Still trying to do my best to make this event!

My 13-year-old collie Rory went to the Great Pet Campground, yesterday, my heart is still aching.

Still have not confirmed one of my kids will be able to stay here in Iowa.

Sorry to learn of your loss. It takes time to get past that.

It appears that the routine launch of Dad's boat will be quite different this year. For many years we have launched it on the first weekend of June. Usually I stay a couple days to visit. The last several years Dana has been kind enough to schedule the MN GTG just after the first weekend and we continue west to MN for a couple of great days at the GTG.

However, this year the launch was planned as usual but over the winter Dad changed his plans. He is now 90 years old and has decided he is not going to spend another long winter in his house. He has decided to move out and get rid of the house and boat. This was to occur over the course of the summer. In general a wise decision, too much for him to take care of.

Meanwhile my 3 sisters have decided "we" need to speed up the moving and house sale process. The two Denver sisters are planning to visit early June to start packing and sorting the house and shop. All 3 sisters have decided first week of June would be good for them...

As a result the boat launch will be extended to include much sorting, packing, and storing of Dad's empire. A tedious process I would have stretched out a bit in time...

It appears I will not be able to attend the MN GTG this year. I hope others can attend and enjoy as we have in the past. Looking forward to the reports and to the GTG in Indiana

Sure, will miss you at the GTG Steve!

Still not sure if Ole Nose, will be there, but today got the water system de-winterized and filled just in case. Not sure what is the bigger pain winterizing or de-winterizing.

Only a week to go first GTG of the season!!!

My wife says there is not much difference. In the summer short sleeves and shorts are in the front of the closet, in the winter long sleeves and long pants are in the front of the closet. Now how complex can that be?

Nick

Ah, you folks in the southern states and snowbirds have it easy. No need to empty the freshwater tank and hot water heater tank, drain the lines, empty the sewer system, fill the water and sewer drains and lines with antifreeze. Purge the same and refill fresh for the summer. The good part is drinking all the beer before the real cold weather hits.

Duane, I use the drain valves on my current camper to empty the water lines. I think this was an innovation introduced around the turn of the century. I follow with a shop vac purge of faucets, traps and water heater drain.
On the boat it is a significant project. Each engine gets 5 gallons of pink, the genny takes 3. The water system is emptied, all lines vacuumed, the water heater bypassed, water supply disconnected and shunt to pink connected. With all valves off the pump is energized and supplied from jug of pink. Each valve is opened until pink runs, 7 total.
Words of hard earned wisdom, drain and do not pink the water heater, drain and do not pink the water tank. When commissioning flush all lines completely and redundant before connecting the water heater.

Huh, as a first-time RV owner, I never thought to use the shop vac to purge water lines. Smart idea. We have not even de-winterized yet, but should do so soon before the summer is gone...

Tim; I do very similar to what you do, except everything drains pretty well by gravity, no need for the vacuum. Never pink the water tank or hot water heater either drain both. Best is still just head to the south!!

Duane,

Sorry for the loss of your long time friend and faithful companion.

They are absolutely amazing endearing creatures and when they leave, they leave a huge void that can only really be filled with all the great memories of the fun and joyful times you shared.

Wally

Steve and Liz,

Sorry you and Liz won't be able to attend this year's Minnesnowta GTG. We'll really miss seeing and visiting with you both.

We understand the family commitment and need to support your Dad as he moves on to the next part of his life.

Wally and Connie

Hi everyone,

We finally brought Tonka out from under her winter blanket last Friday. The RV cover did a great job and she handled our Minnesnowta winter very well. She fired right up, her systems are working well and she's raring to go on new summer adventures.

I sanitized the water system with bleach/water mix this afternoon, will drain and rinse the system tomorrow, and will start provisioning and readying her for next week's GTG.

We're really looking forward to being on the road again and to seeing everyone!

Thanks,
Wally

Well sorry to say it is offical Nose and I are unable to attend the Springfield GTG this year!

Thanks for the kind thoughts about my long time Ole Buddy Rory!

Duane sorry to hear about your loss of Rory. Sorry to also hear you won’t make it. I just unwiterized Midnight. I just got back from Louisiana and Texas. We had been back with the truck but I had a Graduation in Texas si I left Midnight.

I am having some issues with my arms so I will be smoking the pork butts ahead and bringing the shredded butts along. I can’t lift my smoker currently.

Anybody canceling please cancel your reservations. I will call tomorrow and see where we stand.

Wally looking forward to seeing you and Connie. Bringing Flick.

quote:

Originally posted by Dana:
Duane sorry to hear about your loss of Rory. Sorry to also hear you won’t make it. I just unwiterized Midnight. I just got back from Louisiana and Texas. We had been back with the truck but I had a Graduation in Texas si I left Midnight.

I am having some issues with my arms so I will be smoking the pork butts ahead and bringing the shredded butts along. I can’t lift my smoker currently.

Anybody canceling please cancel your reservations. I will call tomorrow and see where we stand.

Wally looking forward to seeing you and Connie. Bringing Flick.

Sorry anybody else coming that hasn’t responded? You know we would love to see you all. I know fuel prices suck! I can’t fix that! I wish I could

We are leaving today for the UP. Another boat launch, probably our last, on Saturday. Bittersweet to sell, but we all knew the boat would outlast us, only a matter of time before it became too much too handle. We will find another old boat nut who wants it and let it go for the next 50 years. Built in 1927, Dad bought it in early 1963. Still going strong.

Then... we will continue the process of sorting out Dad's house, workshop and boathouse. Many years of projects and materials stashed all over. Big job and it was decided to be done this week.

Some much for the MN GTG. I will miss our old Barth friends. We always have an exceptional time there. By next year this should be different. No more boat launch to work around.

Take care all, on the road or off.