Camping How

Question:

We just had a scary thunderstorm. Pouring rain and lots of thunder and lightning. Rusty was, as usual, hiding under the computer desk. I was worried about window leaks from the strong slashing rain. Then the power went off.  I had some difficulties finding my candle and matches.  It is  stifling hot with no fan or AC.  The humidex is 33C. A look out the windows told me not the whole city is in the dark. So no repeat of the Big Blackout in Aug.2 years ago. Finally the power is back on but the thunder continues. Rusty moved to hide behind the washer. Just wish it will blow over soon. — Winnie

Response:

We just had a scary thunderstorm. Pouring rain and lots of thunder and lightning. Rusty was, as usual, hiding under the computer desk. I was worried about window leaks from the strong slashing rain. Then the power went off.  I had some difficulties finding my candle and matches.  It is  stifling hot with no fan or AC.  The humidex is 33C. A look out the windows told me not the whole city is in the dark. So no repeat of the Big Blackout in Aug.2 years ago. Finally the power is back on but the thunder continues. Rusty moved to hide behind the washer. Just wish it will blow over soon.

Winnie! Please get a battery powered flashlight for such occassions! I don’t want to hear of an accident. I hope the storm is over soon.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We just had a scary thunderstorm. Pouring rain and lots of thunder and lightning. Rusty was, as usual, hiding under the computer desk. I was worried about window leaks from the strong slashing rain. Then the power went off.  I had some difficulties finding my candle and matches.  It is  stifling hot with no fan or AC.  The humidex is 33C. A look out the windows told me not the whole city is in the dark. So no repeat of the Big Blackout in Aug.2 years ago. Finally the power is back on but the thunder continues. Rusty moved to hide behind the washer. Just wish it will blow over soon. Winnie! Please get a battery powered flashlight for such occassions! I don’t want to hear of an accident. I hope the storm is over soon.

I bought a powerful flashlight after the big blackout in Aug 2003. But I had trouble fitting the batteries in for some reason.  The outside hallway’s light has emergency backup power so I just opened the door to get some light. I just put all the emergency supplies I bought in a handy place. Candle, matches, walkman etc.  Put Rusty in his carrier and sat with him in the hallway for a bit. That seems to calm him down. The thunder didn’t sound as loud in the hallway. It was cooler there too. I really don’t like thunderstorm.  Now I am too unnerved to sleep even though it is over for now. The forecast said about 30% chance of thunder showers overnight. Winnie

Response:

Winnie! Please get a battery powered flashlight for such occassions! I don’t want to hear of an accident. I hope the storm is over soon.

Another suggestion would be wome of those nightlights with a battery backup. They don’t offer much light, but enough so that you aren’t stumbling around in complete darkness when the power goes out. I also have an electric Coleman camping lantern which I keep plugged in under the desk which comes on when the power cuts out. Now that does offer enough light to see by – though like you said in a followup message the batteries seem hard to find for some reason, and last time when the batteries died I ended up replacing the whole thing. Maybe you can tell, but power outages are not unusual for us here in SW Oklahoma, what with our spring and fall (and occasional summer) thunderstorms. A couple years ago we lost power for a couple or three days. Local motels with power were full, our apartment complex was empty except for me and one other tenant. I had my full camping kitchen setup on the patio, and except for the heat didn’t miss much not having the electric. — Steve Touchstone, faithful servant of Sammy, Little Bit and Spot with loving memories of Rocky (RB) Home Page: http://www.sirinet.net/~stouchst/index.html Cat Pix: http://www.sirinet.net/~stouchst/animals.html

Response:

Winnie! Please get a battery powered flashlight for such occassions! I don’t want to hear of an accident. I hope the storm is over soon. Another suggestion would be wome of those nightlights with a battery backup. They don’t offer much light, but enough so that you aren’t stumbling around in complete darkness when the power goes out. I also have an electric Coleman camping lantern which I keep plugged in under the desk which comes on when the power cuts out. Now that does offer enough light to see by – though like you said in a followup message the batteries seem hard to find for some reason, and last time when the batteries died I ended up replacing the whole thing.

I will look into getting these. I got the batteries for my flashlight, except I couldn’t get them in. Maybe you can tell, but power outages are not unusual for us here in SW Oklahoma, what with our spring and fall (and occasional summer) thunderstorms. A couple years ago we lost power for a couple or three days. Local motels with power were full, our apartment complex was empty except for me and one other tenant. I had my full camping kitchen setup on the patio, and except for the heat didn’t miss much not having the electric. —

Power outages are getting far too frequent. With the severe heat, power consumption is at a max. We were warned to conserve power or face brown outs or rotating blackouts. Since the Big Black Out in Aug. 2003 which affected both U.S. and Canada,  I am more prepared. I live in a highrise, and the water pumps won’t work without power meaning no water also. But I think they put the water pumps on emergency power now, along with the elevators.  Since I live across the river from Quebec, I can always go there. Quebec has done something after the Big Freezing Rain of 1998 to make sure their power supply won’t be compromised. I always saw lights on the Quebec side, even when it was pitched black here. I don’t know which is worse:  power outage in the dead of winter or in the summer. To freeze or to roast. Probably the former as I can always bundled. up. Of course Rusty is not fazed by any power outage, just scared of the roar of the thunder monster. Winnie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Steve Touchstone, faithful servant of Sammy, Little Bit and Spot with loving memories of Rocky (RB) Home Page: http://www.sirinet.net/~stouchst/index.html Cat Pix: http://www.sirinet.net/~stouchst/animals.html

Response:

Question:

Thanks for telling us a bit about yourself, Matt.  I wish I had some talent, any talent, especially in music, like the piano.  My brother, Paul, has all the talent in our family.  :-)  He started out by painting regular size paintings, but then found the money was better painting miniatures, like for doll houses or mantels.  He was also in a band and knows how to play lead and bass guitar.  LOL  Here I am telling you about him instead of about me. There’s really nothing to tell.  :-)  I’ve been a secretary for most of my life, but when the ag hit me in 1984 I had to quit my job.  I haven’t worked since March 2000, been living in Canada since Nov. 2000 and love it here. My husband, Don and I met right here on this newsgroup.  We’ll be married 4 years this Nov.  That’s all I can think of.  I usually only have disorder things to talk about.  :-)  Just kidding. Hugs, Di

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well – I already did introduce myself in a previous post but that was more related to the screws loose in my head So I thought I’d take a moment on a lighter note to introduce myself a bit as some of you seem to have been on here a while and undoubtedly know oneanother quite well. My name is Matt, I guess you figured that out … 28, Married with two children (one of them is my childs daughter from a previous marriage)  … one girl, one boy, the millionaires family right? … So where’s the money?! I live in SE Michigan with pretty much my whole family, including my wifes. I thought I’d mention some of my hobbies too as perhaps some of you share the same ones and we can share stories! I love camping … it’s what my family and I do the most of it seems, we try for 30 nights a year … we did the tent thing a couple times but quickly migrated to a popup and never regreted it one bit … I also do a lot of photography and astronomy stuff so that seems to keep my interests up, although weather in Michigan doesn’t permit well to astronomy! Then of course there’s music … as I recently posted in a reply, I’ve been in music for a while … when I was 5 I started private music lessons in guitar, and then a few years later I picked up trombone … I was involved in competitions for several years and did real well … I thought about going into music as a career but didn’t see the money in that … so I went to computers … now, the money is better but I hate my job! lol … it’s so stressful, although I think a lot of that is my current position. I’m currently going to University of Phoenix for my MBA and I have to say I love the program … don’t have to commute, go to class, or be away from the family … still takes time but I can do that on my own time and not on family time. I don’t want to write a book as I can be quite wordy but I just thought I’d introduce myself as this seems to be a pretty active group! Thanks again for the welcomes and I look forward to getting to know you better and helping out when I can. ~Matt

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

HI MATT. WELCOME, buddy! ENjoy this forum and learn from it. Forget the past and live  the NOW. YOur music story reminded of my life. I learned to play guitar myself about 3 years ago and I have been composing pc-music for 10 years now (midi/audio). It always hjelped me to forget and to express my shy sad feelings. So continue making music. It helps to analye your feeling. THe best medecine in live. MUSIC! ) — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Hi, Matt, Welcome to ASAPM!  Always glad to have new people here. This is a great site for persons dealing with anxiety/depression… smiles, Elise

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well – I already did introduce myself in a previous post but that was more related to the screws loose in my head So I thought I’d take a moment on a lighter note to introduce myself a bit as some of you seem to have been on here a while and undoubtedly know oneanother quite well. My name is Matt, I guess you figured that out … 28, Married with two children (one of them is my childs daughter from a previous marriage)  … one girl, one boy, the millionaires family right? … So where’s the money?! I live in SE Michigan with pretty much my whole family, including my wifes. I thought I’d mention some of my hobbies too as perhaps some of you share the same ones and we can share stories! I love camping … it’s what my family and I do the most of it seems, we try for 30 nights a year … we did the tent thing a couple times but quickly migrated to a popup and never regreted it one bit … I also do a lot of photography and astronomy stuff so that seems to keep my interests up, although weather in Michigan doesn’t permit well to astronomy! Then of course there’s music … as I recently posted in a reply, I’ve been in music for a while … when I was 5 I started private music lessons in guitar, and then a few years later I picked up trombone … I was involved in competitions for several years and did real well … I thought about going into music as a career but didn’t see the money in that … so I went to computers … now, the money is better but I hate my job! lol … it’s so stressful, although I think a lot of that is my current position. I’m currently going to University of Phoenix for my MBA and I have to say I love the program … don’t have to commute, go to class, or be away from the family … still takes time but I can do that on my own time and not on family time. I don’t want to write a book as I can be quite wordy but I just thought I’d introduce myself as this seems to be a pretty active group! Thanks again for the welcomes and I look forward to getting to know you better and helping out when I can. ~Matt — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

– The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

<Gently snipped ::I don’t want to write a book as I can be quite wordy but I just thought ::I’d introduce myself as this seems to be a pretty active group! :: ::Thanks again for the welcomes and I look forward to getting to know you ::better and helping out when I can. Dear Matt, Thanks for sharing some info about yourself. I enjoyed reading it!  I love camping, although I haven`t done it in a long time. I think you are going to make a great addition to our wonderful family here. Take care Jackie ~*~I may not be perfectly beautiful, I may not be perfectly wise, I may not be perfectly obedient, but I am perfectly me~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

::HI MATT. WELCOME, buddy! ENjoy this forum and learn from it. Forget the ::past and live  the NOW. YOur music story reminded of my life. I learned ::to play guitar myself about 3 years ago and I have been composing ::pc-music for 10 years now (midi/audio). It always hjelped me to forget ::and to express my shy sad feelings. So continue making music. It helps ::to analye your feeling. THe best medecine in live. MUSIC! Hi Mario, a warm welcome to ASAPM Jackie ~*~I may not be perfectly beautiful, I may not be perfectly wise, I may not be perfectly obedient, but I am perfectly me~*~ — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well – I already did introduce myself in a previous post but that was more related to the screws loose in my head So I thought I’d take a moment on a lighter note to introduce myself a bit as some of you seem to have been on here a while and undoubtedly know oneanother quite well. My name is Matt, I guess you figured that out … 28, Married with two children (one of them is my childs daughter from a previous marriage)  … one girl, one boy, the millionaires family right? … So where’s the money?! I live in SE Michigan with pretty much my whole family, including my wifes. I thought I’d mention some of my hobbies too as perhaps some of you share the same ones and we can share stories! I love camping … it’s what my family and I do the most of it seems, we try for 30 nights a year … we did the tent thing a couple times but quickly migrated to a popup and never regreted it one bit … I also do a lot of photography and astronomy stuff so that seems to keep my interests up, although weather in Michigan doesn’t permit well to astronomy! Then of course there’s music … as I recently posted in a reply, I’ve been in music for a while … when I was 5 I started private music lessons in guitar, and then a few years later I picked up trombone … I was involved in competitions for several years and did real well … I thought about going into music as a career but didn’t see the money in that … so I went to computers … now, the money is better but I hate my job! lol … it’s so stressful, although I think a lot of that is my current position. I’m currently going to University of Phoenix for my MBA and I have to say I love the program … don’t have to commute, go to class, or be away from the family … still takes time but I can do that on my own time and not on family time. I don’t want to write a book as I can be quite wordy but I just thought I’d introduce myself as this seems to be a pretty active group! Thanks again for the welcomes and I look forward to getting to know you better and helping out when I can.

Welcome, Matt. I played the trombone through high school and college. My son got his MBA at UC Davis one year ago. Chip — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well – I already did introduce myself in a previous post but that was more related to the screws loose in my head So I thought I’d take a moment on a lighter note to introduce myself a bit as some of you seem to have been on here a while and undoubtedly know oneanother quite well. My name is Matt, I guess you figured that out … 28, Married with two children (one of them is my childs daughter from a previous marriage)  … one girl, one boy, the millionaires family right? … So where’s the money?! I live in SE Michigan with pretty much my whole family, including my wifes. I thought I’d mention some of my hobbies too as perhaps some of you share the same ones and we can share stories! I love camping … it’s what my family and I do the most of it seems, we try for 30 nights a year … we did the tent thing a couple times but quickly migrated to a popup and never regreted it one bit … I also do a lot of photography and astronomy stuff so that seems to keep my interests up, although weather in Michigan doesn’t permit well to astronomy! Then of course there’s music … as I recently posted in a reply, I’ve been in music for a while … when I was 5 I started private music lessons in guitar, and then a few years later I picked up trombone … I was involved in competitions for several years and did real well … I thought about going into music as a career but didn’t see the money in that … so I went to computers … now, the money is better but I hate my job! lol … it’s so stressful, although I think a lot of that is my current position. I’m currently going to University of Phoenix for my MBA and I have to say I love the program … don’t have to commute, go to class, or be away from the family … still takes time but I can do that on my own time and not on family time. I don’t want to write a book as I can be quite wordy but I just thought I’d introduce myself as this seems to be a pretty active group! Thanks again for the welcomes and I look forward to getting to know you better and helping out when I can. ~Matt

Hi Matt!  Welcome!  It sounds like you have a busy life, which is good. That really helps with anxiety if you can stay busy.  I know what you mean about working at a job you dislike.  Keep looking until you find what you want.  It’s out there somewhere. Again, welcome and I look forward to getting to know you. Vicki — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Well – I already did introduce myself in a previous post but that was more related to the screws loose in my head So I thought I’d take a moment on a lighter note to introduce myself a bit as some of you seem to have been on here a while and undoubtedly know oneanother quite well. My name is Matt, I guess you figured that out … 28, Married with two children (one of them is my childs daughter from a previous marriage)  … one girl, one boy, the millionaires family right? … So where’s the money?! I live in SE Michigan with pretty much my whole family, including my wifes. I thought I’d mention some of my hobbies too as perhaps some of you share the same ones and we can share stories! I love camping … it’s what my family and I do the most of it seems, we try for 30 nights a year … we did the tent thing a couple times but quickly migrated to a popup and never regreted it one bit … I also do a lot of photography and astronomy stuff so that seems to keep my interests up, although weather in Michigan doesn’t permit well to astronomy! Then of course there’s music … as I recently posted in a reply, I’ve been in music for a while … when I was 5 I started private music lessons in guitar, and then a few years later I picked up trombone … I was involved in competitions for several years and did real well … I thought about going into music as a career but didn’t see the money in that … so I went to computers … now, the money is better but I hate my job! lol … it’s so stressful, although I think a lot of that is my current position. I’m currently going to University of Phoenix for my MBA and I have to say I love the program … don’t have to commute, go to class, or be away from the family … still takes time but I can do that on my own time and not on family time. I don’t want to write a book as I can be quite wordy but I just thought I’d introduce myself as this seems to be a pretty active group! Thanks again for the welcomes and I look forward to getting to know you better and helping out when I can. ~Matt — The charter is available at: http://readystump.algebra.com/~asapm

Response:

Question:

OK, I’ve managed to edit one pic down to a manageable size (trimmed of a lot of the background, adjusted color balance & whatnot), and still have good detail.  If the pic looks ‘fuzzy’ that’s because the 400 zoom lense we have for our camera has a soft focus – Bette Davis would love it! Pic located at http://community.webshots.com/photo/76978303/326203755xrMdhn

Great pic!  When we still lived in Vancouver, I’d see bald eagles all the time.  There is a road through farmland on the way to the ferry where you could see their nests on the trees in the winter when there were no leaves on the trees.  On one drive I counted over 20 eagles one time.  Wish I’d had a good camera then! I enjoyed reading about your canoe trip too.  Reminded me of one summer when Dennis and I had my parents’ small 15 foot boat.  On Canada Day (July 1) we took it to Pitt Lake, this really long 30 km lake near Vancouver.  We had some beers and stopped the boat in the middle of the lake to suntan in our birthday suits.  Suddenly we heard the sound of an aproaching engine.  Looked up and saw a police boat coming up to us.  They had a tall tower on the boat.  We scrambled to get dressed and hide our beers.  There were a few young policemen on the boat and they were smirking down at us from their tower.  Asked if we had any beer.  Of course we denied it and they went on their way. We decided to keep our clothes on for the rest of the day! — Britta "There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast." — Unknown Check out pictures of Vino at: http://photos.yahoo.com/badwilson click on the Vino album

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, I’ve managed to edit one pic down to a manageable size (trimmed of a lot of the background, adjusted color balance & whatnot), and still have good detail.  If the pic looks ‘fuzzy’ that’s because the 400 zoom lense we have for our camera has a soft focus – Bette Davis would love it! Pic located at http://community.webshots.com/photo/76978303/326203755xrMdhn Saturday, April 16, 2005 We load up the canoe on top of the Land Rover, and head out to a place on Lake Monroe called Pine Grove.  There is a public access ramp for the lake there, and it is near the main stream (Salt Creek) that feeds the lake (Lake Monroe is a man-made lake, created when they dammed Salt Creek). We launched at sometime between 11:00 am and 11:30am.

I really enjoyed your trip, the photo of the eagle is just great, not only the setting but his pose! David (DH) and I often ventured out in canoes or  inflatables then a boat we bought (and sold).  We live in Central Florida and love the natural settings and wildlife.  We also photograph a lot. Well I should say we used to.  David now has a job where he is gone for long periods of time.  He is a long haul over the road (OTR) 48 state truck driver.  He also goes into Canada and takes loads to Lorado, Texas that get put into other trailers to go into Mexico.  He has been gone three weeks now and is not expected home  for another three weeks.  So we don’t go camping, hiking, boating or photographing any more. We both miss it, that is why I was so happy reading about your trip (I swear I could feel each bite and the sunburn!) Charleen

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, I’ve managed to edit one pic down to a manageable size (trimmed of a lot of the background, adjusted color balance & whatnot), and still have good detail.  If the pic looks ‘fuzzy’ that’s because the 400 zoom lense we have for our camera has a soft focus – Bette Davis would love it! Pic located at http://community.webshots.com/photo/76978303/326203755xrMdhn Saturday, April 16, 2005 We load up the canoe on top of the Land Rover, and head out to a place on Lake Monroe called Pine Grove.  There is a public access ramp for the lake there, and it is near the main stream (Salt Creek) that feeds the lake (Lake Monroe is a man-made lake, created when they dammed Salt Creek). We launched at sometime between 11:00 am and 11:30am. I really enjoyed your trip, the photo of the eagle is just great, not only the setting but his pose! David (DH) and I often ventured out in canoes or  inflatables then a boat we bought (and sold).  We live in Central Florida and love the natural settings and wildlife.  We also photograph a lot. Well I should say we used to.  David now has a job where he is gone for long periods of time.  He is a long haul over the road (OTR) 48 state truck driver.  He also goes into Canada and takes loads to Lorado, Texas that get put into other trailers to go into Mexico.  He has been gone three weeks now and is not expected home  for another three weeks.  So we don’t go camping, hiking, boating or photographing any more. We both miss it, that is why I was so happy reading about your trip (I swear I could feel each bite and the sunburn!) Charleen

Actually, the bus weren’t biting quite that bad at all – only had a few spiders drop on me from low hanging branches.  Just brushed them off and kept on paddling.  I did get scratched up a bit when I had to climb up on the bank and work my way through a maze of brush to find a tree to go potty behind – saw tons of deer prints on the way there too! We did get startled by a rather large turtle of some sort, it must have been resting on one of the submerged trunks and when we came by it popped way up and then splash – it was gone.  I thought it was a gator coming towards us, but then I remembered we don’t have wild gators here in Indiana.  Guess I just watch too much Animal Planet — The ONE and ONLY lefthanded-pathetic-paranoid-psychotic-sarcastic-wiseass-ditzy former-blonde in Bloomington! (And proud of it, too)

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for the comments folks. I haven’t had my licence long. I think I am a reasonably good pilot (so does Transport Canada apparently) but I recognize that I have little experience, that was one reason why I was leaning toward flying into another field. The other reason is that I would have more flexibility to leave when I need to, since I understand that OSH is closed for the airshow each afternoon. If you can handle being relatively close to other airplanes and following instructions such as lower gear now, turn base…Maybe make base a steep slipping U-turn to the numbers…now, Land on the number, or a quarter the way down on the dot, or half way down on the circle by flying over landing planes or having them fly over you and actually landing where instructed you should do well. It is definitely not the place for the pilot who only does stabilized patterns. You need to know your plane well enough to be able to do what they tell you when they tell you and where they tell you. Where it gets a bit exciting is when the plane ahead of you slows too soon, or doesn’t turn when told…or the guy behind has a stall speed near your cruise… We were listening to the tower from the home builders center and I’ll never forget the "Blue Bonanza…put your gear down now….Blue Bonanza, turn base now….Blue BONANZA…TURN… BASE… NOW… AWWWWHH…DON’T GO CLEAR TO THE LAKE!  IFR Traffic on VOR 27 watch out for a blue Bonanza with a base near the lake shore… Give him room". (or something to that effect) I’d have loved to have been the IFR arrival and be in a fighter.  I’ve always wanted to say "Switching to guns"…

<:-)) I’ve flown the VOR 27 approach with VFR traffic joining final from both the south and VFR  base traffic from the north.  They used to do it a bit different than at present.  I think they changed two or three years ago.  It was Eight Thirty Three Romeo, cleared to land 27, watch for VFR traffic from the south up the lake shore and base traffic from the north much closer in.  That’s where they used to stretch out the spacing "just enough" for you to fit in…if every one did every thing right. OTOH they’re kinda sensitive about some jokes now days. Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member) (N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair) www.rogerhalstead.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Matt

Response:

This gives me an idea for a service someone could offer. Shuttle bus from OSH to Appleton or Fond Du Lac, meet inexperienced pilot afraid of flying into OSH alone at one of those airports, and help him/her fly the airplane into OSH. Anyone doing this? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for the comments folks. I haven’t had my licence long. I think I am a reasonably good pilot (so does Transport Canada apparently) but I recognize that I have little experience, that was one reason why I was leaning toward flying into another field. The other reason is that I would have more flexibility to leave when I need to, since I understand that OSH is closed for the airshow each afternoon. Rob

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for the comments folks. I haven’t had my licence long. I think I am a reasonably good pilot (so does Transport Canada apparently) but I recognize that I have little experience, that was one reason why I was leaning toward flying into another field. The other reason is that I would have more flexibility to leave when I need to, since I understand that OSH is closed for the airshow each afternoon. If you can handle being relatively close to other airplanes and following instructions such as lower gear now, turn base…Maybe make base a steep slipping U-turn to the numbers…now, Land on the number, or a quarter the way down on the dot, or half way down on the circle by flying over landing planes or having them fly over you and actually landing where instructed you should do well. It is definitely not the place for the pilot who only does stabilized patterns. You need to know your plane well enough to be able to do what they tell you when they tell you and where they tell you. Where it gets a bit exciting is when the plane ahead of you slows too soon, or doesn’t turn when told…or the guy behind has a stall speed near your cruise… We were listening to the tower from the home builders center and I’ll never forget the "Blue Bonanza…put your gear down now….Blue Bonanza, turn base now….Blue BONANZA…TURN… BASE… NOW… AWWWWHH…DON’T GO CLEAR TO THE LAKE!  IFR Traffic on VOR 27 watch out for a blue Bonanza with a base near the lake shore… Give him room". (or something to that effect)

I’d have loved to have been the IFR arrival and be in a fighter.  I’ve always wanted to say "Switching to guns"… Matt

Response:

I unexpectedly have the opportunity to fly to Airventure for a few days. A friend who has done this before has recommended that I fly to a field near OSH rather than right in to Wittman Regional. I will be flying around the north end of Lake Michigan. Do you have any recommendations for which field I should use? I assume I would plan to camp with my plane if possible. Does that make sense when based away from OSH? Rob

Response:

I unexpectedly have the opportunity to fly to Airventure for a few days. A friend who has done this before has recommended that I fly to a field near OSH rather than right in to Wittman Regional. I will be flying around the north end of Lake Michigan. Do you have any recommendations for which field I should use? I assume I would plan to camp with my plane if possible. Does that make sense when based away from OSH?

Both times I have flown to Oshkosh, we never saw another plane until we swung into line at Ripon. Go. By all means. Rich S.

Response:

If you can hold altitude and airspeed, if you can follow logical and orderly instructions, and can land on the numbers consistently (or say.. a colored dot).. then you would be best just to fly into OSH and camp there.. Now.. if you CANT do the above.. by all means, good luck landing out. But I would vote for camping on the north 40.. no place else compares. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I unexpectedly have the opportunity to fly to Airventure for a few days. A friend who has done this before has recommended that I fly to a field near OSH rather than right in to Wittman Regional. I will be flying around the north end of Lake Michigan. Do you have any recommendations for which field I should use? I assume I would plan to camp with my plane if possible. Does that make sense when based away from OSH? Rob

Response:

Thanks for the comments folks. I haven’t had my licence long. I think I am a reasonably good pilot (so does Transport Canada apparently) but I recognize that I have little experience, that was one reason why I was leaning toward flying into another field. The other reason is that I would have more flexibility to leave when I need to, since I understand that OSH is closed for the airshow each afternoon. Rob

Response:

Yes.. the field is closed in the afternoons, but there is a period of time after the show where arrivals are not allowed (an hour? I believe) to allow for folks to depart. Either way, I respect you having your personal limits. Good luck and enjoy Osh regardless of how you get there. It is truly unlike anything else you have experienced. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for the comments folks. I haven’t had my licence long. I think I am a reasonably good pilot (so does Transport Canada apparently) but I recognize that I have little experience, that was one reason why I was leaning toward flying into another field. The other reason is that I would have more flexibility to leave when I need to, since I understand that OSH is closed for the airshow each afternoon. Rob

Response:

Thanks for the comments folks. I haven’t had my licence long. I think I am a reasonably good pilot (so does Transport Canada apparently) but I recognize that I have little experience, that was one reason why I was leaning toward flying into another field. The other reason is that I would have more flexibility to leave when I need to, since I understand that OSH is closed for the airshow each afternoon. Rob

I’ve never flown into OSH VFR, I fly IFR pretty much all the time. However, it was trivial, even when I had an electrical system failure about 20 miles out.  The folks providing direction on the ground are good and it was easy to follow directions to the parking/camping spot. Leaving was fairly easy also other than having to file the IFR flight plan a few hours in advance as I recall. I wouldn’t hesitate to fly into OSH. Matt

Response:

I’m a low time pilot too and have flown into both Sun n Fun and OSH a few times and find OSH to be significantly less stressful… Go ahead and fly into OSH. It’s a great feeling! There are a few things you can do to make life easier for yourself: 1) Watch the weather. If there’s a crosswind you’re not comfortable with, go to Appelton or Fond du Lac instead. 2) Pick your time. Heaviest arrivals are usually around the meat of the day. If you can get in there during the first hour (in particular) or the last hour it tends to be easier (and less windy) 3) Take a second pair of eyes if you can – helps a lot.

Response:

If you can hold altitude and airspeed, if you can follow logical and orderly instructions, and can land on the numbers consistently (or say.. a colored dot).. then you would be best just to fly into OSH and camp there.. Now.. if you CANT do the above.. by all means, good luck landing out. But I would vote for camping on the north 40.. no place else compares.

OH, but I prefer the Antique/classic camping area.  It has atmosphere and…*shade* at least in a few places and is more centrally located. Now if you need a plane that has modern performance, lots of room, and comfortable,  but will still get you in there, I have a relatively low time (less than 4000 hours TT) 1959 Beech Debonair (first off the assembly line) that I’d sell for a slightly exorbitant price. Collectors item and all that…yah know<:-))  Course I really don’t want to part with it so the price would have to be *really* high. Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member) (N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair) www.rogerhalstead.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Dave I unexpectedly have the opportunity to fly to Airventure for a few days. A friend who has done this before has recommended that I fly to a field near OSH rather than right in to Wittman Regional. I will be flying around the north end of Lake Michigan. Do you have any recommendations for which field I should use? I assume I would plan to camp with my plane if possible. Does that make sense when based away from OSH? Rob

Response:

Thanks for the comments folks. I haven’t had my licence long. I think I am a reasonably good pilot (so does Transport Canada apparently) but I recognize that I have little experience, that was one reason why I was leaning toward flying into another field. The other reason is that I would have more flexibility to leave when I need to, since I understand that OSH is closed for the airshow each afternoon.

If you can handle being relatively close to other airplanes and following instructions such as lower gear now, turn base…Maybe make base a steep slipping U-turn to the numbers…now, Land on the number, or a quarter the way down on the dot, or half way down on the circle by flying over landing planes or having them fly over you and actually landing where instructed you should do well. It is definitely not the place for the pilot who only does stabilized patterns. You need to know your plane well enough to be able to do what they tell you when they tell you and where they tell you. Where it gets a bit exciting is when the plane ahead of you slows too soon, or doesn’t turn when told…or the guy behind has a stall speed near your cruise… We were listening to the tower from the home builders center and I’ll never forget the "Blue Bonanza…put your gear down now….Blue Bonanza, turn base now….Blue BONANZA…TURN… BASE… NOW… AWWWWHH…DON’T GO CLEAR TO THE LAKE!  IFR Traffic on VOR 27 watch out for a blue Bonanza with a base near the lake shore… Give him room". (or something to that effect) I wonder who owns a Blue Bonanza?   Then there was the time I flew in formation as a flight of two to land on 36.  The guy ahead of us landed and then stopped on the runway at the first turn off. OTOH IF you don’t mind waiting till 7:00 PM or so to get out, they are very efficient at getting planes out.  I’d guess they run 4 to 6 a minute on VFR departures.  IF it’s on 18 and they haven’t changed, they put planes on the right and left sides of the runway alternating sides.  It’s straight out to 3000 and then you make your turn.  Stay in "your lane" and watch for traffic, particularly when you turn will take you across the other lane.  The more eyes looking out the windows the better. 36 as I recall is a right turn out at or just prior to the tower…climb to 3000 and follow procedure…or it used to be. It all depends on your comfort factor.  When it comes to flying close to pilots I don’t know mine isn’t a high as it used to be. Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member) (N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair) www.rogerhalstead.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Rob

Response:

Question:

My husband, David and I, are long time campers.  We love everything about camping except (as you all do) the chiggers.  We received some great advice from a neighbor camper years ago which has helped us greatly!  When you pack up take a bottle of clear fingernail polish.  When you get a chigger bite dab a bit of polish on  the bite.  It seals the tunnel where the chigger burrowed in and cuts off the air supply. Good-bye chigger.  The polish and the chigger are removed as you shower.  Hope this helps. Charleen

Thanks for the tip – it’s a new one on me. — Steve Touchstone, faithful servant of Sammy, Little Bit and Rocky Home Page: http://www.sirinet.net/~stouchst/index.html Cat Pix: http://www.sirinet.net/~stouchst/animals.html

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That’s great!  The Shirk tour has just gone international! You’re darn tootin we went international.  Now we want to organize a nation wide gathering for next July.  We’ve been gathering imput from Christine, David Y, Krista, and Sam Nash (sorry Sherry and Steve, we didn’t think of the idea until after meeting you two) and the more we think about it, the more we like the idea. I suggested Kansas City, Missouri, but Rob suggested Toad Suck, Arkansas; and Krista and I have agreed that (if possible) Toad Suck would be the perfect place. We’re talking about a story teller’s corner, grafitti wall, booths for interested sellers (I already got a hot prospect if I can get him to make necklaces, bone art, and jerky and bring it down), a raffle for the TED fund, Troll-Be-Ques, and more activities.  We’ve tentatively agreed that the second week of July would be the best time as most of us will be able to get out of work, school, and more at that time. Now for the burning question.  How many of you would be interested? We’ve talked about getting a group site at a campground or advance reserving spaces at a campground.  For those of you who are stapped for funds, I’m sure some of us would be willing to kick in a few bucks to a travel fund.  Even if only 10 of us are interested in getting together (complete with our long suffering families) that would be something. So Ideas, suggestions, input would be appreciated.  Basically would you be seriously interested in going to a gathering of the RPCA clan?

Not this year, and probably not the next few either, but we are going to come and say G’day sooner or later (thats a threat, not a promise!) As to heat… don’t worry me none, I’m an Aussie, especially if its *dry* heat. Its the mozzies I hate. Yowie

Response:

I like Toad Suck but anyplace in Arkansas in late July is miserably hot. Ditto for the rest of the midwest, and south. The coast of Oregon would be ideal….

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That’s great!  The Shirk tour has just gone international! You’re darn tootin we went international.  Now we want to organize a nation wide gathering for next July.  We’ve been gathering imput from Christine, David Y, Krista, and Sam Nash (sorry Sherry and Steve, we didn’t think of the idea until after meeting you two) and the more we think about it, the more we like the idea. I suggested Kansas City, Missouri, but Rob suggested Toad Suck, Arkansas; and Krista and I have agreed that (if possible) Toad Suck would be the perfect place. We’re talking about a story teller’s corner, grafitti wall, booths for interested sellers (I already got a hot prospect if I can get him to make necklaces, bone art, and jerky and bring it down), a raffle for the TED fund, Troll-Be-Ques, and more activities.  We’ve tentatively agreed that the second week of July would be the best time as most of us will be able to get out of work, school, and more at that time. Now for the burning question.  How many of you would be interested? We’ve talked about getting a group site at a campground or advance reserving spaces at a campground.  For those of you who are stapped for funds, I’m sure some of us would be willing to kick in a few bucks to a travel fund.  Even if only 10 of us are interested in getting together (complete with our long suffering families) that would be something. So Ideas, suggestions, input would be appreciated.  Basically would you be seriously interested in going to a gathering of the RPCA clan? Pam S. who’s really getting into this idea

Response:

Forget sleeping bags in Arkansas in July – unless they’re lined with ice

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I checked online, and the average temp. for that area in July is 91 (high) and around 70 for a low. Tomorrow’s forecast is 82 (high) and 66 (low). That doesn’t seem so hot to me…but then I live in OK. It probably doesn’t seem hot to you either! Sherry I couldn’t get google to let me post to the question about camping equipment.  I have a spare 8 x 10 cabin tent that I’m willing to bring and set up for someone or two.  I also have spare sleeping bags (though We only used ours when we were in Flagstaff) and am quite willing to let people use our propane stove, campfire and other equipment as needed.  I’m sure that others would be willing to loan, share, or give equipment as needed as well. Pam S. who would love to bring a parachute as a tent, but can’t afford one

Response:

Wollongong is a wonderful place with cheap, good restaurants. I’d be up for the inaugural RPCA Greater-Sydney meeting sometime. From memory, there are also a couple of other RPCA folks within coo-ee of Sydney. Shall we take this to email or catslaves so as not to disturb the smooth functioning of the group? (and not make them too jealous of the Good Things that Wollongong provides!) Tish

Don’t you dare!  I don’t travel well, but really wish I did.  I love to hear all the planning and results of others trips.  And who knows what you might inspire the rest of us to do. Jo

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thats true. Wollongong is a fine place, with lots of yummy food. And not so far away that Jean couldn’t join us if her foot is better. Shall we make a date? Yowie I echo Yowie. Mind you, there ain’t nothin’ stopping us from having an Aussie (and Thailand??) version at the same time, complete with a dodgy web-cam link. Wollongong’s nice at that time of year … Tish (being cheeky)

Response:

And don’t forget the chiggers! I don’t know if they’re widespread, but I was just about ate up while camping in SW Arkansas once. And I HATE chigger bites, as I react to them much the same as fire ants, and have welts which last for weeks. — Steve Touchstone,

Speaking of chiggers, DH & both came from the Wildlife Reserve with tons of chigger bites. Ick! I hate ‘em too. Did you get bitten, too? Sherry

Response:

And don’t forget the chiggers! I don’t know if they’re widespread, but I was just about ate up while camping in SW Arkansas once. And I HATE chigger bites, as I react to them much the same as fire ants, and have welts which last for weeks. — Steve Touchstone, Speaking of chiggers, DH & both came from the Wildlife Reserve with tons of chigger bites. Ick! I hate ‘em too. Did you get bitten, too?

Sorry to hear that. Which brings up another thing I hate about the little sh*ts… you don’t feel them when they bite, but later on the bites itch like crazy. I managed to miss them this time around, and thankfully Sammy hasn’t been scratching. Guess it’s a good thing she spent most of the time in the carrier instead of exploring. I wonder if Revolution works on chiggers? I need to add that to my list of things to ask TED, as it’s almost time for annual boosters. — Steve Touchstone, faithful servant of Sammy, Little Bit and Rocky Home Page: http://www.sirinet.net/~stouchst/index.html Cat Pix: http://www.sirinet.net/~stouchst/animals.html

Response:

 Could we bring our own toads? I’m a big toad lover myself but if I bring an animal along, it will only ABELARD!

Again we’ll be willing to help with equipment, for those who don’t have any.  But I think there’d be a problem if all of us brought our cats.  Can you imagine the discussions that would abound among them? Can you imagine what they’d report to the mothership?  Can you imagine how we’d have to keep them locked up in cages, or on leashes, rather than let them loose in an unfamiliar area.  I’m arranging a cat sitter for mine.  I figure that I have a whole year to find someone who’d do a good job and that the cats can properly boss around.  I understand that Simeon is properly trained, but he hopes to be out of the army before next July, so is not going to be available again. Pam S. who is  really getting into the idea of a gathering, or is it a clowder?

Response:

And don’t forget the chiggers! I don’t know if they’re widespread, but I was just about ate up while camping in SW Arkansas once. And I HATE chigger bites, as I react to them much the same as fire ants, and have welts which last for weeks.

My husband, David and I, are long time campers.  We love everything about camping except (as you all do) the chiggers.  We received some great advice from a neighbor camper years ago which has helped us greatly!  When you pack up take a bottle of clear fingernail polish.  When you get a chigger bite dab a bit of polish on  the bite.  It seals the tunnel where the chigger burrowed in and cuts off the air supply. Good-bye chigger.  The polish and the chigger are removed as you shower.  Hope this helps. Charleen

Response:

I did forget about the chiggers. They’re as bad as the ticks, if not worse. Many’s the night I’ve stayed awake ALL NIGHT scratching those bites!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As to heat… don’t worry me none, I’m an Aussie, especially if its *dry* heat. Its the mozzies I hate. Arkansas heat is quite Muggy. Mosquitos I’ve seen a lot worse, but not ticks. Arkansas has more ticks than all the other states combined. And don’t forget the chiggers! I don’t know if they’re widespread, but I was just about ate up while camping in SW Arkansas once. And I HATE chigger bites, as I react to them much the same as fire ants, and have welts which last for weeks. — Steve Touchstone, faithful servant of Sammy, Little Bit and Rocky Home Page: http://www.sirinet.net/~stouchst/index.html Cat Pix: http://www.sirinet.net/~stouchst/animals.html

Response:

 Could we bring our own toads?

I’m a big toad lover myself but if I bring an animal along, it will only ABELARD!

Response:

I checked online, and the average temp. for that area in July is 91 (high) and around 70 for a low. Tomorrow’s forecast is 82 (high) and 66 (low). That doesn’t seem so hot to me…but then I live in OK. It probably doesn’t seem hot to you either! Sherry

Just about everywhere is hot this time of year.  One of the reasons we picked Toadsuck is obvious, it has caught everyone’s imaginations. Another is that it is close to the geographic center of the US.  The Oregon Coast is lovely just about any time of the year, and I love it.  But then I’d also love to hold this in the Idaho Mountains, but wouldn’t it be unfair to make some of us have to travel much farther than the rest of us?  Toadsuck, like our second choice, Kansas City Mo, is inconvienent for everyone, so more fair for everyone.  Besides, it’s a lovely place and we really got a kick out of it. Pam S.

Response:

Thats true. Wollongong is a fine place, with lots of yummy food. And not so far away that Jean couldn’t join us if her foot is better. Shall we make a date? Yowie

I echo Yowie. Mind you, there ain’t nothin’ stopping us from having an Aussie (and Thailand??) version at the same time, complete with a dodgy web-cam link. Wollongong’s nice at that time of year … Tish (being cheeky)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not this year, and probably not the next few either, but we are going to come and say G’day sooner or later (thats a threat, not a promise!) As to heat… don’t worry me none, I’m an Aussie, especially if its *dry* heat. Its the mozzies I hate. Yowie

Response:

Just about everywhere is hot this time of year.  One of the reasons we picked Toadsuck is obvious, it has caught everyone’s imaginations. Another is that it is close to the geographic center of the US.  The Oregon Coast is lovely just about any time of the year, and I love it. But then I’d also love to hold this in the Idaho Mountains, but wouldn’t it be unfair to make some of us have to travel much farther than the rest of us?  Toadsuck, like our second choice, Kansas City Mo, is inconvienent for everyone, so more fair for everyone.  Besides, it’s a lovely place and we really got a kick out of it. Pam S.

I think it’s a wonderful idea, Pam, and like you, I think it’s good to have a centrally located place. I would love to come, health permitting. Sherry

Response:

I checked online, and the average temp. for that area in July is 91 (high) and around 70 for a low. Tomorrow’s forecast is 82 (high) and 66 (low). That doesn’t seem so hot to me…but then I live in OK. It probably doesn’t seem hot to you either! Sherry

I couldn’t get google to let me post to the question about camping equipment.  I have a spare 8 x 10 cabin tent that I’m willing to bring and set up for someone or two.  I also have spare sleeping bags (though We only used ours when we were in Flagstaff) and am quite willing to let people use our propane stove, campfire and other equipment as needed.  I’m sure that others would be willing to loan, share, or give equipment as needed as well. Pam S. who would love to bring a parachute as a tent, but can’t afford one

Response:

As to heat… don’t worry me none, I’m an Aussie, especially if its *dry* heat. Its the mozzies I hate. Arkansas heat is quite Muggy. Mosquitos I’ve seen a lot worse, but not ticks. Arkansas has more ticks than all the other states combined.

And don’t forget the chiggers! I don’t know if they’re widespread, but I was just about ate up while camping in SW Arkansas once. And I HATE chigger bites, as I react to them much the same as fire ants, and have welts which last for weeks. — Steve Touchstone, faithful servant of Sammy, Little Bit and Rocky Home Page: http://www.sirinet.net/~stouchst/index.html Cat Pix: http://www.sirinet.net/~stouchst/animals.html

Response:

Wollongong is a wonderful place with cheap, good restaurants.   I’d be up for the inaugural RPCA Greater-Sydney meeting sometime. From memory, there are also a couple of other RPCA folks within coo-ee of Sydney. Shall we take this to email or catslaves so as not to disturb the smooth functioning of the group? (and not make them too jealous of the Good Things that Wollongong provides!) Tish – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thats true. Wollongong is a fine place, with lots of yummy food. And not so far away that Jean couldn’t join us if her foot is better. Shall we make a date? Yowie I echo Yowie. Mind you, there ain’t nothin’ stopping us from having an Aussie (and Thailand??) version at the same time, complete with a dodgy web-cam link. Wollongong’s nice at that time of year … Tish (being cheeky)

Response:

As to heat… don’t worry me none, I’m an Aussie, especially if its *dry* heat. Its the mozzies I hate.

Arkansas heat is quite Muggy. Mosquitos I’ve seen a lot worse, but not ticks. Arkansas has more ticks than all the other states combined.

Response:

Not this year, and probably not the next few either, but we are going to come and say G’day sooner or later (thats a threat, not a promise!) As to heat… don’t worry me none, I’m an Aussie, especially if its *dry* heat. Its the mozzies I hate. Yowie

I checked online, and the average temp. for that area in July is 91 (high) and around 70 for a low. Tomorrow’s forecast is 82 (high) and 66 (low). That doesn’t seem so hot to me…but then I live in OK. It probably doesn’t seem hot to you either! Sherry

Response:

I echo Yowie.   Mind you, there ain’t nothin’ stopping us from having an Aussie (and Thailand??) version at the same time, complete with a dodgy web-cam link. Wollongong’s nice at that time of year … Tish (being cheeky) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not this year, and probably not the next few either, but we are going to come and say G’day sooner or later (thats a threat, not a promise!) As to heat… don’t worry me none, I’m an Aussie, especially if its *dry* heat. Its the mozzies I hate. Yowie

Response:

You’re darn tootin we went international.  Now we want to organize a nation wide gathering for next July.  … I suggested Kansas City, Missouri, but Rob suggested Toad Suck, Arkansas; and Krista and I have agreed that (if possible) Toad Suck would be the perfect place. … Now for the burning question.  How many of you would be interested? … Pam S. who’s really getting into this idea

I’d be interested. I’d love to meet everyone. Toad Suck would be appropriate, and probably not much worse than Texas in July (which is miserable, by-the-way). I think, though, that some thought needs to go into how people would get themselves and camping equipment there.  And what about those of us who do not have camping equipment?  Maybe there would be a campground with some sort of cabins as well as tent spaces? Annie

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You’re darn tootin we went international.  Now we want to organize a nation wide gathering for next July.  … I suggested Kansas City, Missouri, but Rob suggested Toad Suck, Arkansas; and Krista and I have agreed that (if possible) Toad Suck would be the perfect place. … Now for the burning question.  How many of you would be interested? … Pam S. who’s really getting into this idea I’d be interested. I’d love to meet everyone. Toad Suck would be appropriate, and probably not much worse than Texas in July (which is miserable, by-the-way). I think, though, that some thought needs to go into how people would get themselves and camping equipment there.  And what about those of us who do not have camping equipment?  Maybe there would be a campground with some sort of cabins as well as tent spaces? Annie

Could we bring our own toads? Theresa My Blog: http://www.humanitas.blogspot.com alt.tv.frasier FAQ: http://www.im-listening.net/FAQ/

Response:

That’s great!  The Shirk tour has just gone international!

You’re darn tootin we went international.  Now we want to organize a nation wide gathering for next July.  We’ve been gathering imput from Christine, David Y, Krista, and Sam Nash (sorry Sherry and Steve, we didn’t think of the idea until after meeting you two) and the more we think about it, the more we like the idea. I suggested Kansas City, Missouri, but Rob suggested Toad Suck, Arkansas; and Krista and I have agreed that (if possible) Toad Suck would be the perfect place. We’re talking about a story teller’s corner, grafitti wall, booths for interested sellers (I already got a hot prospect if I can get him to make necklaces, bone art, and jerky and bring it down), a raffle for the TED fund, Troll-Be-Ques, and more activities.  We’ve tentatively agreed that the second week of July would be the best time as most of us will be able to get out of work, school, and more at that time. Now for the burning question.  How many of you would be interested? We’ve talked about getting a group site at a campground or advance reserving spaces at a campground.  For those of you who are stapped for funds, I’m sure some of us would be willing to kick in a few bucks to a travel fund.  Even if only 10 of us are interested in getting together (complete with our long suffering families) that would be something. So Ideas, suggestions, input would be appreciated.  Basically would you be seriously interested in going to a gathering of the RPCA clan? Pam S. who’s really getting into this idea

Response:

After days of hot hot weather here in the Okanagan, it rained today in honour of the Shirk’s visit to Canada. Loen (DH) & I drove down and met up with the Shirk family in Penticton for a pleasant afternoon visit. There was an Elvis festival in Penticton at the same time, and I think it was co-incidence (or was that P.C. wearing sideburns I caught singing over there???  Nah…. ) We introduced them to that great Canadian tradition: Tim Horton’s and TimBits. We exchanged souvenirs. And we saw all sorts of photos of other RPCA-ers encountered on their voyage. Pam took quite a few photos and I’m sure she’ll post them once she’s back in arm’s reach of a scanner. We ALL wore our Cattitude shirts. Alas, no time for camping in the Canadian rain (honest – it was hot & sunny until yesterday!) so we cut short our yakking and they headed back south again. Until next time, KLC

Response:

After days of hot hot weather here in the Okanagan, it rained today in honour of the Shirk’s visit to Canada. Loen (DH) & I drove down and met up with the Shirk family in Penticton for a pleasant afternoon visit. There was an Elvis festival in Penticton at the same time, and I think it was co-incidence (or was that P.C. wearing sideburns I caught singing over there???  Nah…. ) We introduced them to that great Canadian tradition: Tim Horton’s and TimBits. We exchanged souvenirs. And we saw all sorts of photos of other RPCA-ers encountered on their voyage.

That’s great!  The Shirk tour has just gone international!

Response:

Question:

Hi Ho Sorry to butt in… but I was nodding my head when you mention your husband. My husband also misses a lot I think.  He would love to do more active things – like camping (eek!) and hiking (eek, again!!) but would not do it without me.  My daughter (9) is the same.  She hates the thought of me being at home by myself and she too would rather stay home from any event if she thinks I am alone.  The other day, when I asked her if she liked me working (part-time) she said "Well, yeah, because then I know that while I’m at school, you’re not at home alone". I sometimes have to tell little white lies (like "I am going out with friends") for her to feel OK about going out with my husband without me. Winny BJ <B…@sk.nojunk.ca> wrote in message

news:10amrrufuaqm5cf@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Bev, > Yes, we are invited to the call ceremony. It is quite a formal thing, from > what I understand. I will be taking a dress for that. I hope I can manage to > look good. There will be pictures taken. I guess I am lucky. Both of my > children have done well. My daughter has her psych nursing and her RN. They > have turned out to be good people. That is the most important thing to me. > It is a long trip. We are putting a mattress in the back of our van. I can > stretch out there and nap. I am armed with sleeping pills. That is something > I never take, but I don’t sleep well away from home, so the doc gave me some > just in case.. Someone suggested that it sounded hippyish–drugs and a bed > in the back of the van. <g> It would be nice to visit some who have extended > a welcoming hand. Hubby wants to sightsee though. He has had to give up so > much because of my illness. I want him to get a chance to go wherever he > chooses. He has been longing to travel for years. > BJ-Sk. Canada > "Beverley" <beverly.brow…@verizon.net> wrote in message > news:0FIqc.2$dq4.0@nwrddc01.gnilink.net… > > Oh, it sounds wonderful. A real get-away with your darling hubby. > > I know you are bursting with pride!! (I’m assuming you get to see the call > > ceremony?) I think you’ve raised two pretty darn wonderful kids. > > And since you are going to lazily come home maybe you should stop by and > see > > some friends. Where else could you go, be so warmly received, and > graciously > > given nap time? > > Be very careful on your way out there. Make lots of stops and do a little > > walking. It will help. Eighteen hours in the car is a bit much even for a > > healthy person. > > Have fun. You deserve some special time! > > Bev > > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca> wrote in message > > news:10aequ46ui7hjbe@corp.supernews.com… > > > Hi Everyone, > > > If all goes well, hubby and I will be leaving one week from today on our > > > first holiday together in six years. We are travelling by car on an > > eighteen > > > hour + drive to the west coast of Canada. I can’t remember when we last > > took > > > a motor trip. That is how many years it has been. Keep your fingers > > crossed > > > that I will stay well. We are taking our old dog with us. We won’t leave > > her > > > in someone else’s care. She has to stay well enough to travel or our > trip > > > will be cancelled. I am so excited. There is so much to organize for a > two > > > weeks away. I am trying to pace myself, so I don’t overdo things. Wish > me > > > luck. > > > BJ-Sk. Canada

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -On Wed, 19 May 2004 09:25:34 -0600, "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca> wrote: >Hi Bev, >Yes, we are invited to the call ceremony. It is quite a formal thing, from >what I understand. I will be taking a dress for that. I hope I can manage to >look good. There will be pictures taken. I guess I am lucky. Both of my >children have done well. My daughter has her psych nursing and her RN. They >have turned out to be good people. That is the most important thing to me. >It is a long trip. We are putting a mattress in the back of our van. I can >stretch out there and nap. I am armed with sleeping pills. That is something >I never take, but I don’t sleep well away from home, so the doc gave me some >just in case.. Someone suggested that it sounded hippyish–drugs and a bed >in the back of the van. <g> It would be nice to visit some who have extended >a welcoming hand. Hubby wants to sightsee though. He has had to give up so >much because of my illness. I want him to get a chance to go wherever he >chooses. He has been longing to travel for years. >BJ-Sk. Canada >"Beverley" <beverly.brow…@verizon.net> wrote in message >news:0FIqc.2$dq4.0@nwrddc01.gnilink.net…

Thankyou for your greeting to my other posting. I don’t get here as often these days as I now have such a big yard to take care of at the house we have been at for 18 months. It’s the size of 3 usual yards plus some. And we have bought a caravan in a thermal land +lake resort town so we can take our wee doglet with us when we are away(just like yourselves)you know how it is I loose half a day napping in the afternoons to catch up.  I can’t get over an 18 hour car trip! I don’t know that it would take that long to drive from one end of our country to the other!!I am not too good at travelling and also feel guilty at what my long suffering hubby misses out on with travel and sightseeing. We are just in a posistion now that we could travel but I a not up to it and he won’t go without me. Luckily he’s had a few training courses in other places and has tried to make the most of the opportunity and I have soaked up the experience 2nd hand.  My new pup is a joy as our old fella passed away though she has been a worry as she had a perforated bowel and lost 8 inches of her stomach in February. The vet thinks she may have had it since birth so it had a huge growth around it, she is starting to come right now and finally enjoy food as she will be 2 in June. She’s a bit of a "dag" as we say down under and excellent company. She takes my mind off my own worries as she has been very brave though seriously ill for so long.  We humans think we’ve got it bad. Poor old Bree was in so much pain she tried to chew her claws off!(like our docs they tried to put it down to mental problems!!)  Well, enough of my burbling. I do hope you enjoy your trip BJ.   I think of you all often and must make an effort to catch up more. My lack of posting does not equal lack of caring just lack of energy!!       Sue In NEW Z

Response:

Hi Shelagh, We are planning to drive to Vancouver in as short a time as possible. My son’s birthday is the 28th. That is also the day of his "call ceremony." New lawyers are formally presented to a judge. He has a job with a large law firm in Vancouver, so he will live there permanently. We will take our time coming back. We will do some sightseeing then. Thanks for the invitation. I would love to meet you but, as I told Micheal, some other time perhaps. BJ-Sk. Canada "Shelagh" <tidering…@shaw.ca> wrote in message

news:v3wqc.496958$Pk3.433011@pd7tw1no… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Enjoy your trip BJ…. if you can make it to the island please do > stop in… I am almost always here at this time of year! > I would imagine you are going to be seeing your son? Is he still > working/living  in Vancouver since he graduated (law school at > UBC wasn’t it?)? > Have a wonderful time anyhow, enjoy each other and the trip… a > beautiful drive across the provinces… are you going to see > Banff/Jasper at all or are you going the ‘low road’? > Hugs from Shelagh > — > Hugs from Shelagh > http://members.shaw.ca/tiderington > Youth is a gift of nature, > Age is a work of art. > "BJ"  wrote in message > > Thank you ,everyone, for you good wishes. Michael, your offer > was lovely, > > but perhaps I will have to go down to see you another time. It > looks like a > > go for Sunday. I saw the doctor today. My blood work has gone > down hill a > > bit, but not enough to stop me. My old dog is hanging in there > too. I am > > counting sleeps now. This is the best! > > BJ-Sk. Canada

Response:

I don’t suppose you’re going through Calgary? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -BJ wrote: > Hi Shelagh, > We are planning to drive to Vancouver in as short a time as possible. My > son’s birthday is the 28th. That is also the day of his "call ceremony." New > lawyers are formally presented to a judge. He has a job with a large law > firm in Vancouver, so he will live there permanently. We will take our time > coming back. We will do some sightseeing then. Thanks for the invitation. I > would love to meet you but, as I told Micheal, some other time perhaps. > BJ-Sk. Canada > "Shelagh" <tidering…@shaw.ca> wrote in message > news:v3wqc.496958$Pk3.433011@pd7tw1no… > > Enjoy your trip BJ…. if you can make it to the island please do > > stop in… I am almost always here at this time of year! > > I would imagine you are going to be seeing your son? Is he still > > working/living  in Vancouver since he graduated (law school at > > UBC wasn’t it?)? > > Have a wonderful time anyhow, enjoy each other and the trip… a > > beautiful drive across the provinces… are you going to see > > Banff/Jasper at all or are you going the ‘low road’? > > Hugs from Shelagh > > — > > Hugs from Shelagh > > http://members.shaw.ca/tiderington > > Youth is a gift of nature, > > Age is a work of art. > > "BJ"  wrote in message > > > Thank you ,everyone, for you good wishes. Michael, your offer > > was lovely, > > > but perhaps I will have to go down to see you another time. It > > looks like a > > > go for Sunday. I saw the doctor today. My blood work has gone > > down hill a > > > bit, but not enough to stop me. My old dog is hanging in there > > too. I am > > > counting sleeps now. This is the best! > > > BJ-Sk. Canada

Response:

I don’t know if we will or not. If we do, we would be waving out the window as we sailed through. I know we are not coming back that way. We have a deadline on the way out, so that will be as quick of a trip as we can make it. It takes us longer than most folks. I have to pee every two hours or less. <g> BJ-Sk. Canada "Grace Casselman" <gr…@casselman.net> wrote in message

news:40AA9307.255852AD@casselman.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I don’t suppose you’re going through Calgary? > BJ wrote: > > Hi Shelagh, > > We are planning to drive to Vancouver in as short a time as possible. My > > son’s birthday is the 28th. That is also the day of his "call ceremony." New > > lawyers are formally presented to a judge. He has a job with a large law > > firm in Vancouver, so he will live there permanently. We will take our time > > coming back. We will do some sightseeing then. Thanks for the invitation. I > > would love to meet you but, as I told Micheal, some other time perhaps. > > BJ-Sk. Canada > > "Shelagh" <tidering…@shaw.ca> wrote in message > > news:v3wqc.496958$Pk3.433011@pd7tw1no… > > > Enjoy your trip BJ…. if you can make it to the island please do > > > stop in… I am almost always here at this time of year! > > > I would imagine you are going to be seeing your son? Is he still > > > working/living  in Vancouver since he graduated (law school at > > > UBC wasn’t it?)? > > > Have a wonderful time anyhow, enjoy each other and the trip… a > > > beautiful drive across the provinces… are you going to see > > > Banff/Jasper at all or are you going the ‘low road’? > > > Hugs from Shelagh > > > — > > > Hugs from Shelagh > > > http://members.shaw.ca/tiderington > > > Youth is a gift of nature, > > > Age is a work of art. > > > "BJ"  wrote in message > > > > Thank you ,everyone, for you good wishes. Michael, your offer > > > was lovely, > > > > but perhaps I will have to go down to see you another time. It > > > looks like a > > > > go for Sunday. I saw the doctor today. My blood work has gone > > > down hill a > > > > bit, but not enough to stop me. My old dog is hanging in there > > > too. I am > > > > counting sleeps now. This is the best! > > > > BJ-Sk. Canada

Response:

Oh, it sounds wonderful. A real get-away with your darling hubby. I know you are bursting with pride!! (I’m assuming you get to see the call ceremony?) I think you’ve raised two pretty darn wonderful kids. And since you are going to lazily come home maybe you should stop by and see some friends. Where else could you go, be so warmly received, and graciously given nap time? Be very careful on your way out there. Make lots of stops and do a little walking. It will help. Eighteen hours in the car is a bit much even for a healthy person. Have fun. You deserve some special time! Bev "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca> wrote in message

news:10aequ46ui7hjbe@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Everyone, > If all goes well, hubby and I will be leaving one week from today on our > first holiday together in six years. We are travelling by car on an eighteen > hour + drive to the west coast of Canada. I can’t remember when we last took > a motor trip. That is how many years it has been. Keep your fingers crossed > that I will stay well. We are taking our old dog with us. We won’t leave her > in someone else’s care. She has to stay well enough to travel or our trip > will be cancelled. I am so excited. There is so much to organize for a two > weeks away. I am trying to pace myself, so I don’t overdo things. Wish me > luck. > BJ-Sk. Canada

Response:

Hi Bev, Yes, we are invited to the call ceremony. It is quite a formal thing, from what I understand. I will be taking a dress for that. I hope I can manage to look good. There will be pictures taken. I guess I am lucky. Both of my children have done well. My daughter has her psych nursing and her RN. They have turned out to be good people. That is the most important thing to me. It is a long trip. We are putting a mattress in the back of our van. I can stretch out there and nap. I am armed with sleeping pills. That is something I never take, but I don’t sleep well away from home, so the doc gave me some just in case.. Someone suggested that it sounded hippyish–drugs and a bed in the back of the van. <g> It would be nice to visit some who have extended a welcoming hand. Hubby wants to sightsee though. He has had to give up so much because of my illness. I want him to get a chance to go wherever he chooses. He has been longing to travel for years. BJ-Sk. Canada "Beverley" <beverly.brow…@verizon.net> wrote in message

news:0FIqc.2$dq4.0@nwrddc01.gnilink.net… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Oh, it sounds wonderful. A real get-away with your darling hubby. > I know you are bursting with pride!! (I’m assuming you get to see the call > ceremony?) I think you’ve raised two pretty darn wonderful kids. > And since you are going to lazily come home maybe you should stop by and see > some friends. Where else could you go, be so warmly received, and graciously > given nap time? > Be very careful on your way out there. Make lots of stops and do a little > walking. It will help. Eighteen hours in the car is a bit much even for a > healthy person. > Have fun. You deserve some special time! > Bev > "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca> wrote in message > news:10aequ46ui7hjbe@corp.supernews.com… > > Hi Everyone, > > If all goes well, hubby and I will be leaving one week from today on our > > first holiday together in six years. We are travelling by car on an > eighteen > > hour + drive to the west coast of Canada. I can’t remember when we last > took > > a motor trip. That is how many years it has been. Keep your fingers > crossed > > that I will stay well. We are taking our old dog with us. We won’t leave > her > > in someone else’s care. She has to stay well enough to travel or our trip > > will be cancelled. I am so excited. There is so much to organize for a two > > weeks away. I am trying to pace myself, so I don’t overdo things. Wish me > > luck. > > BJ-Sk. Canada

Response:

Enjoy your trip BJ…. if you can make it to the island please do stop in… I am almost always here at this time of year! I would imagine you are going to be seeing your son? Is he still working/living  in Vancouver since he graduated (law school at UBC wasn’t it?)? Have a wonderful time anyhow, enjoy each other and the trip… a beautiful drive across the provinces… are you going to see Banff/Jasper at all or are you going the ‘low road’? Hugs from Shelagh — Hugs from Shelagh http://members.shaw.ca/tiderington Youth is a gift of nature, Age is a work of art. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -"BJ"  wrote in message > Thank you ,everyone, for you good wishes. Michael, your offer was lovely, > but perhaps I will have to go down to see you another time. It looks like a > go for Sunday. I saw the doctor today. My blood work has gone down hill a > bit, but not enough to stop me. My old dog is hanging in there too. I am > counting sleeps now. This is the best! > BJ-Sk. Canada

Response:

"BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca> wrote in message

news:10aequ46ui7hjbe@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Everyone, > If all goes well, hubby and I will be leaving one week from today on our > first holiday together in six years. We are travelling by car on an eighteen > hour + drive to the west coast of Canada. I can’t remember when we last took > a motor trip. That is how many years it has been. Keep your fingers crossed > that I will stay well. We are taking our old dog with us. We won’t leave her > in someone else’s care. She has to stay well enough to travel or our trip > will be cancelled. I am so excited. There is so much to organize for a two > weeks away. I am trying to pace myself, so I don’t overdo things. Wish me > luck. > BJ-Sk. Canada

Have a wonderful trip, pacing is important, I hope the destination is a fun spot. I never thought <in my youth> sitting and riding in a car could be so exhausting. be safe and enjoy. Zinn

Response:

BJ,  I am doing the Happy Dance for you…This is great. Hugs Cindy

Response:

Thank you ,everyone, for you good wishes. Michael, your offer was lovely, but perhaps I will have to go down to see you another time. It looks like a go for Sunday. I saw the doctor today. My blood work has gone down hill a bit, but not enough to stop me. My old dog is hanging in there too. I am counting sleeps now. This is the best! BJ-Sk. Canada "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca> wrote in message

news:10aequ46ui7hjbe@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Everyone, > If all goes well, hubby and I will be leaving one week from today on our > first holiday together in six years. We are travelling by car on an eighteen > hour + drive to the west coast of Canada. I can’t remember when we last took > a motor trip. That is how many years it has been. Keep your fingers crossed > that I will stay well. We are taking our old dog with us. We won’t leave her > in someone else’s care. She has to stay well enough to travel or our trip > will be cancelled. I am so excited. There is so much to organize for a two > weeks away. I am trying to pace myself, so I don’t overdo things. Wish me > luck. > BJ-Sk. Canada

Response:

Hi Everyone, If all goes well, hubby and I will be leaving one week from today on our first holiday together in six years. We are travelling by car on an eighteen hour + drive to the west coast of Canada. I can’t remember when we last took a motor trip. That is how many years it has been. Keep your fingers crossed that I will stay well. We are taking our old dog with us. We won’t leave her in someone else’s care. She has to stay well enough to travel or our trip will be cancelled. I am so excited. There is so much to organize for a two weeks away. I am trying to pace myself, so I don’t overdo things. Wish me luck. BJ-Sk. Canada

Response:

Well, here’s hoping that "everything goes well," for you! I know about the dog thing. Mugsey got sick just before my little trio to Wenatchee last month and I was beside myself as to what to do about it. I ended up jsut taking her along with me anyway, she was starting to get better by then and I didn’t have the heart to leave her with the new "babysitter." When you hit the West Coast of Canada, Oregon’s only about 4 1/2 hours south, why don’t you drop in? Like I told Shelagh, the food might not be that good here but therre’ lot’s of it! (Not really. all you you have to do is look at my extra 60 pounds and see that the food’s pretty good!) Always welcome here and I hope you have a great trip! Michael

Response:

Dear BJ, Want to wish you the best of vacations! JB "Michael Roeper" <roe…@comcast.net> wrote in message

news:poKpc.58957$z06.8211158@attbi_s01… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Well, here’s hoping that "everything goes well," for you! I know about the > dog thing. Mugsey got sick just before my little trio to Wenatchee last > month and I was beside myself as to what to do about it. I ended up jsut > taking her along with me anyway, she was starting to get better by then and > I didn’t have the heart to leave her with the new "babysitter." > When you hit the West Coast of Canada, Oregon’s only about 4 1/2 hours > south, why don’t you drop in? Like I told Shelagh, the food might not be > that good here but therre’ lot’s of it! (Not really. all you you have to do > is look at my extra 60 pounds and see that the food’s pretty good!) > Always welcome here and I hope you have a great trip! > Michael

Response:

BJ, That sounds so fantastic to go away with your husband and your best friend! I wish you and your dog continued wellness so you can all enjoy your trip!!!!!!!!! Hugs, Sherry "BJ" <B…@sk.nojunk.ca> wrote in message

news:10aequ46ui7hjbe@corp.supernews.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi Everyone, > If all goes well, hubby and I will be leaving one week from today on our > first holiday together in six years. We are travelling by car on an eighteen > hour + drive to the west coast of Canada. I can’t remember when we last took > a motor trip. That is how many years it has been. Keep your fingers crossed > that I will stay well. We are taking our old dog with us. We won’t leave her > in someone else’s care. She has to stay well enough to travel or our trip > will be cancelled. I am so excited. There is so much to organize for a two > weeks away. I am trying to pace myself, so I don’t overdo things. Wish me > luck. > BJ-Sk. Canada

Response:

Question:

I get the feeling that before the day is over, Patty is going to put you on her s*** list. You shouldn’t give people like me ideas. Cheers and many thanks, Dave Now, that we do. It’s a great way to find each other at the mall. But the most annoying thing is when we arrive home, and I"m fumbling with the key trying to unlock the door, he hits the speed dial button behind me  for the home #. So I hear the phone,  throw everything down and run in the door  to answer it, and it’s him, standing on the porch laughing his a** off. Sherry

– Welshmen like to sing, but to me it sounds as if someone is jumping from a high place into a bathtub full of frogs. And every time I stepped out of the car to relieve myself, the sheep would back towards me with expectant looks on their faces.

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I don’t think it’s just an Asian thing, considering how many cellphones there are in Finland. Off the top of my head I cannot think of anyone I know who doesn’t have one. Just checked from the website of Statistics Finland the amount of cellphones per 100 Finns, which is 72,8. So it’s probably just the babies that cannot talk that don’t have one…

And my sister. ) But she’s so anti-technology anyway. She’s never even owned a TV. — Marina, Frank and Nikki Email marina (dot) kurten (at) pp (dot) inet (dot) fi Pics at http://uk.f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/frankiennikki

Response:

I don’t think it’s just an Asian thing, considering how many cellphones there are in Finland. Off the top of my head I cannot think of anyone I know who doesn’t have one. Just checked from the website of Statistics Finland the amount of cellphones per 100 Finns, which is 72,8. So it’s probably just the babies that cannot talk that don’t have one… And my sister. ) But she’s so anti-technology anyway. She’s never even owned a TV.

Wow.  That’s so the opposite of me.  I always have to have the latest gadgets and gizmos.  I love technology  I guess I got that from my dad who used to be an aeronautical engineer and then a computer programmer. — Britta Sandpaper kisses, a cuddle and a purr. I have an alarm clock that’s covered in fur! Check out pictures of Vino at: http://photos.yahoo.com/badwilson click on the Vino album

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – .. DH nagged and nagged and nagged. I swear, he would be happier if I got a little Onstar chip implanted and he could just go to some website and track me down. If I didn’t answer the phone at home, he used to leave work and come home looking for me. Enter the cell phone. Now I can’t remember to charge the stupid thing. But he’s learned to let it ring 15 times while I’m at the other end digging in my purse looking for it. Sherry Jim and I both have cell phones.  When he is traveling, he can call me without having to track down and wait in line for a pay phone.  He will call me between flights and from amazing places all over the country. I got a purse with a pocket on the side, so I wouldn’t have to dig for the phone. Having a cell phone plan has saved us a lot of money on long distance calls. I have a little different reason for liking the cell phones. When we are shopping, he always wanders off.  When I’m ready to leave, I just ring him up and politely request his presence at the cash register. Annie

That’s exactly what I use my cellphone a lot for!  When I’m in Bangkok shopping with my girlfriends, we tend to lose each other, so it’s great to be able to call each other up and decide when to meet for lunch. I’d have to say that the cellphone was the most important purchase we made after the car.  I’d be lost without it.   Maybe it’s an Asian thing, but *everyone* here has a cellphone and talks on it constantly.  Nobody ever calls on my home phone.  Not that they’d get through anyway, because when I’m at home, I’m on the internet.  When I’m not on the internet, I’m not at home. — Britta Sandpaper kisses, a cuddle and a purr. I have an alarm clock that’s covered in fur! Check out pictures of Vino at: http://photos.yahoo.com/badwilson click on the Vino album

Response:

That’s exactly what I use my cellphone a lot for!  When I’m in Bangkok shopping with my girlfriends, we tend to lose each other, so it’s great to be able to call each other up and decide when to meet for lunch. I’d have to say that the cellphone was the most important purchase we made after the car.  I’d be lost without it.   Maybe it’s an Asian thing, but *everyone* here has a cellphone and talks on it constantly.  Nobody ever calls on my home phone.  Not that they’d get through anyway, because when I’m at home, I’m on the internet.  When I’m not on the internet, I’m not at home. — Britta

I don’t think it’s just an Asian thing, considering how many cellphones there are in Finland. Off the top of my head I cannot think of anyone I know who doesn’t have one. Just checked from the website of Statistics Finland the amount of cellphones per 100 Finns, which is 72,8. So it’s probably just the babies that cannot talk that don’t have one… We don’t even have a hard line phone at home, just our cellphones (Janne’s and mine). The DSL-connection doesn’t have a phone number, it’s just the broadband. When I go shopping for groceries after work, I often call Janne at home to check what’s needed. And when shopping for b-day or x-mas gifts, it’s handy to be able to call and check the shoe size or clothes size of nieces, nephews and such, just as you’ve found some item for them. — Christine in Vantaa, Finland christal63 (at) yahoo (dot) com photos: http://photos.yahoo.com/christal63 Laku: DS B G 4.11 Y L W C+ I+++ T++/- A+ E H+ S+ V++ F Q+ P- B PA PL

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Part of the reason we finally broke down and got one.  Some day I’ll hear that thing ring.  We not only want to have one for emergencies, but want to be able to keep in touch with all the various persons we’re getting together with. Pam S. who’d get a kick out of a Yehudah meeting

Me too! DH nagged and nagged and nagged. I swear, he would be happier if I got a little Onstar chip implanted and he could just go to some website and track me down. If I didn’t answer the phone at home, he used to leave work and come home looking for me. Enter the cell phone. Now I can’t remember to charge the stupid thing. But he’s learned to let it ring 15 times while I’m at the other end digging in my purse looking for it. Sherry

Response:

.. DH nagged and nagged and nagged. I swear, he would be happier if I got a little Onstar chip implanted and he could just go to some website and track me down. If I didn’t answer the phone at home, he used to leave work and come home looking for me. Enter the cell phone. Now I can’t remember to charge the stupid thing. But he’s learned to let it ring 15 times while I’m at the other end digging in my purse looking for it. Sherry

Jim and I both have cell phones.  When he is traveling, he can call me without having to track down and wait in line for a pay phone.  He will call me between flights and from amazing places all over the country. I got a purse with a pocket on the side, so I wouldn’t have to dig for the phone. Having a cell phone plan has saved us a lot of money on long distance calls. I have a little different reason for liking the cell phones. When we are shopping, he always wanders off.  When I’m ready to leave, I just ring him up and politely request his presence at the cash register. Annie

Response:

I’ve found that a cell phone is indispensable when meeting someone halfway across the country. When my cousin and I decided to meet in New Mexico for an Indian pow-wow last year, she started from Arkansas, Patty and I started from California, and we wound up at the same place within ten minutes of one another. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If I knew exactly when and where, I could meet you at Denver. Email me when you know. Then I can give you my cell number and put in for a day off. I am so excited, too. BTW, I plan on taking Robin with me. And jeff with the digital. You should be starving for kitty purrs by then. I’ve been trying to get Rob to plan out our route in advance so that I can give advance warning.  So far, it’s a no go.  I’ll keep bugging him to get the route and timing back taken care of, so that we have a more accurate time-table for those whom we’re meeting. Pam S.

– Welshmen like to sing, but to me it sounds as if someone is jumping from a high place into a bathtub full of frogs. And every time I stepped out of the car to relieve myself, the sheep would back towards me with expectant looks on their faces.

Response:

I’ve found that a cell phone is indispensable when meeting someone halfway across the country. When my cousin and I decided to meet in New Mexico for an Indian pow-wow last year, she started from Arkansas, Patty and I started from California, and we wound up at the same place within ten minutes of one another.

Part of the reason we finally broke down and got one.  Some day I’ll hear that thing ring.  We not only want to have one for emergencies, but want to be able to keep in touch with all the various persons we’re getting together with. Pam S. who’d get a kick out of a Yehudah meeting

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Pam! The Okanagan is just a little ways north of Osoyoos, but if you cross the border, I’ll definitely drive down and meet up with you, wherever you end up being. We should swap contact info so you can reach me when you’re in the area, maybe, since you don’t know for certain how you will spend Jun 26-28? After all that travelling, you might want to relax in Osoyoos for a couple of days. And then Britta will be coming through this way, just a few days later (or at least, in Vancouver). Wow! KLC, wondering which cat wants to go for a drive….

D’oh!  That sucks about the timing.  But my parents would kill me if we left Victora that early.  Would have been so cool to all meet up at the same time! — Britta Sandpaper kisses, a cuddle and a purr. I have an alarm clock that’s covered in fur! Check out pictures of Vino at: http://photos.yahoo.com/badwilson click on the Vino album

Response:

Well, it looks like the trip is a go for all four of us, Rob, Mandy, Mike, and me.  Mike called this evening and left a message saying that he’s been approved for leave.   Pam S. really nervous and excited.

Pam, That is so great that all four of you are able to go.  You will have a terrific time and see some amazing sites. Annie

Response:

Hey all, Well, it looks like the trip is a go for all four of us, Rob, Mandy, Mike, and me.  Mike called this evening and left a message saying that he’s been approved for leave.  I’ll find out more later, we were at the school art show and contest for Mandy when he called. Our itinerary looks like this:

<<<<<<<<<snip The tentative itinerary for the trip back is to follow I-90 through Wyoming and into South Dakota, head down to Denver, then follow I-70 through Kansas City, visit with relatives outside KC, then through Missouri down I-24 to Nashville, TN, and then back to Bristol TN and then home.  We’ll probably leave on July 8 and be able to have Mike back in school on time. Pam S. really nervous and excited.

If I knew exactly when and where, I could meet you at Denver. Email me when you know. Then I can give you my cell number and put in for a day off. I am so excited, too. BTW, I plan on taking Robin with me. And jeff with the digital. You should be starving for kitty purrs by then. CATherine

Response:

Hi, Pam! The Okanagan is just a little ways north of Osoyoos, but if you cross the border, I’ll definitely drive down and meet up with you, wherever you end up being. We should swap contact info so you can reach me when you’re in the area, maybe, since you don’t know for certain how you will spend Jun 26-28? After all that travelling, you might want to relax in Osoyoos for a couple of days. And then Britta will be coming through this way, just a few days later (or at least, in Vancouver). Wow! KLC, wondering which cat wants to go for a drive….

<snipped – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Our itinerary looks like this: June 12 Bristol TN/VA camping on a friend’s front lawn June 13 Memphis–America’s Best Campground June 14 Lawton Oklahoma –Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge June 15 Albuquerque New Mexico—KOA campgrounds June 16&17 Flagstaff Arizona–KOA campground June 18 Provo Utah, still trying to hear back from KOA June 19 Mountain Home Idaho–KOA Campgrounds June 20 Lewiston Idaho–In time for Father’s day While we’re visiting we’ll be camping in Washington State. June 23&24 Steamboat Rock campground near Grand Coulee Dam     Laser light show and seeing my old stomping grounds June 25 Osoyoos Campground outside Oroville Washington. June 26-27 maybe into Canada, maybe not we have to be back June 28 Lewiston Idaho Rob’s mom’s Purrday. So if we can hook up with you, please let us know.  We’re planning on visiting with Steve and Sherry in Lawton and Christine in Albuquerque. The other places are still open.  Also hoping to hook up with Sam Nash in Washington as well as some relatives at Steamboat Rock. The tentative itinerary for the trip back is to follow I-90 through Wyoming and into South Dakota, head down to Denver, then follow I-70 through Kansas City, visit with relatives outside KC, then through Missouri down I-24 to Nashville, TN, and then back to Bristol TN and then home.  We’ll probably leave on July 8 and be able to have Mike back in school on time. Pam S. really nervous and excited.

Response:

WOO HOO! Christine

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey all, Well, it looks like the trip is a go for all four of us, Rob, Mandy, Mike, and me.  Mike called this evening and left a message saying that he’s been approved for leave.  I’ll find out more later, we were at the school art show and contest for Mandy when he called. Our itinerary looks like this: June 12 Bristol TN/VA camping on a friend’s front lawn June 13 Memphis–America’s Best Campground June 14 Lawton Oklahoma –Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge June 15 Albuquerque New Mexico—KOA campgrounds June 16&17 Flagstaff Arizona–KOA campground June 18 Provo Utah, still trying to hear back from KOA June 19 Mountain Home Idaho–KOA Campgrounds June 20 Lewiston Idaho–In time for Father’s day While we’re visiting we’ll be camping in Washington State. June 23&24 Steamboat Rock campground near Grand Coulee Dam Laser light show and seeing my old stomping grounds June 25 Osoyoos Campground outside Oroville Washington. June 26-27 maybe into Canada, maybe not we have to be back June 28 Lewiston Idaho Rob’s mom’s Purrday. So if we can hook up with you, please let us know.  We’re planning on visiting with Steve and Sherry in Lawton and Christine in Albuquerque. The other places are still open.  Also hoping to hook up with Sam Nash in Washington as well as some relatives at Steamboat Rock. The tentative itinerary for the trip back is to follow I-90 through Wyoming and into South Dakota, head down to Denver, then follow I-70 through Kansas City, visit with relatives outside KC, then through Missouri down I-24 to Nashville, TN, and then back to Bristol TN and then home.  We’ll probably leave on July 8 and be able to have Mike back in school on time. Pam S. really nervous and excited.

Response:

Pam S. really nervous and excited.

Purrs that you all have a wonderful time and everything goes without a hitch. My mental eye can just see all the homeless kitties along your route preparing to look cute and pathetic for your visit. ;o) — Marina, Frank and Nikki Email marina (dot) kurten (at) pp (dot) inet (dot) fi Pics at http://uk.f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/frankiennikki

Response:

Hey all, Well, it looks like the trip is a go for all four of us, Rob, Mandy, Mike, and me.  Mike called this evening and left a message saying that he’s been approved for leave.  I’ll find out more later, we were at the school art show and contest for Mandy when he called. Our itinerary looks like this: June 12 Bristol TN/VA camping on a friend’s front lawn June 13 Memphis–America’s Best Campground June 14 Lawton Oklahoma –Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge June 15 Albuquerque New Mexico—KOA campgrounds June 16&17 Flagstaff Arizona–KOA campground June 18 Provo Utah, still trying to hear back from KOA June 19 Mountain Home Idaho–KOA Campgrounds June 20 Lewiston Idaho–In time for Father’s day While we’re visiting we’ll be camping in Washington State. June 23&24 Steamboat Rock campground near Grand Coulee Dam         Laser light show and seeing my old stomping grounds June 25 Osoyoos Campground outside Oroville Washington. June 26-27 maybe into Canada, maybe not we have to be back June 28 Lewiston Idaho Rob’s mom’s Purrday. So if we can hook up with you, please let us know.  We’re planning on visiting with Steve and Sherry in Lawton and Christine in Albuquerque. The other places are still open.  Also hoping to hook up with Sam Nash in Washington as well as some relatives at Steamboat Rock. The tentative itinerary for the trip back is to follow I-90 through Wyoming and into South Dakota, head down to Denver, then follow I-70 through Kansas City, visit with relatives outside KC, then through Missouri down I-24 to Nashville, TN, and then back to Bristol TN and then home.  We’ll probably leave on July 8 and be able to have Mike back in school on time. Pam S. really nervous and excited.

Response:

Question:

If you are the web site designer or his friend and reading this message then please see if you can add Patricia Fodor  of the Souther Colorado MS Center in Colorado Springs. I cannot figure out where I filed the link and I cannot seem to come up with a search word either. She is lecturing tommorrow night in Littleton sponsored by Biogen based on the color of the brochure. Celeste

Response:

"Celeste" <celeste…@qwest.net> wrote in message

news:Fe58c.86$kP6.117490@news.uswest.net… > If you are the web site designer or his friend and reading this message then > please see if you can add > Patricia Fodor  of the Souther Colorado MS Center in Colorado Springs. > I cannot figure out where I filed the link and I cannot seem to come up with > a search word either. > She is lecturing tommorrow night in Littleton sponsored by Biogen based > on the color of the brochure. > Celeste

  off your topic,, but sort of related,,,, i have a friend in boulder col. who works at a place that organizes activities for disabled people, ranging from basketball to camping trips, fishing,  you name it,, what makes it different than what is available in Canada is that all these activities are available from one resource center,, pool activities, everything you caqn think off is there,, for disabled, blind, mentally challenged, , all at one place,, she sent me all the info from her center so i could pass it on to municipal governments etc here,, to show them how to include all disabilities in one resource center,, making it easy to find wheelchair basketball,, or disabled swimming excesize classes or disabled camping/fishing trips,  or  blind golf trips, anything else,, !!!!  its the best organized programs i have ever seen.   i have family living in colorado springs,, my uncle owns an airplane dealership in col.springs at the airforce base, my cousin teaches soccer to grade 11-12 girls!!! lucky basterd eh!!!!  we go there for summer visits,, i love it!!! bobD

Response:

Question:

the different types of memberships a person can buy and receive discounts on camping. I was wondering if there are any recommendations from the group. We will mostly be camping on the East Coast in the southern region of the

I also like Good Sam. It’s usually $19 a year. Call 800-234-3450 and tell them you heard they have a 30 month for $30 deal. They did it for me last year.

Response:

You got some good advise already but you might want to check the passport America web site to see if they have a discounted campground in the areas you will be camping.  Also, campgrounds can withdraw from that program at well.

No matter what information you use to find a campground, there will be changes in price and participation.  Before we start a trip, I always go to the Passport America website and download the listings for the states we will be traveling through, then when we are an hour or so from a campground we would like to stop at, we phone and double check to make sure they are accepting PA and the current price. That way we have no surprises. When staying in other parks, we also call ahead to verify available site and price.  We just don’t drive up anymore to be disappointed. Tom J who doesn’t know how we got by without cell phones

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Since then we have patted ourselves on the back many times for that decision. As nice a place as it was, not once in all these years have we had any desire whatsoever to go back there. There are too many other places we want to see to spend weekends at the same place. GB in NC

How would it have panned out as an investment?  We bought a lake lot late in 2002 for $50,000.  Now there isn’t one in the entire area that is going for less than $100,000 and some aren’t even on the water. LZ

Response:

Since then we have patted ourselves on the back many times for that decision. As nice a place as it was, not once in all these years have we had any desire whatsoever to go back there. There are too many other places we want to see to spend weekends at the same place. GB in NC How would it have panned out as an investment?

I don’t know, since we haven’t been back. I wouldn’t have bought it as an investment, though. It would have been purely for our recreational enjoyment. Anyway, it couldn’t have been as good as some of the other investments we’ve made since then. We’ve had some really good luck. GB in NC

Response:

Anyway, it couldn’t have been as good as some of the other investments we’ve made since then. We’ve had some really good luck. GB in NC

I forgot about your secret gold mine. LZ

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Anyway, it couldn’t have been as good as some of the other investments we’ve made since then. We’ve had some really good luck. GB in NC I forgot about your secret gold mine.

Ahem. That’s "gold mines." (Don’t know how many — haven’t had time to find all of ‘em yet, let alone count ‘em.) GB in NC

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I agree with Joe V on KOA CG’s I find them to be at least 20 to 30% higher then similar CG’s 100% higher if they are anywhere near a major attraction.

Response:

None of the memberships are really worthwhile.  Off-the-beaten track, limited number of sites for members, usually 2nd or 3rd rate campgrounds – and you will rarely save enough to make a difference unless you are a fulltimer.  Then, some good deals are available. MrRagtime

Response:

None of the memberships are really worthwhile.  Off-the-beaten track, limited number of sites for members, usually 2nd or 3rd rate campgrounds – and you will rarely save enough to make a difference unless you are a fulltimer.  Then, some good deals are available. MrRagtime

Except maybe for Passport America.  For $39.00 bucks a year you pay half price in their parks and it doesn’t take long to get your money back.   Don

Response:

Hi , My family and I just bought our first trailer and are excited to use it this year. We have an idiots book on RV’s (very useful !!) and in it describes the different types of memberships a person can buy and receive discounts on camping. I was wondering if there are any recommendations from the group. We will mostly be camping on the East Coast in the southern region of the seaboard. We will plan a trip to Disney either this year or next year. Thank You for your time and recommendations, CY

Response:

Congrats on your new purchase. My family loves ours. Everyone we have met camping are very helpful and friendly so if you have any questions, about your trailer, while your camping don’t hesitate to ask your "neighbors", they will be more than willing to lend some advice. We recently moved from VA to Wa. We are members of Good Sam and KOA. If your going on a long trip to an ultimate destination KOAs are convienient (usually right off of the Hwy), a little cheaper than most, but usually crowded. The Good Sam affiliated campgrounds seem to be a little nicer. As for Disney, you will have a blast. While in VA we went to the Fort Wilderness campgroung all of the time. Pay the little extra and get a full service site close to the nightly camp fire. It makes things a little easier. Also plan an extra day at the campground (we would break the trip in half, like two days at the parks, one day at the campground, then finish with a couple of days at the parks). It gives you time to enjoy Fort Wilderness and lets you rest and take it easy for a day. Good luck and have fun. Dave

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi , My family and I just bought our first trailer and are excited to use it this year. We have an idiots book on RV’s (very useful !!) and in it describes the different types of memberships a person can buy and receive discounts on camping. I was wondering if there are any recommendations from the group. We will mostly be camping on the East Coast in the southern region of the seaboard. We will plan a trip to Disney either this year or next year. Thank You for your time and recommendations, CY

Response:

NONE.  You would have to fulltime fulltime to even break even on memberships.  And then, all you get to stay in is stuffy campgrounds with CC and Rs that would make most HomeOwnerAssociations look like a truckload of liberals. Travel for a year.  Keep track of your expenses.  Weigh whether or not you would have gotten a "deal" or not. Probably not. A lot of good camping can be had for free or cheap. Steve

Response:

Passport America has paid for itself, in our case.  It’s cheap and for overnighting, convenient. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – NONE.  You would have to fulltime fulltime to even break even on memberships.  And then, all you get to stay in is stuffy campgrounds with CC and Rs that would make most HomeOwnerAssociations look like a truckload of liberals. Travel for a year.  Keep track of your expenses.  Weigh whether or not you would have gotten a "deal" or not. Probably not. A lot of good camping can be had for free or cheap. Steve

Response:

Passport America has paid for itself, in our case.  It’s cheap and for overnighting, convenient.

That’s been my experience too, it’s so inexpensive a couple of nights in a campground and it’s paid for itself. Hunter http://members.aol.com/airstm2268/roadtrip2003.htm My rig: http://members.aol.com/airstm2268/excella.htm "You only get to choose what you read, not what I write."

Response:

Passport America has paid for itself, in our case.  It’s cheap and for overnighting, convenient.

IF you like campgrounds. Steve

Response:

My family and I just bought our first trailer and are excited to use it this year. We have an idiots book on RV’s (very useful !!) and in it describes the different types of memberships a person can buy and receive discounts on camping. I was wondering if there are any recommendations from the group. We will mostly be camping on the East Coast in the southern region of the seaboard. We will plan a trip to Disney either this year or next year.

Passport America and Good Sam.  Do not join a membership campground!  You need a few years of RVing under your belt before you spend that kind of money and make a long-term committment.   Passport America can be dropped after a year and you get the fee back after the first few discount camping nights.  Good Sam gives you a 10% discount in particiating campgrounds.  They also offer other benefits such as available road service, trip planning and a pretty good magazine.  You can stop their inevitable junk mail with a phone call. J The Road Princess Residentially Challenged Spelling and punctuation is up to my editors. I take no responsibility

Response:

Hi , My family and I just bought our first trailer and are excited to use it this year. We have an idiots book on RV’s (very useful !!) and in it describes the different types of memberships a person can buy and receive discounts on camping. I was wondering if there are any recommendations from the group. We

You got some good advise already but you might want to check the passport America web site to see if they have a discounted campground in the areas you will be camping.  Also, campgrounds can withdraw from that program at well.  Also, if you use 50 amps most will tack on $2.00 or so also their rates can go up at will.  I never was in a spot put once so it didn’t  help me much. Good Sam’s has more campgrounds listed than Passport but of course theirs is only 10%.  But on their web site you have a trip planner and so other stuff check it out and see if it is what you want.  Lots depends on the number of times you will be camping.  Six or less keep your money.

Response:

Hi , My family and I just bought our first trailer and are excited to use it this year. We have an idiots book on RV’s (very useful !!) and in it describes the different types of memberships a person can buy and receive discounts on camping. I was wondering if there are any recommendations from the group.

http://www.passportamerica.com/ Passport America is only $44 a year and gives you 50% discounts at participating campgrounds all over the US and Canada. At $8 to $12 a night savings, it’s paid for the 1st week.  If not satisfied, you aren’t out that much money.  You are unlikely to save the cost of membership in anything else until you retire, if then. Tom J

Response:

My family and I just bought our first trailer and are excited to use it this year. We have an idiots book on RV’s (very useful !!) and in it describes the different types of memberships a person can buy and receive discounts on camping. I was wondering if there are any recommendations from the group. We will mostly be camping on the East Coast in the southern region of the seaboard. We will plan a trip to Disney either this year or next year. Thank You for your time and recommendations, CY PassPort America and Happy Campers Club are good and only a low one time of year fee. Take your time about joining any kind of membership club. Someone mentioned KOA as being cheaper,I found found that these campgrounds to to higher in fees. Good Sam is good if you wouldn’t get a lot of junk mail and they send out a notice that your membership is about to expire when infact you may still have 6 months or more. What I’m trying to say is be real careful and think things through. It is easy to get caught up in the hype of all these clubs. We have been fulltiming for 4 years and theres nothing like it. See you on the road and enjoy your new camper.     Joe

Response:

My family and I just bought our first trailer and are excited to use it this year. We have an idiots book on RV’s (very useful !!) and in it describes the different types of memberships a person can buy and receive discounts on camping. I was wondering if there are any recommendations from the group. We will mostly be camping on the East Coast in the southern region of the seaboard. We will plan a trip to Disney either this year or next year. CY Don’t spend very much money on memberships until you are absolutely certain how, when, and where you will use your new RV. Passport America is cheap, and will do fine for beginners at a low price.

In addition to which, it’s almost a given that your RV experience will be vastly different than what you imagine it will be. Don’t spend your money until you find out what that is. Waaaaay back in the early 80s, when we bought ourselves a new VW Vanagon Camper, we got a "sales invitation" to look at some small mountainside lots in a new development overlooking beautiful Lake Lure in NC. The lots would have been nice for weekend getaways in a camper and were only an easy hour or so from our home. We were struck by the beauty of the place and almost bought one but decided for some reason to hold off. Money wasn’t an issue; they weren’t expensive and we had the cash to spend. Since then we have patted ourselves on the back many times for that decision. As nice a place as it was, not once in all these years have we had any desire whatsoever to go back there. There are too many other places we want to see to spend weekends at the same place. Be careful not to tie yourselves down to anything, anywhere — especially if you have to pay money to do it — until you learn what RVing will be all about for YOU. GB in NC

Response:

Hi , My family and I just bought our first trailer and are excited to use it this year. We have an idiots book on RV’s (very useful !!) and in it describes the different types of memberships a person can buy and receive discounts on camping. I was wondering if there are any recommendations from the group. We will mostly be camping on the East Coast in the southern region of the seaboard. We will plan a trip to Disney either this year or next year. Thank You for your time and recommendations, CY

Don’t spend very much money on memberships until you are absolutely certain how, when, and where you will use your new RV. Passport America is cheap, and will do fine for beginners at a low price. Lon

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – not sure if anyone can help, i’m in the UK, and about to start fitting out my latest self build motorhome.. sorry, RV there’s a million and one gadgets i want in this van, and half of them are not available in the UK, i knew it was a misteke my parents bringing back a camping world catalouge a few years ago.. we have nothing like that over here. Anyway, i’m thinking of the TV set up now, the actual TV is sorted.. the aeriel for recieving terrestrial Tv is undecided, but it’ll not be an omnidirectional one like i had in my last van, useless, so something directional for sure, And i’m thinking about putting a 12 volt sky reciever in the van (the UK’s sattelite TV supplier.. we only have once choice, sky or nowt, where as you have dish and the otehr network) Anyway, i’ve been trying to find a small crank up satelite dish to go on the roof of my van, and preferably dosent need to be mounted over a wardrobe, all the ones available in the UK have a long pole that has to protrude through the roof and into the living space.. hence the wardrobe location, that’s how you set the elevation..push or pull the pole, and twist it to turn the dish, my wardrobe is right at the back of the van, so that’s not an option. I like the look of the crank up satelite dishes you hava available, the ones that just have a nice looking roof mounted plate with the crank ahndle on it and a knob for rotation, it can go in the middle of the roof and not get in the way. plus they’re a lot cheaper than the dishes over here for motorhomes, only thing i’m wondering, anyone know if the LNB that comes with the crank up dishes will work with the UK digital satelite services? i’ve heard that a different lnb is needed for the different netrorks over there, so would a differnet one be needed to use a crank up american made dish in the uk on the uk SKY digital system? anyone ever imported/exported one to the uk? Regards, Gary Hi,  I don’t know your answer for sure but you might want to try e-mailing Winegard and asking them at: http://www.winegard.com/  They make a lot of the antenna’s and dishes used in RV’s. Hope this helps.  Take care and Happy Campin… RichA "We Get To Soon Olde and To Late Smart"

I had a combination crank up sat antenna and over the air antenna (Winegard model RM-DM61). Worked great. It is built for a thicker roof like on an RV, For installation in a van you may have to make something to go on the inside to make the roof thicker. As a suggestion, they have a model RD-9046, it is a portable dish (folds up) with everything needed built in (compass, level, cable etc) and you can even get a carrying case for it (with space inside for the receiver too, use it when going to family/friends house/motel etc.. Sat to go!). That’s what I have now, when I stop I just put it on a table/roof/ground whatever. Have even used it in rest areas (start the gen, place the antenna outside/takes about 15 secs to aim it), nuke some food, watch TV while eating lunch and watching a movie on sat in a rest area Either of the above models can be found on the manufacturer website http://www.winegard.com They also have a where to get it finder for retailers that can ship. For regular off the air antennas, look at the roadstars (RS-1000 RS-2000 RS-3000) As to your question about LNB’s, I used my dish in the US with a friends dish receiver, and I took my portable dish (no receiver) to Canada, and a friend there that had expressvu and just plugged it in and it worked. As far as I know, there is no difference in the LNB itself for different systems. Again, the biggest problem you will find is that crank-up antennas are made for a much thicker roof’s of RV’s than a van will have.

Response:

not sure if anyone can help, i’m in the UK, and about to start fitting out my latest self build motorhome.. sorry, RV there’s a million and one gadgets i want in this van, and half of them are not available in the UK, i knew it was a misteke my parents bringing back a camping world catalouge a few years ago.. we have nothing like that over here. Anyway, i’m thinking of the TV set up now, the actual TV is sorted.. the aeriel for recieving terrestrial Tv is undecided, but it’ll not be an omnidirectional one like i had in my last van, useless, so something directional for sure, And i’m thinking about putting a 12 volt sky reciever in the van (the UK’s sattelite TV supplier.. we only have once choice, sky or nowt, where as you have dish and the otehr network) Anyway, i’ve been trying to find a small crank up satelite dish to go on the roof of my van, and preferably dosent need to be mounted over a wardrobe, all the ones available in the UK have a long pole that has to protrude through the roof and into the living space.. hence the wardrobe location, that’s how you set the elevation..push or pull the pole, and twist it to turn the dish, my wardrobe is right at the back of the van, so that’s not an option. I like the look of the crank up satelite dishes you hava available, the ones that just have a nice looking roof mounted plate with the crank ahndle on it and a knob for rotation, it can go in the middle of the roof and not get in the way. plus they’re a lot cheaper than the dishes over here for motorhomes, only thing i’m wondering, anyone know if the LNB that comes with the crank up dishes will work with the UK digital satelite services? i’ve heard that a different lnb is needed for the different netrorks over there, so would a differnet one be needed to use a crank up american made dish in the uk on the uk SKY digital system? anyone ever imported/exported one to the uk? Regards, Gary

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Here are a couple of options. Assuming US dish antennae are compatible with UKsatellite systems, Winegard manufactures a crank up (vs push up) dish which can be ordered thru Camping World and perhaps others. Another alternative is to convert an existing batwing antenna or order complete from Rosebud. CruzMastr http://www.winegard.com/ http://www.rosebudcompany.com/

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – not sure if anyone can help, i’m in the UK, and about to start fitting out my latest self build motorhome.. sorry, RV there’s a million and one gadgets i want in this van, and half of them are not available in the UK, i knew it was a misteke my parents bringing back a camping world catalouge a few years ago.. we have nothing like that over here. Anyway, i’m thinking of the TV set up now, the actual TV is sorted.. the aeriel for recieving terrestrial Tv is undecided, but it’ll not be an omnidirectional one like i had in my last van, useless, so something directional for sure, And i’m thinking about putting a 12 volt sky reciever in the van (the UK’s sattelite TV supplier.. we only have once choice, sky or nowt, where as you have dish and the otehr network) Anyway, i’ve been trying to find a small crank up satelite dish to go on the roof of my van, and preferably dosent need to be mounted over a wardrobe, all the ones available in the UK have a long pole that has to protrude through the roof and into the living space.. hence the wardrobe location, that’s how you set the elevation..push or pull the pole, and twist it to turn the dish, my wardrobe is right at the back of the van, so that’s not an option. I like the look of the crank up satelite dishes you hava available, the ones that just have a nice looking roof mounted plate with the crank ahndle on it and a knob for rotation, it can go in the middle of the roof and not get in the way. plus they’re a lot cheaper than the dishes over here for motorhomes, only thing i’m wondering, anyone know if the LNB that comes with the crank up dishes will work with the UK digital satelite services? i’ve heard that a different lnb is needed for the different netrorks over there, so would a differnet one be needed to use a crank up american made dish in the uk on the uk SKY digital system? anyone ever imported/exported one to the uk? Regards, Gary

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