Meet the new kids on the block

It not like us blog writers are sitting on every corner ... but they're literally thousands of us blabbering on about everything from commercial uses of navel lint to 50 ways to make your mother-in-law like you. And there are but the few of us who spread the word about the RV life. I've been at it for almost eight years and finally I've crossed paths with another couple who not only write about their RV adventures but are also full-timers. So here in little South Haven we have two aspiring blogsters in the same park. Apparently the planets and stars are finally aligned.
And there are no grey hairs with this couple ... most of us have kids that are older. But an engaging young couple who have embraced this unusual life-style and inject a whole different perspective to their blog. WWW.RVOUTLAWZ.COM is their blog and Denny and Veronica are the authors. I urge you to check it out on a continuing basis as these 'kids' are on the move ... following the weather and sharing new places and experiences we all can learn from and enjoy.

Veronica and Denny

Notice that earlier I said they were full-timers. So how do they do this, one would ask? Win the lottery?  Rich aunt left them a substantial inheritance? No ... actually they both have full-time, 8-5 jobs. With a very nice toy hauler style coach they each have their own office to run their respective businesses. Veronica does most of the writing and Denny has created unique, yet robust electronic offices featuring commercial grade WiFi and cell phone gear allowing the two of them to operate completely independent (if required) of the RV parks system. It provides 7/24 high speed internet and cell service just about anywhere they go. I thought I had a pretty good handle on this type of setup but he's a couple of light years ahead of me. Anyway they've been at full-timing for less than a year but I think they've got it pretty much figured out. Check out their blog for more details on his network.

Home sweet home and mobile offices

They headed out earlier this week to Elkhart for some minor repairs then on to Lake George in upstate New York. I certainly enjoyed their company. So don't hesitate to introduce yourself if you find them parked near you. You might also notice they have two, very friendly feline traveling companions, Mango and Kali.

Still livin' the dream and meeting some really great new people.

Phil

I can hear the whistle blowing

What a great day in Michigan. Blue skies, warm temperatures and a full tank of gas. Aside from one little errand to run (dropping Sharon off to visit a friend up north for a few days) I had an open agenda. My friend Buck learned of my trip north to Grand Haven and asked if I knew much of the old steam engine displayed there. As you'll find in any number of RV parks, if you poke around enough you'll surely find folks who has a common interests with you. So it just so happens I have a small interest in old trains.  Not a driving force in my life ... but interested.  Those big old chugging, smoking, mechanical marvels of their time were memories in my past and when I learned that my friends Don, and Bill shared the same interest it led to discovering the Buck and Dave were also hooked and we all lived in the same summer RV park.  As it turns out Dave actually is qualified to work on these old beasts of burden but all these guys have added to my appreciation all things railroad. Most have forgotten more than I know so it's nice to have a living library nearby.

Anyway, per Buck's request ... I made the effort to locate the old steamer in Grand Haven. Cosmetically well maintained, the 1941 Berkshire engined 2-8-4 resides in a nice little park along with a tender and several other cars; she's been there since 1981.  It's in a fenced off area but I've heard that one day a year the caretakers will let you in to inspect the engine a little closer. As luck would have it Grand Haven was celebrating Coast Guard Week and the traffic was crazy. I managed to squeeze into an adjoining art fair parking lot and grab this image out the car window while creeping buy. Would have liked to stop but nothing was available.

#1223

The 1223 actually never saw service in Grand Haven as she was too heavy (400 tons) and she is also missing her drive pistons. Her sister locomotive #1225 was restored to full operating condition but did not use any of #1223 parts. She's still as majestic as they day they put her in service and a fine example of stream driven transportation. Check out Wikipedia for more info.

So the next time you're in Grand Haven check it out.  And if you really do your homework you'll discover there is a WWII submarine in the area to explore.

Still livin' the dream, one little adventure at a time.

Phil

ps ... Those of you who spend their summers with us will note the omission of any photographs, quotes or other outbursts relating to the party held yesterday in honor of the owners Hal and Mary's birthdays. We mostly all acted within the confines of the law, though the notion of having a vodka tasting party combined with a birthday party does create a certain atmosphere. So about 20 people, about 15 different flavors of vodka, a bunch of snacky foods and no mix. Several hours of vodka shots would have put a lesser group down but we held our own.  Even got up for Sunday breakfast together.

Okay maybe one picture ...

Happy Birthday Hal