RVing: First Time Out

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My wife, and our three dogs, had their first overnight trip in our motor home. We took a trip to Cozy Creek Campground, near Tunkhannock, PA, and stayed two nights. Our two Scotties and Westie adapted well to travel and we’re very eager to explore when we took them on walks. They also enjoyed looking outside from their perch on the dash board. They did get agitated when they spotted chipmunks and squirrels as well as other dogs. We’ll have to work on that during training. 

I had already made two shakedown overnight trips on my own, prior to this one, and I am getting more proficient with the RV’s systems. I’ve worked out most of the bugs, but I still have a couple of things to try out and resolve.

Halfmoon Valley Rainfall

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After the rainfall from yesterday and early this morning (1.10 inches), the annual precipitation is now at a surplus of 0.17 inches. Monthly precipitation has been below normal for January, February, March and April. May is not quite over, but the rainfall for the month is 1.74 inches above normal.
Outlook
The outlook for the summer months of June, July and August indicates equal chances for a near normal amount of precipitation.

Way Fruit Farm

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Located near Stormstown, PA, The Way Fruit Farm has been operated and owned by members of The Way family since 1826. The market was built in 1958 and was expanded in 2009. 

 
Besides local produce, they also have milk, cider, soups, ice-cream, preserves, spices, baking supplies and more. There is also a bakery that makes fresh bread, cookies, cakes and pies. In addition, there is also a cafe and deli. Last, but not least, there is a small gift shop.

Stream Water Data Collection

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On Thursday, May 19, I joined a team of volunteers that collect and analyze water samples taken from rivers, lakes and streams in Centre County, PA. The two sample sites that we visited are along Little Fishing Creek near Hublersburg, PA.

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Chemical analysis of the water samples was conducted at each site. Samples were tested for dissolved oxygen, akilinity, pH, conductivity, nitrates, phosphates and sulphates. Also, at both sites, the width of the creek was measured, along with the depth at 10 points across the stream, and the speed of the water flow was taken at those same points.

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While the chemical analysis is being conducted, other volunteers collect the fauna from the stream. The bottom of the stream was stirred up and then collected with a fine netting.

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The collected silt is then spread out on the mesh, using a table, and then, using large tweezers, various invertebrates were collected, sorted and counted.

There is a web page for the organization, which includes Google spreadsheets for the data.

Amateur HF Radio Station

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This week, I completed setting up my HF amateur radio station. The final component was a 30 foot vertical antenna. The antenna mast, made of fiberglass, is collapsible and can be quickly disconnected. This is necessary in the event of a thunderstorm.

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The day after I completed the installation, I made my first HF contact, from Stormstown on 40 meters, with a station in Maine. The operator gave me an excellent signal report to confirm my radio system is working. I sent a QSL card to the operator.

QSL

Spring Arrives in Halfmoon Valley

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Happy Easter!

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At last, Spring has arrived in Halfmoon Valley. After a long Winter, temperatures have become more moderate with highs in the 60s and 70s. Forsythia are blooming and local apple orchards, Bradford pear, and other deciduous trees are leafing out. Farmers in the valley are plowing and planting their fields.
My outdoor activities are becoming more frequent, too. I assembled my wife’s gardening cart, and I installed a vertical HF antenna. My radio shack is now complete.
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Trixie Update: April 3, 2017

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Trixie, our Westie, is now 13 weeks old and had her second visit to the vet this morning. She had a scheduled shot and examination. She is in excellent health and growing normally. Her weight increased by 50% in a month and now weighs a little over 6 lb. Her adult hair is coming in and will start losing her puppy teeth soon. The vet said that she’ll have another growth spurt by her next visit in May.

Stormstown Water Board

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This week, my wife and I attended the annual meeting of our local water commission. We both found it to be interesting and instructive. 

We learned that our community is supplied by two wells, each with a storage tank. One well has recently been put into production. The board plans to link the two wells and operate them on an alternating schedule.

Some of the older water lines are leaking, and is estimated that the leakage rate is 20%. There is a program to systematically replace the older lines. It is also necessary to plug the boreholes for three abandoned wells.
There hasn’t been a rate increase in nearly 25 years. The system has been operating at a loss over the last few years. In order to improve service, pay for the new well, increase monetary reserves, and cover other operating costs, there will be a rate increase effective this July. The rates are two-tiered.

Laundry Hoist

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My wife asked me to create an easier method of carrying laundry downstairs. I designed and built a hoist as a solution. The bracket was available from Amazon, as well as the pulleys. Cord, an eyebolt, a cleat and toggle bolts were bought at a hardware store. The bracket was secured to the wall with the toggle bolts (rated at 80 lbs. each). I rigged a simple block and tackle to lower and raise a laundry basket. The pictured prototype is the result.

I plan to improve the pulley system with a more suitable and complex block and tackle.

Introducing Trixie

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File Mar 19, 2 56 42 PM

Two weeks ago, we acquired a new addition to our family. We brought home a West Highland Terrier puppy which we named Trixie. She is a little spitfire and can hold her own against our older Scotties, Tillie and Toby Two. It took a few days, but the Scotties have accepted her.

Trixie is now eleven weeks old. For such a small puppy, at 4 pounds, she can be quite vocal and loud. I can hear her upstairs at the other end of the house. She is starting to learn how to navigate stairs. Not too much problem going up, but unsure of going down. She has also adapted well to crate training. We expect it will be several weeks until she’s housetrained.

Trixie was a big hit at the nursing home. Residents, and staff alike, enjoyed her visit.