Getting the Sunstar Road Ready

So we are less than 4 weeks away, crunch time.   I still can't quite seem to write any lists although there are a million things flying around in my head about what is still left to gather, fix, or buy!  This week we concentrated on starting to get the Sunstar road ready.  She needs a few things, small and large, before we head out.  Some we knew about but one was a big surprise.

When we started out on our Mother's Day weekend trip it was hot.  No problem, we got in the R/V and cranked up the A/C only to find that the air really wasn't that cold, really, not cold at all.  So off to the shop she went this week.  Diagnosis, new compressor.  Cost, $2,000.  Really wasn't what I wanted to hear but  on this trip, A/C is not optional.  We don't run the generator while driving so it's really the only way we cool the whole RV.  On a hot 12 hour driving day I could really seeing us causing some serious damage to each other without it.  So, Greg's shopping around to see if we can get the part any cheaper.

Sunstar watching the Sunset in Key West

Next the Sunstar headed to the Volkswagen dealer for a nice transmission flush.  I'm sure that felt good ;-).  Luckily that wound up costing less than expected but still doesn't offset that A/C compressor enough.  We brought her home and Greg is looking at the generator, which also isn't working quite right to see what that needs.  Hopefully nothing in the range of that compressor but we need the generator too, we have lots of days with no electric hookup! 

The remaining things Greg should be able to fix.  The freezer door needs a new spring, the couch needs to be secured to it's frame.  That was broken by the kids back on trip #1 to Key West.  Here's a little tip:  never buy an RV from a family.  Kids are hard on everything.  Buy one from a nice old person like we did and then break everything yourself.  We also have to decide on how the over cab bed will be finalized, but that's probably the lowest thing on the priority list for me.  Can you guess #1?


This coming weekend is really RV prep weekend.  Greg and I both have lots to do to get ready.  It's time to start organizing and making the lists of what we need to bring.  I also need to start compiling all the things to entertain the kids on those long driving days as well as new music and maybe some books on tapes for Greg and I.  I really feel the clock ticking as we close out June.  July 20th will be here in a flash!

5 Weeks and Counting

This week marks the end of 3rd grade for Kellen.  For Bella it's not only the end of the school year but the end of elementary school as she leaves the 5th grade.  When we talked about doing this trip we settled on the summer between 5th and 6th grade for Bella.  We thought they would both be at good ages.  Old enough to appreciate and remember the trip but not so old that that they don't want to hang out with their family.  It's hard to believe we are now only 5 weeks away. 

The majority of the campsites and overnights are booked.  We've left one week open and flexible as we visit our west coast friends.  That was part of our comprise of planning vs. flexibility. The last thing to do is book our hotel for Chicago.  Greg thinks he found a hotel in the west loop, near where he used to work that has a lot next to it where we can leave the RV.  This is so great. We thought we'd have to find a place for it outside the city, which was going to make the stop a logistical nightmare.  Having a place in the city for the RV will be huge. 

So next it's time to make the lists and research some fun activities for all our stops.  So far I've got a boat tour of Crater Lake and some ideas about what to see in Yellowstone.  I want to find some other things to do and see along our route as well as have some rainy day ideas at the ready.  Nothing is worse than being trapped in a 21 ft RV while it rains all day (unless you are driving). 

I'd also like to give a shout out on this Father's Day to my baby daddy, best friend and love of my life.  He's the one who will drive most of the trip without complaining, empty the "black water" from the RV, eat whatever I can whip up in the small kitchen without complaint, and without whom the idea for this trip would never have been born.  Happy Father's Day Greg, we love you!!

Greg with our babies!