Fourth of July Picnic

The Fourth of July was a success. Our contribution to the pot luck picnic was a colorful fruit salad with pound cake. Simple and refreshing.

 The weekend also included a short parade. There is always a lot of fun and we avoided the nearby State Park which was packed with visitors.

There was ample time for grilling,partying and many picnics. We donned festive colors and also went dining with friends.

Fourth of July Picnic - Part I

The Fourth of July was a success. Our contribution to the pot luck picnic was a colorful fruit salad with pound cake. Simple and refreshing.

 The weekend also included a short parade. There is always a lot of fun and we avoided the nearby State Park which was packed with visitors.

Green Heron

A heron visited the pond today. I think it is a juvenile green heron. It really enjoyed a meal of frogs and tadpoles. I decided to settle in and stalk it with a camera while it stalked its prey. My camera was my usual Lumix DMC-ZS50. This has the small viewfinder in addition to the rear LCD screen. Shooting across the pond while handheld is a bit of a challenge.

The heron is a very skillful, patient hunter.

Oops, Had an exterior hinge latch failure and repair.

Discounting the shakedown issues, after 19,000+ miles we experienced a Roadtrek failure.

One of the door catches which holds a rear compartment door in the open position wouldn't spring shut. The catch is apparently SS, but this spring was a lower grade of steel. Interesting, because the failure only occurred on one of two hinges. This highlights the problems all companies face with suppliers. On the failed catch the spring rusted through.

I was able to do some research on the internet and found what appeared to be the identical hinge. I purchased two for $7.49 plus shipping and tax. [Current price is $7.69 per pair]. On receipt the new hinge looked to be a perfect fit, with identical dimensions. I drilled out the pop rivets that held it in place. I was pleased to see that RT had installed a thin layer of silicone seal behind the hinge. Great detail, guys! I applied a thin layer of 30 year silicone and attached the new hinge with 3/16 inch dia. aluminum pop-rivets, which matched the old. Voila' all good! And, I've got a spare hinge for the other side of my 210P.

New Latch, Closed

New Latch, Open

Old Latch after removal, showing rusted spring

Sunset on the Lake

On the Lakefront

It's Spring and there are butterflies!

Now that we are well into Spring the butterflies are back. There are small, green inch worms form the moth family hanging from silk threads and then there are lots of butterflies.

Here are a few photos taken during walks this holiday weekend.