Today I studied at a new skill set. When we back the coach and the trailer into a camp site, one of us drives the coach and the other acts a ground control. Ground control is a very important position. This person is responsible for keeping track of the big picture. He or she guides the rig back into the selected site making sure there is no interference with tree branches, boulders and posts. They must also guard against jack—knifing the rig and scratching the paint and smashing the clearance lights.
This week at our Escapee Rally in Lodi California there was active discussion about getting both members of the team skilled in all aspects of driving and maneuvering the rig. So…when we arrived at Redding this afternoon I stepped out of the coach and acted as ground control. With hand signals and a walkie-talkie I skillfully guided the trailer into its assigned stall. After disconnecting the trailer I then guided our coach into the camp site. We didn’t damage anything and placed the coach skillfully in exact position. I am so proud of…Judy
Yes, Judy. It is her first time handling the coach in the tight quarters of a camp ground. Slowly, carefully, watching all tree limbs and other vehicles, Judy maneuvered around the parking lot and backed the trailer into a parking spot. Once free of the trailer, she then drove the coach to the campground slots and backed into a vacant camp site. To up the ante a bit there are three fellow campers, men, sitting nearby watching. After her performance they gave Judy a standing ovation.
Tomorrow we will cruise from Redding into Oregon. We will take a couple more days to get to Salem just in time for our Oregon State Park Volunteer boot camp. Judy and I have signed up for a two month tour as park hosts at Fort Yamhill State Park for June and July this summer. Fort Yamhill State Park is a day use park about half way from Salem to Lincoln City on the coast. This is another new chapter in our retirement saga. Stay tuned to see what new adventures we log. By all means, if you are in the vicinity this summer, drop in and visit us.
Good Bye from Redding, CA