D-Day is Tomorrow

That would be "D" as in Departure.  My camper is now near Mobile, AL.  I took it up last week and parked it in a storage facility about 10 miles from the MS/AL state line.

I planned that trip to go thru Apalachicola (again) at the same time one of my best friends -- from Illinois -- was also visiting.  This part of Florida (the Panhandle between US 19 and 231) is one of my favorites (besides the beach where I live).  If you are into nature -- this is a top 10 place to visit.  Bring your fishing pole, binoculars and your kayak.

Today is final prep and packing - mostly kitchen stuff and my motorcycle -- and then leave by 9 in the morning with my Harley and my Schwinn on the utility trailer.  It's about 8 hours back to the camper. I'll likely just spend the night there -- I already have a parking place -- and then put my 'train' together and head west along I-10 Friday morning.  This will be only the second time I have pulled this combination although I have many miles pulling each unit separately.  But it works on paper -- as long as I don't have to back-up.

As I've watched the sunset here the last few nights -- one of my MOST favorite things to do -- I have had mixed emotions about my pending travels.  I'm going to miss this place.  A lot.  I am where I have always wanted to be when I retire.  But I also want to get back to traveling the USA, like I did 10 years ago as a truck driver.  So for foreseeable future -- 2, 3, 4 years??? -- I will travel with my toys ... but Treasure Island will ALWAYS be my home (hopefully).  Because I'm not giving up my TI residence, I am not really a full-time RVer.  That's okay -- I have the best of both!

One of My MOST Amazing Days -- EVER!!

I jumped on my motorcycle about 10 am for a 3 hour or so ride to the west side of Florida.  Elon Musk was launching his cherry red Tesla into orbit around Mars on board the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket -- on it's maiden voyage, no less!

I had tears in my eyes and goosebumps as I watched it live from about 30 miles south and a little west.  I have since watched the video replay 3 or 4 times and still get teary eyed. See for yourself, if you haven't. SpaceX Heavy Falcon Youtube  This is the largest rocket in use today -- second only to the huge Saturn V used for Apollo -- and it's not a nation or a country doing this.  It's a business man looking to send people into space!  Amazing!

I did not want to get too close to the launch site for a multitude of reasons.  I figured traffic would be insane -- it was -- with seemingly millions of people.  It still took me 5 hours for the 180 mile trip home, anyway.  The launch window was from 1:30 - 4:30 and I suspected it would go later rather than earlier even though the weather was perfect.  Lift-off eventually was at 3:45.  Sunset is about 6:10 so I knew I was coming home in the dark -- something, I'm not crazy about.

I also did not want to be shoulder-to-shoulder in a mass of humanity -- which it appears was the case at Kennedy Space Center.  The flu is at it's peak right now and then there is the current-day consideration one must think of concerning terrorist's attacks.  And even Mr. Musk was cautioning of possible failure -- this was a first. The idea of this going 'boom' with me surrounded by zillions and only 1 way out was not pleasant.  Being that close wasn't necessary.

I took back roads from Tampa -- south of Orlando -- to the Atlantic coast near Palm Bay.  My smartphone kept me appraised of the countdown.  When they pushed the launch back a second time at 2:30, I decided to go back via Interstate since it was going to be dark for the ride home.  Visibility is significantly better on 4 lanes if you can just keep from being run-over.  This allowed me to go north along I-95  toward I-4 -- paralleling the coast and the launch site -- which would eventually take me back west.

I got to a rest area -- another stroke of great luck -- about 3 minutes before lift-off.  My picture is above!!  Though my experience lacked the sound of the thunder and vibration of the 27 engines thrusting their way into orbit, it was still a top 5 moment in my life!  (please don't ask me for the other four)

The ride home took a lot of the pleasure out of my day, quite honestly.  I wasn't 30 minutes west of the launch on US-192 when traffic was halted for, not 1, BUT 2 med evac helicopters landing.  It looked like someone may have clipped a log truck at an intersection.  That was an hour delay for me and a really bad day for someone.

The traffic on I-4 thru Orlando is ALWAYS a disaster, yesterday being no exception.  I had another hour delay as we craaaaawwwlled for 2 miles past another crash on my side.  No helicopters this time.  And then just a few miles past that one, there was another accident on the eastbound side.  No affect to me this time.

But I'm home, sunburned face and all, safe and sound but also a bit weary.  I have a volunteer function this Saturday here in town.  I also will take my ham radio Technician license Saturday evening.  Then next week I will take my camper to MS along I-10 and store it there.  Since I can't pull two trailers at the same time in FL, I have to stage one of them out of town.

I report for duty to Benson, AZ on March 1 -- my first workamper job!

One Step Closer to Workamping

For more than a month now I have been talking with a gas station/restaurant/souvenir shop in AZ and NM about a workamping position.  Yesterday, I had a telephone interview with the HR person .. who has since called 2 of my 3 supplied references -- and everything seems to be a 'go'.  I have Feb 20 now inked in my calendar as a date to leave FL for my 2,000 mile trip.  I'm ready!!

But there are a couple of things to do before I blast off.  Last night, I also completed the last training class for my Technician ham radio license.  I have also been studying online and think I'm ready for the test.  I need a 75% to pass and have been scoring in the 80s consistently lately in the online practice tests.  Saturday Feb 10 there is a for-real test being given nearby that I plan to attend.

Also on the same day -- Sat Feb 10 -- is the City of Seminole's Fire Department Open House.  I was involved last year through my CERT functions and had a blast.  So I volunteered again this year.

That means I can leave for AZ anytime after that.  I should be able to drive 2000 miles in 4 days but that leaves no time for sightseeing in-route.  That also does not allow much time for any 'issues' along the way.  So a tentative launch date is Feb 20 .. we'll see.

Speaking of launches .. I read where SpaceX has set Feb 6 as the date for the maiden launch of  Falcon Heavy -- the most powerful booster in the world.  I have seen a launch in Cape Canaveral from this side of the state before .. or at least the glow in the sky and a vapor trail.  But I'm thinking I may get closer this time to witness history!

Fox News13_ falcon_heavy_launch

This rocket has more than twice the power of the Saturn rockets of before.  Supposedly it has the power to lift a loaded 737 airliner into space.  But the neatest part (I think) is it's re-usability; they don't have to build a new one each time it's used.  The payload for this launch is an electric car -- one of Elon Musk's Tesla Roadsters -- which I think will be put into orbit.  What a waste!!  Mr. Musk is also taking reservations for future space travelers.  His first planned mission is allegedly a trip around the moon and back.

So the next couple of weeks will be spent getting ready for my first Workamping Road Trip .. after a 2-day side trip to Cape G to watch history being made.

HAPPY NEW YEAR -- 2018!!

I an truly excited about 2018 and what I perceive is the beginning of the next chapter in my life.  Hopefully there is more than one more chapter in MY book.

I have been in hibernation for the past several weeks for a multitude of reasons .. all of which become moot this coming Monday Jan 8; my self-imposed deadline for the conversation to stop and the action to start.  I wanted a clean separation in my income after retiring last summer so I've waited until 2018 to step off.

I've also learned that I need to generate more $$ to enjoy the lifestyle I've chosen.  Do not confuse 'generating income' with getting a job; at least not as a Walmart Greeter (just yet).  In fact, I've not had a W2 income in more than 20 years and I'm not starting now.  But I do need some cash in my pocket beyond what my social security provides.  There is a limit on how much I can make before my SSA money becomes taxable tho.  On the positive side, any additional income I have in 2018 goes into the calculation for my future SSA checks (I think).

My new business is now legally formed. I will go to my bank and get a checking account established next week.  Then I can begin selling stories and pictures about my adventures.  I am tentatively looking at Feb 5 or so to load up and head out on my next road trip -- I know not even where.  But perhaps southern FL.

I have some January commitments here in town with the City of Seminole's Community Emergency Rescue Team (CERT), where I volunteer.  Besides, I need to finish up the business ending of my old trucking company.  There are still 1099s to get out and tax stuff to prepare.  I've got about 4 weeks to get it done .. no problem!

Also high on my to-do list is: Get a Dog. I want a medium sized dog -- 25 or 30 lbs.  Many campgrounds have restrictions.  My dog will be trained as a Search and Rescue dog tho, so she can't be too small.  As far as breeds go, I'm looking at a Spaniel of some sort; probably a rescue dog.

I met Mike Hadsell with the Peace River K9 Search And Rescue (Collier County, Florida) at a CERT Convention last summer.  Then I went to one of his training demonstrations this past December.  It is easy to understand why the PRSAR team is so highly regarded by the law enforcement community all over the Southeast USA for their SAR work.  Mike has offered to help me when I get a dog, hopefully within the next month or two.

As most people probably know, a dogs love is truly unconditional and knows no bounds.  When that dog gets that love returned, they will do just about anything you ask -- including following a scent.  Watching the PRSAR Team play Hide-N-Seek centered around the dog's love to play and please under the handler's guidance.  For the dog it was all about having fun.  I want a dog like that.

Change is in the air -- and it has started for me.  Lots to do and I'm ready.

I'm Bored! But the Future is Bright!!

For an assortment of reasons, I have been very inactive these past several weeks -- and it's making me crazy.  But the end is near -- the end of my boredom, because the new year will begin the next chapter of my life.

I did not want to start any new projects in 2017 so as to not confuse my financials at year end.  Besides, since I took early retirement this year, I now have to be careful how much money I make.  So I will start a new business after Jan 1 and have a proper accounting of income and expenses separate from my past as a Motor Carrier.  And 2017 will be relatively easy to evaluate how my biz income affects on my Social Security income's taxablity.

And this lack of responsibility for drivers has allowed me to travel some, although not as much as I intend to in 2018.  At the same time, my new fixed income has impacted my lifestyle -- and not necessarily in a bad way.  I've put myself on a budget of X dollars per month for entertainment (read that as going out dining and drinking).  I've come to the conclusion that I need a job.

And I have one, actually.  I am in talks with a magazine publisher about working free-lance for them.  They are a 30+ year old family business here in Florida.  I will get a 2-week free stay at a campground of my choosing (from their list of 221 available today) and solicit advertising in the surrounding area for a magazine the campground can hand out for free.  Sounds like a pretty good way to get into the RV lifestyle with the least expense to me.  I look at it as a great learning experience with the chance to make some $$ along the way ... while Traveling the USA.

On the Road Again

(Written Mon 10/22 but posted 10/25)

I now understand (better?) the phrase “New Beginning,” because that is what this is.

When we (I?) last talked, I was on a rant with Insurance companies..  Nothing has changed.  Nothing will.  Look around your town .. ANY town ..  and tell me, who has the tallest building?   Either a bank or an insurance company – because THAT’s where the money is.  But I digress…

No, today’s scribbles are about a return to what I love the most: “Going down the road” as I travel the USA. I retired earlier this year.  Unless you’re a driver, it is unlikely you can comprehend the pleasure of just going down the road.  Whether it’s my Harley or just my truck or my whole train – it doesn’t matter.  The peace and solace that comes over me as I become one-with-the-world around me .. if you don’t get it .. I can’t explain it.  Obviously I’m NOT taking about city driving here – different subject there.  Need my Xanax – jk.  And I know I’m not talking to everybody.  Many of folk have shared how they can’t stay awake.  You guys – take the bus, please.

Today .. Sun 10/22 .. I am sitting in my camper (22’ fifth wheel) at Rodman State Park, FL .. pretty much central Florida after just having left Biketoberfest.  Imagine: towering live Oak trees draped with moss surrounding you on a stair-stepped bluff leading down to a man-made canal some 100 yards across.  The section of the campground I’m in fronts along the canal with perhaps 20 back-in spaces.  I’m in the last spot before going back up the bluff to the entrance.  The next occupied space is 4 spots down – perhaps 150’ away.  I love FL State Parks .. always clean and nice.  This state likes tourists.

THIS is my version of retirement – at least to start.  This is also my first RV, so there has been a learning curve.  My curve was probably steeper than most because I (thought I) knew enough to make good decisions.  I have 20+ years trucking – pulling big things – so the driving part is not intimidating. And I have done a small amount of tent camping in my younger days – a 10-day trip around Lake Superior into Canada with my 10 year old son is perhaps the best memory.  And I have two good friends that have RVs and I have been out with them multiple times over the years.  So, I’m 80% there, right?

Perhaps  so.  But that other 20% has been a test at times.  My biggest “What-where-you-thinking” moment came when I discovered my plans to double pull (1 truck pulling 2 trailers – my 22’ fifth wheel and an 8’ utility trailer with my bike) is ILLEGAL in several states – including Florida – where I live now.  At least I learned before I got out on the road and got in trouble, so it could have been worse.  I had incorrectly assumed that because pulling a double COMMERCIALLY is legal in all 50 states that my combination would also be okay.  Interstate trucking, being commercial, comes under Federal rules.  RVers are governed by each states rules.  Oooops.

So for this 3-week trip .. all within Florida .. it’s triple miles as I have to back track each move to bring the second unit (usually the camper) up.  A steep learning curve, I think I mentioned.  But I have a plan (surprise!).

I’m going to get a 22-24’ bumper pull camper – like maybe an Airstream – and carry my motorcycle in the back of my pickup truck on a motorcycle lift that I already own.  This will be legal in all 50 states. I have the truck and the lift.  All I need is to trade campers.

In the meantime, I’m in route to Pensacola area for the Southeast Regional HOG Rally two weeks from now.  About 400 miles .. as the crow flies.  A little bit more for me .. this time.  But time is on my side for a change.

Farmers Insurance -- re-affirms my opinion that they only want to screw you

It's not about the money -- for me.  We're only talking about $60 or so.  But it's the principle; doing the right thing.  And Farmers Insurance company offers more proof that -- like most insurance companies -- they are only interested in screwing you under the pretext of helping you.  Capitalism at it's finest - not that I'm against capitalism.  I believe a person should be fairly compensated for their work.  But when the tallest building in ANY city in America is an insurance company or a bank -- well, that ought to be a heads-up who's making the most money.  And at who's expense?

But enough of the soapbox and on to the facts.

I have had my motorcycle insured with Farmers for more than 9 years.  This past April I just automatically renewed by paying 6 months in advance.  In May, I also bought a new (to me) truck and in researching insurance options found a better deal with Liberty Mutual if I also added my bike.  Actually saved me more than $60/yr on just the bike for the same coverage's.

My Farmers policy was cancelled just 3 weeks into it's renewal.  I was expecting 5/6's of my pre-paid premium refunded.  Seems like the right thing -- in force for 1 month of the renewal.

But no.  Instead I got back less than half of my six month premium.  I spent almost an hour on the phone with them and was passed around to 3 different people before giving up.  I have since filed a complaint with the Illinois Department of Insurance.  I'm not greatly optimistic.  But you never know.

What was the rational for Farmers insurance to short change my refund, you ask?  On page 12 of my original policy -- dated April 2006 -- is the following sentence:

"If you cancel, the refund will be computed in accordance with the customary short rate table and procedure."

Customary?  Who's custom?  Seems to me the 'custom' ought to be to refund the unused portion of the policy.  Perhaps that's too logical.  And where is this 'short rate table' they reference?  Nobody at Farmers was able to produce it and it's not a part of mu policy.

Personally it looks like a catch-all statement buried in the policy to allow them to do whatever they feel like.

So Farmer's wants to screw me out of $60 and I feel about the best I can do is get on a soapbox and scream out loud.  They spend all that money for advertising; what else can 1 guy do?