Set . . .

August 8, 2005

Sonny and I picked up the r.v. this afternoon. It is big. Really big. With the slideouts extended, it is bigger (and nicer) than some places I have lived. We got a solid orientation on the r.v.'s systems and general operations and then struck out for home - about 30 miles - in the rain - and wind. Not fun. The r.v. is nearly 13 feet tall - so it catches a lot of wind. After a while I got the hang of it and, despite the rain, we made good time getting back into Dallas.

The drive got a little dicey once we got into town and onto the local streets. I should probably go by the name Agent Orange, having wrought a trail of defoliation through Lakewood.

Jaybo was waiting for us when we got back to the house. He and I loaded up his bike and then got to work loading the r.v. Three coolers, sixty pounds of ice, seven cases of beer, four cases of water, three cases of soda and one box of Monte Cristo cigars later, we were mostly packed and definitely ready to go. I think we are all looking forward to getting out on the road.

As is typical, my bags are bristling with electronics - GPS, iPod, XM MyFi satellite radio, laptop computer, a handful of FRS and GMRS walkie-talkie radios, two digital cameras (a snapshooter and an slr), mobile phone (data-capable, linking to the laptop via bluetooth) and a fully digital camcorder with a remote, helmet mountable lens. It is reminiscent of the r.v. from the last (and not particularly good) half of Stripes.

That's the fact Jack.