Happy Halloween!

Today was a snowy, cold and windy day.  A good indicator of what is coming.  We had 3 inches of snow, the most recorded for Halloween.


Stuck my head out the door for a few pictures and then the remainder of the day was inside watching TV.

Nice ending to the day.

See you later.

Counting the days

Tomorrow is Halloween and the weather forecast calls for 2 to 3 inches of snow tonight and in the morning.  Too early!
  
I've been doing a few thing to the MH this past week while it was warmer.  I finally replaced the old 2002 25 inch TV in the front room of the MH with a nice 32 inch flat screen that uses much less amperage.  I was not able to use the old one off grid, but this one I will be able to.  Glad to get rid of that heavy relic.

I also added a smaller inverter to go with my 3000 watt converter.  This one is 1100 and uses slightly less amperage while running.  Both are still in place so I can easily switch back if I have problems.

I'm looking forward to heading south late November, especially with this winter weather we're going to have.  I have all my doctor appointments in November.  I feel pretty good and believe all will go well, but one never knows.
  
I was diagnosed with diabetes last year and went on a low carb diet immediately.  I have done well and I do check my glucose regularly and it is now staying under 115 as an average.  Much better than the 160 I had before.  I have had pre-diabetes for many years and I can live with that label, just not the diabetes label.  The only problem I have with the carb diet is keeping my weight up to a comfortable level.  I know.  There are alot of people who wish they had that problem.

Fall came so fast the leaves have already changed and many have blown off the trees with the winds we have had recently.  Don't think Dolly and I will be going north to see the Fall leaves next week.  Have to wait and see how the weather goes this week. 

Have a fun and safe Halloween! 

Visit to Southern Illinois

Saturday morning, the 5th of October, Dolly, Fergie, Yuma and I headed to Cobden, Illinois to visit a winery for a few glasses of wine and take a look at the Alpacas that were being brought from a local Alpaca farm near there.

The winery visit wasn't scheduled till 1 o'clock on Sunday, so when we headed out Saturday morning for the four hour drive, we thought we would just find a place to park our RV at a campground when we got near our destination.

It was beautiful starting out around 11:30, with blue skies and temperatures near 75 with little wind.  Perfect day for a drive. 

We took I-74 east to I-57 and took that all the way south. As expected, the drive was uneventful and we were close to our destination around 4 o'clock.

We were close to Shawnee National Forest and many state campgrounds.  We picked Ferncliffe State Park,  $15 for seniors with electricity.  Beautiful place in the forest.  We were lucky enough to find a spot with a southern view so we could setup our Dish for the evening to watch the baseball play-off game.

We had a nice quiet rest and when we awoke on Sunday morning, we could hear rain patter on our roof.  Luckily, it stopped, so we all decided to take a mile walk around Ferne Clyffe Lake after breakfast before heading to the winery.  About midway around the lake the rain started once more and continued with a drizzle for the rest of the way around.

Just after getting back, the rain started in earnest.  They have been very dry in this area so the farmers were happy for the rain.  

We decided to call the winery to make sure everything was still on for the day.  It wasn't.  I guess the Alpaca ranchers don't like to let their animals get wet, so the event was canceled.  No wine and no Alpacas today.  

We had paid for two nights so we decided to stay and make the best of it.  It rained hard all day and all night.  My RV hasn't seen this much rain in years.  No leaks, so I was happy.  This trip is sort of a shakedown for the MH in preparation for my many month journey to the southwest later in the year.  All looking good.  Luckily, we had our TV so life was good.  We even played 500 Rummy.  I won one game and Dolly two.

Monday morning, we awoke to a beautiful sunrise with a promise of a beautiful warm and sunny day.  Even saw six deer while taking Yuma for his walk.  After breakfast, we decided we would take the MH over to a waterfall about 10 miles away.  (we didn't bring the Jeep)  Looked at the map on the park brochure and decided to take Regent Lane from the highway to the waterfall.  We're hoping for lots of water due to the large amount of rain we just had.  After the falls, the plan was to stop by the Alpaca Ranch and hopefully grab a picture or two of some Alpacas.  This was the whole reason for coming in the first place.

Regent Lane turned out to be a gravel one lane road, but not bad.  Seen a lot worse in Arizona.   Had no problems getting to the waterfall, but there was only a dribble going over it.

The creek went over the lane, but didn't look bad so we (me) decided to go on till we met the next blacktop about two miles further rather than turn around.

Went up the hillside and down the other side.  Another creek, but no waterfall.  The down and up was a little more than my poor MH could handle.  I was traveling slowly, and the backend met the ground and we came to a quick stop when the hitch managed to grab a protruding rock in the creek bed.

Couldn't move forward and couldn't move backward.  The rear tires were raised just enough so that I couldn't move without spinning the tires.  This is about 12:30.


We dug, we placed rugs under the tires, but no luck.  That RV would not budge.  After about two hours of doing this, we decided I would walk up the Lane in search of someone to give us a hand while Dolly and the dogs stayed with the RV in case someone should come along.  The Lane is so narrow no one would be able to go around the RV.

After about a mile I could see a mailbox ahead.  This must be my lucky day!  As I walked on the property, there was a nice new home and a big red truck outside.  I could hear some hammering going on in the newly constructed garage to the side of the house, so I yelled out and this young man came out.  Introduced ourselves and I explained my predicament to Rick.

Rick said he would grab the keys to his beautiful red 2500 Chevy pickup and go down and see what could be done.  As I was walking along the Lane, I had hoped I would find a young man with a nice truck and sure enough, I did.

Hooked the truck to the MH with a chain and all that happened was more tire spinning.  That RV refused to move.  I asked Rick if he knew of a towing company and he said there wasn't one anywhere near here.  As a last resort, Rick agreed to drive all the way around (about 20 miles) and try pulling me out from the back of the RV.  

 

About 20 minutes later, here comes Rick backing down the hill.  Hooked him up and first try, nothing.  Second try, something gave and my MH started racing up the hill.  I was so excited I almost forgot to stop and came within inches of running into the rear of Rick's beautiful red 2500 Chevy truck.  Dolly was screaming STOP! but of course I couldn't hear her.  Anyways, I did stop so no harm done.

We couldn't thank Rick enough.  Tried to give him $100 and he would not have it.  Finally, we agreed we would give him $100 and he would give $50 back.  At least we got him to take something.  So glad we met such a nice man in the middle of nowhere.  I don't know what we would have done if it weren't for Rick and his red truck.

It was now 3:30 and getting late.  We decided to start heading up I-57 and find another campground a little further north and spend the night.  No pictures of Alpacas this year.   Maybe next year.

Drove about an hour and at Rend Lake, we saw sign for the Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park and headed in to call it a day.  Rend Lake is the second largest lake in the state.

Again, another beautiful campground for $15 and another southern view so Dolly could watch Monday Night Football.  While driving around looking for our site, we saw lots of turkeys and deer running about.

Beautiful relaxing night.  Very thankful our day turned out okay.  Could have been sleeping over a creek for the night.  In the morning, saw more deer on my walk with Yuma.  Had a big breakfast and headed for home around 11:30.  All was uneventful and we were home just after 3 o'clock.  

Good to be home even though we were only gone for three nights.

Snow for Easter Sunday

Sunday, April 1, 2018 – Location: Home – Happy Easter

Yesterday, I had to winterize the MH because temperatures are supposed to get down to 20 degrees.  Not much of a spring so far. 

This morning is Easter morning and April Fool’s Day too!  Is that an oxymoron or what.  Started snowing this morning and has kept up all day.  At 2 o’clock, Dolly, Fergie and I headed over to Steve’s house for a family Easter dinner.  Doesn’t look much like spring to me.

Not a good day for hunting Easter eggs outside, so it was an indoor hunt this year.  Keats didn’t care as long as he found some Easter eggs.

Our Yuma slept quietly in his bed waiting for us to come home.

See you later.

Last day on the road!

Wednesday, March 28, 2018 – Location: Home!

Enjoyed a great night’s sleep in the Missouri rest area.  I was surprised when I opened the door to take Yuma for his walk around 7 o’clock.  There were at least 25 trucks and one other MH in the parking lot.  They were so quiet, I didn’t even realize they were there during the night.  Thanks truckers!

As usual when I travel long distances, we get right on the road without breakfast.  I did take the time to make a cup of coffee for the road.  Overcast and the roads were wet with some fog especially in the beginning as I traveled through the Ozark hills of Missouri.  Temperatures in the 40s with highs in the 50s for the day. 

Before getting to St. Louis, I stopped for gas and fixed waffles for a brunch.  Last stop before I get home.  As I closed in on St. Louis, I made a last minute decision to take the I-270 North bypass around the city.  It was very busy, but I think it was better than fighting the downtown traffic going directly through the city.

Popped out on I-55 on the northern outskirts of Maryville, Illinois after crossing the Mississippi River.

 

The rest of the trip was uneventful and I pulled into my driveway at 2:30.  Didn’t get to rest long.  My grandson, Lane Gibbons is having his 17th birthday dinner at Logan’s Roadhouse tonight.  Got to get ready for that.

Here’s the Laning/Gibbons crew present at the dinner.

Left:  Dolly, Evan, Dixie, Kristi, Lane (BD boy) and Nick
Right:  Tracie, Steve, Jim, Keaton, Sarah and Erin

Another three month winter adventure is over.  Had a great time, but I’m glad to be home.  I won’t be writing a daily blog anymore, but will continue to follow the blogs of others that write year round.  I have appreciated those that followed along with the adventures of Yuma and me.  And the comments! 

Thank you!  See you later.

Rest area near Conway, Missouri

Tuesday, March 27, 2018 – Location: Conway rest area in Missouri

Had a great night’s sleep again last night.  There were thunderstorms and rain most of the night, so poor Yuma spent some time on the hallway floor.  For some reason, I woke up at 4:30 and could not go back to sleep.  It was quite warm and I had the window open.  Too early for the Grackles.  Caught up on some blogs and checked the weather forecast for the Ardmore area.  Looked like there was going to be a lull in the rain for the next hour or so.

I decided not to just lay around and get up and go.  So, at 5:30 while it was still pitch dark out, we headed out.  Thank goodness for GPS.  I decided to not go directly up to Oklahoma City and catch I-44 East.  Instead, I took the backroads north to the east and caught I-44 at Stroud, Oklahoma.

Missed all the OKC traffic and also saved a few bucks on the toll fee.  Because it was dark I depended on my phone GPS to guide me through the maize of backroads up to Stroud.  No problems and I remembered to fill up with gasoline before getting on the I-44 toll road.

When I arrived in Tulsa, for some reason my GPS directed me west on I-44 instead of east.  I caught the problem quickly and exited and turned around to the east.  Decided to just turn the GPS off and follow the signs since it was now light outside.  Of course, this is about the time the rain started coming down.  I had been lucky and it didn’t rain while it was dark.

Ended up four hours later at 10:30 in Joplin, Missouri before I stopped for breakfast.  For some reason, I just can’t slow down and relax when it comes to driving.  Especially, if I have a destination in mind.   Of course, it rained the whole time from Tulsa to Joplin.  Luckily, I was on the interstate so wasn’t bad.

I took an hour break and fed Yuma and I had my breakfast.  Looking at the maps, I decided to go two more hours and spend the night at the Walmart in Lebanon, Missouri.  I’ve spent the night there a number of times before.  That’s where I stop the first night on the road from Bloomington.

However, as I was approaching Lebanon, I saw a sign saying Missouri Rest Area.  I remembered that George and Suzie (Our Awesome Travels) had spent the night there and said it was a nice place.  Pulled in around 3 o’clock and shut down for the day.  Traveled about 280 miles today.  I have another 260 miles left.

Didn’t sleep, but spent the next few hours laying on the bed resting with Yuma.  Had to turn the Wave heater on.  It is 46 degrees here and spitting rain so I had to change from my shorts to long pants and put on a sweatshirt.  I guess shorts are done for awhile.

Decided to put the local TV antenna up and watch the local Springfield news and weather.  Lots of flooding south of here in the Ozarks.  Looks like most of the rain is staying to the south and should be out of here by morning.  They’re calling for fog, so may not get an early start tomorrow.

Now I’m watching NCIS and just relaxing.  After I publish this post, I will fix dinner and watch a little more TV before calling it a night.  Should be tired enough not to wake up at 4:30 in the morning.  I’m excited about arriving home tomorrow.  I’m sure Fergie will just love to see Yuma again.

See you later.

Ardmore, Oklahoma

Monday, March 26, 2018 – Location: Ardmore, Oklahoma

Had a great night’s sleep with the windows open.  Woke up to the sounds of Texas Grackles making all kinds of noises in the tree outside my window.  Amazing how many sounds they can make.

Got going around 8 o’clock, thinking we would have breakfast somewhere down the road.  Our goal today is Wichita Falls, Texas near the Oklahoma border.  It’s warm and cloudy this morning and they’re calling for thunderstorms north of here this afternoon.  Hopefully, I miss them.

I took highway 180 east and stopped at Lamesa, Texas for Yuma’s walk and then we had breakfast.   Lost an hour with the move to CDT. 

At the little town of Anson, we turned north on hwy 277 heading for Seymour.  At Seymour we caught hwy 82 going towards Wichita Falls and the end of my day. 

Saw a number of these fabricated houses today.  Must be popular out here in Texas.

However, it started raining as I arrived at Seymour and it rained all the way to Wichita Falls.  Sometimes it was a downpour with some hail and lots of thunder and lightning.  Just outside of Wichita Falls, I stopped for gas and made the decision to drive myself out of this pouring rain.

Knowing how I hated paying all the toll fees on I-44, I looked eastward and Ardmore, Oklahoma is only an hour and a half more northeast.  So, I took hwy 79 which then connected to hwy 70 east right into Ardmore.  About half way there, the rain stopped.  I’ll worry about where to go tomorrow later tonight when I’m rested.  

Been a long day, but that will make the next two days shorter.  Got here around 5:30.  I’m now high and dry in the Ardmore Walmart parking lot in a great spot way out in the north forty next to a fence with a soccer field on the other side.    Should be another quiet night.  And they have lots of Oklahoma Grackles here to wake me up in the morning.  The temperature is 73 and it is cloudy and humid here.

Just as I’m finishing up I hear a loud thunder.  I guess the rain has caught up with me.  Hope it’s gone by morning.

See you later.