Christmas 2010 is over. HAPPY NEW YEAR....

OK I guess one last post for 2010 is in order and what better to talk about than Christmas.  Everyone says that I am hard to buy a present for but this year the presents were really so good that I have a hard time to pick the best one.  Let me start off with them in no particular order,
I got a Winnebago bird house,

Marshmallow blaster (gun),
tool bag (for under the front seat of Wilbur),
Lego leveling blocks and of course new socks.  There were some other things I got, but they were probably things I needed or were useful.

And so the end of 2010 is a few hours off, and the past year was the same length as every other year, but there were times of great joy and some sorrow this past 12 months.
Our son gave up on J.P.Morgan Chase Bank and moved to Phoenix, AZ. (that was the sorrow)
 My wife and I decided to retire, our daughter and her boy friend graduated from OSU and then were engaged to be married that same day during my salad at the Red Lobster.  (and that was on my wedding anniversary)
Our daughter was accepted into her first choice for Nursing School in Portland, OR.
My wife and I spent several days in Wilbur seeing the great Northwest.
We took a road trip in the car to Southern AZ where we visited with our son, his girlfriend and some old friends who retired about 70 miles from the Mexico border.  We saw the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park and places we didn't even know were there.
So now we have been home for a month or so and are thinking of hitting the road for someplace.

A Coast trip with time in Eugene Oregon

8/11/2010
We were home for a week doing stuff and now it's time to travel.  We head South on I-5 and stop in Eugene to check out the Elks.  The weather was warm and since we don't have AC in Wilbur we are not sure how long we will stay here.  Since we enjoy checking out little shops we do that for awhile.  The life in Eugene is fine for a Motorhome from the 70's.  Most of Eugene is stuck in the 70's.  You can find recycled hippies everywhere, not that it's a bad thing.  So for the night we park in the Elks parking lot away from the building in hopes that there will be a breeze to cool us off only to find they are doing some road work at night on the street.  Jackhammers do make noise at night.  Anyway we stayed all night.  Since we have WIFI we watched some movies and old TV showes on HULU.

8/12/2010
Before leaving town we checked out some more little shops but as the weather warmed up we headed West.  In Florence, OR we stop at the Casino for a $7.77 buffet lunch.  Parked by the beach for a nap and some walks in Old Town before staying at the Elks for the night.

8/13/2010
This Friday the 13th is my brothers birthday and he and his wife are driving to the coast for the day.  We meet up with them and spend the day around town.  Back at the Elks there is dancing so you know where we are.  Sophie likes to dance but there is dance floor room because several line dancers.

8/14/2010
There is an Elvis tribute/sale in town.  Not really a big deal but we went.  Had more fun at the local roadside Saturday market thing.  Bought some fresh veggies and fruit.  A slow relaxing day.

8/15/2010

Sunday morning I walk to Safeway for a newspaper.  I am not sure how the day can just go by so fast but we do enjoy taking walks and watching people.  Down in Old Town there is a market setup with several tents both Saturday and Sunday.  Lots to look at.  We go back to the Elks for another night.  It's quiet and in town so we can walk places.

8/16/2010

We fill up with gas at Safeway in Florence.  This seems to be the cheapest place in all of Oregon and always try to time it when the tanks are empty.  $100 is a good start.  Heading North we stop at Heceta Head lighthouse, even take the full tour of the lighthouse.  As we get to Newport we dump the tanks and drive by the Elks to find the RV lot full.  This is something we hardly ever see, no room for us.  On the Lincoln City we stop by the casino and see the upper lot with plenty of RV's so we plan to stay there tonight and we drive to Roads End S.Park to watch the sunset then drive back to the casino for the night.

8/17/2010
Something we like to do in Lincoln City is to drive to Roads End S.P. for B'fast when staying at the casino for the night so we do that.  Some surfers are in the water and that is a good B'fast show. 

After some time we head towards home.

A trip to Seattle

We never thought of going to Seattle with Wilbur but then when we take off we don't really know where we are going.  No real plans and no reservations, but there is always a casino or Elks lodge around when you want to stop for the day.

7/26/2010
I back Wilbur out of the garage and go to light the fridge when I find out that the fridge was not cold.  Somehow the electric part of the fridge did not keep it cold when plugged into electricity so add that to the list of things to do.
We put our food into coolers with ice until the fridge cools off while we drive.  On our way West towards the coast we decide to head North and call Whalen Island (just North of Pacific City) to see if they have any spots open, one left on the water so that is our plan for tonight.  On the way we check out a couple of little shops and arrive at WI where there is fog and some sun.  Much cooler than the weather back in the valley.

The cost of County Parks in Tillamook County is always on the rise.  Can you believe that in the past 3 years of coming to the park the cost has gone from $10 to $20?  That's $5 a year.
It's a nice park with water and a dump station but no elect. and our cell phones don't work here.
Reading and watched a movie before calling it a night.

7/27/2010
When we got up it was low tide so we take a walk around the bay before B'fast.   Took off to Tillamook where we check out some little shops and of course the Tillamook Smoker where they sell the long pepperoni sticks, I love those things.  Stopped in Rockaway for lunch and some walking.  Then off to Arcadia Beach for more relaxing.  We stop in Seaside for the night at Truckies.  Still $15 a night with Elect,water and right in town.  We get a movie at the local Red Box before calling it a night.

7/28/2010
After B'fast and showers we check out the town and find good WIFI at the Shilo Inn.  Sophie finds good stuff at some little shops.   We park at the South end of the board walk and have good walks.  Since we are having a good time we decide to spend another night in Seaside. 

7/29/2010
Before leaving Seaside we check out a rummage sale at a church and head North to Warrenton for gas at the Fred Meyer before leaving Oregon.  The weather is kind of cold and cloudy so when we get to the Long Beach area we headed East to Raymond and while eating lunch along the river I spot a Winnebago trailer on the other side.  It is in someones back yard so I can't get a good look at it.  Drove into Aberdeen where we find some Little shops and then into Hoquim to see what the Elks RV spot looked like.  Just a grass lot with hookups so we decide to drive on to Ocean Shores.  Once we got to the Casino we thought we would come back for the $4.95 supper (from 4 - 6) after looking around town.  Around 5:30 we get back to the casino only to be told we would have to wait to be seated and it would be after 6 so no cheap meat tonight.  Back in Wilbur we have a great stir fry and spend the night in the Casino lot for free.  A movie with popcorn was our entertainment for the night.

7/30/2010
Another damp and gray morning so we drove to the Elks in town and dumped the tanks and filled the water and headed East to warmer weather.  At Hoquim we had lunch and looked around before reaching the blue skies and warm weather of Elma.  At a lake we stoped and walked around just warming up in the sun.  We thought that we would drive to Sheldon and stay at the Elks but just before Sheldon we find a casino.  They have free overnight RV parking and it looks like a nice place to stay but we go to the Elks and find a really nice park like setting for the RV's. 

This is a great place so out come the lawn chairs and books.  A short walk to the lodge and we find card night going on.  Since we are not really into card games it's back to Wilbur for supper and a movie.   Elect, water and a dump station for $15 a night.  They also have picnic tables and fire pits all around.  Very nice place.

7/31/2010
Left the lodge and in town we found a Saturday Market where we bought some fresh veggies.  Since we are so close to Bremerton we decide to drive there.  Made a few stops before getting into Bremerton and seeing some large aircraft carriers.  At the lodge there were several people having burgers and stuff.  We talk to some members and were to to see the town of Pulsbo where we eat lunch at a nice place on the water front.
This town is Finish or something like that..  Kind of a different place but nice to look around. 
On the way back to the lodge we find of all places a mall with a Macy's store in it.  This is Silverdale Mall and Sophie looks around but finds nothing she needs.  Back at the lodge they have a band and dinner so we eat and dance until we are tired and call it a night.  Great lodge.



8/1/2010
Sunday is family picnic day.  Lot's of people show up early to build a fire in the trailer mounted BBQ and set up games for the kids.  I think it was 10 or so when people were already enjoying hot dogs and beer.  We drive into town for grocery's and some shopping.  Kind of a lazy day for us.  Not much driving but plenty to do at the lodge.  We couldn't wait until the crowd left the lodge so we could set out on the patio and watch the sun setting over the mountains and water.  One of the best lodges on our list for visiting. 

Picture perfect views.

8/2/2010
After talking with lodge members of riding the ferry to Seattle we head off to the bus stop at the lodge.  After a long wait the bus came and soon we were at the ferry terminal and on our way to Seattle.  It was kind of foggy until after we got to Seattle where we made a lunch stop at Iver's on the waterfront.  Clam strips and Salmon helped our tour of town.  We got to thinking that this is the first time to Seattle without kids, oh how we miss them.......not.  We hop on a bus and ride along the bay front getting off to go to Pikes market and see more of town.  After seeing the town and buying some stuff we go back to the ferry and head back to Bremerton.  We wait for the bus in Bremerton and see the waterfront before getting back to the lodge.  Kind of tired after doing all of this stuff today but we are looking forward to doing it again sometime.  Supper and setting on the lodge patio was the end of a great day.

8/3/2010
Left Bremerton and drove back to Sheldon lodge to use the dump station and visit the casino.  It was senior day with 1/2 price buffet and since we signed up for the club card we got $10 each.........in cash.  Now that's a nice treat.  Rolled out of the casino towards Olympia and down I-5 to Kelso where we checked out the Brook hollow RV park.  This is where we are to have our Fall Jamboree.  We call Terry and Carolann and stop by there place to visit a few hours.  Then it's towards home for the night.  We drive thru Portland without much traffic and sail on home.  Another great trip comes to an end.
739 miles for this trip.

Another hobby of mine

Can you belive that I didn't drive Wilbur at all in October. So today I decided to go for a drive, where else than to the gas station. And what is this hobby I have got back into you might ask, RC electric airplanes. It was right after I got Wilbur (about 6 years ago) that my time for flying got shorter and shorter. Now with retirement I have time for more hobbies and flying is one of them.


On a recent car trip to the Washington coast I took one of the planes that was given to me by a friend and flew if on the beach. Take a look.



The RC hobby has changed in the few years I have been out of it.  Makes me think I should give away all my outdated stuff, but being the cheap thrifty person I will keep it.

Heading to CA July 2010

840 miles in 9 days

Tuesday 7/6/10

We drive West to Lincoln City, OR and then South down the coast.  Spent the night in Florence, OR at the Three Rivers Casino.  They have an RV lot for dry camping for free.

This Ultra Coach caught up with us in Lincoln City.  If you click on it a couple of times it gets big enough to see.  There is some more info on it at Ultra Coach

Wednesday 7/7/10

Old Town in Florence

                      And the Tonka in Florence.

 Drove from the Casino to a spot in Old Town for B'fast.  They have free WIFI in Florence and the cheapest gas on the coast is in Florence.  While we were getting gas and some food at Safeway, a man came up and told us he saw a Tonka toy at the local thrift store just like Wilbur.  So we went over to look at it but didn't buy it.  I already have one at home.  There are a couple of other "little shops" we like to look at and then thought we would drive to the beach.  The fog was along the beach so we went back to town and lunch.  Found the local Fire fighters restaurant and had the deluxe clam chowder.  I would highly recommend it.  Much better than the moe's stuff.  After lunch we drove South to Coos Bay.  And of course the local Macy's store is a must see place.  I even looked at a MH for my brother but it was not really in great shape.  We spent the night at the Mill Casino in the free dry camping lot.

Thursday 7/8/10

Brooking Oregon

Brookings, OR

The Dump Station in Coos Bay

The traffic on 101 is kind of close to the Casino and we got up early.  Not really early for work but early for retirement.  After B'fast we walked into the Casino but didn't see any good shows coming up.  We drove to the city dump station and took care of the holding tanks before heading South.  A few miles out of Coos Bay I noticed the Alt gauge was not showing it charging so I turned around and went back to a Knechts Auto to check things out.  With a meter on the battery there was no charging going on.  I do carry a spare voltage regulator and changed that but still no charge so off comes the Alt.  It was bad and I bought a lifetime Alt.  Once installed we hit the road again and all was good until we stopped for road construction and heard a growling noise from the engine.  We drove into Bandon and I double checked the alt and belt but nothing wrong there.  I took the belt off the Alt and no noise.  So after a call to Knechts and found out that there are no other places South of us we head back to Coos Bay and removed the new Alt.  Guess what, the new Alt is making noise.  So now for the second time this afternoon I change the Alt. We decide to just stay in Coos Bay another night and drive around to try out our newest Alt.  We were kind of tired and I was cleaned up and we just watched a movie and relaxed for the night.

Friday 7/9/10

Today we leave Coos Bay again, and drive to Bandon again.  No noise so we keep going.  It's 100 miles from Coos Bay to Brookings.   It was a sunny day and everything is fine.  We pull into the Brookings Elks only a few minutes before a couple of RV's take the last 2 sites.  Maybe my luck is changing.

This has been a great day.  We have warm weather, cable TV, WIFI, elect. and all the water we want and a dump station right here.  Well worth the $18.00 donation.  So it was bath time, TV time, great food and the world is good again. 

Saturday 7/10/10

The old pump in a Tupperware container to catch the drips.

After a good B'fast and a gas stop at Fred Meyers we drive to Crescent City, CA.  The last time we were in CC we only spent the day and this time we have a couple of days to hang around.  About 3 miles into CA on hwy101 is a casino called Lucky 7.  We did stop and look at their RV parking area and it looked like a good place to spend the night.  We also checked out a casino in CC called the Elk Valley Casino and they have a gravel lot to overnight.  Then there is the Elks lodge in CC that is down town.  Not really a great place to overnight but I called the lodge and was told we could spend the night there.

After lunch and some time looking at the ocean we go to the store for more food.  At the CA border they do a agriculture check for fruit and veggies so we could use some more stuff but at the store things are kind of expensive.  And after driving thru more of the town in CC it looks like people might not be able to buy so much at the store.  Sophie feels bad about that.  We spend some more time on the beach before we drive to the casino for the night.  There is an AC/DC impersonators band at the casino but I pass on that.  As Sophie gets in bed she says the carpet is wet.  Not a large spot but I will check it out in the morning.

Sunday 7/11/10

The lighthouse in Crescent City, CA

After B'fast I look in the back of Wilbur for the leak but not much wet there so we dive to the beach where I will take the rear bed out to look at the water system.  After removing the mattress I see the water pump has a slow drip when it is on.  We find a Tupperware container to put under the pump and I will check on it later.  It does get a little water in it but not much.  The beach is foggy this morning so we drive into the redwoods to take a walk.  Same place we visited last year but we took a longer walk thru the trees.  The road thru this area gets so narrow that they have cut notches out of some of the trees on corners so trucks and RV's can have more room.  We take a nice drive around the forest and back to hwy101 then down another road along the Smith River.  There is a boat launch at a park where we stop for lunch.  This area grows Lilly's and we follow the road to where it goes back to 101.  Close to the Lucky 7 Casino we find a place to get on the beach.  Another place for Sophie to find more rocks to bring home.  Good thing Wilbur can carry more weight.  After getting more sun than we should, and a camp chair that did not want to fold up, we go to the casino.  This place has a great supper deal in the new restaurant so that took care of supper.  We were the only ones in the RV lot and Sophie didn't care for that, so we drove the 5 miles or so back to the Brookings Elks. 

Brookings Oregon Elks

Monday 7/12/10

One month has passed since the big OSU graduation and engagement.  And we never thought we would make it thru that.  We hit the Fred Meyers store where we try to fill up the fridge and cabinets.  Things were getting so empty stuff would roll around.  The trip North was into the wind and it was very windy.  Lets just hope Wilbur holds together.  We stop in Port Orford and check out a park we never saw before.  There is a Coast Guard Museum we look thru.  Still very windy so we keep driving north.  In Bandon we walk around town, buy some clam strips at out favorite walk up eatery, look into some stores, buy some cheese curds and drive on north.  In Coos Bay we stop at the Burger King parking lot to relax and surf the net.  Still very windy so we drive on.  In Florence we stop at the Three Rivers Casino for the night.  This day was 150 miles of a strong head wind.  We walk around the casino and go back to Wilbur and call it a night.  Popcorn and a movie.

In the Redwoods forest.

Tuesday 7/13/10

If this is Tuesday we must be in Florence.  There is a plan that if the Tonka Winnebago is still in the thrift store it will be on sale.  But it was sold so no more Bagos on this trip. Sophie did find a rather large wicker basket that took up plenty of room.  The only good thing was out dirty clothes bag fit in it. Had a B'fast camp in Old Town and checked out some other little shops before driving to the beach.  We had to get hungry and find the firefighters place for more chowder.  Filled up with chowder and then gas.....uh I mean Wilbur got the gas and we headed into Yahats.  After a snack and a nap we take off.  Just before the Newport bridge traffic stopped so we took a detour and parked out on the South Jetty for awhile.  Since it is kind of cold and windy we decide to head inland to Toledo.  Now for those who have never been to Toledo, OR you either like it or not.  It is about 7 miles from Newport. We had been here before but not with Wilbur so I figured it was time to check out the Elks.  A small RV lot with Cable, Elect, water and dump $12.00 so we stay.  The lodge was closed but we check out the town and there is a farmers market tomorrow.  And there are a few "little shops" here.  The town is built on a hillside so a short walk is enough before bedtime.

Wednesday 7/14/10

Down Town Toledo Wednesday Market.

Since we need to be home tonight this is our last day for this trip.  The town has sidewalks set up with tables of everything from fresh fruit and veggies to thrift store give aways.  Don't tell anyone but Sophie even picked up something from the free box at one place.  And then on the way out of town towards Newport I see an old Bago in a driveway that also has a garage sale.  Now any excuse to look at Bagos is a good excuse.  This place had been a wrecking yard/townig place for years and had more RV junk than should be allowed.  I was told there were 40 acres of junk here.  I did find 1 and 1/2 Bagos and there were probably more around buried in mud and blackberries.  Sophie didn't even get out to look at the junk and told me no more of this kind of place to stop at.  I left my phone number with a guy who said this was his dads place and his dad was in bad shape.  So maybe they will just loose my number.  In Newport we check out another "little shop" where Sophie finds a crystal bowl she loves for $2.00.  The casino in Lincoln City is our next stop and then it is on to Spirit Mtn. casino to use the dump station.  I did have a spring break on the toilet in Wilbur and it will need to be removed so I want the holding tank to be clean when I do that.  The last 30 miles home was just fine except the valley is warmer than the coast.  Another great trip down the coast with a few problems but nothing we couldn't handle.

The Casino in Crescent, CA Dry camping lot.

Saint Helens, OR

We drove into the town of Saint Helens and right off found some of what we call "little shops" (Thrift stores).  And one very good one too.  After checking in with Jerrie and Diane we parked at the Elks lodge and rested.  Then we were picked up and given a tour of the twin Bagos that Jerrie has collected and their house on the hill.  I will say he has his work cut out for him with those 2 .  But he just might build one good one out of the two.  Then it was off for a tour of town and dinner.  Very nice town and a great meal.  Then it was back to Wilbur for some more good conversation.  We sure like talking with good friends.   To bad Jerrie didn't get a MH they could use without so much work (sorry Jerrie) then we coulkd have more friends to vacation with.

6/24/10

It was kind of hot weather yesterday and the Elks RV area was so quite we sleep in until after 9 AM.  That was really sleeping in.  And we have only been retired less than 2 weeks,lol. 

This was shower day and it was noon until we got going.  Parts of the Twilight movie were shot here and since Sophie and Steph have read the books and seen the movies we had to buy a book  of the different things that were filmed here.  So after looking in the book and touring the town we took in the local concert in the park on the river with Jerrie, Diane and Diane's mom.  It was fun to listen to the music and watch the huge cargo ships go up and down the river.
After some listening we went over to Diane's mom's house.  Park like back yard on a creek.

During the concert in the park.

Mount St Helens in the background. We were told this is a car hauler.

Beaverton Elks

Beaverton Elks 6/22/10

Drove to Beaverton where our daughter lives.  It was her 22nd B'Day and we thought we would try out the local Elks lodge RV park.  Kind of nice with workout rooms and sauna.  They have a park at the lodge that looks like a great place for family fun.  The RV lot was not very level but had some large ramps to drive up the front wheels up on.  Electric and water at the sites.  They have some wifi but since we got in at closing we never figured out how to use it. 

Moving again

Lucky me.

When it comes to pulling a Uhaul trailer, the big one, my van works good.  That is until yesterday.  My future SIL is moving to Beaverton from Corvallis after graduating from OSU.  He starts a real job Monday.

So with a loaded trailer we left Corvallis headed to Beaverton.  Only 5PM or so we hit I-5 and I notice the battery gauge is lower than it usually is.  I turn off the lights and it goes up some.  As we drive on I notice it going lower.  Off goes the radio, GPS, fan and anything to save power.  As we get closer to beaverton the gauge is getting very low.  I guess the lowest mark is 8 and so when does this thing die.  We have people arriving to unload the trailer so I will keep driving until it quits or we make it.  Well we did make it and then I took the battery out and off to get another one.  Great thing about GPS is finding a store.  The closest Autozone was about 5 miles away and I bought a battery and off we drove.  Installed the batt and it looked like everything was AOK.  But then the battery light came back on.  We made it home and I charged up the batt before returning the Uhaul.  Removed the alternator and had it tested and they said it was good.  Installed new belt but when I started it up the same battery light came back on.  Oh well another thing to work on...........

I'm Retired, week one............

It has been a full week since I have retired and now I know why people say about retirement, "I am busier now then when I worked full time". 
I guess it was the Memorial day weekend when we were on the coast that we turned off the brain and relaxed.  I told Sophie that we were relaxing and decomposing, lol.  I meant to say decompressing, but if the word fits, use it.
So this first week off I have moved my daughter home from Corvallis, helped my wife move 20 years of teaching materials from her school to our house, That took 2 days and some of it is still needing to be put away, picked up son and GF from the airport and took them back a few days later, dealt with parents doctors, attended OSU's graduation for my daughter and her Mr right and the proposing to of my daughter following that, OH she said yes, had one open house to celebrate the graduation and then went to another open house, Had to hear about all the planning it takes to get married, NO I did not go look at dresses, and I know there were several other things done during the first week of retirement, but you know the mind is the second thing to go................... And tomorrow I get to pick up another U-Haul trailer to move someone from Corvallis to Hillsboro.  And of course my little someone is going there too.
 
Let's see fathers day is coming up and maybe another day off.

Memorial Day weekend 2010

Another great getaway for us was a trip to the Oregon Coast.  Things around home have been way to busy lately.  But all that was put behind us as we loaded up Wilbur and drove to Lincoln City Saturday.  The weather was pretty good Saturday when we arrived at the coast.  Then we went to the Fab Four concert.  It was a very good time.  I almost forgot how good the Beatles were.  This was a way to forget about a busy life. 

Did I tell you only 9 more days of full time work.   Yes retirement is close, very close and we are ready......

Hoodstock 2010

Another great time was had at the Hood River County Fairgrounds during the Blossom Festival.
We let our hair down, so to speak.

                                                                                    

Wilbur gets new stuff

So this year Wilbur is getting some updates in the coach battery area.  I installed a PD9245 convertor with battery charging

Where's the Tsunami?

Of course we were at the coast looking for a Tsunami, but never saw it.  Friday was at the Spirit Mtn. Casino for Brad Garrett and then Saturday we drove to the coast.  Then my brother told me about the earth quake and tsunami warning.  And the radio was talking about it too.  Even Sophie's brother, who is on vacation in Hawaii was texting and calling about the sirens going off at 6 in the AM.  So we move to higher ground and watch.  Lots of people were also watching.  Then after a walk, and getting rained on, we call it a day and head home.

Presidents Day 2010

So the first outing of the year with Wilbur turned out to be great.  The weather on the Oregon Coast was better than we could have ever thought.  Seeing the big waves in the sun made us want to stay longer.  But for now it is back to work.  Oh well three day weekends sure beat  two day weekends.

This was where we spent the night.  They came around this morning and put flags out. 

Just another beautiful day at the beach.  We took a long walk and had lunch before returning home.  I guess we will be back another day............

Happy Valentines Day

Well here it is, another Valentines day.  And as one of the comedians said last night, no on second thought I better not say that.  After all I am happily married and plan on staying that way. 

So we spent Friday night at Spirit Mtn. Casino and saw Natalie Cole perform. 

The RV lot is back open along with my favorite dump station.  It is on our way home from the coast.

Saturday we headed to the coast for the Comedy show.  Always good for a laugh and after all laughter is the best medicine.  We spent the night in the free dry camping lot along with several others.

This is at the Chinook Winds Casino upper lot.  If you look way to the right of the picture you can '72 Chieftain.  You can bet I will walk down that way before we leave.  But you never know about those people with old motorhomes.........

Well its off to the casino to see what free stuff we can get for Valentines day.

Oh we won a couple of red coffee mugs. 

Testing new editor

So Blogger has a new editor and what would be better than a test post.  If you have ever wanted a Blog it really is easy.  In fact the only hard thing is to keep blogging.  If I could do it every day, and people would read it, then there would be a lot of reasons to blog.
So this is a test blog.

And I know someone who would like to get parts off this rig, right Jeff???

So far this works good.

Deep cleaning Wilbur

So when I put the new (to me) seats and cushions in Wilbur they were not really clean but in good shape. So while I had a carpet cleaning machine rented, for another house I was working on, I decided to give use it on Wilbur.
The carpet in the main part was shampooed 5 years ago after replacing the roof, but with the upholstery tools I did all of the front area around the seats. Boy do things get dirty after only 37 years. Oh the carpet was probably cleaned sometime before but the Green Shag does look good now.
Sophie wants everything clean before we head out this year. That means scrubbing down everything from the dash to the bathroom. She likes the dirt to be "fresh" every so often.
And while I was at cleaning Wilbur I needed to do the car floor mats, a few throw rugs from the house and some odds things that were dirty. And I was about wore out by the time I was done with that job...............

The Edelbrock 1406 Install

Saturday January 15th, 2010

So I bought the carb on Craigslist for $82.00 and the adapter to the intake manifold on Ebay for $23.00. Then I bought the fuel line connector from a shop. Seems that the carb has a special thread on this connector and nothing else will work.

I thought today I would put it on so I back Wilbur out of the garage and start removing the old carb. Then I found out that I do not need the vacuum connection on the rear of the carb so I go pick up a brass plug at Lowes for that (It's a 1/4" pipe thread).

Then when I set the new carb on I decide to use the adapter for the throttle cable. So another trip to Auto Zone. The electric choke needs power and I ran a wire from the fuse block to the pos terminal and a wire from the neg terminal to a bolt on the carb. OK I forgot to hook the pos wire to the choke after I spent all the time running the power from the fuse block to the carb I left the wire off the choke untill after I started it up.

Then when everything was hooked up I started it up again. The idle speed need a little adjust and I did adjust the idle air screws some but it ran good right off.

The last trip to the parts place was for an air cleaner rod. The one I had around here to use was not threaded very far and was too long. So for $2.00 I bought a new rod. Then came the drive test. You know how fun it is when you have to make sure the trans shifts down when you stomp on the gas and the secondaries open up too.

The U Haul place and a new carb for Wilbur

Sunday Jan 10th, 2010
So here it is Sunday. My son moved to Phoenix, AZ on December 28th and yesterday my daughter moved back to Corvallis, OR. For my son we needed to pack up his small house and put it in a small trailer.
Then for my daughter the short move to CVO (Corvallis) was probably the last of many moves for her to CVO. Since she is a senior at OSU, and they do not have a nursing program, she will probably go else where this Fall.
I think 2 moves in two weeks is enough. My wife and I need a few weeks off from the U Haul place.
As far as the Winnebago stuff goes, I bought a used Edelbrock 1406 carb. Now I am wanting to buy the adapter for bolting it on where my thermoquad carb was. They make an adapter I would like to get. The best place right now to find one is good old Ebay.
This new carb should get better MPG than the old one. Guess a '73 carb is not as good as a newer designed carb. Will try to let you know how that goes

Happy New Year

Friday January 1st, 2010

What would be more fun than looking thru old motorhomes for parts with a friend? Nothing I could think of.

So a trip to Jacks place on New Years Day was in order. Now for those of you who have never been to this place take a look.

Terry got the fridge from this '77 Brave