March 19, 2013 by Rae

Fridge Woes

My fridge kept kicking off yesterday, both on the AC and propane setting. On AC, I was getting the scary all lights flashing ‘you’re in deep trouble’ warning and on propane I was getting a ‘there’s a problem with the power supply’ warning.

I thought that we were getting brownouts because of everyone running their ACs, but by 11PM, the rig was sitting at a steady 120V and the fridge continued to cut out.

I turned off the converter, switched the fridge to propane, and it was muuuuuuuuch happier. It ran fine all night. I’ve got the converter back on this morning and the fridge seems to be okay on AC. It’s a cool morning, so I’m sure there are no ACs running, which supports my brownout theory.

Let’s hope that this is a one-time thing…

March 18, 2013 by Rae

Two Months of Ground Oyster Shells

WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fighting the dust on the beach was a losing battle. I gave up, satisfying myself with a daily cursory sweep of the broom and passing of a Swiffer cloth over surfaces.

Since I’ll be getting a shower tonight, it seemed such a shame to go to bed in a dirty rig. So as soon as the laundry was done, I set to work with the shop vac, a bucket of sudsy water, and Pledge Future.

The rig was otherwise spotless, so there was a minimum amount of moving stuff out of the way needed to vacuum and wash the rig from the ceiling down to the floors and then add the Future to make them shiny.

Soon as I finish my deliciously icy cold beer, I am heading for the shower. I don’t plan to get out of it until I look like a prune!

March 18, 2013 by Rae

Port Lavaca to Von Ormy

OMG IT’S ABOUT 100 DEGREES IN SAN ANTONIO!!!!!!!!!!!!

With that out of the way, it’s been a good day so far. I went out shortly after my last post to hook up the truck. I’m getting better at gauging the distance I need to park it from the RV, but I always manage to not be quite straight and have the passenger side at the right distance to hook up while the driver’s side is a bit short.

Once I was hooked up, I discovered I have three minor Miranda repairs to make.

The first is with the windshield wipers. The pump is working fine, but the fluid is just shooting out from under the dash. I’m hoping I’ll find the hole or bad connection in the hose easily.

The second is to check the fuses for the turn signals. I put on the four way flashers to make sure the truck blinkers were working, and nothing. I tried the turn signal, nothing. I jiggled both and eventually got the left blinker working and the four way flashers, with the right blinker coming after several more jiggle. I really hope that this is just a fuse issue!

Like when I left Campbell River, my house stairs refused to budge. All I had on hand to lubricate them was was WD-40, so I’ll make sure to get some white grease next time I’m out shopping. Or maybe I can find some of that Move-It Croft had…

First stop was gas, which was painless since I could circle around the building to get out. Even better, the pump handle had a catch that meant I could wash my windows while the gas was pumping.

It was a smooth drive into Port Lavaca, where I got propane. Another easy in and out except for the bad driveway. Surely they know someone with a grader? Propane was CHEAP, $42 to fill the on board tank!

The first part of the drive was familiar since I had to drive through Goliad (which is still under construction). Traffic got moderately heavier from Kenedy (not a typo) onward, but it was nothing too bad and most drivers were courteous.

From the 410 bypass, it was an easy drive to Von Ormy and the Hidden Valley RV Park, where I was greeted by the wonderful Teri.

Hidden Valley is the best deal in San Antonio for boondockers wanting to stay more than just a night or two since they offer dry camping for just $5 a night! I found the campground through freecampsites.net. My FHU spot tonight is costing me $30.

Even though I was 15 minutes early for check in, Teri greeted me warmly. She had a packet of information for me and spent time showing me around downtown on a map, highlighting the best places to park and where to catch public transportation. I was told by L to avoid driving into San Antonio, but with Teri’s instructions, I know I can get to cheap parking easily, so I don’t see any reason not to go in with the truck.

It is SUPER hot today, so I have the AC blasting, but it’s supposed to go right back down tomorrow. Talk about perfect planning!

I have to move around noon tomorrow. Teri showed me the two possibilities and the setup will be just fine. I’ll post pics at some point after I’ve moved.

Now, I need to start on my rather ambitious list for the day. The laundry is a trek and a half, so until that’s done (about half an hour left), I don’t want to get started on anything else. After that, the vacuum cleaner is coming out! 🙂

March 18, 2013 by Rae

Misty Last Morning On the Beach

It’s a damp last morning here on the beach. I was happy to get one last glimpse of the pelicans coming in for a landing. What droll creatures, so prehistoric!

I’ll be ready to pull out in a half our or so, by about 8:30. I need to finish my coffee, put a few things away in the kitchen, load the propane tank in the truck, and the pull Miranda ahead so I can hook up. Since I’m not washing the rig today, unless the perfect wash place materializes, that’ll give me plenty of time to get gas and propane and meander my way to Van Ormy to arrive close enough to check in time to have a productive afternoon.

I’m not too sure of my route yet. Google Maps has me going San Antonio on the 410 bypass. Midday on a Monday, I think that will be okay and better than trying to route myself on smaller roads with a map. I haven’t yet checked what route the GPS wants me to take.

It’s time to go. I’ve had such a wonderful stay here and met great friends. This place has been good for me, a real reward the end of a long journey. But the road is calling my name, reminding me that all good things in this life are ephemeral. It has been a privilege to be here and I am hopeful that my next stop will be as sweet.

March 17, 2013 by Rae

Photos From My Last Day At the Beach

What a busy day it’s been on the beach as it’s the last day of March break. It’s been overcast (I didn’t get a full charge today) but very muggy, so all the windows and roof hatches have been open.

Late afternoon, I decided to walk the two miles (four miles round trip) to the saloon for a beer and a burger, forgetting that today is St Patrick’s Day. The saloon was full to bursting so I instead got my burger to go and ate it on a windy bench on the beach, about halfway to home so the food was still at an acceptable temperature. I just wish I could have had one last ice cold Dos Equis, ‘dressed’ with salt and lime (damn you L for introducing them to me, LOL).

It was a really nice walk except for the fact that there is no way to get to the Saloon but along the main road and it was very busy tonight with folks heading back to civilization.

I won’t miss the wind, but I will otherwise miss everything about this truly magical place. I am so blessed to have been able to spend time here. I have about 14 hours left before I pull out.

Portrait of contentment, Neelix version.

Until these folks with a Fleetwood Flair pulled in, I was sure my deadbolt was added on a by a previous owner. This is the first time I have seen an entrance door exactly like mine.