SPIA & SAM

AIR SHOCKS RAISED SPIA ABOUT 2 INCHES...SAM PEEKING BELOW FLAG.

SAM LOOKS SECURE AND COMFY

SAM LOOKS OK. RED REFLECTORS WILL BE ADDED TO PLATFORM

Yesterday, SPIA received her rear platform for SAM. Had it fabricated to My design. It looks great and is exactly as requested. Have driven around Bellingham a couple hours this morning to check out stability, clearances, etc. All is OK, but SPIA needs the Air Shocks.

So, Les Schwab received SPIA's new Air Shocks yesterday (2 days early), and agreed to install them this morning. WOW...what a difference in SPIA's handling. A bit light on the front end, but will move the spare tire to the front bumper which will balance things out.

Discovered SPIA has a relatively new exhaust system. Problem: installation was made with the tail pipe laying directly on the plastic Toilet Holding Tank...and nearly burned through. So, took SPIA to a auto shop where a new tail pipe bracket was installed, moving the hot tail pipe 4 inches or so away from the Holding Tank...all at the cost of $20...a bargain.

Took the opportunity to check the underside of SPIA. Look OK to go.

The next couple days will see SPIA loaded up for our journey. Then, fill the propane tank and turn on refrigerator, stove, furnace and hot water tank...(may leave the hot water tank off and heat water as needed on the 4-burner stove).

All things are coming together superbly.

Scalp stopped itching & swelling has gone down - guess the PB was all absorbed and discarded -. Doctor appointment is Jan 11. If all checks out OK, plan to drive SPIA 12 miles to FERNDALE, Washington; park; remove SAM from her new home; Walk and Roll to the Peace Arch, 12 miles North at the Canadian/USA border.

At that moment, our new Walk and Roll to KEY WEST Florida will begin.

Will Walk and Roll with SAM from the Peace Arch back to Ferndale; then, Walk and Roll to Bellingham and back to Ferndale. SAM will be reloaded onto SPIA and we drive 10 miles or so South on Chuckanut Drive, where SPIA will be parked. SAM & ME will return to Bellingham and back to SPIA; then, Walk and Roll to BOW, Washington and back to SPIA.

Unless and until someone shows up to drive SPIA, this will be the logistics for our Walk and Roll. Not holding My breath...

Initially, plan to cover increments of 5 miles each way from SPIA, resulting in 10 miles per day forward (but 20 miles per day total Walk and Roll distance).

As the days get longer, mileage will be increased to eventually 20 miles per day forward and 40 miles per day total. Do NOT plan to Walk and Roll before or after dark.