Gulf Shores

    The “campground” at Tiffin was a bizarre sight. There were about 200 motorhomes camped parking-lot style, most waiting for service. The Goose was dwarfed by the giant Zephyrs and Phaetons with four slides, washers and dryers, giant-screen televisions, and more. The folks parked next to me had been waiting two months for completion of their repairs. Almost every motorhome had at least one large or two small dogs. The only amenities the campground provided were full hookups, hot showers, and a very clean laundry room. My neighbors advised me that Gracie barked the entire time I was gone to take a shower. She’s never done that before, but I’m attributing it to this cramped location.
     The repairs and servicing took seven hours. I pulled into a giant bay, and the service guys rolled humongous jacks up to the Goose. Gracie and I were ushered out, and they lifted my home about six feet up in the air! After the oil was drained, they lowered her gently and I was able to breathe again. My repairs were not major—figure out why the Goose randomly won’t start and why I don’t have heat or defrosters in the front. Change the oil, check the anti-freeze and tire pressure completed my list. The conclusion was I needed four new batteries ($120 each plus labor) and a heater valve. The total bill was just over a thousand dollars.
     I left Red Bay around 4:00, and oh, the Goose ran well. I didn’t have a reservation for Monday night. I figured we’d stop at a WalMart or a rest stop for the night. We never saw a rest stop the entire way, and the WalMart was posted with No Overnight Parking signs. We finally pulled into a gas station in Buckatunna, MS (you can’t make this stuff up) and parked for the night. Tuesday morning, the Goose would not start. Fortunately, I now know the jump-off-the-generator trick. It was rainy and chilly, so I turned on the heat and nothing but cold air came out the vent. So much for the repairs.
    One more stop at WalMart. We’ll be in the next location for a month and I don’t want to have to make continuous runs to the grocery store. Green bananas, a bottle of wine, extra dog and cat food; I’m set for the month. We pulled into the Island Retreat RV Park Tuesday afternoon. Nice park, large lots, very level.
    Wednesday we hiked to the beach, five miles round trip, on a really nice bike trail. Beautiful white sand, crystal blue water, gentle waves and big NO PETS ON BEACH signs. I was really disappointed. But on our walk this morning we found a public boat launch just across the street that will provide Gracie with a nice place to swim.
    Thanksgiving luncheon was today at the clubhouse. The park provided the turkey and ham, and everyone else provided side dishes and desserts. It’s a long time since I’ve eaten at a potluck. The food was delicious. I went mostly just to meet people, but it looks like the whole park is couples, most of whom know each other. I sat with two couples who will both be here until April. I’m not ready to stay in one spot for six months.
     There is so much I am thankful for this Thanksgiving I cannot begin to list everything. The best way to sum it up is to say I’m thankful for the opportunity to live my dream.