December 28, 2013

Englewood, FL

MOVING DAY

When we first arrived at the park we are going to be wintering at a month ago we had difficulty positioning the rig in our assigned site.  Monte had to maneuver around a large tree.  Finally, after going back and forth we got into position.  Or so we thought.  Our neighbor came out and pointed out that when we put out our awning we would too close to her property.

So Monte pulled out again so he could move over a few feet.  All this back and forth caused big ruts in the sugar sand and we sank. (For full details and pictures see November 27 post)

Once we finally got settled we thought we would be in this same spot for the four months we planned on staying here (with the exception of a week in February when we will be attending a boon docking rally less than an hour’s drive from our current location.

BUT, during the course of the month we noticed that we were sinking, more on one side than the other.  We took a walk around the park making notes of the empty sites and then went to see the property manager.  Unfortunately, all but two of the empty sites were reserved beginning January 1st.

We rejected one site because it was located next door to the dumpster and maintenance area. 

The other site available, located around the corner from our current site, was closer to the pool and showers and had a concrete patio so we chose that one.

I was a little apprehensive when Monte was ready to pull out of the site.  I feared we might be stuck because of how much we had sunk but, luckily, my fears were not realized.

The park has a series of one-way streets.  If he were to go with the traffic pattern Monte would have to go drive around the long way passing under low-hanging trees.  We opted to go the wrong way (shorter way). 

Monte figured out quickly that it was going to be more difficult getting into the site having come from the wrong direction so he ended up going around a few blocks so he could enter our new block in the right direction.  SHEESH.

Now for the fun part!  Over the course of the last year and a half Monte has backed into many tight, odd-angled sites with obstacles including trees, boulders, mailboxes, etc.   He assesses the situation and takes his time.  Today, just as he began to back up, three of our new neighbors, materialized like magic and began to “assist” Monte. 

Cut to the left.  Back up.  Go forward. 

Once he had the rig situated to his satisfaction, Monte graciously thanked his “helpers”. 

All kidding aside, RVers are some of the friendliest, most helpful people we have ever encountered.  It is almost like belonging to an unofficial fellowship club.

While I got the inside set up Monte worked on getting finding satellites. 

He had to move the dish to three locations before finally being able to receive a signal.

Barring any unforeseen problems, this is our new homestead for the next three months.