Monday 09/26/10 Day 009
After an early departure, we crossed the Great Smokey Mountains and into Gatlinburg in rain with fog and clouds hanging in the mountains. We left camp in the dark and when the sun came up, we still couldn't see anything due to the weather conditions.
After a stop for parts at a Camping World store (the RV equivalent to Boat US) we headed off in the direction of Jekyll Island. We hope to meet friends there tomorrow. Driving in the mountains with all of the spiral and hairpin turns in the rain and clouds is tedious. We'll be happy to get back to flat land.
We made camp at a Comfort Inn Campground. With an early departure and some luck with traffic, we would arrive at Jekyll Island no later than mid-morning.
Sunshine almost always makes me high! (John Denver)
Monday, September 27, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
The Great Smokey Mountain Railroad
Sunday 09/26/10 Day 008
It's 0830 and we're off to ride the Great Smokey Mountain train. We boarded at 1015 hours and we ere underway for our 4 1/2 hour excursion by 1030 hours.
Our first impression? Is that vine Kudzu? After closer inspection we confirmed our suspicion. The Japanese Honeysuckle has taken over the forest! We later learned that it covers 67,000 acres. No wonder... It grows about 1 1/2 feet a day and there is no way to kill it.
Scientists are studying the problem and have found potential uses for the plant or portions thereof. First and foremost are potential medicinal uses including alcoholism. One university is studying ways to harness the plants amazing power to convert nutrients into energy. The locals even make a Kudzu Blossom jelly that tastes like a cross between white grape and peach jam. I din't think demand and production have caught up to supply.
The train passes by the world famous Nantahala National Forrest where white water is king. Even on this wet, rainy day, folks in kayaks, canoes and rafts were testing their skills. We watched some of the competition at the Olympic Kayak Training facility.
Fontana Lake was interesting. The lake was formed by the Fontana Dam, a project by the TVA. It is the dam east of the Mississippi. It provided the electricity for the secret (at the time) Oak Ridge project that developed the atomic bomb.
On our return to Bryson City, we checked out the model train museum, reportedly one of the ten best collections of Lionel trains. The display represents 1/8th of the donor's collection!
Because it is cold and rainy, we decided not to return to the Deep Creek cg in the Great Smokey national Forest. We've been boondocking for a week (RV talk for no hook ups) so it's on to a KOA so we can run the heater and get connected.
It's 0830 and we're off to ride the Great Smokey Mountain train. We boarded at 1015 hours and we ere underway for our 4 1/2 hour excursion by 1030 hours.
Our first impression? Is that vine Kudzu? After closer inspection we confirmed our suspicion. The Japanese Honeysuckle has taken over the forest! We later learned that it covers 67,000 acres. No wonder... It grows about 1 1/2 feet a day and there is no way to kill it.
Scientists are studying the problem and have found potential uses for the plant or portions thereof. First and foremost are potential medicinal uses including alcoholism. One university is studying ways to harness the plants amazing power to convert nutrients into energy. The locals even make a Kudzu Blossom jelly that tastes like a cross between white grape and peach jam. I din't think demand and production have caught up to supply.
The train passes by the world famous Nantahala National Forrest where white water is king. Even on this wet, rainy day, folks in kayaks, canoes and rafts were testing their skills. We watched some of the competition at the Olympic Kayak Training facility.
Fontana Lake was interesting. The lake was formed by the Fontana Dam, a project by the TVA. It is the dam east of the Mississippi. It provided the electricity for the secret (at the time) Oak Ridge project that developed the atomic bomb.
On our return to Bryson City, we checked out the model train museum, reportedly one of the ten best collections of Lionel trains. The display represents 1/8th of the donor's collection!
Because it is cold and rainy, we decided not to return to the Deep Creek cg in the Great Smokey national Forest. We've been boondocking for a week (RV talk for no hook ups) so it's on to a KOA so we can run the heater and get connected.
The Great Smokey Mountains
Saturday, 09/25/10
Geez... We slept in until 0900! What's up with that? It's a good thing we didn't have to cover a lot of miles. The parkway took us through lots of spiral turns and mountain tunnels.
We made it to the end to the parkway by noon. Just around the corner from the junction of the parkway and the road that bisects the Smokies, we found the Oconaluftee Visitors Center. There, we discovered that our chosen campground, Cataloochee, was full. That is the best place from which to see the elk herd. Maybe we'll try that another time. We settled for the campground at Deep Creek.
We drove through Cherokee. It's very ticky-tacky and a bit run down. Not a fitting tribute to the proud Cherokee nation.
From there, we drove to Bryson City where we strolled around town and made reservations for a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The train will take us on a 44 mile run. We decided to enjoy dinner on board. The excursion takes about 4.5 hours. Considering the drive time and the fact that we're supposed to be at the station one hour before departure, it appears that the ride will chew up most of our day.
Deep Creek CG, in the Great Smoky Mountain National Forest, has a nice babbling brook running through it. The stream is used by young and old alike for tubing. We saw children tubing for about 1/4 mile, then they' get out of the stream and run back up stream and do it again... Over and over again! What great fun!!
We took our walk around the campground. Once we picked out our site, we registered and went about setting up the camper. it so happened that the cabinet affixed to the ceiling fell down while we were traveling. It sure seems like this Palomino camper is a hunk of junk. Signs of poor workmanship abound. Too bad I didn't notice most it before I bought the unit.
Fortunately, we had materials to effect repairs. By tomorrow evening, the glue should be permanently set and the cabinet will be useful again.
Geez... We slept in until 0900! What's up with that? It's a good thing we didn't have to cover a lot of miles. The parkway took us through lots of spiral turns and mountain tunnels.
We made it to the end to the parkway by noon. Just around the corner from the junction of the parkway and the road that bisects the Smokies, we found the Oconaluftee Visitors Center. There, we discovered that our chosen campground, Cataloochee, was full. That is the best place from which to see the elk herd. Maybe we'll try that another time. We settled for the campground at Deep Creek.
We drove through Cherokee. It's very ticky-tacky and a bit run down. Not a fitting tribute to the proud Cherokee nation.
From there, we drove to Bryson City where we strolled around town and made reservations for a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The train will take us on a 44 mile run. We decided to enjoy dinner on board. The excursion takes about 4.5 hours. Considering the drive time and the fact that we're supposed to be at the station one hour before departure, it appears that the ride will chew up most of our day.
Deep Creek CG, in the Great Smoky Mountain National Forest, has a nice babbling brook running through it. The stream is used by young and old alike for tubing. We saw children tubing for about 1/4 mile, then they' get out of the stream and run back up stream and do it again... Over and over again! What great fun!!
We took our walk around the campground. Once we picked out our site, we registered and went about setting up the camper. it so happened that the cabinet affixed to the ceiling fell down while we were traveling. It sure seems like this Palomino camper is a hunk of junk. Signs of poor workmanship abound. Too bad I didn't notice most it before I bought the unit.
Fortunately, we had materials to effect repairs. By tomorrow evening, the glue should be permanently set and the cabinet will be useful again.
Some Trip Notes and a Poem from Ranger Lou!
Friday, 09/24/10 Day 006
So, while we're cruising down the parkway, we're debating whether or not we should stop at Mt. Mitchell, at 6,684 feet, it is the highest point east of the Mississippi. Anna Marie has never been there. I might have been around ten years old when i was there on a family vacation to the Blue Ridge. As I recall, there wasn't much to see. Besides a fire tower that was closed to the public, it was cold and damp. I don't think we got out of the car. It was apparently good enough justvto be able to tell people that we had been to the highest point east of the Ole Miss.
Well we decided to go to the summit and it was great decision. The weather was perfect and visibility was great. Beside the large parking lot, there is a refreshment stand, a gift shop and the Mt. Mitchell Museum. There is now a 280 yard long, red stamped concrete path leading to the summit. At the summit is a spiral ramp to an observation platform. In all directions, the views are spectacular. We could see mountains in Tennessee and Clingman's Dome in the Great Smokies to the south.
Dr. Mitchell was a professor at the University of North Carolina, perished while exploring the mountain. His body was entombed in a local church's grave yard for a year before people felt it appropriate that his final resting place should be on the mountain. His tomb sits at the summit at the base of the observation platform.
We enjoyed lunch and the spectacular view at the highest restaurant in the eastern US. The restaurant is about one mile from the summit.
We chose the stay in the Mt. Pisgah Campground in the Pisgah National Forest About 45 miles of the parkway cuts through the Pisgah National Forest.
We attended two campfire programs, both conducted by Ranger Lou, who is a twelve year live aboard RV'er. She made great presentations and offered the following poem to a camper who never heard the term "scat" before:
"It's a four letter word that starts with an "S" and ends with a "T."
It comes out of you and it comes out of me.
But we can't say that so we call it "scat."
We're never disappointed by these ranger presentations.
When we settled in to the camper for the evening, the night was cool and still. It appears that a cold front is on the way. We are expecting rain tomorrow evening, Sunday and into Monday.
So, while we're cruising down the parkway, we're debating whether or not we should stop at Mt. Mitchell, at 6,684 feet, it is the highest point east of the Mississippi. Anna Marie has never been there. I might have been around ten years old when i was there on a family vacation to the Blue Ridge. As I recall, there wasn't much to see. Besides a fire tower that was closed to the public, it was cold and damp. I don't think we got out of the car. It was apparently good enough justvto be able to tell people that we had been to the highest point east of the Ole Miss.
Well we decided to go to the summit and it was great decision. The weather was perfect and visibility was great. Beside the large parking lot, there is a refreshment stand, a gift shop and the Mt. Mitchell Museum. There is now a 280 yard long, red stamped concrete path leading to the summit. At the summit is a spiral ramp to an observation platform. In all directions, the views are spectacular. We could see mountains in Tennessee and Clingman's Dome in the Great Smokies to the south.
Dr. Mitchell was a professor at the University of North Carolina, perished while exploring the mountain. His body was entombed in a local church's grave yard for a year before people felt it appropriate that his final resting place should be on the mountain. His tomb sits at the summit at the base of the observation platform.
We enjoyed lunch and the spectacular view at the highest restaurant in the eastern US. The restaurant is about one mile from the summit.
We chose the stay in the Mt. Pisgah Campground in the Pisgah National Forest About 45 miles of the parkway cuts through the Pisgah National Forest.
We attended two campfire programs, both conducted by Ranger Lou, who is a twelve year live aboard RV'er. She made great presentations and offered the following poem to a camper who never heard the term "scat" before:
"It's a four letter word that starts with an "S" and ends with a "T."
It comes out of you and it comes out of me.
But we can't say that so we call it "scat."
We're never disappointed by these ranger presentations.
When we settled in to the camper for the evening, the night was cool and still. It appears that a cold front is on the way. We are expecting rain tomorrow evening, Sunday and into Monday.
North Carolina
Thursday 09/23/10 Day 005
Today's leisurely drive covered 155 miles and brought us into the North Carolina section of the Blue Ridge. Stops included a side to Roanoke, T. T. Trail's cabin (many were built along the parkway, but few still exist), Mabry Mill (toured to grounds, old workshops and the mill), the Blue Ridge Music Center (disappointing because on this day, the music stopped before we arrived) and finally, the Doughton Campground.
A few days ago, I read that the haze in the valley's was caused by ozone. A display in the visitor's center museum at Peaks of Otter Campground suggested that the over 75% of the air pollution is directly attributable to burning coal. This is coal country, but seeing the constant haze, you'd think people would put a higher value on clean air. Surely there is a better way.
I remember visiting Mabry's Mill on several occasions in years (many years) past. It still looks the same. The park service seems to be taking good care of one of the more popular attractions on the parkway.
Several articles we've read suggest that the fall colors are at their peak in mid-October. That appears to be true enough, but we do see some evidence that the show is imminent, especially in the higher elevations.
Most of the campgrounds along the parkway are what you might call primitive. There in no water or electric at the site. The bath houses have no shower facilities and although there are flush toilets, generally, there are no electric lights in them. Skylights allow sunlight in, but in the nighttime, it's bring your own light!
Internet and cell phone connections are almost none existent! That's much different than sailing the waterway where we have almost constant connections. The only real exceptions are the remote anchorages in Georgia.
Today's leisurely drive covered 155 miles and brought us into the North Carolina section of the Blue Ridge. Stops included a side to Roanoke, T. T. Trail's cabin (many were built along the parkway, but few still exist), Mabry Mill (toured to grounds, old workshops and the mill), the Blue Ridge Music Center (disappointing because on this day, the music stopped before we arrived) and finally, the Doughton Campground.
A few days ago, I read that the haze in the valley's was caused by ozone. A display in the visitor's center museum at Peaks of Otter Campground suggested that the over 75% of the air pollution is directly attributable to burning coal. This is coal country, but seeing the constant haze, you'd think people would put a higher value on clean air. Surely there is a better way.
I remember visiting Mabry's Mill on several occasions in years (many years) past. It still looks the same. The park service seems to be taking good care of one of the more popular attractions on the parkway.
Several articles we've read suggest that the fall colors are at their peak in mid-October. That appears to be true enough, but we do see some evidence that the show is imminent, especially in the higher elevations.
Most of the campgrounds along the parkway are what you might call primitive. There in no water or electric at the site. The bath houses have no shower facilities and although there are flush toilets, generally, there are no electric lights in them. Skylights allow sunlight in, but in the nighttime, it's bring your own light!
Internet and cell phone connections are almost none existent! That's much different than sailing the waterway where we have almost constant connections. The only real exceptions are the remote anchorages in Georgia.
The Blue Ridge
Wednesday 09/22/10 004 We departed Matthew's Arm CG at 1000 hours. We breezed through a few overlook areas (there are 75 of them on the Skyline Drive) and reached the southern terminus at 1200 hours.
The Blue Ridge Parkway continues where the Skyline Drive stops and, after stopping at a visitors center, we continued on our journey on the Blue Ridge.
The vistas are equally spectacular when compared to the Skyline Drive but today's unseasonably warm temperature (high 80's) seems to have caused a layer of ozone to hang around the mountains. The speed limit on the Blue Ridge is 45 mph as compared to 35 on the Skyline Drive. I recall days long ago when the slow speed limits made me antsy. Most times, I would seek out an Interstate or two to speed up the trip. Not this time. The speed limit is very comfortable and we're enjoying the drive.
We made camp at the Peaks of Otters CG (mm 86) by 1600 hours, just before some rain, wind, thunder and lightening arrived.
The storm lasted about 45 minutes after which things cooled off just a bit allowing for a nice walk around the campground.
The Blue Ridge Parkway continues where the Skyline Drive stops and, after stopping at a visitors center, we continued on our journey on the Blue Ridge.
The vistas are equally spectacular when compared to the Skyline Drive but today's unseasonably warm temperature (high 80's) seems to have caused a layer of ozone to hang around the mountains. The speed limit on the Blue Ridge is 45 mph as compared to 35 on the Skyline Drive. I recall days long ago when the slow speed limits made me antsy. Most times, I would seek out an Interstate or two to speed up the trip. Not this time. The speed limit is very comfortable and we're enjoying the drive.
We made camp at the Peaks of Otters CG (mm 86) by 1600 hours, just before some rain, wind, thunder and lightening arrived.
The storm lasted about 45 minutes after which things cooled off just a bit allowing for a nice walk around the campground.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Entering the Blue Ridge
Wednesday 09/22/10 004 We departed Matthew's Arm CG at 1000 hours. We
breezed through a few overlook areas (there are 75 of them on the Skyline Drive) and reached the southern terminus at 1200 hours.
The Blue Ridge Parkway continues where the Skyline Drive stops and, after stopping at a visitors center, we continued on our journey on the Blue Ridge.
The vistas are equally spectacular when compared to the Skyline De., but today's unseasonably warm temperature (high 80's) seems to have caused a layer of ozone to Hang around the mountains. The speed limit on the Blue Ridge is 45 mph as compared to 35 on the Skyline Drive. I recall days long ago when the slow speed limits made me antsy. Most times, I would seek out an Interstate or two to speed up the trip. Not this time. The speed limit is very comfortable and we're enjoying the drive.
We made camp at the Peaks of Otters CG (mm86) by 1600 hours, just before some rain, wind, thunder and lightening arrived.
The storm lasted about 45 minutes after which things cooled off just a bit allowing for a nice walk around the campground.
breezed through a few overlook areas (there are 75 of them on the Skyline Drive) and reached the southern terminus at 1200 hours.
The Blue Ridge Parkway continues where the Skyline Drive stops and, after stopping at a visitors center, we continued on our journey on the Blue Ridge.
The vistas are equally spectacular when compared to the Skyline De., but today's unseasonably warm temperature (high 80's) seems to have caused a layer of ozone to Hang around the mountains. The speed limit on the Blue Ridge is 45 mph as compared to 35 on the Skyline Drive. I recall days long ago when the slow speed limits made me antsy. Most times, I would seek out an Interstate or two to speed up the trip. Not this time. The speed limit is very comfortable and we're enjoying the drive.
We made camp at the Peaks of Otters CG (mm86) by 1600 hours, just before some rain, wind, thunder and lightening arrived.
The storm lasted about 45 minutes after which things cooled off just a bit allowing for a nice walk around the campground.
Traveling at 7x Our Normal Speed!
Tuesday 09/22/10 003 Wow! We're scorching the road. We did a whole twenty five miles today! We made the run from Matthew's Arm CG to Big Meadows. We had hoped to make the list for the bus tour of Camp Rapidan, the little White House for President Hoover. Unfortunately, the 12 passenger bus was filled.
Still,we managed to get a sense of the life of those who come for rest and relaxation by dinning at the Big Meadows Lodge and hanging out in the great room. Lunch was good and the view overlooking the valley and mountains beyond spectacular.
After stetting up camp, we hiked along the Appalachian Trail for about one mile. Going up the mountain was a tad strenuous but we made it. We're hoping to get in shape for longer hikes in the Great Smokies.
We hiked back to the lodge after dinner because we wanted to take advantage of it's "hot spot." We found that it wasn't so hot! Lots of folks were already on line and we had difficulty connecting. The iPad with wifi would have come in handy today... Not to mention the last few days!
We arrived back at the camper in the dark, and after a few games, it was lights out!
Still,we managed to get a sense of the life of those who come for rest and relaxation by dinning at the Big Meadows Lodge and hanging out in the great room. Lunch was good and the view overlooking the valley and mountains beyond spectacular.
After stetting up camp, we hiked along the Appalachian Trail for about one mile. Going up the mountain was a tad strenuous but we made it. We're hoping to get in shape for longer hikes in the Great Smokies.
We hiked back to the lodge after dinner because we wanted to take advantage of it's "hot spot." We found that it wasn't so hot! Lots of folks were already on line and we had difficulty connecting. The iPad with wifi would have come in handy today... Not to mention the last few days!
We arrived back at the camper in the dark, and after a few games, it was lights out!
GO!
Friday 09/17/10 After furious activity to close house, we were finally off with the Shelley's kids @ 1700. We arrived at Adventure Bound CG to find the Fosters and a roaring campfire. Since everyone was hungry and the Fosters had already eaten, we used the fire to cook dogs over the open flame.
Saturday 09/18/10 Following a quick trip to Cape May Point to scour the beach for Cape May diamonds, we rushed back to the CG for showers and quickly departed for Sue's 80th birthday party. Everyone had a great time.
Following the party, it was rides all around at Morey's Pier on the boardwalk. The kids became a bit disappointed when they weren't allowed to play the ges of chance. At $5.00 for three darts, it sure looked as though the rules favor the house.
After burgers at Five Guys, we made it back to the campground for another night of snorts.
Sunday 09/19/10 001 Our final summer day with the family was spent at the Cape May Zoo. What a great place with a price (donation) that's hard to beat.
Following a late lunch at the Safari Cafe we bid adieu to the family. Bidding farewell gets harder each time.
The Kids were off to their respective homes, and on day 1 of our "cruise," we were off to Cape Henelopen SP (what a rip-off that turned out to be @ $32.00 for a site with water even though we didn't want it and no electric. By contrast, a site with water and electric at Adventure Bound CG was $20.00). The Cape May Lewis Ferry toll taker let us on for the usual auto fee($46.00) even though we were a few inches over the 20' length limit.
Monday 09/20/10 002 Before leaving the area, we needed a wifi connection to look up an address. We found it at McDonald's, took care of some business and were on our way. Traffic wasn't too bad, although we managed to find some, and the resultant slow going, on the last six miles of the 495 beltway.
The traffic melted away as we traveled west on I66. We made it to Shenandoah NF at about 1730 hours. After purchasing our "Senior" passes (they used to be called "Golden Eagle" passes, we made our way to Matthew's Arm, the first campground in the National Forrest.
For the next few days, we'll be traveling at 7x our usual speed! We'll have to make an effort to stop and smell the roses as we don't normally travel at 35 mph!
Sent from my iPod
Saturday 09/18/10 Following a quick trip to Cape May Point to scour the beach for Cape May diamonds, we rushed back to the CG for showers and quickly departed for Sue's 80th birthday party. Everyone had a great time.
Following the party, it was rides all around at Morey's Pier on the boardwalk. The kids became a bit disappointed when they weren't allowed to play the ges of chance. At $5.00 for three darts, it sure looked as though the rules favor the house.
After burgers at Five Guys, we made it back to the campground for another night of snorts.
Sunday 09/19/10 001 Our final summer day with the family was spent at the Cape May Zoo. What a great place with a price (donation) that's hard to beat.
Following a late lunch at the Safari Cafe we bid adieu to the family. Bidding farewell gets harder each time.
The Kids were off to their respective homes, and on day 1 of our "cruise," we were off to Cape Henelopen SP (what a rip-off that turned out to be @ $32.00 for a site with water even though we didn't want it and no electric. By contrast, a site with water and electric at Adventure Bound CG was $20.00). The Cape May Lewis Ferry toll taker let us on for the usual auto fee($46.00) even though we were a few inches over the 20' length limit.
Monday 09/20/10 002 Before leaving the area, we needed a wifi connection to look up an address. We found it at McDonald's, took care of some business and were on our way. Traffic wasn't too bad, although we managed to find some, and the resultant slow going, on the last six miles of the 495 beltway.
The traffic melted away as we traveled west on I66. We made it to Shenandoah NF at about 1730 hours. After purchasing our "Senior" passes (they used to be called "Golden Eagle" passes, we made our way to Matthew's Arm, the first campground in the National Forrest.
For the next few days, we'll be traveling at 7x our usual speed! We'll have to make an effort to stop and smell the roses as we don't normally travel at 35 mph!
Sent from my iPod
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Ready... Set...
Ahoy Mateys! We're spending the evening collecting and sorting the things we're taking back tot he boat. We also need to pack the camping gear. A few weeks ago, we bought a Palomino Truck Camper. It fits on the bed of the pick-up and will be our home as we slowly migrate south to S/V SUNSHINE.
Our plan is to head south via the Skyline drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway through Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smokies. We expect to take about two weeks to get to the boat.
The Palomino Camper has needed several repairs. First, we had to have part of the lifting mechanism welded. The roof "pops up" to give standing headroom, but closes down for easy and more fuel efficient transport.
Most recently, the several of the plastic "T" fittings in the plumbing developed leaks. All of the fittings are in cabinets under the sink and stove. The small access doors make reaching the fittings difficult. It is near impossible to get a tool in to replace the fittings. The only way I could work on one of the defective fittings was to remove the sink. After about 8 hours, everything was back together. No leaks were detected... yet!
I had to make a new dinning table too. The new table is a few inches bigger than the one it replaces. That should make it more functional at meal time.
Our Palomino does not appear to be well made. The manufacturer seems to have a reputation for poor quality. So, why did we buy it? Well, first and foremost, the price was right. Unfortunately, I found out about the reputation of the company after the fact. The unit is in very good condition. After the purchase, we found evidence that it had leaked at one time or another. It may have caused the wood to warp and that may have caused the lifting system to break. There was no way we could have know that the plastic fittings were suspect. We'll use it this year and if extended camping is in our future, we may look at a better quality rig. Right now, we're thinking about a trip to Yellowstone and south to the national parks in southwest and maybe even the Grand Canyon next September. We can do that kind of trip if we leave the boat in Florida again.
That's the story for now! We'll provide updates when we get going.
Our plan is to head south via the Skyline drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway through Shenandoah National Park and the Great Smokies. We expect to take about two weeks to get to the boat.
The Palomino Camper has needed several repairs. First, we had to have part of the lifting mechanism welded. The roof "pops up" to give standing headroom, but closes down for easy and more fuel efficient transport.
Most recently, the several of the plastic "T" fittings in the plumbing developed leaks. All of the fittings are in cabinets under the sink and stove. The small access doors make reaching the fittings difficult. It is near impossible to get a tool in to replace the fittings. The only way I could work on one of the defective fittings was to remove the sink. After about 8 hours, everything was back together. No leaks were detected... yet!
I had to make a new dinning table too. The new table is a few inches bigger than the one it replaces. That should make it more functional at meal time.
Our Palomino does not appear to be well made. The manufacturer seems to have a reputation for poor quality. So, why did we buy it? Well, first and foremost, the price was right. Unfortunately, I found out about the reputation of the company after the fact. The unit is in very good condition. After the purchase, we found evidence that it had leaked at one time or another. It may have caused the wood to warp and that may have caused the lifting system to break. There was no way we could have know that the plastic fittings were suspect. We'll use it this year and if extended camping is in our future, we may look at a better quality rig. Right now, we're thinking about a trip to Yellowstone and south to the national parks in southwest and maybe even the Grand Canyon next September. We can do that kind of trip if we leave the boat in Florida again.
That's the story for now! We'll provide updates when we get going.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
A "Zippity Do Da Day!"
CLICK HERE AFTER READING THIS POST!
We're enjoying the last hurrah of summer with all of the grandkids. Today, we picked up Claire's Opti from the Yacht Club in preparation for Hurricane Earl. Then we went to the 9th Street Beach in Surf City to play in (near) the surf, followed by burgers at Woodies, mini golf and Country Kettle Fudge. It surely was a "Zippity Do Da Day!"
We're enjoying the last hurrah of summer with all of the grandkids. Today, we picked up Claire's Opti from the Yacht Club in preparation for Hurricane Earl. Then we went to the 9th Street Beach in Surf City to play in (near) the surf, followed by burgers at Woodies, mini golf and Country Kettle Fudge. It surely was a "Zippity Do Da Day!"
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