We intended to stay in a motel but they would have none of it - they vacated their motorhome and slept in the main house. We had full use of the motorhome, now we were going to get a taste of being " rock stars". One thing we did do before we crossed the border was to check with US border patrol to ensue our paperwork was ok, we didn't want any problems when we returned this time. In fact the the border control officer said it was perfect and commented "I wish more people did it this way". A lesson learned, crossing the US border can sometimes be a bit of a lottery.
The drive up was beautiful as the Autumn leaves were changing colour - I must admit it felt funny not towing the 5th wheeler. As we stopped for fuel we drove through Salmon Town and were amazed to see dozens of fisherman in the stream that ran through the centre of town casting for salmon. We stopped and walked down to the stream and made conversation with one of the fisherman and learnt about the finer points of salmon fishing. This is certainly a must do when we return.
Leaf Peeping
Fishing at Salmon Town
The Bridge Into Canada at Cornwall
We spent four fantastic days with Andy and Jackie and met most of their family including Jackie's 82 year old father who would have to be one of the funniest and quick witted people I have met. Andy and he obviously have a great repore and we were in stitches many times as they bantered back and forth. We had many a drink and laughs including reminiscing about the 4 weeks that we camped together down south. No visit with Andy and Jackie would be complete without a game of Skip Bo, a game similar to Uno. In conversation one night Rose mentioned to Andy she had never been on a Harley Davidson, a quick phone call and Andy had arranged to borrow his brothers bike so she could have a ride. We were so glad to have had the opportunity of seeing Jackie and Andy, after 4 fun filled days we headed back to Fredonia with heavy hearts.
Cornwall, Ontario
Biker Rose
Jackie's father Lu
Next day we started cleaning the 5th wheeler. First thing was to seal the bottom of the trailer to keep any bugs and critters out while in storage by applying copious amounts of silicon and expander foam into the gaps underneath the 5th wheeler. Apart from keeping the critters out, this exercise will definitely make for a warmer 5th wheeler during the winter months.
I also had to clean and apply a protectant to help preserve the rubber roof. During the process I noticed two small holes so patched them up. Next job was to wash,wax and buff the trailer. We also had to clean out the storage compartments - again no liquids can remain - it's surprising how much we had accumulated over the 11 months on the road.
Another job foreign to us Aussie's is winterising the plumbing. This means that you have to drain all the water from the pipes and replace it with a special type of anti freeze - not the same as a cars anti freeze. Again due to sub zero temperatures if all the water is not removed the pipes will freeze and burst and create a hefty repair bill. Our trailer is equipped with the necessary connections to make winterising easier so with help from Ceil we pumped over 12 gallons in including pouring a small amount in the sink traps, gray tanks and black tanks. As our 5 th wheeler is plumbed for a washer we even had to run those taps for the first time. Of course on our return the anti freeze will have to be flushed out.
Whilst I was doing the outside Rose tackled the inside. Clothes that were staying separated, bedding washed, and all stored in vacuum bags. Remaining food stuffs had to come out as did any liquids as these will freeze and burst during the winter months. All the cupboards were cleaned and timber polished - the list of chores just kept getting bigger.
Our last purchase from camping world was a 5 th wheel cover which will protect it in our absence and keep it looking good.
Cleaning the Roof
I Was Exhausted
A Quick Buff
Looking Good
All Ready for Winter and Storage
5th wheeler all done we had the luxury of a couple of spare days to spend with Ceil and Chuck. Chuck had been working some really long hours - between 16 and 20 hours each day - but fortunately he was able to finish up early one day so we sat around the fire with a red wine and set off the fire works that we had bought many months ago. I also carved my very first pumpkin for Halloween which now has pride of place out front of Chuck and Ceil's house.
My First Pumpkin Carve
I'm a Natural at this?
Not to bad if I say so myself
Tomorrow we head to Buffalo NY to catch a plane to Dallas via Atlanta we then have 3 days in Dallas including a day with our friend Bobby and his wife, Libby. We met Bobby in Terlingua, TX back in February so we are looking forward to catching up with him and finally meeting Libby.
My blogging about this wonderful journey has almost come to an end - my final one will provide some interesting facts and figures.
Posted by RnR on their IPad
Location:Fredonia, New York State
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