MOSES LAKE - We are late this year. Our Hideout travel trailer stayed in hibernation until last week, full of antifreeze designed specifically for recreational vehicles. This is an unusual event for us.

Last year my wife, Garnet, and I were dry camping at Martha Lake on March 1 and so was the plan this year. The weather became the deciding factor, as is the case with all spring fishing trips. The week before opening day, the low temperature was 5 degrees. After making sure the trailer was protected from all conditions winter had to offer, there was no way we were going to risk damaging our prized possession due to cold weather.

The weather did moderate and become warm and compatible with spring camping, but our schedules didn't allow us to be away from home. Late last year we scheduled a week-long stay beginning May 18 at Potholes State Park, Site 23, which is just 23 miles from our driveway. We were obligated to keep our reservations.

We were excited to be headed out on a camping trip and waking the trailer was the first step. All of the drains were opened to get rid of the antifreeze, which is non-toxic. The freshwater holding tank was filled to flush any remaining antifreeze.

The hose was connected and those lines were flushed. Next, in keeping with the suggestion of friend Ron Sumner, an ample amount of household bleach was poured into the holding tank and it was filled again. Bleach water was pumped throughout the water lines until I could smell bleach at each faucet.

An hour later, the bleach water was emptied and fresh water was used to flush out the bleach. The white hose, designed to bring fresh water to the trailer at the campsite, was not ignored. Bleach is also poured into the hose and flushed a short time later. At this point, all of the water lines should be sterilized, purified or otherwise rid of all harmful bacteria and other critters.

This hose has two ends, but neither end is allowed to touch the ground. When not hooked to the trailer and water spigot, the ends are attached to each other. The idea here is to not contaminate the inside of the hose.

We knew tree limbs had fallen onto our slide-out, because we could see several from the ground. A ladder was used to remove them, but other debris was discovered. The business end of a broom and a squirt from the garden hose removed most of the larger items, but an old towel was needed to remove the accumulated dust, which was now wet dust. Another shot from the hose and the top of the slide-out was clean. A wipe with another towel removed most of the water and the damp top dried in a matter of minutes in the sunshine. The slide-out was retracted for the first time since last fall.

Our procedure for attaching the trailer to the Dodge Ram has become easier and faster. The tire pressure was checked and all four tires were found to be up to standard.

The tongue was raised, the Ram backed into place, the trailer was attached to the ball, safety chains put in place, anti-sway bars locked to the truck and the light plug inserted and lights checked. We were ready to roll.

The 23-mile journey to Site 23 was just a short jaunt in the eyes of RV travelers, but it was just fine for us.

Hooking up the trailer at the campsite has also become easier and faster. Two small boards were used to raise the left side of the trailer to establish a level condition, the white hose was connected to the trailer and to the water spigot, the sewer hose was hooked to the trailer and the other end inserted into the campsite sewer. The electrical connection was established and the slide-out and the four stabilizers extended.

Garnet had suggested we purchase a new section of indoor/outdoor carpet we use to cover the bare ground along the right side of the trailer, but the one we have been using for three and a half years looked just fine or at least acceptable for at least another season. The carpet was secured by a box of firewood along the trailer edge.

As I was working on the hookups on the outside, Garnet was working on preparing the inside for a week of living. She uses plastic dishpans to store various items not already having a designated spot; anything which will be on the kitchen counter when camping, such as the toaster, a small blender, salt and pepper shakers, coffee pot, etc.

Next week: Visiting with old friends and meeting new ones.