Tree limbs fell in the campground after a night of torrential rain We seemed to be directly in Dorian’s path. At least that’s the way it looked early in the week before Labor Day. Given what we could see, it made sense to accelerate our departure from Jacksonville from Saturday to Thursday. Getting clearance from Cathy’s Radiation Oncologist and her surgeon that she was doing well, we firmed up our plans to leave. Where to go was the big problem. But luck was with us. Some last minute cancellations allowed us to spend a wonderful weekend at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in NC, visiting family and giving us an easy drive to Pocahontas State Park on Labor Day.
Dave inspecting new tires before we head out Finally Mobile Again
Staying in one place for 9 months causes all sort of “concrete” to be poured around your RV, making it harder to pick up and go. So, upon our return to Jacksonville from Cathy’s treatment in Frederick, we got into full gear dismantling and prepping to move. Although our planned departure date would be Saturday of Labor Day weekend, there was one deadline that made us get ready almost a week early.
l sort of “concrete” to be poured around your RV, making it harder to pick up and go. So, upon our return to Jacksonville from Cathy’s treatment in Frederick, we got into full gear dismantling and prepping to move. Although our planned departure date would be Saturday of Labor Day weekend, there was one deadline that made us get ready almost a week early.
Staying in one place for 9 months causes all sort of “concrete” to be poured around your RV, making it harder to pick up and go. So, upon our return to Jacksonville from Cathy’s treatment in Frederick, we got into full gear dismantling and prepping to move. Although our planned departure date would be Saturday of Labor Day weekend, there was one deadline that made us get ready almost a week early.
l sort of “concrete” to be poured around your RV, making it harder to pick up and go. So, upon our return to Jacksonville from Cathy’s treatment in Frederick, we got into full gear dismantling and prepping to move. Although our planned departure date would be Saturday of Labor Day weekend, there was one deadline that made us get ready almost a week early.
Trailer on jacks awaiting new tires Besides the general storing, cleaning and clearing out, the one prep task that had the highest priority was new trailer tires. After hearing of the multiple tire problems with our friend’s similarly-aged trailer in their northward trek in the Spring, we knew ours were on borrowed time. Dave researched the alternatives (as he always does) and settled on Goodyear Endeavor tires that were an upgrade in load rating (from D to E) over our existing tires. This would allow faster highway speeds without as much stress on the tires. Finding the best deal at nearby Discount Tire, we made an appointment for the Tuesday before Labor Day to have them mounted. So, we had to be ready to move by then.
Grill cleaned up for transport The truck bed needed some attention as well. The hitch had been exposed to the elements for the past year, since we had only recently installed a cover. It required some sanding and grease. After cleaning out the accumulated debris in the bed, we also organized the contents so the new generator could sit in a spot in the front near the cab. That would make it easier to use to charge the batteries and run the AC when we spent time unplugged. Speaking of the batteries, they were in need of water. In the process Dave cleaned the terminals and found a frayed cable that he replaced.
Fridge handle should be a mirror image of the freezer handle, but it works. Inside, there was one more unusual task that had a high priority. The clip on the fridge handle that kept it locked in place had broken over the winter. When the task of replacing it ran into several roadblocks, Cathy had let it slide. Now the replacement had to be found. Unfortunately, the part was no longer made. But she lucked into one for sale on eBay. When it arrived, she was dismayed to find that the seller had sold the wrong part. It was the mirror image of the one that was needed. Since there were so hard to find, Cathy tried it on any way. It fit and works fine, but just looks a little odd if you know what it was supposed to look like. The important thing is the fridge stays closed when we’re underway.
So, we were feeling pretty good about what we’d managed to get done when we pulled out to get our new tires Tuesday morning. We even got the Labor Day discount on top of the price match Dave had negotiated. The new tires were mounted and filled with air. Using our tire pressure sensors, Dave was able to detect that 2 of the tires were under-filled, a problem that was quickly corrected. Within an hour we were done and headed back to Faith . We still had 4 days to get the final checklist done. Things were going well.
So, we were feeling pretty good about what we’d managed to get done when we pulled out to get our new tires Tuesday morning. We even got the Labor Day discount on top of the price match Dave had negotiated. The new tires were mounted and filled with air. Using our tire pressure sensors, Dave was able to detect that 2 of the tires were under-filled, a problem that was quickly corrected. Within an hour we were done and headed back to Faith . We still had 4 days to get the final checklist done. Things were going well.
Until Dorian showed up on the weather forecast.
We realized that if it made landfall in Florida, even if it was much further south, the evacuation routes largely ran by Jacksonville. We didn’t want to become snarled in that kind of traffic. On Wednesday morning, we started thinking about leaving Friday. By Wednesday night, we had decided to leave on Thursday. By noon Thursday, we were on our way north.
We realized that if it made landfall in Florida, even if it was much further south, the evacuation routes largely ran by Jacksonville. We didn’t want to become snarled in that kind of traffic. On Wednesday morning, we started thinking about leaving Friday. By Wednesday night, we had decided to leave on Thursday. By noon Thursday, we were on our way north.
Boat Stuff
Leaving the boat in advance of a hurricane is a little unsettling, but we felt pretty good about it being protected from the elements under its cover. However, enough time had passed that the waterproofing needed to be refreshed. Cathy washed it and then sprayed the top half with 303 Fabricguard. Inside, a new tub of DampRid was placed to absorb moisture over the next few months. It had been working well for the last year, keeping the mold and mildew at bay.
Leaving the boat in advance of a hurricane is a little unsettling, but we felt pretty good about it being protected from the elements under its cover. However, enough time had passed that the waterproofing needed to be refreshed. Cathy washed it and then sprayed the top half with 303 Fabricguard. Inside, a new tub of DampRid was placed to absorb moisture over the next few months. It had been working well for the last year, keeping the mold and mildew at bay.
Callie helps out in the office Church Stuff
As we prepared to leave Faith, we had a “short list” of tasks that we needed (or wanted) to complete before we left for Virginia for a few months. One that made the list was to put more AC in Peeler Hall, where the Spanish congregation was now holding services. Since they had moved, the existing unit wasn’t keeping up with a building full of people. The solution was to redeploy a floor AC unit, but we needed a way to vent the exhaust. Using a drill, a hole saw, and a couple of trips to the hardware store, the exhaust was routed through a dryer vent hose and fitting to the outside. After all was in place with the unit on, the heat leaving through the new exhaust vent told us all was working well. The real test came that night during Bible study when all was cool!
Thankfully, given the late summer heat, there were more indoor tasks. Dave configured a computer to make a spare available in the office. He also helped Beyond90 set up their new computer classroom at Faith, installing a router and connecting to wifi. In preparation for Wednesday suppers to begin again, Cathy spent some time in the kitchen, cleaning and organizing.
As we prepared to leave Faith, we had a “short list” of tasks that we needed (or wanted) to complete before we left for Virginia for a few months. One that made the list was to put more AC in Peeler Hall, where the Spanish congregation was now holding services. Since they had moved, the existing unit wasn’t keeping up with a building full of people. The solution was to redeploy a floor AC unit, but we needed a way to vent the exhaust. Using a drill, a hole saw, and a couple of trips to the hardware store, the exhaust was routed through a dryer vent hose and fitting to the outside. After all was in place with the unit on, the heat leaving through the new exhaust vent told us all was working well. The real test came that night during Bible study when all was cool!
Thankfully, given the late summer heat, there were more indoor tasks. Dave configured a computer to make a spare available in the office. He also helped Beyond90 set up their new computer classroom at Faith, installing a router and connecting to wifi. In preparation for Wednesday suppers to begin again, Cathy spent some time in the kitchen, cleaning and organizing.
Cleaning the stones in the Memorial Garden We continued to assist Alex and Yunia on some of the maintenance tasks around the campus. We pulled out the pressure washers to explain their use and care. They tested the smaller one out by cleaning the exterior brick on the sanctuary building, but were frustrated that it wasn’t as good a tool to use on the sidewalk. That was when we pulled out the big guns – the more powerful John Deere machine, which had a floor scrubber attachment. The floor scrubber had been repaired 18 months earlier, so we hadn’t seen it used since then.
Despite the heavy rain, the work continues It worked great , but after a break, the pressure disappeared. After testing each part of the unit for pressure loss, it became obvious that the tips were clogged. After cleaning them, it worked even better than the first time. But by this time, it was pouring rain. Thinking that Alex would stop shortly afterward due to the pouring rain and late hour, we left with him cleaning the sidewalk that was under cover. To our surprise, the next morning the entire sidewalk and adjacent Memorial Garden had been cleaned. It looked great. And Alex has a new skill.
Can you find Dave in this picture? With Dorian approaching, we spent an afternoon trimming branches away from Wesley Hall and the sanctuary. In addition, the generators were pulled out, topped off and started. If the wind blew and the power failed, the church would be in a better position to weather it.
At our campsite at Jordan Lake Moving North
Leaving on Thursday before Labor Day, we had few options for the weekend with so little advance notice. We decided to stay at a Walmart Thursday night in SC, putting enough miles between us and Florida to be ahead of any traffic fleeing the storm. The weekend was going to be a bigger problem. Searching through campgrounds online, there was one possibility that looked promising. Several non-electric campsites were available at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in NC SE of Raleigh. It would be hot during the day without AC, but with the shade of the trees, we could make it work.
Leaving on Thursday before Labor Day, we had few options for the weekend with so little advance notice. We decided to stay at a Walmart Thursday night in SC, putting enough miles between us and Florida to be ahead of any traffic fleeing the storm. The weekend was going to be a bigger problem. Searching through campgrounds online, there was one possibility that looked promising. Several non-electric campsites were available at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area in NC SE of Raleigh. It would be hot during the day without AC, but with the shade of the trees, we could make it work.
When Cathy went to book one for the weekend, she was shocked to see 3 electric sites available. To be sure she was understanding it correctly, she called to make the reservation and was pleased to find that it was real. Pulling into Jordan Lake later Friday afternoon, the site was pretty much as advertised. And we were able to park without the stress of a lot of Labor Day campground traffic. With the heat rising, the AC was a welcome relief as we retreated inside to cool down once settled. Electricity is a wonderful thing.
Ann and Jason check our her new home We were also now a short drive from Cathy’s sister and her family who lived near Raleigh. We got to help our niece move into her new place, do some furniture shopping and join them for dinner Saturday night and church Sunday morning. It was an unexpected treat.
Still tracking Dorian’s now glacial pace and devastation in the Bahamas, the track kept following us up the coast. As we planned to move up to Pocahontas, it appeared possible that it would arrive while we were driving north to Frederick for Cathy’s treatments. We debated what to do, and finally opted to take our chances and stay at Pocahontas anyway, after offers to help us make it work in the unlikely event that the park shut down for the storm. So, on Labor Day we were where we planned to be parked at a campsite at Pocahontas State Park, where we will likely stay for the next 3 months.
