Missing Our Motorhome(s) and Introducing . . .

 

Our First Motorhome, 40' American Eagle

It has been 3 full months (and a few days) since we have been "Motorhomeless".  Oh, the pain we feel...  WHY does it hurt is something I explore today...not listed in any order...

Second Home 

All of our motorhomes (3 of them) have been a second home to us.  It is nice to be on the road and yet feel like you are still at home.  The hardest part is when it breaks and you find yourself in a "Motel" for a few nights.  One thing that is very nice about a motorhome is...if you don't like your neighbors, move on...which we have done a few times.

Our Second Motorhome, 32' Jayco Melbourne

Safety Valve to escape Hurricanes

When you live in Hurricane Country, you like having an escape.  "IF" a hurricane comes to close to where you live, but does not wipe out your home, you could be faced with living with no electricity for a prolong period of time.  Frequently after a Hurricane passes, the temps climb back up into the 90's with Humidity also in the 90's which equals HELL!  Having a motorhome means you can leave before it hits, come back when it is all safe again, and all the while, living in the comfort of your second home.

Visiting Friends and Family

When we travel, we frequently are visiting friends and family.  Not only has it allowed us to spend countless months in Sacramento lending a helping hand with mom and when he was alive, dad...but visiting children, brothers, sisters, cousins, and long-time friends.  We will be always grateful for the ability to help with mom and dad, to be there when dad passed from this life to the next, but Marcia was able to visit her hometown area and see cousins and other relatives and a friend or two throughout the country also.  

Visiting Interesting Places

When we got married back in 2011, Marcia would have never imagined that she would visit places like Alaska, National Parks and National Monuments too numerous to name.  Yet some of our special memories also lay in areas around Truckee, Quincy, Gold Beach, Lake Pleasant and many others where it was just peaceful and kicked back areas.  One of the last library conferences I attended was out west, and Marcia and I drove, by car, there and back.  On the way back, on the spur of the moment, we drove over to Moab and drove through Arches National Park for a quick 90 minute visit.  As we left she had me call mom and the excitement in her voice as she told hereeverything we saw.  She had NO IDEA what laid in store for her over the next 13 years!

Our Third Motorhome, 28' Dynamax Isata

Interesting People

There have been so many interesting people we have met along this path.  Fellow bloggers, some of whom we 'wish' we knew they were in the same area, sometimes the same parking lot, as us and we did not connect.  If I start naming names, I would leave someone out...so I will leave it at that.  There were also some interesting people that we never knew until either we pulled up next to them, or they to us.  Here are just a few special ones.

Maxine from Ontario:  Maxine is/was this lady in her late 80's.  She pulled a small trailer with her little Toyota SUV or Wagon.  She drives up, pulling that trailer, from Ontario each year to Seward, where she parks in the large boondocking campground there.  She was such a wonderful neighbor.  This is where Skruffy got real sick, and we had to cut out and get to Soldotna where my next 'special person' saved Skruffy's life.

Veterinarian, Dr. Marie “Meezie” Hermansen:  One of the most important people we met because it was HER that saved Skruffy's life...her and prayers.  I wrote a blog post about her which I will refer you too...it says it all.  Skruffy’s Doctor -- Born to Fish, Vet by Choice, and a Storyteller

Unnamed Traveler:  This lady I met walking the dogs at a KOA doggie park.  I never did catch her name, but she was a talker and had stories to tell.  Her husband was a Captain in the L.A. Fire Department.  They traveled for over ten years in a large Class A gas motorhome….visited every state, every Canadian province, and even a few states in Mexico.  Then her husband got a hernia…had complications….died from it.  She downsized, and goes out for months at a time alone, despite her age of mid-70's to mid-80's…with her two dogs. She told me this story of how her husband made her change a flat tire in the Class A.  As a firefighter, he wanted her to be able to be self sufficient.  So she got that side up on motorhome's levelers so the tire was up off the ground.  He taught her how to use her leverage, along with the proper tools, to get the lugs off...how to get the tire off...how to get the good tire back on.  He, in the meanwhile, was down under the motorhome just checking things out when a CHP Officer drives up and approaches her to help.  "No," she says, "If I did that, my husband would have to kill you..."  That startled the officer until he hears this laughter coming from under the motorhome.  Her husband slides out, introduces them as his wife continues to do the work, and he explains the situation, which the officer just nods and walks back to his car and takes off.  She told me that she was around 60 when this took place...what a lady she was.

Small World Folks:  Amazing how many times we met someone who either lived by one of us, or lived by and know some of the same people we know.  Like while in Alaska we stayed at a RV Park for an extended time while Skruffy was sick.  We had her out on "furlough", which turned out to be permanent, and while sitting out in the sun one day a lady and her young daughter came over.  The lady asked if her daughter could pet the dog...I explained that she was sick, and the lady already knew all about it.  I asked where she was from, she said Blue Springs Missouri...right where my cousin Casey lived, right where mom and dad use to live, and come to find out she went to the same church as mom, dad and Cassie and her dad and my dad were good friends.  Or the time at Devils Tower when I see a couple with Arkansas license plates.  I dropped by say hello and see where they were from...it was White Hall...where my kids were raised, where one of the Libraries I was over is located (both used the library all the time) and their home was less than a mile from the house my kids were raised in.  Another took place in Bakersfield while we stayed at the Orange Grove RV Park.  Here is how this encounter went:

Asked this guy in the new truck with older 5th wheel where he was from…

    “Sacramento” he said.
    “We are headed there…” I said.  “Left Florida Wednesday night.”  Got that look….
    “Wow, that is some traveling!”
    “Yep…headed for my sister’s backyard in Citrus Heights…”
    “Well, that is really where I am from…where at in Citrus Heights?”
    “Off Antelope…” as I described the area.
    “Heck, that is just down the street from me…I live right by the old Van Marin homestead….”

We talked some more…but what a small small world this is.  He ate at the restaurants I worked at, he knew of Arny’s Corvette Body Shop on Auburn, etc. etc.  But he did not know Arny, although they both have lived within 1/2 mile of each other for years and years.
 
The Motorhomes

Above you can see the three different Motorhomes we have owned.  The American Eagle we had from November 2011 to May 2013.  After a major breakdown, and realizing that I was not enjoying driving such a large vehicle, we stepped down to the 32' Jayco Melbourne.  We had that Motorhome from June 2013 till March 2014 when it was caught up in a RV Storage Fire which turned her to ahses.  A short month later we purchased the Dynamax Isata, which we kept from April 2014 until February 2024 when we donated it.  We put nearly 100,000 miles on that Motorhome, and she was a good one.  So, where does that leave us?

Introducing the 2024 Thor Sequence 20L

Yesterday we put a $5k down payment on this Silver Sequence 20L.  It is on a Ram Promaster 21' Chassis, and if everything goes right, and it should, we bring her home on Tuesday.  This is the first Motorhome that we did not pay cash for...but we will put more than 50% down and expect to pay it off in three years (it is a five year loan through our Credit Union).  Will plan to take more pictures and post more about it next week.  The memories will continue...see you all down the road somewhere, some place.

Trip Recap – All Systems A-OK

Five nights of no-hookups at Granite Flat N.F. Campground, and two nights of full-hookups at Zephyr Cove Resort and I have to say that everything went real real good.  Still have a few issued to work out with the no-hookups pertaining to running two computers, aircard, and aircard booster all off of two 12 cigarette lighter plugins.  Also, the 12V power supply for Marcia’s computer has not worked since the day I bought it…don’t know if it the wrong one, or just was broken out of the box…so we have had to run a small inverter for her computer.  I know the set-up won’t make us “generator free”, but an hour a day of generator timed at times that we make coffee or use the microwave, is not bad.

Citrus Heights has an elevation of around 200 feet, and up here in the Lake Tahoe/Truckee area we are at 5,500 – 6,000 feet level, with passes as high as 7,000+.  One would think that Donner Summit was the hardest to get up, but actually the stretch of Cal Hwy 267 at Brockway Summit was the hardest to go over both going to and coming from Tahoe.  With I-80 the climb is steep, but you can gain momentum.  On 267 the momentum is stopped by sharp curves and slower speeds leading up to the climbs.  I had to put it into first gear, 20 mph for a small stretch both coming and going.  And when I pulled over for others to pass…getting going from 5 mph while climbing is rough.  But our V-10 engine did great, all temps were normal, and there was no hesitation…just slow speeds at times.

The tire pressure monitor worked real good.  When we left Tahoe one of the duel tires, due to high elevations, started out at 75 psi, while the others were at 76, but they all climbed to the desired 80 psi within just minutes…and after a long stretch seem to max out around 88-90 psi.  It really does add a level of comfort and assurance knowing that our tires are at and are holding at proper inflation levels.

We already know our limits as far as the septic tanks are concerned…and it was nice having full hookups in Tahoe for two very long showers each during our two day stay.  Our toilet system is a Vacuflush, which is what boats use.

There are some special parts that need to be replaced from time to time, and it is time.  I just need to decide if I want to do it, or pay someone else to do it.  

All of our electrical issues seem to be behind us. When we get back to my sisters, I will check all of the connections and see if they held or not.  It is going to be something I will need to do from time to time.

After a minor adjustment before we left on this trip with the slide, it has been working real good.  After putting in the new floor, the “stop” needed some adjustment as it was not closing well up in Oregon.  It was an easy fix which McCullough RV did as part of their warranty.  Those folks are GREAT!

 

Although I talked about the tire pressure monitor, I should have mentioned the new tires.  WOW, what a great thing that has been.  I have also purchased some new valves to carry since Discount Tire does not seem to carry this type of valve.  For around $25 I have six valves.  Good insurance.

So what’s up next for us?  After the 4th of July we will go on another short, week long excursion.  Then we will come back and evaluate things again.  One step at at time…  For now we will again enjoy family, and enjoy another 4th of July in the Sacramento area.

Donner Pass Area, We are Off to a Good Start

After a wonderful weekend and excellent Father’s Day, one in which I spent with Dad, Mom, Marcia (wife), Michael (oldest son) and his girlfriend Ana, sisters Sandy, Patti and Donna along with Arny (Sandy’s husband) and his mother Euleda.  Also talked to my daughter twice and my other son.  But today was the day we were awaiting….take off time for short trip number 1 to see if all the bugs are worked out or not.

Our destination was about 90 miles from Arny and Sandy’s house, and this rest area was just about half way.  Looked everything over….

   

All of the indicators on the dash show normal working temps and pressures.  The tire pressure gage showed that the tires were all inflated and no high temps.  Turned on the generator as soon as we pulled in and it purred like a kitten.  Checked the battery system for the motorhome, and the engine is charging the house batteries.  So far, so good!

I have driven this portion of I-80 so many times over the years I could do it in my sleep…except that I respect the danger which is equated with this road, especially in inclement weather.  I have driven cars over it during snow storms, high winds, rain and sleet.  Today however, it is a wonderful blue sky, light wind, easy traffic, and a beautiful drive.

Don’t believe me?  Just ask Skruffy.  There was some construction along the way, which slowed us down enough for Skruffy to stick her head out the window.  She loves this…but we only do it at slower speeds.  Of course, how fast can one of these Class C’s go towing a car for a 7000+ foot climb?

I have two favorite parts of this drive, Emigrant Gap and Donner Summit/Lake areas.  It is a wonder that people got their wagons over these mountains…and of course, Donner area taught us that not all made it, that’s for sure.

Here we are at the scenic area of Donner Summit, and you can see it is pretty high up, especially considering that Sacramento is almost at sea level.

Our destination today was Granite Flat National Forest Camp Ground, $11 per night with senior discount, no hookups at all.  We have never gone without hookup with this motorhome for more than an overnighter at a rest area.  We plan to be here for two nights, then over to South Lake Tahoe or North Shore for a couple of nights with hookups, and then back to Truckee area for a few more days of no hookups.

My original idea of going south to the Calaveras Big Trees got nixed when I saw that Ebbetts Pass had restrictions of 25’ and under…which makes us 3 feet too long and would have included unhooking the car. 

Funny how things worked out…there ended up being a Forest Fire.

 

This forest fire sprung up a few days ago due to lightening, and would have been near highway 4 on our way from Tahoe to the Big Trees.

   

Granite Flat National Forest Camp Ground is not empty, but darn near empty.  I am sure there are lots more campers here over the weekend…but early week like this is wonderful.  Found us a nice, level site far away from everyone else.  Yes, you do here highway 89 traffic noise, but at night the traffic is light, and during the day it is not that bad.  We are using our solar panel for the first time while we camp, and it is holding the battery steady while we use our two laptops and run the aircard and the booster.  We don’t have any TV stations, but we do have 4G with 2-3 bars, so we can stream in something to watch later, perhaps on one of our Kindles.  So everyone is happy so far…

   

(hold you mouse over the doggie pictures to see what they think)

Tomorrow we are going to explore a bit around Donner Lake, including the new visitor's center at the State Park.  Should be very interesting, although a bit heart touching too...we will see.

A Year Later, Remembering the FIRE

March 25th of last year there was a fire in the Storage Facility that our motorhome was parked in.  Of course, the section holding our Jayco Melbourne.  Of course, it was a total loss…..

Here we are tucked ‘safely’ (or so we thought) in parking place C-1, next to this nice class C.  Sometimes I backed it in, as I did here, sometimes I parked straight in, as it was on that fateful night.

  

The picture to the left was looking through site B-1 to the front of our now demolished home on wheels.  The picture on the right is the view from outside C-1.  Remember that beautiful Class A we were parked next to?  Now it is hard to make out ours from theirs.  Frankly, there is was more of theirs left than ours….from the rear ours was nearly all ashes at this point.  I can still remember that feeling in my gut that day when I took these pictures just by looking at these pictures. 

Although this was a BIG setback, we replaced the Jayco with a Dynamax Isata.  Here it is back in October parked at a RV park along the Arkansas River near Little Rock.  The Dynamax is four feet shorter, so it is easier to drive and maneuver. Being smaller, we have to be smarter in what we take and how we take it.  This year we are planning to go to Alaska, which was our planned trip for 2014 until the fire.  To prepare for it, I have redone the pantry, which will be a huge improvement on how and where we can store things now.  We got rid of our short couch, and now have real nice La-Z-Boy recliners.  I have also added some small storage nets to hold some of our small items….one next to each recliner, one over the driver/passenger seats, and one next to the entry steps.  I also arranged the one storage bin which holds stuff, since the other two hold the sewer hoses while the other holds the electrical cords and hoses. 

Above we were parked just north of Albuquerque where we enjoyed the opening day of the annual Balloon Festival.  So far our little Dynamax has been in 16 states, and we have really enjoyed it.  This year’s trip to Alaska is our ultimate trip…but we have enjoyed each of the three years we have traveled already. 

In Portland back in 2012 we visited the Rose Garden.  We knew that along with the roses, comes thorns….

….and sometimes bees.  Roses are pretty, the smell is beyond words, but what comes with them are thorns and stingers.   You just got to take the bad with the good sometimes…..and how you handle the bad many times determines just how much you appreciate the good.

Out with the Couch, in with the Recliners….errr!

Our couch once sat here in the slide out.  It was also a fold-out bed, although I don’t think anyone could sleep on the bed with that thin mattress for more than a night.  As I mentioned about a month ago, we ordered two new recliners from Lazyboy.  Well yesterday was delivery day…and tomorrow will be delivery day too…because only one was on the truck, the other got left back at the warehouse down in the L.A. area.  Anyway, I will wait until both are in before I take a picture.  

In the meantime, we are having an issue with a few of our windows.  Here you can see the opening mechanics.

We have five windows that open like this….this one is open “all the way”.

This black “gadget”, for lack of a better term, runs along this guide.  But we have one window which has broken “gadgets”, and finding a replacement, or a total replacement of all the opening hardware, is a challenge.  We are still in communication with Dynamax, and sent pictures today, but this may not work out either.  Arney tried using two small washers, but they just bind up so much, and now we have another window which has one broken gadget that runs inside the guide.  At least the washers allow for the window to stay locked, while the other window is loosely locked since only one side is still in the guide.

Mom finished up her rehab yesterday…walked with her PT over to my sister’s house and back, causing another sleep period like the one I photographed previously.  She is doing real well, and we are all so happy that much of her pain is gone, although some might question about that pain in her lower bottom exterior that lives in a motorhome next door, also known as her PITA youngest son.

Houston–Camp PPL

Wow, what a ride this has been!  We bought our little Isata 10 days ago, drove it to Florida, got it registered, tried to get it looked at by a Ford dealership, which went array, packed it up Thursday and Friday and headed back to Houston, arriving here Sunday afternoon.

We essentially reversed our travel from Houston to Florida….staying at Flying J near Tallahassee (until at 2 a.m. the motorhome next to us still had not turned off its generator so I got up and drove another 30+ miles to a rest area, which worked out great), then to Louisiana where we stayed at the same rest area we stayed at when we left Houston nine days earlier.  Now we sit in the PPL parking lot in one of the four over-night parking places with 30 amp service. 

As we neared Houston we decided to go to a “Blue Beacon” truck wash.  We had cleaned the inside of the motorhome pretty good at one of the rest areas, and I wanted to get the outside washed down.  So here we were behind this US Army Recruiting Truck.  We had a long wait, and I sat there and admired the art work…that is when I saw it.

Do you see it?  Here, let me reverse it so you can read it better….

Why they have the word “Champagne” written on the vehicle this soldier is in is beyond me….tried doing a bit of research while we awaited our turn, but did not turn anything up on that.  Then I go in and pay, and guess what….the poor “real” soldiers are trying to pay for their wash with a US Army credit card, and it is refused.  They tried three different cards, no go….all refused.  The manager looked at them and said, “Give them a complimentary wash…”   Nice going Blue Beacon….you now you have my patronage for a long time now.

As for the bad weather….we did not have anything buy high winds on Sunday in Texas…not the first time, not the last I am sure.  We hope that we don’t hit any bad weather while we are in Arkansas, and as we travel through Oklahoma and Kansas later next week.  I do hope that my friends and family in Arkansas are safe tonight, because is does not look like it is going to be a fun night.