[Psml] Wishing our fellow members a safe trip.

[Gene Duley]

Friends;

            The following dialogue is between me (Gene Duley) and Jim 
Blackwell-both members of the Redondo Beach Power Squadron, D 13.  A couple 
of years ago Jim retired and moved back "home" to upper New York.  I'm 
sharing this commentary for two reasons.  A.  You think it is cold where you 
live? and B.  The axle grease information.  Let's all wish them well on 
their trip to warmer climes!

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Yes, we are going to give it a try to get to Florida.  We're navigating for 
St Petersburg. We have a reservation there at O'Neill's Marina. Secure place 
to park the boat & trailer; ramps close by.  Good spot!

I had been scheduled for knee surgery. That Doctor cancelled it - he said we
need to wait! And the aneurism behind my right eye has actually shrunk (I
think it shrunk up because of the cold here).

This morning - Sunday January 21, 2007- we are anticipating loading up the 
boat with our stuff. It is a perfectly calm, bright sunny day. Not a cloud 
in the sky.
However, at 0842 time, it is presently 9 degrees below zero!

Libby & I have vowed to load stuff today, but we will NOT go outside until
the thermometer climbs above zero. The weather forecast is for a much warmer
day, though. It is supposed to get all the way up to 17 degrees today.

Wish you were here for the fun & games,

Jim & Libby

//////////////////////////////////

Jim;
    Glad to hear that your health is much better.  However, thanks, but no
thanks of the "wish you were here" part of this post.  I start shivering at
65 above zero.
    Technical question:  Regarding the grease in the axles of the trailer.
Do you have to start out slow in order to get the grease warmed up and
lubricating, or will the little bit of heat be efficient to lubricate "all
at once"?  I have never encountered those harsh conditions.
Gene
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////

I use a waterproof, hi-shear bearing grease that is applied thru the bearing
buddys. It's good down to very low temperatures. This allows us to cruise
right along. Used it when we towed the trailer from LA to NNY.

If I were using standard, fibrous wheel bearing grease in the extreme cold
weather, it could possibly damage the seals. With standard grease, you would
have to "warm up" the bearings & seals.

Well, the boat is all loaded, except for freezables, which we'll put in the
truck tomorrow morning. It was a brilliant clear day here, but only 15
degrees F. On our way to FL tomorrow morning.

We'll write you from there,
Jim & Libby