Open Pond Recreation Area, Alabama

Had a good sleep at the Grand Biloxi Casino, but we were both awake early so we left right away and did some driving. I used http://www.gasbuddy.com/ to scout out a cheap gas station along our route about 20 miles away.

Sure enough, it was $3.29 a gallon ($0.87 a litre) when all other stations in the area are about $3.43 a gallon ($0.91 a litre). When you’re putting in 30 gallons (113 litres) at a time, that’s a worthwhile saving to us.

And, there was a Holiday Inn Express right beside the gas station, and it had an unsecured internet connection. So we sat and had some internet time.

Neat looking mural on the side of this building

Looked like a forest fire, but we think it was controlled burning. Sure looked out of control though!

When we stopped for lunch, Ruth noticed that the carpet under the water pump was wet. I had a quick inspection of it, and it looked like water was leaking from the housing. I stuffed a rag under it for the time being, because I didn’t think there was anything I could do without removing the pump, and that would entail draining all of our fresh water out.

We headed for Open Pond Recreation area, about 20 miles south of Andalusia, Alabama. I had found this campground on the internet, and it said they charged $12 for electric/water site, and $6 for primitive camping.

Sherman, parked up for the night with electricity for $12

Open Pond is a pretty spot

We arrived at Open Pond around 2:00pm. They have four different camping loops, two with hookups, one used mostly by groups, and one primitive. We had originally wanted a primitive site, but with our water pump problem, we will need to refill the water tank. Plus, it’s supposed to go down to 36F (3C) tonight so we’ll be able to use our electric heater. So we paid for a $12 site with water and electric. This is our kind of campground. Good rates, good choice of private sites, and lots of area for walks and hiking and biking. We could easily spend a few days here, but we don’t have time this trip. Will mark it down for a future visit.

I had a closer look at the water pump. I’m figuring it needs a seal kit, or if the price is right I’d have to buy a new pump. The only thing I could think of was to tighten the screws holding the housing to the motor. They wouldn’t tighten much, but they did turn a little bit. Tested it out and…no leaks! Not sure if this is only a temporary fix, so I’ll have to keep my eye on it, but for now it is not leaking.

Heavy duty fire pit

We went for a walk, and then I went into the forest and collected some firewood. This campground has the most heavy duty fire pits we have ever seen! It must have cost a small fortune to equip 67 sites with these. But do they ever work well. Our fire burned nicely!

We used the new Weber 100 to do hamburgers and baked potatoes. Once again, I can see why the Weber lineup is so popular with RV’ers. I think this bbq grill is going to see lots of use this summer.

We were tired, and went to bed at 9:30pm. It’s going to be a quiet night!

Today's drive, 177 miles (283 kms)