The Weather Gift

 Last week it was -2.  Last week we had 20" of snow on the ground. Last week I was praying that I could actually head out the driveway, all sneaky-like, unnoticed by the weather demons who, if they'd seen me or knew my intentions of leaving would hit me with their ugly stick. They must be distracted as at this T-33 hour mark there is a high probability I will not be snowed in, not have to chainsaw downed limbs nor even lift a shovel. The weather prediction is for balmy 32º Monday morning. I even dared to (HA!) look at the 10 day forecast (which has got to be something of a joke in New England) but then thought who cares? I'm gone. So, why not look at what the weather will supposedly be like along the first week of the route. I did so for the first 7 nights general areas and lo and behold it showed there were no nights that the low went below 34. Many of the days highs were in the upper 60's !! 

What this sparked was the realization that I might be able to get away with taking water with me. This year was the first year I did not do the traditional antifreeze in the water tank/lines. I made a pressure cap with a compressor fitting so that I could blow out the camper water system and in so doing left the possibility open that I could use my 20 gallon water tank after I was far enough south that the lines would not freeze and rupture. Can you see now what's possible?! I can actually take 20 gallons of the sweetest well water on earth with me and not have to buy plastic jugs that have to be put in valuable free space. SO! The plan is to get up an hour earlier on the day of departure and fill the tank! It means opening up and thereafter draining the house exterior faucet (as that has to be done in NE). But hey, that is a small price to pay for the luxury.Yes small things can make a man happy. 

My poor dog Lucy Rose (5), who I am sure will feature large in this journal due to her enthusiasm, has been in the doldrums all week. She is recovered from her bout of some nasty intestinal thing but is on high alert sensing our patterns of movement indicates a trip and sure as hell she will not be anywhere else but in that vehicle when it leaves; underfoot at all times whenever one drifts towards the door. A lot of anxious inhaling around the equipment table for telltale indicators of a "dog bag". Why can't she find her favorite stuffed duck in her toy box? Something is UP! She hasn't a clue what she's getting into but in three months time she should be able to bark in Spanish!