Friday, March 4, 2011

The first 24 hours...

......on our "shake down" trip have been quite successful and uneventful!

We left the storage facility in Jupiter a few minutes earlier than planned and started on our journey south, heading towards DelRay Beach.

The first planned stop was to fill up with fuel.  (Wouldn't you know, the week we take possession of the coach, gas prices sky rocket!)  We scoped-out the recommended gas station a few days earlier to plan our entry and exit.  Everything went very smoothly.  The coach was 50 gallons heavier and the wallet was $200 lighter.
The drive along 95 was easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy!   (I say that, but since Frank was driving, he might have a different opinion as it was pretty darn windy and we could certainly feel it.)

We reached our destination in DelRay Beach, the Del-Raton RV Park.  It's an older (ok, really old) park/campground with minimal amenities, but the spaces are pull-thru and there is water hookup, electricity and sewer.  And for the per night price (of $39) it was perfect for our first stop! 

Arthur (the owner) met us at the front and guided us to our spot.  (Which for this being our first time, was very helpful.  But frankly, they probably want to do it so power/water poles don't get run over.)  While pulling in, we noticed another FSU coach, which was parked next to a UF coach. 

Fortunately, Frank's brother and sister-in-law, Ray & Bonnie live within a few miles.  Plans were hatched for them to come over for the inaugural "Cocktails at the Coach" and then we'd go to dinner.  (Note:  we don't have a car with us, therefore we are relying on the generosity of folks to schlep us around if needed.)   :o)

Ray was concerned about us being stranded and brought us a car to borrow should we need it.


We've found a few things that aren't working exactly perfect (i.e. the water pump, a few outside lights, etc), and no cable hook-up here so we can't test the TVs.  But the important things like ice maker, refrigerator, potty, hot water heater and shower all work great!

For the most part, we'd say the first 24 hours have gone pretty darn well!