Paula's Retirement Trip winding dowm

[JackConrad]

     We are sitting at the Florida Flywheelers Park near Ft. Meade, Florida. We are finally in an area with good cell signal for internet access. Our trip has been great. We have spent time with friends in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida.  BusNuts have to be the neatest and nicest people in the world. Thanks to Sam & Sandy, Dallas & Cat, Ray & Ann, Gary & Linda, Ralph & Ann, Chris & Martha, and all of those attending the rallies that we attended.  We also spent some time sightseeing in Northern Alabama. We enjoyed seeing the leaves change on the Blue Ridge Parkway. We have attended 2 bus rallies and will be attending a SE Cruisers rally next weekend here at the Florida Flywheelers. Since picking Paula up at her office on September 25, we have traveled 2336.5 miles.  When we get home next Sunday, we will have driven 2400 miles
    Only problem was a bad bus start battery while in North Carolina. We replaced both of the group 31s (they were 6 years old).   When we tried to start the bus at Hoboken, Georgia, we found that one of the new batteries was bad. Thanks to Harold Green, who took a battery out of his bus for us to use to start ours. As soon as our bus started, we switched batteries before the air built up and headed to WalMart. That is where I learned that WalMart makes different batteries for the North and the South. The "Northern" battery (MAXX 65N) was 1000 CCA @ 32 degrees.  The "Southern" battery (MAXX65S) was 850 CCA @ 32 degrees. Of course, WalMart charges the same for both. We also had to replace our 6 year old air mattress while in North Carolina.  Jack

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Jack & Paula,

I'm lovin your story....

Keep sending details, it's a pleasure to read.

Nick & Michelle

[kyle4501]

That has to be the longest last drive home from work for anyone!

Great to hear you are having fun!

I'm looking forward to seeing y'all in Arcadia.

Safe travels,
Kyle

[Stan]

Jack: How did you resolve the battery problem with Walmart? What was wrong with the new battery?

[Gary LaBombard]

Jack & Paula,

Meeting great people in life is such a "+" to look back on in time, everyone in our little group of busnuts feels the same towards the both of you and we all enjoy spending any time with you we can.  Everyone wishes you both the best health and enjoyment in your travels now that Paula gets to do as she wants forever also now.  I have not doubt that all the rally's you have attended since September were much better with both of your attendance.  Now we are all counting the few weeks left before we again get to see you at your Rally in Arcadia, the biggest bash of all for us to enjoy.
Gary

[Ace]

Jack glad to hear your trip went somewhat for the most part un-eventful, other than that guy Paula had to put up with at the flea market in T-ville, and you made it back safe and sound!

We'll be seeing you guys again this weekend as we are all signed up and registered for the rally at Flywheelers so don't leave just because you know were coming! Anyway, we should be leaving here early Thursday afternoon (after Susan gets off i'm sure) and be there in about an hour and half or so depending on 5pm traffic thru town.

See you there!

Ace

[JackConrad]

Jack: How did you resolve the battery problem with Walmart? What was wrong with the new battery?

When bus would not start, we tested each battery with a voltmeter. 1 battery was 12.8 volts, other battery was 10.2 volts. We then put a load tester on the weak battery. Tester showed "BAD" as soon as the switch was put in TEST position (gauge should stay in "GOOD" for 15 seconds). When we got to WalMart, we took the load tester into the store with us and showed clerk that the battery was bad. When I brought new battery to the counter, we tested it and clerk could see the difference in gauge readings.  We also had receipt showing we had purchased the battery 16 days before returning it.
     Ace,  Paula still laughs about that!!   Jack