Greetings Friends,
I want to let you know about a fine late winter trip we took to Florida. The weather was so nice, I almost feel guilty, as if I'm bragging, in reporting this trip, but it's really part of what this bus ownership is all about, I guess.
Marilyn and I left mid-February and stayed at Wilderness RV Resort, near Silver Springs, at Bob Glines' suggestion. (Thanks, Bob!)
Although it's a little bit of a drive to Daytona, St. Augustine, or Orlando, the cost is about half of what you could expect to pay on the coast. We had the pleasure of meeting Nick Badame, Sr. one day, and spent some time with Bob and Judy Glines. Bob, those slide-outs, the kitchen island, and the leveling system are impressive. I'm jealous! Here's the payback; when I got home to VA, the temps were in the high 70's, and believe it or not, diesel was $3.69.9- I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. But I'll tell ya one durn thing; after having seen those Florida prices, I filled the tank! Jack Conrad and TOM, who's last name escapes me at the moment, (my apologies!) paid us a visit, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
We had a great trip, and the old MCI ran like a top; whatever that means. Anyway, it sings along around 70/75 MPH. I just ran with the traffic, so I have nobody to blame but myself for the fuel mileage. LOL! I'm hangin' my head in shame for running that fast, but damn, it was fun. Of course, I have to admit to pulling Fancy Gap at 35 MPH, along with the heavily loaded trucks. The bus didn't break a sweat, which is the important thing. Fancy Gap is a six mile climb with a grade of around 4.5 percent.
After reporting a knock in the Perkins powered diesel generator, I loaded it with electric heaters and house airs for a while on the trip, and to tell you the truth, I think that's what it really needed. It's running clean and quiet now.
Oh, yeah. I pulled the dipstick today, and apparently have used a little less than a gallon of oil on the 1400 mile run. If I reported less consumption on earlier trips, I was either mistaken or lying. This was a near flawless run.
That's my report, guys!
Dennis
Buses-great weather-busnuts=what it's all about. Bob
Dennis,
It was nice to see you again and to visit with you & Marilyn. Glad to hear you got rid of the generator knock and had a great trip. We may try to see ya'll this summer. Jack