Microwave Mission

 

To start this off our local RV repair dudes, called the Hitch House, told us that our microwave was, in their words, "pooched." Not good I guessed. As they put it in the dumpster they said that they could get a new similar one and install it for $1600. Hmmmm. Insurance company said that they would give us $450.

 

Plan B. OK. We order a new one and have it delivered at the Home Depot in Port Huron and we go get it and install it ourselves. Let's Go!

 

We learned that it would be in on Wednesday so left Barrie for the quick 230 miles over the border to Port Huron. Not quite so fast. As we tried to depart, the automatic patio awning didn't "automatic" and remained down. With a neighbor's help we used cable ties to secure the arms of the thing to the Flying Scotsman and following the operator's manual resecured a set screw that should hold everything together until we get this new problem fixed.

 

Fine for 30 miles. Then the fabric began to unravel and billow out and we had to stop at the Walmart in Alliston. Bruce got the ladder out of the basement and "really" secured the awning to the bus with about ten feet of Duct Tape .... hence

 

 

 

Once that was done we again motored off toward the border without event until arriving at the Sarnia entrance to the border. In our 40+ years of whipping across the border we have never seen so many trucks stopped. There were at least 1000 trucks in line to cross and many of them wouldn't make it this night .... wow. Not sure of the reason but it would be a long night for many of them.

Our crossing was uneventful and even though the above picture looks busy we were through the customs in about 20 minutes from the above shot. And then we arrived in the Port Huron KOA ... always reliable and always available.

We did get a brand new site though. But if you look close you can still see the provided patio, swing, and propane grill on the concrete pad and patio. Comfortable for $56.

And mission accomplished. The micro was at the Home Depot as they said and they happily popped in our car. Because we thought it was an exact replacement we thought it would go in easy ... nah. About three hours later with the help of the proctoscope and some modifications it looked installed enough for any questions at the border.

Yes ... the Flying Scotsman again has a full service kitchen! And the awning is still taped in place.

Old folks who are obviously easily entertained!

 

Here's a display at the local church in the little town of Craighurst ... a clever arrangement of the farm equipment in a church and choir setting ... the organ player and organ on the wagon is great.

 

 

And then I guess you wouldn't want the whole ... thing ...

The "chipmunk whisperer" is still refining her trade as the little creatures are becoming more confident with our (her) habits. Hope they don't want dinner too soon in the RV.

Then I explored the macro feature of the camera and caught this dragonfly which, I'm glad isn't as huge as it appears here.

 

 

With the macro feature again we got the munkster in all his hairy glory.

 

Combat!

 

(Water combat that is ... aka how the 69 year old tries to prove he is still 12)

 

Here is your Special Ops hero lying in wait for the enemy, trusty weapon in hand.

 

And then the unsuspecting victims round the bend ... boy are they in for a surprise. Wait ... the driver couldn't have a shower cap and snorkel on ... I think your super hero is in for trouble.

The heat of the battle or shall we say it's going to get a lot cooler.

 

 

And the oldsters in this end of the park finally subdue the intruding youngsters ... for another year.

I think I was saying, boy did I really soak them, eh ... ooo then why is it so cold all of a sudden? They must have had a secret weapon I didn't see ... the 8 year old with the Super Soaker.

The annual soaker wagon trip for the kids was a hit (two loads went by) and all of the "kids" both young and old really enjoyed a great afternoon with plenty of sunshine and water.

Happy Canada Day

and

Fourth of July!

 

 

While we were out exploring Barrie during this holiday week we again stopped to gaze at this huge piece of art at the waterfront of the city. This is the Spirit Catcher which represents the Aboriginal people of Canada and influenced by their myth of the Thunderbird.

The Thunderbird is the messenger who carries dreams and desires to the Creator. On the day the Spirit Catcher was erected in Barrie the native people blessed the site with the burning of sweet grass accompanied by a drum performance by a native drum group.

As we went around the harbor we again went by this building ... probably the most Parliamentary Burger King you will ever see! Actually the rest of the structure is the Barrie bus terminal but it looks quite impressive from this vantage point.

Throughout the summer we pass by this house about a mile from our KOA. The bear is decked out in whatever theme is being celebrated at the time. Today, of course, it is Canada Day and Smokey has his red Calgary Stampede hat on and a nice red bow tie to match.

And finally a nice picture from our patio toward the west with the banner flying and the mixture of reds, whites, and blues all blending nicely.

We hope all those who are looking at this have, or will have, a wonderful and safe holiday period!!