Oklahoma to Arkansas and beyond

17 October 2011 - Arrived safely in Heber Springs, Arkansas and snagged one of the last RV sites with 50 amp power at Greers Ferry Dam.  Dined outdoors along the Little Red River with temperatures in the mid seventies.  Spent the next four days in mini-seminars learning more about the RV lifestyle, workamping, mobile business opportunities and  taxation matters unique to RVers.  We met many couples with interests similar to our own so was great to converse and share experiences.  We left Heber Springs Saturday afternoon and headed back to I-40.  We found a filling station advertising diesel fuel for $3.47 a gallon.  Bill managed a "u" turn with the coach and car in tow and save a few bucks getting the tank topped off...this was the cheapest price we have seen during our journey.  Most filling stations are selling diesel for $3.89 plus or minus 10 cents.

We decided to make camp at Little Rock Air Force Base, Little Rock, Arkansas.  We stayed three days and had wonderful weather, caught up on the laundry, bathed the dogs, walked through the woods and just had a nice relaxing time.  Upgraded our cellular phones to Smart Phones - we gave in to technology.  Now Bill wants new computers.

25 October 2011 - Onward to Tennessee.  More rolling hills and the fall foliage is absolutely gorgeous.  We opted not to visit Graceland, or the Grand Ole Opry and passed on Dollywood.  Maybe we will visit these areas some other time.  Our first overnight stay in Tennessee was another free night at Walmart. Our second night was spent at Dumpling Valley near Knoxville.  The campground was empty except for us.  The view was very pretty as we were on a farm converted to RV park.  We were informed that we missed their Bluegrass Festival by one week.  As each mile passed by, Bill began to get more anxious to get to North Carolina.  So on October 28th we settled in Hiddenite, NC.  We are staying at Hiddenite Campground - the price is the best in the area but once again we are staying on a farm converted to RV parking.  We are in a wooded area - instructions to the campground include "turn off the paved road" and according to Jeff Foxworthy "you might be a redneck" with those directions.

We are planning on staying in this part of North Carolina for a month to visit with children and grandchildren.  Today (November 5th) we went to downtown Statesville for the annual Pumpkin Festival.  We were here last year for the festival and I believe that it was better than this year.  I was hoping to see more crafter's showing their lovely creations.

Tomorrow we will be taking a car trip to upstate New York to visit with Bill's father and celebrate his 87th birthday.

Pictures are available: https://picasaweb.google.com/102523964098984601768/OklahomaToNorthCarolina?authkey=Gv1sRgCJC05Jz5tbKvxwE

New Mexico to Oklahoma

Eastern New Mexico

16 October 2011 - Enjoyed our stay at Kirkland's Family Camp. We especially liked the off-leash area for the dogs to run free.  Our Pugs delighted in the play time last night and again this morning. The area was free of the nasty sticker know as Goat Heads.  We have dealt with this awful type of sticker in Eastern Oregon and all other desert states we have passed through.

We have discovered a couple rest areas on I-40 that have fenced areas for the pets. The first place is at Sky City, New Mexico and the second area is in Texas somewhere between Amarillo Texas and the Oklahoma state line. Our dogs have appreciated the off-leash play time.

Eastern New Mexico and the Texas panhandle are both pretty flat regions, not much in the way of mountains or rolling hills and of course everything  is pretty brown looking this time of year.  The sky's have been a wonderful blue since leaving Oregon/Washington.

I can see for miles and miles in Texas!

We spent the night at the Amarillo Ranch RV Park.  Just our luck it was Pot Luck night and guests were not expected to bring anything.  The menu was soup and chili - good chili too!  Desserts included a couple of chocolate cakes and I can't recall any others.  Since chocolate is my favorite there was no need for me to look any further. During dinner we met a couple that had been RVing for 16 years.  They live in Iowa and winter in Apache Jct. Arizona.  That is where my dad has been wintering for the past three plus decades.  Later in the evening we meet another couple from Pensacola Florida.  We had a delightful conversation as they too had served in and retired from the military.  We are collecting wonderful tidbits of information about this RV lifestyle.

 A local restaurant in Amarillo, The Big Texan Steak Ranch, offers free limo service to and from the restaurant from Motels and RV Parks along I-40.  Their big advertisement is a "Free 72 ounce steak meal." The meal is only free if you can finish it within 1 hour.  Their current champion finished the meal in 8 minutes and 52 seconds.  My stomach hurts just thinking about such a large meal - I would definitely have to pay for my meal and I would ask for a to-go box.

In the middle of no where - that's Texas for you.

.

Near Oklahoma City

17 October 2011 - Up early again so we can get some miles out of the way.  We drove through the remainder of Texas and about three quarters of the way through Oklahoma.  Texas remained to be a fairly boring drive on I-40 and I was glad to move on to greener areas.  Although Texas and Oklahoma share a common border along I-40, the difference between the two states is like night and day.  Texas is flat and the towns are few and far between and vegetation is sparse.  Oklahoma, on the other hand, is green with lots of rolling hills and trees.  The soil in Oklahoma is a deep red and the rivers and lakes match the color of the soil.

 I did a bit of reminiscing as we drove through Oklahoma City and past Tinker Air Force Base.  It has been nearly three decades since I once lived in the area and I noticed a significant amount of growth.  Proof that nothing remains the same.  We decided to stay the night at Lake Eufaula State Park.  I am surprised to find full hookups (only 30 amp service) and drive through spaces large enough to accommodate our 40 foot coach plus tow behind vehicle.

This oil well is still pumping - many no longer operate

Today's cheapest price for diesel - $3.59
Regular gasoline - $3.15
Due to the relative flat countryside we achieved fuel economy of 9+ miles to the gallon.  Our rig is a diesel pusher.

The weather today has been clear, dry and very hot - 94 degrees.  Had to resurrect the summer attire.

I have included a link for the few pictures we took on this leg of our journey - just not an area that begs to be photographed (in my opinion).  https://picasaweb.google.com/Sandie.Hayes/NewMexicoToOklahoma

Our Journey begins!

Grab a map of the US and follow our journey!

Denis and Mary Umstot

1 October 2011, Bill’s first day of retirement.  Rise and shine early to start our road trip, leaving Richland WA we head to the western portion of the state. Bill opted to drive I-90 and planned to take I-405 North, but as luck would have it the exit was closed.   No choice but to continue on I-90, we head for Seattle and are rewarded with stop and go traffic until we were North of Everett.   Our first stop is Marysville (Port Susan campground) to visit our friends Denis and Mary Umstot .  Our gracious host’s gave us the windshield tour of their campground, provided excellent meals, and an afternoon trip to
La Conner.  On the return trip to
the campground we stopped at a couple roadside produce stands to pick up some fresh vegetables and a couple of pumpkins for Mary.  We plan to meet up with them in January to enjoy the Florida Keys.

A unique bicycle - La Conner Washington

3 October 2011 we head south back through Seattle.  This time we were early enough to utilize the express lanes.  The remainder of the week we stayed on our lot at Lost Lake Resort. The video is of an Eagle catching a fish at our "Lost Lake".

We must make time to sort and store more of our (my) stuff to make space in the coach.  As expected we had gray skies and some rain.  We picked up the CR-V from the body shop Wednesday evening, and Thursday morning we dropped it off tTo have the tow-bar, invisible break, rear hitch and cargo carrier with roof mounts installed.  This turned out to be an all day job and we had to take the coach to complete the wiring connections.  Unfortunately the cargo carrier we had selected was too long for our car.  So, order a different one and return Friday to have it installed.  Friday evening was spent with our good friends Dave and Jacquie Owens in Lacey, WA.  We initially met the Owens’ at Alconbury Royal Air Base, United Kingdom where Dave was Bill’s First Sergeant and later my First Sergeant while stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California.  

Jay and Blanche Severns

8 October 2011 final walk around our Lost Lake Unit (considered an open air condominium - a private RV Resort), secure trash cans and cover the Lexus. Attach tow vehicle to the  motorhome, stop for one final Latte at S&T, more farewells and we head South to Oregon where we enjoy a very short lunch break with daughter in-law (Chris) and granddaughters (Madyson and Alissa).  Farewells are exchanged and we once again turn the engine over and head East on I-84.  Next stop is Stanfield, OR where we stay three nights with Jay and Blanche Severns.  We parked in their very long driveway next to their coach.  While in Stanfield we were given a windshield tour of the area to include McNary Dam where we watched fish make their way through turbulent waters, buffalo and Jay and Blanche’s hometown of Echo, OR.  A side trip back to Richland and Kennewick to pick up the fifth set of lenses for Sandie’s new glasses and for Bill a recheck of the retina that had been reattached prior to our departure from the area. Unfortunately we are now crunched for time to reach our first destination at Heber Springs Arkansas.   We had hoped to head East on the first of October…a good lesson on patience.  We realize that we have passed through areas and will continue to pass through areas where our friends have made their home.  Sorry we can’t stop for leisure visits this trip.

Snake River - OR/IDA border

11 October 2011 our full time journey gets underway once again. Continuing East on I-84 we head for Idaho and stop for the evening at a Wal-Mart in Burley, ID.  This was a day of crossing the Snake River.  I lost count of how many times we crossed the river or drove along its banks – at least a half dozen if not more. Even our overnight stay was close to the river - two blocks.

Orem Utah

12 October 2011 we head south on I-15 through Ogden, Salt Lake City and Orem Utah.  We were expecting to experience heavy traffic in Salt Lake City, but were pleasantly surprised as we sailed right through.  That is until we reach the area of an accident.  Still traffic slugged along until we were clear of the accident site – motorcycle to our far right and a couple banged up cars to our far left.  We do not know if this was one accident or possibly two.  As for the back-up of traffic, I have to say it was nothing compared to what we have been accustomed to in Seattle and the extremely heavy morning and evening  traffic  since the build-up of military personnel at  Fort Lewis – now named Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) located South of Tacoma and North of Olympia Washington.  Our home and home RV Park are in this general area.  Continuing South on I-15 we stop for lunch, dog walk and a good stretch in Orem Utah.  Sandie has a classmate from her primary and secondary school days that lives in Orem, so,  Jerry (Gerald) Cliff here is thanking of you!  After lunch we departed the Interstate at Nephi and hopped on HWY 28 to Salina where we stayed overnight at the Butch Cassidy Campground.  More pictures are available at:  https://picasaweb.google,,key=Gv1sRgCIG23qvdrfqfdg

Salt Wash

13 October 2011 we rise and shine early with a specific destination in mind.  From Salina we jump on I-70 East.  We quickly discovered that we absolutely had to do some sightseeing as the topography was breath taking!  If you view our photo collection for this leg of our journey you will note that we went camera crazy – got to love digital technology. More pictures (including bugs on the windshield) encompassing 128 miles on I-70 East through Utah:   
https://picasaweb.google...ey=Gv1sRgCPe0y8-dnr2KogE

Windows of the world

 We leave I-70 and head South on HWY 191 and as we approach the entrance to the Arches National Park we decide to stop.  We were told a drive through the entire park (round trip) would take two hours – without stopping at viewpoints. .  We left our coach at the Visitors Center and disconnected the Honda to take this marvelous detour in our journey. Bill and I wanted a closer look so we stopped several times.  We spent four hours and ran low on fuel so we skipped the Devil’s Garden portion of the park..  In our opinion this is a must see again area.  When we do, we will spend the day so we can hike the primitive trails.  We left the park late afternoon and decided to call it a day.  We found a campground in nearby Moab, OK Campground, and recuperated from the days adventures.  Obviously we did not get to our pre-planned destination for the day. Click on the link below to view our collection of photos taken at Arches National Park. https://picasaweb.google....key=Gv1sRgCKqun5ralbDyWQ

14 October 2011 we continue South on Hwy 191 and then East in Monticello on HWY 491 taking us into Southwest Colorado.  As we travel along the 491 we shift direction south into New Mexico. Not much for scenery today so maybe we can make up some of the lost time – then again, we are still on track to arrive on time in Arkansas.  We continue south to Gallup New Mexico where we once again enter the interstate – this time it is I-40 East to Albuquerque New Mexico. We look forward to returning to Albuquerque another time so we can partake in the Hot Air Balloon Festival in early October.  We just missed it this year by a week - bummer.  Diesel prices are significantly lower in New Mexico @ $3.55 vs. Oregon and Washington @ $3.99 per gallon.  Our overnight accommodation is at the FamCamp at Kirkland Air Force Base.

15 October 2011 we head further east on I-40...will write again in a few days.

Pendleton Round-UP

September 12, 2011 - Time to turn over the engine on the coach and head from Richland, WA to Pendleton, OR.  We have reservations to stay free at the Pendleton District Office of Cascade Natural Gas (Bill takes care of the Network for the company).  First mistake - right turn with the motor home out of our RV site at Horn Rapids RV Resort...the coach pushed the CR-V to the right about two feet and wiped out the front bumper.  All in all the Honda looked rough but still runs fine.  The motor home has some damage along the cargo bay doors.  Again, still drive-able!  Nothing like starting the trip by damaging two of your own vehicles!

"Let 'er Buck"

Still photos of the rodeo (mostly the DENIM)
https://picasaweb.google.com/Sandie.Hayes/2011Roundup?authkey=Gv1sRgCLKKgtmpppfpmQE

Short videos of  most events can be viewed using the like below.
https://picasaweb.google.com/Sandie.Hayes/PendletonRoundUpVideoS?authkey=Gv1sRgCJeT9ZbA0eX5Iw

We attended the round-up from Wednesday September 14th to Saturday September 17th.  DENIM in all brands from designer to plain pockets.  I could not help noting that I did not see any men practicing for the plumber trade.  I wish I could say the same for some of the women.  While there we were able to visit with one of Bill's previous co-worker's from when the company was HQ'd in Seattle.

So many rodeo fans, most dressed in western attire.  The participants were all excellent.  Some had better luck than others.  Each day we set in the same general section, but different rows.  The final day we were in the nose bleed rows with a pole obstructing our view of the Indian Relay Races and the Barrel Racing.  We enjoyed the week and activities.  Each day we would walk to Main Street - about 17 blocks from the RV.  Of course there were many vendors in the area all ready and willing to sell you round-up goodies.

Almost ready...

It sometimes seems overwhelming to think of what is left to be completed before our wheels are rolling.  We have organized and re-organized throughout the coach.  I am certain that we will continue to eliminate items (mostly mine).  I still have stores of fabric to downsize and store for a later date.  I should probably leave behind at least one of my sewing machines...NOT!

Pendleton Round-Up is next week - we have an affordable to place to stay with the motorhome - Cascade Natural Gas district office. We have tickets for Wednesday through Saturday - it should be a blast.  I will have plenty of time to shop the wide variety of sidewalk vendors and Bill can sleep while I am shopping.

In reality, Bill has five more work days before his retirement.  Wow, I am still in shock as I was thinking we still had a couple of weeks...then he discovered he lots of vacation time on the books.  The good part is now I will have some extra help coordinating and completing all things that need to happen by the end of September.

  We have spent time with the grandchildren (a week here with us).  Now to visit Jenn, Tony and my dad at the end of the month.  I hope dad's filberts (hazelnuts) are ready to harvest.  He has indicated that they will be plentiful this year - translation, he could use some help getting them picked up.

Our loving Pugs have been to the vet and all is well with their health, vaccines updated and medication refilled.  Bandit and Pearl have an appointment with their ophthalmologist - Dr. Kise at Northwest Veterinary Specialists.
Unfortunately for me I am having difficulty obtaining my six month oncology appointment.  Madigan Army Medical Center is down to two oncologists at the moment - I am on a waiting list and that is OK as those with active cancer treatment should have priority.  I'll catch up next spring or find another location for a check-up if necessary.

Three weeks and our wheels will roll across the states West to East for starters.

Getting ready...

Only 66 more calendar days till we fire up the engine in the motor home to begin our retirement journey on the road.  Lots to accomplish in the next two months.  Our next order of business is to make the Honda CR-V tow-able.  All storage compartments in the coach must be inspected to organize and toss out what is not needed.  Our three kids (the Pugs) need vet exams, vaccination and medication updates.  Bandit and Pearl will visit the doggy ophthalmologist.  That means a trip to Portland in the near future - we like Northwest Veterinary Specialists in Clackamas.


Must visit with family and friends before we hit the road.  Our only planned destination is Heber Springs, Arkansas in October to attend a rendezvous and learn more about workamping.  After that short stay we will see where the wind takes us - just one day at a time.

We have signed up with a mail forwarding service - our mailing address beginning in October will be:
5715 HWY 85 North, PMB 956
Crestview, FL 32536-9365

We will do our best to keep our blog current so we can share our journeys with you.