Wednesday, February 5, 2020

White Lion Delivery Day! :))

Location:  Saddle Mountain BLM South of Tonopah, Arizona

Here I am at 2 o'clock Wednesday morning giving you and update of how my day went yesterday.  Yuma woke me with a sneeze so I thought I would just get'r done.  Don't worry, I've got plenty of time to get a good night's sleep.

As you might suspect I didn't sleep well again last night in anticipation of the big day.  Got up at 7:30 and made coffee and took Yuma for his walk.  Bright sun shiny day but very cold at 33 degrees.  Luckily, there was little wind so it was bearable.

Drank one cup of coffee and 10 Ritz crackers with the works.  That was it.  Figured I would finish breakfast later.  Took Yuma over to Deb's place for Riley to watch and then Deb and I jumped in the Jeep and headed back to Quartzsite at 9 o'clock.  Appointment is scheduled for 11 o'clock and didn't want to be late.
Miss Adventure and me.
Headed out of the Saddle Mountain area on Courthouse Road heading due West towards the Big Horn Mountain range and made a right at Salome Road to I-10.
Big Horn Peak dead ahead.

We made it to Quartzsite with barely a minute to spare.  Parked the Jeep next to White Lion so I could hook it up when ready to leave.  Walked in RV LifeStyles and Kenny was sitting there.  First thing he said was the overview appointment had been changed to 1 o'clock and he was sorry he didn't call. :((  

So, since we had two hours to kill, Kenny decided he would ask Stewart to take us to the Notary Public in Blythe, California to get the legal sales papers signed and notarized.  Stewart takes us out to the company Cadillac and start our trip when he noticed the rear passenger side tire was flat.  Back we go and he asks the boss, James for the keys to his truck, a nice 2500 Ram Ranch Edition.  

We had an interesting drive while Stewart told of his life prior to being a part-time salesman at RV LifeStyles.  He was a California attorney and represented the motorcycle clubs like the Outlaws, Hells Angels, etc.  I'm sure he was busy defending those nice citizens, but hey, everyone deserves their day in court, right!

The main reason he works at RV LifeStyles is to make sure Kenny is all right.  Evidently, Kenny is not well.  He was an undercover police detective when he was shot and almost killed.  He didn't say it, but I think they were very good friends and associates in their working days with the motorcycle gangs in California.


Stopped in Blyth, and went in to a beautiful little office building and met Angel, the Notary and his secretary, Florence.
Stewart, Angel and Florence at the reception desk.
After a little jawing and paper signing, we headed back to Quartzsite.  Still had an hour to go, so Deb and I sat in their lounge, ate popcorn, drank coffee and watched a little TV.

Finally, 1 o'clock came and we walked out to the White Lion and met Suzie.  Unfortunately, they had a mishap I believe and pulled the electric cord plug off the cord when moving it.  They didn't tell me that's what happened of course, but by the feverish pace the mechanic was working with Suzie standing over him, that is what Deb and I surmised.  Suzie said it would be a few minutes and to wait inside.

After about an hour of hearing nothing, Deb and I went back outside and found Suzie and she said it was ready now.  

We started our walk-through inspection at about 3 o'clock going through the outside bays.  It was cold and windy, so we kinda hurried through them.  I could tell right away, Suzie had not done much homework and really didn't know the details of the equipment in those bays.

Then, we went through the inside starting with the back bedroom working towards the front and again, Suzie knew the basics of motorhomes, but knew nothing about the particulars of a Safari Serengeti.  Oh well, it is what it is.  I was cordial  and she was a nice lady.  Because the discussions of the mechanics was so vague and disorganized, we took only a few notes unfortunately.  Unbeknownst to them I have all the manuals they said were not with the motorhome, so I'm going to rely on those.

We did find a few gauges were not working and one soft spot in the floor right behind the driver's seat, but I decided I just wanted to get poor White Lion out of there before they killed him.  

So, I got possession of the keys, had the mechanic, who was the only one that really knew any specifics refresh me on how to get the thing started and release the Jake air brake.  Deb and I quickly hooked the Jeep and we were Rolling East shortly after 5 o'clock.
White Lion and me.
Ready to roll!
 Deb and I were both very physically and mentally exhausted by this time , we were just happy to be out of there.  Hopefully, never to bring it back.

I am so thankful, Deb was with me for this unpleasant ordeal and for Riley being at home taking care of Yuma.  Otherwise, the day could have been worse without their patience and support.

It got dark before we made it back to camp, and I never drive in the dark.  It was intimidating, plus for some reason the headlights are very dim so, once I got off the interstate onto the blacktop for the five or so miles through unfamiliar back roads with turns and cattle guards every few miles I was really getting tired.

Did manage to scare Deb when I oozed through a stop sign and made the right turn so wide, I almost went into the ditch on the far side of the road, but I made it without hitting anything.

Finally at 6:30 or so, made it home.  Since we were running so late, after a little prodding, I got Deb to agree to let me treat them to dinner at the ritziest place in Tonopah, Arizona.  The Tonopah Family Restaurant.

Other than bad food and flies everywhere, we had a relaxing hour and did feel much better with food in us.  Deb and I hadn't had anything but popcorn all day, so we would eat anything.  Again, I so appreciate having friends like Deb and Riley who spent their whole day helping me.

My phone battery had died hours before, so Deb let me use her phone so I could text Dolly that I was still alive and at 9 o'clock, I was finally home and called Dolly to tell her about my first day with the White Lion.  Not my best day, but it ended well.  Plus, Yuma almost killed me with joy upon opening the door.  I love this life!

Now four in the morning and I'm ready to go back to sleep till noon.  See you later.

24 comments:

  1. Oh Doug ... that's a typical day in the RV world!!! LOL I'm so happy for you to get the beast home. You're going to have so much room you won't know what to do with it all! It actually is much easier to drive in the daylight!! I would sit down with the manuals you have and check out everything I could. If there's something that needs fixing, get it done asap. Have fun making her your own!!

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    1. Thanks Nancy. It sure wasn't the walk through I expected, but I've got manuals and I can call the companies if I just can't figure it out. I'm looking forward to the next adventure.

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  2. Congrats Dad! Bet you're happy that day is over with and Have the White Lion ⚪🦁 in your possession!

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    1. Yes I am Steve. Looking forward to the days ahead. Got lots to do.

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  3. You'll feel better after some rest, sunshine, and good playtime with Yuma. You've put yourself thru a lot of stress the past couple weeks. It will take some time to fully recover. 😎

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    1. Thank you Moonfly. Be so glad when it's all settled Down.

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  4. Nothing better than having an ordeal like that overwith and thank heavens for Deb and Riley. I'm sure it was a long day for all of you. It shouldn't have gone that way although Bill can tell you some stories too from his experiences with CanAm.
    I'm glad the manuals were there for you AND be sure to go back with any issues. Make use of that $500 fee no matter how far the drive. Enjoy settling in!
    Love the pictures of you in front of both units.

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    1. Thanks Patsy. I'm sure there are horror stories, but I certainly was hoping for a smooth transition. I guess that would have made the post boring and we can't have that, can we. :))

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  5. Odd that RV Lifestyles damaged the Power Cord. You might consider staying a day in a Park just to test it. If you have problem they can replace it easier and cheaper for you.
    You were lucky that Deb and Riley were able to help you out but Friends will do that.
    Be Safe, get some sleep and Enjoy the White Lion.

    It's about time.

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    1. Thanks Rick. You are right I should plug that cord into a power source soon. I'm sure they would make it right if the repair was done incorrectly.

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  6. Wow you've had quite the adventure with the White Lion and you haven't been anywhere yet! Sounds like you could have done your own walk through yourself! Thinking what you wrote about Kenny and Stewart explains a lot. Nice that Stewart is there for him. Hoping the gauge problem isn't a big deal. I know we've found in most of the RVS we've owned the water, electric, battery gauges are always wrong! LOL. Are you planning on taking it back to them to be looked at or just wait until you get home? That's wonderful that you had both Deb and Riley to help out! It does sound like a miserably long, stressful day! Having a friend with you always helps. Too bad the dinner wasn't the greatest but it filled the tummy! Ken and I are both so happy for you! Hopefully you can take today to enjoy looking her over and enjoying how beautiful she is! Congratulations!

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  7. Thank you both for the well wishes. Exactly what I'm going to do today. Just enjoy going through it at my own leisure. I do have respect for both Stewart and Kenny knowing now what I know. Would love to spend more time getting to know that relationship but probably not to be.

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  8. What a day! How awesome that Deb and Riley were there to help you. Jerry told me the walk thru on this motorhome was minimal. Manuels are the answer. Enjoy your day!

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    1. It was a day. I can't remember the last time I've been that hyper. Glad Deb was there to keep me somewhat grounded. In the next day or so Deb and I are going to pour through the manuals and hopefully figure out the important stuff.

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  9. That sounds like one long day...glad you made it back safe and sound. I am sure it was very nice to have Deb with you for that "fun". I am thinking the day would have seemed even longer alone. One of things Tom never enjoys doing is driving after dark the lights on the motorhome never seem bright enough. Enjoy your day exploring your new place. (There will be a text coming from a strange 906 number do not ignore it...lol)

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    1. Thanks Deb. Got the text. I appreciate the advice and insight. I looked at those lights today and they are small and yellowed over time. Need to do something a out that. Luckily I rarely drive at night.

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  10. Glad everything worked out in the end. It was wonderful of Deb and Riley to take pity on you and Yuma.

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    1. Thanks Dolly. I sure needed help and it was nice of them to volunteer. I'm sure it was more than they bargained for. :))

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  11. We had similar experiences when we bought a Class C in Quartzsite a few years ago but that's another whole bag of hammers. We know where you and Deb sat to eat your popcorn because we sat in the same spot nearly a year ago waiting, and waiting, and waiting, on some work on our coach. A frustratingly stressful time for you. Wishing you better days ahead.

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    1. Thanks Al. Lots of waiting at that place. I'm glad to have it now and that has helped. I'm sure things will settle down soon.

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    1. I like it so far but I've got so much to learn before I'm comfortable with it. Lots of gadgets in this guy.

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  13. I'm glad we could help and while I think it was a really big OOZE at the stop sign, you did manage to keep it on the pavement, so it's all good. It's a beautiful rig and I'm sure you will enjoy it once you settle down and figure things out. Thanks for dinner, it wasn't necessary but the company was wonderful. Yuma is happy to have you back home and I'll bet he's excited about the new ride just like you are!!!

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    1. Thanks Deb. I'll try to remember to stop at stop signs and not ooze through them in the future. Too bad there wasn't a ritzy place to eat in Tonopah. Not often you see cowboys with spurs at a restaurant. :))

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