#136 Feb 2017 After 45 Years We Still Love Each Other!

We came to Victoria area because spring normally arrives earlier than in the Lower Mainland. Not this year!

February 3^rd snow caught up with us.

This is the same heather January 20^th and again February 3^rd.

 

Over the past few weeks we had noticed that on the main slide some cupboard doors, the microwave door, and the kitchen counter seemed to be out of alignment. We started looking more closely and discovered a BIG problem.

This photo shows the main slide that is 14 feet from the kitchen counter to the far side of the couch. The outside pens point to the top corners of the slide. The centre pen points to the middle of the slide, which had dropped 5/8 of an inch. Ralph could reach through the gap to the outside of the slide. Fortunately there are canopies protecting the top of the slides from the weather.

 

During his many years in the bus industry Ralph dealt with numerous repair shops. His preferred shop on Vancouver Island happens to be BMT Group Services which is located in Sidney a 10 minute drive from our location.

Emails were exchanged between the BMT body shop manager and our manufacturer Forest River Georgetown.

The main support across the top of the slide was two pieces of plywood on end. They met in the middle of the span but with no further support. That is where the sag happened.

One continuous piece of angle iron was inserted behind the plywood providing complete support across the slide.

This was a major, time consuming repair that would leave us homeless for a few days.

Paul and Marg came to our rescue again. In the fall we used their cabin on the Shuswap while my ankle was in a cast. Their home is in Greater Victoria. They are snowbirds, leaving their house available while our RV was in the repair shop.

Ralph drove the RV to the repair shop and I followed in the car. It was snowing so much that I could hardly see the white RV on the road ahead of me. These photos were taken the next morning February 7th.

We are very pleased with the repair of the slide. The doors close properly and everything is in alignment.

The following weekend was our 45^th anniversary. Lindsay came over on the ferry to help us celebrate.

The Empress Hotel was a great location for our “official” anniversary photo.

 

We explored Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf on a beautiful sunny day. The houseboats are endlessly fascinating.

One says “love”, the other says “in-law suite”. Which one would you prefer?

There are always harbour seals waiting for a handout.

They can create quite a splash when the fish food is not forthcoming as fast as they would like.

An otter swam along the boardwalk also looking for handouts.

He found an equally curious dog watching him. What a crowd pleaser!

Walking around Fisherman's Wharf has its limits. This sign is at the end of one walkway!

We had an enjoyable time with Lindsay as we explored the area including a winery and brewery. We love that she can join us for adult activities and be a fun companion.

Ralph and I look forward to many more years sharing our passion for travel with our family.