The Masked Merchant
  • Our Travels
  • Leonard Consulting Group Inc
  • The Masked Merchant
  • Our Blog
  • Contact

New product for our travels

8/17/2019

0 Comments

 
LCG Inc and 4Bike-Police.com are now offering On Duty CBD oils.
We now carry both Free and Pure CBD in 500, 750 and 1500 mgs. Along with lotion and a roll on for spot relief. We even carry On Duty for Pets a 350 mg formula to help your pets over come their anxiety.
You can purchase On Duty at their website and use code "BIKEPOLICE" for a discount or its available with our normal discounts at 4Bike-Police.com

On Duty is also available at our bike shop headquarters in Haskell AR. Mikes Bike Shop is our showroom for 4Bike-Police and shipping headquarters.

At On Duty
No matter who you are, or what you do – first responder, teacher, serving military, bus driver, soccer mom, veteran, nurse, outdoorsman, small business owner - you have been called to service, you are always on duty.
​Not all CBD is created equal
Regrettably, during our research process we discovered many CBD products weren’t being produced the “right way” or were simply making untrue claims.  The market is overloaded with Chinese made synthetic cannabinoids and cheap CBD oils contaminated with pesticides and heavy metals. Recent studies indicate most CBD products are not what they claim to be.
With On Duty CBD you get quality products you can trust.  Our products are all third party tested and results are posted online for the world to see.  Every product carries a “QR code” allowing you to trace the origin of your product back to the very farm that harvested the hemp.
On Duty is made “in house”
On Duty is made “in house,” meaning the farmers deliver the raw materials to our Lexington lab.  From there our own scientists, chemists, and technicians test, produce, bottle, and finally ship On Duty products to you.   
A vast majority of CBD companies slap a label on mass produced bottles, churning out of massive factories.  Invariably, the lowest bid is sourced and labeled.  These CBD companies never even see the products they sell. 
The upshot, On Duty CBD products are tested and trusted.  No chemicals, pesticides, heavy metals, or imported material…ever.  

0 Comments

Summer in Michigan's UP

8/8/2019

0 Comments

 
 . wJune right after my last VA appointment we headed north. Tammys brother lives in the UP of Michigan and we had some friends to visit along the way.
From our trip to Marquee on The Bay RV resort in Dickinson Texas we met Lace and Cindy. They were staying at Hidden Ridge RV Resort in Hopkins MI. It was on our way so we headed that way to visit them on the way north.
When we left Arkansas I had always said I didnt want to drive more than 5 hours a day. I want to stop early and see the sights in the towns we go through.
Well it was storming really bad so we pressed on. We finally stopped day 1 at the Archway RV Park in Mt Vernon IL. Very nice and right off the freeway. They were a Good Sam Park and also had a military discount and allowed pets. We stayed the night but had a fuse issue when opening up our slides. I replaced the fuzes and found out that my coach.net service expired after a year all in the same night. 
We were able to close up and got back on the road. We got to Hidden Ridge, only to find out that the kitchen slide wouldnt come out. I went to General RV Center just south of Grand Rapids and asked for service. The guy from service was not very helpful at all. I guess they dont repair there. He gave me the number of a mobile repairman and I left. I called Franks Mobile RV service. Also started digging and found my extended warranty contract. They stopped by but were on the way to another job so they found my cause and cut me some wire and I was on my own to fix, which I did. All was good in our world again. We went over saw Lace, Cindy and Shelia. the park was great very clean and well maintained. We decided to make it our base for the next week and is definitely a place we would go back to. From here we were only short drives to Wyoming, Tammys home town, her friends and the sand dunes. We took daily trips to the locations around the West central area of Michigan.
The highlights were Holland, a unique little village with a real windmill and wheel organ. Wooden shoes all reminiscent of a city in Holland. Another day we did the sand dues of Lake Michigan. We met up with one of Tammys childhood friends and went her and kids to Michigan Adventure Park. The next day to Dawns property to Jet Ski and knee boarding.  Lots of fun and good people.
After Grand Rapids area we headed north to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. A great place called Raber Bay Landing. This is owned by Mary Rudnick who is Tammys sister in laws mother. It was a great stop to visit with Tammys brother that she hadnt seen is over 20 years. Raber Bay is a nice little fishing resort located on Lake Heron. This was amazing all July the temps didnt get about 82 degrees and the night got to a cool 60. We had to wear jackets when we went out on the lake at night. We are looking at pouring a slab and making this one of our summer stops.
Our outtings there were to Sault St Marie we toured the locks right on the border of US and Canada. We went to Tahquamenon Falls State Park they have a local brewery there as well so go in and order the flight. Each were delicious. Our other day trips were to the maritime museums and lake sides where Tammy and Braxton enjoyed finding unique stones along the route.
After a great visit with Tim, Theresa and Mary at Raber Bay we headed back south. We went outside of my birthplace in Ohio. We stopped in at My Uncle Phils house and saw my other Uncle Bud, Aunt Mona and Chris. My brother Steve even came up for a day. This had been a awesome trip so far and visiting a lot of family and meeting new one for both Tammy and I was just amazing. After all the good times we had to get back to Arkansas. We headed south and made a stop at Terra Haute In KOA. It was in a good location and Braxton just loves all the amenities. 
We made it home the next day to Indian Springs in Bryant.

0 Comments

Short visit to Ft Worth and IPMBA

8/4/2019

0 Comments

 
It was the International Police Mountain Bike Assc annual training conference and vendor fair. Its always fun to see my competitors and friends. While traveling now full time it makes going to IPMBA easy. Our booth always showcases new products and options, plus we get to see any new advancements to bike patrol.  This year we brought our new line of Boston Bills sunglasses and the new Serfas Bike Helmets. Both are available at 4Bike-Police.com. We are always looking for new products. Sad time though. Soon as I hit Ft Worth I got news my dad had passed. We hadnt seen each other for a while. So lots of thoughts going through my head. Next year IPMBA is in Dayton Ohio. So, start planning now.
0 Comments

Friends, food and FUN. Topsail Island NC with the Wynns

8/4/2019

0 Comments

 
Since the Hurricane in cancelled out trip to TopSail we rebooked for the week before Memorial Day. The place was Big Blue. A beautiful house right on the beach. It was a make up for Stephs birthday trip and was one of the best trips we have been on. Gary my brother since the 80's invited us on a family vacation. So everyone was there. Mom, brother Ron and Tammy, Cyndell and Clay and some friends in and out during the week. These guys really know how to do a beach house. It was so much fun and there was so much to eat and drink the entire trip was truly amazing. My Tammy, I say that because there were three Tammys there, found a new hobby in shark tooth hunting. She found over 100 that she brought home. Daily contest to see who found the biggest ones. Me... it was just fun in the sun. Kinda my own little getaway in my mind. Sitting in sun with an ice cold beer or walking the beach either was so relaxing.  Some of the best parts were walking in the morning to the seafood shack and getting fresh fish and shrimp for the days meal. So much seafood and it all tasted great. Everything was within walking distance from the house. Gary and family were amazing and everything was great. We took an evening sunset cruise and had wine tasting. For this trip we left the camper in Arkansas and just took to the road for this out and back adventure.  Then on the way back to Arkansas I stopped in South Carolina to visit my brother Tom and his family. My dad passed earlier in the year and I wanted to visit. It was a good time seeing him and Molly. I hadnt seen either one in years. I am hoping we build a new relationship.
It was a great two weeks. We are going back as we travel and hope for more good times.
0 Comments

Back in Arkansas til June

3/15/2019

1 Comment

 
The Arkansas Freedom Fund has a few events to get done so we are back for a bit. Tammy will pick up a few work days and I will a few VA appts and get ready for a golf fundraiser and some fishing.
Since I am going full time RVing I am relinquishing the reigns of the AFF. Rae Brown will be assuming command. I will work her through a couple events show how things work and then pass it on to great hands. Rae cares about Veterans and has about the same passion as I have. So its gonna be good for the organization. 
So lets talk golf. The Arkansas Freedom Scramble is on for May 13. We need sponsors and teams to make this another great tournament. Our 9th year at Diamante CC in Hots Springs Village. Details and sign up, just click this link.
Next up then is Fishing with Heroes Bass Tournament at Lake Dardanelle in Russelleville. Rae is point on this one and details are here.
In the meantime we are looking forward to our trip to Topsal Island NC with the Wynns. Gary and Steph planned this trip last year, but a hurricane kinda put out that fire so we are off to give it a another try.
1 Comment

Our Texas Take Away

3/15/2019

0 Comments

 
Well our first trip out of state and still learning that I need to keep up on the blog so chronologically it all fits, Its a beginning, a work in progress.
We were so happy that we went just 7 hours away from "home". Although we dont really have one since we take it with us. I had read earlier as well to stay near home when starting off to full time RVing. It saves a lot of stress getting accustomed to everything. We had a few things needing attention so it was just an easy drive back to get things finished. We left the 5th wheel at the resort and it was watched and ready when when we returned.
So, Texas had all that we ever imagined and more. So many things to see and do. World Class BBQ and seafood galore. Everything that we like. The coast, sea air, good food and nice people. Probably the right distance from Houston as well. We toured the Museum district, where the Houston Museum of Natural History and the Houston Zoo were. So many people out and walking their pets. It was a good outing and an exceptional sunny day. If you travel to the city remember to take the jeep. It was a lot easier to maneuver than the dually.
Relax and check out the pics.
0 Comments

Mardi Gras Texas Style

3/15/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
So just before we left Marquee, we had the opportunity to visit Galveston Mardi Gras with our neighbors from the resort, Lace and Cindi.  We has a couple good happy hours together but the highlight was Galveston.
It was loads of fun gathering beads. Tammy was the proud recipient of 108 sets of beads. "Let the Good Times Roll". We watched three parades drank a few beers and really had a great time. Sad to leave the resort but happy for the new friends met along the way.

0 Comments

Marquee on the Bay Dickinson TX

3/15/2019

0 Comments

 
Picture
What an experience. Valarie Weber the proprietor of the park was absolutely the best. She was welcoming and truly took care of the guest. Everything from mail delivery to LP gas delivery and even did some set up and close up for folks traveling through. Being welcomed by Zeus and Rufus let us know we were at the right park for someone traveling with dogs. Right on Galveston Bay you are at the center of everything for the east coast. Just 20 miles from Houston and 18 miles from Galveston you cant go wrong. The tourist town of Kemah is only 5 miles away. As with Dickinson and Texas City. So you are never far from anything. The resort has a lot of fulltimers but always seemed like ample sports for someone traveling through. But why not stay a few nights. Kirk and Angela just across the way were equally welcoming. We had a great time building the Marquee sign (pictured) that fell to a Texas size storm that blew in from the south.  Seafood is in abundance, along with any other menu item you could ask for. Tookies .69 oysters for happy hour and 7.99 per crab knuckle were great.
​The area has it all. So much so Tammy had to stay another month and we still didnt see everything we wanted to. So we are certain to go back. 

Picture
While there we had the chance to visit the Johnson Space Center, Play Top Golf, tour lots of food establishments and meet some new friends.
Lace and Cindi were from Michigan quite a coincidence since thats where Tammy is from. More interesting was they had a Aussie the was a Willow duplicate. Shelia was just a few years older than our Willow. But they got along just fine.

Houston... We didnt see the problem.
The Johnson Space Center was an outstanding representation of what is going on in space. Lots to see and plenty of interactive exhibits as well. Remember to take your wallet. They do have a military discount.
0 Comments

RV Living..Lets Talk FOOD

1/16/2019

1 Comment

 
Ok many people think or at least say to me, living in an RV you must not eat right? Well I will tell you what, there is nothing you can't do with today's technology and a Pinterest Account. There are so many ideas its unbelievable. I have shown my pics earlier of my Seafood Feast of a Scampi Plate of Shrimp, oysters and scallops. We also have had Red Fish on the grill, snow crab and tonight Salmon Burgers. We found a Texas goldmine today with the store H*E*B. It was just amazing. They have prepackaged meals for one and two, set up in a baking tin and with directions right on the label. There was so much food in here, Kroger should take note. I couldn't believe it. Most of it was all natural, there was a healthy section and Vegetarian section. Even Italian Pastries and wine tasting. Just like being in Italy. A full fresh and frozen seafood market. Priced a little higher that the shops on the waterfront, but a large selection. Preshucked Oysters by the container. We bought a few meals and the Salmon Burgers, (before I forget Its Crawfish Season in Texas. Lines of people waiting to purchase on the news tonight). Now back to my post. First off a couple things that are an RV 'Must Have'. They are an InstaPot, an AirFryer and some copper pads for the grill. So many ideas on the internet. We use our InstaPot for Roast, Country Ribs, Chicken, Chili and more. We use the AirFryer for almost any thing bake-able. French fries, sweet potato fries, wings, Loin Roast, whole chickens on the rotisserie and these new full meals in the tins. Secret.. Left over Fried food reheat wonderfully in the AirFryer
Grilling was simple and a pleasure with a glass of wine and a copper mat. The Red Fish didnt stick, was easily rotated and done to perfection.
My point here is there is no need to skimp or do without great meals. The internet is your friend. So if you have a great recipe, just post a comment and let us know we would love to try it.
1 Comment

Hello Texas

12/28/2018

1 Comment

 
Here is a blog spot that may get big. There is so much to do here. We hit the ground running. With the introduction of GlassParency Premium window treatment from son in law Chad (the Detail Ninja) and offered by 4Bike-Police, we could actually meet all departments if they had bike teams or not. Every agency wants the safest fleet possible for responding personnel during inclement weather. So GlassParency premium window protection is a great fit for us. We left Arkansas and drove for just five hours till we decided to stop. The second best thing about traveling you stop when you want. The place we stayed at was called Piney Point RV park in Nacogdoches, Texas. We went down town and toured the city and had some excellent Mexican Food at El Tomas. Left the next morning on our way to Dickinson. Our arrival at Marquee on The Bay was non eventful until the last few feet.  We pulled into one large concrete pad and Tammy came up and said "No not here come back I cant see the water."  So as I was moving back to the front I turned my 43 footer a little sharp and hit a hole. The tires sunk down in the mud which caused the landing gear to hit on the road causing now a slightly slanted gear. Note to all of you long vehicle drivers, remember your turns even in a park. But only a few words later we were all set up at our new home for the next little while. Set up the hammock, chairs and pet fence and we are set.
Our first night we wandered over to the town of San Leon and stumbled on the Top Sail Grill. Tammy had the best snow crab meal that she ever had. (So she said) It was good and we thought were going to like it here.
Picture
Our first two weeks are in the books. Such a nice place here at Marquee on The Bay. Centrally located for us. 5 miles from the Kemah Board walk, 10 miles from NASA. 19 miles from Galveston and the beaches. 24 miles to south Houston. It has a pool, laundry and direct access to the Dickinson Bayou. Just a mile from the park is fresh seafood from Hillmans Seafood. 
We have visited departments in Kemah, Dickinson, LaMarque, Texas City, League City, Galveston Police and Galveston Sheriff, Texas DPS.  We were able to do a few vehicle window protection treatments and dropped off some quotes. Had a great time at the Kemah boardwalk, the Galveston Boardwalk, the Galveston State Park and did the NASA tour. So it has been work and play but nothing less than a great time. I have made seafood in the camper, ate seafood at the restaurants and hit the 69 cent oyster happy hour at Tookies Seafood in Seabrook.
I will break this up into two picture groups. First work and then play.
1 Comment
<<Previous

    Author

    Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Questions and comments are welcome.

    Archives

    August 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed