Busnuts Annual Convention

This last week in December 2008 we attended Bussin’ 2009 in Arcadia, Florida and enjoyed seeing some of the conversions that had been accomplished on a variety of older coaches.   We had heard about from two sources …..the first from my friend Art whose son Chris and his wife have become “Busnuts” as indicated by their personalized license below….and secondly from a camper across the way from us who had an old bus called “Bubba’s old Hound” (a former greyhound bus that had been converted.

Actually, they are in business providing a source for buses and bus parts for older GMC coaches to all those that spend time restoring them.  You can check their website if interested at  www.gmbusguy.com

Below are a few pictures of the gathering and one particular bus that was over 50 years old that is now like new.  It was a 1955 scenic cruiser that has been totally rebuilt….nice!

 

There were even some more modern bus conversions….some that were converted to haul entertainers around that were unique a series of bunks instead of the usual kitchen and living area arrangements.

Last but not least on display was an old Cushman scooter from the early 50’s that brought back memories.

Riverbend Railroad

One of my favorite topics has always been anything to do with railroads and now it seems if you stay at Riverbend RV park you can continue your model railroading while spending the winter months where its warm.   My friend Art is staying at this particular resort and he invited me over to see the “railroad operation”

There are about 6 or 10 club members that own lots there in the Riverbend RV Resort and each year they have added to, built and landscaped the layout in an area near their clubhouse that is quite sizeable.  They have laid their track on a base of block and brick and then laid the ballast of seashells loose along the track.   Electricity is supplied by battery power and the whole thing is radio controlled so that more than one unit can run at the same time.   I believe the scale is referred to as “G” scale and is available through most hobby shops that handle model railroad stuff. 

They apparently work on this regularly and spend time building new projects like a return loop on the layout.   Also being worked on is a wood trestle that will actually cross a pond area in the middle of the layout.  Buildings and other additions are being built although it will probably never be “done”

Up River RV Resort

We left the Franklin Locks Campground early last week and have settled in here at Upriver RV Resort on the Coloosahatchie River just downstream from the locks and closer to Fort Meyers. We plan on being here for awhile and hope to spend some time exploring the area

We originally had planned on staying on a canal in one area of the campground that has a dock on the backside of the lot right on the canal that we could use for the boat. After looking the lot over we decided that it might be more prudent to take a larger lot and keep the boat on the trailer right at our campsite rather than try to jam everything into what we thought was an undersized lot with neighbors really close!
The canal would have been convenient but we both were more comfortable on a large lot with room and more in the RV section. Most of the lots on the canal were filled with permanent residents, but we also thought it would be more fun closer to the clubhouse.

Our lot (above) in the middle of everything and room to work on the boat, truck, or coach.One unique and interesting coach in the park is an old GM 4104 from the 1950's. The guy that owns it is here primarily so that he can attend a special meeting at the end of the month for converters of older coaches. Always was a dream for me to do what he did.....I even had all the manuals from General Motors. We hope to go up to Arcadia to see some of these coaches just after Christmas.

Last year we had planned on staying through the Holidays, but my good father in law left us at the age of 92 and we went home. This year we are decorating the coach somewhat and plan on having a fun time here. Check out our huge Christmas tree and decorations.

We hope to pick our boat back up tomorrow after discovering a electrical short in the bilge pump that could have been a major problem. We tend to pay attention to these types of things after having had a fire in the Endeavor motorhome two years ago. Will keep you posted.