The Pre-Flight Checklist

We had a short drive yesterday traveling only 260 miles from Augusta, GA to Pell City, Alabama.  We spent the afternoon and overnight at Lake Martin as we did last year on our winter trek west.  

Our normal travel day begins with a hearty breakfast (a few of the days, not all) of eggs and bacon, or sausage, or maybe blueberry pancakes, always expertly cooked in the microwave by the chef (that’s me). This is followed by washing the dishes which is usually the chef’s task though sometimes help arrives in time to do the drying.  Then, it is time to get the “rig” (Odysseus) ready for the road.  Now this may seem a rather simple task for some, but for me it requires a pre-flight checklist similar to that used by an F-16 pilot.  I really do have such a list, because getting the “rig” on the road is more complex than you would ever imagine.

I have to unplug the TV and insure that it is secure, turn off the antenna booster, and lower the antenna (all the way down!).  The curtains need to be opened and all the windows closed.  The bed and bedding has to be folded up (the bed is moved by a touch of a button). The boxes containing supplies (that will not fit in the cupboards) must be moved from the front cockpit to the back of the van.  The lid must be placed over the sink. The hot water heater must be turned off and the furnace as well.  The refrigerator must be turned from its  electric connection to the battery position,  The fan must be turned off and the vent closed (all the way down!).  All the cupboard and closet doors must be securely latched.  All the lights turned off.  Whew!

Now its time for the exterior chores.  Disconnect the sewer line and stow away.  Disconnect the water hose and drain.  Turn off the propane.  Disconnect the electric cord making sure to close the compartment door when finished.  The electric cord and water hose must be coiled and stored in what I call the “Bubble” (our cargo bin attached to the back of the RV) and the bin must be closed and locked securely.  Whew! I’d never remember all that if it weren’t for the checklist.  Now the big moment arrives:  Will Odysseus’ engine start up this morning?

This is in no way a complaint.  It is more a confession of how frail and limited my mind is these days.  (Ten years ago there would have been no need for a checklist!)  It is all worthwhile just to be able to stay at the Army Resort in Georgia and here at Lake Martin in Alabama even if only for a single night.  

Army Resort, Georgia

Lake Martin, Alabama