This adventure began a week ago today.  With one exception  -- I knew I’d forget SOMETHING – this has gone about as well as it possibly can.  I made it to Grand Bay, AL where my camper was stored just about sunset last Friday.  I pulled the camper out to the street, manhandled the small cargo trailer with my bikes onto the back and settled in for a nites rest.  Too my chagrin, the refrigerator would not turn on under the propane leaving the ice chest full of frozen and refrigerated stuff overnite.

Fortunately Johnies RV Repair and Supply was three blocks away and opened at 9 am Saturday.  The wonderful folks there .. including Clyde the mechanic who diagnosed the faulty igniter within 10 mins – got me in and out  and I was westbound for the first time EVER with my double-pull train!

I stopped a lot that first day.  I climbed under the camper where the receiver was welded to the bumper, looking for cracks.  It’s a bit unnerving because I can’t see the second trailer tucked behind the camper from my driver’s seat.  Even going around curves, I maybe catch a glimpse of the tail end for a second.  I was able to determine it was tracking steady and straight from watching the shadows in my mirror.  Plus, each time I stopped I was touching the tires and hubs to feel how hot they were getting.  I was EXTREMELY safety conscious.  I did not want to see my motorcycle flying off into the median .. or worse.

But all was perfect each time.  Other than getting freaked out once in a while because I couldn’t see the small trailer when I was expecting too, it went great.  Eventually I learned; and gained confidence.  I only got 350 miles that first day.  The late start and frequent stops didn’t help and I didn’t need to push it.  I wanted to stop before dark.  I have more time than money.

Day 2 went even better, other than the rain thru LA and east TX.  That pretty much trashed my motorcycle.  But at least it was still back there.  And to my amazement – and pleasure – I was getting almost 13 miles per gallon pulling TWO trailers!  I did have a slight wind assist .. but still .. I am extremely pleased.  My original guestimate was 12ish .. I hoped.  Overall for the whole trip I got 12.4 MPG and am tickled to death.

I landed here in Benson, AZ on Tuesday.  There is a significant remodel going on here and the RV spots are still a work in progress.  I believe there will be 13 camper spots eventually.  Five are just now available with water, sewer and propane (first time I have EVER seen LP gas available at each individual parking spot).  The electric posts are done at the camp site but they have not been tied into the main panel yet so NO ELECTRIC for about two weeks.  Or so I thought (was told.)  It has been quite chilly here – 27 last night.  And it’s only been 60s during the day, so AC isn’t needed – yet.

 I was here first, a second camper (married couple) moved in Wednesday and a third camper (mother and son couple) moved in today.  We each have a heavy duty 115V extension cord. Two run to the power pole – with a separate 20 amp plug for each – and the third goes to a wall plug in a warehouse that is little used electrically. 

And now for a TEASER – What do you know about “The Thing” in Benson, AZ?  I know a little.  I am about to learn a whole lot more.  I begin work tomorrow morning at the Museum where “The Thing” is displayed.  I can’t wait!

Tune in next time for an update.