Weighing an RV on a CAT Scale 101

Yesterday, "G" and I took a ride up to Kingston's Camping World to utilize a coupon, return an item, and buy more RV necessities. It actually turned out to be a learning experience, because we decided to get our first propane fill up and weigh-in.

The propane fill up was a simple one. The only surprise was the unbelievably low $2.97 price per gallon we paid.  Camping World offers a discounted price for propane to Good Sam Members on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so we had planned our visit to take advantage of that benefit. Too bad we didn't need a full tank.

The adventure actually became exciting when we pulled into a Pilot Travel Station where a CAT scale was located. CAT stands for "Certified Automated Truck" Scale. I thought it referred to the "Caterpillar" brand. Learned a new fact today. It turned out to be a biggerl learning experience and I will continually give "G" credit for never being intimidated by the unknown.

As we approached the scales, we discovered that there were no instructional signs, so we drove up onto the scale and "assumed" that the scales would operate similarly to an automatic car wash. However, as a previous post indicated, we should never assume. Once atop the scales, we saw a box that instructed us to press the "Call" button. A garbled voice explained that we needed to pay first, get a number, get on the scale, press button, drive off scale and then return inside to receive the print-out. A sign, with instructions, would have been so helpful - don't you think?

Complaints about the Newburgh Pilot Travel Station:

1. No fuel pumps to accommodate a gas-powered RV
2. Poor signage
3. Confusing entrance and exit
4. No directions about how to use a CAT scale

While "G" went in to pay, I sat in Allie, feeling like an elephant on a Weight Watcher's scale for the first time. It seemed like all the tractor trailer drivers' eyes were on me, trying to guess how much I weighed and how much I may have to "lose."  Out came "G" and the verdict came in:

Cost to weigh Allie:  $ 10.50
Front axle weight:  8080 lbs.
Real axle:  14700 (yikes-close to max)
Total gross weight: 22780

Not on board: 

1. Lucy @ 13.8 pounds
2. 2/3 tank of gas
3. Food, clothing and miscellaneous

Allie's weight capacity is 24000 lbs, so that means that the items not yet on board need to come in at under 1220. This weigh-in showed us that, although the rear axle is designed to take more weight, we need to do a little bit of distribution so our numbers remain within the recommended limits.

Yesterday was a day of learning new things without a manual. Owning an RV can sometimes be like being a parent - you get plenty of advice from people who have them, but most times, you just need to do the best you can and learn along the way.

Deep thought for the day: If at first you don't succeed, it's not always your fault. 

Winding down...

Tomorrow will be the last day we spend in our Croton Paradise. It seems that our month has too quickly come to an end. We are pleased at the progress Lucy has made and we believe she enjoys the little hiding spaces she has discovered in her home-away-from home.

A beautiful evening walk ended our day that consisted of a visit from a former co-worker and friend of mine who is interested in finding out about life aboard an RV. It was funny to feel like a "seasoned" RVer, but between "G" and I, we had more information to share than I realized.

Tomorrow will be the "break-down" and "store" day.  The "Clam" will be taken down and the outdoor rugs folded up. Outdoor lanterns and chairs will all be neatly and safely stored in the "basement."
Ah, "time"....you slip by so quickly when we're having such fun. A few "last shots" of this visit.

Lucy waking up from a nap with a huge yawn. 

Someone thought the Happy Hour glass was meant for her. 

Our evening walk.

Deep thought for the day:   Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you. ~Carl Sandburg

People watching

This morning, by the way, which was another glorious weather day, Lucy decided to take advantage of a patch of sunshine. Lo and behold, she acually remained at her "post" for about a half hour, watching people pass by as they either rode their bikes or walked their dogs. What follows is what WE enjoyed watching during our morning coffee. 

Deep thought for the day:  Sometimes, it is permissible to stare.  

An afternoon with my brother and our niece

The cockatoo got her attention

This afternoon, my youngest brother, Steve, brought our niece over for a visit. Willow, is the daughter of my middle brother, Will, and she is an adorable little one-year old. I am fascinated by the way a one-year old gets their point across without having to utter an intelligible word. She rattles off sentences of blabber, and when you ask her, "What did you say," she repeats the exact blabber, blab-for-blab, as if I were dense. 

Holding Uncle Steve's ears

She knows so many words and what they mean that it amazes me. The ones I picked up on so far are: dog, cat, ball, horse, baba (bottle), num num (eat), me, mine, no, yeah, as well as the standard mama and dadda. She also says, "two," after I say "one," which surprised me.

It was a beautiful day from start to finish day, albeit a tad warm for me. However, it didn't stop me from getting a walk in before my visitors arrived.

"G" did all the cooking tonight, so my day ended on a perfect note. 

A thief among us....

For anyone who has an iPad, or iPhone, make sure the option "Find My iPad/Phone" is set to "on" in your settings. Mine was, and this is where it is: 

It's called Mallet's Bay, which is in Vermont, and looks to be a lovely area. The police believe that it is most likely in a dumpster or was thrown into the wooded area below the tennis courts.

I think what bothers me most, is the fact that since it is all the way up in Vermont, it must have been a fellow camper that swiped it from our spot. I had assumed that there was an unwritten honesty rule among campers, since all around us, there are valuables left unattended for days and weeks. I, again, assumed that we each looked out for the other.  However, as Felix Unger told us in a memorable episode of The Odd Couple,  "NEVER assume, because when you do, you make an ASS out of U and ME.

My days of assuming and trusting are over.  I shall not constantly look over my shoulder, or lock everything up tight and be afraid. Instead, I shall be more wary and cautious of my valuables.

It will be interesting to see if the Vermont police will actually stop defending the public and fighting crime to go and hunt down my iPad. I can't imagine, but you never know and, heaven forbid, I won't assume the worst. This could be the plot for a future Law and Order...to be continued.

iPad Caper

Well, tonight "G" and I found ourselves the victims of an iPad heist. We're not sure when or how, because we spent this glorious day organizing and puttering around Allie, but gone it is, with no pings when I tried the app "Find My iPad."  That can only mean that whoever took it has not connected it to the internet. I had a passcode activated, so I'm not sure what they plan to do with it since it's locked.

Tonight, we spoke to the County Police on duty and we need to stop by the park precinct in the morning. Then, we will need to find out what kind of RV coverage we have for theft. 

That was the only glitch that preventied a perfect day.  Beautiful weather surrounded us all day, and even now, into the evening, as I sit and compose this entry on my iPhone, sitting outside Allie. 

Deep thought for the day:  Regardless that there are thieves among us, keep on being friendly, kind and optimistic. Don't let a bad apple spoil your trust in your fellow man. 

Lucy: A Progress Report

We have recently noticed that Little Miss is showing positive signs of adjustment to life aboard Allie. Although she spends too much time hiding under the sheet, her adventures out from "down under" seem to be lengthening. Horray!  I've photographed her in a few of her favorite spots, at some of her more comfortable moments, as well as a few shots of recently discovered places, that she has found, provide excellent vantage points for watching squirrels.  Her favorite prey, the birds, are a rare sight in our area this time of year. The reason we are overrun with squirrels is because we are parked under an oak tree.  Check out an old entry of mine HERE about Acorn Fights, a fond childhood memory of mine. 

Peeking out the doggie door

Peek-a-boo

I do believe this couch is comfortable

Favorite couch spot

Looking out of the bedroom window

My very favorite place in the world...daddy's and mommy's bed