Finally -- Replacements Arrived

As part of the continuing saga of poor service or lack of, the replacement cell phones arrived yesterday at the pier here in Myrtle Beach.  Paid $11.95 for priority USPS service in hopes of them getting here before the past weekend but, of course, that should never have been expected -- one week to get here from Michigan.

I decided to stop at the local Post Office to inquire why it took so long and why their website for tracking packages had no information available until the delivery yesterday -- Duh!  No idea why.  I also asked why it would take 2-1/2 weeks (this summer) for first class mail to get from the west coast to the east coast -- and cost me late fees for some of my bills??  They also said there are no guarantees of delivery time or how many days for a Priority USPS shipment -- why the hell do they offer it and charge so much then??

Give it up USPS -- no wonder you lose so much money and should go under -- No way to run a business.

So, I do now have a working cell phone again and am recreating my "Contact List" piece by piece.  Think I'll go fishing -- with that stinky bait from the fridge.  Wish me Luck but, don't count on me catching anything -- except a cold.

Busy Beach to Breezy and Barren

Thanksgiving Holiday/weekend is now behind and yesterday seemed quite different than the days before when the crowds had gathered to enjoy the warmth and abundant sunshine -- maybe for the last time of this year.  There was the busiest day on the pier with fishermen almost elbow to elbow -- think I heard a headcount at midday of 429 people on Saturday and a few lucky fisherman caught some sizeable fish (Black Drum and Red Drum).  Most of the slots at the campground were full then too -- but not now.

My one day of fishing so far was Sunday and the only thing of note was my first Spotted Sea Trout (too small to keep but, a beautiful fish).  Near days end (after feeding the birds some of my Trail Mix), I caught another small fish -- this time a wee bit of a bluefish (didn't even know he was there until I decided to reel in the line and give up for the day).  Still have some bait (shrimp) in the fridge in case I want another day -- have to be soon so the smell doesn't permeate the rest of RV.  Did get to try my casting net but, found that the 25 ft line needs to be about 50 ft -- found more line to add on.

Monday was a good day to get out the vacuum since it was breezy and raining off and on most of the day -- good day too for a shower as the temps were still in the 70s.  After the sun finally came out late in the day, I made my way to the pier sometime after mailcall (hoping for that replacement phone) -- a shot of Johnny Walker in hand for the short walk out on the pier.  It was still quite breezy and only saw a few fishermen (two or three women actually) still braving the winds and white tipped waves being whipped into the air -- the beach had less than one or two people walking it about every 100 yards apart or more.

Winds buffeted the RV again last night and decided to lower the satellite TV antenna so it wouldn't be blown away -- watched some TV with the twins on the sleep number bed and their heads were constantly popping up as the wind rattled various things on the top and sides of the Winnebago.  Had the party lights on (and still are) so they were part of the noise making along the side toward the beach and ocean.  Starting raining more steadily in the early morning and the winds died down finally but, it's still cloudy and raining off and on so, guess it will be laundry day -- head there soon and hope again for the sun's appearance later (a sliver of blue is appearing to the west).

Kitties -- Don't Drink the Water

Well, they don't listen and you know what happens when you don't boil the water -- another lesson learned.  Had to put them back on bottled water and keep them from drinking out of the sink -- unless I boiled the water and poured it in specially for them.  I didn't venture far away over the past two days and they both seem to be getting better.

I had entertained the idea of driving a couple hours west to Sumter, SC to join my cousin Janet and her family for Thanksgiving dinner but, I still had some leftover chicken from cooking a small chicken in the crockpot last Sunday.  Yesterday, I cooked an eye of the round roast in the crockpot with carrots and potatoes -- something I hadn't done since being married and cooking meals for the family.  The crockpot back then had gotten lots of similar use since I still worked then -- lived in Burke Centre and drove to D&P down in Lorton (just off Telegraph road near the Belvoir airstrip).

Now I have leftover roast beef for afternoon sandwiches -- forgot to get some provolone or swiss cheese.  I think it is supposed to be in the 70s again today and the sky looks fairly clear with high tide around 9:30 this morning -- might be the best day for getting that fishing line wet.  Need pictures too of this lineup of RVs.

Went to Petsmart after getting pics and brought back more kitty food and a new scratching post (which Tiger loved after I sprinkled some catnip on it).  Also picked up two collars (with bells) and clipped one on Tiger -- next will be Molly but, maybe later this afternoon.  They are both parked on the top of the sofa like bookends since the window is open -- just the screen between them and freedom (or the scary vehicles all around and whizzing by -- golf carts).

Got them some grass to sniff and chew too but, not much interest yet.  Tiger hasn't wrestled to get his collar off yet so will wait and see.

Thanksgiving -- Getting Full

45 ft. Prevost - my 39 ft. Winnebago

No!  Not my stomach but, the campground is getting full -- two fifth wheel trailers pulled in early this morning and have taken the two spots to my north or left -- seem to know each other and I have yet to meet them.  Another, huge bus pulled in to my right within the past hour and arrived during my walk to the Apache Pier -- chilly and breezy this morning so, a late walk seemed appropriate.  Met the man driving and setting the vehicle to my right -- name is Jack and has Minnesota plates but, is from Richmond -- said his daughter is a teacher there.

View from the beach end - Full House

Other arrivals along this same strip have almost filled all the empty spaces for the Holiday Weekend.  Seems the two on my left are younger guys and thought they might have some young daughters with one of them but, they seem to have fishing gear ready for some action too.  Think they went for late breakfast or brunch I think.  Will get another look at Jack's rig and set out to drop my recyclables back at the trading post.

45 ft. on right - 29 ft. on left

It was chilly as mentioned on the pier and only thing I saw being caught was another stingray out at the end of the pier again.  Heard in the office that some whiting had also been caught -- still pondering my day or days of fishing but, maybe tomorrow will be good as the high tide should be around mid morning and temps slightly warmer than today expected.  Good day for a shot of Brandy, I think.

Charleston Revisited -- 45 years later

A record setting day for temps in the area as they climbed into the low 80s -- not quite the same today as the clouds and rain arrived during the night.  Yesterday started early for me as I hit the road just before 7:00 am to head for Charleston, SC to meet up with my son Tim and his fiance Kathryn.  I guessed that it might take about 2 and half hours to get to the Visitors Center and I arrived within about 5 minutes of our 9:30 meet up time -- any appreciable rush hour traffic would have made me a bit late (as Tim and Kathryn were because of traffic on their side of town -- driving more into the sun as well for them and the traffic).

Followed route 17S through Georgetown and expected a detour in the area where sinkholes had consumed some buildings but, traffic was just narrowed down to one lane each direction.  Saw one of the buildings as I passed and most of it had been demolished by the time I passed by on my return trip.

Route 17S into Charleston passes over the Cooper River via this wonderful suspension bridge that is just beautiful and rises high enough for fully laden cargo/container ships to pass under from their terminal to the north (in view from the bridge and on the eastern shores of the river).  There was a carrier docked on the same side of the river but, to the south of the bridge and not a sign of the naval base where I had been stationed on a submarine way back in the early 60s -- would have been on the opposite side of the river.

Easy to find the Visitors Center as it was a short hop off one of the first exits just over the bridge and down Meeting Street -- not far from the Aquarium, which I thought we might visit.  As mentioned, the traffic delayed Tim and Kathryn so, while I was sending a note from my computer (cell phone still not working) they came through the entry area of the Visitors Center.  After greeting and hugging each other it was decided we would make the seemingly short walk to the Aquarium (after restroom stops) and look for a small place to get a bite to eat.  The young girl at the Visitors Center who sold us the tickets for the Aquarium (at a discount), told us it was a short walk and that there might only be a little deli on the way and other restaurants would be further south near Market St.  As it turns out, there were some nice little restaurants just a couple blocks to the west of the VC which we found later in the afternoon (for some lunch).

Tim and Kathryn looked fine and it was so nice to see them and be with them -- though they were still trying to get adjusted because of the time change and they were still a bit sore and tired from a run on the beach Sunday.  We found a nice little restaurant just across from the City Market and enjoyed a good, filling breakfast together -- fuel for the walk through the market and back up to the Aquarium.  The City Market was a wide and varied selection of vendors wares, with baskets seemingly most abundant -- beautifully woven baskets and bowls (some looked like they could be worn as hats too).

The walk up East Bay Street took us past some of the really old and beautiful homes of Charleston -- most going back to the early 1800s.  It seemed that to the east of these old homes, there were mostly a sprinkling of newer little strip stores and small businesses that must have replaced most of the Naval Base and its surroundings from the time I had been stationed there -- no vived recollections of the little bars that lined the streets across from the waterfront but, that was 45 years ago.

Our visit to the Aquarium was enjoyable and relaxing -- so nice to sit and just watch the beautiful fish swim around in the huge tank (385,000 gallons, I believe).  The second level offered some of the closest views of the largest fish swimming around in small schools -- some really huge dolphin (I think) in the range of 3 or 4 feet in length and just really "tough" looking (guess they had to be since they were sharing the tank with sharks and other tough looking fish).  The best viewing window was to the left where you could almost lay down on the sitting ledge/bench.  There were many other smaller tanks with impressive displays of smaller fish and crustaceans (snakes as well -- copperheads, diamond backs and brake rattlesnakes) but, the highlight, I think was the pair of River Otters.  Their gliding, twirling and vaulting off the glass was awe inspiring and made you wish you could do such things -- amazing to think they have more hair in one square inch than a human has on their whole head (the reason water doesn't touch their body and make them cold).

After a thoroughly good time at the Aquarium, we decided to look for that deli supposedly nearby or find a place to have some lunch and just visit for awhile.  The deli eluded us and we only saw a Starbux Coffee on the way back to the Visitors Center (via Calhoun St.) so, after ditching my backpack in the Jeep, we headed west a couple blocks toward some awnings and tables that looked to be on the sidewalk -- signs of an outdoor cafe perhaps.  Turned out there were quite a few establishments thereabouts and the decision was made to try the one with pasta -- it had Calamari on its menu too (caught my eye).

Good choice (Tim) for lunch and the Calamari tasted superb -- with a Sam Adams draft.  Also, I had a bowl of red pepper and shrimp bisque which had a great flavor and lots of shrimp.  Kept me going until 7:30 or so after the drive back up to my RV.

After visiting for a short while at the restaurant, we decided to head back so that we could get on the road by 4:30 in hopes of avoiding the possible rush hour traffic out of the city.  We sat in the park at Marion Square and visited some more -- nice bench in the shade near where Piggly Wiggly had set their tent for the Turkey Day 5K (looked like the sign up/starting area with que lines being set)  After that we walked back to the Visitors Center where I gave Tim his birthday card early so I wouldn't have to mail it and hopefully, he will wait to open it on December 1st and buy something with the green stuff inside -- another reason not to mail it.  It was sooo nice to see them and hopefully, the next time will be in Colorado -- maybe Christmas.

Continuing Saga of Service -- "Lack of"

Cell phone still not working this morning so, decided to head up to the nearest Verizon store in north Myrtle Beach in hopes of getting a replacement battery or phone -- tried Walmart on the way but, they don't carry batteries for cell phones (only the dealers they said).  After getting one of the three Verizon service reps (two of them were helping the same customer), I explained the problem and the rep checked to see if I had purchased insurance on the phone -- don't usually do so myself and that was indeed the case so, they offered nothing except to go home and put the phone and battery into a "bag of rice" (as my sister-in-law had mentioned in an earlier email this morning).  I asked the rep if they at least had a replacement battery and though Verizon sold me the phone about a year ago, they didn't have replacement batteries or replacement phones -- again they said I could go online and order a re-built phone (and hope it would arrive before I leave Myrtle Beach).  So much for good service -- again, by another dealer.

They did indicate that I might be able to get a replacement battery at a store about 25 miles to the south -- not a Verizon store.  So, guess it will be back to the coin op phones until I get a replacement.  Meanwhile, the phone and battery are in a bag of rice in my Jeep -- at least Walmart had the rice.  Now ain't that nice.

Good Signs off the Beach

Okay, a couple walks on the beach but, who can resist the mid 70s and sunshine -- besides the chicken in the crockpot will get done sometime soon.  I had walked down the beach again after the morning walk and hoped to drop in at Ocean Annies for a drink and to check out the place -- closed for the winter.

Well, I doubled back and decided to drop in at the local place on the pier (Groupers) to see what it is like and had a few Yuengling drafts in memory of the "outlaws" gathering to my south at Hilton Head (no idea who all would be there and since my phone is still just showing a cloudy picture no way to be confirmed).  On the way back up the beach, I thought I had seen something off the south end of the fishing pier but, had ventured it might just be a pelican floating on the waves of the high tide rolling in.  Turned out to be actually what I had been looking for on numerous trips to the pier and beach -- some porpoises swimming and feeding on something in the water.  Refreshing sight and after a few refreshing Yuenglings, I went out to the end of the pier to see them more closely -- they were within yards of the pier and there were two or three schools or pods (whatever they are called).

While out enjoying the sight of the mammals I had been hoping to see, two women fishing on the end of the pier were trying to bring something in on one of their lines -- one had a landing net in the water and the other was guiding the catch to the landing net.  It turned out to be a Cormorant that had gotten tangled up in one of their lines -- luckily not hooked, just tangled.  When they landed the poor flailing fowl, I assisted in trying to hold the poor bird by its wings and body while they unravelled the line from its body and wings.  It pecked my hand once or twice during the operation but, it was soon back on its way over the waters -- landed and was back into diving for more small fish within minutes.  No blood drawn.

Now entertaining some thoughts of driving a couple hours on Thanksgiving to join my cousin Janet and her husband Joe for turkey day -- along with lots of her family.

Return to The Dunes

The Dunes Golf and Beach Club

Well, the sun was out earlier and expecting some mid 70s today but, some clouds to the west may need to push through before the sun can return and temps climb again.  Cell phone is still not working this morning after the brief splash in the surf during yesterday aftenoons walk down the beach -- got wet during my wade through the tidal inlet to get that closer look at the huge houses on the other side of the dunes.  When I crossed the wooden bridge over the dunes something in my mind had given me some indications I had been there before -- and indeed after Googling my location here at Apache Campground this morning I found that it was The Dunes Golf Club (one I used to frequent in my earliest trips with fellow golfers to Myrtle Beach).  One of our favorite courses to play back then.

Homes next to The Dunes

Now they often play the Senior Open there and across the road from that is Arcadian Shores where I had first shot in the 70s down here -- sea level and bermuda grass takes some getting used to.  Also, remembered too that there were alligators around The Dunes Golf course and the lake -- fed by the same tidal inlet I had waded through -- thankfully, none of the "toothy creatures" were trolling when I went wading.  Hopefully, they keep more to the inner lake(s) there -- didn't see any tracks or traces of them along the beach but, I will cast a more watchful eye in my next ventures down that way (to get some pics).



Ocean Annies

 During that walk down the beach past Ocean Annies (beach bar), it seemed strange that there were nearly a half dozen flocks of 25 to 50 sea gulls seemingly hunkered down on the higher, sunny portions of the beach -- maybe just trying to regain some warmth from the sun after the past two chilly nights.  It was short-sleeved shirt and shorts weather with sandals for me in the afternoon and am hoping for more today -- though my toes are a bit chilly now.


Apache Pier -- On my walk back 

A Good Day at Myrtle Beach

Well, after waking early this morning and successfully getting those receptacles working again there was more relief later in the day -- as the temps climbed from the 30s into the 60s.  After repacking things in the Jeep for Tuesday's possible visit with Tim and Kathryn, I decided to tackle the problem with the "Rogue Awning" and that started with having to get the ladder out and some wire cutters to cut loose the wire ties I had installed to keep it closed.  Visions of the awning flopping open wildly had me thinking of borrowing a 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 from a construction site just across the road but, that turned out not to be necessary.  Before climbing onto the roof, I tried the awning over the entrance door and found it still working properly -- gave me some hope about the patio awning.

When I got to the wire ties, I found them slackened as if the awning was staying closed on its own -- that indeed was the case and that gave me a big feeling of relief.  So, it did go back to the "house batteries" and the fact one of the three had been really low on electrolyte (distilled water, lead and acid) -- thanks again to the service technicians at Reines RV.  Same problem I detected on the old batteries which caused them all to go bad -- hopefully, I caught it in time on these new ones.

After that, I even flushed the sanitary tank for the first time, followed by flushing the line with the grey water tank contents -- no spilled sewage either -- more relief.  Life is good when things go right.

Now, if my cell phone will just begin working again -- went for a long walk down the beach and got it wet wading through waves at the inlet to a tidal lake near some beautiful, large houses on the beach.  Just had to get a closer look at them -- huge homes, with stucco finish and clay tile roofs.

Time for beer or martini and watching some of the President's Cup -- go USA.

Midnight Repairs -- NTTD

Nearly 2:00 AM and I am finishing the last of a cup of coffee (nuked the last cup from yesterday's pot) this after finally getting out those wiring diagrams and studying the problem receptacles and notes on the drawings.  Awoke earlier and decided I should get up and try again to figure out the problem since I had wasted my time going to a "Camping World" during the day -- armed with my wiring diagrams and seeking an answer from one of their service managers.  Their "canned answer" here and at Reines RV (where I bought the RV) is "I'm not a technician so I can't be sure" -- too much trouble for them to ask one of their technicians??

Turns out that one of the receptacles has a "GFI" as noted on a couple of the receptacles (on the drawing) that weren't working -- one problem solved.  I didn't notice the GFI when testing the receptacles and the particular receptacle has been mostly blocked by lots of liter bottles of soda ("mixers") and a large bowl with a loaf of bread and my bag of coffee (Chocolate Truffle -- yummy).  That's the same receptacle where I had hoped to plug-in the coffee pot but, found it not working and four others.

The "NTTD" in the title above stands for "No Thanks To Dealers" -- they didn't even provide the wiring diagrams for this home on wheels.  They were a bitch to find online but, they are specific to the year and model -- well worth having and should print that source here (when I go back and find it again).  Soon to be added (provided I can find it again).

Next problem to solve is the "Rogue Awning" that has a mind of its own -- the one that flopped on the pump while I was in the truck stop in VA and had been inside giving the clerk my credit card in order to pump diesel fuel (for the first time).  On its own, it came down and wouldn't go back up until I started the diesel engine again (per a truck driver's recommendation -- said he had a similar problem on a unit he owned).

Answer on that one from the dealer in VA (Yes!  Reines RV -- Number One dealer in VA) it must be a bad brake motor -- makes me wonder though why it chooses to operate on its own -- maybe the controller unit do you think?  Reines RVs answer "use wire ties to hold it up but, don't try to work on it because people have been killed while doing so".  I tied it up after climbing on top of the RV because we had a day of fairly high winds and I didn't want it to be shredded (or blown off like the one on the pop-up camper I had).  It would however, stay up if I turned off the battery disconnect and lived in the dark and cold -- not my choice.

I will wait for daylight and warmer temps this afternoon or tomorrow to cut the ties, let the awning drop down and then attempt to access the controller unit behind the panel next to the passenger's seat.  I'm somewhat hopeful and optimistic as I had noticed the awning over the door was operating yesterday afternoon -- had not responded previously when the Pation Awning was misbehaving.

Thoughts about this go to the recent replacement of the "House Batteries" before I started this Journey -- done by Reines RV at the cost to me of over $180 (50% discount yippee) -- and yet I discovered two days ago that the electrolyte was again way too low in the hardest to reach of the three batteries (same thing I had found on the previous set of batteries).  Just reconfirmation of the incompetency of the technicians at Reines RV center of Manassas, VA (their sales manager Doug McGee says they are working on this).  Right!

Another problem I need to tackle is how to make this new lifestyle more rewarding to Tiger and Molly though, I guess it is better than leaving them at the SPCA or on the road somewhere.  Maybe I will try that collar on Tiger once again but, then the leash??  Meanwhile, Tiger still has that alley-cat lineage that has him meowing to go out and play in the park -- still hoping for the fountain and plants of the backyard in VA.

Thanksgiving Approaches

The chill is back again here at Apache Campgrounds and Pier so, I dug out a pair of the "Smartwool" socks and will probably skip the sandals today -- as the sun rises behind the high-rise north of the campground.  The twins are perched on the same sofa seemingly hoping for glimpses of some of the few wandering cats that pass by (large front windows too are clouded with steam from doing the dishes this morning -- one way to warm the hands).

Looking for Friends (me too)



Chilly Morning

 Guess it's in the low 30s but, seemingly no frost here -- maybe further inland.  Yesterday, I downloaded some wiring diagrams for the Winnebago from the web (after a lengthy search to locate a good source with downloads readily available -- not just some detour to an advertising site offering nothing).  A few of the outlets are not working and I suspect there are some inline fuses that might be the cause -- have flipped all the circuit breakers and none are tripped off.  I printed the wiring diagrams after a time consuming search of the Winnebago and all the bins of its contents -- what's left of everything I had at Dungeness Lane.  I felt certain that I had not given away the power-plug and USB cable for the printer as it was one of the last things I loaded directly from the house to the Winnebago as it was parked on Wescott Hills Way -- had forgottten that Tiger was onboard at the time and had to hide the cables behind one of the dining table pillows to keep him from chewing on them.  DUH! D-DUH!  Finally remembered.



Another Sunset in MB

 My son Tim and his fiance Kathryn are due to arrive in South Carolina tomorrow sometime and will be in Hilton Head for a week -- with some of my "outlaws" and my ex-wife.  One reason for reserving a month here at Myrtle Beach in hopes of getting at least one day or more with Tim and Kathryn -- looks like it will be Tuesday and probably somewhere in or around Charleston so that the 4 or 4-1/2 hour drive can be split approx. in half.  Will need to check online or drive down over the weekend to locate a place to meet up -- maybe a place that can serve a Turkey leg, mashed potatoes and yams.

Will also be thinking of Dungeness Lane and the approaching holidays -- hoping the Russell sisters wll be out putting those big Christmas Balls on the tree for all to enjoy.

Speaking of enjoying something, had forgotten about the yummy two martinis I had a couple days ago -- decided that day to break the usual "Happy Hour" tendency to have a few Coors-lites and found that whipped cream Vodka which Rachael and Janice had brought to one of my happy hours.  Didn't have the Chambord to make the typical French Martini but, the creamy flavor of the vodka made it taste like a coconut flavored beach drink -- delicious.  Found some creme de cassis for the second one -- just enough pineapple juice in that small can to make two.  Thanks again to Rachael and Janice.  Yum! Yum!

First Week in Myrtle Beach

Today marks the first week (7:00 AM this morning) since leaving Virginia and this evening (4:35 PM) marks the first week here in Myrtle Beach -- a week of learning how to make things work in this motorhome and getting spaces defined for all the little things (a far cry from the small townhouse in VA with its countertops galore and tables, desks and dressers for all sorts of things).  Even the necessary things like coffee pot, toaster, computer and printer are yet undefined -- mostly because some outlets are not working on the passenger side of the Winnebago.  Will check that out shortly.

Apache Fishing Pier

Did my first load of laundry in the washer/dryer combo yesterday and took far more time than anticipated -- spinning cycle and drying cycle had this motorhome a shakin -- Molly seeking one of her hiding space for the wash cycle but, more at ease during the drying cycle (maybe just tired of hiding too).  First time I have had a TV in my bedroom so, that is kinda nice for the dark and quiet evenings here -- sound of the ocean is really nice too during the quiet times.

Made my usual morning walk out on the fishing pier to see if any fish were running up and down the coast or near the pier -- none have been seen yet but, will hope for better signs before getting that 7 day fishing license or may just fish from the beach (save the money to fish from the pier for a happy hour drink).  Had my first Gin and tonics this past Sunday as the day was sunny and pleasant (in the 70s).

Still paring back on things in boxes and will probably sell a few backup electronics such as DVD player, CD player and Harmon Kardon tuner -- get some more space for food.  Maybe another Gin and tonic.

Now to check those outlets and batteries to see if the service technicians did something to mess things up.  Then, another nice walk on the beach -- south toward the sun (now shining brightly since the fog blew off from this morning).

The New Journey Begins - In my Journey

Journey at Dungeness Lane

Well, here it is 4:35 am in Myrtle Beach and I arrived around the same time last evening after leaving Lorton, VA around 7:00 am yesterday.  First time on the road with the Jeep Liberty towed behind and it was not really as big a deal as towing the pop-up camper behind my Jeep earlier this year (my first two months on the road).  It was nothing but blue skies and sunshine all the way down 95 and spent the first part of the trip looking for a place to fill up with diesel fuel (one with enough clearance for the 12 ft 7 inch height and good turning radius too -- can't back up with the Jeep in tow -- hitch won't take that).  Didn't hear much or see Tiger and Molly during the whole trip down -- only a few early mourning meows of displeasure that we were on the move in this "noisy beast" (to them).

After finding a Love's Truck stop at exit 104, I tried to get the pump working with my AMEX card but, had to go inside and give the cashier my credit card while I filled up.  While I was inside, the patio awning (on its own) dropped down on top of the pumping station and was nearly draped into the next lane where trucks were going and coming.  The silly thing didn't want to go back up using the proper operating switch and I thought surely I would have to climb on top of the RV and retract it by hand -- not liking the thought of digging out the extension ladder from the storage compartment where it was blocked by a number of things such as the power washer and bins of papers.  Luckily one of the truck drivers suggested starting the engine to give it an extra boost (said he had a similar vehicle and problem).  Normally, the "house batteries" operate the awnings and I had understood from the service manager at the dealer (where I had to get them replaced last week) the engine didn't charge these batteries -- guess they can just boost them.  So my vision of having to spend hours of the beautiful afternoon in the truck stop were quickly gone and we were back on the road.

Spent the first night on the "Sleep Number" bed with it fully operational so, it felt quite different than the past few nights at the storage facility (keeping Tiger and Molly company so that might adjust to their new home).  Slept nicely at the 70 setting and 60 on the other side -- Tiger and Molly visited occasionally during the night.  They are getting better adjusted now as the sides have been expanded out to full width and gives them more room to run, hide and chase each other -- minus the ones under the bed where Molly had me befuddled as she had wormed her way under, around and through some opening(s) to a spot just outside the closet (where she ended up getting stuck during her second attempt at getting through).

Today, I will begin digging through all this stuff I have jammed into the RV and Jeep, hoping to find all the right places for many of the things -- trash or donate more stuff during this month of R&R.  It's supposed to be 73 degrees today and tomorrow so, will get the bar set up by "Happy Hour" this afternoon -- after I get all the appliances up and running.  Have my coffee, thanks to the microwave to heat the water and the French press dug from the drawer near the pantry.




Sunrising at Apache Park

  A good day to enjoy -- when the sun comes up.

Apache Fishing Pier

Just a short walk to the fishing pier -- longest on the East Coast.  They're catching Blues and Whiting with some Flounder mixed in -- King Mackerel must have headed further south.  Will need to dig out that old saltwater rod of mine and get it cleaned up, ready for some use this month -- Trout time.