So Easy a Caveman Can Do It

As you may know or maybe not, I retired from the Air Force 7 years ago.  I really enjoyed my career overall.  At times, it was very trying and at others, I had a blast.  Gina can attest that most of the caveman commercials crack me up and when I was sent this one, I just had to post it.  Life is fun and if we can laugh at ourselves, it's always a good thing.

Documenting Our RV Travels

In the header above, "Campground Reviews", I'm trying to keep up with technology and offer a more robust, yet simplified version of our stays at various campgrounds.  I do like to blog and I have a database that I can "export" a narrative of our various experiences.  It makes things easier on me, saves some room, and hopefully offers a little more for you as a viewer.  Take a look.  The link of each stay opens a .pdf file that is saved in Google.

Madison's 14th Birthday

My one and only sweet baby girl turned 14 on Thanksgiving this year.  That's the 24th since this post was added after we returned from Dallas.  She's really becoming a very beautiful young lady.  It can be unfortunate when someone has a birthday on or around a holiday.  I've never experienced it, but can imagine that it could detract from one's special day.  I guess there's a positive in that we were surrounded by family.  We traditionally go to my youngest sister Heather's house for Thanksgiving and this year my mom even came from Moss Point, MS.  So all 3 of my siblings joined us for a day of celebration and thanks.  Everyone agreed the food was absolutely fantastic...seriously.  There's plenty of pics on my sibs Facebook accounts so I'm going to focus on my favorite part of this day and that's my daughter's birthday.  Maddy, I love you!

Winterized Voyager

Winter is here and for most seasonal RVers, this means time to prepare for freezing temperatures.  In an RV as in any other home, water sits in many places and if it freezes can cause lots of damage.  With our home, we keep the heat on at all times so there's no chance of freezing.  Since most of us don't keep the heat in our RVs operating during the winter months sitting at home, we have to take some precautions to prevent damage.  This is called "winterizing."  Places that can freeze in my RV, Voyager, are PEX lines (water lines), outside water sediment filter bowl, inside water drinking filters bowls, storage tanks (black, gray, and fresh), water heater, water pump, macerator pump (sewage pump), and the washer/dryer combo.

I begin by opening the low-point drain.  This drain is a simple valve that is supposed to be the lowest point of the water system and when pulled, should let most of the water out of Voyager.  It does, but not all places water hides.  Next, I pull the fresh water tank valve so all the fresh water tank water can drip out.  This is necessary so I can operate the water pump to empty.  If I left water in the tank, the pump would just draw more water and not empty.  I have already verified the black and gray tanks are empty, but if a little water is in them, not a biggie as it has plenty of ability to swell as it freezes--kind of like ice cube trays.  Next, I remove the water heater anode which drains the water heater and I leave it out.  I remove all the filters and the macerator pump and put in a warmed area of the house (laundry room).  I dry run the water pump to push any water out.  Next, I hook up my air compressor to the RV water inlet valve.  Each faucet is closed at this point.  I engage the air pump and push water out of the water heater, then add the anode and seal it finger tight.  Next, open the kitchen faucet and blow it out.  Then finally the bathroom sink and shower.  Doing each one separately ensures there is enough air pressure to blow the water out of the pex lines and into the drain system.  Caution:  I always leave the low-point drain valve open when blowing out each individual faucet just to help prevent busting a line with air and that is because my compressor puts out very high psi.  I then remove the air compressor hose and open all faucets so if there's any remaining water, it can hopefully drip through the low-point valve.

Two more things I do to winterize.  One is put a small amount of vegetable oil inside the toilet.  I hope this will keep the rotating plastic valve lubricated.  I've noticed that when I'd previously left water in it, after evaporating, the valve would be stiff from dry rubbing.  I don't want dry on dry rub as that seal is important to keep gas trapped and allow toilet to hold water as needed to conduct business.  I do have one problem and that is with the washer/dryer combo.  It holds trapped water, but is very heavy and in cramped quarters (see my previous blog write up HERE).  So, I've put a 65 watt lightbulb in that small closet.  I've done this with covered outside faucets in the past.  I'll check it to ensure it's on every night it gets below freezing.  That's it.  Another glamorous, but necessary, RV story brought to you by C3.

Get a Job!

Ok, you're talking to a proud papa here.  My middle kiddo, Donovan, got his first "formal" job yesterday.  He now works at a supermarket in a nearby town.  He and a bud of his (see White River Float in the blog), Jarod, had mowed yards all spring and summer.  They had two mowers, weedeaters, and other supporting gear/equipment.  And, they were very good at it.  I say were 'cause the season is over.  But, why is this such a big deal to me getting this job?  Well, let me tell you:

1.  He only just turned 16.
2.  He's driving all over by himself.
3.  He's paying taxes!
4.  Honest work for honest pay.
4.  He displays the drive to work for the things he wants.

And, oh by the way, he is carrying a high GPA in the talented and gifted program at one of Arkansas' top high schools, already earning college credit in 11th grade, and is active in Jr. ROTC.  This new job is a lot of hours--just shy of full time--and it will be tough on him with advanced schooling.  And while I don't expect him to keep this pace long, I am so very proud.

Norfork To Calico Rock

Donovan, Madison, Jarod (Donovan's friend), and I hit the White River in northern Arkansas for a weekend float trip.  And, it was peaceful and fun!  Headed up in Donovan's truck to Norfork--entry point.  Dropped off all of our gear.  Madison and I drove back to Calico Rock and dropped off the truck--exit point.  An elderly biker from Two Rivers Trout Dock (outfitter) brought Maddy and I back to Norfork where we met Donovan and Jarod who had already blow up the canoes.  Packed gear and hit the river.  About what we figured was half way, we stopped for the evening and set up camp.  The shelters were hilarious, but a good time building.  We fished and didn't catch a thing nor did we even get a bite.  But, it wasn't about that really.  It was about the float and float we did.  The White was flowing at roughly 2-3 miles per hour so paddling wasn't a must.  In fact, we covered the 18 miles before 1100 am the second day.  In all, we were on the river maybe 8 or 9 hours both days.  The kids were a blast and I really enjoyed this trip.  Did I sleep much?  No.  Was I cold at night?  Yep.  Did I burn my balding head?  Yep.  I especially enjoyed the boys conversation that went something like this:

Me:  You boys going to sleep in that thing like it is?
Both boys:  Yep.  We rock (or something to that affect).

About 1000 at night (I couldn't sleep)....

Donovan:  You cold?
Jarod:  Nope.
Donovan:  Me neither.

About 1200 am...

Donovan:  You cold?
Jarod:  No, but my leg is getting stiff.  It gets worst the colder it gets.
Donovan:  We should probably get your leg warmer.  (Donovan's friend had hurt his leg a day or two before.)

They stoked the fire and sat by it for a while.

Some time no much longer...

Donovan:  You cold?
Jarod:  Yeah.
Donovan:  Me too.

They tore down their structure and used it for firewood!  LOL.  It was so funny listening to them.

Me:  You guys need to build that 2-man tent and crawl inside.

Anyway, the pictures below bring credit to my story.  I also promised Maddy I'd make a YouTube video as well.  It's coming and when done, I'll edit and add.  In the mean time, here are the pics:

Branson in October

We had a 4 day weekend this Columbus day and decided to do Branson.  Most local RV parks were booked pretty solid and according to one of the parks, it's due to the Snowbird migration.  Anyway, decided to check the Fedreserve parks like I normally do and found a spot here at Indian Point COE Park.  A great location for it's proximity to Branson.  The park itself is ok.  A note to all driving here.  The roads twist often and the grade's, albiet not lengthy, will tax your diesel's power.  

Set up the RV; it was a tight fit.  Seems most of the sites are pretty tight and the hilly terrain doesn't help, but it's beautiful up here.  Right next to the park is a restaurant called Indian Point Restaurant.  It was our choice the for the evening.  I wouldn't recommend it, but it'll work in a pinch.  The restaurant was basically a double-wide mobile home, the food was sub-par, and cheap trinkets adorned the walls for sale.

Next morning, we headed into Branson for a visit.  First stop was trip advisor's #1 eatery called the Hard Luck Diner.  This one was a real treat.  Great food and singing waitresses.  Yep, they waited on us and sang to everyone occasionally.  If you look closely in the photo below, you can see a waitress singing.  Our particular waitress was voted Branson's top Gospel singer for two years.  It was fun and we topped it off with a Hot Fudge and Caramel Sundae.  

During the day, we rode around.  I picked up some ceiling fan screws.  Ours had some vibrate out and a couple blades were barely hanging on.  We also did a little shopping.  Later in the evening, we attended a magic show entitled Untamed Illusions which was located in a theater in the Mall believe it or not.  It wasn't our first choice, but the shows we wanted to see weren't running this weekend.  The show was like the mobile home diner.  A little run down and a little cheesy.  These two magicians were way past their prime and in their 60s.  But, it got us out to see the down after dark and we had fun anyway.  

We wrapped up the night stopping at Landry's, a seafood restaurant.  Also ranked highly by Trip Advisor, we thought it pretty good, but not great.  I don't know why we continue to get oysters on the half shell so far away from New England or the Gulf.  Most of the time, we end up disappointed and Landry's obliged.  The main courses were very good.  I had salmon, grilled veggies, rice, and scallops.  Gina had Mahi and shrimp in a cream sauce with asparagus and rice.  The main meals and our waiter, Jay, were very enjoyable.  One oddity.  You have to ask for bread or they won't bring it and they never mention it.

Some pics:

Graceland Rendezvous

During our visit to Memphis, we did finally score some ribs at the Rendezvous!

 

 

 

And, to top it off, we saw Graceland.  It wasn't tops on our list of things to do, but after the visit, we're glad we did.  It's something everyone should do once.  But, I gotta say, Elvis had HORRIBLE taste.  You'll have to see it yourself.

Memphis With The Hutts

First stop was Hernando Point, Arkabutla Lake, in Mississippi.  This COE park is where we will drop off the RV.  Jim and Renee followed us to the park.

 
After setting up, we all headed into Memphis for a night on the town.  I'd reserved a hotel room at the Holiday Inn Select just near Beale Street--an easy walk to the action.

 

 

  

Donovan's 16th Birthday

Today is a big deal for my big man Donovan.  He turned 16!  For this monumental birthday, we gave him his own truck.  Now he can get around as needed.  Happy birthday my son.  I love you.

Midway RV Park

Just a couple pictures of the park.  There's a link at the top of the blog to campgrounds and it has the write-up and our thoughts on it.

Memphis - A Failed Rendezvous

Gina and I had another 3-day weekend and decided to come to Memphis to visit.  Really just to get out of the house primarily and Memphis was the ticket this time.  We chose to stay at Millington NSA--Millington Naval Support Agency's RV Park known as Midway RV Park.  It's quaint and a great location to launch a visit to Memphis about 15 miles away.  I'll try and get some pictures of the park tomorrow.  Anyway, we got here late afternoon and went into town for groceries.  I decided to make some gumbo.  Turned out really good, but not like I'd expected.  Already have plans to change it some more.  After dinner, we chilled out with some drinks and dug in for the night.

Next day, headed into Memphis hungry for some of Rendezvous' famous BBQ.  Closed!  Seems the whole town closes on Sunday.  Geesh.

Next stop...grub, 'cause we were hungry, but on the way to Mud Island, another attraction we wanted to see, nothing was open.  So we asked if there was a cafe once we got to the park.  "Oh, yes, we have a cafeteria."  Yeah, right.  This is the "cafeteria" at Mud Island.  We both agreed that this is probably the worst meal we've shared as a couple EVER.

The attraction primarily at Mud Island is the River Walk.  Memphis made a working full-length replica of the Mississippi River from top to bottom that you could walk on, through, and around.  There were other things to see, but the walk is the main attraction for us.  First pic is entrance, second is the rail ride to the island, and the remaining are the replica of the river.