Horizon Herald - Nov/Dec '00
New Horizons Owners Newsletter
Volume 2 Number 6 -
November/December 2000
Bringing together New Horizons™
owners for sharing and fellowship
Published bi-monthly
Editors: Don and Helen
McAnally
PMB 11431
214 Rainbow Drive Livingston, Texas 77399-2014
email: horizonltr@aol.com
Contents
Meandering
In Michigan - Part I
Notes from the Editors
At the moment we are north of San Antonio, TX and have been enduring very wet weather: flash flood warnings, a tornado watch and severe storm warnings. But our NH is tight and dry and we’re fine. Today the sun is shining, and all’s right with the world.
The highlight of our fall was the great Horizons rally the end of September. It seemed to be thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. We tried to meet and talk with everyone, but fell far short of that goal.
TIME TO RENEW
It ‘s renewal time for Horizon Herald subscribers. The fees for 2001 are still $9 a year for owners and that includes everyone who has already ordered their trailer from Horizons. Still $12 a year for non-owners. Pay by December 31.
Note - to those people who have given us money for new subscriptions since the last issue (Sept.-Oct.), this issue will be complimentary and the fee you paid will go for Horizon Herald 2001.
We need to have our list complete well before the Jan. - Feb. issue which will go out about Jan. 15; so let us hear from you soon. Make checks to Don McAnally. THANKS!!
We’re very grateful for your response to our request for articles, tips, notes etc. If your contribution doesn’t appear in this issue, watch for it in future issues. Please keep them coming. We really need your input.
Note From Horizons: We were swamped this year. APPOINTMENTS should be made for WARRANTY WORK ONLY during the week before and the week after Rally 2001. Special requests, add-on, etc. must be done at some other time. (Harold Johnson)
Rally 2000 Report
What a great place for a rally! 57 NH rigs parked at River Pond in Tuttle Creek State Park outside Manhattan, KS. The sites were level with easy access to water and power. The setting was attractive with mature trees, grassy areas, good space between trailers, etc. The pavilion for our activities was centrally located, and two large tents were added to provide more shade. And the weather was sunny and pleasant.
The rally committee did a fine job in putting everything together; kudos to the members for their hard work.They were: Don & Margaret Leonard - chairpersons, Tom & Peggy Liston, Ernie and Sheryl Pica, Dan & Judy Todd, Art & Karen Cosby. Activities were well planned and agenda sheets listed time and place. There were seminars with reps from Atwood and Dometic. Ken Ullmer gave a talk on using solar panels. John Anderson - A'Weigh We Go - talked about RV weights and tire inflation for both truck and RV. Lots of information with lively Q and A sessions afterward. Harold Johnson spoke briefly about the new repair facility that is going in soon at the factory.
Then there were the enjoyable social times: Happy Hours with snacks, a potluck dinner, and the great Hog Roast thrown by Horizons. Everyone seemed to mingle and get acquainted easily, so it was a very friendly atmosphere. One evening, the rally committee entertained with hilarious skits on trailering. Fun times!
There were tours to Fort Lowry, as well. And one afternoon a cavalry troop from Fort Lowry came to the park and performed for us.
The highlight of the rally seemed to be the Open House. All those who wanted to open their trailer were given flagging to put on their rig which indicated they were open for visitation. Most people had their rigs open and it was great to see how each one was set up, no two alike. Individuality was the rule; many innovative ideas. There was plenty of enthusiasm about their rigs.
Some neighbors who were not part of the rally came by to see the trailers. It was fun telling them about the special rigs we have. Also, several “wannabe” couples who attended the rally really soaked up everything they could about Horizons, including factory tours.
There’s much more that might be said about Rally 2000, but these highlights will have to do.
Rally 2001 is already in the planning stages. It will be held in the same place September 27 through 30. Contact the Rally 2001 committee members for further information:
Gen and Kirk Griffith (chairpersons)
16608 Baederwood Lane
Rockville, MD 20855
lgriffith@pocketmail.com
Earl and Linda Hylton
239 Rainbow Drive, PMB 13956
Livingston, TX 77399-2039
linda0146@aol.com
Bill and Gisela Pollock
253 Rainbow Drive, PMB 15315
Livingston, TX 77399-2053
Bill and Pat Sadd
7802 Forest Briar
San Antonio, TX 78233-4311
bsadd@dellnet.com
Herb and Becky Lind
3550 McDowell Creek Rd.
Manhattan, KS 66502-9518
bhlind@networksplus.net
John and Barbara Ragland
3253 Hilldale Ave.
Oroville, CA 95966-6306
rv4us@jps.net (Note: send any Rally
2000 photos for rally folder or scrapbook to Barbara)
N. Joe Thompson & Mary K. O’Neill
108 Prestwick Drive
Pawley’s Island, SC 29585-6719
w4cth@arrl.net
The committee hopes to mail registration forms by March.
Some tentative plans: Demo on brake adjustment, etc. with a chassis from Horizons; A’Weigh We Go program with a weighing team on site; time to attend church; tales of fascinating and interesting travels e.g. Mexico, Alaska. (Helen McAnally)
Your Turn
Comments, ideas, questions, about most anything.
We find membership in the
Escapees RV club is the single best investment we have made for our full-time
lifestyle.
If you’re “on the road” and need
emergency dental care, call 1-800-DENTIST. It works
Enjoyed the rally and the park.
Pleased with our NH & spend 95% of our time on the road boondocking. Love
the freedom of the wide open spaces.
The tip on “checking for leaks”
(see last issue) was timely since we had a leak at the water valve. After
installing new valve from Thetford, we’re now able to go without having a leak
To eliminate junk mail, send
letter to: Mail Preference Service, Direct Marketing Association, PO Box 9008,
Farmingdale, NY ll735. Be sure to give all address variations
A suggestion: what about a
spotlight section, a short bio on NH owners; also, a Q & A section, e.g.
Should you drive with propane on for refrigerator? (Ed: Any responses? Would
love to have short bios)
Thanks especially to Robert
Voelcker’s wireless internet article. We most miss cruising the web—impossible
at present without a land line
Names on properties in Colorado
that caught our eye:
“Almosta Ranch”
“Rancho Co$te Plente”
Ed. Note: Thanks for the contributions. Keep sending in your tidbits
Tips, Notes & Helpful Hints
Holding Tank Story
Although I have a large (21” x 25”) single-bowl kitchen sink, I wash dishes in a smaller (2.5 gallon) plastic tub, and often dump the water into the toilet to add to the black tank liquid volume.
I use an enzyme-based toilet chemical that promotes bacterial action to break down solids. I usually dump the tanks (50 gal. black and two 50 gal. gray) about every 10-12 days. Recently, I began using Palmolive antibacterial dish soap.
When I dumped by tanks, I noticed that the toilet paper had not been broken down as much as previously. It then occurred to me (Duh) that dumping two or three tubs of antibacterial solution into the black tank probably halted all bacterial activity from that point on.
Obviously, my choices were: 1) Continue using the antibacterial soap & stop dumping the dish water into the black tank; (2 stop using the antibacterial soap. I have chosen option #2. (Karl Shaner)
Draining the Tank
The day after the Rally ended, we decided to sanitize our fresh water system, following the instructions in the Owner’s Manual. It took forever to drain the fresh water tank using the main drain by the water pump. HINT: Drain the water heater tank, leave the plug out, and run the water pump. The water will run out the hot water drain, significantly decreasing the time to drain the tank. (Bill & Patti Sadd)
Air Suspension System
Last April Horizons installed a Red Rider air suspension system on our 33’ NH trailer. Ours was the first retrofit installation of this system.
We’re happy to report a substantial improvement in the ride of the trailer. We’re pulling it with a Stalick 4700 International Trailer Toter with air suspension and a Trailer Saver 5W.
Our testing of the ride is purely unscientific. Our first test was with a Ford F-350 with air suspension on the truck. My wife wasn’t feeling well and opted to ride in the trailer for about 75 miles. She sat in a recliner, almost over the axles. The ride was so rough that she literally crawled forward to the bedroom and onto the bed.
When purchased, our International was equipped with air suspension and a standard 5th wheel. We encountered problems with items being thrown from the forward facing cabinets in our rear kitchen. So we purchased a Trailer Saver 5W.
Our next test was a short ride in the trailer after we had installed the air 5W. Anita volunteered to ride in the trailer for 10-15 miles. She felt that the ride was better than it had been with the F-350 with air suspension, and we no longer had dishes flying from the cabinets.
After the Red Rider system was installed, she again rode in the trailer for another short test ride. This time she felt that there was a substantial improvement over both previous tests. We would definitely give the Red Rider system a “thumbs up”
Anyone with questions can reach us on the Internet at: akaZelda@aol.com, by voice mail at 888-757-7701, extension 08365, or write us at the address below:
Jim Diehl and Anita Hickman
183 Rainbow Drive #8365
Livingston, TX 77399-1083
Potpourri
Horizon Unit Numbers
Did you know that the last three digits of your NH Serial Number (see the decal next to your entrance door) represent the sequence in which your rig was built by Horizons? We are Unit #398. Where are you in the string of New Horizons built over the past ten years?
Maybe we could put decals on our rigs like those Airstreams. Given the uniqueness of our rigs, and the small number of units on the road, each trailer is a true treasure. (Bill Sadd)
Boil in Bag Breakfast
This is a breakfast dish introduced by Judy Todd at the Rally. Turned out great! Put together whatever ingredients you like for an omelet. Pour them into a sturdy freezer bag. Remove all air possible, seal tightly, and place in a pot of boiling water. Boil for about 12 minutes. Enjoy your perfectly cooked omelet. (Helen McAnally)
Volunteering
RV Care—A—Vanners
Over the past 25 years, Habitat for Humanity (HFH) has built thousands of houses for low income families around the country and the world. Most of the labor is volunteer and the materials donated, or bought with donated funds.
RV Care—A—Vanners is a group of RVers, within the overall Habitat structure, who volunteer two weeks of their time to participate in a “build.” Typically, the local HH chapter provides free hookups for the Rivers in exchange for your free labor.
There is also no charge for the significant sense of personal satisfaction you receive from working on these projects. At this time, there are 26 “builds” scheduled for Miami (FL), Hope (AR), Bend (OR) and many places in between.
If you're interested in more information, call the RV Care—A—Vanner desk at
:
(800) HABITAT, ext. 2446 and ask for Marge Kitterman.
Bill & Patti Sadd
Favorite Places & Parks
Natchez Trace Parkway
We just finished traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway from the North terminus just outside Nashville, TN down to the South terminus in Natchez, MS. It’s a great journey to the past. If you go, take your time and stop at the three FREE campgrounds (no hookups) along the Trace. At French Camp, mm 180, the cafe had the the best sandwiches and MS mud cake. Enjoy (Dan & Judy Todd)
California Park
We spent the month of September hiking through Yosemite National Park. We stayed at a very pleasant RV Park, Mono Vista, in Lee Vining, CA; full hookups and tent sites. It’s on Hwy 395 near the east entrance to the park (@ Tioga Pass). (Violet and Richard Buthmann)
Two Favorite Parks
Lexington Horse Park in Lexington, KY has spacious, scenic sites (water, electricity, and dump) It’s right next to Olympic-style horse rings and some of the most fabulous horse farms in the world
Dungeness Spit (Clallum County) Park on Washington State’s Puget Sound has wooded, private sites and spectacular views of the Sound. Try the luscious crabs that come from this area. The closest town, Sequim, is the driest town in Western Washington due its location on the lee side of the Olympic Mountains. (Blair and Donna Pingree)
Favorites—Rally Attendees
Big Pine Campground, Custer, SD; full hook-ups, great staff, lots of Ponderosa
Huntington Beach State Park, Murrells Inlet, SC; full hook-ups
Meandering in Michigan - Part I
As part of our Summer - 2000 trip, we decided to spend a month in Michigan and its Upper Peninsula. We started in NW Indiana at Indiana Dunes State Park . There, we climbed a 190-foot high sand dune and viewed Chicago, about 40 miles away, from across Lake Michigan. The skyscrapers looked like they were floating on water.
Moving into Michigan, we stopped at the Wayne County Fairgrounds RV Park - nothing fancy, but it served our purpose well. And it was the closest park we could find to our next destination - the Ford Museum and Deerfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan. At this complex we were treated to an amazing array of historically significant sights. We saw the chair in which President Lincoln was sitting when John Wilkes Booth committed his foul deed and the car that John F. Kennedy was riding in on that fateful day in Dallas. We walked through the compound of shops in which Thomas Edison made history - all carefully moved, from their original location in Menlo Park. Imagine walking through the very shop in which the Wright brothers designed and built their plane. We entered a railroad roundhouse and viewed a 120-ton locomotive from underneath? They still rebuild and restore steam locomotives here. The museum and village are getting so large that it takes two to three days to see it all.
We then moved along the western shoreline of Lake Huron and stayed a few days with some RV'ing friends in Alpena, Michigan. Our highlight here was climbing the tallest lighthouse on the Great Lakes, at Presque Isle. The 130 step climb was worth the effort; the view was spectacular! From Alpena we continued north along route 23, which hugs the shoreline of Lake Huron. This is a drive of scenic splendor with many unobstructed views of the lake. You’ll find several campgrounds along the way.
Eventually we crossed the Mackinac bridge to the upper peninsula of Michigan. We camped at the Lakeshore RV Park near St. Ignace. About 250 feet from our campsite was the north shore of Lake Michigan and to the east you could also see the waters of lake Huron. The scenery is beautiful. In the distance is the Mackinac bridge, which we had crossed earlier. It is the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere - five miles long, with the roadbed suspended 200 feet over the water.
While staying at St Ignace, we visited Mackinac Island, with the famed Grand Hotel and "no automobiles allowed." It’s just 5 miles offshore on Lake Huron. After our ferry ride to the island, we spent the day visiting the array of quaint shops along the island's port. We then took a horse-drawn carriage ride to see more of the island's highlights, such as Fort Mackinac, the Governor's summer mansion, and many natural sights.
We finished off the day with dinner at a shoreline restaurant, in St.
Ignace, as the sun began to set over Lake Huron. (Bob Voelcker)
(Ed. Note—Part II will be published in a subsequent issue.)