2013 - Trip 2 - Memorial Weekend at Colonial Woods

(Caution, Long Post, Lots of Photos)

Friday
Wahoo! Memorial weekend is here and we are off and running, looking forward to a nice long weekend camping trip.  We dropped off Ally and Bella at school for the day and headed over to Colonial Woods in the drizzly, overcast, and cold day.  The forecast looked like this rain system would stick around thru Saturday mid-day, and that the rest of the weekend would be much better.

All by herself in the back seat, she was ready to go camping!

The beginnings of our campsite, setup on Friday

Raining outside, we went to the arcade to play some skeeball!

Revised sleeping arrangement for the kids, works great!

After a while, I left to go and pickup wood for the campfires and get the kids as they finished school.  Becky and Madie hung out at the campground and took a nap while we were gone.  Next time, it's my turn for a nap!

Saturday:
Saturday morning, we awoke to find the kids in various positions.....   :-)

Ally after a good night's sleep.....

Madie,.... still out cold.

Bella,... out of her sleeping bag, but sleeping good

We tried something new for breakfast,.. omelets in a bag!  We took shredded cheese, ham cubes, and eggs and placed them into a ziplock bag.  Mixed up well, and the placed each of the bags into a pot of boiling water for about 13 minutes.  Wow!  Worked great and we had good hot omelets for breakfast!

Making our omelets

Cooking away!

YUM YUM!

Saturday was packed with stuff to do for the kids and it felt like we would get back from one activity, have an hour or so, and then back across the campground for something else.  Of course, having kids means we do have to keep them busy or they will pester us when we try to rest in the hammock,.... so off we go!  Craft time, Marshmallow Relay Races, Bingo, Fishing, Riding Bikes,... Go Go Go!

Kids being silly at craft time

Scooter and Bike time!

Pause for a quick family photo on our boulder

Marshmallow Races

Rocket Ball,.... well,..  you can caption this one!  Leave a Comment!

Fishing!

B4,... Before What?..... G 56,... BINGO!

Wow,.. bet you are tired just from reading this and seeing the fun photos we had,... and you are only at Saturday!  Back to the camper, sleep time!.... ZZZzzzzzzz.......

Sunday:
Finally some nice holiday weekend weather.  Temperatures were getting warmer, sun was out and the kids were refreshed.  10am began the days events with a Chalk Contest at the Pavillion.  Each participant had a square and had to draw something about Summer.  Bella Won 2nd!!  Here she is with her goodie bucket of stuff and her creation.  Bottom half shows her school with a sign that says "No School", and the top is the Beach with lots of sand and water, sun, and people playing on the beach!  She's going to have a great time in July when we go to the beach!

Bella's Prize winning drawing!

Spider Dogs for lunch over the fire!

Hanging out around the campfire

The afternoon was filled with lots of things to do.  We did a Family Flag hunt in the campground, and rode the bikes.  By evening, the kids were getting pretty tired so they chilled out around the campfire for quite a while before wondering off to their beds.

Monday:
Some quick facts about Memorial Day for reference on why we have this day set aside to remember our veterans, past and present, and those that have given their lives for our freedom we enjoy every day and every camping trip.

Our Campsite Flag, flying above our canopy on this sunny Memorial Day

Shortly after breakfast, the campsites all around us were packing up and getting ready to spend their Memorial Day on the road.  We on the other hand, had reserved the extra day so we could relax and enjoy the holiday rather than spend it packing up.  This was a great move, and we will be doing it again next year too! 

We enjoyed the empty mini-golf course and having it all to ourselves, then walking around the campground and going fishing.  Here are some photos from fishing over the weekend.

Ally's Bass

Becky's Trout

Daddy's Trout

Daddy's Bass

The evening was relaxing.  We had the campground basically to ourselves from 3pm on.  I believe there were only 3 other campers in the place that had people staying overnight into Tuesday.  The kids could ride their bikes all around without the buzz of the golf carts, other bikes, or cars coming down the road.  One thing that was really weird is how pitch DARK the middle of the woods is without any light pollution from other campers lights or campfires.  It was REALLY DARK.
Tuesday:
We awoke early to cloudy skies, and the packing up chores had to get underway.  I emptied the porta-potti and disconnected the exterior tanks and hoses while the kids still slept inside.  Soon, they were up and getting breakfast while Becky and I started breaking down the inside and cleaning things up.  It was nice to stay the extra day, as we were nearly the only ones in the campground, but it would have been much nicer if we didn't have to fight the rain.  There were a few squirrels running around and some rabbits, which we hadn't seen all weekend.

After the drive home, had to unpack things and get the wet carpet, awning, and tarps out of the car and onto the patio.  Over the next few days, rinsing and washing them will be needed.

So,,... another trip in the books.  Getting a few weeks off as we have lots of other plans with family and friends, but we'll be back camping again on Father's Day weekend in mid-June.

Popup Gizmo Solar Covers and MODS update

1.  Popup Gizmo Solar Covers
As summer heat approaches, we decided  to look at ways to keep the camper cooler and more efficient for the AC unit.  One way is to have solar covers over the bunk ends which reduce the heat produced at the bunks and keep the camper cooler inside.  These are the Super High Wind covers from popupgizmos.com.  The elastic bungies strap around the sides of the bunk for a secure fit.  This first fitting, in the drizzly rain on Friday, was a little challenging, but we have some idea of how things work now and how to fit things up easier in the future.  Summer sun in Ocean City Maryland and at Knoebels later this August will really tell us if these make the big difference everyone says they do.

2.  iBall Backup Camera & Gray Tank Hitch Bracket
As previously posted, the iBall hitch camera was a cool new gadget.  Hitching up the camper was simpler, and I nearly got it the first time if the trailer was raised enough.  Next time I'll get it.

Another handy task is using it at the campground.  I used it on the roof of the van to be able to see over and around the camper while backing in.  It would be nicer if it did have a wider field of view, but it works well.  Toting the gray water tank behind the camper can be a bit noisy, and you wonder if it is leaking or fell off sometimes.  Now I can keep an eye on it while towing up to the dump station.

Tow bracket for the Tote-n-Store gray water tank, camera on the tailgate

View from the monitor of the tank during tow to the dump station

3.  Flower Pot Awning Weights
The flower pot project was a fun and cool one for Bella.  Once we got to the campsite, I realised I need to enlarge the awning pole hole slightly and also provide a bump out to allow for the press button to pass thru.  Here is the final product,.. doing exactly what it was intended to!

 

Another Project and Electronic Gadget

This post will be in two parts,
Part 1:  The flower pot awning leg holder.  Yes, another project. 
Part 2: A brief review and intro to the iBall Hitch Camera.


Part 1:
So, the girls pick flowers when we are camping or going on a walk.  Where do they end up?  On the picnic table to dry and fall apart or inside the camper, which I usually dispose of without them knowing.  Then, when playing around the camper they continually hit the awning poles or they spin around them,... not a good thing for the awning poles or Dad's patience.

This is one way of trying to solve each of those problems with a creative solution.  We scavenged some items from the shelves at Lowes and used some plastic flower pots that my brother had lying around the shop.  After some thought, we bent some landscaping wires and placed them thru the bottom of the pot.  Duct taped some to the sides of the 1 1/2" diameter PVC tube and interlocked them like rebar inside the pot.  Mixed up some concrete and poured it around this contraption and we had a weight for the awning tie downs that the poles can slide into, and something decorative.  Oh,.. slip in three 6" long 1/2" diameter PVC sections around this center pole and we have straws for the flowers they pick to be placed into!

My creative mind helper for this project, Miss Bella

That should keep the pipe in the pot,.....

Decorating the top with some stone from the flowerbeds

Center for Awning pole, three other spots for flowers

Part 2:

Backing up to hitch the camper by myself isn't all that difficult or bad, and I end up getting centered easily, but then get in and out of the camper 3 to 5 times in order to get under the coupler and aligned to hitch up.  Lately for our trips I go over by myself while Becky gets the final things together.  Also, when at the campground, I can't see behind the camper when backing in and Becky often disappears from my mirror view as she gives me direction and I have to turn the Van to get the camper in position.  Quite often, I stop and wait, just cause I don't know where she is or went.  This is my view from the rear view mirror.

Top of camper and AC unit obstruct seeing using the rear view mirror

So, one day I came across this little unit.  The iBall hitch camera.  There are other brands made by Rear View Safety, and Swift Hitch, but this one seemed to be the best bang for the buck and give us an intro into back up cameras.  This one also is the most flexible in placement and range from various reviews found online.  Testing it out, the Bluetooth signal that the unit uses reaches from the back of the popup to the van easily with little static.  Note, I have no other Bluetooth items active in the car or on our cell phones during use as they would cause interference with this display.

Camera with base, and 2.5 inch LCD monitor

 The monitor is powered by an adjustable stiff arm that plugs into your 12V power socket.  Bright color display, and it even has a rotate button to mirror the camera image, or rotate it 90* each way pending if you have the camera mounted to the side of a vehicle.  The camera has a strong magnetic base which allows you to place anywhere, even upside down. 

iBall viewing the hitch ball and beyond with this position

Problem No.1..... our van has two 12V ports but they are located low down on the center console.  Shown here, the monitor is in the lower right of the view, far away from any other visual source in my scan when backing up.  Often, my driver window is open to hear Becky and I use the drivers mirror as my primary view.  When backing in, we try to stay tight to the one side of the campsite to allow plenty of room in front of the camper door, so the passenger side view is usually clear of obstructions.

LCD monitor out of normal view, ... not efficient....

So, after some thinking, I recalled a RAM GPS mount that I had for my motorcycle before I added the Garmin Zumo to my Nomad.  This mount was nearly a perfect fit for the height of the monitor, so after a little dremel action, I have the backing removed enough to allow the power plug to pass thru and fit, and the left side removed to allow the monitor to clamp into position.  Genius!

Modified RAM Mount

iBall monitor suctioned to the front left of the windshield, right in view

 So, now I have a quick glance between the mirror and the camera for backing up into position.  Here was a quick test.  First, the camera is mounted to the back of the lift gate as shown above as if I was arriving to hitch the camper myself.  I was able to backup and get over the ball easily on the second attempt, but, I never got out of the car!

View from the hitch cam position

 Then, moving the camera up I can see around the camper easily.  This may be the better position when backing into a site.  I can see obstructions as well as Becky if I can't see her in my mirror anymore.  Distance is hard to judge, but that is why she is back there to get me in and not hit anything.

Top of Van View

This weekend will be the first try at a campsite, but with these primative tests, I am pleased so far.  I'm sure I'll find some good uses for it and locations as we use it more.  Nice part is, just turn it off, and it all fits cleanly in the glove box for storage.

Tow Vehicle Maintenance

That time of year for the annual inspection of our Toyota Sienna LE Van.  This year, we have decided it is time to invest in a good tire for our van.  The ones we have on currently came with the vehicle and since we bought it we have added an additional 27,000 miles, rotating them regularly every other oil change and monitoring the pressures on the first weekend of each month.    The tread wear has been pretty consistent, but getting down low to the bar on all of them.  So, these tires really don't owe us anything, and now that we are towing I don't want to continue to push the tread wear down to the bar (we are just about there anyway).

So, after some recommendations and reading reviews, we decided to go with the Continental ProContact EcoPlus 215/65R16 98T.   A great all season tire that has been getting good reviews from many online sources with a better load rating than we currently had in the existing tire.  For some informative reading on the tire numbers and what they mean, you can click HERE for the Wiki Page on Tire Codes.  Here are some specs on the new tires:

Specifications:
Load Index:	98 1653 lbs.
Overall Diameter (in.):	27
Performance Grade:	Standard Passenger
Speed Rating:	T 118 mph
Temperature Grade:	B
Tire Size:	215-65-16
Traction Grade:	A
Tread Depth in inches:	10/32
Treadlife:	80,000 Miles
Treadwear Grade:	600

After picking up the van from the shop, it was quickly evident that these tires were providing a much better ride than the older tires we had.  Very smooth and quiet ride.

Back at home I checked all other vital fluids looked good and brake pads have plenty of life left in them.  I looked around the rear end at my air line hoses and bags and didn't see any signs of wear and my airbags have been holding the pressure without any leaking, so all seems good there.  For our last trip, I checked the coupler, hitch ball, and wiring pretty well and added some dielectric grease to the 7 pin plug connectors.

Our next trip is Memorial Weekend and we have some projects for the campsite underway which I'll post about this weekend when we have them completed.  SUMMER is nearly HERE! 

2013 - Trip 1 - Colonial Woods Campground

It's FRIDAY, we are OUTTA HERE!  (our house is the one with the American Flag)

COLONIAL WOODS CAMPGROUND

Friday:
Work week behind me, I was anxious to get the van loaded and get to the campground.  Weather was looking perfect for the entire weekend with High temps projected between 65* and 69* and sunny, and cool clear nights with temps in the low 30's.  Becky, Madie, and I dropped off the older girls at school and then we enjoyed a nice breakfast together at the West Main Diner in Lansdale.  Following breakfast, a last run to Walmart to purchase the camping groceries and a few fishing worms and we were home.  Packing begins my moving everything outside to the patio and then playing Tetris as I load the car with odd shapes and more and more stuff.  Oh,,... don't forget to pump up the air bags in the rear to 26 psi too.  Finally all loaded, I unplugged the camper from the house (I was chilling the fridge), and hitched the camper back to the van and it was time to pick the girls up from school.  At 26 psi, fully loaded and 3/4 tank of gas,... the camper sat level and we didn't have much sag in the van (See photo above).  

A short ride later, we arrived at Colonial Woods Campground for our restful weekend adventure.  Our campsite was huge this time and adjacent to a creek that the kids very quickly went to play in.  As always, Becky and I work together to get the camper opened up and the van partially unloaded, and then she works on the inside while I work on the outside getting things prepared and hooked up.  One of the first things that I do is check the shore power for voltage and proper polarity.  This is typically done by using my multimeter and sticking the probes in each of the three ports on the 30 Amp plug while trying to hold open the weather lid.  This year, simply plug in the meter on a pigtail and read the polarity and voltage.  Everything checked out well, and I was ready to hook the main line up from the camper.

Polarity Correct, Voltage 117, simple and easy to check now.
(LED did light for the polarity, camera didn't pick it up well, like the first 1 in 117.... )

I managed to retain Ally while the other girls went to the rest room.  So, here you go, crank down the stabilizer jacks while I get the roof unlatched.

Ally cranking down the stabilizers

A little "Home" decor

Finally all setup, with plenty of evening sunlight to spare, we took a moment to look at our campsite and our setup, the first of many in 2013!

All set up, and getting ready for dinner

Friday Night Smores at the camp fire

Evening came upon us, and the smores were being eaten by the fire.  Everyone was having a good time and the campground was full of great sounds..... "Little more,... to the right,... ok,.. You're Good,... STOP".... ok,... if you are not an avid camper, you don't realize how hearing others backing in throughout the evening is actually a little relaxing,...  knowing that you haven't camped since November of last year and the season is finally here again.  Knowing that you've worked all week, and now here and setup, it is time to forget the stress and worry and just relax with the kids and wife.

After a bit, we let the fire die down and headed inside.  The new setup for the kids sleeping was looking good and Madie liked her new bed arrangement.  Soon enough, they were asleep and the evening chill was setting in.  I went to turn on the furnace and the blower kicked on for about 10 seconds,.. then shut off.  Tried again,... same thing.  Uh O.... wonder what's the matter now.  Got the manual, repurged the lines of any air just in case, and tried again.  Blower comes on, no ignition on the LP, shuts down.  I logged onto the Popup Portal and did some searches for our furnace and came up with a few good hits.  After about 30 minutes of trouble shooting, I found a possible loose wire on the sail switch.  Crimped tighter and slid back on the blade connector, I tried yet again.  This time, the blower came on, the gas valve opened, and the ignition lit!  Back in business! We have heat!  Thanks Popup Portal!  Glad I had my meter and tools with me too.  11:15pm,.. time to turn in.


Saturday:
Fishing day!  Well, after some coffee for Becky, and Eggs & Pancakes for everyone!  Weather was looking even better today and we are off to a good start.

Becky's Camping Mornings start with COFFEE

Madie's First of the day

One for Ally

Becky's 12" Bass, caught on Bella's Rod, so Bella wants credit

Relaxing in the Hammock on a perfect Saturday afternoon

Nothing can beat a cool morning fishing with the kids and coming back to camp and relaxing.  No place to go, no phone to answer, just relax.  We ate some lunch and then headed over to Ringing Rocks Campground to see their sites and check out their facilities.  My brother Ryan stopped in to see us and take a break from the hustle and bustle of his weekend plans.  After the nickle tour of the camper, we relaxed a little and discussed his upcoming October wedding.  Soon he left, I dumped the gray water tank, and then I spent some time in the hammock swinging gently in the trees while Ally and Madie were playing in the stream and throwing rocks.  Becky and Bella decided to duke it out over a few matches of checkers.

Checkers 101

Three little monkeys on a Log

Sometimes, you get a surprise though.  While nearly falling asleep in the hammock, a few minutes later I hear Becky in the creek with her boots on trying to help the kids find crayfish.  Whoa!,... Becky trying to catch crayfish!  Yes,... I have photo and video to prove it too!

Hunting for Crayfish in the stream

Bella, Madie, Cousin Dante, and Ally, Ready to go fishing

Later in the afternoon Becky's brother Mark, wife Kamisha, and son, Dante stopped in for a visit and the rest of the evening.  Soon we were off to the pond again to try our luck at catching some trout or anything that would bite..... well, kids lost interest quickly this time and since nothing was biting we soon packed up and walked back to camp.  Along the way, motorcycle friends George, Lisa, Rich, and Tiffany also stopped in for a visit to see the camper all setup.


Another great fire with the kids and family, all roasting marshmallows and having smores, and soon the kids were falling asleep in their chairs.  Saturday night, the furnace started and worked without any troubles and everyone slept quite well after being active all day.

Sunday:
Another gorgeous morning,.... but today was different.  All around us people were beginning to slowly pack up there belongings and prepare for the trip back home.  We took our time and had breakfast, letting the kids then play in the creek with the old clothes while we slowly packed things up and organized the storage areas for our next trip.  It was about 11am or so when we finally closed up the camper and prepared to pull out.  Our next trip will be the busy Memorial Holiday weekend, when the campground is sold out and I'm sure it will be full of activity.  Our site then is on a crossing slope, which isn't fun for setting up and leveling, so I have to prepare some additional leveling blocks for the wheels and tongue jack. 

Full 1 1/4" drain system to 11 gallon Gray Water Tank, Works 200% Better!

Quick synopsis on our modifications.

1. The gray water tank and drain works so much better, we don't hold back as much on the water usage.  The 11 gallon tank was nearly filled Saturday evening and needed to be trekked to the dump station.  The sink flows as well as at home with no delay now.
2. LED lights inside are FANTASTIC.  Great light and very cool.  We could leave the light on for a while and I don't have any concern for the heat anymore.