Head 'em up, move 'em out

Head 'em up, move 'em out....Rawhide!
Can you say FINALLY? Actually, I can't complain...I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. Today I found out what that reason might have been....

To recap, I arrived here at Master Tech RV, Elkhart, IN on the afternoon of October 29th. I had a pretty extensive list of things to be addressed - some maintenance, some repair and some upgrades. I had hoped to be out of here that Friday afternoon or Saturday morning. Totally unrealistic based upon my "list", but hey, you've got to have hope!

After parts delays, unexpected broken parts, additional upgrades added to the list, part change-outs and last minute emergencies...knock on wood...I should be leaving in the morning after paying my bill (assuming I don't have a heart attack at that point ).

Here is a brief list of what I had done while here:

1. Engine oil change
2. Generator oil change
3. All fluids checked
4. Coach checked for caulking, done as needed
5. All lights checked & bulbs replaced as needed
6. Water leak into one storage bay fixed
   
7. Trickle battery charger mounted in engine compartment
8. Coach battery charging issues resolved (multiple fixes)
9. LP Gas monitor relocated to coach battery power
10. Windshield wipers installed (I already had them)
11. Screen door springs installed (I already had them)
12. Hot water heater flushed
13. Clear 90 degree sewer adapter installed
    
14. Dometic refrigerator recall work done
15. Marked wastewater tank valves so I know which is black & which is grey
16. New side door latch installed
17. Remanufactured leaf springs installed
18. Broken suspension add-on part replaced (something added before I bought it)
    
19. Bilstein shocks installed all the way around
20. Rear air bags installed
21. Water leak into furnace compartment fixed (last night's emergency - no heat - shorted out the circuit board)
22. New water pump installed (unable to repair leak found while researching the water in the furnace compartment)
23. Got the rig washed & waxed (done in downtime while waiting for parts)
    

Phew...I think that's everything...needless to say, not looking forward to seeing the final total tomorrow but this should HOPEFULLY take care of most things. (Note to self: test generator in morning before leaving.)

Yesterday afternoon two of the guys helped me move the rear of the BMW back to the center and redo the tie-down straps. I also took on fresh water (now somewhat depleted due to todays water pump work) and dumped my tanks. I added Calgon to both tanks plus some detergent to the black tank. Hoping that will help clean the sensors while traveling the next few days. I'll get a full hookup site in Hollister, MO so it will be easy to dump. If still not registering correctly, will add them again.

Soooooo, the plans are to pay my bill, hook up the trailer and hit the road...hopefully no later than 10am. I hope to make Effingham, IL where I plan to stay in the Super Wal-Mart there which also gives me a chance to get some more groceries (fruit, lunch meats & frozen veggies & meals). The second day should get me to the SKP park in Hollister, MO (just outside Branson). Sunday will be a day of rest...well, after the laundry is done and BoBo is bathed.

Monday morning I will pick up the rental car (Enterprise) and head immediately to Madison, SD. I should be able to make it in one day since I stop less often in the car and can drive longer (and faster). Tuesday I will meet my mail forwarding folks, pick up my mail, then head over to get my drivers license (boy, do I need a haircut...oh well ). Wednesday finds me back on the road to Hollister.

Because it makes more sense to keep the car for a week, I can do a bit of sightseeing without pulling the bike out of the trailer. Thanksgiving will be a quiet day of reflection, missing my family but enjoying my newfound life on the road.

Not sure exactly when I will leave Hollister and head to Texas...also still not sure where in TX I will be heading. I know a lot of folks in the Dallas/Houston areas and I know of several nice and reasonably priced campgrounds around the Frio River in Hill Country & a bit further south. But I also have a friend who is over in Big Bend and would like me to come that way and do some riding together (although some of the dirt he rides is more than I want to tackle on 2 wheels - he has a sidecar).

So for now, the next two weeks (now till the end of December) will be spent traveling to Hollister, MO and then to somewhere in Texas.

Till next time - keep on rollin',
Froggi/Donna