Howdy, East Texas!

   Extra-sensory perception -- I believe there's something to it!  On several occasions a few years ago, we had experienced problems with leaks in the air locking system on the door of the Mandalay.  For some reason, it crossed my mind that it had been a long time since we'd experienced problems with it.  As I closed the door and locked it and took my seat to leave the Pioneer Acadia RV Park in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, George put the coach in gear and there it was, that awful whooshing sound coming from the door next to me!

   George checked the gauges and assured me that the air pressure was okay and that we could drive ahead (as we have in the past) since we were needed in Livingston, Texas the following day.  As we approached the entrance ramp to I-10 Westbound, the noise increased to an unfamiliar level.  George again checked the gauges and assured me, with a little less certainty, that all would be okay.  I checked the GPS for RV service in the area and made the first call, although I could scarcely hear for the air leak.  I looked up and saw a TA Travel Center sign and begged George to pull in, so that I could attempt more calls since the first person was unable to help us.

The back road to Livingston following the rain...

   Fortunately, the TA service technicians had the needed tools and worked us in, so that the ruptured air line could be replaced and we were on our way -- now only an hour or an hour and a half behind schedule.  When I shared my intuition with George, he shared that he had recently held the same thought -- that the door problem had apparently disappeared... NOT!

   In an effort to save time, I re-set the preferences on the Rand McNally GPS so that we could avoid Houston during rush hour and located a Flying J just outside Beaumont where we could fuel before heading out into the back country.  George diligently washed the bugs from the windshield as he fueled, and just as we crested the next hill, the black storm clouds were upon us.

All set up at Rainbow's End RV Park in Livingston, Texas

Carol enjoying dessert...

   We arrived Wednesday, November 6, as planned, at Rainbow's End RV Park, which is the headquarters of the Escapees RV Club, a great organization!  By now the rain had subsided and we parked, set up and had time to relax.  On Thursday George taught a mini-lesson and we caught up with instructor Glyn Carson and his delightful wife, Diane.  I began to prepare a dish to share at the pre-Boot Camp party hosted by former owners of the RV Driving School, Dennis and Carol Hill.  Dennis made some scrumptious pulled pork, beans and cole slaw.  I prepared my niece, Wendy's, chocolate pudding dessert (that's what we call it when the kids are around), that is otherwise referred to 'better than sex,' among other names.  This recipe is sure to be a hit, and Carol Hill really likes it a lot!

The dessert I like to prepare for Carol Hill

   Wendy's recipe is this:  First layer, you may use either graham cracker or nut crust.  If you use the graham cracker crust, just follow directions on the box.  If you use the nut crust, mix 1 C flour, 1/2 C melted oleo, 1 C chopped pecans, mix and spread in large 9 x 13 cake pan and bake at 350 degrees 15 minutes and allow to cool.  Second layer 1 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature), 1 C powdered sugar, and 1 C Cool Whip.  Whip and spread over first layer and cool.  Third layer mix 2 packages instant pudding (not the large boxes).  She uses 1 box French vanilla and one box chocolate mixed up with a blender to limit lumping.  Spread over second layer and allow to set.  Fourth layer spread remaining cool whip and top with chocolate or colored sprinkles.  

Dennis Hill putting a wrap on his pulled pork

   Meanwhile, instructor Arthur Jacobson and his wife, Karen, arrived, and George and I enjoyed a good meeting with the two of them following our busy Boot Camp schedule over dinner at Pueblo Viejo Mexican Restaurant.

   

Instructor Art Jacobson and wife Karen

  This year, the esteemed Escapees Boot Camp in Livingston normally scheduled for early November, sold out early and the organization decided to hold a second session, November 15-17.  

Instructor Glyn Carson and wife Diane

   The schedule is aggressive with eight seminars and two optional seminars in addition to lots of social time.  Students learn RV driving safety, RV basic systems, hitches, weight and load management, personal safety, and fire safety.  There are optional discussions on buying an RV and full time RVing.  There are also opportunities for an additional cost to have your RV weighed by Smart Weigh here on the premises, and of course, we have instructors available for private mini-lessons with one of our professional instructors.  Instructors Glyn Carson and Arthur Jacobson are working hard around the clock to ensure everyone who wants a lessons can be accommodated.

Boot Camp attendees are happy campers despite the light rain before Saturday night's dinner.

   The enthusiasm of the new RVers who attend the Boot Camp program is contagious!  We always enjoy the nice friends we meet who remind us of our own early days on the road!  Participants in the first session have 'graduated' and we've said our good-byes.  It was a fun group!  Tables and chairs have been arranged, re-arranged, supplies have been put in the appropriate places, and although we are tired, we look forward to doing it all again next weekend.

Fireside chat at the end of the day...