We left about 10:40 this morning. Not exactly the early start we had planned, but at least we’re on the road. We should arrive by 3 ish.
Chatty is doing better. He is finally urinating on his own. I’ve been giving him subcutaneous fluids fluids to keep him hydrated and help with the urination. I think a big part of that was the fact that he can’t use his favorite kitty litter. He hates the stuff we have to use until the sutures come out. Neither he or I have gotten much sleep the past few nights. He woke me up in the middle of the night needing something…..just never quite figured out what it was.
So…..this is our first trip into the mountains. We have never driven any rv in the mountains and we are a bit nervous. We’ll be on I-26 most of the way, but we really don’t know what to expect. We do know that when we arrive we will be over 2000 feet elevation! We know our diesel pusher will get us up the hills. I just hope our brakes will help us get down those hills.
The temperatures are supposed to be in the low 70’s during the day and low 50’s at night. We haven’t seen those cool temps since about March. Sure wish we would have brought a few warm clothes! We hadn’t initially planned on a trip to North Carolina and we only have a few long sleeved shirts with us.
The trick on driving in mountains is that you should not ride your brakes when going down hill. The rule of thumb is to use the same, or lower, gear going down that you used going up. Do not use the brakes any more than absolutely necessary. You should rely on your lower transmission gears and your exhaust brake to hold you back rather than relying on your brakes.
ReplyDeleteYou'll have no trouble in the mountains -use lower gears and let the Jake brakes work. You'll love the lower temps and lower humidity. We woke up this morn at 53 here in Dillard, GA. We are at 2200 ft==only a couple hours from Asheville. ENJOY
ReplyDeleteYou'll do just fine, after you drive in the mountains, you'll wonder why it was such a worry in the first place.
ReplyDeleteWe're at exit 97 off I-26. Wave when you go by! :c)
We had wonderful time in Asheville. They have a great town walk. It takes you by all the historic areas. They have tons of neat sculptures.
ReplyDeleteThe Basilica is beautiful! Enjoy your stay.
Hope you and Chatty get a good night's sleep tonight. I agree with the others - you shouldn't have any trouble driving in the mountains. Just like your exhaust brake do all the work getting you down the mountain.
ReplyDeleteThe folks in the west laugh at our 2000 feet mountains. You won't have any trouble at all. We've driven our gas RV all around East and West mountains. We split the difference between low gear and brakes. Burning out the transmission would cause us a lot more trouble than the brakes. But you have a diesl. Whole different ball game.
ReplyDeleteSO glad to hear Chatty is doing better and you are on your way. Can't wait to find out where you stay. If you need a sweater or something just stop by the Goodwill.
Cool weather is a nice problem after this summer;o))
ReplyDeleteSafe Travels and Happy Trails....
Enjoy Ashville!
ReplyDeleteGood excuse to buy a few new clothes.
ReplyDeleteI do not think I own any cold weather clothes anymore, but would like to try toughing it out for a day in the low 70's:)
ReplyDeleteWell, you've gotta be there by now, and bet it wasn't as bad as you thought it was going to be! :-) I'm sure loving this weather! It was in the forties last night in Michigan!
ReplyDeleteHaving spent much of the summer at 7700 feet, and having to pass over 11,000 feet to get there (and back), we are chuckling just a wee bit. Once you've seen how your big diesel can get you up the "hills" and the engine brake makes going down a breeze, you'll wonder what you worried about. Safe travels and enjoy your stay in Asheville. It's a wonderful area, especially this time of year!
ReplyDeleteGoing up, anticipate to up grade slightly increasing the engine RPM’s and at the top allow the speed to drop off before topping out so that you start going down at a lower speed. The exhaust brake switch on when you lift off the accelerator the exhaust brake will come on, down shifting the transmission, increasing the engine RPM’s and slowing the RV. If too slow step lightly on the accelerator to remove the exhaust brake function. If too much speed use the brake at five miles per hour above what you want to travel at. Then stop using the brake to allow them to cool while the exhaust brake continues to work.
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So glad Chatty is doing better. I once had a male cat with a cystalized bladder and he was so miserable, but it finally cleared up so we didn't need the surgery. Poor Chatty....
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We are headed that direction next month.Have you driven the motorhome through the tunnels yet? We did that a few years back. I had to close my eyes, I was sure that we were going to knock the top of the RV off! LOL I love this area. we took the tour and you dont have to have the video its interesting on its own. we want to go back and take the butlers tour.
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