It is late October and the color is just about peak here on Cape Cod, in fact they are predicting snow flurries today.  Which means it is time to start thinking about our annual migration to Florida and winterize the coach.  Just need to finish up all the fall chores and medical items before we leave the day after Thanksgiving.

We have been home just two weeks after spending almost six weeks on the road attending the two rallies - Maryland and Abilene along with the Hutchinson Kansas convention.  Both rallies were excellent.  I will just hit some highlights from my perspective; there are other comments and photos in this newsletter.  On the Website you will see many of the other photos, thanks to all our digital photographers, and the great work by our Webmaster's, Chuck & Donna Tolson.

The Middletown, MD rally was hosted by Janet & Griff Livingston and was another in our string of very successful rallies.  The weather was perfect and the facilities at the Fireman's grounds were just what are needed for a rally.  Everyone had electric and water was available, and the large pavilion was a great meeting place.  The three trips into Washington, DC gave everyone an opportunity to see and learn so much as well as share the fellowship of the group.  Having the tour guide on the first day added so much to the trip; I am not sure who wore whom out first.  There was ample time to explore on your own and the area offered so much to see and experience history.  This is a venue that may need to be repeated in the future.  There were 26 coaches there and it was good to see some people that have only been to a few of our rallies there.

With a week in between, we traveled on to Abilene, KS with a side trip to Longwood Gardens in southeast Pennsylvania, a must see if you are in the area.

At Abilene we were at the Covered Wagon RV Resort, with full hookups, 25 coaches in all.  There were five of us from the Maryland rally and several who attended their first DI rally.  In the group were three other presidents, Bob Baugh of DOAI, Ken Hawk of FMCA Freightliner Chassis Owners Club (FCOC) and John Boka, of the FMCA Gateway Getaways, all of whom are DI members.

Our hosts were Marlene & Neil Elkins and they also did a super job in pulling off this event, I gave them a four out of four for the weather.  This whole trip was a great history lesson; many spent the better part of a day touring the Eisenhower Center in Abilene as well as many other interesting places in and around the area.  Sarah & I took a trip to Fort Riley where I was stationed in the 50's, only to find that part of the base had been demolished.  Also I observed that life in the Army has changed, it was more like a university campus.

We were treated to a preview of the new three-slide Discovery, courtesy of Ancira RV of San Antonio who brought the coach to the rally, Ancira also presented us with a significant financial contribution to the chapter.  You may recall that Ancira also brought a new coach to the Fryeburg, Maine rally.

Neil did well in leading the caravan to the Hutchinson convention and arranging the great parking location, including the waterfront view that we ended up with.  Fortunately, we were able to use the Livingston's tent as a gathering place and we appreciate the opportunity for the use of the tent on several occasions.

The Hutchinson Fairgrounds had excellent facilities for the convention; the buildings were among the best we have seen, except for the outdoor entertainment.  Unfortunately, after the first day the rains came and we had several inches of the wet stuff over the next two days.  The current slate of FMCA national officers were reelected to their respective positions for the next year.  Several of us volunteered to help out the Gateway Getaways chapter when they came up short of tram volunteers, it turned out to be wet duty.

I appreciate everyone who came to the chapter meeting in the inclement weather.  We had several new couples that became members.  Ed Walkup was elected to be on National Director and Harry Condrey as Alternate National Director for the next year, all chapter officers will be elected at our meeting in July 2003.  The nominating committee for next year is Martha & Pete Palasota, and Bill Allen.

After leaving the convention, Sarah and I wound our way home stopping at Camp Chautauqua in western New York, the site of our pre-rally next July.  It looks like a very interesting place for our rally.  Note the dates for the rally have changed to 7/11 to 7/14, caravanning to Hamburg on the 15th.

On the way home we had two tire failures, the first in Kansas was on the right front and blew at 65 mph on a state road.  When I realized what had happened, I remembered a video that was shown at one of our rallies concerning blowouts (rapid air loss), it said not to brake but to accelerate and bring the vehicle under control.  I did just that and was able to pull off on a wide shoulder in a relatively short distance; there was no other damage, just a shook up co-pilot and driver, they do make a loud noise at 100 psi.  The second tire was a right rear inside dual; in both cases I had an unmounted spare with us.  I replaced the two front tires in Kansas and now have four for the rear on order.  The ties were 5 years old and 55,500 miles.

I know this is a long commentary, but please see the article on our Florida friendship lunch and the upcoming events.

Drive safe, god bless and be well,

Ron

Discovery International members who attended the Washington, DC/Maryland rally hosted by Janet and Griff Livingston would like to say a big Thank You!   The weather was perfect, the location could not have been better, the activities were outstanding and the fellowship was memory-making.

While in Washington we saw the Jefferson Memorial, the FDR Memorial, the Viet Nam Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, Union Station, the House Chamber and the Senate Chamber while touring the Capitol Building, the Smithsonian, the Marine Memorial (Iwo Jima), the National Cathedral, Embassy row, the White House, Arlington National Cemetery, and that was only the first day!  Some of our members visited Annapolis, Harpers Ferry and Gettysburg.  We had a tour bus and the most excellent tour guide for one the the trips into Washington, a tour bus with Paul and Julie Nottingham as guides for the second trip, and the third trip we rode the Metro from Maryland into Washington.

None of us had to worry about our four-footed friends because meanwhile, back at the Fireman's Grounds, we had an on-site critter-keeper who took them for walks and saw that they were fed and comfortable.  Thank you "Uncle" Griff!

A special note of thanks is also extended to Steve and Leland Kokinos who brought 30 lbs of fresh shrimp and then prepared them (this is Johnna Hagewood's specialty) and grilled them for us.  The evening before we left, they also provided pizza for the group.  Thank you Steve and Leland for your most generous contribution to the enjoyment of our rally.

If you missed this rally, you really missed a great experience.

While Discovery International members were gathered in Abilene, Kansas, Ross and Alice Peery were unexpectedly called away.  Alice's mother was hospitalized in Cheyenne, Wyoming.  We received word that her mother passed away.  Our most sincere condolences are sent to the Peerys.

It has been our great pleasure and honor to have been your newsletter editors for the last three years.  Because we are full-timers, your newsletter has been put together and printed and mailed from border to border and ocean to ocean. Since our computer is a desktop and cumbersome to carry to the "modem" hook-up, we have on several occasions pulled the Discovery up tot he front door of campground offices and strung several feet of telephone wire so that we could download "stuff" for the newsletter.  It gives a whole new meaning to portable computer!  Thank you for your input and the opportunity to have communicated with you via the newsletter.

Your newsletter is now in the most capable hands of Marlene Elkins.  Marlene and her husband, Neil (your vice-president) can be contacted by E-Mail:  elkins@micoks.net or snail mail:  Marlene Elkins, 39290 W. 295th Street, Paola, Kansas 66071.

Bill and Diana Allen

Neil and Marlene Elkins planned everything down to the last detail for our Pre-rally in Abilene, Kansas - including picture-perfect weather!  We were treated to a tour of the Russell Stover candy factory where free-samples were endless and each one of us came out of there with a shopping bag full of delicious candy.  The Eisenhower Library and Museum was just a short walk from the campground and was a beautiful facility.

Some of the ladies took advantage of the opportunity one afternoon to visit two of the preserved/restored mansions in Abilene.  Both of them were lovely, but they were very different in their architecture and appointments, and we met the owners of each of the two.

The greyhound museum was also just a stone's throw from the campground and provided an opportunity to learn about these graceful animals and their history and current status.  Visitors were greeted at the door by one of the three resident canines.

And the food - we enjoyed a family-style fried chicken dinner one evening and a prime rib dinner another.  Pastries and coffee were served in the morning.

We hope first-time attendees Ralph and Ruthele Bailey, Jack and Sherry Ball, Gary and Kathy Christensen, Bob and Myra Eichberger, Myron and Maxine Hoyt, Ross and Alice Peery and Butch and Janet Zipperer enjoyed themselves and will come to many more Discovery International Gatherings.  It was a treat to have Pete and Barb Peterson join us for the caravan and then become members.

A special thank you is extended to Griff and Janet Livingston for bringing their tent.  It served as the gathering place between activities i Abilene as well as in Hutchinson (we were the envy of other Chapters in Hutchinson when they saw "our" tent).  We could not have gotten along without it!

Discovery International owes a special thank you to John Finster of Ancira Motorhomes of Boerne, Texas (www.Boerne@AnciraRv.com) for bringing a 2003 triple-slide Discovery to Abilene so that our members could see the new Discovery before getting to the FMCA Convention in Hutchinson.  Ancira also gave Discovery International a very generous contribution.  Thank you John Finster and Ancira.

And, thank you, Neil and Marlene.  We had a great time.

Each rally sort of takes on a life of it's own and while Discovery International was gathered in Middletown, Maryland, we learned some interesting things.  See if you know the answers!

  1.   How tall is the Washington Monument?

  2.   Who had the most American Flag shirts for the rally?

  3.   Who ate 3 (three) club sandwiches while keeping Sarah company waiting for

        her meal?

  4.   Who tried to have us held captive in the Capital building?

  5.   What military grounds tell you to come for a 10:30 a.m. tour and don't have a

        guide for you?

  6.   Who took a pen knife to the Capitol Building and had it confiscated?

  7.   Who bought a pink sweatshirt and never wore it?

  8.   Who forgot her photo ID at Annapolis?

  9.   Who almost lost his cookies at Union Station but were saved and given to

        Linda?

10.   Whose Southern Comfort Manhattan drink became a big hit?

11.   Who did not have the shrimp sandwich at the Irish Pub at Annapolis even

        though they ordered it?

12.   Who got stuck int he elevator in Annapolis?

13.   Who has a whole new theory on what to do with the first 10 sheets of TP in the

        public bathroom?

14.   Who gets on the Metro and says what a great bus ride?

15.   Who can eat all of a banana split and take embarrassing pictures of his    

        friends?

16.   Who stands big and tall with big muscles and asks "Where are you going?" as

        we head to the left and then he says, "NEGATIVE!!!  What is your objective?"

17.   Who was called the stick man?

18.   Besides Richard, who was the best tour guides in Washington, DC, and

        surrounding area?

19.   Who was the best sport because we teased them about trying to capture us in

        the Capitol building?

20.   At the campground, who became our dogs' favorite person, water boy, coffee

        make, motor home guard, and all around great guy?

Answers are given at the end of this newsletter.

When we were out in Kansas this summer, we received information at a camp-ground that was out of the ordinary.  In addition to the campground map of sites, facility rules and list of area businesses, they included a copy of a recent local newspaper article detailing a horrible crime at a nearby rest area.

When stopped at a rest area, we need to always be aware of our surroundings and ever vigilant about who is in the vicinity and cautious about having lunch or napping with our door standing open or unlocked.

Bob and Kathy Nelson are planning a Discovery International (FMCA) rally in March 2003, as a warm-up for the FMCA International Convention which will be held at the Fairplex in Pomona, California, on March 21-23.  The details for their Tucson pre-rally haven't been nailed down yet but we expect it will be about March 12th through March 16th with departure for Pomona on March 16th.

They are looking at the Pima County Fairgrounds (full hookups) for a rally site.  The Tucson area provides a wide array of activities.  Check out the Tucson for additional information on the area and keep checking back there for additional information as plans are firmed up and a registration form becomes available.

Bob and Kathy need to have an idea about how many coaches will be attending.  If you think that you might be able to be there in March, please let them know by E-mail at:  WrestleBob@aol.com .  It will help them make the rally a  success.

One of the most important safety checks that needs your strictest attention is the tires on your vehicle.  Before starting out on a trip each tire should be inspected for tire wear and proper inflation.  Discovery owners should consult the information provided by the manufacturer of the tires on their coach to determine the correct recommended pressure.

Remember when inspecting your tires for wear that even though the tire tread looks great, the age of the tire is an equally important factor when deciding whether to leave tires on the motor home or replace them.  Exposure to sunlight (UV) causes deterioration and can make your tires unsafe.

If you have determined that the tires are properly inflated and are not in need of immediate replacement and have begun your trip, don't forget to recheck your tires when you stop to rest.  Some Discovery owners have a "tire Thumper" aboard and when they stop to rest, thump each tire.  In addition to thumping, it is a good idea to touch each tire thread.  A tire temperature that is significantly different from the others could indicate a problem.  If one of the "duels" is significantly hotter than it's partner, then the problem could be under-inflation of the cooler tire.

Y'awl with homes in the South and travel Nawth in the summer to beat the heat with your RV - BEWARE!  This past summer we were in Vermont when our daughter called to say that she stopped by to check our house and there was a big hole in our ceiling!

It seems that our attic air conditioner drain had stopped up, flooding the ceiling, causing the ceiling to drop and flood the dining area and kitchen.  It seems that this is a common problem as I have talked to about a dozen others that have experienced identical disasters with losses from $20 to $60 thousand dollars.  Insurance covers a majority, but some things can never be replaced and the inconvenience of being displaced from your home for a month or more is costly and aggravating...and it can be prevented!

For those who need to know - there is a plan directly beneath the A/C coils that has a drain usually to the outside.  This pan is often enclosed by a shroud so it cannot be readily seen, but you should see the PVC drain pipe (usually insulated).  This pipe often clogs due to algae growth within.  This is why we have the A/C serviced twice a year.  The technician is supposed to clean out this drain.  MAKE SURE HE DOES!

Now in case he doesn't do what he is supposed to do, there is a backup drain pan, much larger suspended beneath the A/C unit.  This unit is supposed to also have an outside drain and also a float switch to turn off the A/C in case the secondary drain also becomes clogged.  Sounds like a fail-safe system doesn't it?

What I discovered is that when I had a new A/C installed several years ago, the installer "capped off" the drain on the secondary pan and the float switch did not work!

Perhaps you might want to get into your attic during the cooler months of winter and see exactly what you have up there.  Perhaps you can save yourself a bunch of grief!  It's also a good idea to have scheduled service on your A/C and if possible follow him around and ask him what he's doing - being a pain in the neck could be in your best interest!

Y'all take care now and we'll see you down the road.

"Mr. Ed" & "Mz Jane"

  1.  555 5&1/8 feet tall

  2.  Pete Palasota

  3.  Larry Slycord

  4.  Walkups

  5.  Annapolis

  6.  Larry Cartensen

  7.  Glen Bonner

  8.  Johnna Hagewood

  9.  Larry Miller

10.  Charles and Judy DeRose

11.  Johnna and Ralph Hagewood and Larry and Linda Miller

12.  Hagewood, Livingston, Kokinos, Boka and Miller

13.  Mary Condrey

14.  Harry Condrey

15.  Jim Campbell

16.  The Guard at the Capitol Building

17.  Bob Nelson

18.  Janet Livingston (1), Paul and Julie Nottingham (2)

19.  Walkups

20.  Griff Livingston

If you have questions, please contact any of the people above.

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