I spent many hours yesterday--and all day today--preparing the blog with details of my recent trip. It's 5:55 PM as I publish this.
I needed this trip to evaluate items I should add--and things to remove because they are taking up too much space.
It was an expensive trip compared to my customary travels. Spending the night in an RV Park is a luxury I reserve for Rallies.
~~~~~~~~~~ $_88.00 for camping (*)
~~~~~~~~~~ $108.00 at Peco Campers (one time expense)
~~~~~~~~~~ $128.00 at Earth Fare (a rare expense)
~~~~~~~~~~ $168.00 for gas
~~~~~~~~~~ _______
~~~~~~~~~~ $492.00 plus some minor cash purchases at Wal-Mart, Cici's, Panera & gift shops
(*) I was checking Stone Mountain Park for a possible future Rally site.
On the positive side: I saw magnificent scenery!! We can't put a price tag on a spectacular mountain gorge with beautiful waterfalls, or an awesome sunset. Furthermore, making new friends is priceless!!
~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Second Outing, Six Days, 895 Miles
"Mercedes" (my T@B) is safely parked in her space. The porta-potty has been emptied; the floor has been swept; items have been transferred into the apartment. It was a delightful 80 degrees, from 11:30-12:30, as I worked on the project. However, it was a very cold 39 degrees at 7:30 this morning. ~~ It was a foggy 55 degrees when I arrived home at 7:38 PM last night.Returning... I pulled in to the apartment complex and parked on the grass. When my neighbors left for work, when the parking lot was empty, I maneuvered Mercedes to her space.
Earlier today I saved a number of time slots, as a draft, so I can return and develop the details regarding the recent trip. I was gone for six days, five hours--and covered 895 miles. Prior to this trip, the Eastern states suffered the after-effects from Hurricane Ida. We had over six inches of rain here in Shelby, NC. Furthermore, strong winds took a toll on trees, and limbs. Miraculously, Friday November 13th dawned bright and sunny!! The wind stopped about noon and the weather commentators promised nice weather for the weekend. At 2 PM I quickly hitched the KIA & T@B and traveled south on I-85 through South Carolina to a Wal-Mart north of Atlanta, Georgia. I do not like to drive after dark so only 177 miles that day.
Several owners of T@B trailers had planned to camp at Cloudland Canyon State Park in a remote corner of Georgia (near Chattanooga, Tennessee). Being uncertain of the weather, I did not make a reservation. Consequently, the Park was full when I arrived. I drove around and found the other T@BBers. It was almost dark and I was preparing to leave... when a Ranger came to inform me that they found a space for me. Only 166 miles driven that day.
I was directed a one of the original sites prepared by the CCC in the late 1930s. It is so small that it is mainly used for a tent site--but I was delighted that I could stay in the Park. Because the other T@BBers were in another location, I unhitched so I could drive over and enjoy fellowship around a fire circle. I got stuck in the mud!! See my old Army folding shovel next to the fender (in the shade)? Neighboring campers offered to help me but lamented that they did not have a shovel. I quickly got my shovel from under one of the bench seats. (Recently I decided to travel with it "just in case" I might need it. I've hauled that shovel around for years!! This was the first time it was used.) ~~ I didn't miss the fellowship around the fire; one of the T@BBers came to get me.Cloudland Canyon State Park is extremely beautiful!! I didn't take any pictures of the gorge, and falls, but suggest you look at the pictures from a T@B trailer owner that visited the Park about a month prior. See Mike McFarland's photos and blog.
Everywhere we travel, owners of a T@B are approached by interested individuals. I was busy showing Mercedes to other campers. From dawn to dark, I had visitors. ~~ Sadly, by midday Sunday, the campground was almost empty. There were only four "weekenders" left on Monday morning and two of us pulled out at the same time. One... was ready to leave.
On Sunday afternoon I moved from the small campsite to a larger, nicer site.Before 9 o'clock, on Monday morning, it was 36 degrees when I went to the restroom for a shower. To my surprise, the restroom was heated and delightfully warm. It was 51 degrees at 9:35 when I unhooked the T@B electric cord and turned off the propane. I departed at 9:45.
White Knuckle Ride
Monday morning, November 16th--preparing to leave Cloudland Canyon State Park--I did not have stop lights and turn signals on the T@B. It was what I call "a white knuckle" ride all the way to the outskirts of Atlanta. So, so scary to navigate the many lane changes, etc., etc.!!!!!! RVers (at Cloudland) told me of an RV Sales and Service near Stone Mountain Park. And Stone Mountain (on the outskirts of Atlanta, Georgia) was my intended next stop. I arrived safely at Peco Campers at 3:00 PM and had to make an appointment for the next day. (Departed Peco at 4:05.)
I had been relying on maps, and driving directions, printed from MapQuest. Conservatively, I drove ten or twelve miles further than I needed while en route to Stone Mountain Park. (Should have been four miles.) And those ten or twelve miles involved about an hour in late-afternoon traffic. ~~ It was $10. just to drive through the entrance of the Park!! The overnight camping fee was $33.
The woman at the Registration Desk assigned me to site #390. When I arrived... I was the only camper in a remote area. Dozens of empty sites; no RV--or restroom--in sight!! The only positive thing I can say about my campsite: For a very few minutes I enjoyed a beautiful sunset. I read the literature that had been given to me and learned that changing sites was prohibited without checking with Registration. After dark, I didn't want the drive back to the store to request a change of campsites. I'm not exaggerating when I say it was pitch black all around me that night. Incidentally, there wasn't a handle on the water faucet. I had to obtain a container of water from an adjacent site.
I left the campsite shortly before 7:30 Tuesday morning November 17th. It was a damp gray dawn, 59 degrees, but I hoped for sunshine. I was anxious to drive around Stone Mountain Park, and hopefully see the carving, before my 9:30 appointment at Peco Campers. I stopped at a restroom to wash and brush.
By nature, I'm not a complainer but I vented on the form Stone Mountain Campground provided for "comments." The same woman was at the store as I was leaving and I was confident she would tear up the form. So I gave my written--and verbal--complaint to Camp Host "Jim." We talked and he assured me the manager would see the form. He told me he drove through the campground the night before and wondered why someone was camped in such a remote location. He didn't stop to inquire thinking the camper asked to be by them self. Jim profusely apologized and asked me to believe this was an exceptional experience.
Ahead of schedule, in the parking lot of Peco Campers, I prepared tea and oatmeal. Then the very knowledgeable Mr. Beal tackled the challenge of wiring the stop lights and turn signals from German to American. I browsed the RV store for needed items. For one thing, I needed another entry step stool. I foolishly drove off (from a gas station) leaving the other stool. I had shown the inside of the T@B to an interested woman.
I had been relying on maps, and driving directions, printed from MapQuest. Conservatively, I drove ten or twelve miles further than I needed while en route to Stone Mountain Park. (Should have been four miles.) And those ten or twelve miles involved about an hour in late-afternoon traffic. ~~ It was $10. just to drive through the entrance of the Park!! The overnight camping fee was $33.
The woman at the Registration Desk assigned me to site #390. When I arrived... I was the only camper in a remote area. Dozens of empty sites; no RV--or restroom--in sight!! The only positive thing I can say about my campsite: For a very few minutes I enjoyed a beautiful sunset. I read the literature that had been given to me and learned that changing sites was prohibited without checking with Registration. After dark, I didn't want the drive back to the store to request a change of campsites. I'm not exaggerating when I say it was pitch black all around me that night. Incidentally, there wasn't a handle on the water faucet. I had to obtain a container of water from an adjacent site.
I left the campsite shortly before 7:30 Tuesday morning November 17th. It was a damp gray dawn, 59 degrees, but I hoped for sunshine. I was anxious to drive around Stone Mountain Park, and hopefully see the carving, before my 9:30 appointment at Peco Campers. I stopped at a restroom to wash and brush.
By nature, I'm not a complainer but I vented on the form Stone Mountain Campground provided for "comments." The same woman was at the store as I was leaving and I was confident she would tear up the form. So I gave my written--and verbal--complaint to Camp Host "Jim." We talked and he assured me the manager would see the form. He told me he drove through the campground the night before and wondered why someone was camped in such a remote location. He didn't stop to inquire thinking the camper asked to be by them self. Jim profusely apologized and asked me to believe this was an exceptional experience.
Ahead of schedule, in the parking lot of Peco Campers, I prepared tea and oatmeal. Then the very knowledgeable Mr. Beal tackled the challenge of wiring the stop lights and turn signals from German to American. I browsed the RV store for needed items. For one thing, I needed another entry step stool. I foolishly drove off (from a gas station) leaving the other stool. I had shown the inside of the T@B to an interested woman.
Stone Mountain Park near Atlanta Georgia
Everyone was so friendly, and helpful, at Peco Campers. As I left, at 11:30, their sign along I-285 said 61 degrees. (One of those signs that flash the time and temperature, and relevant retailer information.) I had been told that there were good places to eat "one exit beyond Stone Mountain Park." Indeed a large variety of stores--including a Wal-Mart (for overnight parking?!). I choose to try Cici Pizza (for the first time) and was pleasantly surprised. A very nice all-you-can-eat salad bar, soup, and pizza. Even several pizza without meat toppings!! All for $4.33. Then back to Stone Mountain Park because I couldn't spend $43. and not even see the giant carving on the mountain. Fortunately, the campsite pass from the previous night provided entry so I didn't have to pay another $10. However, considering the amount of money I spent at Peco Campers, I didn't pay $9. to visit the museum. Nor did I take the tram to the top of the mountain. I walked around and enjoyed as much as I could for free.
The Park is getting ready for snow!!
Another "white knuckle ride" trying to find my way out of the Atlanta area. I didn't want to backtrack to I-285 to get to I-85 so I tried state routes. Got lost!! Many extra miles and horrible traffic!! I was utterly exhausted when I arrived at a Wal-Mart in Commerce, Georgia. I was in bed at 7:30 PM and slept comfortably for almost eleven hours. Only 105 miles traveled on Tuesday, November 17th.
FYI: I was told over eight million residents in and around Atlanta. I think they were all driving their cars--and they were traveling in the same direction I was!! Honestly, I'm not a fan of amusement park rides. My "white knuckle ride" was Atlanta--and the day before!!
The Park is getting ready for snow!!
Another "white knuckle ride" trying to find my way out of the Atlanta area. I didn't want to backtrack to I-285 to get to I-85 so I tried state routes. Got lost!! Many extra miles and horrible traffic!! I was utterly exhausted when I arrived at a Wal-Mart in Commerce, Georgia. I was in bed at 7:30 PM and slept comfortably for almost eleven hours. Only 105 miles traveled on Tuesday, November 17th.
FYI: I was told over eight million residents in and around Atlanta. I think they were all driving their cars--and they were traveling in the same direction I was!! Honestly, I'm not a fan of amusement park rides. My "white knuckle ride" was Atlanta--and the day before!!
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway
Sixty-four degrees inside the T@B, at 8:30 AM, when I locked the door to drive North. Wednesday, November 18th: I didn't gas-up at Wal-Mart in Georgia because I know gas is cheaper in South Carolina. When I stopped at the SC Visitor's Center (at 9:15) I was encouraged to take State Route 11 toward Asheville. It's the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway but I was told "no towns along the route." So I burned up a lot of my remaining quarter-tank of gasoline trying to find a station. First: Fairplay where the pumps had been removed from the one-and-only (Marathon) station. It was raining quite hard (10:15) when I finally (at Townville) had a full tank of gasoline and was en route. I love the back roads; I hate the Interstates!! Indeed, it is a scenic route and I hope to visit the area again. Had I known, and planned ahead, I could have followed scenic routes to Cloudland and avoided the Interstates (and headaches!!).
Between 12:15 and 1:00 PM I stopped near a gas station and prepared my lunch. The previous night--at Wal-Mart--I bought a loaf of all-natural whole grain bread for $1.00. It was a mark-down on the discount bakery cart. I thought "yum yum" with tuna.... From home: bell peppers and a can of V-8. So, an inexpensive lunch and opportunity to get out of the driver's seat.
From SR 11 to US 25 to I-26 as I traveled toward Asheville, NC. When I crossed the Eastern Continental Divide (elevation: 2910), I was in very dense fog. Truthfully, for many miles before and after... I was in fog--or a cloud--and it was very difficult to see the highway!!
I love the Blue Ridge Parkway and pulled on to it for ten or fifteen miles en route to Panera, in Asheville. (Last summer I traveled the Blue Ridge Parkway both directions.) Frankly, that's the only way I know how to find Panera!! I have trouble finding my way around the spider-web of highways in Asheville!! ~~ From 3:15 until 7:30 PM, I was comfortably seated in Panera Bread, using free WiFi to check my e-mail messages and publish a blog. I had permission to spend the night in the parking lot of Panera. Robertson Griffith, General Manager of the Asheville Panera Bread, is an asset to the company!! Such a personable, hard-working young man!! ~~ Only a total of 168 miles traveled on Wednesday, November 18th.
Between 12:15 and 1:00 PM I stopped near a gas station and prepared my lunch. The previous night--at Wal-Mart--I bought a loaf of all-natural whole grain bread for $1.00. It was a mark-down on the discount bakery cart. I thought "yum yum" with tuna.... From home: bell peppers and a can of V-8. So, an inexpensive lunch and opportunity to get out of the driver's seat.
From SR 11 to US 25 to I-26 as I traveled toward Asheville, NC. When I crossed the Eastern Continental Divide (elevation: 2910), I was in very dense fog. Truthfully, for many miles before and after... I was in fog--or a cloud--and it was very difficult to see the highway!!I love the Blue Ridge Parkway and pulled on to it for ten or fifteen miles en route to Panera, in Asheville. (Last summer I traveled the Blue Ridge Parkway both directions.) Frankly, that's the only way I know how to find Panera!! I have trouble finding my way around the spider-web of highways in Asheville!! ~~ From 3:15 until 7:30 PM, I was comfortably seated in Panera Bread, using free WiFi to check my e-mail messages and publish a blog. I had permission to spend the night in the parking lot of Panera. Robertson Griffith, General Manager of the Asheville Panera Bread, is an asset to the company!! Such a personable, hard-working young man!! ~~ Only a total of 168 miles traveled on Wednesday, November 18th.
Christmas at the Biltmore Estate
I intentionally drove out-of-my-way to revisit Asheville, North Carolina. I wanted to see the Christmas lights at the Biltmore Estate . I've seen TV commercials and documentaries depicting the beautiful lights and decorations. I purchased a 365-day pass to the Biltmore Estate on my previous visit (in August).
After two days of off-and-on rain, Thursday, November 19th dawned with clear skies and bright sunshine. I checked the thermometer several times during the night and it was always 54 degrees. I was delightfully warm inside a sleeping bag, inside a sleeping bag!! ~~ I had my customary whole grain bagel, veggie cream cheese and Hazelnut coffee while checking e-mail messages. I was in Panera from 7:30 until 10:45 AM. Then across the street at Earth Fare market until after 1:00 PM. I don't have an organic food store like Earth Fare or Whole Foods near me. I browsed every aisle; I spent $127.88 !!! Earth Fare has a wonderful deli, and cafe, but too expensive for my budget. I bought a pint of Three Bean Vegetarian Chili for $4.95 and enjoyed it in my T@B (enough Chili for two meals). It was a beautiful afternoon; inside Mercedes was 89 degrees; outside... was 67 degrees (according to a thermometer at a Bank across the street).
Confession: I turned the wrong direction when headed for the Biltmore Estate. That cost me extra time and gasoline!! (Some of my readers have suggested that I need a GPS.)
The Christmas decorations at the Biltmore Estate are as exquisite as depicted in advertisements. No photography allowed inside. However, no restrictions in the gift shops. Here are three beautifully decorated trees. Watch a Biltmore video.
The sun was setting as I left the Estate after 5:00 PM. The parking lot was full of cars with visitors who paid megabucks for a candlelight dinner, and tour. I'm sure they experienced an evening described with superlatives.
It was 51 degrees at 6:00 PM, with a cold wind. Perceiving that it would be a cold night in the mountains, I didn't want to experience an extremely cold night in the T@B. So, I filled the tank with gasoline and headed for Shelby. (I live exactly 86 miles from the Biltmore Estate.) I arrived home at 7:38 PM. I had driven 895 miles during the preceding week. Only 101 miles on Thursday, November 19th.
It was a crisp, foggy, 39 degrees in Shelby (elevation: 869 ft) at 7:30 AM Friday, November 20th. I can only imagine how cold it was in Asheville (elevation: 2,134 ft).
After two days of off-and-on rain, Thursday, November 19th dawned with clear skies and bright sunshine. I checked the thermometer several times during the night and it was always 54 degrees. I was delightfully warm inside a sleeping bag, inside a sleeping bag!! ~~ I had my customary whole grain bagel, veggie cream cheese and Hazelnut coffee while checking e-mail messages. I was in Panera from 7:30 until 10:45 AM. Then across the street at Earth Fare market until after 1:00 PM. I don't have an organic food store like Earth Fare or Whole Foods near me. I browsed every aisle; I spent $127.88 !!! Earth Fare has a wonderful deli, and cafe, but too expensive for my budget. I bought a pint of Three Bean Vegetarian Chili for $4.95 and enjoyed it in my T@B (enough Chili for two meals). It was a beautiful afternoon; inside Mercedes was 89 degrees; outside... was 67 degrees (according to a thermometer at a Bank across the street).Confession: I turned the wrong direction when headed for the Biltmore Estate. That cost me extra time and gasoline!! (Some of my readers have suggested that I need a GPS.)
The Christmas decorations at the Biltmore Estate are as exquisite as depicted in advertisements. No photography allowed inside. However, no restrictions in the gift shops. Here are three beautifully decorated trees. Watch a Biltmore video.
The sun was setting as I left the Estate after 5:00 PM. The parking lot was full of cars with visitors who paid megabucks for a candlelight dinner, and tour. I'm sure they experienced an evening described with superlatives.It was 51 degrees at 6:00 PM, with a cold wind. Perceiving that it would be a cold night in the mountains, I didn't want to experience an extremely cold night in the T@B. So, I filled the tank with gasoline and headed for Shelby. (I live exactly 86 miles from the Biltmore Estate.) I arrived home at 7:38 PM. I had driven 895 miles during the preceding week. Only 101 miles on Thursday, November 19th.
It was a crisp, foggy, 39 degrees in Shelby (elevation: 869 ft) at 7:30 AM Friday, November 20th. I can only imagine how cold it was in Asheville (elevation: 2,134 ft).
T@B Tent
This T@B tent was advertised on e-Bay. I "appropriated" these pictures for my blog. This gives me (and you) an idea of what I'll experience when I eventually attach my tent--in the Spring and Summer of 2010.
Those of us reading the messages regarding this item were advised:
"Just a note kids. This TENT is the old STYLE. The one you have to feed the sleeve all the way through. NOT BAD but just so the newbee's know the difference. We have the new style and I am soooo glad as the at older model is harder to put up. We learned this at the Rally.
~ken
T@BShack
Nashville"
In a subsequent message:
"Both of these look to be the same model tent (OLDER STYLE). Please don't anyone take me wrong, I'm not saying they are bad, just a little more difficult to put up than the new style. So go for it if you want one. Bonnie and I would not be without ours.
Happy Camping
~ken"
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.jpg)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Postscript, 11/23/09: On the Yahoo TAB forum today, Deb (in Toronto, Ontario, Canada) posted a picture of their Thermarest Add-a-Room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Those of us reading the messages regarding this item were advised:
"Just a note kids. This TENT is the old STYLE. The one you have to feed the sleeve all the way through. NOT BAD but just so the newbee's know the difference. We have the new style and I am soooo glad as the at older model is harder to put up. We learned this at the Rally.
~ken
T@BShack
Nashville"
In a subsequent message:
"Both of these look to be the same model tent (OLDER STYLE). Please don't anyone take me wrong, I'm not saying they are bad, just a little more difficult to put up than the new style. So go for it if you want one. Bonnie and I would not be without ours.
Happy Camping
~ken"
.jpg)
.jpg)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Postscript, 11/23/09: On the Yahoo TAB forum today, Deb (in Toronto, Ontario, Canada) posted a picture of their Thermarest Add-a-Room.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Greetings from Asheville, NC
Just a note. I arrived at Panera, in Asheville, just a few minutes ago. I've put 794 miles on the car and T@B on this trip.
First: To Cloudland Canyon State Park in a remote corner of Georgia--near Tennessee. I joined a Georgia couple with a T@DA, and a Florida lady with a T@B. I did not make a reservation so I had no place to camp. I was able to drive around and find the T@BBers. While enjoying a nice conversation with the solo lady, a Park Ranger came to advise me that they found a spot for me. ~~ Two nights. The Park is awesome!!
Second: Monday morning--preparing to leave--I did not have stop lights and turn signals on the T@B. It was what I call "a white knuckle" ride all the way to the outskirts of Atlanta. So, so scary to navigate the many lane changes, etc., etc.!!!!!! RVers (at Cloudland) told me of an RV Sales and Service near Stone Mountain. And Stone Mountain was my intended next stop. I arrived safely at Peco Campers at 3:00 PM and had to make an appointment for the next day.
Third: I was following directions I printed from MapQuest and probably drove an extra twelve or thirteen miles to Stone Mountain Park. (I've really helped the economy this trip: I've driven many extra miles so extra gasoline purchases.) There was a $10. fee just to enter the Park. Then $33. at the campground. I'll go in to more detail when I have more time to develop these messages. BAD EXPERIENCE at Stone Mountain Campground!!
Fourth: Tuesday morning--at Peco Campers--my electrical problems were solved. Now my stop lights and turn signals conform to U.S. standards. I'm sure that amber stop lights were confusing to drivers trying to understand my maneuvers. Bye, bye German signals!! ~~ I spent about $100. in the RV store. For one thing, I needed a new stool. (I foolishly drove off and left mine when I was showing the T@B to an interested lady, in a service station.) And I found the Retro T@B outdoor lights. And Damp-Rid... because the members on the Yahoo forum recommended it. Plenty of time to browse while my T@B was being repaired.
Fifth: Back to Stone Mountain Park because I couldn't spend $43. and not even see the giant carving on the mountain. Considering the amount of money I spent at Peco Campers, I didn't pay $9. to visit the museum. I walked around and enjoyed as much as I could for free.
Sixth: Another "white knuckle ride" trying to find my way out of the Atlanta area. I didn't want to backtrack to I-285 to get to I-85 so I tried state routes. Got lost!! Many extra miles and horrible traffic. I was utterly exhausted when I arrived at a Wal-Mart in Commerce, Georgia. I was in bed at 7:30 PM and slept comfortably for almost eleven hours.
Seventh: Today!! I didn't gas-up in Georgia because I know gas is cheaper in South Carolina. When I stopped at the SC Visitor's Center I was encouraged to take State Route 11 toward Asheville. It's the Cherokee Heritage Trail (or something historic and/or scenic) but I was told "no towns along the route." So I burned up a lot of my remaining quarter-tank of gasoline trying to find a station. First: Fairplay where the pumps had been removed from the one-and-only (Marathon) station. Finally, twenty or more miles further, I had a full tank of gasoline and was en route. I love the back roads; I hate the Interstates!! ~~ I love the Blue Ridge Parkway and pulled on to it for ten or fifteen miles en route to Panera. Frankly, that's the only way I know how to find Panera!! I have trouble finding my way around the spider-web of highways in Asheville!! ~~ I have permission to spend the night in the parking lot of Panera.
Eighth: I want to see the Christmas lights at the Biltmore Estate tomorrow. I've seen TV commercials and documentaries depicting the beautiful lights and decorations. I purchased a 365-day pass to the Biltmore Estate on my previous visit (during the summer). ~~ I don't have concrete plans after Biltmore. Maybe I'll take the Blue Ridge Parkway to Linville Falls and then head south to Shelby?!?!
I've had rain the last two days. I'm hoping for beautiful sunny days.
More later.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Postscript, 8:30 AM, 11/19/09: A beautiful, sunny morning!! I slept comfortably in the parking lot of Panera. I checked the themometer several times during the night and it was always 54 degrees. I was delightfully warm inside a sleeping bag, inside a sleeping bag!! ~~ I'm having my bagel and coffee, and checking for messages.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First: To Cloudland Canyon State Park in a remote corner of Georgia--near Tennessee. I joined a Georgia couple with a T@DA, and a Florida lady with a T@B. I did not make a reservation so I had no place to camp. I was able to drive around and find the T@BBers. While enjoying a nice conversation with the solo lady, a Park Ranger came to advise me that they found a spot for me. ~~ Two nights. The Park is awesome!!
Second: Monday morning--preparing to leave--I did not have stop lights and turn signals on the T@B. It was what I call "a white knuckle" ride all the way to the outskirts of Atlanta. So, so scary to navigate the many lane changes, etc., etc.!!!!!! RVers (at Cloudland) told me of an RV Sales and Service near Stone Mountain. And Stone Mountain was my intended next stop. I arrived safely at Peco Campers at 3:00 PM and had to make an appointment for the next day.
Third: I was following directions I printed from MapQuest and probably drove an extra twelve or thirteen miles to Stone Mountain Park. (I've really helped the economy this trip: I've driven many extra miles so extra gasoline purchases.) There was a $10. fee just to enter the Park. Then $33. at the campground. I'll go in to more detail when I have more time to develop these messages. BAD EXPERIENCE at Stone Mountain Campground!!
Fourth: Tuesday morning--at Peco Campers--my electrical problems were solved. Now my stop lights and turn signals conform to U.S. standards. I'm sure that amber stop lights were confusing to drivers trying to understand my maneuvers. Bye, bye German signals!! ~~ I spent about $100. in the RV store. For one thing, I needed a new stool. (I foolishly drove off and left mine when I was showing the T@B to an interested lady, in a service station.) And I found the Retro T@B outdoor lights. And Damp-Rid... because the members on the Yahoo forum recommended it. Plenty of time to browse while my T@B was being repaired.
Fifth: Back to Stone Mountain Park because I couldn't spend $43. and not even see the giant carving on the mountain. Considering the amount of money I spent at Peco Campers, I didn't pay $9. to visit the museum. I walked around and enjoyed as much as I could for free.
Sixth: Another "white knuckle ride" trying to find my way out of the Atlanta area. I didn't want to backtrack to I-285 to get to I-85 so I tried state routes. Got lost!! Many extra miles and horrible traffic. I was utterly exhausted when I arrived at a Wal-Mart in Commerce, Georgia. I was in bed at 7:30 PM and slept comfortably for almost eleven hours.
Seventh: Today!! I didn't gas-up in Georgia because I know gas is cheaper in South Carolina. When I stopped at the SC Visitor's Center I was encouraged to take State Route 11 toward Asheville. It's the Cherokee Heritage Trail (or something historic and/or scenic) but I was told "no towns along the route." So I burned up a lot of my remaining quarter-tank of gasoline trying to find a station. First: Fairplay where the pumps had been removed from the one-and-only (Marathon) station. Finally, twenty or more miles further, I had a full tank of gasoline and was en route. I love the back roads; I hate the Interstates!! ~~ I love the Blue Ridge Parkway and pulled on to it for ten or fifteen miles en route to Panera. Frankly, that's the only way I know how to find Panera!! I have trouble finding my way around the spider-web of highways in Asheville!! ~~ I have permission to spend the night in the parking lot of Panera.
Eighth: I want to see the Christmas lights at the Biltmore Estate tomorrow. I've seen TV commercials and documentaries depicting the beautiful lights and decorations. I purchased a 365-day pass to the Biltmore Estate on my previous visit (during the summer). ~~ I don't have concrete plans after Biltmore. Maybe I'll take the Blue Ridge Parkway to Linville Falls and then head south to Shelby?!?!
I've had rain the last two days. I'm hoping for beautiful sunny days.
More later.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Postscript, 8:30 AM, 11/19/09: A beautiful, sunny morning!! I slept comfortably in the parking lot of Panera. I checked the themometer several times during the night and it was always 54 degrees. I was delightfully warm inside a sleeping bag, inside a sleeping bag!! ~~ I'm having my bagel and coffee, and checking for messages.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Decorating Mercedes
The weather has been extremely pleasant this week!! I've spent a lot of time with "Mercedes." I mounted the Smoke / Carbon Monoxide Detector on the wall, far corner, just beyond the window, on the door side. I used industrial strength Velcro (as someone on the T@B forum suggested). It is not hooked to "house" electricity; I'm relying on the battery. I purchased the 9-volt battery (for $13.78) from Radio Shack because their advertisement says "Lasts five times longer."
I've been sorting through all the camping gear I had for the Little Guy Teardrop and making decisions about "keep" or donate to a Thrift Shop. (Truthfully, I still have camping gear specifically purchased for the Dodge Mini-motorhome. All the accessories were blue.) The next question: Where do I put it in the T@B?? Some are safely stored under the bench seats at the front of the trailer. The "Add-a-Room" tent is under the sofa-bed, difficult to get at, because I don't expect to use it until next summer.
Now I shop for accessories that are orange. Yesterday I found bright orange towels at Wal-Mart and I will cover the white corduroy cushions with the orange towels. I want the inside to look as cute as the outside!! Today a neighbor lady walked over to my apartment (for the very first time in two-and-one-half-years) and "gushed" about my cute little trailer. "Would you like to see it?" "Can I?" "Of course!! I love to show it off!!" We sat in the T@B and visited for over an hour.
For two camping seasons--with the Little Guy Teardrop--I used a wide variety of things from the apartment (and the Dodge mini-motorhome). I loaded Little Guy with old towels, old bedspread, and "make do" items from the Thrift Shops. Not so with my beautiful new (used) T@B. I want everything to be bright and beautiful!!
I've shopped two Lowe's for hardware items. I thought I could add some hooks and knobs but found installation difficult to impossible. ~~ I shopped several stores looking for a cutting board to cover the small sink. Eventually I found the ideal board--perfect size--and three will be returned to the retail store from whence they came.
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I took the advise of members of the T@B forum and bought the sturdy (but inexpensive) one-step stool from Wal-Mart. I have a stool that was ideal with Little Guy but not ideal for Mercedes.
Today I started a notebook with reminders of where various items are stored.
I've been sorting through all the camping gear I had for the Little Guy Teardrop and making decisions about "keep" or donate to a Thrift Shop. (Truthfully, I still have camping gear specifically purchased for the Dodge Mini-motorhome. All the accessories were blue.) The next question: Where do I put it in the T@B?? Some are safely stored under the bench seats at the front of the trailer. The "Add-a-Room" tent is under the sofa-bed, difficult to get at, because I don't expect to use it until next summer.
Now I shop for accessories that are orange. Yesterday I found bright orange towels at Wal-Mart and I will cover the white corduroy cushions with the orange towels. I want the inside to look as cute as the outside!! Today a neighbor lady walked over to my apartment (for the very first time in two-and-one-half-years) and "gushed" about my cute little trailer. "Would you like to see it?" "Can I?" "Of course!! I love to show it off!!" We sat in the T@B and visited for over an hour.
For two camping seasons--with the Little Guy Teardrop--I used a wide variety of things from the apartment (and the Dodge mini-motorhome). I loaded Little Guy with old towels, old bedspread, and "make do" items from the Thrift Shops. Not so with my beautiful new (used) T@B. I want everything to be bright and beautiful!!
I've shopped two Lowe's for hardware items. I thought I could add some hooks and knobs but found installation difficult to impossible. ~~ I shopped several stores looking for a cutting board to cover the small sink. Eventually I found the ideal board--perfect size--and three will be returned to the retail store from whence they came.
.jpg)
I took the advise of members of the T@B forum and bought the sturdy (but inexpensive) one-step stool from Wal-Mart. I have a stool that was ideal with Little Guy but not ideal for Mercedes.Today I started a notebook with reminders of where various items are stored.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Original Model
Nina in Golden, Colorado, on the Yahoo T@B forum, located the following advertisement. Of course I had to follow the link, and read the details. I have a German-built T@B and want as much information as possible. ~~ I checked with my good friend, Google, and 7390 euros (today) is $10,868. U.S. dollars.
T@B-320 & Off-RoadThis is the original model that started the T@B line few years ago. The body length without the gas bottle locker is 312 cm. The curb weight with basic equipment is 550 kg and the maximum gross weight is 800 kg. The maximum can be increased to 1000 kg (standard in Off-road). Starting price for the caravan is 7390 euros in Germany. Off-road model starts from 8990 euros.
There are several exterior color kits available and two options for interior fabrics. Off-road model has an Adventure kit styling as standard. Heating with Truma S 2002 is an option for 522 euros. Dometic 40 litre fridge costs additional 816 euros. Al-Ko Trailer Control is available also for this smallest T@B for 685 euros although it is not really necessary.
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