Before taking the Moving House on a long trip, we like to do a short visit to someplace close to home to make sure that all is in order and that we remember our activities. This spring the plan was to go to Colonel Denning State Park near Newville, Pennsylvania. It has a small lake for swimming, trails for walking, and facilities built by the CCC. Furthermore, there is a Blue Beacon truck wash in nearby Carlisle where, after three years, we could get the Moving House cleaned again. Unfortunately, in May our pickup’s new batteries went completely dead. AAA could not start it with a boost. The Ford dealer was able to charge the batteries, but could not find why they went dead in the first place. In that circumstance, it seemed better to camp somewhere close so that, in the worst case, the tow back home would be relatively short. Hence, we picked the KOA at Millersville, Maryland, just 20 miles from home. We’ve camped there twice before. First, in 2011 for our first outing with the Moving House. The second time was in 2013, when this campground was mutually convenient for a joint outing with Doug and his family.

We found small problems, but no show stoppers.

• A small hole in the cover for the bedroom’s ceiling vent was patched with tape temporarily, and a new vent cover ordered.
• Cracks in the right sidewall near the refrigerator and the water heater were covered with tape.
• The right taillight light bulb was replaced and both lens covers cleaned.
• The four tires were inflated to the mid 70s. During this, our tire pump broke, but the campground maintenance supervisor let us get air from the shop.
• The hose ports were cleaned and washer-screens replaced.
• The rear stabilizer’s shaft was lubricated.
• The shower stall and refrigerator were cleaned.
• Both propane tanks were found have at least some gas.
• The fender skirt on the right side is beginning to rot away, but with new washers and caulking should be okay during August.

Relaxing after Moving House cleaning and pool time	The left side of the Moving House, with the hood of our truck

Part of the KOA’s Nature Trail	Wildlife seen on the Nature Trail

Prepared by Al Holm, 2 July 2022