2025 Trip To The Spring Fling, Day 16

Wednesday, May 28, Home, Oswego, NY - 195.6 Miles, 978.5 Miles For The Trip

A boring drive on the NY Thruway with a short burst of excitement as someone on an on ramp didn't believe they were suppose to yield to traffic. I arrived in Oswego a little before 2:00.

I unpacked most of the trailer & started a load of laundry. Since almost everything needs to come up one flight of stairs to get into the house, my watch tells me I did 12 flights of stairs & I'm beat. I'll recheck the trailer tomorrow to see what I forgot to unload.

Since I don't currently have plans to travel over the next month or so, I suspended Starlink . I can restart it if I decide to head out.

Dinner will be a shrimp pink plate from Rudy's, my usual meal after a trip (at least when they are open).

Until next time - 

2025 Trip To The Spring Fling, Day 15

Tuesday, May 27, Schodack Island State Park, Schodack Landing, NY - 192.9 Miles, 782.9 Miles For The Trip

We started moving the trailers around at 10:30. First, the Guidos Scamp was spun around so they could hook up to the Sienna and drive down the driveway. The Escape, being larger, was a bit more difficult to spin around, but Dave's tractor did the trick. On the way down the driveway I took out one of my cell antennas. Probably a good thing since I suspect they are not covering many of the new frequencies the cell companies are using. I'll look for a replacement when I get back to Oswego. Dave took a couple of photos of us:

Ready to Go

Me, Jackie, Anne & Guido

An easy drive on the Mass Turnpike & the NY Thruway. We arrived at Schodack a little after 3:00. I', in site 8, the Guidos in site 6. Both are pull throughs with electric only. Mine was far from level - I needed 2" side to side and had to drop the tongue 5", requiring unhooking from the truck. $27.00 per night. We are only here tonight.

The Guidos in Site 6

Me in Site 8

We read for a bit listening to lots of birds & watching the cottonwood fluff floating down on everything.

Dinner was grilled chicken Bubba Burgers for Anne & me and since I only had two burgers, a jalapeno brat for Guido.

Until next time - 

2025 Trip To The Spring Fling, Day 14

Monday, May 26, Dave & Jackie's, Middleborough, MA, Day 5 - 0 Miles, 590 Miles For The Trip

While it started out as a warm night, it was down to 48°F by morning. 

Another day of reading and relaxing. We did move around the cars & trucks so Jackie's son could mow the lawns, and it eventually warmed up to the mid 60's. 

The Scamp is almost done; only the final touches are left. We plan to dance the trailers around tomorrow and head towards home.

Dinner was a honey chicken & orzo meal that Anne out together, along with frozen Snickers for dessert.

Until next time - 

2025 Trip To The Spring Fling, Day 13

Sunday, May 25, Dave & Jackie's, Middleborough, MA, Day 4 - 0 Miles, 590 Miles For The Trip

Today we went to visit with Guido's cousin Ruth in her house in Barrington, RI. We walked along the bay & I took a couple of photos:

Ruth, Buster & Anne

We went to lunch at the Wharf Tavern, first for a drink with some of Ruth's friends, then downstairs to dining room & some excellent seafood. I had shrimp tacos & a bowl of chowder.

That was pretty much all for the day. We did have a some crackers & cheese & sliced apples for dinner, but with the large lunch a small dinner was in order.

Until next time - 

2025 Trip To The Spring Fling, Day 12

Saturday, May 24, Dave & Jackie's, Middleborough, MA, Day 3 - 0 Miles, 590 Miles For The Trip

A bit warmer night, only going down to 48°F, and well into the high 50's by afternoon. We did the normal sitting around reading during most of the day. I did a load of laundry, and around 2:00 Guido & I went to the grocery store. I was only going to get a box of Mini Wheats, but walked out with $68.00 worth of groceries.

Back at the house and more reading. Dave is working hard on the trailer even through the light rain. He expects to finish on Monday, which would be good in that we won't have to try to drive home over the Memorial Day weekend.

I did take the "site" photos even though it was still a bit wet:

Me

The Scamp

Dinner was a pork loin, potato salad, pasta salad and creamed spinach.

Until next time - 

2025 Trip To The Spring Fling, Day 11

Friday, May 23, Dave & Jackie's, Middleborough, MA, Day 2 - 0 Miles, 590 Miles For The Trip

A wet night with light to heavy rain throughout. Lots of thunder & lightning as well. By morning the rain stopped, but still cloudy with little sun.

After breakfast I headed up to the house. Dave is working on Guido's trailer under a tarp (it is raining off & on) & we sat inside reading. 

Eventually, it was time for dinner. We ordered a delivery pizza.

Until next time - 

2025 Trip To The Spring Fling, Day 10

Thursday, May 22, Dave & Jackie's, Middleborough, MA - 83.2 Miles, 590 Miles For The Trip

We got an early start to try to beat the Northeaster that was heading out way. We still had rain for most of the drive, but nothing too heavy & little wind. I did have a tire problem, this time on the truck. The rear passenger side tire showed 28PSI, setting off the alarm. We pulled off the interstate into a gas station that had free air. I had to drop the trailer to get to the air hose, but there was a near by place to drop it. I usually run the tires at 40PSI, filled it to 45PSI and it held fine for the rest of the trip. Have no idea why it dropped to 28PSI.

A little tough to get into the spot for my trailer, but worth it since it has a 30 amp receptacle. Guido made it up the hill with the Scamp, and Dave used the Kubota tractor to get it into place for the repair project. Since it never stopped raining, the site photos will have to wait until it dries out.

We hung around the house for the afternoon. The Guidos are staying in the house since Dave will be working on their trailer. I opted to stay in my trailer since I'm set up with my eye drops, and other meds.

Dinner was Big Mac tacos (from the cooking demo at the Spring Fling) and pasta salad. 

Until Tomorrow - 

2025 Trip To The Spring Fling, Day 9

Wednesday, May 21, Uncle Alan's, Nashua, NH - 72.3 Miles, 590 Miles For The Trip

Another fairly short drive, this time to Guido's uncle's house in Nashua. He is in a nursing home, but we will "camp" in his driveway & take showers in the house. We met his cousin Ruth at the house.

Uncle Alan's

Dinner was Shrimp Alfredo from the Olive Garden. We did a take out order for 6 of us that ended up as way too much food.

Until Tomorrow - 

2025 Trip To The Spring Fling, Day 8

Tuesday, May 20, Ellacoya State Park, Gilford, NH - 39.7 Miles, 517.7 Miles For The Trip

A cool night, going down to 46°F, and only up to 48°F at 9:00 when I went for my walk.

Back at the trailer I read until 10:30, then packed up the trailer & disconnected the utilities, getting ready to go. We left the park around 11:30, and arrived at Ellacoya around 12:30. I'm in site 2, the Guidos in site 1. Full hook up sites, although the sewer connection is so far back in the site that it is useless. Needed 1" of side to side leveling, and lifting the tongue by 3". I didn't disconnect the truck. Anne made the reservations so I don't have a receipt, but the listed price is $60.00 per night.

Me in Site 2

The Guidos in Site 1

A short walk to the bathrooms. The showers are individual rooms, a door code to enter, and 3 quarters for 3 minutes of shower time. Fine spray, high pressure 2" water saver shower heads that are aimed at the drying area, although there is a lip on the floor and a shower curtain. Large drying room with a bench, but too cold to use, at least today. It is all the way up to 57°F by 3:30.

We spent the rest of the afternoon sitting outside (or inside when it felt too cold) reading. I'm currently on Ngaio Marsh's Roderick Alleyn book #3, The Nursing Home Murder. 

We all thought about heading for a shower, but in the end, we all decided it was too cold.

Dinner was grilled Bubba Burgers, beef for the Guidos & chicken for me, along with German potato salad.

Until Tomorrow - 

2025 Trip To The Spring Fling, Day 7

 Monday, May 19, Chocorua Camping Village KOA, Chocorua, NH, Day 6 - 0 Miles, 478 Miles For The Trip

No overnight rain, but cool at 50°F. 52°F for my morning walk. Most of the Spring Fling folks have left, although a few headed out this morning. Roy & Lea stopped by bringing pizza & cookies for lunch. We ate and hung out in the pavilion with one of the propane heaters going since it was only 51°F out.

Roy, Lea, Me, Anne & Guido

I hooked up the trailer but left the side to side levelers in as well as the water & electric hookups until the morning. A light rain fell during the late afternoon.

The Guidos came over to the Escape for dinner. Anne made a Chinese shrimp & noodle meal. We ate in the trailer both because it was still misting out as well as down to 48°F.

Until Tomorrow - 

2025 Trip To The Spring Fling, Day 6

Sunday, May 18, Chocorua Camping Village KOA, Chocorua, NH, Day 5 - 0 Miles, 478 Miles For The Trip

Heavier rain overnight and cooler - my electric heater came on set at 65°F (makes it 62°F at the head of the bed). The rain stopped around 4:00AM.

We went to the KOA breakfast again this morning rather than making something in the trailers. I had waffles & bacon. 

After breakfast Guido & I headed up to the office to renew our sites for next year. So, the plan is to be in site 50 Wednesday, May 13, leaving Monday, May 18th. I dropped off the envelope to mail our checks to the Broken Wheel campground for our stay last Tuesday since we never found anyone to give our money to.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in the Guido Clam reading. I'm reading a series by Ngaio Marsh - the Roderick Alleyn police procedures written in the 1930's. I don't think I'll do all of them since there are 33 in the series, but I'm trying to do them in order. Current is Enter a Murderer, #2.

Dinner was a shrimp/sausage/broccoli & pasta dish created by Anne.

Until Tomorrow - 

2025 Trip To The Spring Fling, Day 5

Saturday, May 17, Chocorua Camping Village KOA, Chocorua, NH, Day 4 - 0 Miles, 478 Miles For The Trip

A wet night. Light rain all night long, continuing for most of the morning. Not enough to show up on my weather app, but it never stopped. We did head to the pavilion around 9:00AM for breakfast. After the warmth of the last couple of days the damp 58°F outside felt cold. After breakfast I headed back to the trailer. While this is the scheduled "Shine & Show" tours of trailers, I didn't go looking at any & no one came to look at mine. Still too wet for much walking around. I even have the electric heater going to keep the trailer at 70°F.

Around 2:00 I headed to the Painting With Sandy workshop. The group gathered before the fire to keep warm (still a damp 58°F outside) before the class started:

Around 2:30 the Guido's & I headed out for a little shopping. We hit a couple of shoe stores and a Market Basket grocery store.

Dinner was chicken tacos in my trailer since it was still misting outside. 

After dinner I stopped by the campfire for a couple of photos:

I missed the sewer dump competition yesterday, but found a video of it at the Spring Fling Facebook page.

Until Tomorrow - 

2025 Trip To The Spring Fling, Day 4

Friday, May 16, Chocorua Camping Village KOA, Chocorua, NH, Day 3 - 0 Miles, 478 Miles For The Trip

Another warm night with 65°F for my morning walk. I took the camera with me and took some photos:

After breakfast I headed for the showers. A small changing area with a high wire shelf & two hooks, a small shelf, half of which gets soaked. Very dim lighting. The shower has a 2" low volume shower head, plenty of warm to hot water. No shelf in the shower. Overall, a C+.

At 1:00 the cooking demo started. Three versions of grilled tacos, Big Mac, Taco, and Pizza. Eight samples given out & rated - the Big Mac version won by a landslide.

A light rain with thunder and lightning started towards the end of the demo sending many of the audience heading back to the trailers to close windows, vents, and put away stuff.

At 5:00 it was time for the pot luck dinner. Chicken provided by the rally hosts and just about everything else provided by the crowd. All three blueberry pies went - I hope everyone got some. Lots of food for everyone.

As usual, many more photos on today's LakeshoreImages page.

Until Tomorrow - 

2025 Trip To The Spring Fling, Day 3

Thursday, May 15, Chocorua Camping Village KOA, Chocorua, NH, Day 2 - 0 Miles, 478 Miles For The Trip

A warm night, going down to the high 50's, and 65° F by my morning walk. No sun, but it isn't raining. Rain is predicted for most of the rally.

After breakfast I started making blueberry pies. Since the park is near full, I'm making 3 of them. While it is up to 60°F outside at 1:30, with the fan going (both the stove vent & the Maxx fan it is 79°F in the trailer. The last pie came out of the oven at 2:00, but since it was hot (the oven) I made a batch of cornbread. I may have to start the AC...

When it hit 81°F in the back of the trailer I closed the windows, shut off the Maxx fan and fired up the AC. The cornbread came out of the oven around 2:25. 71°F outside and 75°F in the trailer.

Around 5:00 I walked around this end of the campground and took a few photos:

More at today's LakeshoreImages page.

At 6:00 a crackers & cheese get-to-gether was held at the pavilion:

Again, more at today's LakeshoreImages page.

Rather than a regular dinner I snaked enough on the crackers & cheese (and grapes, peanut butter cups, etc) that I didn't need dinner.

Until Tomorrow - 

2025 Trip To The Spring Fling, Day 2

Wednesday, May 14, Chocorua Camping Village KOA, Chocorua, NH , 256 Miles, 478 Miles For The Trip

A much better day - no blown tires for either of us (the Guidos lost two tires on the last trip we made together). The final 50 miles or so followed a new route that both of the Guido's GPS suggested. Neither of us liked it although I remember a bit of the first part of it from a previous trip. In any case we arrived around 3:20, checked in & headed for the sites. Same ones as last year (and a couple of years before that). Premium sites that have a propane grill, glass table with 4 chairs & a zero gravity recliner. Full hookup at $51.00 per night for 6 nights using the KOA points I had on file. Actual rate for the premium sites at rally pricing would be #78.00 per night, $95.00 normal pricing. The Guidos are in 48 & I'm in 50. They already got their Clam up - the black flies are definitely here!

Me in Site 50

The Guidos in Site 48

By the time we finished setting up and visiting, it was time for dinner which was Brats, Bush Beans & some of my home grown asparagus.

Until Next Time -

2025 Trip To The Spring Fling, Day 1

Tuesday, May 13, Broken Wheel Campground, Petersburg, NY, 222 Miles, 222 Miles For The Trip

Well, it started out well but went downhill quickly. First, a tire failure on I87. I managed to pull into a mall since there wasn't any space on the sides of the road. Called Good Sam & they gave me an estimate of 2-3 hours. I asked it they could find someone a little faster & they did. It still took 2 hours before the spare was on the trailer. While the tire was shredded to the point where it was in 2 pieces, it didn't damage the wheel well. 

The Blowout

Fifty miles further down the road my Tire Minder sounded an alert. A different tire had a valve stem failure. Goodyear put hybrid stems when I asked for metal stems. The standard rubber valve stems flex enough so that the Tire Minder valve caps hit the tire wheels. Hard to believe, but you can see the marks left behind. When I got a new set of Goodyear Endurance tires they used the hybrids rather than full metal stems. Of course I didn't have a spare anymore so another call to Good Sam and placed an order for a tire, stems, and tire mounting. 

Putting on the spare is covered by Good Sam; the purchase of a tire and mounting the new one on your own rim is not. Much faster service this time by a pro who knew his stuff. He put the new tire on the rim from the blown tire & mounted it on the trailer, and replaced the valve stem on the second tire and mounted it as the spare since I wasn't sure that I didn't do any damage to it while getting off the road.

 No photo of the second flat. I didn't destroy the tire since I had an early enough warning to slow down until I could pull over. I do need to get a Tire Minder that has a louder warning and is brighter - I never heard or saw the warning with the first failure. It may have started as a failed valve stem as well. I also plan to replace the three remaining hybrid stems with full metal ones.

So, I pulled into the Broken Wheel Campground a little before 8:00. I didn't do a lot of setting up since it was late & we are only stayine one night. I didn't even take a site photo - maybe in the morning. I did get dinner - Anne made a spinach/pasta/chicken meal that was great.

Until Next Tim

2025 Trip To The Spring Fling

Monday, May 12, 2025 - Still in Oswego

I had hoped to get lots of stuff done during the 3 weeks between returning home from my Southeast Trip and the trip to the Spring Fling, and while I did get some things done the weather has been one of the wettest in years. Lots of doctor & dentist appointments, and my 5 year old hearing aids are due for replacement. I had a hearing test, casts for the new molds (I have weird ear canals that don't hold normal hearing aid "speakers"). All went well & the new hearing aids arrived with the plastic inserts made from the molds. They fit fine, but one of the new hearing aids wouldn't connect to the computer for programing; in fact on a second attempt it wouldn't even turn on. It went back to the factory, so I won't get them until I get back.

The beautiful crate from Escape with my new kitchen window arrived and when it warmed up enough for replacing the window (and no predicted rain for a day) I undid the 12 screws holding the plywood box together that Escape made to hold the window. The box worked great - they used the wall material for the inside packing and no damage to the window in shipping, but they sent a rear passenger side window, not the kitchen window I ordered. I contacted them and unfortunately they don't have a kitchen window in stock and have to order it - 4 weeks minimum. So, that project won't happen until June. 

I did manage to replace the tongue jack. The "Smart Jack" I installed two years ago is handy in that you can push some buttons & it cranks the foot to the storage position without needing to hold the button, letting you do more packing up while it cranks away. Particularly useful because it is a very slow jack. The problem is it often freezes & won't start back down when you want to unhook. By multiple pushes of the up & down buttons it has eventually started, but I really don't want to be stuck somewhere and having the foot never coming down. So, I switched to a Barker 24" tongue jack. It is much faster so having to hold the switch is OK, and the 24" version puts the head high enough that I can fully open the tailgate on the F150, at least on level ground. 

I also replaced the Lagun table mount with a EZ-Reach mount. While the Lagun is better looking, the plastic bearings wear out in around 6 months requiring replacement. Probably my fault since my table is right at the upper end of the weight & size limits specified by Lagun. The EZ-Mount is steel rather than aluminum, but doesn't have plastic bearings. It stays level, and it doesn't lock as tight as the Lagun when the Lagun has new bearings, but appears not to have the bearing problems that has the table top tilting once the bearings of the Lagun wear. We will see over the next year or so. Of course the mounting plate has holes that don't match those of the Lagun mount so new holes in the face of the rear bench. At least I didn't need to change the position of the angle brackets that the mounting plate bolts to. I have a couple of overhead lamps that are failing, so I ordered some new ones. They won't arrive until the 16th so that will be another "when I get back" project.

On Saturday I printed out my 4 page packing list (with check boxes) and started loading the trailer for the trip. Not as much work as usual since I'm only going for 2 weeks & I left a lot of stuff in the trailer from the winter trip.

The blue jays, red winged blackbirds, grackles and mourning doves are going to miss me - they are currently going through 10 pounds of black oil sunflower seed every day. Speaking of birds, this morning I swore I heard a Sandhill Crane. They don't normally go through this area this time of year, and even then are rare, but I used my Cornell Merlin app to listen to it and it agreed with me. Never saw it, just heard the call. 

My garlic is about 2' tall and the asparagus plants are growing at least an inch per day. I planted a section of snap peas.

Went to do the last mowing of the lawn before I left and my 3 week old Husqvarna riding mower bit the dust. I hit a tree root because I was mowing lower than usual to cut off the dandelion flowers, and the blade bearing separated from the mower housing. Brooks Trailer is going to pick it up, fix it, and return it although I'll be gone by the time that happens.

For anyone keeping track, I started the trip with a total trailer mileage as of 62,103.7, and 1,382 nights in the trailer. 

Until Next Time -