We bought a tow dolly!
Now, I must clarify something from a previous post when I talked about actually being able to travel in the MH together...I said that we didn't get a dolly because we didn't think it mattered since we could drive the car all over the country for less than the cost of the dolly...well, I need to make a correction. I didn't think it mattered, but Chris did and he knew it would be much better if we could travel together...he was right.
What a treat to travel down the road with a big windshield to see everything and being perched above most of the traffic. Of course, the real thrill is being able to get in the fridge for a drink or the cupboards for a snack while still going down the road.
Wait...another correction, the real thrill is being together and talking while we travel rather than traveling separately. Plus, if we're together, I can get drinks and snacks for Chris.
We're very happy with the dolly.
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Monday, September 14, 2015
What Is Dry Camping?
Over Labor Day Weekend we traveled to Ohio and dry camped the whole time.
What's dry camping, you ask?
Dry camping, also called boondocking, is when you camp without being hooked up to water, sewer or electricity like you would at a campground. Our MH has a generator to provide power, a holding tank for water and a holding tank for you-know-what, so we can stop anywhere, fix a meal, take a nap, or go to the bathroom.
Why dry camp? For one thing, it's less expensive than paying for a camp site. It's also faster and offers more flexibility. Plus, with it being Labor Day weekend most campgrounds were full and also charging holiday rates.
On our first night, we stopped at Scioto Downs Racetrack and Casino south of Columbus. They have a large lot for RVs and were very welcoming. After we got situated, we went in and promptly blew the equivalent of one night's campground fees on the slot machines. We stayed at Scioto Downs when we were in Ohio in July and enjoyed it. Maybe on one of our trips we'll get there in time to actually see the harness racing.
The next morning we drove to Tiffin (see last post about lunch at Phoebe's/138 in Tiffin) where Chris's mom lives in an apartment in a senior citizen complex. We parked in the parking lot (they had free wifi!) and spent two nights visiting with Chris's mom and other family in Tiffin without anyone having to worry about getting out the fancy guest towels.
After that, we drove to Ada and parked across the street from our house there while we did some home repairs and visited friends. This was particularly handy since the water is off at the house, but with the MH we had a bathroom when needed and didn't have to go running to McD's.
Dry camping is also fast when you're just trying to make time. On the way home, we didn't want to bother going off the highway to find a campground so we simply pulled into a rest area, put out the slides and went to bed. Next morning we had a nice breakfast and then pulled back onto the highway.
Some people make it their goal to never pay for camp sites so they dry camp or boondock all the time. That doesn't appeal to us at all, but we are glad that our MH has all the things we need so that we can dry camp if and when we want to.
Maybe we'll be pulling into your driveway next.
What's dry camping, you ask?
Dry camping, also called boondocking, is when you camp without being hooked up to water, sewer or electricity like you would at a campground. Our MH has a generator to provide power, a holding tank for water and a holding tank for you-know-what, so we can stop anywhere, fix a meal, take a nap, or go to the bathroom.
Why dry camp? For one thing, it's less expensive than paying for a camp site. It's also faster and offers more flexibility. Plus, with it being Labor Day weekend most campgrounds were full and also charging holiday rates.
On our first night, we stopped at Scioto Downs Racetrack and Casino south of Columbus. They have a large lot for RVs and were very welcoming. After we got situated, we went in and promptly blew the equivalent of one night's campground fees on the slot machines. We stayed at Scioto Downs when we were in Ohio in July and enjoyed it. Maybe on one of our trips we'll get there in time to actually see the harness racing.
The next morning we drove to Tiffin (see last post about lunch at Phoebe's/138 in Tiffin) where Chris's mom lives in an apartment in a senior citizen complex. We parked in the parking lot (they had free wifi!) and spent two nights visiting with Chris's mom and other family in Tiffin without anyone having to worry about getting out the fancy guest towels.
After that, we drove to Ada and parked across the street from our house there while we did some home repairs and visited friends. This was particularly handy since the water is off at the house, but with the MH we had a bathroom when needed and didn't have to go running to McD's.
Dry camping is also fast when you're just trying to make time. On the way home, we didn't want to bother going off the highway to find a campground so we simply pulled into a rest area, put out the slides and went to bed. Next morning we had a nice breakfast and then pulled back onto the highway.
Some people make it their goal to never pay for camp sites so they dry camp or boondock all the time. That doesn't appeal to us at all, but we are glad that our MH has all the things we need so that we can dry camp if and when we want to.
Maybe we'll be pulling into your driveway next.
Thursday, September 10, 2015
Restaurant Review: One Thirty Eight
During a recent trip to Ohio we visited our favorite vegan restaurant...which is also the only vegan restaurant we've ever eaten at intentionally, One Thirty Eight in Tiffin, Ohio.
Here's what the folks on Yelp have to say about the restaurant, also known as Phoebe's, click here.
What inspired a couple of overweight carnivores to dine on sprouts and kale? Well, the owner is also my favorite brother-in-law, Mike Pinkston. He's also a darned good cook as those who have attended Thanksgiving at the 'po in Ada, Ohio can attest.
I had a cup of fabulous tomato basil soup---so fresh. I also had an Asian stir fry with rice. I don't remember the name, sorry. Very tasty and filling.
Chris had a black bean burger sort of wrap thing. I don't know why more restaurants don't invite me to do reviews since I clearly have a handle on all the foodie terms.
My mother-in-law, Kate, joined us and she had the same dish I had. She was a clean-plater.
In addition to enjoying a healthy lunch and awesome company, we got a tour of the renovations taking place at the building next door. In just a few months, little ol' Phoebe's is going to transform from a lunch place to One Thirty Eight, a fancy, full service restaurant serving fresh, delicious, local food (including some meat, I've been told) for lunch and dinner. They are taking reservations for Christmas parties...hohoho.
Here's what the folks on Yelp have to say about the restaurant, also known as Phoebe's, click here.
What inspired a couple of overweight carnivores to dine on sprouts and kale? Well, the owner is also my favorite brother-in-law, Mike Pinkston. He's also a darned good cook as those who have attended Thanksgiving at the 'po in Ada, Ohio can attest.
I had a cup of fabulous tomato basil soup---so fresh. I also had an Asian stir fry with rice. I don't remember the name, sorry. Very tasty and filling.
Chris had a black bean burger sort of wrap thing. I don't know why more restaurants don't invite me to do reviews since I clearly have a handle on all the foodie terms.
My mother-in-law, Kate, joined us and she had the same dish I had. She was a clean-plater.
In addition to enjoying a healthy lunch and awesome company, we got a tour of the renovations taking place at the building next door. In just a few months, little ol' Phoebe's is going to transform from a lunch place to One Thirty Eight, a fancy, full service restaurant serving fresh, delicious, local food (including some meat, I've been told) for lunch and dinner. They are taking reservations for Christmas parties...hohoho.
Friday, August 21, 2015
Actually Traveling in the MH
We've made a couple trips to Ohio this summer. The first time, we rented a car and stayed with friends once we got there. We rented a car because our car is very small and wouldn't be comfortable for a long trip (500 miles each way). But, with the cost of the rental car and eating out, it was pricey.
For the second trip, we took the MH. We were going to be in Columbus, and didn't have any friends to stay with there so we took our house with us. We borrowed a tow dolly from one of our friends here, so we were able to take the car while both of us rode together in the MH. Ironically, this was the first time we've both ridden in the MH for more than a few miles.
What a great way to travel! Instead of me trailing behind in the car, I was up front with a view. Drinks and snacks readily available and a bathroom too. We stopped along the way and made our meals, so no new expenses there. We even took a nap.
In Columbus we stayed for free in a casino parking lot. We're able to do that because our MH is completely self-contained. We have a generator to run the lights and a/c, a water holding stank with enough water for several days, and all of our stuff right there with us.
We have decided that once we get these new jobs (see last post) we are going to buy a tow dolly and use the MH more for weekend trips just for fun. Imagine that!
A tow dolly, even a used one, costs about $1,000 which we weren't really interested in spending when we first started out. The car is small and gets good gas mileage, so we figured we'd have to drive it lots of miles before we'd as much on gas as the tow dolly would cost, but we hadn't considered the pleasure of both of us traveling together.
Go figure.
For the second trip, we took the MH. We were going to be in Columbus, and didn't have any friends to stay with there so we took our house with us. We borrowed a tow dolly from one of our friends here, so we were able to take the car while both of us rode together in the MH. Ironically, this was the first time we've both ridden in the MH for more than a few miles.
What a great way to travel! Instead of me trailing behind in the car, I was up front with a view. Drinks and snacks readily available and a bathroom too. We stopped along the way and made our meals, so no new expenses there. We even took a nap.
In Columbus we stayed for free in a casino parking lot. We're able to do that because our MH is completely self-contained. We have a generator to run the lights and a/c, a water holding stank with enough water for several days, and all of our stuff right there with us.
We have decided that once we get these new jobs (see last post) we are going to buy a tow dolly and use the MH more for weekend trips just for fun. Imagine that!
A tow dolly, even a used one, costs about $1,000 which we weren't really interested in spending when we first started out. The car is small and gets good gas mileage, so we figured we'd have to drive it lots of miles before we'd as much on gas as the tow dolly would cost, but we hadn't considered the pleasure of both of us traveling together.
Go figure.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
New Job Possibility
It's funny how things work out. We were in Statesville at the KOA there, not particularly thrilled with being there and not sure what to do next. We'd accepted a job at another KOA for the summer but then realized it wouldn't work for us, so we stayed put and waited for what was next.
A funny little man in a purple bus named Joel (the man, not sure if is bus had a name) was also at the Statesville, KOA. They didn't really have a job for him due to some physical limitations he had, but he'd been there before and the owner gave him a space. The job we had, working morning "security" would have been great for him, but we weren't ready to give it up. But, one day when Chris was talking to Joel, he learned about Carowinds and that's how we ended up here.
As you know, we'd planned to leave here and go to Amazon in September, but we've decided against that. Still not sure what we were going to do and we'd decided we'd stay here through next season if necessary. It wasn't in our plan to stay in one spot for 12-18 months, but we have been adopting the "stay put until it feels like it's time to leave" philosophy.
About a month ago, Chris was at work and saw a man driving a pick up truck that had some sort of special feature he (Chris) had been investigating. So, Chris struck up a conversation with the guy. Turns out, he and his wife are full time RVers who work for a company traveling the country inspecting gas meters. Who knew such a thing existed?
We arranged to have lunch with them a few days later, learned about their jobs and the company, filled out applications, have been screened for criminal violations and drugs and now we are waiting for official offers.
Keep your fingers crossed.
This could be exactly the sort of thing we've been hoping for. First, it pays well, unlike the other jobs we've had. Second, we could pick our campground. Third, (and very important for me) no customer service crap. We'd be moving about every 2-3 months, I think, and the job can't be done in the snow.
We're hoping to get the final word soon (we just did the urine tests a few days ago). We'll keep you posted. Please keep a good thought for us on this because it would be a game changer for us.
A funny little man in a purple bus named Joel (the man, not sure if is bus had a name) was also at the Statesville, KOA. They didn't really have a job for him due to some physical limitations he had, but he'd been there before and the owner gave him a space. The job we had, working morning "security" would have been great for him, but we weren't ready to give it up. But, one day when Chris was talking to Joel, he learned about Carowinds and that's how we ended up here.
As you know, we'd planned to leave here and go to Amazon in September, but we've decided against that. Still not sure what we were going to do and we'd decided we'd stay here through next season if necessary. It wasn't in our plan to stay in one spot for 12-18 months, but we have been adopting the "stay put until it feels like it's time to leave" philosophy.
About a month ago, Chris was at work and saw a man driving a pick up truck that had some sort of special feature he (Chris) had been investigating. So, Chris struck up a conversation with the guy. Turns out, he and his wife are full time RVers who work for a company traveling the country inspecting gas meters. Who knew such a thing existed?
We arranged to have lunch with them a few days later, learned about their jobs and the company, filled out applications, have been screened for criminal violations and drugs and now we are waiting for official offers.
Keep your fingers crossed.
This could be exactly the sort of thing we've been hoping for. First, it pays well, unlike the other jobs we've had. Second, we could pick our campground. Third, (and very important for me) no customer service crap. We'd be moving about every 2-3 months, I think, and the job can't be done in the snow.
We're hoping to get the final word soon (we just did the urine tests a few days ago). We'll keep you posted. Please keep a good thought for us on this because it would be a game changer for us.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Getting Caught Up
Wow, sorry it's been so long since I've posted anything.
To be honest, this hasn't been a very fun summer. First, it's been unbelievably hot and humid, which makes me cranky. There's just nothing like the thrill of being covered with sweat before I even start my work day.
In addition, my job has not been much fun. I like (most of) my co-workers, but dealing with the public is not my strong suit. Well, that's not true. Dealing with the public when I have to be worried about what my manager and his manager will say about my actions or whether the guests will rant on Trip Advisor is not fun at all.
Although Chris and I have the same employer, we are working in different departments and working different shifts, so that's been a little chaotic. When you're living in a small space, it's difficult for one of us to sleep while the other showers or does anything, really.
But, we've survived the peak season. This week the park closes at 6 pm (vs 10 pm) during the week and 10 pm on the weekend and next week the park goes to weekends only. Fortunately Chris and I are both working jobs that are open when the park is closed.
We've decided not to go to Amazon. We made that decision several weeks ago for a variety of reasons.
To be honest, this hasn't been a very fun summer. First, it's been unbelievably hot and humid, which makes me cranky. There's just nothing like the thrill of being covered with sweat before I even start my work day.
In addition, my job has not been much fun. I like (most of) my co-workers, but dealing with the public is not my strong suit. Well, that's not true. Dealing with the public when I have to be worried about what my manager and his manager will say about my actions or whether the guests will rant on Trip Advisor is not fun at all.
Although Chris and I have the same employer, we are working in different departments and working different shifts, so that's been a little chaotic. When you're living in a small space, it's difficult for one of us to sleep while the other showers or does anything, really.
But, we've survived the peak season. This week the park closes at 6 pm (vs 10 pm) during the week and 10 pm on the weekend and next week the park goes to weekends only. Fortunately Chris and I are both working jobs that are open when the park is closed.
We've decided not to go to Amazon. We made that decision several weeks ago for a variety of reasons.
- The campgrounds they had for us to choose from were dubious, at best. One place that was doing upgrades in anticipation of a crowd from Amazon announced that the work would not be done in time.
- It's over 1000 miles to get there, which would cost us at least $500 in gas not to mention other travel expenses.
- We weren't sure where we'd go after that.
- If we stay here and get jobs in the area, and stay through next season, we'd be in the same, or better position, as if we went to Amazon.
However, new things are happening in the job situation, but that's the next post.
Saturday, July 4, 2015
A Matter Of Degrees
Wow..over two weeks since my last post. Sorry, but this post may explain my absence from the blogosphere.
It's been hot. I mean scorching, already sweaty after being outside for a minute, hot. The sort of heat that sucks the life out of you and makes you (or just me) very cranky. Add to that working 45 hours per week for me and 50+ for Chris means that we haven't been our usual cheerful selves.
Did I mention just how darned hot it was?
Our a/c couldn't keep up, so inside it was generally about 80 degrees, at best, during the day.
Everyone else was hot and cranky too.
But, this week, temps are more normal. It's funny to say "gee, it's only 90, it feels great", but it's true. We've both been able to sleep better and that helps as well.
Hope you all are having a fun Fourth of July. We are both working but there will be fireworks tonight (and some at the park too, nyuk, nyuk) and everyone seems to be in a festive mood (see cooler temps reference above).
My Independence Day resolution...more faithful blogging.
It's been hot. I mean scorching, already sweaty after being outside for a minute, hot. The sort of heat that sucks the life out of you and makes you (or just me) very cranky. Add to that working 45 hours per week for me and 50+ for Chris means that we haven't been our usual cheerful selves.
Did I mention just how darned hot it was?
Our a/c couldn't keep up, so inside it was generally about 80 degrees, at best, during the day.
Everyone else was hot and cranky too.
But, this week, temps are more normal. It's funny to say "gee, it's only 90, it feels great", but it's true. We've both been able to sleep better and that helps as well.
Hope you all are having a fun Fourth of July. We are both working but there will be fireworks tonight (and some at the park too, nyuk, nyuk) and everyone seems to be in a festive mood (see cooler temps reference above).
My Independence Day resolution...more faithful blogging.
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