Harry's 50th Birthday Celebration

We celebrated Harry's 50th birthday this weekend in Rochester Indiana. Lots of family were there to join in all the fun. It was "surprise" party weekend bash planned by his wife Jackie. Earlier in the week some of the family had spent four days house boating @ Lake Cumberland.

We all traveled to Lake Maxinkuckee for a delicous dinner at the Edgewater Grill. There were lots of laughs and a very decedent chocolate cake for dessert.

The next day we enjoyed breakfast on the deck over looking the lake. The weather was perfect! Later on we went for a lazy sightseeing tour around the lake. The pontoon boat was expertly driven by Ryan.

Here are a few photos of Harry throughout his first 1/2 century. Be sure to check out the digital watch and socks. His staff had a lot of fun with some of these pictures and had them enlarged and placed all around the pharmacy.

These are some other memorable moments. Jackie and Harry's wedding and the purchase of Baxter Drugs.

We all had such a great time and enjoyed celebrating Harry's 50th birthday!

No longer a lurker!

I have been reading forums in RV-Dreams, Workamper, and Escapees for probably a couple of years. They are a wonderful way to ask or post responses for all types of topics. For a wanna be full-timer they are invaluable.

There is a funny term for someone who never comments or asks a question. They are called lurkers. I have been hesitant to ask a question, because usually with a little research you can find it's already been asked. However, this week I finally got brave and posted the following question on the RV-Dreams forum

Extra vehicle when full timing in a 5th wheel?

We will soon be purchasing our full time RV. For some time now we thought that we'd purchase a diesel motor home. But, we really like the floor plans and more of the "home" feeling of a 5th wheel. There is so much more space and the lower cost is certainly a plus.

We will be work camping about 1/2 of the time and plan to move slowly with extended stays in areas of interest. We really think that having another smaller vehicle for running around would be a good idea. It would get better gas mileage and be easier to travel down country roads etc.

Our question to all of you who full time in a 5th wheel is this...do you have another vehicle besides the truck? If so, why did you decide to do this? How difficult is it to travel with both of you driving separately to the next site?

The response was phenomenal! The host, Howard, was prompted to write the following article. It is full of information and statistics to help anyone make an informed decision.

http://rv-dreams.typepad.com/rvdreams_journal/2009/07/reasons-for-our-jeep-revisited-chester-ca.html

Another interesting site was mentioned for pulling a 5th wheel with a heavy duty truck (aka-semi).

http://www.jackdanmayer.com/

I have been interested in re-considering buying a 5th wheel as our rig ever since we toured one for sale @ White River Campground. For some time now we had been researching diesel motorhomes. However, a 5th wheel is considerably less expensive, and feels more homey. John is not convinced, but he has promised to consider it now as an option.

The journey continues....and I'm no longer a lurker!

July 4th Camping Trip with Freedom Travelers

We spent three nights camping with our Good Sam's chapter over the July 4th holiday @ Johnson County Park. It was a great time. Beautiful fireworks and a concert were the highlight on Friday. Saturday was a big adventure where our group rented four canoes and one kayak and traveled down the Blue River. There were a few spills, a tangles with a tree, one very muddy dog, and lots of laughs.

We also shared some really delicious meals. Jerry surprised all of us with some delouse hickory smoked ribs and "mystery meat". This turned out to be deer meat marinated in wine and herbs. It was very tasty.

Spending time with our friends was such a great way to spend the 4th of July.