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To view pictures here do the following: Load them on a site like photo bucket or image shack etc. Then link them into the thread or reply using the square button in the tool bar with the picture of a tree. You can hold your mouse cursor over the button and it will say "insert image". Once you have the photos uploaded to photobucket and a link to the first one copied to your clipboard, come here, make sure the text cursor is blinking where you want the picture to be in the reply, then click on the tree button and when the window opens, the highlighted text in blue needs to be deleted. Click delete while it is highlighted in blue, then paste your clipboard link in the box, and hit ok or whatever it says, and repeat for any more images you want. Make sure they are less than 800 pixels wide. If they are, the moderators will assist in reducing the size. Hope this helps. Would love to see your pictures and yes, this is also one of the places on our bucket list also.

Hi all! Well we survived the drivers of Orlando, FL. Man, they are some crazy drivers. Got run off the road once and then had a VW blast by me on the interstate... in the emergency lane running about 80. Unbelievable! Turkey Lake Park, a city owned park turned out to be everything the site stated. A very nice and well maintained park. The only thing on the downside was the floor in the showers. They were dirty and looked like they had not been cleaned all year. Thankfully, I had shower shoes. Other than that, it was a quiet park even with 200 boy scouts camping less than 500 feet away. They do not have internet anywhere but near the front gate. Sea World was fantastic. The shows were all well done. I even rode the Kracken. Fair warning, not for older folks. My granddaughter rode it several times and said it wasn't bad, so I tried it. I won't believe her again. Made it to Coco Beach and watched the launch of the Xspace rocket. Beautiful site. As you may have read, my granddaughters are in Little League All Stars. I was suppose to go to NC at the end of June, but now I find out that they have double elimination games from June 30 to July 2 so that cancels my plans for NC. The wife will be going up to see our DS, but I'll have to remain behind. Hopefully, I can fit in a few days with him towards the end of July. I really need 2 of me. Sometimes I feel that I am being pulled apart. Guess that's what Grandparents do, so as a grandparent,I do it. Haven't heard any travel plans from anyone lately. What's up folks? Be careful of the other drivers and have fun.

Thanks SloPoke. In all actually, our Orlando trip is now on schedule and we leave on Thursday morning early. Now the NC trip has changed. I'll be staying up there for 5 days instead of 7, buuuuuutttt I get to go to Gulf Shores, Al from July 9 - 14 for my grandkids little league world series. Yup, I have 2 girls in fast pitch world series games. This is one mighty proud grandfather. Have a safe trip to Vegas and don't be a stranger here while your gone.

Well wouldn't you know it. Less than a week before we leave for our week in Florida and our car breaks down. The radiator developed a leak on the plastic tank and needs to be replaced. Also the 2 front tires have broken steel in them. (DW hit 2 curbs) Got the front tires replaced and got the radiator, so Saturday I'll be installing the radiator. That is between getting new glasses and a baseball game with the grandkids. Whew, does it ever end. At least the truck and 5th wheel are ready. We are looking forward to going to Orlando. This will be the farthest south that the DW and I have been so far. Maybe next year we can make it to Key West. Ok class of 2016, what places are you visiting this year? Inquiring minds want to know. Maybe it will be somewhere that we haven't heard of and want to visit. Have fun all.

Yummmm! I can see the headlines now. "First Class reunion of 2016 has happy get-together meeting News at 11. "

Now slowpoke, you know that fading is not allowed here.

Welcome murphinator. Glad to have you with us. Sounds like you are on your way to getting situated for your retirement. Congratulations on your decision. Don't worry about driving someone crazy, we are all half nuts and the other half is still looking around. It took us a while to get rid of our stuff too, but much of that went to our children, including the sticks and bricks. We are just about debt free, except for the DW's car that she had to have. Oh well, 4 more years and she'll only be using it when we come back to visit. We are looking forward to our retirement. I'm getting anxious to go and see this beautiful country of ours. I was a truck driver at one time and did see a lot of this country, but I didn't see the countryside. Most of that driving is on the interstate. I want to meet the local people and enjoy what they find as everyday things to them. Bluegrass in Kentucky, shrimp and crab in Maine, ocean prawns in Washington. Yummers! Well, I think I have rambled on enough. Again glad you could join our small for now group.

Welcome lnanne, We may be small for now, but we have plenty of time to grow. Downsizing does take a commitment to do and time will get away from you. Just think, it's only 4 more years and before you know it, the time will be here. Glad to have you in the group. I see you are from Vancouver. You live in a beautiful area. The DW and I used to live in Puyallup, WA and sure miss that area, but life led us down to Georgia for a while. Hope to get back to that area for at least a summer. Sure miss looking at Mt Rainer from our living room. Well again, glad you joined us. Keep us informed on your progress and your travels.

Well we got back from our first camping trip of the season and it was FANTASTIC!!! The DW and I went to Tupelo, Ms and stayed at Trace State Park in Belden, MS. We found the road we needed to get to and made our turn. It was a narrow road through a run down residential area and I thought, oh no, this can't be it! For 2 miles we avoided badly patched sections of road and then came to the park. What a difference 2 miles made. The park was lovely and we couldn't have been happier with our spot. We were able to see the lake and enjoyed the shade. The park was exceptionally clean and the shower facilities were the cleanest of any park we had ever been to. I highly recommend this park and the fees are not bad. $20.00 for a non-premium site and that was full hookup. The weather was perfect throughout our stay. 80's in the day and 50's at night. We spent our time between Tupelo visiting all the tourist sites of Elvis and spent one day in Memphis with half that day at Graceland. Graceland was amazing, though I was a bit disappointed in not being able to see more of the home. In all you get to see about 6 rooms in the home itself and they seem to rush you through it. The DW was extremely happy with it though. She finally can say she's been to Graceland. With the tickets we purchased, we were able to see the airplanes, the car museum and the specialty tours. I enjoyed the car museum the most. I'm not really an Elvis fan, though I did think he had a fantastic voice for ballads. We didn't want to have to come back home, but work is something I still have to do. I even recieved a call during my vacation to fix something from our remote location. Sure wish they would quit calling me when I am trying to enjoy myself. For now, that's part of my job, I guess. Retirement is looking better as each day passes by. Let us know where you have been or where you plan to go. Our next trip is in 36 days. This time in the opposite direction....Orlando, Fl. Sea World, here we come.

Well we have one more week of work to go before heading out on our first trip of the year. Starting later than usual, but it will be worth it. I have done the power mods done to the truck and it is mostly ready. I still have the transmission to do and if the parts are in on time, I'll be replacing the brushes on the starter. Yup they are bad and only one set of brushes are working at the moment, so it's turning over about half speed. Thankfully, its summer and the truck does start easily. The DW is really excited and can't hardly keep her britches on. She has been wanting to go to Graceland for many, many years and finally, this year, I can grant her that wish. Makes me feel great. Our youngest GD has been staying with us for the past two or three weeks and she says she wants to keep staying with us. I haven't decided if we will take her with us or if she will remain at home with her parents. The DW really needs the break away from all the grandkids for a bit, however this one is the quiet one. You wouldn't know she was even there unless you looked. Decisions, decisions. We will be pushing hard the day we leave since we have over 400 miles to travel. We will leave about 3 in the morning and hopefully arrive about 4 in the afternoon taking into consideration, stops and for eating. Sounds exciting to me. Lets hear from some others on what the are doing and where they are going. I don't want to be the only one posting here. Gets boring doing that. Take care all and safe travels.

Well we have 29 days left until our first trip of the season. We'll be going to Trace State Park outside of Tupelo, MS. Can't wait. Still have to do a modification to the truck, get the upper control arm bushings replaced on the passenger side, change the oil and service the transmission. Whew, where does the time fly when you have things to do. I still have to put tires on the TT we have so we can put that up for sale. Really don't need both the TT and the 5th wheel. Besides, I could put that money towards our newer 5th wheel we plan to get next year. We are hoping to go to PPL motorhomes in TX and trade our current 5th wheel with them. Seems they have a good selection. There was a place in Florida also, but I can't remember the name of them. They, like PPL, did consignments and trades. Maybe someone reading this will know of the place I am talking about. We are also saving up for our trip to Sea World. Found a camping place just outside of Universal Studios and only 10 miles from Sea World and it didn't cost us an arm and a leg for the week. This will be the farthest south we have been. One day....The Keys. Hope everyone is doing ok and planning their trips for this year. I am taking 3 week long vacations, something that I have never done before. Most years, its been 3 or 4 day weekend trips. Not this year. I may run out of vacation days, but I'll run out of them being happy. Keep the dirty side down ya'll and lets hear from some of you.

Sorry to hear about the job situation. I worry about that also since I am getting close to retiring. Seems the employers no longer feel any loyalty towards their employees anymore. Things are not like they used to be. No more notices on force reduction, having to do more work and more hours for the same pay, etc. Our company hasn't given a raise to anyone in over 3 years now, even though the bottom line of the company has raised thanks to the hard work of all of us. Maybe this year will be different. As far as selling or staying, that is a question that only you and the DW can answer. Which ever you choose, I wish the best for you both. At this time of your life, things get scary when they don't go as planned. Factors in our lives change all the time and hopefully we will be able to maintain and retire on time. I did manage to get my VA medical taken care of so that will allow us to retire on time. Now, hopefully the job will be there until then. Our trip to Georgia Veterans Park got cancelled due to rotten weather. Its been raining the last two days and more for today, clearing later this afternoon. Oh well, not everything goes as planned. We do have a week long trip coming up at the end of March, so that will allow me more time to get things done around here. May everyone's day get better and the future become brighter. Take care and keep us informed.

BRRRRRR!!!!! it's been cold here. Low 20's at night and mid to upper 40's in the day. Send us some warm weather, please. Getting ready to go to the Georgia Veterans State park this coming weekend. I have come up with a whole body rash being alergic to something. Not sure what but still going camping. Hopefully, it will be somewhat nice. Looking forward to camping again. Love it even if it's cold. Looks like we are going to do a bunch of camping this year. We have a 10 trip planned at the end of March, July a 10 day trip to Jacksonville where the DW will stay for about a month. I will need to come back after 6 days. Someone has to work. Then in August, another week in Orlando, FL to go to Sea World. Hopefully not too hot and humid. Looking for a park in the area that is not too expensive but still nice with full hookups. What are all your plans for this summer. Are you venturing out of your comfort zone and seeing what's out there? Let us know. Have fun and keep the dirty side down.

Since there are a few here that live in Georgia, I wanted to let you know about the RV show in Atlanta, Ga the end of this month. Details are here. The DW and I will be going either Saturday or Sunday. Haven't made up our minds yet. They also have printable coupons to save a buck or two. I'm not affilated with the show or profit from it, but it is not highly advertised and when we went last year, we really enjoyed ourselves. This show is what made us decide to go to a 5'ver. Hope the DW doesn't get any ideas for a newer 5'ver, but then, I might get that idea myself. Who knows? Maybe we'll cross paths there. Our next trip out will be in February to Georgia Veterans Memorial Park in Cochran, GA. We'll be taking all the grandkids and 2 extra friends of theirs. They are all looking forward to it. To be honest, can't come soon enough for me either, but have to repack the wheel bearings and adjust the brakes on the 5'ver first. Happy Trails all.

There may only be three for now, but in time, that number will grow. I understand about the grandkids. I have 4 myself and the wife has a hard time leaving them for any length of time. To be honest, so do I. Many times they travel with us during the summer. We have a trip to Jacksonville, NC coming up at the end of June and all 4 will be coming with us. The parents will be meeting up with us as they get time off work. The DW and I do have some alone time scheduled. Sometimes you do need that. I can't imagine having a 4500 sf home. I think I would get lost in it. Downsizing will be quite an adjustment for both of you. I love Virginia and spent some time at Ft Eustis near Newport News. I'm a history buff so that area really fit a niche for me. Love Williamsburg, Jamestown, Richmond, Mt Vernon and all places between. I agree with having your DW get her own login. There are many women on here that can give their outlook on full and part timing. There are a few women only RV sites also. I belong to 3 RV forums and enjoy, and learn, from all of them. One even has a virtual campfire on Wednesday nites done by chat so people can chat with each other. Mostly general discussion and getting to know each other. Well when I get near Northern Virginia, I'll keep an ear open to see how things are going. SloPoke, no problem keeping this class going. It will grow but just takes a little time. I'll be rooting for you to finish your project on time. That would be a good birthday present for her, just don't forget to get her another present also. Well all, take care and have a good start of the new year and make your plans early. Our first trip is Jan 18 and 19 to Rome GA for my VA physical.

Happy New Year Class of 2016. Only four more short years to go and it will be gone before you know it. Have fun this year and many camping opportunities to you.

Thank you for catching that. Seems he has posted on several different forums. His account needs to be removed.

Well its the middle of December and I still haven't done any Christmas shopping. We are settled at my daughters home where we have a pad set up. We'll stay here until after New Years Day. We are planning out some trips to take for next year. We know we want to go to Tupelo, MS and Memphis, TN. Also Chattanooga, TN is on the list. I may make that a 10 day round trip. We have sites we want to see at all three places. The DW is an Elvis fan, so that is the reason for Tupelo and Memphis locations. I want to go back to the aquarium at Chattanooga and let the DW see it also, since she was not with me on the last trip there. I think the grandkids may join up with us there and spend a night or two. Also on the agenda is a trip to Georgia Veterans State park, Indian Springs State Park, and maybe a trip or two to the Gulf coast and Atlantic coast of Florida. May even push for a trip back to Skidaway Island for some getaway time. What are your plans for next year? Do you plan them, or just wing it? Retirement in 1729 days. Getting closer all the time. Slo Poke, did you ever get the den cleaned out. How's the downsizing coming along? Be safe out there George and Sherry

Just had to mention this from the DW. We were discussing about trading in our 5ver and getting one that was a few years newer with 3 slides. I told her we needed to start saving for a new trailer. She stated "Not a trailer, a 5th wheel. I am not living in a trailer! A trailer you tow behind, a 5th wheel sits on the back of the truck, that's why they call it a 5th wheel!" I could not do anything more than laugh at her. And she says I'm animate about going full time.

This is not exactly RV related but I figured I would post it anyways. This past weekend we traveled to Jacksonville, NC to visit our DS. We didn't take the 5'ver, however we were amazed at the number of RV's in the area. Many of them looked to be permanently parked in RV parks near the beach. They even were up on cinder blocks. Found out that some of the parks were charging $3000.00 per year for permanent parking. Not a bad price. That's $250.00 a month. Hmmm, I was thinking about taking the TT I have and maybe parking it up there for when we visit him. It's a possibility. The wife loved the area and really didn't want to come back home. Can't say that I blamed her. She hasn't been anywhere outside of Georgia in 8 years. Next year we will be doing alot of out-of-state camping. She is also planning a 1 month vacation to visit our DS and give us a break from each other. No, we're not ill with each other, however we do like to do this once in a while. Helps to keep the marriage strong. She gets to do what she wants, and I get to do the same. Winter is coming and time to get the TT ready for it. Yes, I have a 5'ver and a TT. Draining the tanks, powering down everything in there, putting on the battery maintainer, etc. Also have to put on some new tires on it. Will be selling it in the spring if not sooner. Will be doing brake maintenance on the 5'ver also, so I have plenty to do over the winter. Ahhh, the truck! Still have a few minor items and one major item to fix on it and it will be done! Finally got all the power back into it and did some mods to it. Now have I have enough pulling power to take on bigger hills. Well that's about it for now. Getting ready for planning out our trips for next year. A couple already planned, such as Memphis and Chattanooga, TN. Going to be a great next year. This one was not bad at all either. Everyone enjoy and Happy Holidays.

Well plans have changed. Yup, living a lifestyle like this, it's bound to happen. Was looking forward to camping again at Indian Springs in Jackson, Ga., but our son called and asked if we could trailer up all of the items he was storing at our place. Between the truck and utility trailer I have, we should be able to get most, if not all his stuff up there for him. It means giving up a camping trip, but then, we do get to see him for a couple of days. Nothing like an 850 mile road trip. We will leave on Veterans Day and be back on Sunday. I feel sore muscles coming up. I still have to fix the front end on the truck and some other minor issues I want to take care of, but we are looking forward to the trip. If I could have carried all his things in the 5ver, I would have taken it, but just too much weight would be added. We have begun planning for a trip to Memphis, TN for the first part of the new year. I am determined to get there one way or another. I think a trip to Georgia Veterans Memorial Park will be first as a test run of a somewhat longer trip. This will be about 125 mile trip and will allow me to check over things before making a 500 mile trip. I like to err on the side of caution. Hmm, that reminds me, need to repack the 5ver wheel bearing and adjust the brakes on it. Well another update and another month has gone by. Only 1779 days to go till retirement, or is that freedom? Be safe and careful out there. Till next time.

Well Labor Day Weekend has come and gone. The end of RV'ing for this year? I think not!. This past weekend we spent close to home at Arrowhead Campground in Macon, Ga. Overall, it was a fairly nice campground for getting hit in 2008 by a tornado. The showers were nicely kept and clean. They seem to have been updated lately. New tile and walls. Beautiful interior. Wish the water was warmer though. Just lukewarm. We were able to help other part-time campers during our stay and that made us feel great. One camper just got his tent up and had everything else on his picnic table. A single parent with 2 little boys. It started pouring down rain on him, so my daughter and I helped him get all his things inside the tent as quickly as possible. Finally got some fishing in and caught some catfish and crappie. They were too small to keep, but after getting skunked all year, just catching something made me feel better. Did some swimming the first day there and enjoyed chuckling at some of the part-timers trying to back in their campers. Did offer my help, but they were determined to do it themselves. Guess they wanted to learn how to do it. Fun is in learning as long as you don't get mad about it. Overall, it was a good weekend, even with the rain at times and the cooler than I like showers. Next trip, back to Indian Springs State Park, Jackson, GA. Hurray!!!!

It sure is un-nerving. Had to make arrangements every day to get to work and back. Glad to see you are progressing on your clean-outs. One room at a time and before you know it, its done! Sure wish I was fishing for salmon. Love smoked salmon. Yummers! We will be taking off on Labor Day Weekend for a county park for 4 days of luxury. Fishing, swimming, hiking, and what ever else comes along. Really looking forward to it. It will truely be a well deserved, relaxing weekend. BTW, nice hearing from you all again. Don't forget to take some pictures of the salmon. Happy Camping.