We left Indiana last Friday. We had three things repaired while at the Entegra event; our side window was replaced, the windshield wiper arm and new wipers and our garbage can drawer roller. The windshield wiper and the side window were very important. We had Scout's leash holding the window shut, but there was a gap and wind came in while we were driving. As we were preparing to depart on Friday, two more things broke. Another one of the shade motors has died and now the couch which is L shape and part of it has to be locked into place no longer locks. Nothing major and we were able to secure everything for our drive. Mom is concerned that the washing machine is going to be inoperative pretty soon. The door lock is giving out and it takes several tries to get it locked now. It is probably just a matter of time when it will no longer work. Mom will be sad. Dad could probably fix it, but since it is under warranty.....he may want them to do it, which could take a long time. ::::sigh:::
Our drive to our destination took two days. We spent nearly $100 in tolls. Crazy! Any guesses where we are? 1) We have been here before. 2) Mom called this a very boring campground. 3) Very few people even talked to us last time and 4) This is where Scout died. :-( Mom really didn't want to return here, but there really aren't other places to stay.
Our site last year.
View from our site last year.
We are in Maryland for a third time.
When we called to make reservations this year, they said they only had one site available. Unfortunately, it was next to the first site we tried to get into last time and there was no way our rig could maneuver the trees. Mom was concerned that we would be stuck without a place to stay. Dad reminded her that last year they also told us that there was only one site available and that was not true. So, we arrived with fingers and paws crossed. Our site is wooded, but we were able to get our rig into it and WE LOVE IT! It is amazing how different the place feels this year compared to last.
Our view is of the ball field, pool and dance pad. Yes, that concrete pad is only for dancing. The sign says so.
The brown building is the band wagon. They play music there on weekends and that is why there is a dance area.
Our site is huge! It is probably the biggest site we have ever had. Mom says it is the best site in the whole place. We put our bird feeders out and we have been sitting out every day. On weekends, the place is busy, but during the week, it is all but empty. We have already talked to more people this time than the entire time we were here last year. I guess since we are in the Chipmunk section, people are friendlier. The Chipmunk area is made up of people who lease their sites for a year. Their sites are very well maintained. No tarps here. The staff has removed a lot of trees and even the site we couldn't get into last year might be okay now.
The only downside is that our satellite TV is limited due to all the trees. We are not getting all the satellites, but we do have cable, so we are able to see most everything we want. I guess you can't have it all. However, several people have told us that we have a great satellite site. We can't figure out why they think that. We have trees right over us.
Oh, another downside about being here is the cost of electric. It is $.24 kilowatt hour. Dallas was $.12. We figure our electric bill will be $200, maybe $300. We will have the help of shade though, so maybe it won't be too bad. We spent $14 the first two days though.
Mom is happy here, so I am happier too!
Well, except for the leaves.
Wouldn't you think she would help me instead of taking pictures?
This is the third spring we have been through this year.
It was a little chilly the other morning.
People to the side of us. Well maintained sites.
We are close to Gettysburg, but we are not going to GIG. We didn't have much notice we were coming here, so we couldn't plan for GIG which is this weekend. Mom said she didn't need the added stress. She has been feeling a lot of anxiety lately and didn't want to add to it. She seems better since we are here though and things are calming down.
Joey,
The Greyhound Who Is Loving All The Hiking Areas
We attended the Entegra SpringFest 2016 last week in Elkhart, IN. What is that? Well, it is basically an RV rally for Entegra owners. Our rig, coach, home, whatever you want to call it is made by Entegra.
The event was $150 and included our site for three nights, 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners and also a dessert reception which was also a trivia night. The folks' team came in 3rd and they won a $25 Visa card. Also included was a tour of the Entegra plant, a technician coming to the rig to fix three items, driving lessons and bus rides to the offsite events. There were also tech talks which Dad really enjoyed.
There are not that many Entegra coaches on the road. I think they said 2,200, but we were told the number a week ago and our memory is not what it used to be. Mom thinks she counted 66 rigs at the campground. It was a little confusing seeing all the rigs. There were three including ours that looked alike. I had to be careful and not walk into the wrong one.
Nope, that is not ours.
This is ours.
Maybe we all received lawn signs so that we knew which rig was ours. BOL!
We arrived on Sunday afternoon. The event started on Monday. The folks ate dinner at Flippin' Cow. Mom said it was really good.
The menus are actually inside old record album covers.
The fried pickles were excellent. They were slightly sweet pickles with a spicy breading.
The Hangover Burger with fried egg, bacon and cheese.
When we arrived at the fairgrounds, our rig stood out. It stood out because it was dirty. We noticed most of the people cleaning their rigs. The next morning, we were outside cleaning too. It took us six hours, but our rig looked good!
Resting after a hard day of work, but look at the shine!
I am tired!
Waiting for our neighbors to arrive. One of our neighbors had two mastiffs and a pig. The pets weighed almost 600 pounds.
Entegra Coaches
We have a 2015 model. This is the new design for the 2016. It looks more modern.
This was the dog park. HUGE! It was so large that Mom wouldn't let me run in it. She was scared I would run too fast and get hurt.
Entegra remembered the furry kids. We received treats in the goodie bag. They even had my name printed up on a card for a drawing. I didn't win. A dog that wasn't there won. Doesn't seem fair.
Waiting for the dessert reception.
The folks attended a Gala Dinner at the RV Hall of Fame. Mom said the food was excellent. She didn't take many photos though. Each table had someone from the company to sit with them. The company is all about their customers and it really shows in their customer service. We have had problems with our rig, but everyone does. When you drive your home down the road, things happen. Every bump you hit is like an earthquake. We have been very happy with the response from Entegra for any repairs that we have needed.
VIP Entrance
Walking the red carpet.
Waiting for dinner.
After dinner, the 2017 models were rolled out. A few models were also at the campground so that everyone could take their time and tour them. Dad really likes some of the updates on the 2017.
Mom's favorite part was the plant tour. She really liked seeing the
cabinets being made. They are made by the Amish onsite. The men were
eating their lunch when the tour group approached and the men said thank
you for buying a coach and the tour group applauded the men for their
workmanship. If you would like to see some of the plant tour, there is a
YouTube video. Hopefully it works for you, if not just do a search under Entegra coach.
We really enjoyed our time at the rally. The folks visited their favorite Amish bakery as well as Amish meat market. We were there two years ago at the Escapees rally. They ate dinner one night at Blue Gate Restaurant which is an Amish restaurant. Dad had the liver and onions and Mom had the fried chicken. We brought me home some chicken. Yum!
They also shopped at a few of the RV outlet stores, but didn't buy anything.
We were sorry to see our time in Indiana come to an end. Dad's three week vacation went way too fast.
Last week, we were at home visiting the doctor, vet and family. We had to take our rig into the repair shop in downtown St. Louis because the engine light came on and the siren went off. Well, maybe siren is the wrong word, but it was ear piercing.
The shop was nice and had recliners and a big TV. They said I could come inside.
They said our rig's computer was not up to date and that was the problem. Dad was hoping it was something where they replaced a part because he would have felt more confident that it was fixed. However, we have since driven about 470 miles and it is still off, so maybe that was the problem.
I went to the doctor on Monday for a blood test so that I could have my teeth cleaned on Friday. Mom asked the vet if I would be able to travel about 10 hours on Sunday if I had extractions. She said no. Actually, we think she got nervous when she read up on greyhounds, dentals and bleeding. They do not have the drug Amicar on hand and she didn't seem to want to get it. Basically, she said she would not do my dental. The folks are glad she was honest with them and they will find a vet who is more confident in dealing with greyhound dentals. I was able to get my Heartguard for a year, so I am set on that. Next year, I need my rabies vaccine.
The folks took me to Robertsville State Park on Tuesday. I haven't been there for a few years. It looks the same.
The folks visited their doctor on Thursday.
We are now at an Entegra Rally. What is that? Entegra is the company that makes our RV.
Me and Dad at the entrance to the rally. Don't we look happy?
We are on vacation! We traveled to Big Cabin, OK last week for an oil change on the RV. The place that did the oil change has a small campground. It was actually really nice. However, the place that did the oil change is not pet friendly. They said I was not allowed inside their building. That could have been an issue if it was raining or hot outside or if the repair took all day. Mom got my old bed out of the Jeep and I just laid there while the rig was getting serviced. I actually enjoyed spending time outside, so it was okay.
Our view from the campground.
Us
After the oil change, we drove to Bennett Springs State Park. This was my third trip there. It is one of my favorite places. Why? There is so much room to walk. I didn't get to fish since Dad was concerned that I might pick up a hook in my foot. Mom and I did our walking while Dad was fishing. We walked two miles one day and one and a half another. We used to walk that far and even farther all the time, but we have gotten out of shape due to the places we have been staying. It was nice to stretch my legs again.
Spring is just beginning here.
Mom always likes seeing this scene.
Our stay at Bennett Springs was fun. However, the water has not been turned on at the campground yet. We had to fill up our tank which was quite an adventure as it was tight getting our rig into that area. They were also doing road construction at the campground entrance/exit which presented more challenges for our 45' rig. We will not be able to drink water from our rig for a while unless Dad sanitizes it since we had to put water in the tank. Normally, a hose is just connected to the rig and that is safe to drink from. When you turn the pump on, it contaminates your system and it is not safe to drink until you sanitize it or wait about a week after you stop using the pump. It is a pain because even to brush their teeth, the folks have to use bottled water. I get to drink bottled water too.
We left Bennett Springs yesterday. We had just a short trip to our next destination. Our engine light came on which caused us to pull over to the shoulder. Not only did the light come home but it made this terrible tone to get our attention. Dad called the manufacturer of our rig who then called the people who made our engine. Dad told them the error codes and we were told we could keep driving since it wasn't too far. They are supposed to call us tomorrow to set up a repair time. That was not part of our vacation schedule and I bet it will take all day at the repair shop. He hopes they will come to us, but I bet they don't. It is still under warranty, so it shouldn't cost us anything but time.
I am scheduled to have a dental on Friday. Mom is worried about it, of course. I am not worried, but I would rather not do it.
Joey,
The Greyhound Who Doesn't Think A Dental Should Be Part Of A Vacation
My Dad has been in Hawaii for the past month. Mom and I have been on our own. We did fine except the hail storm caused damaged to our rig, but that wasn't our fault. The only good part of Dad being away is that we don't worry about cleaning. That means that the vacuum doesn't come out every day. On Friday, we really had to clean. Mom polished all the wood, mopped, vacuumed and just basically got in my way. Dad came home yesterday! All is right in my world.
Dad brought Mom a necklace. It is really pretty. His co-workers gave him him a bag full of goodies; nuts, candies and coffee. He also brought home two weeks worth of dirty clothes. I didn't get squat. Oh wait, I did get a french fry from their lunch yesterday.
Tomorrow, we are hitting the road. Dad is on vacation for three weeks. Our first stop is to get the RV inspected. After that we are heading to Oklahoma and we will get the oil changed. We are then headed to Missouri to do some trout fishing. We are hoping to get the rig fixed in Indiana, but they may not be able to get us in during our vacation. We are still hoping to go there for a get together of people that own the same brand of RV that we own. It is kind of like a rally. We made reservations yesterday, but we haven't received the confirmation that there is room for us.
I will miss the dog park here. It is great! Some of the people said they will miss seeing me. They think my boot that I wear is pretty cool. They also like to watch me run at the dog park. I will miss the squirrels. I could spend hours watching them. One almost fell from a tree the other day. The limb he jump on broke. That was exciting. There are a couple of dogs that stay outside on cables (against the rules) and I will miss seeing them run to try and get me and then see them snap back because they run out of their cable. Silly dogs.
Mom likes the staff here. They are very friendly. We are on a monthly rate and our month ended yesterday. They are prorating the rest of our stay which comes out to just $18 a day and not charging us for electricity. That is cheap! They said they do that for good customers. The worse part of this place is that some people have a lot of junk at their sites There are also lots of tarps on the roofs. Yes, we just had a hail storm, but the tarps were here when we arrived in February. Mom calls it "Tarpville". We just wish they would enforce the rules here. Corporate has been here the last few days and before their arrival, they tried to get people to clean things up. It didn't happen. There was talk that the managers might be fired, but since we are leaving, we won't know if that happened.
I will try and update the blog more since I will actually be having some adventures.
Joey,
The Greyhound Who Is Trading In His Cowboy Hat For A Fishing Pole
