It's hard to believe that we've already been in Raleigh for almost two weeks, We've gone to meetings, had lunches and dinners with friends, and worked with our computers.
Selene had cataract surgery at Rex Hospital on March 18, and the operation was definitely a success as confirmed by the doctor yesterday.
The weather has been both cool and warm but mostly dry. Spring is in full bloom, and the pollen in the air confirms this. Between the dust from the campground, the pollen from trees and plants, and the almost daily windy conditions, there's no way to keep vehicles clean.
The campground we're in is across a road from the main fairgrounds, and with all of the events going on there, we definitely picked the most quiet place to stay. We still have some more meetings to attend, doctor checkups to take care of, and more visits with friends over meals. The Raleigh hamfest is April 2 and we'll both be busy on April 1st helping with the setup. We'll be here until April 7th.
Our life on the highways and byways of America.
Friday, March 25, 2016
Monday, March 14, 2016
RALEIGH, NC: Elephants, Camels & Jacks
Yesterday was suppose to be an ordinary short travel day, but in the RV world, many days turn out to be anything but ordinary!
When we opened the curtains yesterday morning, we saw that 3 semis and a number of RV's had joined us overnight. Behind us, were two elephants hobbled in a temporary pen, and there were 2 camels and 5 horses in one of the semis. As we prepared to hit the road, we found out that a small circus was giving two performances yesterday afternoon in the building in front of our site.
Over the last several moves, we've had some issues with our jacks not operating properly Hank has talked with American Coach support several times about solutions and they sent us the diagnostic manual. Yesterday morning, none of the jacks would retract which meant we couldn't move. The support team isn't available on Sunday, so Hank spent most of the day trying various resets, checking voltage readings, and researching online information. His last attempt was to tap on the jack motor while Selene pushed each button. And each jack came up!! We were free at last!
The day was not a complete loss. As Hank searched for repair solutions throughout the day, we were able to watch the circus team prepare for their event inside the building through the large doors in front of us. The elephants strolled by Little House several times going to and from the building.
We finally departed Concord about 4 P.M. and drove to Raleigh, NC where we're settled in at the campground behind the Hunt Horse Complex next to the State Fairgrounds. This is a basic campground with full hookups, gravel sites and roads, free wi-fi and regular security checks, and we've stayed here several times before. We're be in the area for at least 4 weeks while we take care of doctor visits, spend tiime with friends, and help with the Raleigh Hamfest.
When we opened the curtains yesterday morning, we saw that 3 semis and a number of RV's had joined us overnight. Behind us, were two elephants hobbled in a temporary pen, and there were 2 camels and 5 horses in one of the semis. As we prepared to hit the road, we found out that a small circus was giving two performances yesterday afternoon in the building in front of our site.
Over the last several moves, we've had some issues with our jacks not operating properly Hank has talked with American Coach support several times about solutions and they sent us the diagnostic manual. Yesterday morning, none of the jacks would retract which meant we couldn't move. The support team isn't available on Sunday, so Hank spent most of the day trying various resets, checking voltage readings, and researching online information. His last attempt was to tap on the jack motor while Selene pushed each button. And each jack came up!! We were free at last!
The day was not a complete loss. As Hank searched for repair solutions throughout the day, we were able to watch the circus team prepare for their event inside the building through the large doors in front of us. The elephants strolled by Little House several times going to and from the building.
We finally departed Concord about 4 P.M. and drove to Raleigh, NC where we're settled in at the campground behind the Hunt Horse Complex next to the State Fairgrounds. This is a basic campground with full hookups, gravel sites and roads, free wi-fi and regular security checks, and we've stayed here several times before. We're be in the area for at least 4 weeks while we take care of doctor visits, spend tiime with friends, and help with the Raleigh Hamfest.
Sunday, March 13, 2016
CONCORD, NC: Charlotte Hamfest
We left Hoover, AL on Monday morning (March 7) and drove to the Flying J in Carnesville, GA for an overnight stop. This was the first time we've stayed in a Flying J overnight. This location doesn't have a restaruarnt and sells pizza, hot dogs, etc in the store,. It doesn't seem to draw as many travelers as some other locations. We arrived early enough to get a spot along the front perimeter where we could put our driver's side slides out. With all of the trucks coming and going, there was quite a bit of noise, but it didn't keep us from getting a good night's sleep.
Tuesday, we drove the rest of the way to Concord, NC and got settled in the rear parking lot of the Carabbus Arena and Events Center. They offer full hook-ups so it's convenient to stay here for the hamfest while parked just outside the doors.
Wednesday, we drove to Raleigh and back because Selene had a cataract evaluation appointment. Surgery will be in Raleigh on March 18.
Thursday, we drove about 30 minutes north to Cornelius, where Mike lives We went to the Rusty Rudder for a nice lunch on the patio overlooking Lake Norman before taking him to work at the Red Rocks Cafe in nearby Huntersville.
Friday morning was set up time for the hamfest and people starting arriving early. We started seeing people we know, including Chuck and Alan from the Raleigh ham club. Many of the dealers here also come to the Raleigh hamfest so Hank and Chuck do preliminary work getting them signed up as well as selling admission tickets. The first day hamfest hours were 3-7 P.M. We went to dinner at O'Chrarley's with Chuck and Alan.
Saturday, the hamfest hours were 8:30 to 4, so it was another day of greeting those we knew and meeting others for the first time. There is plenty of things to buy at a hamfest, but for us, it is more of a social event.
Tuesday, we drove the rest of the way to Concord, NC and got settled in the rear parking lot of the Carabbus Arena and Events Center. They offer full hook-ups so it's convenient to stay here for the hamfest while parked just outside the doors.
Wednesday, we drove to Raleigh and back because Selene had a cataract evaluation appointment. Surgery will be in Raleigh on March 18.
Thursday, we drove about 30 minutes north to Cornelius, where Mike lives We went to the Rusty Rudder for a nice lunch on the patio overlooking Lake Norman before taking him to work at the Red Rocks Cafe in nearby Huntersville.
Friday morning was set up time for the hamfest and people starting arriving early. We started seeing people we know, including Chuck and Alan from the Raleigh ham club. Many of the dealers here also come to the Raleigh hamfest so Hank and Chuck do preliminary work getting them signed up as well as selling admission tickets. The first day hamfest hours were 3-7 P.M. We went to dinner at O'Chrarley's with Chuck and Alan.
Saturday, the hamfest hours were 8:30 to 4, so it was another day of greeting those we knew and meeting others for the first time. There is plenty of things to buy at a hamfest, but for us, it is more of a social event.
Thursday, March 3, 2016
HOOVER, AL: Moving North
We enjoyed the last 2 months in various parts of Florida. We took care of business matters, had major diesel repairs done on Little House, explored many places we hadn't been to before, met interesting people, and thoroughly enjoyed the Florida sunshine and relatively warm weather as compared to northern states. Today was the day to say good-bye to all of that until fall and move on.
We left the Live Oak Landing about 11 A.M. for the 240 mile trip to the Hoover RV Park in Hoover, AL, south of Birmingham. This area of Alabama was our home twice and we have 2 daughters nearby and a son in Athens. Today's trip was uneventful....2/3 of it on non-interstate roads under mostly cloudy skies, and the last third was on I-65 in rain......and we arrived about 4:15 P.M. The facility is undergoing some changes and expansion, so almost half of the sites are blocked off for construction and that means everyone is parked right next to each other in the remaining sites. Over the air TV signals are good as is the free wi-fi.
We'll be here until Monday morning. Our plans include visiting with family and friends and attending the BirmingHAMfest.
We left the Live Oak Landing about 11 A.M. for the 240 mile trip to the Hoover RV Park in Hoover, AL, south of Birmingham. This area of Alabama was our home twice and we have 2 daughters nearby and a son in Athens. Today's trip was uneventful....2/3 of it on non-interstate roads under mostly cloudy skies, and the last third was on I-65 in rain......and we arrived about 4:15 P.M. The facility is undergoing some changes and expansion, so almost half of the sites are blocked off for construction and that means everyone is parked right next to each other in the remaining sites. Over the air TV signals are good as is the free wi-fi.
We'll be here until Monday morning. Our plans include visiting with family and friends and attending the BirmingHAMfest.
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