We are about an 8 hour drive from our destination; Pine to Palms Resort in Weslaco , TX. Most of the way from here is on an Interstate or the speed limit on the Highways are at or more than 70 MPH. The only stumbling block is going thru San Antonia. I have, on other years, taken the Beltway but it always fails me because they are either building a new road or fixing one. Nothing burns my Ass more than sitting in traffic when there is another route. So I took a friends advice and decided to drive right thru the city of San Antonia . On the map, it is a piece of cake, in reality it is a disaster.
Incidentally, we do have our GPS with us , unfortunately the charger was left in Med Hat for safe keeping!!!! I'm not saying it was Carroll's fault that it wasn't packed but I'm still blaming her???
After driving around San Antonia for an hour or so, mostly going in a circle I stopped for fuel. After fuelling up I looked around the store to see if I could find someone who looked "intelligent " enough to ask for directions. I spotted a young guy packing shelves so I ask him for directions. I asked him directions to get to a certain Highway and he replied with a question ( which made sense ) where are you going? I said Weslaco, TX. He say, well, you are going the wrong way but if you turn around , then pointing, said ,drive to that stops sign, make a right turn , that road will take you right to Weslaco. Bare in mind that we had wasted a good hour being lost in San Antonia, so this was the best news I heard all day.
So after 4 hours of driving we landed at our at our Resort. By the way, the word "Resort " is way over used. This is a gated community and the gates are closed during the evenings. Since we arrived after 6 PM we had to ask permission to enter. I rang the buzzer and a man , whose voice sound ancient and his hearing was worse, answered the phone. I explained 5 times who I was and that I had rented 127 Orchid st. Finally, the vehicle behind me open the gate so I was in. However, the office was closed because it was a holiday so there was no chance of getting the keys to our home today.
We then decided to grab a nearby motel and get the keys to our home tomorrow. Even though the price of the motel was 59.00, including breakfast ( no hot tub ) I ask for my Veteran's discount. She said the Veteran's price was 65.00 so I'm getting a better deal which I couldn't argue with so I paid the 59.00. Such is life.
After getting settled we went to the Olive Garden for supper. Then back to our motel and settled for the night ; without a Hot Tub. cheers
Friday, 13 January 2017
Travel Day..Happy New Year 1 Jan 17
What a way to start the New Year... we get to travel another 1000 KM today and we really don't know were we will end up. Eslers never plan; it's more exciting that way.
We have been ask what it is like to travel mid western states and it can phases as " Miles and Miles but nothing but Miles ".
Once you hit northern TX you can not believe the large number of cotton fields and the huge bales of cotton. It seem hard to believe that you can 50 years ago you had to pick cotton by hand and now it is done with a combine.
Anyhow this 10 hour day ended in a small town in TX called Lemasa. We thought about going on to Big Spring, 60 miles further south, where we have stopped other years, but it was getting dark and the Best Western Inn had all the amenities such as a Hot tub and WiFi along with a "hot " breakfast.
We don't like to drive long hours for 3 days and then once we reach our destination we would be tired for the next week. Day 3 Ends. cheers
We have been ask what it is like to travel mid western states and it can phases as " Miles and Miles but nothing but Miles ".
Once you hit northern TX you can not believe the large number of cotton fields and the huge bales of cotton. It seem hard to believe that you can 50 years ago you had to pick cotton by hand and now it is done with a combine.
Anyhow this 10 hour day ended in a small town in TX called Lemasa. We thought about going on to Big Spring, 60 miles further south, where we have stopped other years, but it was getting dark and the Best Western Inn had all the amenities such as a Hot tub and WiFi along with a "hot " breakfast.
We don't like to drive long hours for 3 days and then once we reach our destination we would be tired for the next week. Day 3 Ends. cheers
Wednesday, 11 January 2017
On the Road 31 Dec 16
When you are travelling, you don't realize that it is the last day of the year. Anyhow, when we left Sheridan, WY, it had stopped snowing during the night but the roads where still snow covered, in fact the passing lane look a little treacherous. Of course I was in 4 wheel drive but 80 KMH seemed like the safest speed, at least until I got a feel of the road. The snow ploughs were out but they always seem to be on the other side of the road, and of course our side always seems to be the worst.
It was not long before I caught up to several vehicles that were travelling at 50 KMH ( 30 MPH ) and the roads appeared, to me at least, that this was a little too slow. With Carroll's permission I challenged the passing lane even thought it was snow covered . I carefully got by these "slow pokes " and then decided to follow a 18 wheeler who was making good time.
As we were climbing a hill, the Sun was directly in my eyes and the 18 wheeler merged off on the exit lane. Since I lost sight of the road, I followed 18 wheeler. Once he got off the highway, he came to a full stop and appeared to be lost. As it turns out, this area was a very small town and with all the snow I had to find a lane way that was plough so I could turn around. Once I go turned around I thought I would merge right back on the Interstate. Not so fast; you can not enter the Interstate from here so how in Hell do I get back on the highway. I continued across the overpass wondering what to do when Carroll spotted a "snow covered " sign which read " continue 2 1/2 miles to enter I-25. That was the good news; The bad news is that the road was barely a 2 lane road and it was snow covered and had not be plough today. We had doubts about our ability to get thru a 2 1/2 miles of snow covered road but we had no choice but to "plough " on. We actually got back on I-25 at the end of the road but it seemed odd to drive 2 1/2 miles north to get back on the south bound side of the Interstate.
Once back on I-25 the roads were getting much better and we were able to get back to 110 KMH. After driving a couple hour fighting the Sun I decided to let Carroll share the sunshine in her eye since it appeared that she was only sleeping; which she denied. Once in the co-pilots seat, I then fell asleep and Carroll woke me once we reached Casper, WY, where we decided to stop for breakfast. We where surprised to see that the roads where clear with very little snow except for the ditches.
After breakfast it was clear sailing the rest of the day. We arrived in a mid size town called Limon about 6 PM so that was enough travelling for today. We have stopped here before and I recall that the Comfort Inn was reasonable priced and it had a pool, hot tub, Wifi and an excellent hot breakfast.
This motel had been renovated since we were last here. After I ask the price I played the Veteran card again and they again knock off 15.00. When the clerk punched my name into the computer he said it was already in there data bank so there was no required to produce identification.
We when out for supper and then enjoyed the hot tub. So that is how you spend New Years Eve on the road. Cheers
It was not long before I caught up to several vehicles that were travelling at 50 KMH ( 30 MPH ) and the roads appeared, to me at least, that this was a little too slow. With Carroll's permission I challenged the passing lane even thought it was snow covered . I carefully got by these "slow pokes " and then decided to follow a 18 wheeler who was making good time.
As we were climbing a hill, the Sun was directly in my eyes and the 18 wheeler merged off on the exit lane. Since I lost sight of the road, I followed 18 wheeler. Once he got off the highway, he came to a full stop and appeared to be lost. As it turns out, this area was a very small town and with all the snow I had to find a lane way that was plough so I could turn around. Once I go turned around I thought I would merge right back on the Interstate. Not so fast; you can not enter the Interstate from here so how in Hell do I get back on the highway. I continued across the overpass wondering what to do when Carroll spotted a "snow covered " sign which read " continue 2 1/2 miles to enter I-25. That was the good news; The bad news is that the road was barely a 2 lane road and it was snow covered and had not be plough today. We had doubts about our ability to get thru a 2 1/2 miles of snow covered road but we had no choice but to "plough " on. We actually got back on I-25 at the end of the road but it seemed odd to drive 2 1/2 miles north to get back on the south bound side of the Interstate.
Once back on I-25 the roads were getting much better and we were able to get back to 110 KMH. After driving a couple hour fighting the Sun I decided to let Carroll share the sunshine in her eye since it appeared that she was only sleeping; which she denied. Once in the co-pilots seat, I then fell asleep and Carroll woke me once we reached Casper, WY, where we decided to stop for breakfast. We where surprised to see that the roads where clear with very little snow except for the ditches.
After breakfast it was clear sailing the rest of the day. We arrived in a mid size town called Limon about 6 PM so that was enough travelling for today. We have stopped here before and I recall that the Comfort Inn was reasonable priced and it had a pool, hot tub, Wifi and an excellent hot breakfast.
This motel had been renovated since we were last here. After I ask the price I played the Veteran card again and they again knock off 15.00. When the clerk punched my name into the computer he said it was already in there data bank so there was no required to produce identification.
We when out for supper and then enjoyed the hot tub. So that is how you spend New Years Eve on the road. Cheers
Tuesday, 10 January 2017
Our winter trip for 2016/17
Although most of our blog followers know that we did considerable travelling during the calendar year 2016 a sort preamble of how we ended up in Texas might be of interest.
From Jan to early April we spent most of the 2016 winter in Yuma and other areas of AZ. Then in June 8th I had a hernia operation which cut my Ball season short so we travelled to BC, mostly to Vancouver Island where we spent 6 years , in the late 80's, on our posting to Comox BC, hence we have many friends in around the area. This trip chewed up about another two weeks of travel.
Also in July our son, wife and 4 Kids ( 13, 9 and the twins 7 ) planned a trip Eastward across Canada using our 40 ft MH for the month of July and August. Their destination was NFLD and back home by the end of August. I said; Not a chance but give it a shot. I then told Carroll to be prepared for a phone call, text or an email around the end of August for us to fly to the Maritimes to pick up our MH.
On the 23 or 24 of August we got the call , suggesting that if we weren't busy would we like to fly to the Maritimes and pick up the MH and possible visit our friends in the Maritimes and NFLD.
Our son decided that driving from NS to Okotoks by the end of August was a bit of a stretch and they had to be back to work in Sept 1. So on the 29 th we flew to NS to retrieve the MH. We spent 56 days travelling throughout Maritimes, then 10 days in NFLD and returning home thru Ontario where we spent two weeks visiting with our "Outlaws and In-Laws ". This trip took another 56 days.
So when you do the Math we were away from home or on the road for 180 days in the calendar year 2016.
Needless to say we were a little road worthy and even suggested the we might spend the 2017 winter at home. In fact by the end of Nov we did not have any real plans to travel anywhere. When we mentioned it to our boys they both said: Yea, 1 frigging snow fake in Dec and you guys will like you where shot from a cannon.
Nov had beautiful weather so maybe winter would pass us by and if this is winter we kind of like it. Then in Dec the temp drop below zero ( way below zero ) and the snow came and I had to shove snow. I said to Carroll; lets get on the GD computer and find a place without snow and some warm weather.
It did not take long to find an RV resort in Weslaco, TX , 7 miles from the MX border. The weather is usually in the mid 70's. The accommodation was a large semi-mobile home for 1400.00 a month. Bingo; that is our home for Jan to March. On 30 Dec we are GONE!
30 Dec 16
We left home around 7 AM and took the back way on Hwy 41 thru Elkwater and crossing into the US at Wild Horse. The US Customs was fairly casual and they bide us a good winter in TX. Our next stop was Harve , 1 hour south of the border where we filled up with "cheaper " gas than the Canadian version. We had clear sailing to Billings, MT although I dropped the speed to 100 KMH when there was snow on the road.
As we left Billings, MT around 1 PM , it was beginning to snow but he had planned to stop in Sheridan, WY, ( 2 hours from Billings )and if it was still daylight we would carry on to Buffalo, WY . However it started to snow quite heavy and when we got to Sheridan at 4:30 the road were snow covered and the traffic had slowed to about 80 KMH. We said this is enough for us so we headed to the nearest motel with a hot tub and wifi.
We chose a Super 8 ( it won't happen again ). I negotiated a 15.00 discount because I laid the Veteran "card" on him and then I ask for a King bed which he agreed to as they were not full. They did have a Continental Breakfast ; if you are happy with rotten coffee and day old muffins. Otherwise the room was great, the TV worked, they had WiFi, and the hot tub was inviting. Cheers
From Jan to early April we spent most of the 2016 winter in Yuma and other areas of AZ. Then in June 8th I had a hernia operation which cut my Ball season short so we travelled to BC, mostly to Vancouver Island where we spent 6 years , in the late 80's, on our posting to Comox BC, hence we have many friends in around the area. This trip chewed up about another two weeks of travel.
Also in July our son, wife and 4 Kids ( 13, 9 and the twins 7 ) planned a trip Eastward across Canada using our 40 ft MH for the month of July and August. Their destination was NFLD and back home by the end of August. I said; Not a chance but give it a shot. I then told Carroll to be prepared for a phone call, text or an email around the end of August for us to fly to the Maritimes to pick up our MH.
On the 23 or 24 of August we got the call , suggesting that if we weren't busy would we like to fly to the Maritimes and pick up the MH and possible visit our friends in the Maritimes and NFLD.
Our son decided that driving from NS to Okotoks by the end of August was a bit of a stretch and they had to be back to work in Sept 1. So on the 29 th we flew to NS to retrieve the MH. We spent 56 days travelling throughout Maritimes, then 10 days in NFLD and returning home thru Ontario where we spent two weeks visiting with our "Outlaws and In-Laws ". This trip took another 56 days.
So when you do the Math we were away from home or on the road for 180 days in the calendar year 2016.
Needless to say we were a little road worthy and even suggested the we might spend the 2017 winter at home. In fact by the end of Nov we did not have any real plans to travel anywhere. When we mentioned it to our boys they both said: Yea, 1 frigging snow fake in Dec and you guys will like you where shot from a cannon.
Nov had beautiful weather so maybe winter would pass us by and if this is winter we kind of like it. Then in Dec the temp drop below zero ( way below zero ) and the snow came and I had to shove snow. I said to Carroll; lets get on the GD computer and find a place without snow and some warm weather.
It did not take long to find an RV resort in Weslaco, TX , 7 miles from the MX border. The weather is usually in the mid 70's. The accommodation was a large semi-mobile home for 1400.00 a month. Bingo; that is our home for Jan to March. On 30 Dec we are GONE!
30 Dec 16
We left home around 7 AM and took the back way on Hwy 41 thru Elkwater and crossing into the US at Wild Horse. The US Customs was fairly casual and they bide us a good winter in TX. Our next stop was Harve , 1 hour south of the border where we filled up with "cheaper " gas than the Canadian version. We had clear sailing to Billings, MT although I dropped the speed to 100 KMH when there was snow on the road.
As we left Billings, MT around 1 PM , it was beginning to snow but he had planned to stop in Sheridan, WY, ( 2 hours from Billings )and if it was still daylight we would carry on to Buffalo, WY . However it started to snow quite heavy and when we got to Sheridan at 4:30 the road were snow covered and the traffic had slowed to about 80 KMH. We said this is enough for us so we headed to the nearest motel with a hot tub and wifi.
We chose a Super 8 ( it won't happen again ). I negotiated a 15.00 discount because I laid the Veteran "card" on him and then I ask for a King bed which he agreed to as they were not full. They did have a Continental Breakfast ; if you are happy with rotten coffee and day old muffins. Otherwise the room was great, the TV worked, they had WiFi, and the hot tub was inviting. Cheers
Sunday, 6 November 2016
Short Drive to Billings; 23 OCT 16
Before we left our Church Yard campsite in Spearfish I checked the coolant reservoir and had to add another gallon of antifreeze as the slow drip leaked out a gallon during the night. We left the Spearfish Church Yard at 7 AM because we did not want to be there when the church attendees arrived.
Spearfish is about 15 miles from the WY border and then it was 7 boring hours to Billings , MT. We arrived in Billings and pulled into a FlyingJ truck stop for fuel and because they have an RV Sewer dump and we had to dump before going home tomorrow. While Carroll was paying for the fuel she ask where the dump was as we could locate it. As you guessed , they closed the dump for the winter season. However, the clerk told us about the Conoco station across the street that has an RV dump so we emptied the sewer there.
I ask the clerk for directions to Wal-Mart ( they have 2 Wal-Mart in Billings ) and she was only to glad to direct us. When we got to the Wal-Mart ( this a Sunday afternoon ) the parking lot was so full that I could not find a space to park. Our backup camping spot was at the Cracker Barrel so we dropped the MH there and returned to Wal-Mart for some last minute shopping so Carroll could spent a couple of hundred dollars for things that I didn't even know we needed. Cheers
The last Mile; 24 OCT 16
Billings is a 5 hour drive from Medicine Hat so we anticipate out arrival at home at 1:30 or 2 PM. It was a good 1/2 drive from our camping spot at Cracker Barrel until we reached the turnoff for Havre, MT. It was morning rush hour I have done this trip before so I was looking for the sign that said the town of Roundup. There were 3 lanes of traffic and I was in the middle lane when I seen the sign "left lane for Roundup. " I thought it meant the "extreme " left lane which was a turning and I knew we had to make a left turn to get to Roundup. As I found out later the sign really meant get into the left lane and turn another block down the street. Anyway we ended up in a subdivision and I could not find a Crescent to turn around so I kept going hoping to find a place to turn around. We ended up in a dead end street the was not marked with a " No Exit " sign so now we are in a Jam. This area was a new area where they were building new home and I spotted an area with 4 or 5 vacant lots so I wheel in and managed to complete a turn all while dodging rebar that was laying in the grassed area. I did notice that several carpenter that were building a house nearby, stopped work and where probably asking themselves, " What the Hell is that guy doing."
Eventually, we got back on the right road and our planned stop was about 2 hours down the road at a place, in the middle of nowhere, called Grass Range. It has a gas station and a café. We have stopped here before for breakfast but it has changed ownership. The breakfast was not that good so they will never see us again.
We got to the Canadian border crossing called Wild Horse at 1 :30 PM. I like this border crossing because there is seldom any lineup. We were the only vehicle there and Customs Officer, who young lady, must have been bored because she was waving at us to move foreword before I got thru the gate. She ask us the obvious questions and bide us a good day. We arrived home by 3 PM.
After 56 days on the road we finally arrived home. It was a great trip. This is the end of my blog until we hit the road again. cheers
Spearfish is about 15 miles from the WY border and then it was 7 boring hours to Billings , MT. We arrived in Billings and pulled into a FlyingJ truck stop for fuel and because they have an RV Sewer dump and we had to dump before going home tomorrow. While Carroll was paying for the fuel she ask where the dump was as we could locate it. As you guessed , they closed the dump for the winter season. However, the clerk told us about the Conoco station across the street that has an RV dump so we emptied the sewer there.
I ask the clerk for directions to Wal-Mart ( they have 2 Wal-Mart in Billings ) and she was only to glad to direct us. When we got to the Wal-Mart ( this a Sunday afternoon ) the parking lot was so full that I could not find a space to park. Our backup camping spot was at the Cracker Barrel so we dropped the MH there and returned to Wal-Mart for some last minute shopping so Carroll could spent a couple of hundred dollars for things that I didn't even know we needed. Cheers
The last Mile; 24 OCT 16
Billings is a 5 hour drive from Medicine Hat so we anticipate out arrival at home at 1:30 or 2 PM. It was a good 1/2 drive from our camping spot at Cracker Barrel until we reached the turnoff for Havre, MT. It was morning rush hour I have done this trip before so I was looking for the sign that said the town of Roundup. There were 3 lanes of traffic and I was in the middle lane when I seen the sign "left lane for Roundup. " I thought it meant the "extreme " left lane which was a turning and I knew we had to make a left turn to get to Roundup. As I found out later the sign really meant get into the left lane and turn another block down the street. Anyway we ended up in a subdivision and I could not find a Crescent to turn around so I kept going hoping to find a place to turn around. We ended up in a dead end street the was not marked with a " No Exit " sign so now we are in a Jam. This area was a new area where they were building new home and I spotted an area with 4 or 5 vacant lots so I wheel in and managed to complete a turn all while dodging rebar that was laying in the grassed area. I did notice that several carpenter that were building a house nearby, stopped work and where probably asking themselves, " What the Hell is that guy doing."
Eventually, we got back on the right road and our planned stop was about 2 hours down the road at a place, in the middle of nowhere, called Grass Range. It has a gas station and a café. We have stopped here before for breakfast but it has changed ownership. The breakfast was not that good so they will never see us again.
We got to the Canadian border crossing called Wild Horse at 1 :30 PM. I like this border crossing because there is seldom any lineup. We were the only vehicle there and Customs Officer, who young lady, must have been bored because she was waving at us to move foreword before I got thru the gate. She ask us the obvious questions and bide us a good day. We arrived home by 3 PM.
After 56 days on the road we finally arrived home. It was a great trip. This is the end of my blog until we hit the road again. cheers
Not a Good Day: 22 Oct 16
We got up about 7 AM but it was still dark and I don't like to drive in the dark so I decided to make a coffee/tea and waste 15 or 20 minutes before hitting the road. We usually drive for a couple of hours and then stop for breakfast. I started the "Jenny ", plugged in the coffee pot and the tea kettle and waited. After a couple of minutes the noise from the Jenny changed and I noticed that the coffee pot had tripped off , so I realized that the breaker for the Jenny must have tripped. Not to worry, I turned on the Inverter and we had our coffee and tea. At that time , I did not realize this was an "Oman" for the day.
We pulled out of Wal-Mart heading due west on I-90 thinking we could reach Gillette, WY by 6 PM. If you have never drove on I-90 across South Dakota ( SD ) ", it is an excellent Hwy, straight as a die for the most part and as interesting as 1942 newspaper. The scenery is Corn, Beans and Cattle.
However, Carroll spotted a sign that advertised the "Corn Place" in Mitchell, SD . The "Corn Place" is an "Events" building ( Nothing more Nothing less ) but the front Facade is covered with corn cobs that has been painted with a shadow Mural with the liking of Wille Nelson and I believe it to be Elvis. We actually drove by the front of the building 16 years ago , snapped a few photos and drove on.
But this time Carroll just had to go into the building to see what was inside. When we arrived in Mitchell we followed the signs to the Corn Place which actually wormed its' way there the town until we reached a large parking lot. As we approached the Corn Place there was many large pieces of farm equipment so we assumed there was an agriculture show. Actually there was 1 guy in the building handing out brochure , otherwise the building was empty because there was a Rodeo on Friday evening. It is actually a Basketball Arena. What a let down. The guy in the building did say that this was the third building that was called the Corn Place, because the other two building where destroyed by fire. This whole escapade took one hour out of my life that I will never get back. So if you are driving on I-90 in SD and you see the sign that advertises the Corn Place.... Keep driving.
We stopped for breakfast at Perkins in town and then I vowed to make up time and stop only for fuel. We have been on the road for 53 days and I am getting weary of driving. I don't know how the truckers can do.
About 2 hours down the road , motoring along at 65 MPH I could smell "antifreeze " and I knew that was not good. At the same instant the " Low Water Light " came on along with the buzzer that tells me, we got a problem. Luckily , I-90 has a 9 foot shoulder so I pulled over. As I got out of the MH I could see the antifreeze pouring out of the cargo area, which told me the problem was with the heating system. As I opened the cargo door I could see the antifreeze " Pissing " out of a 3/4 inch heater hose. Bear in mind that the temperature of the antifreeze is about 185 F. The leak was right at the end of the hose where it joins onto a connector. So I undid the clamps , cut an inch off the hose and reconnected it , all while using some word you will see in the Bible because the antifreeze was burning my hand . I finally got the leak down to a drip, which I could live with. All while this was happening Carroll got me some plastic containers so I could salvage some of the antifreeze. I always carry a gallon of antifreeze with me but it was not enough to fill the reservoir so we can't go anywhere until I can get more antifreeze.
Our only choice was to disconnect the tow car from the Dolly and find a place where we could purchase some antifreeze. It is not wise to add water to the cooling system of a diesel so we had to find some 50/50 antifreeze. About 15 miles down the we found a gas station that had some 50/50 antifreeze but not the quality I wanted. However beggars can't be choosers so I bought 5 gallons and returned to the MH. I dumped 2 1/2 gallons in the reservoir and it was full so I now had some for a spare. After a 10 minute test run of the engine to ensure that the coolant level was good we were back on the road. I stopped at a few Rest Areas along the way, to check the level; and all was good.
Our schedule to reach Gillette, WY today was now a dream. We reached Rapid City about 5 PM and decided to stop for the night at a truck stop but it was a small Stop and RV's were not allowed to stay overnight. So we moved on to Sturgis where I refueled and we found a large parking lot at a food store so I ask if we could stay for the evening but they refused but told us that there was a Wal-Mat down the Hwy about 10 miles. We stopped at the Wal-Mart but where advised that there was a city ordinance which did not allow overnight parking. We were now back on the road and by this time it is getting dark. The next town is Spear-Fish and as we drove into town Carroll's eagle eye noticed a Church yard. A great place to spend the night so we pulled in and parked. After a few shots of Crown Royal for medicinal purposes , we went to restaurant across the street , had a great meal and then called it a night. It was certainly an exciting day. Cheers
We pulled out of Wal-Mart heading due west on I-90 thinking we could reach Gillette, WY by 6 PM. If you have never drove on I-90 across South Dakota ( SD ) ", it is an excellent Hwy, straight as a die for the most part and as interesting as 1942 newspaper. The scenery is Corn, Beans and Cattle.
However, Carroll spotted a sign that advertised the "Corn Place" in Mitchell, SD . The "Corn Place" is an "Events" building ( Nothing more Nothing less ) but the front Facade is covered with corn cobs that has been painted with a shadow Mural with the liking of Wille Nelson and I believe it to be Elvis. We actually drove by the front of the building 16 years ago , snapped a few photos and drove on.
But this time Carroll just had to go into the building to see what was inside. When we arrived in Mitchell we followed the signs to the Corn Place which actually wormed its' way there the town until we reached a large parking lot. As we approached the Corn Place there was many large pieces of farm equipment so we assumed there was an agriculture show. Actually there was 1 guy in the building handing out brochure , otherwise the building was empty because there was a Rodeo on Friday evening. It is actually a Basketball Arena. What a let down. The guy in the building did say that this was the third building that was called the Corn Place, because the other two building where destroyed by fire. This whole escapade took one hour out of my life that I will never get back. So if you are driving on I-90 in SD and you see the sign that advertises the Corn Place.... Keep driving.
We stopped for breakfast at Perkins in town and then I vowed to make up time and stop only for fuel. We have been on the road for 53 days and I am getting weary of driving. I don't know how the truckers can do.
About 2 hours down the road , motoring along at 65 MPH I could smell "antifreeze " and I knew that was not good. At the same instant the " Low Water Light " came on along with the buzzer that tells me, we got a problem. Luckily , I-90 has a 9 foot shoulder so I pulled over. As I got out of the MH I could see the antifreeze pouring out of the cargo area, which told me the problem was with the heating system. As I opened the cargo door I could see the antifreeze " Pissing " out of a 3/4 inch heater hose. Bear in mind that the temperature of the antifreeze is about 185 F. The leak was right at the end of the hose where it joins onto a connector. So I undid the clamps , cut an inch off the hose and reconnected it , all while using some word you will see in the Bible because the antifreeze was burning my hand . I finally got the leak down to a drip, which I could live with. All while this was happening Carroll got me some plastic containers so I could salvage some of the antifreeze. I always carry a gallon of antifreeze with me but it was not enough to fill the reservoir so we can't go anywhere until I can get more antifreeze.
Our only choice was to disconnect the tow car from the Dolly and find a place where we could purchase some antifreeze. It is not wise to add water to the cooling system of a diesel so we had to find some 50/50 antifreeze. About 15 miles down the we found a gas station that had some 50/50 antifreeze but not the quality I wanted. However beggars can't be choosers so I bought 5 gallons and returned to the MH. I dumped 2 1/2 gallons in the reservoir and it was full so I now had some for a spare. After a 10 minute test run of the engine to ensure that the coolant level was good we were back on the road. I stopped at a few Rest Areas along the way, to check the level; and all was good.
Our schedule to reach Gillette, WY today was now a dream. We reached Rapid City about 5 PM and decided to stop for the night at a truck stop but it was a small Stop and RV's were not allowed to stay overnight. So we moved on to Sturgis where I refueled and we found a large parking lot at a food store so I ask if we could stay for the evening but they refused but told us that there was a Wal-Mat down the Hwy about 10 miles. We stopped at the Wal-Mart but where advised that there was a city ordinance which did not allow overnight parking. We were now back on the road and by this time it is getting dark. The next town is Spear-Fish and as we drove into town Carroll's eagle eye noticed a Church yard. A great place to spend the night so we pulled in and parked. After a few shots of Crown Royal for medicinal purposes , we went to restaurant across the street , had a great meal and then called it a night. It was certainly an exciting day. Cheers
Next Stop Sioux Falls, S.D. 21 OCT 16
Before we left HWH in Moscow , Iowa we had to check the operation of the Jacks as directed by the foreman. Once I was satisfied that they worked to my liking , I paid the bill and we were essentially heading home albeit with 3 days of driving ahead of us.
I always try to fuel up in morning if possible and there was a small truck stop right at the intersection of I-80 and the Moscow road. However, they only have " Bio- Diesel " and I have never used Bio- Diesel so I wasn't sure if I should use it. I ask another MH owner and he has used it several times without a problem. Also , as I pulled up to the pumps another trucker was filling up so I felt it must be OK. Bio-Diesel is also a few cents cheaper.
By 9 AM we were on our way and we calculated that we could reach Sioux Falls by 5 PM and that we would stay at a Cracker Barrel or a Wal-Mart, whichever came first. ( You may have noticed that we are not proud or particular campers when traveling ). As we pulled into Sioux falls we seen a Cracker Barrel sign so we agreed that would be our stay for tonight. Opposite to Cracker Barrel was a gas station with reasonable cheaper Diesel so we decided to fill up before we parked. It was not a truck stop but we managed to squeeze into the pumps and "wangle " our way out. Carroll gave me a few " you can't make it shouts " but she is not driving; I am. We made it with out but we did have to make one short back up procedure.
While sitting at the gas station we noticed that the Cracker Barrel parking lot was crowded and it seemed smaller than most of there lots. When I was paying for the fuel I ask the clerk , if there was a Wal-Mart close by and he said it was a couple of blocks down the street. So we changed our mind and went to Wal-Mart. Since there were no other RVs in the Wal-Mart lot I thought I should inquire about their policy on RVs. I went to the customer service but there was at least 20 people in line so I decided to look for a security guard as they seem to have one in every store in the US.
I couldn't find security so I went to the next person in line which was the "Wal-Mart Greeting. " He assured me that I had his authority to park overnight " because everybody else does". I started to drum up a conversation with him when I quickly realized that he obviously skipped High School and may well and skipped most of Elementally school. However, I know , that in Wal-Mart the Greeter carries a lot of weight.
After being satisfied the we could park here , I spotted a Barnes and Noble book store and I was sure they would have WiFi for me to do some computer work. While working on the computer and old lady, with no teeth , started to shout " there is a man in the ladies bathroom". To say the least she had everyone attention within ear shot. Most people stopped reading and just stared at her. Like me, most people where not quite sure what the hell was wrong with her. Just then a tall, slender young lady in her mid 20s walked our of the bathroom and this Old lady started shouting again saying " there " he" is ; there "he" is , he was in the ladies bathroom. A clerk went to the Old lady and said , what is wrong. The Old lady pointed to the "person " and said that man with the red hair was in the ladies bathroom. The embarrassed young lady ( who did have short hair ) said ; what are to talking about, I am a women. The old lady said , well you don't look like one. Everyone dispersed and the scene was over without an incident. Cheers
I always try to fuel up in morning if possible and there was a small truck stop right at the intersection of I-80 and the Moscow road. However, they only have " Bio- Diesel " and I have never used Bio- Diesel so I wasn't sure if I should use it. I ask another MH owner and he has used it several times without a problem. Also , as I pulled up to the pumps another trucker was filling up so I felt it must be OK. Bio-Diesel is also a few cents cheaper.
By 9 AM we were on our way and we calculated that we could reach Sioux Falls by 5 PM and that we would stay at a Cracker Barrel or a Wal-Mart, whichever came first. ( You may have noticed that we are not proud or particular campers when traveling ). As we pulled into Sioux falls we seen a Cracker Barrel sign so we agreed that would be our stay for tonight. Opposite to Cracker Barrel was a gas station with reasonable cheaper Diesel so we decided to fill up before we parked. It was not a truck stop but we managed to squeeze into the pumps and "wangle " our way out. Carroll gave me a few " you can't make it shouts " but she is not driving; I am. We made it with out but we did have to make one short back up procedure.
While sitting at the gas station we noticed that the Cracker Barrel parking lot was crowded and it seemed smaller than most of there lots. When I was paying for the fuel I ask the clerk , if there was a Wal-Mart close by and he said it was a couple of blocks down the street. So we changed our mind and went to Wal-Mart. Since there were no other RVs in the Wal-Mart lot I thought I should inquire about their policy on RVs. I went to the customer service but there was at least 20 people in line so I decided to look for a security guard as they seem to have one in every store in the US.
I couldn't find security so I went to the next person in line which was the "Wal-Mart Greeting. " He assured me that I had his authority to park overnight " because everybody else does". I started to drum up a conversation with him when I quickly realized that he obviously skipped High School and may well and skipped most of Elementally school. However, I know , that in Wal-Mart the Greeter carries a lot of weight.
After being satisfied the we could park here , I spotted a Barnes and Noble book store and I was sure they would have WiFi for me to do some computer work. While working on the computer and old lady, with no teeth , started to shout " there is a man in the ladies bathroom". To say the least she had everyone attention within ear shot. Most people stopped reading and just stared at her. Like me, most people where not quite sure what the hell was wrong with her. Just then a tall, slender young lady in her mid 20s walked our of the bathroom and this Old lady started shouting again saying " there " he" is ; there "he" is , he was in the ladies bathroom. A clerk went to the Old lady and said , what is wrong. The Old lady pointed to the "person " and said that man with the red hair was in the ladies bathroom. The embarrassed young lady ( who did have short hair ) said ; what are to talking about, I am a women. The old lady said , well you don't look like one. Everyone dispersed and the scene was over without an incident. Cheers
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