Author Archives: Sparky
Vermont Route 108
Two weeks ago, on one of my off days, I explored the Green Mountains just east of Burlington. Specifically, I was curious about Vermont Route 108 which has the reputation of being one of the most intimidating roads east of the Rockies. I have to say that it didn’t disappoint… at Smuggler’s Notch – the … Continue reading
Cheap truck repairs… or so I thought
When it comes to our GMC 3500 it seems that there is no such thing as a cheap repair. As I mentioned previously, I had to add radiator fluid several times during the STN. I fixed the problem temporarily by adding Stop Leak to the radiator. I also needed to get the front end aligned … Continue reading
Jett, American Princess – update
A while back I blogged about Jett’s amazing colonial lineage (Jett, American Princess). I have since completed a second round of research on her ancestors – all of which derive from her paternal great-grandfather (her paternal grandfather’s father), Elbridge Scribner Stone. Here are some salient statistics: She has, through this great-grandfather, 268 known immigrant ancestors. Of those … Continue reading
Junuary
The weather today will be lovely – sunny with a high in the low 70’s. However, that does not fully compensate for the last 4 days which were miserable – highs in the mid-50’s, strong winds and a cold rain. Apparently this is not all that unusual for northern Vermont. When we complained about the … Continue reading
RV water torture
An update on the water overflow problem. To synopsize… we started experiencing a steady drip from a spigot at the rear of the RV undercarriage way back in mid-April. We determined that the problem was, in essence, due to the fresh water tank overflowing when we were attached to city water. In that configuration no … Continue reading
Putting in the docks
As previously mentioned, I am helping manage a marina this summer. That means, among other things, that I am learning how to tie nautical knots. It also means that I participated in the spring activity known as “putting in the docks.” As a seasonal marina on Lake Champlain, the Apple Island Marina must remove its … Continue reading
Workamping
“Workamping” is not in the dictionary, but it probably will be soon. It is a gerund that describes the work situation of a full-time RVer who is employed by the campground in which he/she is residing. The word describes what Jett and I are doing this summer at Apple Island Resort in South Hero, VT. … Continue reading
32 down, 16 to go
When we set off on our RV journeys, way back in September 2012, one of our goals was “48 states in 48 months.” We got off to a good start with the Great Trip West, but got bogged down last winter with our need to stay in Massachusetts and get our home ready to sell. … Continue reading
STN Hop 8: Oakham MA to South Hero VT
230 miles on MA 122, MA 2, I-91, I-89 and US 2. Cumulative distance: 2,276 miles. This hop was the most interesting of the 8 STN hops. Nearly all of the miles were on roads we have never traveled before. And, being mostly in Vermont, they were very scenic. We stopped twice along the way, … Continue reading
“The wheels are falling off this family”
Our revised STN itinerary included a full week in Massachusetts to deal with a number of family issues. The main “attraction” was Jett’s brother, George, who was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer less than 6 months ago and appeared to be close to death when we left Florida. He has undergone chemo and radiation … Continue reading