Another shakedown cruise - KOA in Harper's Ferry, WV, 25-27 Jul 2010

We took the AS out for another weekend to test out the systems in preparation for the big two-week trip out West in September. We picked Harper'Ferry since it was a short drive from the storage site in Frederick, MD. This was our first stay at the KOA in Harper's Ferry.

As you can see we were squeezed in between other trailers on a tight road near the main buildings. Needless to say, it was quite busy and noisy. Bailey did not like all of the racket. Every time someone slammed a door or cabinet nearby, she got spooked.

To top it off, temperatures were 100+ and although it looks like some tress were nearby, they were on the east side and didn't shield us at all most of the day. It was like living in an aluminum oven! We had trouble with the refrigerator - it started to heat up and ended up at 58 degrees! Had to throw out the steaks we were saving for Saturday evening and Bailey's treats (leftover hamburger from last week on the grill).

The A/C also was flaking out on us, tripping the breaker, and not putting out the airflow it did on the first day. Can't believe it was the campground because I had a nice power conditioner and protector between the AS cable and the campsite 30A outlet. The meter was showing a draw of only 23A peak. Looks like we'll have to take it to the dealer to check out sometime in August.

Friday evening right after we unhooked the car, I took Bailey over to the fenced dog walk. As we were approaching the gate, a woman was exiting with three medium to large dogs (all by herself). One of them got away from her and approached Bailey. Bailey being the sweet and submission dog she is stood and let the other dog approach. As it was moving toward Bailey, the woman called out to me "ohhh, she might bite her!" I started to bend over to pick up Bailey and one of her other dogs rushed over and the two dogs started biting at and baring their teeth at Bailey. I quickly shoved the dogs while picking up Bailey. They were trying to bite her. I got her in may arms just before they could do any damage.

I headed with Bailey to the fenced area and went in. Not a word of apology from the woman! If you know your dog is that aggressive, you shouldn't have it close to other dogs. Not only that, where are your brains trying to handle three dogs by yourself? She was lucky her dog didn't bite Bailey. I was almost ready to kick it if I couldn't pick Bailey up in time.

I think that incident spoiled the location for Bailey for the weekend. She never wanted to go the the dog run. She would stop well before and do her business and then look at me with that "can we go back" look she has.

The KAO campground had a nice pool, lots of activities, and a walking trail to the Quality Inn nearby with a restaurant and tavern. We had lunch there on Saturday. We realized that was the same motel we stayed in on our honeymoon in 1979! The KOA is really geared toward families with kids. There was just too much commotion for Bailey to enjoy it. We prefer a campground like Endless Caverns in New Market, VA. Much quieter and more privacy.