Thank You - Guardian Angels

(Issue 43 -Newsy portion)

Diary published weekly since 2001
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Hi All: Our journey south has been wonderful so far – today it is even a great travel day. Mississippi has some beautiful highways lined with giant trees, although at times the surface has been ‘wavy’ (bumpy because the surface in not flat). Because this past week has been hectic I started this post on our way to a weekend at Shiloh RV Park, Monroe LA – our home C2C Park.

You may be curious about my title this week, but our Guardian Angels and the Good Lord have been travelling with us big time. On a bright and sunny Tuesday we left Litchfield at 8 AM and John turned off our propane as usual – all looked normal. When we stopped for a coffee break in a rest area at 10:30 on I-55. John noticed our propane tank was hanging near the pavement at the back end. We called our ERS and within a ½ hour TODD FROM INTERSTATE RESCUE (1-636-933-0330) began to prop the tank up to re-secure it. We only had to pay for the labour ($75.00) – ERS took care of the rest. Apparently two of the three bolts that support the tank (I can’t believe that is all that holds it) had sheared off. We are so grateful it did not hit the pavement – the tank was filled at our last stop so it was heavy. We will have it re-inspected in the Valley

However our troubles did not stop there – to add to this emergency – a nearby coolant line had developed a slow leak. How we are not sure – maybe a flying piece of bolt? Todd gave us the number of Freightliner 90 miles south. As it turned out they could not fit us in but the CUMMINS MID-SOUTH DEALER across the street booked us an appointment at 7:30 the next morning. The procedure was long because the coolant hose was difficult to reach. Techs began working on it at about 10 and were still going at 4:30. In my mind the $85.00 labour/parts had accumulated to at least a $1000. and higher.

You cannot imagine how happy we were when our entire invoice only totaled $409.00 plus they changed a fuel filter at no cost. They had run into a few diagnostic problems along the way and I think this is why we only paid or 4-hours labour. Whatever the reason, we were ecstatic and didn’t Q it. If any RVer with a Cummins engine is in this area do not hesitate to book service at CUMMINS MID-SOUTH, SIKESTON, MO (1-573-472-0303) - www.midsouth.cummins.com They will take good care of you.

One minor hick-up – when we tried to start the furnace and the water heater later Tuesday evening in the campground, neither would light. Guess it was just the shifting of the contents during the tank episode. By continually engaging the water heater switch it eventually clicked in. At least we do not have to add that repair to the list.

We added a positive plus to this day when we found a gem of a Good Sam Park at Sikeston, just 2-miles from the Cummins dealer. HINTON RV PARK is a ‘big rig dream park - easy on and easy off’ (1-573-471-1457 or 1-800-327-1457) at exit 67 on I-55. It had long pull thru’s, full hook-ups (50Amp) cable and WiFi (no need to set the Dish up which helped with our early appointment). Good Sam Rate was $23.40 and it was located a mile from the classy Lambert’s restaurant – home of the ‘throwed roll’. The park also saved our site for us the second night just in case we were at maintenance all day.

Sooooo the lesson in this is “SH-- Happens” it also reinforces the importance of thoroughly checking your rig at each stop. It is also refreshing to learn that when the dust settles all breakdowns do not spell complete disaster. We send a very special Thanks to the Good Lord and to our Guardian Angels for keeping us safe and/or helping us avoid a major catastrophe if our propane tank had completely fallen off.
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FUN TIMES AND HIGH POINTS OF THE WEEK

Last Monday we left Chicago on a picture perfect day and settled into a prime RV Park at Litchfield, Illinois called KAMPER KOMPANION CAMPGROUND, Exit # 60 on I-55 (1-217-324-4747). This Gem was quick off and on – all level paved pull-thru’s with full hook-ups, 50 AMP connection and no trees to hinder Dish reception. 30 Amp was $18. and 50 Amp was $20 – taxes included. It is such a joy when we find parks like this.

Thursday, on the suggestions of Norm and Linda Payne on their website www.seeya-downtheroad.com, we stopped for two days at the SAM’S TOWN CASINO in Robinsonville, Mississippi (we had to drive to Tunica to top-up groceries) (662-363-0711 or 800 456-0711 ) Great campground – there are several RV parks in the area for under $20. Full service included 50Amp, cable, phone line etc. – and all for only $15.00 (GS rate). What shocked me was the number of High-end RV’s in the parking lot. They would have used almost that much in fuel costs running their generators to keep warm. Our furnace cut in and out frequently the two days we were there. It was a wet, cold and dirty two days

John and I are not true gamblers, but I had fun playing my $20.00 allowance in the penny slots. I was occupied for about 6 hours – sometimes I won and eventually I lost it all but it was enjoyable way to spend some time away from my computer for a little bit.

Today, Saturday the rain finally stopped and it is another beautiful comfortable sunny day en route to Monroe LA. Although the trees are still green it has been a pretty trip. We were thankful that vivid colours preceded us to almost through Missouri on this trip
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FINAL THOUGHTS

We are only 2-3 driving days from our winter home in the Rio Grande Valley although we will not arrive there till late next week. It is just so much fun being on the move. John and I send a special prayer to all those in California who have had to deal with those horrendous wild fires. We pray that in time your disaster or near disaster will have a positive ending. Watch out all for those ‘Road-gaiters’ (shredded tires) and ‘Orange Barrels’. We have seen a lot of both on this trip. Travel safe wherever you go. P&J