Aerial Acrobatics

Fredericksburg, Texas
Lady Bird Municipal Park campground

9:30 am

The first thing to do this morning was turn on the electric heaters. My side windows had been left open last night because the shades had been pulled down to block sun earlier. The heaters had been left off due to stupidity. When nature called me from the bed this morning it was 53 degrees inside Castle. It was 37 outside so the Castle actually retained yesterday’s heat pretty well with an 8” by 66” opening sitting there letting heat escape. Electric heat is used since the $250 a month rate here includes water, electric, sewer, and 72 channel cable TV.

Another thing tried this morning was the walk around the perimeter of the park that was a normal event before. Only about half way was accomplished. My legs have gotten very lazy down on the flat coast. Looks like there may be a few days of being sore while my body readjusts to some physical activity. The cholesterol reading from my last blood donation came in a couple of days ago and definitely more physical activity is needed. Standing around casting a fishing lure does not get the job done.

In a few minutes, a trip over to The Fort to visit with Mac will be enjoyed. It will likely involve many stories and tales again. Later today it is supposed to be sunny, so maybe the solar panel will get installed on the roof.

Final edition

Mac never showed up at the Fort. Hopefully nothing serious has happened to him. My trip continued on down to Kerrville to gather current information about the area for decisions on what to do in April.

What information that was gathered today when coupled with other information over the last year gave me the opportunity to make the big decision. Most Rvers pick an area and settle in for the winter somewhere. They try to get all the medical stuff, income tax stuff and other burdensome things done during that time. Moving around last year and this year turned out to be less than the most desirable thing to do. Today, Kevin the campground manager, was asked when it was needed to ask for a site for the next winter. He checked his lists and found he had openings for only five more for next winter. It seemed like a good thing to sign up for, so now site 23 is reserved for me for next Dec-Mar. They have a wonderful policy here that no money is required up front and you choose to not come, you are not obligated to come. Kevin would appreciate it if you did at least let him know what is going on. It is hard to beat $250 a month total cost with all the recreation available around here.

During some more walking in the park, it was noticed that many new trees have been planted. If they are cared for well, it will make a great addition to the park. Notice the nasty winter weather. he he he.

The bright sun and low wind caused a spurt of frantic activity for me. The picnic table was slid over to the trailer. The solar panel installation tools were placed on the roof. Next the panel was placed on the roof. The TheOFM ran to the back of the trailer and scampered up the ladder to the roof. Nope no running on the roof. Crawling around on the roof was the way to travel.

The panel was placed in the proper position. A screw was placed in opposite corner mounting feet. Now the chore could be done more calmly since a gust of wind would not blow a $500 panel to the ground and shatter it. WHEWWWWW!!!!

The installation went well, but there are no pictures of the installation. It was enough for me to keep control of the drill, screwdriver, caulking gun, screws and my fat body all at the same time. The mounting feet were removed from the panel one at a time. Smear with plenty of caulk. Mount it back to the panel. Drill the screw holes in the roof. Put caulk in the screw holes. Screw the screw in snug. Then coat the top of the foot and screws with the caulk. Four times the process was done and very little caulk got on any thing but what it was supposed to.
Here is the solar panel in place. This picture was taken with me standing up on the roof in the breeze.

Next a close up of the mounting feet slathered like a chicken fried steak in cream gravy.

And finally a picture from the front of the trailer. But the picture was taken from a rise across the street from the campsite. The panel is almost out of sight from the same level as the campsite. Notice the picnic table snug to the trailer.
After all that nervous stress of roof top acrobatics, my body was tired. So off to the golf course next door to try putting for the first time with the new glasses. They are much better than my old golf glasses.

Some of my muscles are already sore. Those months in the flatlands are really telling on my legs. A lot of good rest is needed to be ready to try to have tooooo much fun tomorrow. TheOFM.