Roll Out Preparation 2011-2012

Anticipation is building.  That means I am sleeping less and spending more time thinking about Gee 2 and the RV lifestyle.  When I sit down at the computer I first go to IRV2.com and then to RV,net/forums.  Then I check my email and if I think of it or am triggered by the news I may check the markets, there I thought about it and went to check, they are up at this moment.  Since getting home from the nine month grand circuit, we have spent a lot of time and money restoring everything from the coach to the bicycles to full operating condition with new whatever it takes to assure pleasant and safe travel.  The restoration of the RAV4 was the most extensive.  We had Vogel Collision redo the front of the car to repair or replace most of the damaged parts, no collision but lots of stones.  Then they had to put a new tailgate on as the “little dent” in the door had crushed the inner support structure.  As a reward for faithful service we bought a Tow Guardian to mount in front of the car to reduce the amount of stuff kicked up by the coach and traffic hitting its front.  We will soon see if that reduces the damage.  The coach has all new tires, the car has new brakes and we are a year older, as are the toys.  

Our departure will have some modifications.  We really don’t need the Prius to sit in the garage all winter so we are giving it to Dan.  Not being gluttons for punishment, we suggested that he come and get it so we would not have to drive down in caravan alone.  He also will be bringing Josh (his son) with him and Josh will get an extended driving lesson so long as Dan’s nerves can take it.  I have taken Josh out for a number of driving lessons and I must be much more relaxed as a granddad than I ever was as a father.  He says he has only seen me prepare for sudden destruction a couple of times :) Josh can tell is own story, seek him out on FaceBook, that is how we know what’s going on.  

We actually have plans and reservations for after Covesville.  We will be visiting Bunny and Alan Bernstein in Baltimore where they assure me there is room for the coach.  I have confirmed this on Google maps.  Most people have no idea just how big 36 feet by 12 feet (open for camping) really is, especially when it wants to be level.  Then we will make a rather swift transit to St Petersburg FL fr a visit to Carol’s brother and sister-in-law while we stay in Ft Desoto County Park.  We made reservations to be assured of a place to stay, that’s Florida in December.

We do not know what our route will be after Florida.  We do know it will get us to Los Angeles, just not when or how.  

It has taken me forever to write this because we are spending so much time with friends here in Rochester and attending to “stuff” that, for the most part, can only be done in Rochester.