Ahhh, the first trip of the year

[tylerdmoore]

Ahhh, the first trip of the year, and what a trip it was.

We left the storage lot in bright NW Sun (I know...how the heck did that happen). The old girl straining to contain herself as we rolled down the road...as if she had the same cabin fever I was feeling myself. There seemed to be no hill to steep, no turn to sharp...We were FREE!

We arrived at Thousand Trails in Bow WA without incident, a wonderful drive with little traffic. I'm starting to think I should have started camping a month ago...This is AWESOME!

The park has 300 sites and only 21 guests. We had our pick of any spot we want! A few laps around the park and we found the perfect site. Well, almost perfect, the winter months had taken a toll on them all and leveling became quite an effort, but doable.

We woke the next morning to light rain but we didn't let that dampen our spirits a bit. We completed our setup, cleaned up, started a load of wash and set out for town (I know, I hear you screaming now.....wish you had said something earlier). As I should have expected, we returned to a shower pan full of water as the Grey tank was over full. Luckily the volume of water was exactly 1 teaspoon less than what was required for the water to overflow the shower onto the coach floor. Arhg...@%&, &%#@ and many other choice words were used as I broke camp to go and dump. And of course, the weather is now looking more like a typhoon than PNW drizzle.

Luckily, the next couple of days pass uneventfully, but very wet. We spent our time hiding inside, cooking wonderful meals, playing cards and watching every Jeff Hunham DVD we have (I love that guy).

Leaving the park Sunday morning to do a bit of shopping we see the “5er”...OMG! We slept through the whole thing. We were told that the rig had recently had some work done to the propane system. Those that woke up and watched it burn, said it was all over in about 15-20 minutes. Beautiful to gone in a flash. Thankfully the owners are in Canada and no one was hurt.

We continue out to town with the fire hanging heavily on my mind. There seems to be soooo many fire lately and it's really got me concerned. Between the fire and the rain I'm starting to think it may be time to cut our losses and head for home....Nope, Co Pilot Veto!

I wake the next morning at 3 am to 30 knot winds and small branches falling on the coach roof....THAT”S IT! I'm outta here. Made breakfast, cleaned up and broke camp.

For those of you that have ever seen one of Jeff Dunham's shows, you'll remember the grouchy old character Walter. The entire drive home, fighting the 30 knot crosswind I heard nothing but Walter......

“DUMB-ASS!” What a trip.

[scenic route]

Oh, what does Walter know...at least you've got the kinks out and the 1st trip of the season is under your belt. Now, let the REAL camping begin! Bob

[Ramblin]

I'll take the a rainy day in the CG over a sunny day at work ANY time. Sounds like your trip was successful to me. You had a much better time than the 5er owner did.

[toadog]

I would say as far as the MH ran a good outing . I will head to La'Conner in two weeks with I hope the same results.

[tylerdmoore]

Originally Posted by toadog

I would say as far as the MH ran a good outing . I will head to La'Conner in two weeks with I hope the same results.

We went over and drove through LaConner. It's looking pretty good. Less mud and debris than up at Bow. Looks like they've even added sewer dumps at some of the sites. I think it's a better choice than Bow, personally. We're only a few months out to the busy season and Bow doesn't look like they've even started getting ready...........

I hope you have better weather

[tylerdmoore]

Originally Posted by Ramblin

I'll take the a rainy day in the CG over a sunny day at work ANY time. Sounds like your trip was successful to me. You had a much better time than the 5er owner did.

Yes, we sure did! I feel so badly for the owners. I would just be crushed.

[tylerdmoore]

Originally Posted by scenic route

Oh, what does Walter know...at least you've got the kinks out and the 1st trip of the season is under your belt. Now, let the REAL camping begin! Bob

Yeah, you're right...training camp is over. Time for the real stuff

I think the biggest issue I had was my rusty brain. Most of our issue were directly related to my bad decisions. Yup...just a dumb truck driver. You have to re-train me after lunch everyday

[RanCarr]

I worry about the propane and fires all the time. I wish there was some other way so we can get rid of the propane altogether.

[tylerdmoore]

Originally Posted by RanCarr

I worry about the propane and fires all the time. I wish there was some other way so we can get rid of the propane altogether.

Yes, it would be nice. I wish I had more info on the fire...but no. My concern is more on the line of electrical. There's just no way to inspect everything without tearing the rig completely apart every year. I do look over everything I can, but it's just not enough for me. Just to many fires lately...always have my mind on it

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by RanCarr

I worry about the propane and fires all the time. I wish there was some other way so we can get rid of the propane altogether.

I've been RV'ing since 1957, I have yet to have so much as a leak in any of the systems in any of the RV's I've had.
Do propane powered vehicles shut the propane off when on the road?
Do gasoline powered vehicles shut the gas off when on the road?
The propane system is designed, built, tested and certified to be used when underway.
One fireman researched the entire US and could not find even ONE fire that was attributed to the propane being on and having a fire without some other contributing factor like a refer catching fire from a coolant leak.

[MaverickBBD]

Where is the TT in Bow, WA?

[tylerdmoore]

Originally Posted by MaverickBBD

Where is the TT in Bow, WA?

Yes Maverick, that rig was in Bow, WA. at the Thousand Trails park.

[Steve N Sal]

Unfortunate for the owner of the 5er. Glad your trip wasn't all that bad though. It's great just to get out. Sure breaks up the day to day duldrims. Hope the rest of the season goes great for you. Enjoy your travels.

[Dogpatch]

That's why we have smoke detectors, gas detectors and insurance!