So...who's coming to visit?
We heard last night from friends Doug and Nancy. These are the people who have been following our blog for a number of years now, and because of that they came down to Mexico in their VW van to meet up with us and experience some camping in Mexico. We've met them a couple of times now at Hacienda Contreras RV park and they're experienced Mexico travelers themselves now.
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Last time we saw them was at the end of March. Here's the four of us having a farewell drink together, with Doug doing his best Burt Reynolds impression.
Anyhow, they're going to be visiting family in Edmonton next weekend and then they're going to do the extra 600 kms (370 miles) drive to come and see us for a couple of days!
Hopefully the nice weather will hang around for them. Pretty good stretch of summer we're having this week in the middle of Saskatchewan. Yesterday got up to 30C (86F) so that's almost a heat wave for this time of year. Some of the leaves are actually starting to change, and a few have fallen to the ground already.
Nice day!
We had a few campers show up for the weekend, but still nine empty sites in the lower campground and quite a few empty in the overflow. Holidays are pretty much over for most people at this time of year I guess, even when the weather is really nice.
I spent yesterday morning changing the blades on our heavy duty "zero turn" lawn mower. I had sharpened the old ones and cleaned the deck two months ago. We had a part time employee at the time and I kept him busy cutting grass most of the time. The last time he used this machine I noticed it wasn't cutting very well at all and I had a look at the blades. Well, I don't know what he's been running over, but they were finished!
I had bought three new blades so I had them in stock. But it's a bit of a job to change them. You have to take the mower deck off.
Figured I better have a photo of the belt routing in case it fell off!
Cleaned the underside of the deck, and removed the old blades.
Do you think it needed new blades? Yes, the bottom one used to look like the top one! Not quite sure how it got to this point because it sure wasn't this bad when I put it back together two months ago!
I went and cut some grass in the overflow are and it worked great! Nothing worse than having equipment that only does a mediocre job. Pretty soon it'll be time to get all the equipment ready for storage. Gonna have to check and make sure I've got all the right filters and oils for all the different gear on my next trip into town.
You'd think you must have cut a little grass looking at that blade. I guess the grass might be of a tougher variety where you are than most normal grasses... :cD
ReplyDeleteI think it must have been "petrified" grass to get the blade looking like that!
DeleteIt will be fun for you to have some company, enjoy!
ReplyDeleteWe are looking forward to it, thanks!
DeleteIn my neighbourhood there are some steep, grassy banks beside the road and I wondered how they cut that grass. The other day I saw how - they use a remote-controlled mower. That's what you need - then you could do it from your lawn chair!
ReplyDeleteHa! I bet it's a city owned mower. Nobody else could afford one! My zero turn unit pictured above has a pretty comfy seat though. Plus, it's kinda fun to drive anyhow.
DeleteHave a great time with your friends..they look lots of fun! And sound like minded travellers.
ReplyDeleteSft x
We are looking forward to it and yes, they are a lot of fun!
DeleteOh boy, 2 more of my favorite bloggers! Have a blast with Doug and Nancy! Grace
ReplyDeleteNow, control yourself Grace, don't get too excited!
DeleteJumpin'! How the heck did those things cut any grass at all? Are there that many rocks to hit? I'm sure the new blades work heaps better. I try and sharpen mine about once a month. Just so much nice to cut grass instead of beating it to death.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with your visitors. Hope the weather holds.
That's the problem, they weren't cutting grass in the end. We're not quite sure what he was hitting to get them to that state but he won't be riding that mower ever again as long as we are campground managers.
DeleteWhat a mess! Glad that's a guys job!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your friends! Ain't life grand?
Yes, life is grand!
DeleteI'm so envious. You're going to have such a great time with Doug and Nancy - they are the BEST! About that lawnmower - wow. That part-time employee much have found some giant diamonds and tried to cut them! i'm still in Ashland for about four more days. Then off to Crater Lake and ???? If you guys have any suggestions for central Oregon or Washington or Idaho, let me know.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful time with Doug and Nancy
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They are the best, Mary-Pat and we will enjoy the visit, you can be guaranteed! We are envious of you, you are in an area that we really haven't had much time to explore. I will send you some things that I have on our to see list for whenever we make it to that area again.
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