 GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
12-17-09 09:58 PM - Post#94526
Yup, the time that we leave our home forever and become nomads is rapidly getting closer all the time. I expect this to be happening the first week of January. Having to take an early retirement do to disabilities and Chris becoming unemployed have drained our finances down to nothing. Having to fight Social Security hasn't helped either. However, I am starting to see some disability social security so that will help out a lot. Not enough to save the house, but enough so our 'plan B' will work. Heading for, probably, Arizona after the 1st of the month and spend the winter there before returning to Michigan. If anyone wants to follow our adventures, I'll be making, I hope, daily updates on my RV Lovers web site . I should have some photographs of all the places we will be visiting, etc over there too. It's going to be the adventure of a lifetime and something I've always wanted to do.
|
juciefruit
Moderator and O/O Supreme!
Posts: 56
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
12-18-09 01:25 AM - Post#94535
In response to GregK
I actually envy you and Chris.
I am more than ready to leave this fr*ggin place far, far behind and never look back. Want some hitchhikers? LOL!
|
Dutchman1
Senior Driver
Posts: 3067
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
 12-19-09 07:36 AM - Post#94550
In response to juciefruit
Good to hear that you are getting closer to leaving Michigan and that you are receiving Social Security disability payments too.....
Surprised that you are even thinking of returning to Michigan next summer already....Arizona sounds like a good place to winter and hope you make it thru Oklahoma while enroute to Arizona from Michigan !!
Nothing like having dreams and getting a chance to act on them too... RV Lovers on the roll...
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
12-19-09 08:24 AM - Post#94552
In response to Dutchman1
I have some commitments to my Masonic Lodge that I must take care of, like being the Master of the lodge for next year. After that, well, I doubt I'll see much of Michigan.
|
 Pelicn
Senior Driver
Posts: 7146
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
12-20-09 10:19 AM - Post#94560
In response to GregK
Greg, are you planning to stay at one place in AZ or go from campground to campground?
Ping Pong Expediters
Panther Trk# 31277
 |
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
12-20-09 10:33 AM - Post#94562
In response to Pelicn
We're not sure yet. It will all depend on how we feel when we get up in the morning..LOL. I'm sure, if we find a nice one for reasonable rates we may stay there. As it turns out, we will only be out there through the end of March, as I have to be back in Michigan for my Masonic duties for one more year.
|
Pelicn
Senior Driver
Posts: 7146
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
12-28-09 08:39 PM - Post#94666
In response to GregK
Are you all packed up yet? When is your final day?
Ping Pong Expediters
Panther Trk# 31277
|
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
12-28-09 10:09 PM - Post#94667
In response to Pelicn
Not all packed yet and the date is still up in the air. The motor home is at the shop with the exhaust manifolds off it awaiting parts from GM. So, we are being held hostage by GM. Once that's done it's up to Grand Rapids to Camping World for a new awning and then off to warmer climates.
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
12-29-09 11:04 PM - Post#94691
In response to GregK
The shop called me this morning and it's looking like we will have it back next week. Over $1700 worth of work and we will only pay a little over $660 for it thanks to the repair warranty we have on it. This includes not only the exhaust manifold replacement, but plug shields that are worn out and getting the auto park feature finally working correctly. I've been fighting with that thing ever since we purchased it. Next year I'll probably be replacing the whole leveling jack system as it's broken again and I'm tired of pouring money into repairs on it every stinking year.
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
Heard from both the shop for the engine and brakes and for the awning. Barring any major screwups, we will be heading towards southern Texas about Wed of next week. Our household sale is done and what isn't gone by tues will be heading for Goodwill and if they don't want stuff it will be left in the house. I've sent letters to the appropriate mortgage people that we are surrendering the property to them and they will need to have the heat turned back on or risk burst pipes. I've got storage arranged for our car, etc.
Also, finally got the autopark problem solved. There is actually a brake drum between the transmission and drive shaft. When you put the thing into park, the brake shoes expand to the drum like regular brakes, thus keeping the motor home from rolling. The problem is, the system failed, caused a relay to burst creating a big oil leak and the shoes clamped down on the drum. This caused issues with trying to move the vehicle and when it did move, the shoes were still pushing against the drum, burning one shoe completely up. I should see some improvement in my gas mileage now that the 'brakes' won't be on all the time...LOL. The new awning will be installed on Thursday and that's the last of the repairs for this year. Next year it will be a new leveling jack system as my current one is broken again. I'm tired of repairing them every year and since I won't need them where we are heading, it can wait.
Finally getting really excited as it's going to happen. So, if unless we don't like the area, if you're ever in the Brownsville, TX area between now and the end of March, stop by. We will be in a small community called Pharr, TX as they have the best prices on monthly rental of an RV spot. If we want luxery, we can move up from $250 a month to $550 per month, fat chance of that happening..heheh.
|
juciefruit
Moderator and O/O Supreme!
Posts: 56
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
It's getting closer 01-05-10 03:15 AM - Post#94750
In response to GregK
Greg...I'm in AZ for a while right now. The weather is awesome!
You will be in my old stomping grounds if you are going to Brownsville area. I was born and raised in Harlingen, TX...went to High School in Santa Rosa,TX and still have many relatives that live down in the Valley.
|
Dutchman1
Senior Driver
Posts: 3067
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-05-10 05:51 AM - Post#94751
In response to juciefruit
Good deal.... getting your motorhome back and the necessary traveling repairs completed...
Not sure if you have been to Brownsville area ...once you leave San Antonio... it seems like you drive forever in a desolate area until you finally get to the southern tip of Texas...
I promised that if I ever go back to Brownsville,
I hope to be flying vs driving south of San Antonio...
|
juciefruit
Moderator and O/O Supreme!
Posts: 56
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-05-10 12:18 PM - Post#94758
In response to Dutchman1
Not sure if you have been to Brownsville area ...once you leave San Antonio... it seems like you drive forever in a desolate area until you finally get to the southern tip of Texas...
This depends on what route you take.
|
HipKat
Senior Driver
Posts: 1461
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-05-10 12:21 PM - Post#94759
In response to juciefruit
Man, I'm chomping at the bit to hit the open road, so I'm jealous!
| There he goes , one of God's own prototypes.
A high powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production.
Too weird to live and too rare to die.
HipKat's Blog
|
|
Dutchman1
Senior Driver
Posts: 3067
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-05-10 03:31 PM - Post#94761
In response to HipKat
OK... Judy....what is a better scenic route to take once you depart San Antonio for Brownsville, TX ??
Greg and Chris may want to know follow the more scenic route....the more direct route...was pretty boring to me....
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-05-10 05:24 PM - Post#94763
In response to Dutchman1
Well, Judy, once we get there, you should swing by and visit. Plenty of room and good coffee to go around.
|
juciefruit
Moderator and O/O Supreme!
Posts: 56
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
It's getting closer 01-06-10 02:33 AM - Post#94769
In response to GregK
Well, Judy, once we get there, you should swing by and visit. Plenty of room and good coffee to go around.
Once you get where? If you mean the Brownsville area I am to far away from there to swing by for coffee, but if you are heading to AZ I may still be there when you get here. I am in Tucson right now ,not permanently yet but getting things set up to be.
Just do me a favor Greg...do not visit the border towns in Mexico. The Mexican drug cartel has gotten really bad (and I'm talking REALLY bad) They are shooting and killing any tourists they see on the Mexican and American sides of the border along the river. It isn't a safe place to visit anymore. I am sure you have read the articles in the papers about all of it. Take what you have read and times it by 10 and you will have the truth of it.
Dutchman...Greg and Chris are going to Pharr, TX area...their best bet would be to take 281 south out of San Antonio which will put him out on highway 83 at Pharr, TX....that would be the most *direct route* and a very scenic one, although I have always loved Southern Texas and all the history that goes with it, so it's all rather scenic to me, no matter what highway I'm on.
|
Dutchman1
Senior Driver
Posts: 3067
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-06-10 04:53 AM - Post#94770
In response to juciefruit
Judy.... I am thinking you must need to be born in South Texas to "appreciate" running south out of San Antonio on US 281... I am guessing the more scenic route would be to run to Laredo and then down the border route to Brownsville and Pharr TX...
As new RV travelers on retirment... I am guess that Greg and Chris might prefer the less direct route with more cities along this route... since flying is not an option for them...
Good to hear that you are leaning forward to relocate to Tucson AZ....
Our middle son and his family just relocated from OKC to north San Diego area....looking forward to flying out to visit them in the near future once they get settled and spending sometime in this area of "Paradise" in southern California for the rich and/or famous...
|
HipKat
Senior Driver
Posts: 1461
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-06-10 09:02 AM - Post#94774
In response to Dutchman1
I once had Tucson in my sights.
Arizona in general is a place I'd love to live....
| There he goes , one of God's own prototypes.
A high powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production.
Too weird to live and too rare to die.
HipKat's Blog
|
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-06-10 10:24 AM - Post#94775
In response to HipKat
Don't worry Judy, border towns have never been on our agenda due to just what you said. The route you suggested is pretty much what I've already mapped out. Final route isn't totally locked down and a lot will depend on the weather.
|
juciefruit
Moderator and O/O Supreme!
Posts: 56
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-06-10 11:51 AM - Post#94778
In response to GregK
That's good Greg. Glad to hear the border towns aren't on your agenda.
Dutchman..I think all the scenery on every highway has beauty to it. You just have to open your mind and see it.
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-06-10 12:12 PM - Post#94779
In response to juciefruit
I've watched the news enough to even be concerned about Brownsville, as it's rather close to the border. We still may head for AZ instead. I'll know more after the weekend. All our mechanical items have now been repaired, with our insurance paying the majority of the bill and all that's left is to get the awning put on tomorrow and have the water lines flushed out to remove the antifreeze and get the fresh water tank filled. The propane tank is full so I can run the furnace while it's in the back yard and with a 40watt light bulb by the water pump nothing will freeze. Almost all the water lines are enclosed above the 'basement' and alongside the heat ducts, so they get plenty of heat. We also have thermopane glass in almost all the windows, so heat loss will be minimal there too. Just need it warm enough until we get to the warm weather, IF there is any such thing right now..LOL So much for Al's global warming theory.
|
juciefruit
Moderator and O/O Supreme!
Posts: 56
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-07-10 01:43 AM - Post#94787
In response to GregK
Greg, Pharr is as close to the Mexican border as Brownsville is. The whole Rio Grande Valley sits right next to the Mexican border. So anywhere you go down there you have Mexico breathing down your neck.
Hey..there is warm weather. We have been having 70 degree days here in Tucson, the nights are still a little chilly but not to bad really. It's been being about 35 - 40 degrees at night. All this while Oklahoma is in the deep freeze..I am LOVIN IT!
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-07-10 06:38 AM - Post#94788
In response to juciefruit
I know, I've been looking at the maps and I still may head for AZ instead. The Tucson area was one of our original destinations.
|
HipKat
Senior Driver
Posts: 1461
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-07-10 09:06 AM - Post#94791
In response to juciefruit
Greg, Pharr is as close to the Mexican border as Brownsville is. The whole Rio Grande Valley sits right next to the Mexican border. So anywhere you go down there you have Mexico breathing down your neck.
Hey..there is warm weather. We have been having 70 degree days here in Tucson, the nights are still a little chilly but not to bad really. It's been being about 35 - 40 degrees at night. All this while Oklahoma is in the deep freeze..I am LOVIN IT!
I'm jealous, today's the first day in over a week it was above zero here; at a whopping 16 degrees... along with 8" of new snow and up to 5 more predicted for today.... :(
| There he goes , one of God's own prototypes.
A high powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production.
Too weird to live and too rare to die.
HipKat's Blog
|
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-07-10 09:59 AM - Post#94792
In response to HipKat
It's starting to snow like crazy here and the RV place in Grand Rapids called and said it would be best to reschedule so we are going to go up there on Monday when there's a better chance of no snow coming down.
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-07-10 04:10 PM - Post#94799
In response to GregK
Judy, how long will you be in Tucson? It's looking more and more like we are going with our original plan and do Arizona instead of Texas.
|
Bobbie
Administrator
Posts: 6381
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-07-10 06:16 PM - Post#94803
In response to GregK
I'm glad you're finally changing your mind about going to southern TX at this time...we had this dicussion a couple weeks ago but you were so determined to go to TX!! 
Judy, my Dad 'n step-mom "wintered" in Harlingen for over 20 years...they really liked the area and the people they met.
Bobbie
A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.
Edward R. Murrow |
|
juciefruit
Moderator and O/O Supreme!
Posts: 56
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-08-10 02:06 AM - Post#94811
In response to GregK
Judy, how long will you be in Tucson? It's looking more and more like we are going with our original plan and do Arizona instead of Texas.
It's looking like I may be here until about March. That is the plan right now anyway. Trying to get things set here for our move here.
Miss Bobbie...I love South Texas (the Harlingen area)...it's my home and always will be I suppose. Still have lots of family that lives there and I would move back there if it wasn't for the fact that I like AZ more.
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-08-10 09:03 AM - Post#94816
In response to juciefruit
Judy, it looks like Tucson is going to be our destination. Talked it over with Chris and she's much happier heading there, so, I guess coffee will be on the menu after we arrive. We are leaving either Tues or Wed and depending on the weather and how fast we want to get there, about 3 or 4 days and we should be pulling in to the area.
|
juciefruit
Moderator and O/O Supreme!
Posts: 56
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-08-10 12:33 PM - Post#94821
In response to GregK
Cool! I am sending you my phone number to make sure you have the right one. Give me a call when you get here.
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-08-10 03:38 PM - Post#94825
In response to juciefruit
We sure will. I'm thinking a 4 day trip as I don't expect to get very far Wed, since we have to wait around for Habitat for Humanity and some others to come over and get their stuff out of the house. Once that's done I have to get our car over to a friends farm where it's going to be stored until we get back.
|
juciefruit
Moderator and O/O Supreme!
Posts: 56
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-09-10 12:56 AM - Post#94832
In response to GregK
Are you not bringing any kind of transportation with you? Just the motor home? You really need someway to get around out here so you can see the countryside and the sites. Lots to see and do around here but can't get a motor home in a lot of them.
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-09-10 09:12 AM - Post#94833
In response to juciefruit
Not this trip. Next year we expect to have a way to tow our car,just not in the budget for this year.
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-09-10 08:17 PM - Post#94842
In response to GregK
Judy, we found 2 nice parks in Tombstone and the pricing is reasonable, so unless some in Tucson can match or beat $315 per month plus electric, it's looking Tombstone will be our destination. So much to see there and the park is inside the city so a lot of it looks like it might be within walking distance.
|
juciefruit
Moderator and O/O Supreme!
Posts: 56
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-10-10 01:51 AM - Post#94843
In response to GregK
I doubt any in Tucson are going to beat that price Greg. There is a lot to see in Tombstone for sure. We have visited there twice already, spent the entire day both times and haven't even seen all that we wanted to see. Most of Tombstone you will want to do walking anyway, but it sure is a lot of walking.
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-10-10 08:13 AM - Post#94848
In response to juciefruit
Problem I'm running into is they are full as far a monthly goes and it's very expensive weekly, like $186 per week. The one place I did hear back from said there is only one other place they'd recommend in that area, so I'm waiting on them now. Wells Fargo was $285 per month and Tombstone RV is $315 per month.
|
Dutchman1
Senior Driver
Posts: 3067
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-10-10 10:15 AM - Post#94849
In response to GregK
Never heard of Tombstone, but I checked it out on mapquest...pretty close to Tucson...
I was thinking you could probably rent a car or scooters while you are there...or maybe buy an inexpensive car and resell it when you leave the area... Maybe there are too many "snowbirds" in the area with similar ideas to make an "cheap" car hard to find...
Keep us posted on your RV adventure and when you may be passing thru OKC area...
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-10-10 10:31 AM - Post#94850
In response to Dutchman1
Never heard of Tombstone? Does Wyatt Earp, etc ring any bells?  Tombstone is one of the more famous old west towns. The problem we're running into is that parks seem to be filled up as far as the monthly rentals go. I've got one more in Tombstone to call and if they're full I'm going to reserve a daily spot at this other one and can use that as a short term base while we look at other options. And, if we like the park, we might just make reservations there for next winter.
|
juciefruit
Moderator and O/O Supreme!
Posts: 56
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-10-10 12:24 PM - Post#94855
In response to GregK
You might look around Bisbee, AZ to. It's close to Tombstone and also a Historic old west town with lots to see and do. Stay away from Benson though...it's an army base town and expensive just like Tucson.
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-10-10 03:10 PM - Post#94858
In response to juciefruit
Actually, I've found better prices in Benson, believe it or not. But, I'll take a 2nd look at Bisbee, since I can't get any responses from people in Benson. It looks like we are going to make our first stop at the Wells Fargo park as while they don't have any monthly spots available the do have some daily and weekly sites and have been very responsive to my inquiries.
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-10-10 05:16 PM - Post#94863
In response to GregK
Don, where do you live in relation to Oklahoma City? Our route is going to take us right through that area and if we have time, a get together for coffee could be fun.
|
Dutchman1
Senior Driver
Posts: 3067
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-10-10 08:31 PM - Post#94866
In response to GregK
A coffee break sounds good... I live about 15 miles south of OKC... Norman, OK... No problem on most days for me to meet you in OKC area as you pass through the area on I-40... Most of my favorite restaurants are in Norman area... I do like Mimi's Cafe on the northside of OKC which is on the Kilpatrick turnpike which goes around the northside of OKC...might a good route for you...OKC traffic is never much of a problem...
There also is a Panera Bread location on the turnpike bypass...near Mercy Hospital exit... We might meet there...more of a coffee stop...excellent bagels too... plus light lunch fare...
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-10-10 09:08 PM - Post#94867
In response to Dutchman1
I-40 is our route and it's showing the bypass to the north of the city. Remember, I have 34' of motor home I'll need to get into a parking lot, so we need to figure out a place that has the room
|
Dutchman1
Senior Driver
Posts: 3067
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
 01-11-10 06:44 AM - Post#94874
In response to GregK
I can check it out, but depending on the time of day you arrive...as long as we avoid the peak lunch hours...parking should not be a problem at either location...my guess...
Another option...park near by... and you can ride to the restaurant with me a 1/2 block or so...
Look forward to seeing you both...assuming you will have internet access while you are traveling too plus you have my cell phone number..
|
juciefruit
Moderator and O/O Supreme!
Posts: 56
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-11-10 11:22 AM - Post#94877
In response to Dutchman1
Greg there are 3 major truck stops in OKC on I40. Petro at the Reno St exit and Flying J and TA at the Morgan Rd exit on the west side ...also a large Pilot (use to be Williams) at the Morgan Rd exit. The Pilot doesn't have a restaurant but the others do. The Petro is confusing to get in and out of but the Flying J and TA are easy as pie.
A truck stop would be your best bet with the motor home.
|
GregK
Founder
Posts: 3207
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-11-10 05:51 PM - Post#94880
In response to juciefruit
The "J" sounds good as most of them, these days, have dump stations. We are not putting water into the tank yet, on the advice of the experts, so will be using bottled water to do a quick wash up and flush the toilet. Once we get further south I'll find a place for water and fill. We finally found a monthly spot at the Tombstone RV Park and will Winter there. Price was right in our range so I jumped on it. Can't think of a more fun place that Tombstone to sit for awhile.
|
Bobbie
Administrator
Posts: 6381
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-11-10 09:39 PM - Post#94890
In response to GregK
Isn't Chaplain Olen near one of the truckstops on I-40?
Bobbie
A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.
Edward R. Murrow |
|
Dutchman1
Senior Driver
Posts: 3067
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
01-11-10 11:05 PM - Post#94891
In response to Bobbie
Chaplain Olen is at the Pilot truck stop at Morgan Road and I-40 on the westside of OKC... It has a McDonalds fast food restaurant in the truck stop.
The Flying J and TA are also at the same exit...
Anymore... I do not frequent many truck stops for food... As a charter bus driver we rarely go to a truckstop except for fuel when necessary on a longer trip... PAX normally eat somewhere else while the bus is being fueled... Mall restaurants work well for some of the younger people groups...not my favorite either... most of them not set up for a large bus to conveniently access the shopping mall.
|
juciefruit
Moderator and O/O Supreme!
Posts: 56
Rank:
Post Rank (AVG):
|
Anymore... I do not frequent many truck stops for food... As a charter bus driver we rarely go to a truckstop except for fuel when necessary on a longer trip... PAX normally eat somewhere else while the bus is being fueled... Mall restaurants work well for some of the younger people groups...not my favorite either... most of them not set up for a large bus to conveniently access the shopping mall.
OK Don... don't take this the wrong way but, you are starting to sound like you don't want to meet Greg and Chris if you have to meet them at a truck stop. No one asked whether you frequent truck stops anymore or not. The question was...Do you want to meet Greg and Chris for coffee?
A very simple *yes or no* answer was all that was required..
When it comes to meeting up with friends you make exceptions and meet where it is convenient for them when they are traveling. Maybe the truck stops are not your favorite place but they are convenient for Greg and Chris. The truck stops are right on Greg and Chris's planned route and easy access for them with the facilities that they need for the motor home. I am sure Chaplain wouldn't mind driving across the overpass to the Flying J to meet them.
I mean heck..I have driven 150 miles one way to meet up with Miss Bobbie both times we have been able to meet and didn't mind one bit. I would do it again in a heartbeat. When Greg and Chris get out here to AZ I will drive about 50 miles one way to meet them and be thrilled to do it.
If you really want to meet Greg and Chris you will put out a little effort and meet them at a truck stop along their set route instead of asking them to go 30 miles out of route to the north side of the city because you know a good little place to eat up there or 20 miles south of the city because all your favorite eating places are in Norman.  BTW..where you get your tour bus into is irrelevant. Tour buses don't need fill and dump facilities.
|
