Mechanic Of My Dreams

Only one man will ever touch that which is most special and precious. His name is Mike (https://www.facebook.com/EMowerAndSon/). 

He never fails to get the job done. He’s like a man possessed. There’s nothing half-assed about him. He works it until it's right. Always. He has the magic touch. Nobody does it better. For 3 1/2 years now he’s been the RV mechanic of our dreams, and today he proved himself the best yet again.

On our last trip we hit a tree and damaged our front steps and skirt panel.
(see my blog post "You Never Forget Your First" https://www.blogger.com/u/1/blogger.g?blogID=8572702142685285626#editor/target=post;postID=2715598037103485777;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=1;src=postname).

We thought we would have to replace both. Nope. Instead of having to replace them, he straightened both and welded the steps back together. Aside from a minor war wound on the panel and some caulking, we’re good to go.

The man is a miracle worker. Truly. And he’s one of nicest guys you’ll ever meet. In addition, he’s become a good friend. 

His shop is in Saugerties, NY just minutes from where we store the RV and our favorite campground. He even makes “house” calls. What a lucky day it was when we found him.

So, if you're in the area and need a repair, look him up. I guarantee, you won't be disappointed.

-Diane 

You Never Forget Your First

So, it finally happened. Last Sunday Bill and I finally lost our virginity. They say it’s a rite of passage and was bound to happen eventually. We’d come close a few times, but somehow always managed to avoid it. No matter what others tell you about their own first time, nothing prepares you for the emotion of that moment. Or how it changes you forever.

After almost an hour of trying to back the RV into a very difficult spot, we hit a tree. Shaved the bark right off that sucker. The front door steps were crushed and probably need to be replaced, as well as the now crumpled skirt panel to the left of the steps.

Perpertrator

Then, in our haste to maneuver the RV away from the tree, we failed to see the large rocky outcrop just in front of it and nearly toppled her. Good times. 

Luckily, the damage was either superficial or easily fixed and covered by insurance. We had the back door steps, so we could get in and out of the thing. None of the damage effected the RV’s functionality, so we were able to live in it for the week and didn’t have to cancel our plans. Phew! 

Victim

Honestly, it was like we’d never done this before, and I think I know why. We’d become over confident. The last half dozen times we’d done this everything went so smoothly. Too smoothly. We got too cocky. 

And the last thing you ever want to do, when towing a 38 foot, 13k pound fifth wheel, is to get too cocky. Painful lesson learned. 

On a side note, two days later a series of macrobursts hit the area. We’d gone upstate for a little R&R, and it was one adventure after another. We spent three hours under a tornado watch. In the Catskills. That never, I repeat never, happens in that area. Crazy stuff. 

The campground owner made all the guests evacuate their campers and shelter in the rec hall. We got torrential rains, winds of 70+ mph and large hail. The road to the interstate was closed due downed trees and power lines, and the electricity was out everywhere. 

But just south of us got the worst of it. Poughkeepsie, New Paltz, Kingston, and especially Newburgh, got hit hard. There were reports of at least three tornadoes touching down. Newburgh got it the worst, though, resulting in three deaths. 

We had to live a day on battery power only. That means no TV, fireplace, microwave, etc. But who cares. Surprisingly, there was no damage to the truck or RV and we’re okay, so...

What a wild ride. 

And in spite of it all, it turned out to be a lovely week.

-Diane