2010 Our Season In Review

It is the end of November and the Pod is put up for the winter. Miss looking forward to the weekend to go camping. But I am making reservations already for next year. We have learned so much this year. From towing to cooking to sleeping to fire sitting ............. I don't know why I wanted the Pod in February. But when i mentioned it Jeff jumped at the idea. We didn't look but about 2 months. Found out what I didn't want and did want in a camper. No toilet next to my head. Wanted windows. I didn't even want a table. Jeff was insistent on that and we got a booth type table. That will probably come out once we go out of warranty. I dislike it immensely!!! (though I do like the storage) When we were first looking I wanted something small............ 17 foot :) Yea right. The Pod is a 27RLS Keystone Cougar with one slide. With the economy the way it is we did get a good deal on it. It was brand new when we pulled it off the lot. Jeff has been wonderful putting up with me. I wouldn't let him go over 50 on the highway on the first ride home. I made myself sick the last 5 miles. I cried backing him in to the driveway. Oh but we have learned since then. We have been out (not enough) some in both state parks and private parks. Have always had a full hook up except when we stayed at Jeff's brothers house. We've learned that you just can't buy a trailer and go. You need/want so much more. We have learned not to stay in an empty unkempt campgrounds! We have had a full grown Bengal Tiger (Tally-Ho) within feet from our trailer. We have learned NOT to hit armadillo's that are roadkill (they make such a mess) I have learned to cook on open fire and on coals. With both foil and dutch ovens. We have learned they put cheap mattress in RVs. We have learned to take EVERYTHING off of tables and counters before moving the POD. We have had a science project behind the toilet (it really started out as a tomato) We've learned to secure everything. We can put the awning down in 30 seconds when there is a storm racing in. We have learned to find satellite signal. Well kind of!  I hope that Jeff can someday learn to relax (he doesn't do that well). We have learned that working full time is very overrated............ except for the paycheck which at this point is very necessary. We have learned that we would like a 5th wheel and bigger truck and no bills!! We have had few problems this season ... getting into parking lots not meant for us (but we did manage to get out). Our galley tank was cracked (that took no less than 3 months to fix with 2 different trips to camping world. Our kitchen window is useless because when the door is open it is blocked and can't be opened. Keystone put a fire exit window over a stove................ still scratching my head over that one. I have learned that it is hard to find radio stations (with music you like) in a place you are not from. We have learned that there are remarkable people who share our hobbies of camping and kayaking. Remarkable good and bad. Some love to watch a show and I am sure we have given more than one that. I learned I don't like the shades in the Pod much and am in  the process of getting curtains hemmed for the living area (big) window and the bedroom window. I learned that I like to sit outside and watch a fire............. wake up in the morning and in flannel pants go outside and get the fire going again all by myself. From taking what seemed hours to set up we can now do it in less than 30 minutes (except when said tiger is right there) We break down Sunday after breakfast taking our time. We have learned to eat in the Pod cafe while traveling. I have learned to HATE public restrooms.  There have been firsts for this season and lots of them. We stopped at Wal-Mart  (I think everyone has to do that) this was after camping for 4 months. We got gas........... it took 6 months before I let Jeff do that. We went out of state for the first time with the Pod. I was very comfortable going from point A to point B with NO stops. Now it is ok to stop. I learned to drive the truck with the Pod tracking. I have learned to back Jeff up either in campgrounds or in the driveway---- without tears. We have learned that you can get discounts on gas at Flying J with their frequent flyer card -- and they also have dump stations. Some campgrounds will give discounts for Military, Retirees, Good Sam, Passport, AARP, Presidents Club. We have learned NOT to take extra chairs out for gatherings. Just one for me and one for Jeff and we SIT in them. (lesson learned -- 1 big man = 1 broken chair)
Needless to say we have had a wonderful season. We plan on going further next year for vacation. South Dakota and maybe even attending a Dutch Oven Gathering. (wonders will never cease)
The other thing that I learned was not everyone likes camping and really doesn't want to hear about it. Poor them........... they really should get out into the great outdoors.

log date Nov 24 2010

So today we went to Camping World to pick up the Pod............. being told that it was ready last week. It was raining. But drove down. We saw the Pod in the parking lot and decided to check it before going in. The question we had going in was "What WAS done??" It hadn't been washed, the cover for the water faucet wasn't fixed, the handle was loose, the sewer hose was WIDE OPEN, the underbelly insulation wasn't resealed AND our battery was dead!! Second time that happened at Camping World. Not sure what they do to drain the battery but............. So I am a bit mad and am nicely told by Jeff to "behave......... don't be a bitch". Ok so we walked in and I went straight to service and asked Pat why my trailer wasn't ready???? He thought it was until we did a walk around with him. It took them almost 4 hours to completely fix the trailer. We now have a year warrenty on the galley tank. I was very glad to bring it home. Bought a new chair for the one that was broke at brother Jay's in October. I took the curtains from the big window to be hemmed to the right length and going to have curtains for the bedroom made. I like that better than the shades because when I wake up in the middle of the night I like to look outside. Leonard called me last week and we talked about trailers and camping for next year. It is so nice to have friends like that. He called again and we are camping with them (right next door) in May. I told him if he was good I would make a cobbler :) He did like that the last time. Also, last week I bought 2 small cast iron dishes that I am going to try to make breakfast in. I have found recipes for pancakes and one for peach french toast. Think I am going to trade the peaches for apples. As of right now we have 4 weekends of camping reserved and paid for. Each at different campgrounds. I don't want to keep going back to the same place. There is more to see (even in Missouri) but I will go back to Turpentine Creek next year. I LOVED it there. Know the site I want too!!! Hopefully Tally-Ho will be next to us. Until next time......................

Dutch Oven Breakfast

We have been having muffins, waffles and cereal while camping. I have decided that through the winter I would play a bit with the dutch oven. So this morning I got out the liners (makes clean up SIMPLE) and made a breakfast cassarole. It called for 8 pieces of bread. I only put 6 in and that was a bit much. I think I am going to line the bottom with bread next time. Then you put sausage (already cooked and crumbled) and pour eggs over the mixer. Add some cheese and cook. It was really good....... though too much for just the two of us. Will try again on another weekend. Going to look for individual dutch ovens.LOL that will be funny. Maybe Cracker Barrel or Bass Pro. Will keep us all informed :)

Mattress

So the mattress in the Pod is a bit............. ok beyond a bit uncomfortable. We have put an egg crate thingy on it............ it did help a bit. We've been looking at the memory foam toppers. Today we were at Kohl's in Columbia and got a grat deal on a queen sized one. Regular price $409.00 and we walked out of the store with it for $127.00. It is a 4 inch topper encased in fabric. Can't wait to try it out.

Go US!!!!!!

Veterans Day Nov 11, 2010

Proud of all my Veterans (my husband, sons, son in law and friends) because of them we can all still do what we want within the confines of the law. Or you accept the consequences. I am off work for the next 4 days. Should really get something accomplished but just relaxing today. Tomorrow we head to Columbia to bring a buffett to Christi.

Made more reservations today.......... going to Jellystone in Eureka for Earth Day. My guess is that this will be like a Disney Cruise. I will only do it once :) ................. I just wanted to do something different for Earth Day. Maybe we will go into St Louis and then again maybe we won't.

The weather is wonderful in the low 70's. We will pay for this sooner or later.

Kids

Yesterday I was on the phone with each of my kids. All grown they are.......... 30, 28 & 24. It's nice that we talk and they tell me they love me as an adult. We must have done something right raising them. Jeffrey is going through personal issues right now but will be fine, John started basic training (and on his birthday), Justyna is living across the pond in England. Boy I do miss each of them daily. I am very proud of all of them!!!! and today is Jeff's Birthday. Happy Birthday!!!!!

log date November 5-7

Officially started this blog...............

Also made our first reservations for next season. We are going to open on the first weekend of April (will probably need heat) 1-3. We will be going to our first Corps of Engineers campground at Shell Knob Missouri. Made reservations for May also at Pomme de Terre they are having the Rendevous. Not sure what this is BUT!!!!! Having trouble contacting Jellystone to make reservations for EarthDay weekend.

October 2010

On the 23rd we took the Pod to Camping World to be winterized and have the water issue fixed. As of today (7 Nov) it still isn't home. They have told me they finally found the problem with the galley tank. This was after I was told it was fixed and then to ensure it was they filled the tanks and then moved it and low and behold it had water coming out!!!!! It seems the electric seal was cracked and they will have to replace the entire tank. This is after they told us it was a corroded connection from the outside sink and then a rubber hose. We knew there was a big issue. OK so now I hope they have it winterized and they get it fixed fast so we can bring it home. I want to work on the curtains this winter. Not to mention I miss seeing it in the driveway and knowing that it is mine!!!!

We got the scooters. Jeff traded in his Sabre for 2 scooters. I love mine. It is small ............. doesn't go very fast but I don't have to work hard to ride it. I think we can take them camping most everywhere. We have been riding when the weather has allowed. I have a 49 CC and Jeff has a 125 CC.

He is great to have done that...................... :)

Oct 16th

Took the POD to Jay & Sandy's up in Peculair for the Annual Hayride. Got to show everyone the POD and had a great time seeing family. Didn't cook at all in the Pod. Johnny, Christi & John John stayed with us. This was the first time that we just had water and electric (we were in Jay's driveway) We can do this again. I didn't like backing in but was ok after. We now have a frequent flyer card for the Flying J Rest Stops (we get discount for dumping and gas) We found a different way to go up to Peculair and it was faster. One part of the road network bothered me a bit. Made a cobbler to share :). We brought our good chairs out and one got broke by a man. Will need to replace that! GRRRRRRRRRRRR. Was just an overnight trip. Maybe next year we will leave a day early.

Johnson Shut Ins & Elephant Rocks, Oct 2010

Oct 8-11 Johnson Shuts Ins...... beautiful this time of year. The campground is brand new. Being rebuilt after the dam broke. It is beautiful ... reminded me of England with traffic circles. We had been told by Camping World that the leak had been fix. It was NOT fixed. We woke up Saturday morning to a puddle under the Pod. Will contact Camping World again. This is NOT right. Something is wrong. Had to use the heater at night. We had bought dutch ovens for this trip and did great. The food was great ---meatload--salmon-- chicken & rice (between me and Jeff) OK OK I won't wash it with soap if he doesn't put water in it right away! Shared our first apple cobbler with Leonard, Sondra, Ron, Kate, Greg and someone. :) I don't feel so much like a newbie now. It is almost the closing of our first season................ one more trip to KC to Jays. Then we winterize--going to have Camping World do this for this year (since we are still under warranty)  :( This is the weekend we bought a meat thermometer. 

We saw a Montana today...5th wheel with the living room in the front of the trailer (over the truck) Loved the layout.

I pulled the Pod for the first time. on the interstate from Cuba to Buckhorn then up to the cemetary. That would be at least 50 miles on the interstate, one stop sign & one yield sign. Very proud of myself and I think Jeff was proud of me too!!!

We stopped in Cuba today and looked at scooters. I am 90% sure I want one.
Also bought the first holiday decorations for the Pod........ Halloween stuff!!!

We fire sat two nights with friends. We were at Site 218-- full hook up it was a nice site up on a small hill.