1,050 Miles Over Two Days

 

Sometimes I like to put in a lot of miles over two days to take it easier for the remainder of the trip.  Between outrunning and/or dodging storms (which we did), the second thing is we have a big chunk of the trip behind us now...the hard part...which means TEXAS!

Today we traveled from Kerrville Texas to Las Cruces, just like we had hoped.  The trip was much easier than yesterday when we traveled through Houston and San Antonio.  Very quickly the speed limit went up to 80 mph, and our Camper Van handled it very well.  About an hour later, the winds hit...I slowed to around 70, being blown all over the road.  Good news, another 60-90 minutes later the winds had subsided and I was able to get it back up to 80 mph.  Passed three or four police cars, two of which were Texas State Police, and instincts was to slow down...not only me but others around me slowed too.  The police did not even blink since we all were going the speed limit or under.

Stopped for gas at a Flying J where they just happen to be upgrading their pumps.  Had to go in and prepay, went back out and pumped gas, putting my cane against the pump...where I left it.  Did not realize it until I went in to Cracker Barrel to get dinner to-go.  Tomorrow we have to hit up a Walgreens to get another cane.

As usual, the winds really picked up near El Paso, and especially in Las Cruces.  Hoping tomorrow the winds will be fine early in the morning as we go across New Mexico and into Arizona.  It will be an easy day with only 338 miles.  And Friday we will have a leisurely "brunch" with Laurie before we head off to California via I-40, but how far we get will be a whole different thing...

Oklahoma to Florida - 1, 000 miles in Two Days

 

We left Oklahoma (Downstream Casino) on Sunday morning, bright and early around 6:45 am.  Quickly came into Missouri, then within an hour into Arkansas.  Spent much of the day in Louisiana, and stopped in Vicksburg Mississippi at a Cracker Barrel for the night.  Only hitch, a 2 hour delay crossing into Mississippi due to construction on the Mississippi Bridge.  SURE did not need that after nearly 600 miles, but it is what it is.  

Today we left the Cracker Barrel by 7 am, and went through Mississippi (sign not shown since it was DARK last night when we finally crossed that border), into Alabama, and finally into Florida. 

On our way to California back in June (seems longer than four months ago, but that is all it was) we stopped at Hitchinpost Corral & Campground RV Park, Cottondale, FL the night we left our condo.  Decided to do the same on our way home, but for two nights so we will be rested for unloading the motorhome on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday before we put it in storage on Friday.  We are in the same spot we were in four months ago.

Since we were here in June Vonda, the owner/manager, painted all these fence posts and rails Red, White and Blue, and put up a few flags.

Her husband died around the time that Hurricane Michael came through the area just about two years ago now.  Michael did more damage to the east of here, but damage was done in the area here too. Her and her husband worked very hard improving the property, and now it consumes every day of her life.  She has tried workcampers (RVers who work for their site), but they have taken advantage of her situation.  I urged her to keep trying...I know there are workcampers out there who will give her the help she desperately needs.

Did not even know they had two doggie parks (off leash areas) here, and they are not far from our campground.  When I took Indy there, unfortunately it was dusk and the mosquitoes were out in force.

It is a small, pretty park.  Yes, there are some living here full-time, but they are nice folks who take care of their sites, and follow the rules.  Many of them have children.  You should call to be sure they are not full, and don't be afraid to text if you get the message that says "Please send a text..."  She answered me within 2 minutes with a "Come on in" message, and when she saw us she knew she had seen us before.  Vonda is just one of those people that once you meet her, you realize that what you see is a genuine person with nothing to hide.

There are ponds on and off the property, and my guess is that you will catch some fish if you try.  Yes, the Interstate runs along the property, but we have hardly heard the cars and trucks, and it is hard to see from the Interstate.  

A day of rest tomorrow, and onward to home on Wednesday.