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IN THIS NEWSLETTER POST SCRIPT TO LAZY DAYS
POST SCRIPT TO LAZY DAYS I reported about the poor design and construction of the new campground at LazyDays in our last newsletter and just after that newsletter went out, Ron was talking to a man who was going to be the assistant campground coordinator. Ron was surprised when he readily admitted that the campground problem hurt LazyDays and they were told to do anything and everything to make the campers happy and to fix the problem. Over 100 sites had been tagged as needing to be redone completely. It may take a while, but it will get fixed. We heard from many who thought the rallies were not worth the amount charged and several said that in the future if they wanted to be at LazyDays during their super sale, they would stay in the campground, but avoid the rally. The cost per RV was over $150 for the three day rally. Besides camping for three days which is worth about $75, the rally attendees get two breakfasts and two dinners with entertainment and door prizes. If one just camps at the LazyDays campground during the supersale they get a free breakfast at LazyDays anyway and anyone (even those not camped at the campground) can attend all of the seminars for free. Now You Can Hear Us Coming As I said last month our seminars were very well attended and LazyDays must have appreciated what we did because at our last session they presented us with a set of musical horns for our motorhome. It comes pre-programmed with 99 songs and we can't wait to get it installed. We will do that at Pro-tech in Seguin early in March when we go there to finish the accident repair.
WE VACATION AT DISNEY WORLD I have already posted a complete story with pictures which you can read by going to our story about Disney. But for those of you who are traveling and not able to surf the web, I am writing a synopsis here in the newsletter. Our last seminar at LazyDays was on January 29 and we pulled out of the campground there the next morning for the short drive to Walt Disney World (WDW). Only the drive was twice as long as expected due to a bad accident on I-4. We were lucky not to have to sit on the freeway for hours because we scooted off the freeway and took some back roads to the park. Once in the park, we registered, parked and set up with only one problem. I parked Ron in the wrong site. We were supposed to be in 1018 and I put him in 1020 thinking that was 1018. After we were all set up and ready to head out to play Ron noticed my error and as you might guess, he was not happy to think that we had to undo everything and move next door. I quickly drove up to the check in office and asked if we could switch since we were already set up. They okayed that. I was lucky wasn't I? We had purchased the 5 day Park Hopper pass which gave us unlimited visits to the four theme parks (Animal Kingdom, MGM, Epcot and the Magic Kingdom) plus two visits to one of the water parks or Pleasure Island. Since we were staying 6 nights we felt we would be kept busy. We had been to Disney World before and were very familiar with Magic Kingdom and Epcot. The last time we visited the park (1989) Disney's MGM Studios had just opened, but it was so new that it wasn't really complete. We knew there was more to see there and that Animal Kingdom was new so put those two parks on the top of our list. MGM had another draw for me which was a new attraction --- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. My kids had been, loved it and knew it would be something I would be excited about. I couldn't wait. There were no lines anywhere on that bright beautiful Sunday and we walked right into the Tower of Terror with butterflies in our stomachs. Ron doesn't like roller coasters and other such rides, but is a good friend and goes with me. The ride is wonderfully scary. Along with the story and the special effects that only Disney can do, the elevator goes up then falls (30 stories) only to rise and fall two more times. We watched the Mulan parade, visited some other attractions then finished the day by viewing the spectacular Fantasmic Laser light show. Each park closes at a different time and we could have gone over to Epcot for a while, but we were tired after having "moved" that day too. We had planned to spend our first full day at the newest park---Animal Kingdom and had been told that the best time to take the jungle safari is early in the day so we were up at dawn and on a bus by 7:30. The day did not look promising. The weather forecast predicted a 20% chance of rain and the temperatures weren't expected to reach much more than the low 60s. We dressed in layers. Again we were surprised to find there were no crowds and got right on the Safari. The animals were wonderful. Disney adds a few scary minutes to the ride like when a bridge starts to fall, but it was not a contrivance that made the rain begin and we knew it would be an all day event too. There is nothing worse than a cold rain when you are supposed to be having fun. "It is Tough to be a Bug" was near the Safari and what a treat it was. This movie was in four dimensions. We wore glasses and delighted in bugs appearing to be right at our fingertips or on our nose. But when we could feel the scurrying of bugs under our seats and feet, well that was something else. How do they do that? Also we smelled the stink bug when that bug was featured. The rain didn't let up and since a lot of what makes Animal Kingdom interesting is outside we decided hop over to Epcot. Except for that first afternoon all of our days at WDW were cool with short sunny periods. We were constantly adding or removing clothing. We never experienced crowds or lines during the whole time. Pleasure Island and all of the night life was fun; we especially enjoyed the Adventurers Club. Epcot's new Millennium Village was a treat because we got to visit with representatives of Scotland, Sweden, Ethiopia, Brazil, Chile, Saudi Arabia and more. At Epcot we also enjoyed eating in China, Japan and Great Britain. All were wonderful. We spent one fun day resort hopping. After visiting just a few of the Disney resorts we felt fortunate to be able to stay in our own home, sleep in our own bed, yet enjoy all that Disney World had to offer. We paid $41 per night plus tax to camp in the full hook up sites at the campground; the nightly rate at the resorts we visited ranged from $150 to $500. There are so many things that I could highlight about our stay at WDW,
but it would take too much space to do it justice. We enjoyed all of the
shows (each park has a number of live shows) and were always impressed
with the talent of the performers. We loved the new four dimensional shows,
the parades, the fireworks at closing at each park, and the smoothness
with which the park operates.
A FUN VISIT WITH A READER IN VENICE, FL Movin' On fans Jerry and Pam Fink have a very nice home in Venice, Florida, and had invited us to come and stay with them for a few days. They thought we might like a place to get away from the crowds after LazyDays and Disney. They were wonderful hosts and we were very impressed with their long, level, paved RV pad complete with 50 amp electrical plug and patio. We were invited to make ourselves at home; we were shown where the internet connection was in the office, directed to the citrus trees and we were even told that we could shower in their house and use the washer and dryer. Although we didn't use their shower or laundry we did use their phone plug and we still can't get over how delicious the oranges and grapefruit are (we took a few for the road and are still enjoying them). Jerry and Pam are a couple years from full retirement and have a travel
trailer that they like to use for short trips. We posted a picture of their
place on What's
New and hope you have a chance to look at it. Thanks again guys;
it was just what we needed for R & R.
HAVING FUN IN WEST PALM BEACH My daughter Glenda and six year old grandson Erkki live in West Palm Beach and we had originally planned to spend at least three weeks there over Christmas until the accident made us change our plans. We camped just a few miles from their home at Lake Worth's John Prince Park Campground, but could only get in for one week. This lovely campground wouldn't have been at all busy in December and it would have been easy to get in and stay for the whole month without a reservation. But because it is so nice, it is popular as a snowbird destination. Every campsite is reserve able for up to 100 days and because of that it is nearly impossible to get a site for more than a few days during January, February and March. Glenda is a single parent who owns Crystal Creations, a wonderful bead, crystal, and jewelry store at 4058 Forest Hill Boulevard. Besides visiting them, we wanted to give her a break from driving Erkki to and from school and having to hire sitters for other times. What a joy it was to have them near and to be able to help. Erkki stayed with us for a few nights and it was even fun to get up at 6 a.m. so we could get him ready for school and then make the 40 minute drive. Florida has what are called "magnet" schools which are public schools which specialize in some aspect of education. Erkki's school uses the Montessori method of teaching. But these magnet schools are not neighborhood schools thus the transportation problem. The John Prince Park Campground has a wonderful nine mile bike path and is only a couple miles from one of the best beaches in Florida at Lake Worth. Usually after we drove Erkki to school, we went to that beach, walked for an hour on the beach which was nearly empty at such an early hour (8-9 a.m.) then we ordered a cup of coffee and a toasted bagel "to go" from the restaurant on the beach, grabbed a newspaper and sat on a park bench to enjoy. This was truly a delight to all senses. Our feet were freshly scrubbed from walking barefoot on the sand, our skin was warmed from the sun and kissed by a gentle breeze, the waves crashing on the beach and sea gulls squawking was like music orchestrated as only God could do, all the brilliant colors of sea, sky and sand sparkled happily and the coffee and bagels were like a manna. And when Erkki came home from school and we got to visit with him about his day, it was like being young again ourselves. We went to the playground, we read, he read, we played UNO, and we talked. We loved every minute. Granddaughter Liisa (remember stories about her from our books?) is
all grown up and lives just a little north of West Palm Beach and we were
excited that she was in town for a class she was taking to enhance her
massage skills. Her fiancé, Tao, is in training to be a pilot. Someday
Glenda's shop is busy and we are so proud of her, the beautiful work she does and she is a super mom. If you are into beading and live anywhere near West Palm Beach, you would love to visit her shop. Check out her web site too. We really hated to leave that area so soon after arriving. I checked with every campground for miles around and there were no vacancies anywhere because of the President's Day holiday. We even tried to get into the $50 per night park in West Palm Beach.
VISITING OUR HOME COAST TO COAST PARK You may remember that one year ago Ron wrote about the sad fact that our home park with Coast to Coast in Davison, Michigan, which we paid over $6,000 for went bankrupt and that left us high and dry in Coast to Coast. Even before our park went under we learned that one need not pay so much and have suggested that anyone looking to join Coast to Coast pick an inexpensive membership then use it often. Needing to find another home park, we took our own advice and looked at Wilderness Park in Robersdale, Alabama. I mean we looked into it without actually coming to the park. When we called seeking information about the park George and Sally Kalaris were very friendly; it was like talking with friends. It fit our needs and was in our price range so we chose it to be our new home park. We are visiting our home park for the first time and can't tell you how happy we are that this is our "home." We want to share what we know and if you are looking for a way to get into Coast to Coast inexpensively this might be something you'd like. First of all it is conveniently located just a short distance off of I-10 in that little bit of southern Alabama that fits between Louisiana and Florida. Winter temperatures are like those of Pensicola but not toasty warm like southern Florida; it is pleasant right now. I would describe the temperatures as spring like---mid 60's to 70's during the day and 40's at night. The sites are nice and there are plenty of trees but not so many that anyone would get into trouble. This beautiful area is only about 30 miles from Gulf Shores which has the most gorgeous beaches we have ever seen. The pure white sand is as fine as sugar. They offer several different memberships here, but I am only quoting the one we bought into which is the ALPHA membership. It gives you membership at Wilderness RV park plus CCC and/or RPI. Total initial purchase price of $545.00 includes the first year's annual maintenance fee of $202 plus $69.95 CCC and/or $59.00 for RPI renewal fees. This means that the actual fee for the right to camp here for free and the access to the other reciprocal parks is under $300. As an Alpha member you would be able to camp here as often as your calendar and availability permits. You would be able to stay for up to 14 days at a time then have to be out for 7 days before coming back in again. You don't pay to camp here; it is your home park. They have a sister park near Brunswick, Georgia, and the other membership plans allow for usage of that park as well and longer stays in the Coast to Coast system and/or RPI. Call George at 1-800-852-1206 and you too could be a member here. All
you need is a credit card and it can all be done over the phone. There
are no hidden costs or tricks. You will be treated well when you call,
and you are welcome to say that we sent you. We like to share good
LIFE ON WHEELS IN SAN MARCOS CANCELED Unfortunately the Life on Wheels Conference which was scheduled to be held in San Marcos, Texas, from March 12-15 has had to be canceled for lack of registrations. But we learned that there is one scheduled for Bowling Green, Kentucky, this May and of course the big one in Moscow, Idaho, is still on for July 9-14. We won't be presenting any classes in Bowling Green but will be in Idaho. If you'd like any further information call 1-800-626-6189 ext. 8888 or go to their web site. http://www.lifeonwheels.com
MOVIN' ON I haven't reminded any of you lately that our book is still available through lots of places. If you don't have our book, we'd love to have you get a copy. We guarantee that if you don't like it we will refund the full purchase price including any shipping. We are that confident that you will like it. Here are the web sites and/or 800 numbers for easy ordering of Movin' On. The retail price is $16.95 plus shipping and handling. Bookmasters 1-800-247-6553 or 419-281-1802
To order from Amazon.com click on the link and it will take you right to our book. To order from Barnes and Noble click on the link and it will take you right to our book. *** Both Barnes and Nobel and Amazon discount the book. To order from Workamper News click on the link and it will take you right to our book. If you'd like your own book store to order it for you they will gladly do it for you, but it could take up to two weeks for them to get a copy. You don't have to have our book in order to
receive this newsletter,
LETTERS Good info but.... Thu, 10 Feb 2000 Hi, Ron and Barb
Bob and Jody Egan Bob, I wish I knew. I don't get to check the message
board often as we are on the road, but perhaps I need to promote it more.
Most who did use it a lot are now on the road as full-timers and
they also don't get to go to the web. Thanks for writing. Glad you are
enjoying our site.
My First Time! Sat, 12 Feb 2000 Do you remember the first time you did it and how great it felt? Well, today I did it for the first time and it felt GREAT. Oh sorry. Not THAT "it." That was too long ago to remember. Today I drove a diesel pusher for the first time. A BIG diesel pusher.... A friend of mine owns a 40' Mountain Aire. We have been trying to get together since early last year for him to "show me the ropes" about driving a big rig, but our schedules always seemed to conflict. Today we finally got together. Diane and I met Chris at a local campground where he stores his MH. He drove it to a relatively abandoned shopping center with a large part of the parking lot empty. He let me drive it around a few times doing left and right turns and getting used to the feel of the coach and air brakes (not as hard as I thought it would be). Then he said I should take it out onto I-75 to see how it handled on the open road. Well it felt GREAT. I was focusing on keeping it between the white lines (not a problem). It was then that I decided it might be a good idea to look at the speedometer (although everyone was passing me). I think my comment went something like "Holy s_ _t, I'm going 75 miles an hour." To which my friend Chris smiled and said "I was wondering when you would realize how fast you were going." I had told Diane that I couldn't see myself driving a big rig any faster than about 65 mph. This MH glided down the highway. When I slowed down to 65, it felt like I was hardly moving. There was a little white knuckle time on the way back to the campground when the road narrowed and there were those horrible concrete construction barriers. It was good to have Chris right there with me. He said not to worry. Just hug the center yellow line and they'll [other drivers] move over for me. Sure enough, oncoming cars moved to the right side of their lanes and it took the pressure off of having to worry about the right side of the MH. It would not have been a good day if I managed to scrape the entire right side of the coach on those barriers. What a day. My confidence level went up lots today about driving a 38' diesel pusher. But first chance we get we'll sign up for a driving course. I know there is lots more to learn. Peace,
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COFFEE BREAK Desperately needs help Sun, 20 Feb 2000 Your site is very nicely done and a great resource. I just bought a
new Fleetwood Bounder 32H motorhome and noticed after I bought it the warning
sticker in the bathroom about the urea formaldehyde resins used to manufacture
the wood products in the unit and the warning of how it effects some people
with dizziness and headaches, sore throat, and respiratory problems. I
tried to drive the unit from Spokane Washington to Dallas, TX. I ended
up getting only halfway there in Utah, where I got very sick and had to
be picked up by ambulance, at first they thought I had carbon monoxide
poisoning, that proved to not be the case, the doctor told me that it sounded
like formaldehyde. Anyway I couldn't even drive the motorhome after that.
I stayed in a motel, and called my dealer, who was helpful in that he had
the motorhome picked up and transported to Dallas for me. I have been airing
it out each day, but when I turn the heater on in the motorhome part of
the unit, within five minutes the dizziness starts and my throat gets
Desperate for help. (Andreas Hofmann) Andreas, Oh, wow and how horrible! I have never heard of this, but it certainly is reasonable that you are allergic to the formaldehyde process. I would say that it is just one of those things. It is probably worse when heated that is why turning the heater on makes it worse. Some people are allergic to strange things. When I worked at the hospital a woman came into the emergency room several times in anaphylactic shock. It turned out she was allergic to her husband's semen and when they had intercourse, she went into shock. One can never predict what one may be allergic to if you were never exposed to it before. It would be nice if Fleetwood or the dealer would take your Bounder back in trade for one that didn't affect you so. Barb
POTPOURRI by RON Why is it when visiting Disney World people feel that they have to "do" every attraction and even check them off? We got caught up in that for a while until we decided to just relax and enjoy the surroundings at a leisurely pace. As you know this old retired accountant is thrifty, but surprisingly I didn't mind paying for pricey gourmet meals at Disney. Every one was outstanding and well served. We got our money's worth. You can buy a plastic poncho at Disney for $5 and we were quick to do so when the mist became a downpour. I suppose the Mickey emblem on the back made them so valuable. But I wasn't going to argue. It may be a sign of the times. Barb's favorite bagel shop in West Palm Beach has now been replaced by a Cuban restaurant. We have seen beaches on both Florida coasts and at Gulf Shores, Alabama. The ones here at Gulf Shores are great with beautiful clean white sand, but the water and weather is cooler. I still think the best beaches are in Arizona, except that they don't have any water to go along with them. It's confession time. We have never stayed overnight in a Wal-Mart parking lot and had planned to do so at Thomasville, Georgia. Unfortunately I missed a turn and couldn't turn around for ten miles so continued on our way to a commercial park about thirty miles down the road. Even though we have been on the road for eleven years, you are not considered a true full-timer until you have stayed at a Wal-Mart. I will try once again to validate our credentials as we continue west. Since Barb's newsletter is becoming so popular, I felt that I should
also mention one other good thing about it. We have never shared addresses
with commercial companies or individuals, so you can be assured that your
email address will only be used to send you the newsletter. Those of you
who previously subscribed to our paper newsletter knew this to be true
also.
THIS 'nTHAT Please allow me to brag a bit about my six year old grandson Erkki. He is so smart. We were totally amazed at the words he used in conversation. For example he and I were returning to the campground from the store and in front of us was a 34 foot motorhome. Erkki said, "With such a large vehicle you'd have to be very careful making turns, wouldn't you?" Mel Chaney (and his wife Susan) one of the contributing writers for
RV Companion is here at our home park in Alabama. In fact this is also
his home park. His expertise is in techie stuff like computers, Internet
and cell phones so I was excited to find him here and I encouraged him
to
As of two weeks ago, we had no idea of our route to Texas. We thought of going to Savanna, Georgia, but decided against it because we didn't to rush. We have an appointment at Pro-Tech on March 9 and we are looking forward to a week-long house boat trip with three other couples on Arizona's Lake Powell April 4-10. It has been planned for a long time so we can't dawdle too long. We are heading west come Sunday, February 27. We plan to go northwest
on U.S. route 45 then take U.S. 84 all the way through Mississippi and
Louisiana. We have a couple of stops planned, but have not made reservations
so who knows where we will end up. We may even find that
The third issue of RV Companion is out and it just keeps getting better. If you didn't take advantage of their special introductory offer of 6 issue for only $10, you can still do so. Just call Call 1-800-382- 0860. When you get this please know that I have added a new View from the Driver's Seat column. I think Ron is getting tired of me nagging him to put out (an article), but as soon as he does sit down with his goal, he cranks his pearls of wisdom out like it was nothing. Maybe he needs more encouragement to write more often from all of you. Speaking of Ron, he just had another remarkably low PSA reading which of course means that his prostate has remained cancer free. Every three months when he goes for the test, I hold my breath wondering if it will be still low or if it will be sky high. We are so blessed. SAD NEWS For those of you who used to subscribe to the paper version of Movin' On or had attended our camp outs, we are sad to report that our dear friend Dena Duncan has lost her battle to cancer. You may remember that we reported of her courageous radical mastectomy as an out patient; she bounced back and took an exotic trip to Russia. Later there was more surgery and yet another exotic trip. She loved full-timing and traveling the world too. What a lady. Our camp out friends will remember her bright and sunny disposition even though she knew she had one hell of a fight. Our prayers are with Gordon (her husband of many years who is from South Africa) and the rest of the family. Her loss is great to the whole world, but we who knew her personally miss her terribly. See ya down the road!!! Happy trails until then
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