Maintenance, and a trip planned

What a day. I had to replace the converter in the motorhome, not only did it die, but all the stuff in the 'fridge melted. Trip to RV park, trip back to RV dealer to get a new converter ($$), trip back to RV, then...I decided my green approach to mowing just wasn't working. The electric mower's battery just doesn't have any grunt after two years. I bought a self-propelled Toro and mowed the back part where it was knee high.

I made reservations July 5-19 at a park in Michigan near the Rifle River. Ought to be fun. We may go back after some appointments..

Roughing it

Yeah, recliner, Reds on ESPN, dog by my side, cigar, coffee, beautiful weather with windows open and roof fan on, internet, ham radio, it's tough camping.

Radio installed

I got the TS-480 and the HS-1800 installed in the rig, now I have radio. Sorta. Still have a high SWR, I think I may need to work on grounding. I did have a 40 Meter contact with a blind ham, Bob, W8MXC in Michigan using 50 Watts. He was a bit chirpy on his ancient history rig, I love the sound, but it takes a lot of bandwidth and is not proper operation.

I took Emo to go swimming today. He likes to hide under the couch, I surprised him. He must have thought the camera was something to eat.

Robin eggs

A robin has made a nest in my generator compartment. Pictures tell the story.

Having a good time here at Wilmington, watching softball and taking short walks. I did go home to get a cigar shipment, do some motorcycle maintenance, and get tools. I plan to set up the Ham Radio station in the RV tomorrow.

Finally, another hike

Weather has turned summer in Ohio! Emo and I went to Buck Creek State Park and hiked part of the Buckhorn trail. We went back about two miles to a place I know as a swimming hole for Emo. He had a good day, a good car ride, hiking, swimming. I did OK after so much couch potato stuff. Emo's arthritic knee seems to be doing fine, too.

We will be moving to the RV at Wilmington Thousand Trails tomorrow and remain there for the Women's College World Series on TV. I'll probably come back to the house to mow grass Friday, other than that, we will be in the park.

I had to take the old TS-830S radio onto the bench, it wasn't driving the final tubes. It took awhile, but I discovered a disconnected connector on the RF board. It's a great radio, wonderful receiver and nearly indestructible tube transmitter. I'm glad I got it going again.