed trailer with a long tongue we could still safely extend the bed and still have the trailer securely locked on the hitch. This is especially handy when we are traveling through and just stopping for the night in a parking lot at a Walmart, Cracker Barrel, or a truck stop. <br /><p style="text-align: center;">So we got the trailer home and it was time to get to work on it.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Steve put on new tires, lubed the hubs and repaired a bad ground on the lights. </p><p style="text-align: center;">If you want to watch this YouTube, I took time filming section by section of what we did and how we did it:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZRnvX6F1oTA" width="320" youtube-src-id="ZRnvX6F1oTA"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Another benefit, besides hauling our E-bikes, is to haul some of our additional camping gear. Our Winnebago View has a very tight margin of what is called CCC (cargo carrying capacity). We could transfer some of our heaviest items now into the trailer with the bikes. Added to that, we can haul along some extra things that we have been doing without since downsizing from the larger motorhome.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was going to be a win-win! The Winnebago is able to tow up to 5,000 lb. This trailer is pretty lightweight, about the 800 lb range. So we will be easily able to load up some things and still maneuver it around by hand on a campsite. Or manually move it around in a parking lot if we do decide to unhook it during our travels.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was very easy to unhook from the back of our Saturn and roll right into our garage. </div><div><br /></div>The inside was nice and clean, but it was just plain old plywood. There were some rub marks on the walls but the wood was in really good shape. Before we built any type of hanging racks or shelves or anything, I felt it was a good idea to give it a couple coats of some thick heavy porch and floor enamel paint. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQ4o1yM5ZxW9RUKnpfCFxHA6tS9p-yck2vMrim41UUHT5EUyowyMIdDAgeokaDsbTYI11X4hbyS8t8y7nmg8_KK6WelmKbuccnAsKqFTg0YPFhHCpy1b7BfE5-H6bspXJwUYkABDMKlOk5o6ZUosFZdz4rXtfe47SQIxm4qEUsiJJVS1iAqP3nOXImoka/s4080/20231104_175430.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGQ4o1yM5ZxW9RUKnpfCFxHA6tS9p-yck2vMrim41UUHT5EUyowyMIdDAgeokaDsbTYI11X4hbyS8t8y7nmg8_KK6WelmKbuccnAsKqFTg0YPFhHCpy1b7BfE5-H6bspXJwUYkABDMKlOk5o6ZUosFZdz4rXtfe47SQIxm4qEUsiJJVS1iAqP3nOXImoka/w296-h640/20231104_175430.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you have read my blog for any amount of time, you would recall that Steve does NOT like painting. This is my project! </div><div><br /></div><div>I chose some nice light gray paint, the same color as our steps. That way I can use the leftover to touch up our front porch next spring. It kind of looks blue in this picture but it really is gray.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is November, and it was a little cool in the garage, so Steve set up the Mr. Buddy heater to help keep me warm. I gave it two really good coats and let it dry thoroughly in between each one. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuJzJH8tfnaowClsrBIOtSaPNelF61nXXVHguTB-Hz6BMP4U3mMn0giWb_aJdNMskbIMZ3Q3SHeDu7YeDchgqgJwIPW8yvRYbA4IshBF7YmHlK3ERLXFcjIviRXR2-0GPzKygV0Q7gA5dy0S5pboBZR_BMe-wJbpcySjCG7jXKR4qvT-KTgndQHywvF3k/s3980/20231108_092812.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3980" data-original-width="1838" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuJzJH8tfnaowClsrBIOtSaPNelF61nXXVHguTB-Hz6BMP4U3mMn0giWb_aJdNMskbIMZ3Q3SHeDu7YeDchgqgJwIPW8yvRYbA4IshBF7YmHlK3ERLXFcjIviRXR2-0GPzKygV0Q7gA5dy0S5pboBZR_BMe-wJbpcySjCG7jXKR4qvT-KTgndQHywvF3k/w296-h640/20231108_092812.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Once that was done, Steve started working on hanging some sturdy angle iron with pre-drilled little holes already running the length of every piece. We did a lot of measuring and double checking before we did any cutting or screwing into the frame. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2Wlqo462cSrXF_o5D_cQjMXgls2KlD7MOEbY_S0Y-Nk3j-LMjwS9WqeYTFSpEpiku37jUR8-ARGmYLR5vul6YLPDBFaksB_XvPpvoh0XTA5bJm0enAt_rSof1vIf66bxAl7pUclj605NK5euH_dRtqTiLzWt1AxM-tsRgwMYYKuiSREvaka5Y-s5Z81J/s4080/20231109_084119.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2296" data-original-width="4080" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2Wlqo462cSrXF_o5D_cQjMXgls2KlD7MOEbY_S0Y-Nk3j-LMjwS9WqeYTFSpEpiku37jUR8-ARGmYLR5vul6YLPDBFaksB_XvPpvoh0XTA5bJm0enAt_rSof1vIf66bxAl7pUclj605NK5euH_dRtqTiLzWt1AxM-tsRgwMYYKuiSREvaka5Y-s5Z81J/w640-h360/20231109_084119.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We did some measuring and figuring and decided to install some of these large utility hooks. We covered them with tubes of foam pipe insulation to pad them and keep them from rattling around or ruining the finish on our new lawn chairs. Then we added D rings and bungees to the walls underneath the chairs to keep them secure. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qw1g-DE3x-Em6AbTYipUkE4Qi_Ds_vaZMbZSDO6tpeOjHeQYwSY_TSht4hz4qGqh49yVnHsY07QUGG0rAbfRc3jjm3qhgIwWdO_CPHuVopZrIq-K9oE4mQjqigmTA5m7Yg5Kw5Ay_BS2Q3Gme4u2-_1GQurNyVM-MBI1b_bM_uYlL0T3vozFUSuHCeaJ/s4080/20231109_085532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qw1g-DE3x-Em6AbTYipUkE4Qi_Ds_vaZMbZSDO6tpeOjHeQYwSY_TSht4hz4qGqh49yVnHsY07QUGG0rAbfRc3jjm3qhgIwWdO_CPHuVopZrIq-K9oE4mQjqigmTA5m7Yg5Kw5Ay_BS2Q3Gme4u2-_1GQurNyVM-MBI1b_bM_uYlL0T3vozFUSuHCeaJ/w296-h640/20231109_085532.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you watch on the video, you will see that we did a little boo boo on the hanging length and then decided to go back to the drawing board and shorten up the hooks. Then we reinstalled them and it was a much better fit for the bikes standing up underneath the chairs. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now it was time for some shelves. I had come up with a little idea of how to secure the fronts of the bikes in a gentle non-scratching way, but yet keep them from flopping around or tipping over.</div><div><br /></div><div>So first we used a cardboard template to make the exact shape of the interior nose of the trailer. I love templates! Steve doesn't. </div><div>LOL! </div><div>It worked very well. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AEKq8QDQ2gXiRr0oN8I5RBhnZEuCxpLf7KNOLzPd3l9a3Kp-rWz5kF_f_JUw-YiVEnhMA81NoQder6diezgGQrMiBUDdt2otEhmmnpm3PEYSQZ-cs0hEf8ssvCnXD5m9D51avRMko6hDq6_kQ6enLsoU-z1koeh3oNLNSZJL3w5vV6i0DscfvxsaSxm_/s4080/20231109_094642.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2AEKq8QDQ2gXiRr0oN8I5RBhnZEuCxpLf7KNOLzPd3l9a3Kp-rWz5kF_f_JUw-YiVEnhMA81NoQder6diezgGQrMiBUDdt2otEhmmnpm3PEYSQZ-cs0hEf8ssvCnXD5m9D51avRMko6hDq6_kQ6enLsoU-z1koeh3oNLNSZJL3w5vV6i0DscfvxsaSxm_/w640-h296/20231109_094642.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Yup, that worked good... Now to implement my idea!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydv_cqDZoHr5sjzuUZg6nfSclpxyJMlhe92jdKEkM-EV3RNKbJavOrPD8fTp7eD_X7kWnDoWTJpW_e-3WURXqDB4wwtI_Qz9xBVkbzetwJmbzEvc1OUyZm8VMJ3Y33HikzH3CIH-pSXdAfl1zjYsJXHfSgpHQ1FOnTxnSk-MpZtHyTcypreaIEGYrQlpV/s4080/20231109_095447.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydv_cqDZoHr5sjzuUZg6nfSclpxyJMlhe92jdKEkM-EV3RNKbJavOrPD8fTp7eD_X7kWnDoWTJpW_e-3WURXqDB4wwtI_Qz9xBVkbzetwJmbzEvc1OUyZm8VMJ3Y33HikzH3CIH-pSXdAfl1zjYsJXHfSgpHQ1FOnTxnSk-MpZtHyTcypreaIEGYrQlpV/w640-h296/20231109_095447.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Again, using my cardboard template, I used a hunk of this foam pipe insulation and made a U-shaped cut into my cardboard. Then I snugged it up tight around the front stem of the bike, just above the fork for the front tire. Steve had to move our headlight brackets up to a better position and this way the bikes can snug right into their little u-shaped holding "stall", just like a horse. No scratching of the paint. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2TfChVTtM9qW-bdP-_215nio65PfCn7yfKgMIZCgKseq7DdnHsP_XxwXzGg3qYKWU_uyQHFzBE7VTUZTeMUNJVndhQoT8tABoI9T8yOOsbaqHTQeVcejhV00bhclsw_7KzSk4xkNDGhPsoBsEiHIddeu92J_QE8Rys7TGrkNCbj26eAFlttVgZIw0qGZ/s4080/20231109_111637.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2TfChVTtM9qW-bdP-_215nio65PfCn7yfKgMIZCgKseq7DdnHsP_XxwXzGg3qYKWU_uyQHFzBE7VTUZTeMUNJVndhQoT8tABoI9T8yOOsbaqHTQeVcejhV00bhclsw_7KzSk4xkNDGhPsoBsEiHIddeu92J_QE8Rys7TGrkNCbj26eAFlttVgZIw0qGZ/w640-h296/20231109_111637.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So we transferred the U-shapes onto the lower wooden shelf. Steve cut them out with the jigsaw and now it was time for me to paint again. I gave both shelves double coats and we were just about done for the day. We would let them dry overnight and get back to it the next day. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWruVkGAmRnee7lWsqtNqnF0YXrlbW6wNqrQBiYMjjQ9s848WgY0AEbbpagtxSkRVoDRMmQHtROloJG1g3jXejrwutMsl9qg7GjxfXMnhdurpcOx4ToC78YHzkhqzV1DFXxhTYCsoNrqM8ugGP0Io4f7vA-0zb7Gg3_N1b9kC8ph__3JuFZF0aBxBVDvTR/s4080/20231109_114711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWruVkGAmRnee7lWsqtNqnF0YXrlbW6wNqrQBiYMjjQ9s848WgY0AEbbpagtxSkRVoDRMmQHtROloJG1g3jXejrwutMsl9qg7GjxfXMnhdurpcOx4ToC78YHzkhqzV1DFXxhTYCsoNrqM8ugGP0Io4f7vA-0zb7Gg3_N1b9kC8ph__3JuFZF0aBxBVDvTR/w640-h296/20231109_114711.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And here it is, the final edge of the lower shelf. The shelf has a large piece of angle iron running the entire width across the trailer, bolted just ahead of where the u-shaped "stalls" are. The shelves can carry a lot of weight, and also let the bikes nudge right into their spaces. The foam pipe insulation is glued into place with construction adhesive. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_h5JvUJRTg4Oo_jfhRaMSKiQ9Xvlaibziqvy5UrA1lM0B44UeVopiwnGpENHl9skFVabae1Vsmi6H9Xi63V4cfmwSfbGWEGmyPu9Xiu3HmqjWmVcGDj-Gq7VKVv9ZXc7uETj2NLSG9SE3VKHxAMfFyUplB_9NIj9cWRdIo3Y2PIbhikUsBtmeckYzQGa0/s4071/20231111_125129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1442" data-original-width="4071" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_h5JvUJRTg4Oo_jfhRaMSKiQ9Xvlaibziqvy5UrA1lM0B44UeVopiwnGpENHl9skFVabae1Vsmi6H9Xi63V4cfmwSfbGWEGmyPu9Xiu3HmqjWmVcGDj-Gq7VKVv9ZXc7uETj2NLSG9SE3VKHxAMfFyUplB_9NIj9cWRdIo3Y2PIbhikUsBtmeckYzQGa0/w640-h226/20231111_125129.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>We got both shelves bolted up into place securely on the walls and into the steel framework of the trailer. Steve used a lot of self-tapper screws to anchor everything into place. Now it was time to move some of the heavy items out of the motorhome storage compartments and put them into the trailer.</div><div><br /></div><div>The top shelf has my Instapot pressure cooker and air fryer unit, our Blackstone flat top griddle, and Steve's electric chainsaw and charger.</div><div><br /></div><div>The middle shelf has our Camp Chef oven, which weighs about 35 lb. Also Steve's Fire Genie pellet fire pit, and some totes full of our bicycle gear and accessories. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGs6f6d78SVNYw06vCo2RRRYE254bNoCJenTmNDNisFQDAd3FUq0nSJgBBFRZ182H6TSu9WOgofV2TQSsMyS5eiXM4F-ev6Uf-bW2SGoYzmO19IZBNL6lTY29-EIQZh2HeAU39BAxpEdqvFGDOXKG7rSKxSPtsvK7CKI0QlVEoWv9fIGK-2I7WbcvRL930/s4080/20231109_155657.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGs6f6d78SVNYw06vCo2RRRYE254bNoCJenTmNDNisFQDAd3FUq0nSJgBBFRZ182H6TSu9WOgofV2TQSsMyS5eiXM4F-ev6Uf-bW2SGoYzmO19IZBNL6lTY29-EIQZh2HeAU39BAxpEdqvFGDOXKG7rSKxSPtsvK7CKI0QlVEoWv9fIGK-2I7WbcvRL930/w640-h296/20231109_155657.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We bought a heavy secure cargo net that's used for the back of a pickup truck or an SUV from O'Reilly's. We securely hooked that up to the brackets. After this picture was taken Steve decided to reverse that piece of angle iron and make it aim upwards as an extra lip edge to the shelf.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Fj-LTwYIm1J5L5iIHZxdCQ2Wu2pDvfrmoUSTq6ehU2ZrR-9xJ5ZhdNrLHCGL-loi2vtp_4gpBFlPWHK2oiUKf5fRyELkktldulwXzH2ABf96W3UHI6gAvVuMxnxLpU2uaepLZ-6wS1qyMErogkF0eukoXZHkufMRT6rdOjqK1C-UHkJCWqf46Sr0aHfi/s4080/20231111_144552.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Fj-LTwYIm1J5L5iIHZxdCQ2Wu2pDvfrmoUSTq6ehU2ZrR-9xJ5ZhdNrLHCGL-loi2vtp_4gpBFlPWHK2oiUKf5fRyELkktldulwXzH2ABf96W3UHI6gAvVuMxnxLpU2uaepLZ-6wS1qyMErogkF0eukoXZHkufMRT6rdOjqK1C-UHkJCWqf46Sr0aHfi/w640-h296/20231111_144552.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Now, on the back side of the swinging door of the cargo trailer we added some taller deep hooks. These carry our helmets, our extra bungee cords, and the blue panier bags that go on the sides of my bike.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAGYLLaXwFhLI_1HNQdD7C8Vu1N45WOsQmmt-TqAoqqZ_r4W8-v5CyWrn73hoJc8gAO-PeCGUR_MOlhwh_gKbAORCH05tGL-kn0baVYvTzVFlAU5ydI8uVe5S740Y7cgg9LYsj-aWNB0d2gFOpnwVCN-m7PFAMMrK1J4-2M50r31ciPeglRtmutkydU2k/s4080/20231111_101722.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHAGYLLaXwFhLI_1HNQdD7C8Vu1N45WOsQmmt-TqAoqqZ_r4W8-v5CyWrn73hoJc8gAO-PeCGUR_MOlhwh_gKbAORCH05tGL-kn0baVYvTzVFlAU5ydI8uVe5S740Y7cgg9LYsj-aWNB0d2gFOpnwVCN-m7PFAMMrK1J4-2M50r31ciPeglRtmutkydU2k/w296-h640/20231111_101722.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We rearranged things a couple times and got it all organized the way that we wanted it. Then it was time to wheel the bikes up and put them right in. They snugged perfectly into place at the front stem. Then the rear tires are securely double bungee'd down to D rings that are mounted into the floor.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the bottom level underneath the shelves we have room maybe for some potential additional batteries and maybe add solar panels to the roof of the trailer. We are not sure yet. Then we can charge the bikes and have extra lights right inside of the trailer. </div><div><br /></div><div>We also tossed in our extra quiet Champion dual fuel generator. It runs on either gasoline or propane. This one is quieter than the built-in propane Onan on the motorhome itself. We added a tote with some more bicycle gear and some small 1 lb cylinder propane tanks. It feels nice to not have them on board inside of the motorhome basement compartments.</div><div><br /></div><div>Steve measured and bought the right drop hitch so the trailer travels level and tracks correctly. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All set! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div>The next thing we did after everything was tied down, was to set my GoPro camera mounted onto one of the hooks of the inside back door. We turned on the interior light and took it for a ride over some of the bumpiest roads in town. We went over three sets of railroad tracks, took a couple sharp corners, and hauled it back into the yard. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">NOTHING MOVED AT ALL! </div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbW5inY3SaiOMwJFu1LkXotMX3KSv0QCkiO0_ovyV2Xo9jlIXuKCcPGRNqPYFkrKhSxvCJwjLOINppha3K6bHKEcuMNbP-8Y9qT3NJDeDxFgPNQ0U3HS0yspajQ1ejPt5MzqgALapFWYMNVpMamWUzFNX0UbgqV7UoiW9A7Tv8U99x0mJtPakIWCNYuBgC/s2697/20231111_144532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1862" data-original-width="2697" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbW5inY3SaiOMwJFu1LkXotMX3KSv0QCkiO0_ovyV2Xo9jlIXuKCcPGRNqPYFkrKhSxvCJwjLOINppha3K6bHKEcuMNbP-8Y9qT3NJDeDxFgPNQ0U3HS0yspajQ1ejPt5MzqgALapFWYMNVpMamWUzFNX0UbgqV7UoiW9A7Tv8U99x0mJtPakIWCNYuBgC/w640-h442/20231111_144532.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>After we finished this all up, we looked at the calendar. It was November 12th, almost halfway through the month. Usually in Wisconsin we could be knee-deep in snow this time of year. But instead, we looked at what the weatherman was saying. He said we were going to have some warm days up into the 60° range! And some cold nights down in the '30s or '20s. But we could handle that. The motorhome was already winterized. Steve de-winterized quick as a wink and I tossed in a bunch of stuff. We were going to go up to a campground that we know is open until the end of November.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a great time to try out our trailer, and get to ride our E-bikes around to get more used to them. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRst1ycIXQQblOuK6rd2WO-FnvJimA7EHfNdBkIi2lTiS5wpw9d2UQtbWzGocfuoA2z4ydMeHyJF1pmEoixC3NCBZ9dJYDVi6i5uvzq99vsY0-rA6G8J1TnjoN0LjoSR-gVDRsaT1YORapdo888E3bYl5rMc9d2djlvErU7HZR4mhjn6UimgUZuqAq9f2w/s4080/20231116_134215.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRst1ycIXQQblOuK6rd2WO-FnvJimA7EHfNdBkIi2lTiS5wpw9d2UQtbWzGocfuoA2z4ydMeHyJF1pmEoixC3NCBZ9dJYDVi6i5uvzq99vsY0-rA6G8J1TnjoN0LjoSR-gVDRsaT1YORapdo888E3bYl5rMc9d2djlvErU7HZR4mhjn6UimgUZuqAq9f2w/w640-h296/20231116_134215.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">My next blog will be about a campground review </p><p style="text-align: center;">and </p><p style="text-align: center;">our week of unusually warm November camping in Wisconsin.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">ON EDIT: </p><p style="text-align: center;">WE ADDED SOLAR TO THE ROOF OF THE CARGO TRAILER:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/2024/01/solaring-up-our-cargo-trailer-for-e.html?m=0" target="_blank">http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/2024/01/solaring-up-our-cargo-trailer-for-e.html?m=0</a> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">AND A BLUETTI POWER STATION:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/2024/01/next-step-with-our-solar-power-bluetti.html?m=0" target="_blank">http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/2024/01/next-step-with-our-solar-power-bluetti.html?m=0</a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-27500453336032246162023-10-30T14:47:00.009-05:002023-10-30T16:21:24.399-05:00Our Lectric XP 3.0 E-bikes Have Arrived<p>It's been a crazy week. So I thought I would catch up with a post about our E-bikes! </p><p>In my last post I mentioned that we had been researching electric bicycles. Yes, E-bikes. We had finally decided on a brand and placed an order. We chose the Lectric brand because they seem to have a much better reliability, they were developed here in the United States by two young college kids with the help of their father who started up a business. They are now in their fourth year of production and have sold over 400,000 bikes and the bikes are very popular with the RVing community. They fold up and stow away in a small space. We met a few RV couples who had them and just absolutely loved them. </p><p>They had a really good promotional deal with a sale price plus a number of accessories for free. There were also other accessories that could be purchased at the same time at a discount from the list price.</p><p>Here is their website:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lectricebikes.com/">https://lectricebikes.com/</a></p><p>We placed our order on the very last day of their promotional sale with the additional items. They promised an 8 day shipping window after receiving our order. </p><p>But.... They came safe and sound from FedEx actually one day earlier than promised!!! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrg_DtQL7UesK5HOUMRdYmBNyMqZwiaPFsFYlmJnwOWZYAyc8cgyXVNP72M8O6kiyLiY5AGT3vVA04rZ5pXYGjO7U2jotpcak9O4zwPvnmvo9Uoq3Ga-74RbCLtpxXzEnbtgD0YOFYkv2MXqCO2bLDT8Dn_ATPIVUWpRRjC1nSdorMRKZseKoIx52bFLX7/s1728/received_349450927476872.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1728" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrg_DtQL7UesK5HOUMRdYmBNyMqZwiaPFsFYlmJnwOWZYAyc8cgyXVNP72M8O6kiyLiY5AGT3vVA04rZ5pXYGjO7U2jotpcak9O4zwPvnmvo9Uoq3Ga-74RbCLtpxXzEnbtgD0YOFYkv2MXqCO2bLDT8Dn_ATPIVUWpRRjC1nSdorMRKZseKoIx52bFLX7/w640-h480/received_349450927476872.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In this day and age of crazy shipping, it's a wonder that you get anything in good shape, much less on the day it was promised. Not only did we get the two bikes but we also got the two boxes of the extra accessories that came along as part of the deal. With NO damage to the boxes either. </div><div><br /></div><div>Steve and I set up the video camera and did a silly unboxing video for YouTube. So many of these professional YouTubers get items from companies for free and then promote themselves unboxing it and talking about it. That's not us! Nobody bought these for us, we had to do it all ourselves!!</div><div><br /></div><div>So this is an unpaid promotional unboxing video link below:</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zevTZge15Z8" width="320" youtube-src-id="zevTZge15Z8"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If you don't want to look at the link, here are some of the actual photographs I took of us un-boxing them.</div><div><br /></div><div>What is really cool, is that these bikes are shipped fully assembled. The bikes do fold up for storage so that's the way they arrive in the box! They are 64 lb with the battery inside. If the battery is out and you fold it up then they only weigh 57 lb. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh546WlmTnLwW8_hFMdHEEV5j01TV3tc9Tov69RFeqBfjAfsMrieEuzniKAHngdsRfuM0n_Ri4TmhRdKkmQXOte8mRKb85nX_Snt2_VcNuYmLy_bnQVThq0rZo5fVY6e7gfde5XgNrXFa8gvR4UDxeRqfKWreEsq2E3Kr6bX2bNXyQth-aa3ov63VEYCZvP/s4080/20231023_165615.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh546WlmTnLwW8_hFMdHEEV5j01TV3tc9Tov69RFeqBfjAfsMrieEuzniKAHngdsRfuM0n_Ri4TmhRdKkmQXOte8mRKb85nX_Snt2_VcNuYmLy_bnQVThq0rZo5fVY6e7gfde5XgNrXFa8gvR4UDxeRqfKWreEsq2E3Kr6bX2bNXyQth-aa3ov63VEYCZvP/w640-h296/20231023_165615.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Once we started snip snip snipping all the wire ties, this is the leftover packing foam that surrounds the bikes. 40 snipped wire ties per bike, 80 wire ties in all!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWL6RDe3O2l-7YJsNACDJwEFdnrNQcXIk0JwyUPIIaH7EuIp10ogoOPl3i-in01C4kfD6QgAl2QG-rp9NO-uZxpUj3yz41mcE8LmFapFM7Rb4zVP-69C-7oDlEUDVqCp3AhCjPDod0_lo0kxRQIfouits1mIlJFyLu-LYFEtQzcnLr0gkrcUH37GmHXsV/s4080/20231023_170125.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWL6RDe3O2l-7YJsNACDJwEFdnrNQcXIk0JwyUPIIaH7EuIp10ogoOPl3i-in01C4kfD6QgAl2QG-rp9NO-uZxpUj3yz41mcE8LmFapFM7Rb4zVP-69C-7oDlEUDVqCp3AhCjPDod0_lo0kxRQIfouits1mIlJFyLu-LYFEtQzcnLr0gkrcUH37GmHXsV/w640-h296/20231023_170125.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Then we had to snip snip snap all of these little yellow warning tags. Each one has a QR code to read more about what the warning is for. Nine warning tags per bike, 18 in all. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1rM_l_l120AraBnS5mBw4wipcaDMCU78x4A9gHIj21eojOaKsw3gx7WzEwKvDHrhQEgtslNme-Bm3j0WdO9ORw1I4QwKX_FF2z4rlQ_KjhHz2zFzP_9rJ0SfrVVnrRYCTMDD6Fk_ByI1EtCWHWwZm96EqO4FT_PV0GgdAz5p_DDG4MlKL1HP7ysVB0nB/s4080/20231023_172236.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1rM_l_l120AraBnS5mBw4wipcaDMCU78x4A9gHIj21eojOaKsw3gx7WzEwKvDHrhQEgtslNme-Bm3j0WdO9ORw1I4QwKX_FF2z4rlQ_KjhHz2zFzP_9rJ0SfrVVnrRYCTMDD6Fk_ByI1EtCWHWwZm96EqO4FT_PV0GgdAz5p_DDG4MlKL1HP7ysVB0nB/w640-h296/20231023_172236.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>All we really had to do was pop the handlebars into place and adjust the latch and also set the seat bar into place and adjust that latch. 2 cords to plug in. Done! They also came with fully charged batteries and two sets of keys. The bike will not operate without a key, and the battery can not be removed unless the key is used. The batteries are encased in the frame itself, protected from rain and theft. The bikes can be charged with the battery in place, or else taken out and into another location for charging. They are Lithium batteries and should be stored indoors in cold weather. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0GaYK6ZeL1UDXhT1U24SvCz3LDZloy35mI3CRXP_yH0WwGf1AMotOj0vD6AXOy_S47tJVzCqDdh9Mpro-Z-bfQOyAoiN0cxJ-gIkKTAf1m4Y5n48IOj6pJ4t7H2Sy8cemv1N7Yj8e6i_YLZdEwSh1LjkGqskoYM3_CSgWcjTp1Y0xcWmZCQN3yHqCmqM/s3016/20231023_170727.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="3016" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN0GaYK6ZeL1UDXhT1U24SvCz3LDZloy35mI3CRXP_yH0WwGf1AMotOj0vD6AXOy_S47tJVzCqDdh9Mpro-Z-bfQOyAoiN0cxJ-gIkKTAf1m4Y5n48IOj6pJ4t7H2Sy8cemv1N7Yj8e6i_YLZdEwSh1LjkGqskoYM3_CSgWcjTp1Y0xcWmZCQN3yHqCmqM/w640-h400/20231023_170727.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The front tire on Steve's bike was very low on air. We didn't know if it had been punctured during transit or not. Steve went to air it up and realized it was only a loose valve stem! Easy peasy! He tightened it up and filled with air and everything was great! No damage - no scrapes - no dings - no dents. </div><div><br /></div><div>We had ordered the wider seats with the suspension post that has a shock absorber in it. That was contained right in the box along with the bikes. We slid them into place and adjusted for our individual heights. </div><div><br /></div><div>In advance, we both had bought helmets and some nice thick gloves for riding. They are actually gardening gloves from Aldi's but they seem to be quite nicely made. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-h1nANtCgh1BKKi6rEX1yTRFDYpSUKo_1hcmCkRtnv3ig0JC5vCAKEMttiXx51JXjVMSs6JLBIowJkqf1ztoFKxROJS2os9__rCB0lzMU32I4PtexhyJFiCT9HSYqN4LVrALq2xhHoSoVN6ortRjB_uz900AFZVUfwTQRdzd9BsvTMWd8aosdo_H3SNEZ/s4080/20231023_172315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="4080" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-h1nANtCgh1BKKi6rEX1yTRFDYpSUKo_1hcmCkRtnv3ig0JC5vCAKEMttiXx51JXjVMSs6JLBIowJkqf1ztoFKxROJS2os9__rCB0lzMU32I4PtexhyJFiCT9HSYqN4LVrALq2xhHoSoVN6ortRjB_uz900AFZVUfwTQRdzd9BsvTMWd8aosdo_H3SNEZ/w640-h296/20231023_172315.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We had also picked up some supplies to keep on the bikes which included some microfiber cloths and a headband for under my helmet as well as a band for on my pants leg. That way it doesn't get caught in the sprocket or chain. And of course a little first aid kit!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EjZF8IzDIiE3FJPFMwGA1K9SOLOSZCvRHeVttHB0zEkv49YTA4C_fEjVPnyDuJM7GDDjQ8Eyk3ZVfiIwQS9fzklUg4f3n1Ey1P0rXGBSLp_wDdmJOWkD5anfwRIk4_xZMvn1CheHseCdkzvRfVXBXDgX9e32619wqfv_JXDplYV-3y4OuCizfT7Bw6Hi/s4080/20231024_110240.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EjZF8IzDIiE3FJPFMwGA1K9SOLOSZCvRHeVttHB0zEkv49YTA4C_fEjVPnyDuJM7GDDjQ8Eyk3ZVfiIwQS9fzklUg4f3n1Ey1P0rXGBSLp_wDdmJOWkD5anfwRIk4_xZMvn1CheHseCdkzvRfVXBXDgX9e32619wqfv_JXDplYV-3y4OuCizfT7Bw6Hi/w296-h640/20231024_110240.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Like I said, our bike deal came with some FREE items.... </div><div><br /></div><div>The first item was an upgraded headlight from the original one that comes with the bike. The new one is bigger and brighter LED and better for nighttime riding. Steve had those mounted in no time. What a difference in size. This is a $99 upgrade that we got free in the deal.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFx-mo9eptgVtcD3q9bKjBt8btax0I7Cx1NTaJYLCRFatO7i1-7iXoHz_KyMdLFKsqhNGNAwxP2CBoY6LsTzaTF2l6IlJ4jPfJCo2odGKSErB_qDThQyodnjMwc1bGaQp7vdmsJFou5VKRxQ2x9MglVIZGa4-GTiDzc7z07kPF-3JdV45dI2I8RP34Jey7/s2099/20231024_113543.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2099" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFx-mo9eptgVtcD3q9bKjBt8btax0I7Cx1NTaJYLCRFatO7i1-7iXoHz_KyMdLFKsqhNGNAwxP2CBoY6LsTzaTF2l6IlJ4jPfJCo2odGKSErB_qDThQyodnjMwc1bGaQp7vdmsJFou5VKRxQ2x9MglVIZGa4-GTiDzc7z07kPF-3JdV45dI2I8RP34Jey7/w574-h640/20231024_113543.jpg" width="574" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The second item in the free deal was a cell phone carrier that attaches right to the handlebars. The cell phone can be used as a GPS for directions as we pedal along. Some cell phone carriers just have rubber banded corners. If the bike ever tips over or heaven forbid, we ever fall over, the cell phone isn't very well protected with those kind. So this one is a little more elaborate with a little more protection. I don't think I would pay $30 for it, as it's priced that high, but because it came free with the bike I don't mind.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL5C_yIGrfApgkSfKWI5ZmEKXtrh7N7bxO0NlWnal6oRyKXeZ2hYg3tprt7rxRjL-E6btBtCwLTEWsoWvAAg6BuEfSH5ry7pvzM6IqHQZhDGNdnrse6v_3_UWyP97pYpQxGAy3nRSKF0SOLhlO4iYhiZl7CrRSuSldp-JfiOri9WN-19MwL_NSopGzGdX/s4080/20231030_132901.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL5C_yIGrfApgkSfKWI5ZmEKXtrh7N7bxO0NlWnal6oRyKXeZ2hYg3tprt7rxRjL-E6btBtCwLTEWsoWvAAg6BuEfSH5ry7pvzM6IqHQZhDGNdnrse6v_3_UWyP97pYpQxGAy3nRSKF0SOLhlO4iYhiZl7CrRSuSldp-JfiOri9WN-19MwL_NSopGzGdX/w296-h640/20231030_132901.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The third item is this articulating steel bike lock. It operates similar to the old fashioned carpenters yardsticks that would unfold and fold back up again. This is made to go around a post or a tree and through various parts of the bike frame to lock it up. Although no lock is foolproof, it probably would take a thief a little longer to get through the steel bars then through the links of a chain. It sells for $50 but we got it free with the deal.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgtHtK0I2bmOm0X4I35u4BjZcMld3WAp88syk8WDgpLT-TK0pWyNnarZ4KYOFu1y6T9Ixpz-Pv4s4LqQDrzEWIyCj5Y11Kdw-PczN5Cvj689M00IU9aLfjc53wkUJMRrIKeODT4-mDDthwiOKIEiqRcxy5f8HxJ1codr2oQ09ztwGmCycesVxCSsylndW/s4080/20231023_164916.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKgtHtK0I2bmOm0X4I35u4BjZcMld3WAp88syk8WDgpLT-TK0pWyNnarZ4KYOFu1y6T9Ixpz-Pv4s4LqQDrzEWIyCj5Y11Kdw-PczN5Cvj689M00IU9aLfjc53wkUJMRrIKeODT4-mDDthwiOKIEiqRcxy5f8HxJ1codr2oQ09ztwGmCycesVxCSsylndW/w296-h640/20231023_164916.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It stows in a bracket that is attached right to the frame of the bike. It is quite a heavy piece of steel lock that is handy to have on hand if we need to lock them up somewhere quickly to go in a store or someplace. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2KYYE-rfMTC1YnOXzx13R1jnqTXB-U0yPjBC0ZvCNIJZBZ4vecLNSj9ASf2rTH6WFdyTTrdfFDDcC74AM7fp7XSK0csEK-9U2gKPQfTcc85m9x4Xzm7Ci4MFeWb2xMGbWUmlhTA6y1Qf6BqQBBPFd4mCLw3uYhuedw73nFCjKj7A_-BUYGv_8xmJ6qds/s4080/20231024_115644.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg2KYYE-rfMTC1YnOXzx13R1jnqTXB-U0yPjBC0ZvCNIJZBZ4vecLNSj9ASf2rTH6WFdyTTrdfFDDcC74AM7fp7XSK0csEK-9U2gKPQfTcc85m9x4Xzm7Ci4MFeWb2xMGbWUmlhTA6y1Qf6BqQBBPFd4mCLw3uYhuedw73nFCjKj7A_-BUYGv_8xmJ6qds/w296-h640/20231024_115644.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Multiple locks seem to be the way to go, so we will get another type of cable lock besides these. Theft of these e-bikes seems to be pretty common. </div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, they are now insured with their own policies as they are a motorized vehicle. The same company (American Family) that has our homeowners, cars and motorhome insurance also will insure E-bikes. </div><div><br /></div><div>We found out some other interesting things. This cute little handlebar bells that we bought can also contain a hidden air tag for GPS tracking in case of theft! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpyeMwQJygWtzJUDMx38TAMrxMlrQvUOQLEAfzwgxFbMfSydiUZK492JKY3gQcMeXoehLNyhjmeIk3xmrexEK1ymZMl2NBw3vVNFGraxWO4CP3FTsPj-AGDHQaf3mTHstFN3DvzTDABb4PmgC4f6vdxMbpAL7qVhfQNtwQdacNP2z0MUpWTbT-ahfjhGK/s2340/Screenshot_20231023_082621_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpyeMwQJygWtzJUDMx38TAMrxMlrQvUOQLEAfzwgxFbMfSydiUZK492JKY3gQcMeXoehLNyhjmeIk3xmrexEK1ymZMl2NBw3vVNFGraxWO4CP3FTsPj-AGDHQaf3mTHstFN3DvzTDABb4PmgC4f6vdxMbpAL7qVhfQNtwQdacNP2z0MUpWTbT-ahfjhGK/w296-h640/Screenshot_20231023_082621_Chrome.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Another item we had ordered separately were these pannier bags. We only ordered one set for on the back of my bike. Steve is going to do a type of long narrow pack on the top of his rack of his bike. He will carry tools and a flashlight in his. We haven't found the right one yet, but he will decide on something in the near future. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeksUrvSvxugJmG_9fnZ_nghSsw_uIVZEhAzTOTUI5Xxy14MlEa7duqULqbxrwzPCWIM6JTS8ih9S8k5j05NjCaOv0lM18M8okEx_4bPqAEHyIo7r4mc0S47Uc1fpFVU6efBQA1moqRlYlSs3LaxlmuXVTF2aIo53SBh7Ppm5ONib-DfE6v0YTGNPGLSU/s2388/20231025_100810.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2388" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeksUrvSvxugJmG_9fnZ_nghSsw_uIVZEhAzTOTUI5Xxy14MlEa7duqULqbxrwzPCWIM6JTS8ih9S8k5j05NjCaOv0lM18M8okEx_4bPqAEHyIo7r4mc0S47Uc1fpFVU6efBQA1moqRlYlSs3LaxlmuXVTF2aIo53SBh7Ppm5ONib-DfE6v0YTGNPGLSU/w504-h640/20231025_100810.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>These bags can hold quite a bit and I can still put other items in between them on the rack itself. They are made of waterproof vinyl. Just perfect for a little grocery store run or taking things to a beach or picnic.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoAESu3HUqC8eWDm6mJwa3KT-ATqiN80el3FRzY-HRxIAhogND3HH0b0zp3Es2c4GakR7VuyckF9E3lKoVdn4tin2RZF_f_JYgcAMXjTMfnowxZyyyIdohlcOdOgW1P8fU3KvYG-yAXNeN440dG7KzjgyUGv0dgssS8oSEzHf37rFgFaofbIkTgJFYajc/s2614/20231025_101335.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2614" data-original-width="1794" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoAESu3HUqC8eWDm6mJwa3KT-ATqiN80el3FRzY-HRxIAhogND3HH0b0zp3Es2c4GakR7VuyckF9E3lKoVdn4tin2RZF_f_JYgcAMXjTMfnowxZyyyIdohlcOdOgW1P8fU3KvYG-yAXNeN440dG7KzjgyUGv0dgssS8oSEzHf37rFgFaofbIkTgJFYajc/w440-h640/20231025_101335.jpg" width="440" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We also invested in a small 12 volt electric air pump. It's one that can be charged up and taken along cord free. It is rechargeable with a plug-in or an automobile cigarette lighter, but it doesn't need to be hooked up to power to operate. It is great for pumping air, it also has emergency USB ports to recharge a cellphone and also a flashing strobe light for SOS in case of emergency. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vUqKwThYpxIRDI_it862XKfyfOlo9s04Eh9AvmPVIQh4DDJ_qYXeaBpPtvqyWSreMQsVsWc9si_TTbdwn-vaEDKtbIa88xijCeYMNe_Z935AIkZb1k3Tk-GndhEVjPoa70tH4ladaJIQTRoGFUyhaAp3ofIEv6YZLmIASQXB3jZaBFHa5TTO-dBRMNbx/s4080/20231023_171530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="1884" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vUqKwThYpxIRDI_it862XKfyfOlo9s04Eh9AvmPVIQh4DDJ_qYXeaBpPtvqyWSreMQsVsWc9si_TTbdwn-vaEDKtbIa88xijCeYMNe_Z935AIkZb1k3Tk-GndhEVjPoa70tH4ladaJIQTRoGFUyhaAp3ofIEv6YZLmIASQXB3jZaBFHa5TTO-dBRMNbx/w296-h640/20231023_171530.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It worked quite well, and he was able to air up his front tire as well as touch up all the others to the proper inflation. So he will carry this little air compressor in his tool pack. My sweet "Mechanic on Wheels". <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Now the difficult part comes... Trying to find a day that it's not raining to even try them out! We had rain rain rain on Monday and Tuesday and finally on Wednesday, the third day of owning them, we had a tiny window of about 15 minutes to go for a ride. </div><div><br /></div><div>We got all of our gear together and hopped on... More rain was due very soon so we better get out on the bikes and take a ride if we wanted to try them out. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyReeNg-IOC15GuT4KPwdI5DzNoGuCJh0LiIHtiVEK_Ytb9wag6sDA_Wnoo9H0bLQOlpqsJ0EXV2WXorFJHtZvHQc0xelvtzHMNpZzvk4y9dVPq3rKcwn1w4bm17iT3gxZXufns7I6Su-VOFm-hECUkpt6QqPholrY1QlLl99A3A7YXYxUEQeAQjQbvaE/s2413/20231025_122639.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="2413" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyReeNg-IOC15GuT4KPwdI5DzNoGuCJh0LiIHtiVEK_Ytb9wag6sDA_Wnoo9H0bLQOlpqsJ0EXV2WXorFJHtZvHQc0xelvtzHMNpZzvk4y9dVPq3rKcwn1w4bm17iT3gxZXufns7I6Su-VOFm-hECUkpt6QqPholrY1QlLl99A3A7YXYxUEQeAQjQbvaE/w640-h500/20231025_122639.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These bikes can be ridden three ways:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Peddling it just like a regular bike. It has seven shift speeds and hydraulic brakes. It's rather heavy, so it's a real workout if you're pedaling it just like a regular bike.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Peddling it, but also has a feature called "pedal assist" . There are five levels of pedal assist that will help you with your pedaling. It's like a nice little boost to get you going and to keep you pedaling up and down hills without as much effort. It is a Class 2 bike, only going up to 20 mph. But it can be unlocked with some reprogramming into a Class 3, which let's you pedal up to 28-29 mph with some assist. </div><div><br /></div><div>3. Throttle only, with the twist throttle on the handlebar. This mode is is just like a motor scooter, no pedaling needed. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="text-align: center;">The 500 watt motor with a fully charged battery will last 20-40 miles, depending on how much assist you use. </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Keep in mind, neither of us have ridden a bicycle in probably a good 20 years. We did do a little sample test ride a couple weeks ago from some people who generously let us try theirs out. So this was a whole new thing for us.</div><div><br /></div><div>I got my GoPro camera all set up on my chest harness bracket and we took off. But I forgot to hit record! So after we were done with our two mile ride, we had to do it all over again just so I could record it.</div><div><br /></div><div>So this is a recording actually of our second ride. It is very jittery and shaky because I forgot to also hit the image stabilization feature on the camera. Please bear with us as we wiggle and jiggle our way around a two mile ride. Think it's hilarious---------</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3_T_EYsP-OM" width="320" youtube-src-id="3_T_EYsP-OM"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We got home just before it started raining again. Steve wiped off the bikes to make sure that they were spic and span spotless. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9ZvixSGT37pOQmcfobhzT-6EggOTwpbs-pdQmHYxei4AdmA5OKpTo4W_nsbNIVyc_hcfKivpzHSpmSRURDRGndzA1FbsLb-NM0oWQ3k1sE6aZ1FvW_fhbbS_bG8fz4JH-zAn7U77lTUZ1gB1ZZDwgcdHuw_JuBFkm-UhZ6xudrPwXjBU-hFV7tmJCuW4/s3166/20231025_131631.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2748" data-original-width="3166" height="556" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9ZvixSGT37pOQmcfobhzT-6EggOTwpbs-pdQmHYxei4AdmA5OKpTo4W_nsbNIVyc_hcfKivpzHSpmSRURDRGndzA1FbsLb-NM0oWQ3k1sE6aZ1FvW_fhbbS_bG8fz4JH-zAn7U77lTUZ1gB1ZZDwgcdHuw_JuBFkm-UhZ6xudrPwXjBU-hFV7tmJCuW4/w640-h556/20231025_131631.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the little route that we traveled, two times, because the first time we forgot to set up the camera correctly. This is the little program on our GPS on the phone that shows us where we've been and how long we peddled and what we accomplished. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTHGMMUCR8IUPkq5g2SKjPc29R8lGCa9gddBJEp1ZIj_V4bO0MTo4QMODtETR-cxERnVHE0Gcmrev9BOAfHOXE787ycAnZTC-7BvYrzqwQk-xU_8-ID-DJTgK_17-uVeGFAytCS4rD1zEGV2ghb1xq4p0pxv-SEZMZTdDaQs7L7HG_7epAOuowau-I9tt/s2340/Screenshot_20231025_141711_MapMyFitness.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTHGMMUCR8IUPkq5g2SKjPc29R8lGCa9gddBJEp1ZIj_V4bO0MTo4QMODtETR-cxERnVHE0Gcmrev9BOAfHOXE787ycAnZTC-7BvYrzqwQk-xU_8-ID-DJTgK_17-uVeGFAytCS4rD1zEGV2ghb1xq4p0pxv-SEZMZTdDaQs7L7HG_7epAOuowau-I9tt/w296-h640/Screenshot_20231025_141711_MapMyFitness.jpg" width="296" /></a></div><p>Since our ride on Wednesday it's been rain rain and more rain. Now it's the following Monday.</p><p>I have been miserably sick for 3 days so that meant NO bike riding for me at all! </p><p>We finally have a day without rain and guess what, it is down in the low 30s with wind chills into the low 20s!!! We even have snow forecast for tonight. So no thank you, the bikes can stay in the garage for another couple days.</p><p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~</p><p>Our next decision is how we are going to actually transport them when we go travelling in the motorhome.</p><p>1. We had originally planned on putting them in tote carriers and carrying them inside. Keeping them out of the rain and the dampness and also for security. But then again, when we are inside the RV we have to move them around and try to maneuver around them and walk. That's not such a good idea. </p><p>2. The second idea was to put them up on the bunk in the RV when we travel. Yes, that will work but it also means lifting up 65 pounds up high, and taking it back down again... plus securing them with safety straps while each bike is up there right over our heads! </p><p>3. The third idea of course is to do what most people do and get a heavy duty e-bike rack for on the back of the motorhome. They need to be made especially strong because of the bouncing and swaying off the back end of a long-wheel based vehicle. Regular bike racks won't work. Then there is the problem of our back bedroom slide for our bed which extends out 3 ft. We would have to get a specific rack that either tilts away or swings away just so we can put out our bed at night. That can be difficult if we are traveling from point A to point B and not planning on removing the bikes from the rack.</p><p>The added problem of leaving them on a rack is then they are susceptible to dampness from overnight dew, moisture from the road, dirt and grime, and possibly theft.</p><p>4. So our fourth solution might be to take along a small enclosed cargo trailer. Steve is thinking of a small 4 by 6 or 5 by 7 would be perfect. Could also haul along some extra gear that would lighten up the load inside of the motorhome itself. We are still exploring this option as an idea as well. </p><p style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~</p><p>Who knows what we will end up with, but for now we know that these are awfully fun, and they are going to enhance our enjoyment while we are RVing. We will be able to explore areas a little further and even get some exercise at the same time. </p>KarenInTheWoodshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05884478307015605168noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5557714217455633171.post-5156821582376386692023-10-23T00:17:00.001-05:002023-10-23T09:44:39.557-05:00Paul R. Pfundtner November 25, 1932 ~ October 10, 2023<p> </p><p>With loving memories of Steve's father, the patriarch of the Pfundtner Family: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMg6ItoTNNX_y21namwGRirMuykeZWTUTe0S5TDg1WFJ4unBXGH6OXhCow4AT11hNx79XcGCA_ocXIuHxlphHfnQrLdSwtesK6npoCtS9iB4_0TUD2N4qZxZuHmw1dvkz85Lc4DAZ6muLIx8RmyI1Kgj-MO4kGZulxS_O9WbZ36x_itXFS-WPTf6beo7fO/s3456/20210425_125306.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2532" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMg6ItoTNNX_y21namwGRirMuykeZWTUTe0S5TDg1WFJ4unBXGH6OXhCow4AT11hNx79XcGCA_ocXIuHxlphHfnQrLdSwtesK6npoCtS9iB4_0TUD2N4qZxZuHmw1dvkz85Lc4DAZ6muLIx8RmyI1Kgj-MO4kGZulxS_O9WbZ36x_itXFS-WPTf6beo7fO/w468-h640/20210425_125306.jpg" width="468" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p> Paul Reinhard Pfundtner, 90, formerly of the Town of Liberty Grove, was called Home to be with the Lord and was reunited with his wife, MaryAnn, early Tuesday morning, October 10, 2023 at the Unity Hospice Jack and Engrid Meng Residence in the Town of Ledgeview where he was cared for the past seven months.</p><p> He was born November 25, 1932 in West Allis, the son of Paul J. Pfundtner and Eva A. (Mueller) Pfundtner. Paul grew up Baptist and graduated from West Allis Central High School. He went on to study at the Layton School of Art in Milwaukee. </p><p> Paul was united in marriage to MaryAnn Wandrey on September 8, 1951 at the First Baptist Church in West Allis. </p><p> He initially worked as a commercial artist for a firm in Milwaukee and then started his art advertising business, Mark Stevens Inc., in Elm Grove. Paul completed engineering courses through a program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. From 1967-1972 he was employed with Leyse Aluminum in Kewaunee as sales manager. The following year, Paul worked for Ikia a Japanese (automation platform) as President of North and South America operations, while living in Iola/Scandinavia. In 1973, he went to work as a sales manager for Midwest Wire in Sturgeon Bay. Paul remained there until 1979 when he moved to New London to devote his efforts to his engineering fabrication solutions company, Red Stag Engineering, as owner and CEO.</p><p> His collaboration with fellow engineers helped provide solutions to various companies throughout the United States and world. Paul had a patent on a hydraulic press cushion that was important in the automotive industry transitioning to aluminum fabrication. He was a keynote speaker at Automotive Engineers Convention in Detroit, Michigan in 2013. Paul continued with his engineering company into his 80s, selling Red Stag Engineering in 2015 and fully-retired in 2017.</p><p> MaryAnn preceded him in death on December 15, 2012.</p><p> Paul was most recently a member of Sister Bay Moravian Church, but had attended churches in/near the communities he was living and working: Peace United Methodist Church in Brookfield, Community Congregational Church in Kewaunee, and Freedom Moravian Church (where he served as a trustee). He volunteered alongside his wife, MaryAnn, with the Kewaunee Public Library to make the library handicap accessible... Paul was also an active volunteer with the Humane Societies in Brookfield and Waupaca. He served as a Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader. Paul visited hospitals and nursing homes with his therapy dog, Millie. He even drove northern Door County students to school services and drove for Door-Tran serving Northern Door County and drove School Bus in Wausaukee.</p><p> When Paul wasn't working or volunteering, he enjoyed mowing his grass. While he wouldn't have considered himself a gardener, the flowers that grew at his home on Old Stage Road in he Town of Liberty Grove were highly sought by a horticulturist. Paul started taking (father-son) fishing trips with his sons starting in 1983 and looked forward to visiting new places every year, with the Willow Reservoir being one of the few places he made return-trips to. He also enjoyed being a pilot and flying, camping and RV's, motorcycles, creating visual art, convertible sports cars, horses, cooking, fishing, traveling, ice skating, swimming, and reading.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><br /> Despite the various places he lived and worked, Paul definitely lived his life fully. His children will always remember his love of adventure and exploration, and his perseverance in adversity and overcoming challenges in life.<br /><br /> Paul will be missed by his children, Mark (Ann) of Wild Rose, Wendy of Clintonville, Steven (Karen) of Oconto, Peter (Cindy Strong) of Menasha, and Lynn of Oostburg; grandchildren, Jenny (Robert) Jones, Heather (Dave) Reh, Faith (Kirk) Hanna, and Kate and Stephanie Ports, Dan (Heather) Pfundtner, Erin (Waylen) Choate, and Heather (Jesse) Wade, Sara and Joe Gilbert, and Andrew Hrlevich, Patrick (Lissy) Hunt, Frances Hrlevich, and Eleanor (fiancé', Logan Faccio) Hrlevich; great-grandchildren, Lucas and Carson, Owen, Hayden and Huntley, Allegra and Mason, Chlesea, Clayton, and Claire, Jameson and Whitney, and Beckhem; siblings, Linda Pfundtner of South Milwaukee and David (Julie) Mundt of Milwaukee; nieces and nephews; other relatives; his friend and companion of two years, Sandra Polarek of Green Bay and her family, Nicole Polarek (Jason Ferry), children, Will, Drew, and Elle; and his best friend, Millie (his dog).<br /><br /> He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Pfundtner and Eva (Richard) Mundt; wife, MaryAnn; grandson, Michael Pfundtner; brothers, Karl Pfundtner, Ward (Arlene) Pfundtner, and Richard Mundt; sister-in-law, Nancy (Gordon) Hennum; daughter in-law, Shirley (Goll) Pfundtner; and other relatives.<br /> <br /> Paul's life will be honored with a funeral service held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Sister Bay Moravian Church, 10924 Old Stage Road with Rev. Kerry Krauss officiating and Chaplain Nathan Meierbachtol assisting. He will be laid to rest in Sister Bay Moravian Cemetery beside his wife, MaryAnn. Paul requested that attendees of his celebration of life wear colorful attire and celebrate not only his life but celebrate their lives and live fully.<br /><br /> Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church on Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:50 a.m.<br /><br /> Memorials may be given in Paul's name for Sister Bay Moravian Church (www.sisterbaymc.org) or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place<br />Memphis, TN 38105; www.stjude.org).<br /><br /> Casperson Funeral Home in Sister Bay is assisting the Pfundtner family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Paul may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.caspersonfuneralhome.com.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"> <a href="https://www.caspersonfuneralhome.com/obituary/Paul-Pfundtner#obituary" target="_blank">https://www.caspersonfuneralhome.com/obituary/Paul-Pfundtner#obituary</a></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Lato; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0exJBbnG7By_ik21kk-kELyaAjvjPYZqWQm5wOFuRDxyLmLJXyaxpC2LapV5A3gjyXftUV1j3eGsCVHvzVExR7mCoik5BOfyKF0loFa85jBVflYAShGa2gIXH3RDZE_nCFfGp42_stDo0mF0CGrqkaUDeIFiG1JcVVLLHIL9EdKIYO38ynE98BB3fx8l/s1035/FB_IMG_1576419169261.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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