Trip info and update 2015

Sunday, 10/25/2015

We had a slow start on our first day. The alley was clear so that was not the problem. Our Brake Buddy would not show us that it was working, as the indicator apparatus that is in the motorhome would not light up. We could go without it, but it really is better if it is working. For the uninitiated a brake buddy hooks to the brakes on the car and there is a connection to the motorhome so when Butch applies the brakes on the motorhome the brakes on the car also activate assisting in stopping both vehicles. It can be a great thing. Many drivers do not realize how hard it is to get that much weight stopped. It is very foolish to pull in front of one of these big boys and hope they can get stopped in time to prevent your death. Amidst all this Butch lost his glasses. His favorites.They fell out of his pocket somewhere in the activities of the morning. We looked all over the yard and all the places he had been. He only needs them for close work, but these darn things are a pain in the butt. It was easier when they were always on his face.I found him a replacement so Butch decided to take the indicator apart that is with us in the motorhome and see what was wrong. A wire was loose so he tried to solder it, but it was too short and would not hold. So plan B became to go without it. We do not have much elevation to go through so we weren't too concerned that we had to unhook it entirely. We would keep it in mind, stop sooner and drive slower. BUT then we went a few blocks and realized something was not right with our car hook -up. One of the pins in the tow bar would not pop up meaning the car was not tracking properly behind us. So we finally corrected that after quite some time parked in front of the Extension office.  So at 9:05 AM we left Jefferson for parts south. 

I found his glasses much later in the bed. They had come out of his pocket when he latched the safety bar on the bedroom slideout.

The trip itself was smooth as silk. The weather was mild and sunny as we headed south out of Jefferson to I-80 west. We take 680 around Omaha. Butch says it is longer but worth it because of less traffic. So west to highway 81 south out of York NE. The traffic is light and the road  smooth. We stayed at Hesston KS at the Cottonwood Grove RV Park. Not the shiniest park in the world but it is a Passport America park so $15 is a bargain for one nights stay. It was a long day (455 miles) partly due to our late start however the light traffic and smooth road made it work.

Written on 10/26/2015

We are staying at the WinStar casino in Thackerville OK at Exit 1. In other words, we are almost in Texas. Not sure that is a good thing, considering all the water they have been blessed with. You will be reading this far past the day written because the casino has really sucky wifi. With a players card, the rate through the week is $21.00 and if you are getting a players card for the first time it is free. You and your mate will want to get your player card at different times and then you can get a free night on two different occasions. $21 is a good rate.  I wish the wifi was good and then it would be a super deal.

It was another good travel day. Sunny and warm.

Written today 10/28

We did go in the casino because they told us there was free stuff but you had to go get it. The free stuff was $25 after you played $50 in a 24-hour time limit, a chain for your players card and a candy bar. We tried to play the machines a bit. Butch lost $1.00 and I lost $5.00. We tried to eat at Toby Keiths restaurant in the casino. It was the worst meal we have had in a very long time and we will not be doing that again. Butch had a hamburger of course and it was tasteless. And his fries were way over salted. The one he had at Burger King earlier in the day was far tastier. And my chicken sandwich was so salty I could not eat it. We did enjoy our free night so all in all it was and will be a good place to stay.

Yesterday was another good travel day with the exception of one small area on I-820W getting onto I-30W that turns into I-20 westbound. They have been "constructing" in the area where we leave 820 and pick up 30 for 3 years now and it does not look like they will be done anytime soon. Our route involves South on I-35 to 1-35W to 820 to I-30 that flows into I-20 westbound. Then we pick up highway 281 south. We most likely will try finding a way around that trouble area next year without changing our route too much.

We arrived at Canyon Lake mid-afternoon and settled in a bit. We are in the same park as last year, Walnut Canyon RV Park. The phone service is lousy here. After all, the word Canyon in the name could be a clue.

Terry and Lisa Linder visited us in Jefferson this past summer and they so liked our situation that they have been trying to find their own similar niche and they have! They have a wonderful place here that has everything a person could want. It is on private land so they do not have to fuss with such rules as having to park your RV miles away in a storage facility. So our purpose this year in being here is to visit with our friends in the area that we originally became acquainted with at Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA of the Rockies and to advise Lisa and Terry on what it will take to get RV hook-ups on their property. Their place is truly a jewel and I will get some pictures to post ASAP.

I apparently have risen before the young hooligans in the park as the free WiFi is working rather will for being free.

Note to self for next years trip-When you leave I-135 to get on the toll for I-35 in Kansas, you must pick up a ticket from an automatic dispenser so go slow!!