Thanksgiving Escape 2015

[Martins HeirCon]

For the second year of what we hope becomes a long tradition, we're heading back to Cedar Key for the week of turkeys. (And SWMBO's birthday on the 30th)

We hope to explore more new-to-us waterways, and see some manatees. I hear they're delicious with potatoes on the side!



Had a little test-fit of the TeeDub, would be nice to self-shuttle some of those rivers. It needs some refinements- maybe another time.


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[Stan and Carol]

Hanging that bike on the bag of your trailer must be a challenge to get your tongue weight correct.

[ninklink]

I'd be very worried about that trailer swaying out of control with that rear weight. Better to have a front hitch fabricated to haul it from the front of your suv.

[Gail H]

Love Cedar Key! Do you have a campground that you recommend?

[Martins HeirCon]

I was just playing with the idea of hauling it there.
1) too heavy
2) covers taillights
3) had to load it backwards to clear the AC.

I can overcome all those, but not right now. Right now it's time to take it easy!


We just rolled into the Low Key Hideaway. They only have three RV spots next to the five-room motel an tiki bar. Last year we stayed next door at Sunset Isle.


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[Martins HeirCon]

For a pure campground, I'd recommend Sunset Isle. They have some 60-70 sites and a more traditional approach.

Low Key Hideaway is more of a funky hangout with a party atmosphere. The three sites are right on the highway, and next to the bar.


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[Raff]

Following your travels. Stuck in the great white north for a few more winters.


Sent from my iPad using Fiberglass RV

[Martins HeirCon]

Not much excitement so far, the weather has been rainy and gray. Got in a short paddle from Manatee Spring out to the Suwannee River Yesterday



All that changes today! The forecast is for mid-60s today then up to 80 by the weekend.






Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[Paul O.]

Originally Posted by Martins HeirCon

Attachment 90676

Had a little test-fit of the TeeDub,

Wow, what does this do to the other TeeDub - I mean the Tongue Weight? And the stress on the frame? I wonder if other people have any comments about their experience with something like this.

[Martins HeirCon]

Yeah, it's a little hinky. I may or may not pursue it.


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[Martins HeirCon]

Today's paddle at Cedar Key


Lots of derelict boats hereabouts.


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[anne myette]

This is a fantastic way to honor Thanksgiving!

[David Tilston]

Originally Posted by Paul O.

Wow, what does this do to the other TeeDub - I mean the Tongue Weight? And the stress on the frame? I wonder if other people have any comments about their experience with something like this.

Not sure if my experience is applicable. I have a large van that cuts the wind for my trailer. It is my belief that sway starts with vortex shedding off the front of the trailer, so the trailer being in the wind shadow of the van prevents this. I purchased some parts from freddo411 while on vacation. I put them on the cargo carrier that I occasionally put on the back of my trailer. We drove to Green Point, and back to the start of the Coquihalla highway. The speed limit on the Coquihalla is 120 Km/hr, so I decided to check my tongue weight first. Actually, the trailer had felt kinda funny. When we went over a bump, it felt like the trailer was pulling up on the ball.

We pulled into a closed truck scale that was still on. My tongue weight was in the 50 lb range. There was no sway, no problems at all, but I loaded every water container I had and put them in the gaucho. That got the tongue weight to 10% of the trailer weight. Then we continued to the Coquihalla.

Just lucky, I guess.

[Jon Vermilye]

If you like state & county parks, another Cedar Key area campground (about 7 miles from Cedar Key) worth checking out is Shellmound County Park. Water & Electric for $16.35 per night (2014), around 40 sites, some on the water, and a well worn bathhouse.

I did have some minor problems with no see ums & air boats.

[Martins HeirCon]

David, I'm not sure what initiates tail-wagging, but since it's worse at speed, and wind resistance increases exponentially with speed...maybe?
I do know that the moto is too heavy for the hitch with my current setup. Even the rack with two beach cruisers along with the window AC has me adding a couple cases of water and other dense gear to the gaucho.

Jon, we visited the Shell Mound site last year, and I liked the campground, but we reserved here at the Low Key Hideaway to return and visit with friends.




Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[Martins HeirCon]

Not a great pic, but we spotted this manatee and calf in Crystal River near Three Sisters Spring. She was every bit of ten feet.


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[Martins HeirCon]

We returned to the Santa Fe River Friday. It was our favorite paddle last trip.


That was blue spring.


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[Martins HeirCon]

...and one last one from the drive home.



Mouth of the Dragon? I didn't know that US 129 had one of its ends in Chiefland, Florida. It runs through the east side of Atlanta on its way to Deal's Gap and the infamous 'Tail of the Dragon' on the way to I-40.

When I finally retire I shall never drive on The Eisenhower Roads again.


Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV

[Gennaver]

Originally Posted by David Tilston

Not sure if my experience is applicable. I have a large van that cuts the wind for my trailer. It is my belief that sway starts with vortex shedding off the front of the trailer, so the trailer being in the wind shadow of the van prevents this. I purchased some parts from freddo411 while on vacation. I put them on the cargo carrier that I occasionally put on the back of my trailer. We drove to Green Point, and back to the start of the Coquihalla highway. The speed limit on the Coquihalla is 120 Km/hr, so I decided to check my tongue weight first. Actually, the trailer had felt kinda funny. When we went over a bump, it felt like the trailer was pulling up on the ball.

We pulled into a closed truck scale that was still on. My tongue weight was in the 50 lb range. There was no sway, no problems at all, but I loaded every water container I had and put them in the gaucho. That got the tongue weight to 10% of the trailer weight. Then we continued to the Coquihalla.

Just lucky, I guess.

Hmm,

I'm looking for a new tow vehicle and will look into this idea. Thank you for the picture too.

[Steve Outlaw]

Originally Posted by Martins HeirCon

...For the second year of what we hope becomes a long tradition, we're heading back to Cedar Key for the week of turkeys...

Say hello to Travis McGee if you run into him.