
Successful Acquisition:
So on Monday, we showed up at our local RV rental joint promptly at 1:00 p.m. to acquire the beast. We weren’t sure what to expect as far as RV training goes, but surprisingly enough you need little to no training nor a special driver’s license to drive an RV – a fact that makes me more frightened than ever to ride next to them on major highways. Before we could get the keys, we learned the ropes of the electrical, sewer, and water systems by watching a low-budget video hosted by a dude that talked like Johnny Cash (“You see, this here’s the e-lectric system – and if you get yourself an a-dapter kit, you can …”). After learning that grey water means sink water and black water is what comes out of the “comode” (spelled as such throughout the video), we hopped in the 33 foot Mirada with our names on it and were on our merry way.
So on Monday, we showed up at our local RV rental joint promptly at 1:00 p.m. to acquire the beast. We weren’t sure what to expect as far as RV training goes, but surprisingly enough you need little to no training nor a special driver’s license to drive an RV – a fact that makes me more frightened than ever to ride next to them on major highways. Before we could get the keys, we learned the ropes of the electrical, sewer, and water systems by watching a low-budget video hosted by a dude that talked like Johnny Cash (“You see, this here’s the e-lectric system – and if you get yourself an a-dapter kit, you can …”). After learning that grey water means sink water and black water is what comes out of the “comode” (spelled as such throughout the video), we hopped in the 33 foot Mirada with our names on it and were on our merry way.
Our plan WAS to leave Tuesday morning -- however, due to the crazy day we had and the sedative effect of the training video, we decided that was not really going to happen, so we opted to call Tuesday a packing day and sleep in our own bed one more night. We crammed our crap in over the course of the day Tuesday, and bright and early this morning, we saddled up for the first ride.
(note the look of concern on Roxie's face as she gazes at the 18 wheelers
flying by just to our right)
The good news is, we successfully navigated all the way to Bowling Green, KY, safely out of the way of the gas supply shortage, and set up the beast in a lovely KOA campground just off the highway. Johnny’s little RV video turned out to be surprisingly helpful, and after about 20 minutes of fumbling and a little black water leakage as DJ fought with the sewage hose, we had power, water, and a functional toilet. After another 20 minutes of fumbling, DJ successfully hooked up the television, and we are now able to enjoy all 23 channels of basic cable, including two channels of CMT.
The good news is, we successfully navigated all the way to Bowling Green, KY, safely out of the way of the gas supply shortage, and set up the beast in a lovely KOA campground just off the highway. Johnny’s little RV video turned out to be surprisingly helpful, and after about 20 minutes of fumbling and a little black water leakage as DJ fought with the sewage hose, we had power, water, and a functional toilet. After another 20 minutes of fumbling, DJ successfully hooked up the television, and we are now able to enjoy all 23 channels of basic cable, including two channels of CMT.
In fact, we were feeling so confident in our Rving abilities, that after taking in the sights at the RV park -- which included the mini-golf course, a dog run, and an inexplicable fenced off area that was decorated to look like a tiny farm, complete with ceramic pigs and roosters -- I made sloppy joes for dinner. This required lighting the stove, a live flame that’s fed from a tank filled with several gallons of highly flammable compressed propane (LP, in Rving terms), so I am very proud that we lived to tell the tale. Anyhow, so far, so good, as they say, and DJ and I are looking forward to drifting off the hum of the cars off the highway and prepping for day 2. Indianapolis, here we come!
8 comments:
What a COOL vacation guys!!
I look forward to hearing about
all your adventures along the way.
I would love to embark on a trip
like that; you know how much I love
to travel. I wish you safe journeys
daily and lots of laughs :) Give Roxie
a kiss for me!
Beckie
By the way, you have seen the movie
"RV", right?!
I'm so glad you're writing a blog so I don't have to go a whole month without cracking up from your hilarious comments, Amanda! What a fantastic trip ... can't wait to see where that fabulous Rv takes you! :) I think Roxie must have enough cute pink clothes to be prepared for anything. :)
I've always wanted to do what you're doing. Now I can live vicariously through your blog and save my money. Hope you have a great time! By the way, "Buddy" is Jack Storey's dog...
I am so jealous! It sounds like fun. I'm gonna miss Foxie Roxie but the stories that you and DJ are gonna have will be a hoot! Invite me to the home coming party!
(Auntie Shan)
It looks like you have survived your first couple of days and are having a blast. And I agree with Crystal, I'm so glad I won't have to wait a whole month for some Amanda love...ah, the beauty of technology today! Happy and safe travels!
Wendy clued me in on this blogging thing...better than watching CNN all day!
Aunt Caryl
What funny stories! You're seeing the country for the rest of us, so post lots of photos and keep sending those hilarious updates.
We miss you sooo much.
Take care and stay in touch.
Charlotte
So if you make Roxie a brother on this trip, will you name him Bago?
Of course I went there.
Looks like fun guys!
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