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On the way back from our trip to the east coast we stayed a few days at Lake Ouachita SP just outside of Hot Springs, Arkansas. This is one of the nicest state parks we've stayed at. Most sites in our section had great lake views. Sites had large, level concrete pads and full hook ups (water pedestal was marked "frost resistant"). There was a large picnic table area and another area behind the trailer pad. Good separation between sites. Lots of big mature trees with good shade. We were there the last week in October and the weather was great, 40s to 70s. There was no cell coverage, which could be good or bad depending on how connected you need to be. A 5 minute drive up the hill and our phones got a few bars. $26/night.

zz, if we're back in the area we'll let you know. We really enjoyed our stay there. Mike

While at the factory recently, management told me that the Dexter EZ Flex system will probably become standard equipment in the future.

I noticed in your picture that the solar panels appeared to be partially covered. I offer this information in case you were not aware of how your solar panels output electricity. You may well have known all this and taken it into consideration. Partial shading of even one cell on a 36-cell solar panel, will reduce its power output. Because all cells are connected in a series string, the weakest cell will bring the others down to its reduced power level. Therefore, whether 1/2 of one cell is shaded, or 1/2 a row of cells is shaded, the power decrease will be the same and proportional to the percentage of area shaded, in this case 50%. When a full cell is shaded, it can actually consume energy produced by the remainder of the cells, and trigger the solar panel to protect itself. The solar panel will route the power around that series string.

I am impressed that the stand got painted. Great place to store the gun too...

Bill, the new shackles have a center to center measurement of about 3-1/8", with an OAL of 4-5/8". The original shackle has a center to center measurement of 2-5/8" with an OAL of 3-7/8". It's a pretty big difference. I was going to measure to see if the new, larger shackles gave my Ollie some extra ground clearance but forgot to measure before the install. I wonder how much those shackles move around while traveling, I can't imagine too much. I want to be sure to give my jack pads good clearance. Those shorter shackles you mentioned would be shorter than the original ones. The new ones are part 018-022-01. Thanks again. Dave

We just spent a few days in Nashville on our way to the east coast. We like going to the Grand Ol Opry, this past weekend was the 91st birthday weekend and we enjoyed a good show. We stayed at Two Rivers Campground, just two miles from the Opry and Opry Mills. Nice campground, very conveniently located, although a bit pricey. There was actually another Oliver there with us, Chad and Shannon with their blue and yellow striped Legacy II. Lots of folks stopped by to ask questions... We overnighted at the Cracker Barrel in Texarkana on our way from San Antonio to Nashville. Interesting experience, price was right and it was very convenient. Cracker Barrel's don't count as a campground but when I asked they said we were more than welcome to stay overnight.