Full-timing in Ohio over the winter is rough. Things freeze, like water lines, hot water tanks, drain pipes, and waste water tanks.
I don't know how these things happen, but, winter snuck up on me again! Both the grey and black waste water tanks were full and the propane was getting dangerously low. And, the temperature was taking a nose dive into the sub-teens. So, it seemed like the calling for a road trip to the nearest dump and propane stations.
DESTINATION:
WEST BRANCH STATE PARK - OHIO
The first thing I noted was that she handled the snow covered roads with ease. Great traction and control probably due to her massive weight and 19" 100psi tires. This was the first trip for my Honey Bee on snowy roads. Thankfully, it was a good experience.
Temperatures were already into the teens when the trip began. On the itinerary was a stop at a U-haul for propane, Giant Eagle for fuel and food, and final stop at
West Branch State Park.
She seemed shocked that anybody would be pulling up in an RV for propane, let alone on their way to a campground with the temperatures dropping into the low teens. Besides, her gloves were wet, her shoes were wet, her nose was cold and she just seemed downright irritated. The U-haul employee seemed to be having a bad day, and, I just iced her cake.
Within minutes of fumbling with the propane fueling connection she burnt her hand. No, not by fire, but, by freezing. She had taken her wet gloves off. I guess they were freezing to the nozzle. When she loosened the relief valve propane shot out and froze her exposed skin. Worse even, she seemed unable to get the propane pump to work right or even the connection to my tank to seal. Propane was dripping and spraying everywhere! I was relieved when she dismissed me and told me there was an Ameri-gas just up the road at bit. Shew. Glad that stuff ain't explosive!
Found the Ameri-gas. It was open, but the techs had gone home for the day already. No problem. I had enough propane for the night. So, I headed on up the road to West Branch and would return the next day for propane, food, and fuel. My big intention was to get to the dump station and unload those waste water holding tanks.
The release valves were already frozen. The temperature was 12 degrees. With air movement from driving I would suppose the wind chill was sub zero. The drain pipes and sections of the tanks were probably frozen, too. I thought about using a hair dryer, for a minute. There was no way that was going to thaw anything out. Too cold. Too big. hmmmm... now what?? Those tanks freeze, they will burst. So would the pipes and valves.
Thankfully, I remembered I had my portable propane camping grill with me. As I texted a friend..both of the waste water tanks and valves had already froze...bad bad bad..ice will burst them open..really bad stinky messy disaster if allowed to happen..so..i thought maybe hair dryer to try n thaw..but too cold 14 and dropping n tanks too big..so i look for where gas tank is..right next to them ..lol..of course..but decide to chance it and fire up my portable propane bbq right under the frozen tanks...after half hour heating the crap tank valve thaws n tank starts draining..the sink tank took longer..i was out there close 2 hours..but got it done.
The rest of the adventure was very peaceful. Not a soul around. Had the whole campground to myself. So, just what does a person who hates the cold do in a very cold campground? Eat! What else?
Chunky tomato soup, wheat crackers, cheese, baby spinach with apple vinegar to dress it, and coffee. All organic, of course.
The view was great and the experience of solitude was very settling. Glad I don't believe in Big Foot, Aliens, Monsters, or marauding bloodthirsty madmen waiting for their next victim in vacant public parks.
Rocket, my faithful companion, didn't seem too impressed with the whole adventure. He hates being cold more than I do. And, cold was just the constant.
The ice machine really seemed out of place.
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All in all, my first road trip for 2012 was a smashing success. I was able to drain the holding tanks, fill up the propane tank, fuel up the gas tank, score gallons of free water, and get a little food shopping done. Had a couple of nice meals. Enjoyed the peace and calm of the moment. And, treasured the time given me to see creation at it's unique best. It is going to be a fine year, indeed.
