Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Rate this Entry

The AS Adventure Begins at Easter

Posted 04-18-2011 at 12:05 PM by Silver Otter

The shakedown camp was a success two weeks ago, even though the Fed. Govt. threatened a shut down which would have booted us from our National Forest campsite. It didn't happen (this time) and now preparations are underway to outfit the Silver Otter for her first long trip behind our truck.

We've bought tons of fittings and frills. The linens and kitchen ware are in place. A few tests of the plumbing systems with the new filters, etc. and we should be ready to go.

I sheared one of the retainers for the spring arms on the Hensley last night. Called to order a new zerc and they were very helpful. If I can successfully install it and fill up the fitting with the grease gun we should be good to go.

We'll report from the road.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	The Castle Entry.jpg
Views:	1145
Size:	322.2 KB
ID:	2980  
Posted in Uncategorized
Views 3045 Comments 13
« Prev     Main     Next »
Total Comments 13

Comments

  1. Old Comment
    JFScheck's Avatar
    Good Luck - look forward to your reports!
    Posted 04-18-2011 at 04:13 PM by JFScheck JFScheck is offline
  2. Old Comment
    Silver Otter's Avatar
    New zerc installed in the Hensley and filled with grease from the new grease gun. (Now, how to store *that* toxic, messy thing?) Got the Sewer Solutions pump. As with all things plumbing and me, the fitting needs an collar I don't have to reduce the Thetford to 3 inches. Ordered from Amazon for quick delivery so we can hit the road on Sunday.
    Posted 04-20-2011 at 06:52 PM by Silver Otter Silver Otter is offline
  3. Old Comment
    Silver Otter's Avatar
    So, in 'testing' the breakaway I broke the little plastic thingy trying to re-insert it. Another quick-ship order from Amazon should have THAT replaced this afternoon. The water heater relief valve poppit continues to FAIL. We have an appointment at Jackson Center on the way home to have some basic service done, including that annoying thing. (I hate plumbing!)

    The Adventure Continues.
    Posted 04-22-2011 at 08:04 AM by Silver Otter Silver Otter is offline
  4. Old Comment
    Silver Otter's Avatar
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by JFScheck
    Good Luck - look forward to your reports!
    Thanks for your encouragement. I read with interest your "upgrade" posts about your new AS. Isn't this just FUN?!
    Posted 04-22-2011 at 08:06 AM by Silver Otter Silver Otter is offline
  5. Old Comment
    Silver Otter's Avatar
    Installation of the breakaway went smoothly. Also the installation and testing of the Sewer Solution. That's going to be a boon for ever. Almost loaded, with the exception of the final food tote and some clothes. Eager to get rolling.
    Posted 04-22-2011 at 04:41 PM by Silver Otter Silver Otter is offline
  6. Old Comment
    Silver Otter's Avatar

    Day 2 Morning

    Day 2 Morning Reflections: The first pull from Fishersville to Pipestem Park after church affirmed my desire for a 3/4 ton diesel in May. Site #25 is nice, FHU. First exercise was crawling in through the back storage and pushing the heavy Tempur-Pedic up with my back because the Deadbeat Dead Bolt in the door had locked itself and we couldn't get in. That done, we connected power, water, and the Sewer Solution (what a dream THAT is).

    Son, Daughter-in-law, and MomAndDad-in-law all came up to visit from Tazewell, the kids for dinner and MomAndDad afterward for the campfire. All systems work fine except that blasted Atwood Water Heater relief valve, which SPEWS water down the side of our AS and all over the forest floor.
    Posted 04-25-2011 at 05:55 AM by Silver Otter Silver Otter is offline
  7. Old Comment
    Silver Otter's Avatar

    Day 4 Morning

    Got up on Day 3 and pulled to the Smokies. Easy ride and nice, if open, camp complex on a small creek. FHU with no problems. Took a short drive to a 3 mile RT hike to a waterfall. Mostly uphill outbound, and hard on the old knee. Came home exhausted, showered, and had a nice late dinner in The Otter.

    We're up and ready to go explore Cades Cove again this morning, 42 years after our first visit as honeymooners. Aw. (Weather Fear Mongers are predicting big storms, so we might be home bound sooner than later.
    Posted 04-27-2011 at 07:14 AM by Silver Otter Silver Otter is offline
  8. Old Comment
    Silver Otter's Avatar

    Day 10 evening @ Jackson Center

    Well, we made it to the Mothership after many interesting days on the road in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and on to Ohio.

    Day 4 was in Cades Cove and then south to the new visitor center for the Smokies. Fabulous day, missing the rain showers for all the things we wanted to do. Found and bought an Otter hand puppet and a small pewter otter pin for my hat. We now have a mascot on board.

    Day 5 pulled the long day to Kickapoo State Park in Illinois. Quick electric only camp on our way to Madison.

    Day 6 ran up to Madison to stay at the Lake Farm County Park. Very nice new park with easy access, electric only. Stayed two nights due to a Training event at MATC.

    Day 8 eased over to Pokagon State Park near Angola, Indiana. This will spoil you for State Parks in the future. Built during the CCC era, it is a gem among State Parks. Visited with a childhood friend and her husband, also in their AS.

    Day 9 ran only 45 miles more East to Harrison Lake, near Fayette, OH. Family gathering and much fun. The North Camp at Harrison Lake was closed due to paving, so we set up at the less luxurious South Camp.

    That bring us to the Airstream Factory this evening, with a 7 AM service appointment. Off to bed.
    Posted 05-03-2011 at 08:21 PM by Silver Otter Silver Otter is offline
  9. Old Comment
    Silver Otter's Avatar

    Home Now

    Saturday, May 7 - Home last night from the first long trip. What a blast!

    Stayed Day 10 and Day 11 at Jackson Center, as there was much on my ToDo list. The service and customer relations were excellent. We have a new Fantastic Fan in the BR, a new exhaust fan in the bathroom, the water heater now works flawlessly (no more spewing down the side of the trailer), the front window has a replaced screen and doesn't leak any longer, the medium awning has a new flexkey installed, and we have two new Lifeline batteries.

    While in JC, we explored a number of historical sites in the area, particularly those related to Shawnee leaders Blue Jacket, Chief Tarhe, and Simon Kenton.

    One night in a strange RV "subdivision" on Lake Stephens in WV, and an easy pull home on Friday, May 6, brings our trip to an end.

    The next adventure is out to British Columbia and back.
    Posted 05-07-2011 at 01:54 PM by Silver Otter Silver Otter is offline
  10. Old Comment
    Silver Otter's Avatar

    The Big Trip West

    Just returned home from 8,000 miles; 18 states; 23 days. Due to both LONG days and sites often without good internet connection there were no entries from the road.

    Day One found us at Brown County State Park in Indiana. Highly Recommended as a landing place. Very nice selection of sites, both open or wooded to your prefs.

    Picked up a piece of old tent peg, and invested the better part of the next day getting a new tire.

    Days Five/Six took us to the next recommendation in Lolo, MT, just south of Missoula. There is a campground combined with a Square Dance Center which is run by really nice folks. Beautiful sites surrounded by pine trees. (We were on a Lewis and Clark mission for the outbound trip.)
    Posted 06-26-2011 at 07:41 AM by Silver Otter Silver Otter is offline
  11. Old Comment
    Silver Otter's Avatar

    The Oregon Coast

    After the convention in British Columbia, we ran south to the Columbia River at The Dalles, and then out to the Oregon Coast for four days of exploring up and down the coast.

    Went north to Ft. Clatsop and surroundings. Visited the Aquarium. Went south to Coos Bay. Every morning and night we looked out of the panorama windows directly at the Pacific Ocean from our site in Depoe Bay.

    Recommend the restaurant called Tidal Raves in Depoe Bay for nice local seafood.
    Posted 06-26-2011 at 07:51 AM by Silver Otter Silver Otter is offline
  12. Old Comment
    Silver Otter's Avatar

    Hail in Wyoming and Kansas

    The most frightening part of trip was two massive hail storms through which we drove (or sat on the side of the road with many others).

    Yes, there was a small amount of damage from the hail stones on our beloved aluminum. Still pondering about getting them "fixed" if it's even possible without replacing panels.

    From Kansas City home it was uneventful mid-west highways, with the disappointment of the poor condition of I-70 shaking us to bits.
    Posted 06-26-2011 at 07:56 AM by Silver Otter Silver Otter is offline
  13. Old Comment
    Silver Otter's Avatar
    As 2014 comes to an end, looking back on 3-1/2 years on the road with the Silver Otter. 42 states, 2 provinces, and about 350 nights have been a joy for the two of us. I hope to actually "retire" at the end of 2016, and then we will really get down to traveling.

    So far: Best Fun = Canopener in Jan. Best Camp = Palo Duro Canyon. Best Vacation Adventure = Big Bend. Best View = Campfire Lodgings, Asheville, NC. Best People = Country Bumpkin CG owners, Lincoln, NH.
    Posted 12-24-2014 at 09:38 AM by Silver Otter Silver Otter is offline
 
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:58 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.