We did something different a few weeks ago. I rented a class B van from a local guy just to see if I'd like it. I've had a crush on these things for a year now and I figured it was about time I figured out if it was something The Lovely Wife (TLW) and I would like. Just picking it up turned out to be an adventure.
For starters the renter wasn't very well prepared for our arrival. Seems the awing didn't work right, the generator wouldn't start, the low tire pressure light was on, and his wife had unplugged the shore power so the chassis batteries weren't fully charged. Add all that to the fact we were under a tornado watch and it got a little tense. TLW wanted to bail but I was hearing none of that. I had taken the following week off and by gosh I was going camping. I rolled out in a driving rain with my phone alert going off to seek shelter immediately.
On a positive note the van was clean. I made it home in one piece and spent the next day getting familiar with the different systems.
The River
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| After the imprompt shower. That's the river in the background |
The next morning we headed to our first camp site reservation at Ochlocknee River State Park. We arrived just in time for an afternoon rain shower. I knew the awning didn't work right but I extended it anyway. We set up chairs and watched it rain. It was then I noticed water building up in the middle. So I just pushed the awning up to let it drain, which it did, but it curled around the end and landed on TLW who rocketed up out of her chair with a very mad look on her face. Fortunately I didn't laugh, at least not then.
Later that evening we discovered that the owner had left a quarter of a tank of gray water in the van. Maybe the gauge wasn't working right but the tank filled up in the middle of TLW's shower.
The campsite was right on the river with good privacy. Really a beautiful place. We hiked and biked, leaving around 10 the next morning headed to Gainesville to have lunch with the kid.
But first we had to perform our first tank dump. All went well, no problems, and not near as bad as I envisioned it.
Salt Springs
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| The lake house my family used to own. |
After lunch we headed to Salt Springs, getting there about 5. The springs were deserted and the campground only half full. Not as private as the river but still nice. TLW didn't have any issues thank goodness and we finished up the day by a nice campfire.
We rode the bikes to a restaurant across the road for breakfast the next morning. I had eaten here a lot in a previous life. So with full bellies we made a driving tour of my old stomping grounds then headed for Ft. Clinch.
The Fort
We had a late lunch at a seafood restaurant on the way up. This was something that worked well for us so we didn't need to cook or eat a big meal in the van.
This was by far the best park we visited. With a long shore line just up the road from our camp and beautiful weather we were happy.
I did have an issue with cranking up the heat too fast and having the system shut down but was able to reset and get everything going again. Watching old Star Trek on the TV was a treat. The music system was something I didn't think we'd use but was pleasantly surprised how much we enjoyed it.
The next day we went for a long hike along the beach and through the trails, then met my brother and sister in law at the van.
We grabbed lunch on the way home at a great little place we'd have never been able to get a larger vehicle in.
Conclusion
I want one. TLW was in by the time the trip was over. Maybe not as in as me but still in. It was very easy to drive, the beds were comfortable, the bathroom deal was doable, and the campgrounds were great. We didn't try boondocking. So I didn't get to run the generator. I hear making the water and power last is a skill.
It's a lot of money for something that will depreciate like crazy but I believe we will enjoy it.
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