Site Deck Maintenance

 

Michigan site deck, 2024

There will always be some maintenance to perform and it has been a few years since the deck staining in 2019. This is a wooden deck. To get long life, I prefer to periodically give it a deep cleaning and every few years a new application of deck stain.  This was the year.  My life has devolved into various experiences, and that includes a variety of maintenance and chores.  Quite a change from a time when I actually made a difference.  I do relegate some of this to others.  There is no shortage of handymen and contractors to do everything and anything for a fee.  One of the determining factors is tools.  I'm no longer collecting these, and I carry a couple of tool bags.  So, if something more specialized or expensive is required I'll hire someone rather than buy the necessary tools.

For this project I went to the local Ace Hardware and purchased a disposable tray, paint roller and 3" wide foam brush. These will be disposed of after use.  I had a quart of solvent in the under compartment of the RV and that would do for cleaning any stain from my hands. 

First, I don an old shirt, pair of Jeans and worn New Balance sneakers. I save these for chores such as this.

I prefer Cabot's oil based semi-solid stain.  I've been using it since the 1980s on cedar shingles, decks, etc. That's what I chose for this deck.  I had about a fifth of a gallon in storage, left over from the previous application and I purchased another gallon.  I stirred thoroughly and mixed these so as to get the same color; there are differences in batches. Note that when not in use I store these in an environmentally controlled space.  Freezing water based or certain oil-based products can ruin them.

First task is to remove everything from the deck, including the wooden stairs. I do this and then clean the deck in the morning. We get morning shade which makes this more pleasant. Also, it is better not to apply in full sun, which accelerates evaporation and drying. This can lead to streaking and uneven application. 

I need several rain-free sunny days to do this. I prefer to apply the stain when daytime temperatures peak about 90F and on a dry day. As I noted above the actual application is in the shade. After application I allow the deck stain to dry thoroughly for several days. It takes a while for the oil base to evaporate and soak into the wooden deck.  As the day progresses and the sun moves westerly we do get complete coverage with sunlight. This aid the drying.

Early in the morning I remove furniture and sweep the deck.  Then, using a long-handled stiff brush I scrub the deck with soap and water to loosen any debris.  This is followed with a deep power-washing.  I was able to borrow a washer at the campground.  

11:30am, after power washing and replacing stairs and cook station

After power washing I put the stairs and my "cook station" back in place and allow the deck to dry for a couple of days.

Several days later I again remove the cook station and stairs and sweep the deck. Then, using a roller with medium nap I apply the stain using consistent strokes and uniform application. 

Applying the stain with a Roller

About two hours after beginning I was done. I let the deck dry completely for a couple of days.  While this was occurring, we used the front door of the RV, which allows us to avoid walking on the deck.

All done! 

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Note: No AI tools were used to produce this blog. Most photos are unretouched.

(c) 2025 N. Retzke

Leland MI and Fishtown

 

Leland, MI August 10, 2025

The sky was hazy because of Canadian wildfires.  In fact, the nearby islands were not visible on the 9th because of the smoke. The above is a view of the Leland River, looking Southeast on the 10th. Below is the view in the opposite direction, looking toward Fishtown:

Leland, MI August 10, 2025

We strolled through Leland enroute to the Fishtown Historic District and lunch. The area near the Yacht Harbor and Fishtown is very walkable.

"Infinite Disc"

Leland Yacht Harbor

Explore Fishtown

Historic Fishtown

Taking a pause in Fishtown

We decided on lunch at the Cove restaurant in Fishtown district.  I've always enjoyed the Whitefish in the UP.  It is a mild, firm fish and I prefer it fried.  Cherry season has ended, but there were an abundance of goodies available, including cherry pie. I really enjoyed the pie at the Cove.  Lots of cherries, slightly tart and not overwhelmed by syrup or starch.  Yum.

I ordered a fried whitefish sandwich.  I spread it with a thin layer of house made tartar sauce, which interfered with the photo.  To see what it is like "naked" you'll simply have to order your own.  I thought it was delicious!

Whitefish Sandwich and fries

We shared a slice of Cherry Pie and Vanilla Ice Cream. A winning combination.

A View from of the restaurant:

Looking toward the restaurant and falls

It was time to go.  Next stop, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Munising.

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Note: No AI tools were used to produce this blog. Most photos are unretouched.

(c) 2025 N. Retzke

2025 Trek Part 2

 

We settled in to our “lily pad” on the southeast shore of Lake Michigan and decided that this year we would return to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

This was a short trek of 1,104 miles spanning six days.  The weather was cooperative. 

We took G’s parents on a similar trip in July 2012.  For that trip we circled Lake Michigan and went as far as Marquette, MI with numerous stays along the way.  It included a Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore sunset cruise. 

For this trip the trek was similar but with different stays along the way.  In 2012 we didn’t have the Roadtrek so we stayed at numerous motels.  For this trek we used the Roadtrek 210P and spent nights at campgrounds in Traverse City and Munising.  Our trek included stops in Cadillac, Traverse City, Leland, Glen Arbor, Empire, and Leland’s Fishtown Preservation District.

Along the way we took the Heritage Trail at Sleeping Bear Dunes and a day cruise to see the Picture Rocks National Lakeshore. We did stop at the Dutch Farm Market in South Haven on our return to buy fresh bakery goods and fruit.  The season has moved from blueberries to cherries and now the peaches are ripe.

There was a constant haze in the air because of Canadian wildfires. Here's the view of Lake Superior at Munising at 8:00am the morning of August 12:

I'll post more details of this trek over the next few days.

Sunset Cruise, July 2012

Sunset Cruise, July 2012

Sunset Cruise, July 2012

Note: No AI tools were used to produce this blog. Most photos are unretouched.

(c) 2025 N. Retzke

2025 Trek Part 1

Route Map -Part 1

This is the trek to date.  About 3,100 miles.  We visited friends along the way, which explains the circuitous route to Michigan. We'll be camping out in the Midwest for a while and allow the monsoon in Arizona to blow out.

The Roadtrek has about 71,000 miles and is doing well.  We do about 6,000 miles each year but skipped 2023 because of health issues.  Cancer does get in the way.  

This year I was able to get all of the medical stuff out of the way for 3-6 months, and that opened a window of opportunity this summer.  However, I do have a medical leash.  The nephrostomy tubes are the largest impediment at present.  No water sports and certain physical limitations.  But it is, what it is.  G has become quite adept at the wound care, which needs changing every couple of weeks.  And there is discomfiture from the sutures. 

The first tube was installed in early 2023, so I've had lots of time to improve this and make it work.  I've discussed with my doctors, and each patient finds their own way.  My urologist says I'll have these tubes for life, or there is a major surgery alternative.  One downside is the tubes requires periodic replacement.  This can be every 4-6 months if there are no complications.  So, I treat them carefully and "hope" there will be few issues.  I can deal with the discomfiture. 

Nephrostomy Bandages

(C) N. Retzke 2025

The Owl and the Bomb

 

Albuquerque, New Mexico

We are on our 2025 trek and so we have gone 3,100 miles.  Many stops along the way. More to come.  Currently in Michigan for the 4th of July.

One of our stops was Albuquerque, New Mexico and this time we visited two new places.  The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, and the Owl Cafe.

The museum was very interesting with both indoor and outdoor exhibits.  About 6 acres of walking space.  

The Owl Cafe is somewhat of a local legend and serves really delicious malts and ice cream shakes.  Many calories!

Here's the Owl Cafe:

(C) N. Retzke 2025

Chevy 3500 Hood Latch Replacement

Temporary Cable to Latch Hood Closed

Detached Hood Latch Spring

Things break from time to time.  A couple of winters ago the hood latch for the engine compartment would not latch while during a trek.  This was very inconvenient and was a potentially dangerous situation.  If the hood is not properly latched it can open unexpectedly while the vehicle is moving, obstructing the driver's vision and resulting in an accident. I temporarily used a locking cable to hold the hood closed until I could get it repaired. It is show in the photo above.

My 2013 Roadtrek 210P is built on a 2012  Chevrolet 3500 Chassis. I have sufficient mechanical skill to do this type of repair, but doing so takes on certain risk.  Caution: An improper repair may result in a latch failure and that in turn can result in opening of the hood while the vehicle is in motion. That can cause a serious accident with injury or death.   Vehicle repairs are not something everyone can or should do.

For the curious, this post shows what your mechanic would do were he or she to replace the latch.

I accepted responsibility and purchased a new latch part from Tom Auto Parts, Inc. Tolleson AZ. The cost with tax + shipping was $31.88.

Now, I could have gone to a Chevy dealer or a local mechanic, but decided this was something I could do and save a few dollars.  Collecting the tools, doing the repair and cleanup took about an hour and a half.

The most difficult thing was figuring out how to get to the old latch.  I could see a spring was loose, but I couldn't get a tool in to stretch it and re-attach to the catch point. I decided that if I was going to go through the effort to remove the latch to affect a repair that I might as well put that time and labor into installing a replacement.  That's when I decided to order a part and replace the latch. 

To do this required removing two bolts holding the plastic grill against the frame.  I was then able to pull the grill out about an inch, sufficient to get a 3/8 socket to the three bolts holding the latch in place. With the bolts removed I was able to swing the old latch up and out of position.  I was then able to squeeze the clamp holding the release cable in position on the latch. I removed the old latch, and using the new latch I reversed the process, sliding the release cable through the opening in the new latch and pushing the clamp into the hole on the latch. I cleaned the frame and bolts with silicone spray. Then put it all together and using the pull under the dash I released the hood, then closed it and released it again, etc. This to determine it was working correctly.

Here's a few step-by-step photos. I Began by opening the hood and then did the following:

 

Using a 3/8 socket I removed the left bolt holding the plastic grill in place, 

then did the same for the bolt on the right

I pulled on the left of the plastic grill, releasing it from the frame

I did the same where the grill attaches on the right

I then pulled along the grill to release it from the frame

While pulling on the grill, I inserted a 3/8 socket and
removed the 3 bolts holding the latch in place

I then flipped the hood latch up so that the release cable could be removed

I made note of the routing of the release cable so it would be installed
 in the same manner with the new latch .
I was able to release the cable from the latch by squeezing it
with a needle nose pliers where it enters the latch, and then pulling the cable free.

This photo is after I removed the cable.
The old latch is now free and can be removed.

I then laid the new latch above the location to be installed, aligned as shown. 

I slid the release cable through the hole in the latch and into position.

I then pushed the retainer into the hole in the latch.

I was then ready to dop the latch into position, as shown.
I took care to route the release cable 
so it was behind the plastic grill.
The new latch had 3 rectangular holes.
I installed 3 bolts through the center of the holes.

Close-up of one of the hood latch bolts 

I then went to the driver's seat and pulled several times on the hood latch release lever, to ensure that the cable is free.  Then returned to the hood latch and applied silicone lube to the springs, etc.

I closed the hood, and checked to see that it caught properly, and the hood was snug to the frame.

Returning to the driver's seat I again pulled the hood release lever. I then exited the vehicle and released  the latch completely.  I then raised the hood.  It was important to be able to raise the hood.  At this point I decided that the replacement was complete.

Note: If the hood isn't snug when closed, it would have been necessary to slightly loosen the three bolts holding the latch in place and adjust the position of the latch, then I would have retightened the three bolts.  I would then have rechecked the latching mechanism by closing the hood ensuring was snug, etc.

N. Retzke accepts no liability for anyone else doing any repairs to their vehicle after reading this blog.  Do any and all repairs and modifications at your own risk!

(c) N. Retzke 2025

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