2016 Review Continued

2016 Review continued:

After the Christmas activities it was time to start our departure from St. Louis,"De sooner De better" as the saying goes. Weather turning cold and snow in the forecast.

Our plans were to head to Red Bay for some much needed repairs and upgrades. Our lovable Bus was approaching 7 years old and many of the appliances had decided to go on a coop.

1. Our Microwave went door switch broke right before Xmas.
2. Dryer timer wouldn't work
3. Washing machine leaking at the door gasket.
4. Toilet would not add water.
5. We were also thinking of upgrading the front and back TV to flat screen, as they were the original tube TV
6. We decided to get Satellite installed. 
7. We were also having some Aqua Hot issues that would need to be address.
8. Bay Diesel engine/generator routine maintenance.
9. Odds and Ends that always come up.

We arrived in Red Bay December 28, 2016 and waited for the Service Center to open up on January 2, 2017. Red Bay Service Center shuts down for about 2 weeks over the Christmas - New Year time. 

After all our work was completed, we were behind schedule. We had a rather difficult time getting the Aqua Hot fixed. 

We were due in Quartzsite\, AZ to meet with David and Brenda Boot at the OberFest Get Together. We missed the better part of their festivities but all in all had a great time with them and then stayed on out in the BLM area to view the Quartzsite RV Show.

Our Bus parked at Plomosa Rd BLM 

Local Hummingbird joining us for Happy Hour.

It had been many years since we had been to Quartzsite and we thoroughly enjoy the quirky little town.

FEBRUARY 2017

Saw us head for Yuma, AZ. We tried the Escapees KoFa Park and we were not impressed. We also had been here several years back and we didn't like it then either.

So I started going thru the RV Show literature looking for some coupons for RV parks to try.

After visiting several we settled on a 55+ Resort. Fortuna De Oro is located in the foothills of Yuma of I8, exit 14. We took advantage of a 3-night free stay coupon. We had such a great time and we were surrounded by a great group of RV couples manly from Canada and a current workamper couple. We extend our stay until early March and a great time. The men introduced Art to thrill of ATV riding. I often went to the quilting session. Bingo was also a favorite pass time.

We have plans to go back the winter of 2017.

MARCH 2017 FMCA RALLY

We spent several hot and dusty days attending The Rally in the Valley, in Chandler, AZ. Not impressed. Very disorganized and way too big. We did attend some very good seminars and one night of great entertainment.

We had plans to stop back in Red Bay, AL to have a few tweaks addressed on the motorhome on our way to St Louis.

Chris Berry from MakingSawDust rebuilt my kitchen cabinets. Many of the rails and the bottom of one cabinet was not holding up.

 We parked at Red Bay Self Service Campground, which is our favorite place to stay. Not as noisy and less dusty. We met up with quite a few friends that we have gotten to know over the years. 

We got together with a total of 6 couples and we headed to Reeves Fish and Steak House in Golden, MS. A favorite of ours. 

We also went to a favorite Mexican Restaurant in Belmont but I didn't get any pictures. 

That pretty much sums up our travels. We are currently in St Louis, MO for the summer. I will have a left shoulder total replacement on April 14, 2017 and stay for rehab. 

UPDATES TO OUR 2007 ALLEGRO BUS BEFORE LEAVING RED BAY, AL

September 10, 2014

In the last few months before we left Red Bay we had some upgrades down to our 2007 Allegro Bus and some maintenance items done. Below is a list with photos. I am so excited. We love our Bus and what it needs we can have done. I would not at this point buy a new one. I can always upgrade.

1.    First was Art’s desk. He has wanted a new desk configured to what works for him as far as height and storage. It also had to be easy to remove in case any work needed to be done inside the motor home. The driver side window (other than the windshield) is the easiest access point for bringing in large items that will not go in or out the door.

2.    Second were the installation of the LED under the counter lights and the removal of the fluorescent tube light. We also installed one additional light on the other end of the counter

3.   Installing a pullout shelf under the kitchen counter, so I did not have to crawl under to find whatever had disappeared into the black hole. This work was done by:

     Chris Berry

     1871 Pritchard Road

      Russellville, AL 35653

     256-810-4707

     http://chrisberryswoodwork.com/

     

Extremely popular. Books up quickly, does not answer his phone on weekends or evenings. You needed to book well in advance of arriving in Red Bay. Best to text him. He does all types of woodworking and custom design. Has his own shop about 12 miles outside of Red Bay.

DESK PHOTO BEFORE.

  This is the original desk that came with the coach. It just was not at a proper height that worked for Art. he could not get his knees under the desk. His back was not in a good position and storage was a problem. 

DESK DURING CONSTRUCTION

Art worked with Chris Berry to design a desk that was in 3 pieces. A printer stand and storage drawer. It also had a drawer for storage of small desk items. A bookcase and then the actual desk with full extension file drawers. All three pieces have removable tops.

DESK: FINAL FINISH

Wood is done in the same Natural Cherry as our coach. We elected not to go with stone tops for two reason. Cost and weight. Also, removing tops without cracking has not been successful in many cases. The drawers have 10# catches on them and the file drawers also have locks on them to prevent them from coming open during transit.

PULL OUT SLIDE TRAY ADDED UNDER SINK WITH 10# LOCK ON BACK

LED LIGHTS ADDED TO BOTH ENDS OF CABINETS

4.  Next was Tile Floor in Bed Room. We finally had the old carpet removed in the bedroom and extended the tile floor into the bedroom. We had wanted to do this and decided this was the time. Never know when the old tile and diamonds would not be available. The previous owner had left us some tile but not enough and we also need the diamonds. This work was done by:

            Brannon Hutcheson

            Custom RV

            4370 CR 72

RED BAY, AL. 35582

(256) 668-0973 

His shop is actually in Vina, Al but his mailing address has a Red Bay address. Vina is about 8 miles from the service center. He also has hookups for several rigs. I haven't been able to locate my pictures at this time.