Dear Diary,
We get up at 6AM and begin the tasks of taking down dining tents and finishing up packing our belongings and making sure we have the RV ready for exit inspection at 10AM. We had a lot of help last night taking things down etc but some things we still have to do today. It has stopped raining through the night and it looks like it will be a clear day. It would have been nice for our cook-out last night, but it really didn't dampen our spirits. We complete the check list and leave the last campground of our trip. The bears stayed away from the party. Too many people and we keep a clean camp. Our friend John is a big game hunter and was disappointed he didn't get to see any, just because he likes them. We drive into Anchorage. We park at Elderberry Park near the Inlet because downtown parking is limited and we have to pick up our rental car. So Chuck walks up the hill and gets our car, a GMC SUV, and it's much bigger than we thought, thankfully, given the amount of gear. We transfer all the items from the RV to the SUV, it looks a little dodgy so we work quickly. haha. Chuck drives to the RV center and Pat follows. There many people are waiting to sign out their vehicles and begin their Alaska vacation. So many smiling faces, filled with anticipation. We feel like old timers, we know where these vehicles have come from and how they got here and the stories behind each one. We have to go through the exit procedure and we are proud that we have brought this vehicle safely home, ready for the next person to have an adventure. We bid a fond farewell to the Beast. They have given us a bumper sticker commemorate our feat. Unfortunately, there is no organization for fellow travelers to be in touch or share info. We think that would be interesting to know. We stop off at Snow City Cafe, which is always full and always popular. The beloved hanging flower baskets and flower beds are in full glory. We have time before our hotel so we have to dry some of the dining tents that are still wet from last night. (it's a long story why we are doing this) So we go to a popular park and lay out the canvasses for drying. We think it's kind of funny that people are puzzled and probably think we're homeless with our tents (this is a problem in the area). But we get them mostly dry and folded using wind power! We are staying at the downtown Marriott. Spoiling ourselves with club breakfast and nightly happy hour, a pool, hot showers, down pillows and deep mattresses and walk out the door to downtown Anchorage no need of car. Brenna lives very close down the street and her friends from Tennessee are leaving on Monday, we will move over on Tuesday. We are on the 18th floor overlooking Cook Inlet that creates the Anchorage shores. We have a panoramic view of the Inlet. We have watched this vast body of water move in and out of tide, very dramatic highs and lows. We can see Earthquake Park, airport activity, float planes, Mt Susitna, the sleeping lady, dormant volcano and we anticipate views of the gorgeous Alaska Range with 3 active volcanoes. And if we look hard to the north we might get a glimpse of Mt. McKinley when clear. Chuck has driven 5000 miles in 20 days. Pat was able to drive in short assists but did not do mileage. But Chuck will attest, Pat never slept or read a book but kept vigilant watch on the road conditions/animal sightings, read maps and gave directions, planned the meals, cooked, and cleaned. Technically, Pat could sit at the table in the back (they have seatbelts) but this kind of travel requires that a navigator/co-pilot be in the front. At the end of our travel days we were equally exhausted, in a good way. And together we kept a pad of paper with notes and observations. We have come to realize that even if we repeated this RV delivery trip in future it would never be this particular trip. So we have kept a very detailed record of sights, insights and ponderings. We've already talked about the different things we would do and places we would go. Three days into the trip someone asked us, will you do this again next year? We were surprised by the question so early in the trip. At some point you do ask yourself whether or not. Even at the trail's end we are open to the possibility but not convinced. No matter how well planned and how well spaced the mileage there are deadlines and expectations. Not a hardship but a little different than a totally self-directed vacation. We were novices of this experience and now we know what we would do differently. For the most part we made good choices about our gear, our clothes, etc, what to pack from home and what to buy on the road. The RV company provides some of the items (campchairs etc,) at a rental fee, but for us it was worth buying at a less fee and giving it away to friends at the end or donating it. It helped to have rented from them last summer to know what they offer for additional fees. So, it is with a little bit of sadness that we end this portion of our trip. It has been long anticipated and planned. And other than exhaustion that gave us hard, worry-free sleep, it was more than we hoped. Something new everyday, the friendliness and kindness of strangers, and experiencing God given wonders that exceed any human effort. We have loved knowing many have joined us on this trip via the blog. We will keep blogging until we reach home in 3 weeks. You are welcome to opt checking in with us from time to time. It' been fun knowing you have been with us. The next portion of this trip is another anticipated one. We get to spend time with Brenna and continue the 30th birthday celebration! We are in daylight. It's 9:30PM, and the sun is high in the sky. The light is invigorating. It's a challenge to get sleep or even want to sleep! Night! PS Yellowstone national park is colder now than when we were there!
Geeking RV Info: The RV is a Ford truck, and at 25 feet it is a E350 engine designed for its size. The larger RV's have larger engines. We averaged about 10mph with all water drained except for small fresh water holding and no airconditioning. Hauling fluids adds to reduced mileage. The transmission was sluggish at first with gear transition. But after the first few days Chuck added a quart of oil and it was better after that. These are brand new engines with 9 miles on them. So, our convoy group really gives them a testing. We sit far enough above the ground in the cab to have a good view of the road. This is a C class vehicle meaning it has a cab-over, A class do not. Because the cab houses part of the engine (under an attractive console), it makes the hood less deep for good road visibility. It also brings heat into the cab. Good for cool weather but must use high vent or AC in warmer temps. Affects gas mileage. Also the engine bump-in has a built in console with multiple compartments for maps, drinking cups etc. But its depth gives only a very small space to turn in the seat, pivot and stand without knocking your head on the cab-over sleep area in order to get into the back of the RV. This is the preferred way instead of having to go outside and unlock the outside door, lower the stair and climb in. Lots of complaints of bruised knees on that one. And it is the same on all the Class C's not matter what size. Good panorama visibility through windshield and side windows. But as the cab-over extends halfway over the hood and over the doors which makes it difficult to see things up high, close up. All of this climbing into the cab and or the outside door, pivoting etc makes for good quad and glute exercise. The seats are reasonable not the most comfortable or padded. They do have arm rests that help a lot. Behind the seats are velcro that allow a privacy screen to be stretched in front of the cab window and is necessary at night. The truck was easy to wheel and good reliable turn radius. No back-up camera. That was Pat's job, wind, sleet or rain. The Jensen sound system is controlled in the cab with extra speakers in the back. Has all the bells and whistles. A small flat screen TV is attached to the wall. It's got a roof antenna and a cable hook-up capability and a DVD player built into the wall. The is unit says it will sleep 6. They only way it could be is a family with young children, especially in this small space. This unit has no bump-outs to create more living space. If we were camping somewhere warm with a good awning and with a screen, you could spend more time outdoors. And if the campground had good restrooms and showers. It might work then for a limited time. The door leading into the RV has a porch light, a screen door and the heavy outer door with a frosted glass window for light and privacy. In the cabover is a queen size mattress, split in two for stacking out of the way when not in use and a ladder to get into bed. It has two small windows and a roof vent for ventilation. There is a dinette that seats 4 tightly. The seats have storage underneath, not very practical as they are a pain to get to. The table drops and the cushions are distributed to form a bed, very small adult or children. The largest window in the unit is over the table, offering vent, view, nice sunscreen blinds and black out shade. There is a padded swivel chair by the door which we never used. In a cold climate it seemed the space would be better used for shoe/boot storage, more drawers and a flat top for dropping gloves and hats. Together with the table top the work area for the kitchen is limited but doable. Not much counter space but there is a double sink with kitchen faucet and taps. A small window over the sink for vent and nice to see out. A 3 burner gas stove with an ignite knob. It is difficult to use a pan of any size so have to pare down expectations. A fair size gas oven that works very efficiently and roomy but somewhat of a pain to light. There is an exhaust fan and light over the stove that work very well. Everything we do with heat must be vented the smoke alarm is very sensitive. When on generator or electric we have a high quality microwave with turntable. There are storage cupboards and drawers in this area. The furnace is under the sink cupboard, the thermostat over the dinette. All the bells and whistles of home. Responds quickly and effectively. An AC unit is built into the roof and the thermostat runs it but we don't use it. Overhead cupboards, a couple drawers and two small hanging cupboards for clothes. Can hold a lot but not very convenient. Lots of drip dry, no iron clothes. Directly across from the sink is the wall frig and freezer. They are fantastic, work on electric when plugged in and automatically transition to propane when not. We can get a week's worth of groceries in this unit. It is dependable and works well. Makes ice cubes in a flash. The bed is a queen size that is located in the back corner with large windows with blinds. It's basically a high box, raised at bed level with four sides, one corner is cut out for entering. For night risers it's bit of a pain to get in and out. We would get an eggcrate mattress to put on top in future, for more cushion. But it's not bad. It is nearly impossible to keep a bottom sheet on the bed, so every night we have to remake the bed. The blankets they have given us are not enough so we have our sleeping bags with us and that's good. They only give us two pillows so would buy more in future. We notice other campers have had to buy blankets. There are ceiling and over the counter lighting throughout with some nice short pendant lights over the table. They make the transition from electric to battery automatically. there is a floor to ceiling privacy curtain that pulls across the foot of the bed, sectioning off the bathroom sink and commode areas. It's nice to have but very bulky, seems like they could come up with something better. Next to the bed there is a small cabinet sink with a large mirrored medicine cabinet over it. Very handy and used a lot. Small hand towel rack is there. And it has its own water pump switch. A narrow door opens to the commode. this is a knee buster but very appreciated. It has a floor step flush that works just like home. There are more towel racks and a shower with a hand held hose. It's special design you have to step up into a box with a retractable door. They have a plastic dome into the roof that accommodates height and brings in light. There are faucets to regulate. We have never used it as a shower. Instead we use it for storage, dirty laundry etc. There is a roof vent with a motorized fan. There is a very efficient water heater that gives instant hot. This unit uses propane, generator (off gas tank), city electric, heavy duty truck battery. The control panel.shows the levels of grey water, black water, fresh water, propane, battery, water pump off and on and water heater off and on. Two tanks for refuse water, grey and black. The commode requires a special packette of chemicals for tank treatment. These tanks must be emptied by hand using a designated hose. Can be continuous drain when available on site or have to be drained at dump sites. Potable water can be hosed in continuously at designated sites, water pressure relies on city pressure. Or it can be pumped by a water pump by push button out of the holding tank. After traveling many days the mixture of water and water sources are something to be regarded if there are any GI symptoms. The rental company provides bed linen,s towels, dishes, and pots and pans, tableware but it has to be supplemented especially if you cook meals. There is a level bubble that has to show reasonable center for efficient operation of all systems and for sleeping and activity like cooking. Additional storage: a large storage space is located under the bed and accessed from the outside. There are additional cubbyholes that can be accessed from the outside, all can be locked. For the most part they stay clean with not a lot of road dust. There are six tires, 2 front, 4 back. Tires are the foundation for the success of the whole trip. Theirs are deep tread, all weather. Not cheap. We have a spare connected to the back bumper. We are also hauling the hub caps and other items for the dealer. These are attached when the unit is sold. He rents them out for a season and then sells. We have provided the shipping via our fees and the gas we've spent so the buyer doesn't have to. Shipping fees add to all Alaska product costs. Travel Time: 2 hours Mileage: 40 miles
No comments:
Post a Comment