Tyler, the owner, told us on Friday he thought the ground would be dry enough to move the RV to its permanent spot on Saturday or Sunday. Sunday is our first day off so we decided we'd move the rig, clean up and wait for our friends to arrive. Repositioning quickly turned into a disaster. Fred got Nate up the short but rather steep incline, then pulled forward in order to back in (so the hook-ups would be on the correct side). When he stopped to shift from drive to reverse, the left rear wheel sank hub-deep into a soft spot. Attempts to pull forward as well as to back up only caused the rig sink deeper. Tyler got his tractor and the owner of the lodge across the road brought his backhoe, two employees, a heavy-duty strap and chains. The strap and two chains snapped and both the tractor and the backhoe dug holes as their tires spun. There seemed no recourse but to call a tow truck. The guys helping us advised us to request that the big wrecker, the one used for tractor trailers, be sent and warned us that the fee is $1000.
The whole experience was extremely stressful but all's well that end's well. We are in the permanent spot, fairly level and with all the hook-ups in place. The RV sustained minor damage but 'interim solutions' should hold us until we return to western NC.
The campground in the national park was full and the one across the road doesn't have hook-ups so Randy and MJ found a nice site at Jacob Lake. We had a leisurely meal together at the Jacob Lake lodge with good food and time to catch up on everyone's activities and adventures. We plan to hike tomorrow and show them the views from 'the other side' of the canyon.
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