Preparing to travel back to Michigan conjures various emotions. Our families are still there, for the most part. There are several nieces and cousins that have moved out of state, but our siblings are all there. So too are our family homes and memories. I am always reminded of Wolfe's passage about never being able to go home again. Somehow, once we leave, home is never again the same. We have missed out on changes, if they be for the good or bad, and we are always stuck in yesterday--never quite able to reconcile our memory with present day reality.
Yet, like Bukowski, we never seem to be able to leave it completely behind. We torment ourselves with the past. It seems we are forever regretting what we did or did not choose; remorseful for the same reasons and clinging to the past we knew while denying the present.
We constantly run after an all elusive meaning, something that will provide a rational explanation of why we have taken the road we have. We find comfort in telling ourselves we wouldn't have done it any differently--but what if we had?
Would we then be regretting not doing this the first time? Would we have missed out experiencing what we are, who we are and where we are at this moment? What if we spent the next 10 years trying to answer such questions? Where would we be then? Perhaps in the same situation we are today? It has taken me many years to reach an understanding with the past. May be it was a silly bumper sticker (a truly great source of wisdom) or may be a combination of sources that lead to this agreement with Yesterday.
I have agreed to allow the past to hold the memories, but will not allow it to control the emotions. At the same time I will do my best to prevent the future from plagiarizing the past while demanding original material.
But like Bukowski, not everyone is successful at appreciating the past while respecting the future. This usually results in a conversation with family that attempts to draw out a confession about yesterday and an apology for today.
So I guess I am apprehensive about some aspects of family reunions, because each side of the coin wants the other side to be like them--to come back from the Dark Side...
21st century American Nomads
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
GVWR--Weighing in
We are trying to determine weight limits and cargo capacity. We have posted before that our Coachmen Catalina is titled a 1997, yet there is no listing for a 320RKS model in 1997. The spec sheet in the kitchen is dated 09/23/1997. We have a sale receipt dated 1/12/1997 and a weight document in the closet dated 9/12/1996 for a 320 RKS.
The weight document states the trailer weighs 10128 lbs. NADA specs says it weighs 9815 lbs. The sheet tells us it has a cargo capacity of 3450 lbs. It then outlines the options and the weight of each. Our bedroom slide adds 600 lbs. The 50 amp service adds 5 lbs. The ducted air system is another 227 lbs. Total the Coachmen has nearly 1200 lbs of options. If the document is correct, we have 2200 lbs available for stuff.
Heading north in 13 days, we are probably carrying the weight we would once we go fulltime. No water, empty tanks and more tools than we really need. When we arrive in Michigan, we will unload the majority of stuff with family. I then will sort through the tools and leave any doubles or unique tools with my brother.
I am heading to the landfill tomorrow after school. They have a scale for those folks with mega trash who pay by weight. I am going to ask if I can have my trailer and truck weighed this week to get an acurate weight.
The weight document states the trailer weighs 10128 lbs. NADA specs says it weighs 9815 lbs. The sheet tells us it has a cargo capacity of 3450 lbs. It then outlines the options and the weight of each. Our bedroom slide adds 600 lbs. The 50 amp service adds 5 lbs. The ducted air system is another 227 lbs. Total the Coachmen has nearly 1200 lbs of options. If the document is correct, we have 2200 lbs available for stuff.
Heading north in 13 days, we are probably carrying the weight we would once we go fulltime. No water, empty tanks and more tools than we really need. When we arrive in Michigan, we will unload the majority of stuff with family. I then will sort through the tools and leave any doubles or unique tools with my brother.
I am heading to the landfill tomorrow after school. They have a scale for those folks with mega trash who pay by weight. I am going to ask if I can have my trailer and truck weighed this week to get an acurate weight.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
The calm before the storm
Sometimes it feels like we get all caught up in some drama, then there is calm. Last week we were in a panic about the Dodge. The electrical short was all consuming. Then we were frantic about tires. There really aren't many good used tires here in this area of North Carolina. So it became a matter of where we would buy new tires. Just one drama after another.
Fortunately the shocks for the Dodge were a no-brainer. Long past due, we were able to parlay a few vintage trailer parts on e-bay to purchase the skyjacker shocks. The Dodge is tight and responsive once again
As we are relaxed, ready to load the Coachmen Catalina with stuff to take north, we have time to take another look at the current drama that is always just under the surface--financial income on the road.
Our friend Nick has just published another Kindle book Work Your way Across the USA available on Amazon. For $2.99, it is a book we will be reading this summer. We will also be looking very closely at workamper opportunities like Amazon seasonal as well as a few other paid positions at various resorts / campgrounds.
We are exploring various ways we can have the internet work for us. There are on-line tutors, opinion polls, reviews / critical commentary and a host of writing for XXX. We believe that the majority of our income has to be derived from the internet while we are in the road. We have looked at several sites like Workamper and think there are some really great positions out there once we are full-time. But we are trying to be mobile as much as possible and be self-employed as our major source of income.
So as we enjoy the calm, or is it just the eye of the storm, we have time to search and be as diligent as possible about financing and employment.
Fortunately the shocks for the Dodge were a no-brainer. Long past due, we were able to parlay a few vintage trailer parts on e-bay to purchase the skyjacker shocks. The Dodge is tight and responsive once again
As we are relaxed, ready to load the Coachmen Catalina with stuff to take north, we have time to take another look at the current drama that is always just under the surface--financial income on the road.
Our friend Nick has just published another Kindle book Work Your way Across the USA available on Amazon. For $2.99, it is a book we will be reading this summer. We will also be looking very closely at workamper opportunities like Amazon seasonal as well as a few other paid positions at various resorts / campgrounds.
We are exploring various ways we can have the internet work for us. There are on-line tutors, opinion polls, reviews / critical commentary and a host of writing for XXX. We believe that the majority of our income has to be derived from the internet while we are in the road. We have looked at several sites like Workamper and think there are some really great positions out there once we are full-time. But we are trying to be mobile as much as possible and be self-employed as our major source of income.
So as we enjoy the calm, or is it just the eye of the storm, we have time to search and be as diligent as possible about financing and employment.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Tires, tires tires!!
Mary
I never thought I would be excited about tires. Its just not a girl thing. Tires are a necessary evil for many of us women. We know we must have them. We also know that every few years we have to go “tire shopping” as hubby drags out what is for him an event. As we left this morning for the hour drive to Discount Tire, I found myself excited. These tires were for our 5th wheel. The last major expense before we can hit the road for the summer.
The old tires looked new because they had only about 700 miles on them. But they were original from 1998. Not a pretty thing in the Florida sun. I had my fingers crossed that we would make it the last 50 miles to the tire store. We drove it 600 miles from Florida on luck alone.
We did make it and we now have new Carlisle trailer radial tires. Whatever that means, I just know we are good to go. We have to load up a few things for the girls and our dogs and off we go to Michigan when school is out in two weeks.
I never thought I would be excited about tires. Its just not a girl thing. Tires are a necessary evil for many of us women. We know we must have them. We also know that every few years we have to go “tire shopping” as hubby drags out what is for him an event. As we left this morning for the hour drive to Discount Tire, I found myself excited. These tires were for our 5th wheel. The last major expense before we can hit the road for the summer.
The old tires looked new because they had only about 700 miles on them. But they were original from 1998. Not a pretty thing in the Florida sun. I had my fingers crossed that we would make it the last 50 miles to the tire store. We drove it 600 miles from Florida on luck alone.
We did make it and we now have new Carlisle trailer radial tires. Whatever that means, I just know we are good to go. We have to load up a few things for the girls and our dogs and off we go to Michigan when school is out in two weeks.
Why we have one choice.
I have written earlier about some of my previous travels. The fact that it seems second nature for me to be mobile. This personality quirk may be due in part to my parents, at least mom's, drive to take us to see the history and wonders of this country.
In 1995 I traveled Europe with my brother over Christmas break. As I meandered around Switzerland, Germany, Luxemborg, Belgium, Netherlands, and northern France I didn't have the same eagerness to explore. Maybe it was the disconnectedness to their culture and history? Don't get me wrong, it was beautiful, the people we met were wonderful and the sights were stunning. But, I cannot tell you with any clarity what I saw and where it was. There are highlights and things that standout like Canal Street in Holland, the Chunnel, the small streets through Bern.
Yet, even on my most insignificant travels through the USA, I have a very vivid memory of places and people. Like Dan. I met him in Oregon while on the TransAmerica bicycle trail, just outside of John Day. He was what many might think of as eccentric. A loner. Yet he shared with us his rock collection and gave each of us a special rock--which I still have today. June, the Cookie Lady, just outside of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The folks at Naropa, where I spent the summer at the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics. The long hot road along the Mississippi River the summer of 1982 from Minneapolis to Madison.
There is a connection I have grown up with. A marvel at what this country really is. Not the economics, infrastructure, free enterprise capitalist system we have come to depend on--rather the free-will and spirit that this country was based on. The idea folks can relay on each other when times are bad, and hold each other when time are good. I guess it is the basic blue collar mentality that shapes my desire to be the captain of my own destiny.
Throughout my short but drawn out life, I have found this desire has led others to view me with suspicion and contempt. Like ordering a vegetarian pizza was a conspiracy to over throw the beef industry. I often heard "What if everyone wanted to do that?" from friends and family. Of course not everyone wants to load up their life possessions and travel the country, and those who do certainly are not advocating destruction of the Constitution. I would usually respond with something about not everyone will do it, and so what if they did? I was young then, and didn't fully appreciate my elders fear and concern.
It was a very different time then. People worked 40 hours a week, played on the weekends and vacationed in between. They retired with pensions and social security. Lived out their lives in a house they struggled to pay for so that their income in retirement would provide a comfortable existence. My comments were a threat to their stability. Their world wasn't going to be round anymore if I left their version of reality behind.
I tried the best I could to follow in those suburban footsteps. I fought for every success and staunchly defended every accomplishment. And it worked for almost 20 years. I am not sure how it worked the way it did, but I managed to construct an image of suburbia and convinced myself it was going to be doable. It probably would have been doable if bottoms hadn't fallen and bubbles started bursting.
Then again, maybe Mary recognized something. Possibly she acknowledged the light she had been carrying? Had it been my incessant commentary about how I had been there or seen that while watching the television? Whatever it is, I find myself again looking anxiously at the road. I know the super-slabs of concrete offer no satisfaction. Nor do I think it possible to re-create the TransAmerican Bicycle trip--at least not on a bike.
And yesterday's dinner along NC Hwy27 west, was the affirmation that answers the infamous question "Who shall I send?"
In 1995 I traveled Europe with my brother over Christmas break. As I meandered around Switzerland, Germany, Luxemborg, Belgium, Netherlands, and northern France I didn't have the same eagerness to explore. Maybe it was the disconnectedness to their culture and history? Don't get me wrong, it was beautiful, the people we met were wonderful and the sights were stunning. But, I cannot tell you with any clarity what I saw and where it was. There are highlights and things that standout like Canal Street in Holland, the Chunnel, the small streets through Bern.
Yet, even on my most insignificant travels through the USA, I have a very vivid memory of places and people. Like Dan. I met him in Oregon while on the TransAmerica bicycle trail, just outside of John Day. He was what many might think of as eccentric. A loner. Yet he shared with us his rock collection and gave each of us a special rock--which I still have today. June, the Cookie Lady, just outside of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. The folks at Naropa, where I spent the summer at the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics. The long hot road along the Mississippi River the summer of 1982 from Minneapolis to Madison.
There is a connection I have grown up with. A marvel at what this country really is. Not the economics, infrastructure, free enterprise capitalist system we have come to depend on--rather the free-will and spirit that this country was based on. The idea folks can relay on each other when times are bad, and hold each other when time are good. I guess it is the basic blue collar mentality that shapes my desire to be the captain of my own destiny.
Throughout my short but drawn out life, I have found this desire has led others to view me with suspicion and contempt. Like ordering a vegetarian pizza was a conspiracy to over throw the beef industry. I often heard "What if everyone wanted to do that?" from friends and family. Of course not everyone wants to load up their life possessions and travel the country, and those who do certainly are not advocating destruction of the Constitution. I would usually respond with something about not everyone will do it, and so what if they did? I was young then, and didn't fully appreciate my elders fear and concern.
It was a very different time then. People worked 40 hours a week, played on the weekends and vacationed in between. They retired with pensions and social security. Lived out their lives in a house they struggled to pay for so that their income in retirement would provide a comfortable existence. My comments were a threat to their stability. Their world wasn't going to be round anymore if I left their version of reality behind.
I tried the best I could to follow in those suburban footsteps. I fought for every success and staunchly defended every accomplishment. And it worked for almost 20 years. I am not sure how it worked the way it did, but I managed to construct an image of suburbia and convinced myself it was going to be doable. It probably would have been doable if bottoms hadn't fallen and bubbles started bursting.
Then again, maybe Mary recognized something. Possibly she acknowledged the light she had been carrying? Had it been my incessant commentary about how I had been there or seen that while watching the television? Whatever it is, I find myself again looking anxiously at the road. I know the super-slabs of concrete offer no satisfaction. Nor do I think it possible to re-create the TransAmerican Bicycle trip--at least not on a bike.
And yesterday's dinner along NC Hwy27 west, was the affirmation that answers the infamous question "Who shall I send?"
Thursday, May 26, 2011
What is a Blue Road?
Tonight, Mary and I experienced an "in your face" event that really brought the Blue Road concept home.
As a special education teacher I have seen all too often the disfunctional environments many of my students have to survive in. Too many times I found the life being drained from me as I tried to find some way--any way-- to influence positive change in their lives.
Until 2009, I have always been teaching in what I laughingly refer to as "The Front Lines" of hell. The students in my classroom have always been just one step short of chaos, and one step shy of success. Generally I have been very instrumental with guiding the majority towards success. Not that it has always been applauded by the powers to be. Seems I was always overlooking the financial incentive for having kids in schools. Taking a student who needs 10 credits to graduate usually takes just over 1 1/2 school years, maybe two for a special education student. This translates into 1.5 FTE funding for a school--at the premium rate for a student with an IEP.
I have always looked at running a business from the QUANITY model. That is the more I can turn over, the more I make. My dad always used to say it is better to sell 100 widgets for .50 cents and make a .30 cent profit off each one than it was to sell 50 widgets for .80 cents each and make a profit of .60 cents each. Dad reasoned the consumer will be more likely to by the cheaper widget, your business looked good, and you had more leverage with your supplier to negotiate the price. So it made sense I looked at education in the same light.
I had students who were 17 and older, generally closer to 19 or 20. Most had 50% of their required credits to graduate and wanted to do so in an expeditious manner. So I went about arranging a program that would have the students graduating in less time than the charter school thought was necessary.
But I digress, my point is that here, in Lillington, North Carolina of all places, I have found some resemblance of reality. Where the ends justify the means if it is done in such a way people benefit. In a place where the nearest interstate highway is 40 miles in any direction, these people of the Blue Roads have an appreciation for life. This is exactly what Mary and I are wanting to encounter on the road. A place where folks understand life is more than McDonald's or Pizza Hut. Though there are franchises here, they are not the first choice. Life is tough here. There is no running to the mall to escape nor is there a downtown to fantasize about providing financial security via investments in commodities and futures. Here there is only determination and tradition.
This is the Blue Road Mary and I traveled tonight. At a dinner hosted by a local church, to recognize the teachers who provide that determination to their congregation's children. It was simple. Some would say blantantly simple. It was disheveled and chaotic. But it was important to the folks along this Blue Road, North Carolina Highway 27 West (NC Hwy 27 W). The county school superintendent was there. As was the county commissioner whose family has been part of Harnett county since the days King George signed the land deeds; which are still on file with the county clerk's office in many counties in North Carolina. North Carolina's Secretary of State even drove the 50 some miles south from Raleigh to attend the event. In the end, the event was as much a celebration of the children as it was the people who influence them. It was a night of community--some would say was one step from chaos, and one step shy of success. But this night, it sure felt like it was oh so much closer to success.
As a special education teacher I have seen all too often the disfunctional environments many of my students have to survive in. Too many times I found the life being drained from me as I tried to find some way--any way-- to influence positive change in their lives.
Until 2009, I have always been teaching in what I laughingly refer to as "The Front Lines" of hell. The students in my classroom have always been just one step short of chaos, and one step shy of success. Generally I have been very instrumental with guiding the majority towards success. Not that it has always been applauded by the powers to be. Seems I was always overlooking the financial incentive for having kids in schools. Taking a student who needs 10 credits to graduate usually takes just over 1 1/2 school years, maybe two for a special education student. This translates into 1.5 FTE funding for a school--at the premium rate for a student with an IEP.
I have always looked at running a business from the QUANITY model. That is the more I can turn over, the more I make. My dad always used to say it is better to sell 100 widgets for .50 cents and make a .30 cent profit off each one than it was to sell 50 widgets for .80 cents each and make a profit of .60 cents each. Dad reasoned the consumer will be more likely to by the cheaper widget, your business looked good, and you had more leverage with your supplier to negotiate the price. So it made sense I looked at education in the same light.
I had students who were 17 and older, generally closer to 19 or 20. Most had 50% of their required credits to graduate and wanted to do so in an expeditious manner. So I went about arranging a program that would have the students graduating in less time than the charter school thought was necessary.
But I digress, my point is that here, in Lillington, North Carolina of all places, I have found some resemblance of reality. Where the ends justify the means if it is done in such a way people benefit. In a place where the nearest interstate highway is 40 miles in any direction, these people of the Blue Roads have an appreciation for life. This is exactly what Mary and I are wanting to encounter on the road. A place where folks understand life is more than McDonald's or Pizza Hut. Though there are franchises here, they are not the first choice. Life is tough here. There is no running to the mall to escape nor is there a downtown to fantasize about providing financial security via investments in commodities and futures. Here there is only determination and tradition.
This is the Blue Road Mary and I traveled tonight. At a dinner hosted by a local church, to recognize the teachers who provide that determination to their congregation's children. It was simple. Some would say blantantly simple. It was disheveled and chaotic. But it was important to the folks along this Blue Road, North Carolina Highway 27 West (NC Hwy 27 W). The county school superintendent was there. As was the county commissioner whose family has been part of Harnett county since the days King George signed the land deeds; which are still on file with the county clerk's office in many counties in North Carolina. North Carolina's Secretary of State even drove the 50 some miles south from Raleigh to attend the event. In the end, the event was as much a celebration of the children as it was the people who influence them. It was a night of community--some would say was one step from chaos, and one step shy of success. But this night, it sure felt like it was oh so much closer to success.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Do they make trailer tires anymore?
So the garage in Lillington passed the Dodge upon having the three deficits corrected. Had to pay an additional .85 cents for the "sticker." If it is all electronic, what sticker did I pay for?
While I was waiting for the Dodge to clear the last hurdle before new plates could be purchased, I inquired about tires for the Coachmen Catalina 5er. The guy showed me three options--all were truck tires and one had all-terrain tread. I asked him if the Grabbers all-terrain would make the 5er handle better in snow and mud.
"Probably not." he replied...
"No tire trailers?" I asked again.
"Not that size (245/75/16)." he stated.
"Hmmmmm," I stalled, "Nothing?"
I left for the DMV license plate office wondering how long the all-terrain tread would hold out on the Blue Roads in 90° heat and black-topped two-lanes..
I arrived home and started calling local (within 50 miles of our zip) tire stores. Appearently the guy was right...There are no "trailer" tires to be found in the Sandhills of North Carolina.
Finally I get a hold of this guy named Josh. He starts selling me some Falken and then a set of Cooper H/T--both road tread / all season tires. I try to remind Josh it is a trailer I need tires for and would like trailer tires with highway tread.
Carlisle or Goodyear? 10 ply, specifically for trailer use tires..do you sell this?
He stated they had Carlisle Highway radials for $146.78 and he also sees there are Goodyear Marathons--but only in a 235/80/16 size. Goodyears have the "BEST" insignia and Carlise have "GOOD." For the few dollars difference I go big and ask for the Marathons. Josh sets the phone down and when he returns a few minutes later tells me NO MARATHONS that size in North Carolina and he has to order / ship them from Missouri.
We really would like tires this weekend and have them installed and done so we can get serious about loading the stuff we have pawned off on family up north. Josh tells me the Carlisle tire might be available by Friday--they are shipping in from Hickory, North Carolina. OK...lets go with the Carlisle and plan to do this on Saturday.
So, if FedEx has the tires to Cary by Friday, the Coachmen Catalina will have new treads on Saturday. ACTUAL trailer tires and we will be waiting for June 13 to try the tires out on the highway.
We are still finalizing the route to Michigan, but it looks like this so far:
1. Leave Lillington Monday June, 13 by 5:00 pm
2. Arrive Wytheville, Virginia by 9:00 pm in time for LATE dinner(6/13)
3. Leave Wytheville, Virginia by 5:00 am in time for an EARLY breakfast.
4. Arrive Ripley, West Virginia by 10:00 am for snacks(6/14)
5. Continue to Wooster, Ohio by 1:00 pm and set up camp for lunch(6/14)
6. Leave Wooster, Ohio 6:00 am another EARLY breakfast(6/15)
7. Arrive Brighton, Michigan by 3:00 pm for dinner with FAMILY(6/15)
8. Wedding stuff all day 6/16
9. Final wedding stuff 6/17
10. WEDDING 6/18
11. 4 more weeks left of VACATION!!
While I was waiting for the Dodge to clear the last hurdle before new plates could be purchased, I inquired about tires for the Coachmen Catalina 5er. The guy showed me three options--all were truck tires and one had all-terrain tread. I asked him if the Grabbers all-terrain would make the 5er handle better in snow and mud.
"Probably not." he replied...
"No tire trailers?" I asked again.
"Not that size (245/75/16)." he stated.
"Hmmmmm," I stalled, "Nothing?"
I left for the DMV license plate office wondering how long the all-terrain tread would hold out on the Blue Roads in 90° heat and black-topped two-lanes..
I arrived home and started calling local (within 50 miles of our zip) tire stores. Appearently the guy was right...There are no "trailer" tires to be found in the Sandhills of North Carolina.
Finally I get a hold of this guy named Josh. He starts selling me some Falken and then a set of Cooper H/T--both road tread / all season tires. I try to remind Josh it is a trailer I need tires for and would like trailer tires with highway tread.
Carlisle or Goodyear? 10 ply, specifically for trailer use tires..do you sell this?
He stated they had Carlisle Highway radials for $146.78 and he also sees there are Goodyear Marathons--but only in a 235/80/16 size. Goodyears have the "BEST" insignia and Carlise have "GOOD." For the few dollars difference I go big and ask for the Marathons. Josh sets the phone down and when he returns a few minutes later tells me NO MARATHONS that size in North Carolina and he has to order / ship them from Missouri.
We really would like tires this weekend and have them installed and done so we can get serious about loading the stuff we have pawned off on family up north. Josh tells me the Carlisle tire might be available by Friday--they are shipping in from Hickory, North Carolina. OK...lets go with the Carlisle and plan to do this on Saturday.
So, if FedEx has the tires to Cary by Friday, the Coachmen Catalina will have new treads on Saturday. ACTUAL trailer tires and we will be waiting for June 13 to try the tires out on the highway.
We are still finalizing the route to Michigan, but it looks like this so far:
1. Leave Lillington Monday June, 13 by 5:00 pm
2. Arrive Wytheville, Virginia by 9:00 pm in time for LATE dinner(6/13)
3. Leave Wytheville, Virginia by 5:00 am in time for an EARLY breakfast.
4. Arrive Ripley, West Virginia by 10:00 am for snacks(6/14)
5. Continue to Wooster, Ohio by 1:00 pm and set up camp for lunch(6/14)
6. Leave Wooster, Ohio 6:00 am another EARLY breakfast(6/15)
7. Arrive Brighton, Michigan by 3:00 pm for dinner with FAMILY(6/15)
8. Wedding stuff all day 6/16
9. Final wedding stuff 6/17
10. WEDDING 6/18
11. 4 more weeks left of VACATION!!
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