Little Maintenance Time

As always, maintenance is high on our list of priorities. You might wonder why. After all, I could just hire someone to handle it. Sure, that’s an option—but would they do it correctly? Besides, I have the time and the capability to take care of it myself.

One of the key tasks is inspecting power cords. Start by examining both the plug and the receptacle. Look for any discoloration or damage on the blades. Then, inspect the inside of the receptacle—are the sockets tight, clean, and free of debris?

If either the plug or receptacle has been replaced, take the time to open them up and inspect everything thoroughly. It's always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to electrical components.

Here’s an example: back in May of 2019, we were attending a rally in Fredericksburg, TX. On our way out, we stopped in Kerrville, TX, and stayed at the Elks Lodge for a few days. The lodge offered electric and water hookups, but no dump station.

Everything was working just fine—until we suddenly lost power. As usual, I jumped into troubleshooting mode to track down the issue and get it resolved.

If you look at the receptacle, you can see the reason for the failure in the third photo. It’s clear there was a problem. The first and second photos show the inside of the plug, which helped confirm what I suspected. Always good to document these things—what you find can be just as useful for learning as for fixing.

Burnt Plug

Burnt Plug

Reason for failure

After about an hour of work, everything was reassembled—and just like that, we had power again inside the coach. It’s always satisfying to track down an issue, make the repair, and see things working the way they should.

That’s exactly why ongoing maintenance matters. A repair might hold for a while, but it doesn’t mean it’ll last forever without rechecking. Catching problems early can prevent much bigger failures down the road.

Monday, May 8, 2025, was inspection day for that original fix. After all these years of service, it was finally time to take a closer look. And sure enough, the wear and tear was evident. Below, you can see the results—heat damage, fatigue, and signs of aging that can’t be ignored.

Time to replace and repair.

You will also notice I am using a new style of plug and Ferrell Crimps.

Press here to see the New Plug/Receptable I am now using. 

Safe Travel and Journeys 

DaGirls Rv, Gus Da Bus

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me.

Trying Something New: Our First Indio FRVA Rally

This January, we decided to shake things up a bit and attend the Indio FRVA Rally—something totally new and different for us. As usual, we jumped in as volunteers, and before we knew it, we were deep into setting up chairs and tables. It turned into a bit more work than we expected!

Looking back, things might have gone more smoothly if the team leads had stood their ground and said, “We’ve got too many tables and chairs—not, too few volunteers!” When we arrived with Dave, there were no other volunteers around yet. Fortunately, Rudy and Beate showed up just in time to help out and bring some much-needed support.

Jeff and Linda were also at the rally, but we didn’t cross paths too often during the event. Still, we were able to get together one evening in the Venables’ RV, where we all enjoyed some good company and shared laughs. It was definitely one of the highlights of the week.

One great feature of the rally was the wide range of seminars. Topics included engines, chassis, driving techniques, and RV equipment—there was something for everyone. Alongside the seminars, there were plenty of vendors, which led to a very timely discovery for us.

I struck up a conversation with Jim, the General Manager at Pete’s Road Service, about our tires, which were nearing the 8-year mark. It was clearly time for an upgrade. We ended up with an amazing deal—better than what we could’ve found in Oregon, and with no sales tax to boot!

We chose Toyo M170 Load Range H tires, and the total came to $3,250 installed. Even better, they did the full installation right at the Alfa Roadrunners Rally in Quartzsite, which was incredibly convenient.

Susan and I camel riding

Dave and Willie Camel Riding

Women's Lunch

Jeff finally got his camel ride

New Shoes

Rebuilding Traditions: The Alfa Sign Revival

One of the unfortunate casualties at the rally site was the iconic Alfa sign that usually marks our gathering spot. It had seen better days—and sadly, this time it was beyond saving. But in true Alfa spirit, we weren’t about to let that tradition fade away.

Armed with a shovel, a rake, some white paint, a roll of string, and a few extra hands, we set out to bring it back to life. It didn’t take long for a team to form—folks pitching in with tools, ideas, and elbow grease. There’s something about shared effort that really brings a group together, and this was one of those moments.

We carefully outlined the new sign, shaped the letters with the rake and string, and brightened them up with fresh paint. It wasn’t just a sign—it was a symbol that the Alfa community is about showing up, stepping in, and making things better together.

By the time we were finished, the new Alfa sign stood proudly once again—simple, homemade, and full of heart. It was one of those satisfying, quiet victories that remind us why we love coming to these rallies year after year.

Currently we are at our Cabin in Show Low. We are seeing our doctors, working and prepping to leave for our summer journey. Before I leave, let me show you a few things that went on here at the Happy Cabin:

Safe Travels and Journeys

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and Me

2025 What ?

Where has the time flown. It seem just a few days ago, We were traveling and I was writing about our trips. Then nothing, I mean nothing, no words, no thoughts, its' like I lost interest in writing and telling stories. 

Well, it's time to pick up the pen, well in this cast the keyboard and see what prints out. 

Yuma, Nov 2024  Lake Havasu rally. 

Me and Mike

Me and Linda

Me and Ken

Dave and Gloria

Nov. was a fun time, people, good food, easy. Plenty of tine, space and meeting room. 

Sara Park Rodeo Grounds is always a good rally site. No hook-ups, but showers, toilets, Meeting room, large enough for 200 people. Hiking trails, beach down-town and plenty of good food and company.

Susan, flew back to St. Charles to see the new family. 

In Jan 2025, we went to the FMCA (FMCA is now Family RV Association) Rally in Indio. I egged on Linda & Jeff, along with Rudy and Beate, to tag along with us.  Susan and I volunteer to help out, and ended up with the table and chairs setup. Hard work, but totally dis-organized. To many people telling everyone what to do (We have Always done it this way attitude)  and setting up for 1000 people when you only have at most 200 at a time. 

Also, chapters saying we have always done it this way attitude.

Mike K. you have your work cut out for you.

Then it was onto Quartzsite, Az for a great rally with Tony, Sally, Deb, Dee and Rex. Amazing time was had by all. Along with the great food. 

Prior to leaving Indio (FMCA) we got a good deal on new set of shoes for Gus, you see we were going on 9 years with the current set. During our walks, we talked to Jim, of Pete's Road Service. Jim, was able to sell QTy. 6, Toyo M170 Load H for $3250. Better price then what you would get in Oregon. People always tell us go to Oregon, NO SALES TAX. Well our tires are Load Range H, and there's are Load range G.

 

Feb was a busy month for me, as I attended Fire-arms training with the Yuma County Sheriffs Office (YCSO). I am now qualified to carry while on duty. The class required 4 days at 10 hrs long, with day and night-time qualifications shooting.  Then only to find out, Qualification is on the Calendar year. What does that mean? I have to requal in March again.

Dakota has passed the 14 years old mark, and Tilly is 15. Both are doing well, but we know it is only a matter of time. 

Dakota loves being back in Show Low, as she loves the cool air and being outside all day. She enjoys going on her walk-a-about. Not as far, but she gets in the walking and smelling mode and heads off. 

Travel Day

Unexpected Snow Day 

Unexpected Snow Day 

Rudy and Beata saying goodbye to tilly

Tilly now has her own Jeff Jail.

Wrapping up Yuma was easy and quick, Susan worked on Puzzles, make a new style of mirror covers.  

New Style Roadrunner can point in or away. Cost for 2 $60

Prior to leaving for Show Low, I worked the Yuma County Fair, went on patrol, helped Skip with washer/dryer installation. Susan, was quieter this year. Very little going to garage sells, this was due to No Linda V. you see they sold there lot and purchase a place in Bandera, Tx. 

Her foot is getting better and now she is working on here other foot. 

We left Yuma and Headed North-East to Show Low. What a drive. Let me tell you, we experience, a hot engine traveling up to Show Low. Working on the cause, hope to have ID the issue.

We had a unexpected Snow Storm April 18, we receiver 4 to 6 inches of snow, while our uphill neighbor (Kelly) had only 2 inches.  We are only 100 yards apart.

   Maybe in the future, any chances of snow, bring the slide in. 

Ok, let's wrap this up, a few more photos:

Mountain Goats on Ride-A-About

Mountain Goats

Deer Roaming back yard

Deer roaming back yard

Don't know what it was but it was moving across the sky

Starlink Satellite Launch from Vanderberg 

Starlink Satellite Launch from Vanderberg 

C-130 coming in

Landing of F-35

Excellent Photo Op

You Looking at ME

New Shoes for Gus, DaGirls Rv 

Completed Repair of Alfa Sign and Photo Op of Quartzsite

The start of Alfa Sign Repair

Jeff finally got his Camel Ride

Susan and  I are time in Indio Rally

Rudy trapped in Mexico

Help can't get back to US

Beate Happy Time Chicken

Skip and I proving traffic control moving an airplane

Touch and Go's

Happy dog

happy dog

Salvation Army Christmas Gifts

Firearms Safety rules

Here's to Morgan and Callie as they Travel back to Georgia and New Adventures. Morgan is a Traveling Nurse, who has been staying in our Cavco next door. She goes to work and we puppy sit Callie. 

Morgan, Susan and I 

Safe travels Morgan and Callie

Callie

Safe Travels and Journeys

DaGirls Rv, AkA Gus the Bus

Susan, Tilly, Dakota & Me