Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Who's The Boss?

I think I have mentioned this previously, but if I have neglected to do so, here you go.  TVC* has not had an on site Manager for a number of months.  Billy, the assistant manager, whom I have spoken of several times, has been standing in the managers shoe's until a new one was hired.  One was hired back in the spring, but lasted only a few weeks.  Encore Resorts, which owns TVC*, has been searching for a new manager since then, and Tuesday we were privileged to meet their pick, Duane Jacob, at a hastily arranged staff meeting.  As you can imagine, the current staff is used to Billy's management style, so there will be an adjustment period for all of us, including the new manager, as we get used to each other.  This job has enough difficulty when you have time to ease into the job, which is why the previous manager was hired during the off season to slowly ramp up to the position.  The new guy is starting in the middle of peak season, so it will be interesting to see how he adapts not only to the facility itself, but to the staff, many of whom have been coming here to work summers for 15-20 years now.

 Since Tuesday was not a work day for TLE** and I, we headed back to the coach after the meeting.  I had some work to do on an application to refinance our home, and had been putting it off for at least 10 days because I knew how involved it would be, and that it would take the better part of the day to pull everything together, and it was just as involved as I suspected it would be.   I finished the loan package around 2 pm, and shortly after that TLE** and I went to do some adult beverage shopping.

 By the time we returned from shopping the heat of the day had arrived and we spent the rest of the afternoon inside keeping cool.  It is supposed to cool off Wednesday so we are thinking of taking a good bike ride.

 We spent the afternoon reading, and around 6 TLE** whipped up a batch of her famous chicken street tacos.  I chased the 4 street tacos with a new beer I found at Dart Liquor over at Stateline......Shake Chocolate Porter produced by Boulder Beer out of Boulder, Colorado.....WOW!!!  This is a great sipping beer.....check it out!  Whenever I find myself in a liquor store with a large beer selection I am always on the lookout for something I haven't heard of before, and I struck it rich Tuesday.

Until Tuesday I had never heard of Boulder Beer, or Shake Chocolate Porter, but I have to say it is right up there in the top 2, or 3 chocolate porters I have ever sipped.

 Nothing else to report for Tuesday......thanks for stopping by!

 * TVC = Tahoe Valley Campground
** TLE = The Lovely Elaine
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3 comments:

  1. UnknownJuly 16, 2014 at 1:32 PM

    Hello Clarke:
    I have been a follower of your blog since I watched the technomadia video of you and Elaine. I have been on the lookout for an older Newell after seeing that yours appears to be a quality unit. Well today I found one listed for auction on Crankyape and am not sure if it's worth the four hour drive to go take a look at it as it has over 200,000 miles on it and appears rough in spots both inside and out. I was wondering if you would mind looking at the pictures on the website and give me your input. I would much appreciate your thoughts since you are familiar with these coaches. The website is www.crankyape.com. The unit is in Valdosta Georgia and it's a 1984. Thanks, Dan Mae

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    Replies
    1. WhatsnewellJuly 16, 2014 at 2:05 PM

      Hi Dan! That's the first Newell I've seen on CrankyApe in a long, long time. Based on the 65 pictures, and the video of the engine running I think it's worth a look. Most of the stuff (interior and exterior) is cosmetic, and with a little elbow grease can be fixed pretty easily. The big question is the engine and transmission.....that is where the big money is. 222,000 miles is nothing on a Detroit Diesel that has been properly maintained. It's only broken in at 150,000. They don't even recommend an overhaul (in frame) until 500,000. The odds are you won't put 300,000 miles more on the coach. We've had ours 6 years and have only put 45,000 on it, and we drive a lot as you know. You would want to have the engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant all checked by a lab to give you an idea of the condition of each system. These tests are not expensive and can be gotten back in just a few days. The bottom line is how much it will end up costing at the end of the auction. I think if you can get it under $15,000 and were willing to put in up to $10,000 you would have a steal. The rear bumper can be repaired by any competent body shop. The rusty battery bays can be easily repaired by having the old metal floors cut and and new metal welded in. The interior needs to be inspected where the water damage was to be sure there is no mold, I don't know what your skill sets are regarding wood working, etc. but even if your skills are rudimentary you could probably handle the replacement of the water damaged areas. Several of the guys on the www.newellgurus.com website have brought coaches back to life that had water damage, and would be of great help if you chose to proceed. I wish I was in the southeast right now, because I would meet you there to check it out. I have a friend who lives in Huntington, WV who is retired who may be interested in checking it out with you if you are interested. He owns a later model Newell, but has the skill sets to fix all that stuff. Of course, you would want to get the generator started to see how it runs, and also have the fluids checked by a lab on that too. It is probably diesel. Sounds like you just need house batteries to get it started. Send me an e-mail at chockwald@gmail.com and I'll send you my phone number if you want to talk. Clarke

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  2. UnknownJuly 16, 2014 at 7:03 PM

    Clarke:
    Thanks for replying. I sent you an email and it came back undeliverable. My email is danmae333@gmail.com
    Thanks

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