Only 5 more days and we begin another RV trip. \240 This one will be three months and is primarily Texas, Arkansas, and Branson MO.

I am excited, and all is in place to travel - but this time it is overshadowed by the threats of war with Iran, by family needs, and by my uncooperative knee, which has become very painful in the last 2 months. I hope this trip can proceed as planned. \240So much could derail us.

Somehow it feels as if there are potential crisis all around, so “vacationing” feels oddly out of place. \240 And yet - is it any wiser to pause life and wait? \240 We could have the same issues at home. And soon, we may find RVing getting too hard to continue… This may be our last opportunity.

We plan to visit Jim’s sister and their mom on her 95th birthday, see my sister and brother in law while in Branson, and hold my Moms memorial service in Loveland, CO on our way home.

So - here we go. \240 This week involves much last minute planning and moving. Saturday we get the RV moved to the campground and opened up so we can prepare it and unpack. \240Fortunately the weather looks cooperative and we are on-schedule so far. \240 Pray with us for “smooth sailing”, please. \240Jim and I are so out of shape and we need our muscles for all our plans.

To see our previous trips, go to:

Https://www.journohq.com/profile/RvAdventurer

Or email me at ckeberle@gmail.com. \240This app has an issue with links. \240 I can send a list of previous trips and links.

Today was moving day. \240 We begin our journey! \240

It was also the day the USA invaded Iraq and killed the Ayatollah. \240 So we began glued to the TV until the RV storage lot opened.

(The following is boring prep, but read on if you are curious as to what goes into preparations).

We went to the lot and began our hitch-up process. First up was re-installing the two batteries, which are kept charging in the garage when we are not traveling. \240 They are heavy, and challenging for Jim to carry. \240(My knee issues mean I cannot help lift them). \240Since it has been 1.5 years since our last trip, we have to pay attention to our hitching checklist. \240Any mistake can mean costly repairs!

We moved it to the campground - no big deal as it is adjacent to the storage lot.

Then we began finding spaces for all the boxed items. \240 Again, being 1.5 years, I have forgotten exactly what is, or isn’t, already stocked. \240Space is limited and some items will be taken back home. \240So there is a lot of time spent re-organizing. \240We made two trips from home to RV with boxes so far, and today there will be two more - plus the food from our refridgerator/freezer/pantry at home.

Already we have some repair issues to attend to. \240 New batteries for the chirping smoke detector, and the clock. \240 New SIM card for the wireless. Flush out the antifreeze from the water lines. \240New license tags to put on. \240We need a new anode rod for our water, but first must clean some corrosion - we need do that today, to have water. \240(We slept at home last night for that reason). \240Our slide-outs need some lubrication - they were straining to open. \240And, the big one - a liner under a slideout broke, and shattered when we opened the slide. \240We need to get a tech out and pay big bucks for repair. \240 Ugggghhh. \240It starts!

I expect today will be tiring, as yesterday was, getting ready - but we are making good progress.

There will also be some cleaning at our home for AirBnb use, then we bring the pets and live at the RV full time - ready to roll.

Watching potential for snow coming in.

Our first night in the RV. \240 I’m glad the weather has been so perfect to get started!

Today we spent bringing more “stuff”. \240 All the last-minute meds, computers, pet care - and of course, Jasper (our cat, an RV seasoned pro) and Bonny (our dog, first time in an RV or any trip away from home). \240

We also cleaned at our house; ran the dishwasher, two wash loads of bedding, last minute storage items to lock away. \240 We rent out home while we travel, so it has to be ready too.

Finally, a long day ends in the RV. \240 We are exhausted, but we need to relearn some of the RV peculiarities too. \240

We have a list of repairs, also. \240 A headlight is out on the truck. \240A tire is a little low. \240Our anode rod has corroded and we can’t change it. A slider liner has broken and needs replaced…calling a technician in the morning. \240 Gotta be road worthy…