Well, I'm happy to report that I have dodged a bullet.  I've been cleaning the boat, and I pulled the rubber plugs out of the grease caps/sleeves to check the grease level in the bearing assemblies.  I pulled the first plug and the grease ran out like molasses.  Must be water intrusion, but not enough to make the grease a milky color.  There was no grease being slung anywhere that I could find.

 

On the opposite side, the sleeve which fits into the hub was loose.  I can push it in or pull it out by hand.  There was a circle of grease in the trim cap that goes over the lug nuts.  The rear axle bearing chambers seemed fine. 

 

In any case, I made an appointment with a reputable local trailer dealer to service all four bearing assemblies.  Goes in Friday morning.  Seventy-five bucks per axle, which includes seals, cleaning and repacking the bearing assemblies.  I'm glad I didn't wait until the day before my scheduled departure to tend to the wheel bearings.  The per axle fee includes servicing both sets of wheel bearings.  Any other parts needed are an extra cost, parts only above the one fifty to get everything done.

 

Sometime this week or the beginning of next, the truck will go in for oil change, tire rotation and routine inspection.  Not expecting anything beyond the routine service that is due.  Before our trip to GA last fall I had new belts installed, and a brake job before the Guntersville trip. 

 

Looking forward to meeting all of you again, and some for the first time.  I'm psyched.  Or is it psycho?

  I'm psyched.  Or is it psycho?

 

 

YES!

 

Glad you dodged that bullet, and hope nothing else comes your way!  Other than BIG FISH!!!

 

Jeff

Well, I'm happy to report that I have dodged a bullet.

Congratulations on your save, a little PM goes a long way.  Have a safe trip, and tight lines.

 

P.S. Stay dry

Mike, you nailed it.  I'm impressed!

Been trying to get my boat ready for the trip as well.  So far, I have found two nits and picked them.

Mike,

Will be emailing my registration form today, I did not think I was going to be able to free up the week but it looks like the Navy is going to be able to live without me for a little bit... Sorry for the late add but look forward to seeing everyone again!

 

Jeff

Mike,

Will be emailing my registration form today, I did not think I was going to be able to free up the week but it looks like the Navy is going to be able to live without me for a little bit... Sorry for the late add but look forward to seeing everyone again!

 

Jeff

Welcome aboard Swabby. Will you be there for the wednesday evening shindig?

Yep, plan to attend and I can help out if needed... Just let me know!

Yep, plan to attend and I can help out if needed... Just let me know!

Just show up. You bringing your brother again?

Jeff, glad you can make it again.

Getting closer everyday.

I've got alot to do in the next 15 days. 

Yikes, just found out my son has a baseball game at 8pm the night before we leave.  We are leaving about 3am!!

Yikes, just found out my son has a baseball game at 8pm the night before we leave.  We are leaving about 3am!!

 

 

3AM?  Wow, you folks must be in a hurry!  I'm planning on leaving around 8:00.  For those of you who don't know, BeckieC is BassnChris' wife.  We live only a few miles apart.

I've got alot to do in the next 15 days. 

 

Well, get with it man.  I'd be ready to leave now if I didn't have to get the trailer bearings checked and serviced this Friday.  The only other thing is to get the oil changed and tires rotated on my truck.  I'm outta here next Wednesday if all goes well.  Get to Pickwick Thursday afternoon.  Grab some dinner, a shower, and hit the sack.  Hopefully on the water around daybreak Friday.

 

Retirement or semi-retirement is a beautiful thing. 

3AM?  Wow, you folks must be in a hurry!  I'm planning on leaving around 8:00.  For those of you who don't know, BeckieC is BassnChris' wife.  We live only a few miles apart.

I keep telling her it is 0300 (pronounced o-three-hundred ;-) ) and not 3 A.M.

3 A.M. Is much too early to leave........but 0300 is almost like sleeping in.

Mike and I only live a few miles apart too........not just Mike and my wife.

Well, I suppose that if you want to get there at lunch time and do a little fishing, then ohmygoditsonlythreeoclockinthefriggingmorning is not such a terrible time to leave.  I, on the other hand, plan on arriving as the cocktail hour begins.  I will arrive fresh as a daisy, while you two heathens will fish in a frenzy for a couple of hours and then will have to dash madly back to your room and wash that nasty ole fish scent off before attending the soirée.   To me, my method is much more civilized, don't you think?

Civilized?  You can not call anything you have ever done in your life civilized can you Mike?

 

Jeff

 I will arrive fresh as a daisy, while you two heathens will fish in a frenzy for a couple of hours and then will have to dash madly back to your room and wash that nasty ole fish scent off before attending the soirée.   To me, my method is much more civilized, don't you think?

 

Why would one want to wash the fish evidence off? 

Well, I suppose that if you want to get there at lunch time and do a little fishing, then ohmygoditsonlythreeoclockinthefriggingmorning is not such a terrible time to leave.  I, on the other hand, plan on arriving as the cocktail hour begins.  I will arrive fresh as a daisy, while you two heathens will fish in a frenzy for a couple of hours and then will have to dash madly back to your room and wash that nasty ole fish scent off before attending the soirée.   To me, my method is much more civilized, don't you think?

 

I prefer not to think..........thinking tends to end up costing me money in the end.

All I know is this.....I need to fish..........I look forward to that first fish and dread that last fish......look forward to that first gathering on Wednesday and dread the farewell dinner......the days get longer, the anticipation stronger and we are closer to the best event of the year!

Lets get this thing goin!!!

at this time in 2 weeks.....i'll be on the road..

with a freakin smile that the other people on the road will wonder "what the heck is he so happy about?"  

 

i agree ProCrafter...  i can't wait for the first time i say "there's one!"

 

there just happens to be a BassPro on my way.....

is there any "MUST HAVE" baits i should make sure i have?

 

also, if anyone needs me to pick anything up for them...let me know.....i'll be glad to....

I will be on Pickwick Saturday with some big-time local sticks.

On Sunday I will post what they say is hot. As far as I know,

the bass are still being caught almost exclusively on The Rig,

Red Eye Shad and jerkbaits. One of my friends has been

having a little luck on the bottom with DD22 and Fat Free Shad, 

but that pattern has not been consistant.

What bait are they sticking on the back of the rig?

There are a gazillion permutations for the rigs.  If it won't incur the wrath of the "big sticks" let us know some particulars.  For the Red Eye Shad some size and colors info would be appreciated.