Speeding Bird Feeder Makes RVer Think Twice About Checklists

When I first started RVing I used an RV pre-flight checklist for both inside and outside. As a Navigator on the KC-135 I was required to use a checklist for everything - we called it our “plastic brains.” For a quick rundown on my military career I was first an Army Medic stationed at SHAPE Belgium where I worked in the ER and also drove an ambulance. I finished my Army tour and went to college (BA degree) then to seminary (MDiv). I attended Air Force ROTC while in my last two years of seminary and received my commission and went to Navigator school at Mather AFB in Sacramento, California. When I finished my hitch as an Air Force Officer, I was certified by my church to become a chaplain. I became a Navy chaplain and finished my career retiring from the Navy. During my time in the Navy I graduated from law school with a Juris Doctor degree. Moving around is in my blood and being a full time RVer helps satisfy that drive. The reason I tell you this is because my military career is full of interesting stories from which I draw from time to time to illustrate my articles. So, back to the checklist, I previously used them with military discipline until it became second nature and I felt comfortable not relying on them. Fortunately, I’ve only had minor blunders, but sooner or later Murphy will catch up to me and I’ll pay the price for not using a checklist. Here's a humorous example of what can go wrong when you don’t use one. Christmas Eve day we were driving to see our kids. We traveled about twenty miles when Mrs. Professor noticed that I had forgotten to retrieve the hummingbird feeder off the side window. “Those hummingbirds have to fly pretty fast to eat at this feeder.” she said. Amazingly the feeder remained attached even though it’s only held in position by one suction cup. So, if the feeder can stay put at 65 miles per hour, you know it’ll stay safely attached when you’re stationary. I pulled over, took some pictures and removed it for safe keeping. I’ll definitely use this feeder again! Using checklists and other reminders to help you prepare your RV for travel is good practice. I’m getting to the point where I think I’ll start using them again. Laughing at myself - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing