Fri - 4 Apr/14

Heading for a record high of at least 88 F today. Not as intense today with the light overcast sky.

This morning I had to pump out the sewage (black water) tank in the RV.

As Forrest Gump says: "..it Happens!"

I have used the Sewer Solutions V system to pump out.since I bought the RV. I have never used the "accordion" style sewage hose. In my opinion, with its pleats, it can never really rinse clean. This is why many trailer RVer's store their dump hose in the rear bumper - because it smells!

I can.dump and clean the holding tank without getting my hands dirty. A high velocity water jet pulls sewage from the RV sewer pipe and ejects it out the discharge hose (which is a lot easier to handle). The water jet liquefies waste and tissue. It can pumps up to 8 gallons per minute. I have added a short clear 45 degree connector at the dump valve making it easier to see when the process is complete.

 It also allow me to see when the water is running clear when I use the tank flushing system - a rotating water spray at the inside top of the tank. I always close the dump valve for a short time while rinsing after a dump. This fills the tank partially and helps to really clean the tank bottom. Sometimes, as the fluid drains, water dams can form at the bottom and the flow stops making you think it is completely drained. Doing this once or twice helps remove what may be stuck on the bottom.

Charlotte made sausages and eggs for brunch. Yummy!

OK! We slept in again - please refer to yesterday's "Knew Math Hot Weather" formula.

Late afternoon we headed for Sumter Landing in the Villages, FL. On a regular basis groups in the villages are showcased at the square. The parking immediately around the square are reserved for these groups. We have seen vehicles from the Villages Antique Automobile Club, the Honda Goldwing Motorcycle club and others. Tonight it was The Villages Convertible Club.

I don't know if it was the great weather or the attraction of the convertibles; but, I have never seen such a large crowd. Wall to wall golf carts - 4 deep in every parking spot. I did not hold out much hope of parking anywhere within blocks.

We got lucky - I often try a little off-street parking area and we arrived just as someone was leaving a spot.

We then walked a block and proceeded around the square to drool at the cars while the  live nightly music emanated from the bandstand. Almost all of the cars proudly displayed "The Villages Convertible Club". 

The Villages probably has the highest concentration of Cadillac XLR's in the country. There were as many here tonight as there were Corvettes. The XLR was produced for the model years 2004-2009 in the Bowling Green, KY Corvette plant using the Corvette chassis as a basis for its bodywork. The XLR was the second roadster offered by Cadillac in recent years. The first was the Cadillac Allante (1987 to 1993). The XLR was nominated for the North American Car of the Year award for 2004. They all looked brand new.

I didn't do an exact count; however, the number of XLR's and Corvettes appeared equal (technically, would that be double, being they were built at the same plant?) The next in popularity was the Chrysler Sebring Convertible. The reason for this popularity in The Villages is probably the fact that unlike the Corvette or Cadillac - it seats 4 (5) confortably. Unlike the previous 2 autos which are probably second (34r, 4th, etc.) cars, the Sebrings are probably first or second automobiles for the family. Friends of ours have a Sharp Silver on Silver (that's S to the 3rd  power) Hardtop Convertible that they really enjoy so we can easily understand the popularity here.

A little bit of everything around the square. The "Route 66" era Corvette fit right in with my hat - they wouldn't trade - I guess I wanted them to throw in too much cash to seal the deal (grin).

There were a few "Kit Cars" which included a Bugatti 35 (Still can't figure how it got an "Antique" car plate? It is just a kit car. While many cars had a placard that stated "The Villages Convertible Club" and showed a picture of the car with the Brand, Model, Year, etc., this car only showed the Club name.

Another "Kit Car" was an AC Cobra. Probably equal to the original - it had a "Roush" (of Roush-Fenway Racing - NASCAR fame) engine.

Best Colour goes to the Plymouth Prowler. (Built in 1997 and 1999-2002)

Unless your a lady - then it's the 1990 Miata!

My Favourite is a toss up between the 1995 Del Sol Si and the Bounder 34F. (OK - they're mine) The car is a convertible and the RV is a hot rod (Banks headers and exhaust). I tried! (grin)

We were not too hungry this evening so we opted for an ice cream (Pineapple-Lime soft serve) which we ate while sitting in the white rocking chairs as we watched the crowds ogle the cars.

To my surpise I spotted Bob J. and his lovely wife Diane walking by. Bob is a C.C.V.S. Golden Raiders (Championship) Football Team alumni (Cornwall, ON). Outside of the football reunions, I run into Bob - someplace - at least once every decade.  He has a place in The Villages and really takes advantage of the opportunity to golf every chance he gets. (Darn - he keeps looking younger each time I see him - must be the Florida weather).

Such a large crowd in the square tonight I saw Bob try 2 restaurants and then head out in his golf cart. Nothing near the square with less than an hour's wait. Not good when you're hungry! It was fun to meet again.

A lovely evening drive back to the RV with the top off. 

Charlotte made my favourite snacks (Ritz topped with pepperoni, cheese and "Hamburger Chip" pickles) for supper - yum!

Watched 20/20 on ABC for the evening's TV.

It was another  nice relaxing day.