Monday, August 22, 2016

August Trip to Knoebels Amusement Park

Our annual before school trip to Knoebels Amusement Park came upon us quickly this year.  Due to the leap year, we were unable to keep our spot in the shade trees by the lake but were able to get a full hookup site (which the other wasn't) and up near the front.  It is a very spacious site that have the kids plenty of room to play and run.

The only draw back to this site was that the daily travel of the people in the campground was going right past us, in and out,.... in and out,...
A very spacious site with tall trees
Since we were coming up, we arranged to bring one of Bella's friends Courtney, with us as a surprise.  After we were setup we could go over to the park for an evening when it was less crowded on a Thursday evening rather than the Family Bargan night on Friday.  This gave us and the kids the chance to ride some of the things we typically don't get to as the lines are usually long, like Flying Turns and Impulse, we were in the coaster in less than 15 minutes!
Rob and Ally rocking it out on the Flying-Turns coaster
The girls on the Impulse for the first time!!  They liked it!

Another night at the park with the Ciotti family who is camping with us and we could take in the evening lights and sounds.  The Giant Wheel is always a family favorite so we can see the whole park.

Bella and Lyndsey cruising on the Flying Tiger Ride

Everyone on the train ride

Madison by the Covered bridge at the campground

Bella and Madie on the Paratroopers
Knoebels is always a great way to end the summer and get ready for school.  The kids really enjoy it and this time was made special by having a day with their friends as well.  We will be back in October for the craft fair and back in our normal spot in the comfort of the shade trees.

Sorry so short,.... but lots of fun was had!



Sunday, August 14, 2016

Adding Flush Kits to our Tanks

Today I spent some time planning and finally putting in the flush kits I have had lying around for most of the summer.  Since we don't have a direct way to access and flush the tanks from the bathroom or a pre-installed system, I purchased two rinse kits off Amazon.

For the grey tank, just a standard sprayer to help clean it out, and for the black tank, the Tornado spinning sprayer to try and keep the tank clean and loosen up anything that may have gotten stuck.... yuck!

I didn't like the simple clear hoses that they provide in the kit.  These seemed a little less durable for the length and I'd rather take a few extra minutes to use the PEX plumbing piping.  Another thing, I wanted to have just one point of hook up to flush both tanks, rather than undoing the hose and switching to the other while at the dump station.  The last thing I want to do is take extra time when in the conga line on a holiday weekend to switch systems.

Clean holes drilled for the kit and pilot holes for the mounting screws (grey tank)
Grey tank (direct sprayer) attached and sealed
Black tank tornado flush kit with a second coat of sealant
Installation is pretty simple.  Clean the side of the tank where you are going to install the flush kit and lay out the template that is provided.  Using a hole saw, a simple clean drill into the tank for each of the kits.  Then, clean the edges up to remove any burrs and wipe down the tank wall again.  100% silicone caulk is used to seal up the kit to the side wall of the tank and the screw holes.

Then came time to figure out my valve system.  I decided to have a single drop-ear mount for the hose connection that goes to a brass "T" and feed each side of the flush system as I need.  Being OCD,.... yes,... I used Red PEX for the black tank and then Blue PEX for the grey tank.  Nice 1/2" ball valves to control each side.  Simple, and effective.  Some rubber coated clamps and self tapping screws and everything is secure and ready to hold up to the traveling vibrations and regular use.  I'll try to test them on this next trip when I have a site with full hook up.

Valve system fit up and aligned
Mounted to the frame
The business end where the "Master of the Stinky Slinky" works.  Oh,... don't forget to wash your hands :-)
Final product