The year 2011 comes to an end

Last year at this time I was still working for Western Geco, traveling to and from the boat was a big pain in the ass. However that was not the main reason I decided it was time to leave, I did not like the boat I was assigned to and had the distinct feeling that I was "NOT" a welcome member of the crew. Always felt like everyone was avoiding me and never could find out why. I believe it was because I was American and most of the crew was not.  So I started a new chapter of my life as a working gypsy or otherwise know a workamper.

  So far this first year has been okay but not great, I found work for only three months out of the year, my goal is to work six to nine months of the year. I need the work because of my age 57 and the fact that it will be 5 to 8 years before I can collect on anything including my 401K.

 Other then work this has been a great first year, have traveled to a lot of places in the good old USA that I have always wanted to see. Have made new friends from all over the country some I see on facebook others I just miss. I am hoping this year to see some old friends as I head West and make some new ones.


  The expense of living this life is cheaper then a house or apartment but still not cheap. Example is what I have spent in the last year to get my rig in the best shape I can, it is an older motor home so take a bit more care to insure it is running right. Spent $900 on new tires, $4000 on Transmission, $1800 on turn-ups (2) oil change (2) Transmission checkup (1) and replacement of belts and hoses, $440 on brake repair. So what does that come to for the first year??? $7,140 ouch!!!!!!  But if living in an "AVG" apartment paying rent of $600 a month that alone would be $7,200 a year plus all the utilities. So I figure I broke even this first year, hoping the second year will be better.

Following Photos are my Favorites of the year 2011 enjoy and Happy New Year...

Tucson Az

Wills Point TX

Wills Point Tx

Yellowstone Park Wy

Yellowstone Park WY

Someplace in the West on a back road.

Breakfast with Kay in NM

On of the New Mexico State Parks

Two Pals Shelby and Spencer

Palo Duro Canyon Texas

Petit Jean Park AR

Friendship, Campbellsville KY

RV picnic Campbellsville Ky

KY

KY

RV Camp Campbellsville KY

At camp in Saraland Alabama

Last day of 2011 started off foggy, Saraland Alabama

LazyLife on the road

Not much excitement going on at the moment. Taking long walks in the woods? Reading or maybe it is napping, seems like I read a chapter and fall asleep. Playing with Spencer and CW.  The following photos were all taken today.. See what you think..

Nice day to walk in the woods, but wait what is that sound??

Why, it is an 18 wheeler going by..  LOL.. Part of the park borders I-65..

CW was not happy with the harness I used to put her outside,

For the second time in a year I get to use my grill..

Cooking on the grill outside, enjoying the sun.

Here is my toast to all hoping we all have a great New Year.

CW escaped the harness and would not come in. Just have to wait and see if she comes back.

To end my day I think I will take a nice long shower, NO CW has not returned at this time...

Busy day doing what I have to get done.

Today is a get it done day.... First on my list was taken the rig into a garage to get the breaks fixed, the rear ABS and emergency break lights came on when I was driving down here and never went off. The drivers manual said it was still safe to drive but have checked out as soon as possible. Took rig to a Trax Tires that I found online, the place can do it all. Today was the day for break repair, main cylinder on both rear breaks was leaking fluid causing the problem. The leak was so bad both break drums were soaked and had to be replaced. ( yes I looked at them when being removed ) If not replaced could have caused a lock up later when I used them. ( true, looked it up online )...  This little adventure  took all morning....

Look real close and you can see the old break drum... Soaked!!!!

Once all was well with the breaks ( going back Friday for turn-up and transmission check. ( transmission was replaced in June and I want to be sure all is okay )... I went to Wal Mart just down the street for food and a few other supplies. On the way back I stopped at Ruby Tuesday's for lunch. Friday I think I will try Wintzell's...

Made it back to camp with a pocket of quarters so doing my laundry... Only $1.00 a load so one wash one dry = $2.00... Not bad...

This could take some time...

Think I have found a home .... Hee Hee...

I love this park, ( Chickasabogue Park ) it has over 11 miles of hiking trails, a sports field, a river and beaches, laundry room, good shower, I get phone connection, television, and computer works. This is one of the best if not the best parks I have ever been to and it only cost $85 a week.  At the moment I have paid until Dec 30th, but thinking about extending until Jan 6th 2012..

Following pictures are of this mornings walk, still overcast and on the cool side but warm enough that my heater is off and my door open. :-)

Road down to the Marina

Fishing dock and small boat launch area

Nice view of the river

Does anyone know what type of mushroom this is? Never seen one like it before.

Keep looking for a Smuff 

View seen walking the beach loop trail

Could not read it so took a photo.. LOL...

Inland that has the sign. 

This place has it all.

Field for the kids to play..

Old Cemetery, told some graves go back to the 1700's
I could not read most so I will just believe..

This is the grave Spencer went to first, sat and looked and the right side. 

Spencer only paid respects to the ladies. Never tried with the men.. Strange..

Looks to me like the son died in WW2 Dad followed soon after. Just a guess.

Wish this one was not busted. 

Entrance to the Cemetery, at first Spencer did not want to go in, dragged his heels at first, then jumped up and ran to a ladies grave.

Came back to camp and did some cleaning, and setup my Christmas stuff..

Merry Christmas to all...