Ch ch changes...

 

 All good plans are just tentative at best. Plans called for us to depart Edinburg Monday the 26th for Mathis. Due to family emergency we departed on Sunday. Quickly thought up plan was to drive coach to home, unload then drive car to Mansfield. Ch ch changes..

 When on west loop in San Antonio we detected sudden loss of pressure in one tire. We exited loop and found safe spot in Academy parking lot. Called roadside assistance, waited in que to be answered for ever. Finally got answered Told them did NOT have blowout, just airpressure drop. Ended up sitting in that lot for 2 plus hours. We were safe and sections of remaining trip did not offer safety. I kept investigating and determined problem was with valve stem extension. Excuses for non dispatch was didn't have tire (did not need). I was able to get sufficient air in tire so we decided to risk it. Made it home after 9pm, after having left at 10 am that Morning. It was after 10 by the time we unloaded the coach. Dead dog tired we wisely voted against driving to mansfield. Short, restless sleep but up at 5am heading to mansfield. Oh, and for good measure we had already paid for Motel room in Mansfield last night which went unused.

This trip is done...

carpe diem

useless trivia

  For all those nerdy, fact needy readers i have some numbers for you. They are roughly right and directionally correct. I rounded off both gallons and cost. In addition I utilize a fleet diesel discount program that saves me money off the pump indicated price. And we started out with fuel so with those variables in mind, here are some figures

 Total mileage to date 3638

 Total gallons of diesel purchased 464

 Total cost of fuel $1336

 One cannot simply divide gallons by mileage to compute miles per gallon. The genset, which runs on diesel, uses about one gallon per hour. It was running anytime we were driving.

useless factoids in case you were curious...

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Edinburg

 

 After a wild, wet, crazy drive we arrived safely in Edinburg. We are back at our former home meeting up with friends. A lot of fun, food and fellowship over the next 4 days. However not much if any thing blog worthy From here we head to Lake Corpus Christi state park. It became our go to park when we lived down here. I will do some fishing for sure but we are killing time waiting on Mike and Cheryl to arrive in Rockport. There we have a couple of days fishing for trout and reds. Below is todays catch for a group. Hope we have the same luck

 Should be fun if we can hit the surf as opposed to the bay.

gathering rosebuds...

Bastrop Finale, for now...

 

 All good things must come to and end and so it is with our stay here in Bastrop. Has been relaxing and we got caught up on laundry and reprovisioned the coach. And in all truthfulness we ate out 2 of the 3 nights we were here. Tomorrow comes a 280 mile or so drive we know all too well. We head south for the mexican border to meet up with Tom and Diane. This little trip is down to its final two weeks, but more friends and fun before we are done.

 Thought I would share a couple of photos with you. Let us refer to them as Mary thru the ages. One from April 2007, the other July 2021.

"...down on the border, down Mexico way..."

gathering more rosebuds...

Bastrop State Park

 

 As previously stated we are in Bastrop State Park for 3 nights. Have been here at least 4 previous times and this will not be the last time. We discovered things today we had not seen before.

 Some readers may be wondering about my mention of pre and post fire. I will try and explain and do your search for you.

 The reason this park exist is because of pine trees. What you say?

 They should not be here but they are.

 Now about the fire. Read more H E R E

How about some before and after photos courtesy of Google Earth

 I am not fond of the color but you can plainly see the devastation to the forest in the second image.

 One last perspective from this very blog that I posted 7 years ago. Click H E R E

 Trees were the start but our heros, the Civilian Conservation Corp, are who we owe our enjoyment to.

 The original plans, and indeed the existing park included a golf course. Sadly the concessionaire who ran it when out of business. You have heard of rails to trails, how about cart paths to trails?

 keeping the history of the park alive thru repurposing the land.

 I told you earlier we discovered something we had missed in previous visits. How I do not know but it is a special place.

 These cabins, which you can rent, are a testament to the skill and efforts of the CCC's

 I believe there are about 14 in total. I want to come back and stay in one of these beauties.

 When I was checking in I noticed a cooking book I wanted. When we stopped to buy it we made a wonderful discovery, at least for us it is. When you see below you will agree it was a book that had to come home with us.

 We are very passionate about our state parks and the work done by the CCC's. So much so, a significant portion of our estate is pledged and committed to the support and preservation of Texas state parks.

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Ain't travel fun?

 A couple of days ago I described our day from hell. Well we were blessed with a very pleasant drive south from El Dorado KS to Thackerville OK. Had dinner in the casino at a fast food place we liked in past. The meal was very enjoyable. Decided we would donate a few bucks so we walked around the casino. It was a freaking madhouse nightmare. So much so we both wanted to leave. Total contribution on our part $8

 That brings us to Monday morning. It rained a little during the night but not much. This segment of our trip always concerned me because of construction in Fort Worth and Waco. I was not to be disappointed. The traffic was bad because of the construction but for added pleasure it poured and then it really rained. While it rained most of the trip, the heaviest downpours where were you would expect them. Construction delays/narrow lanes and road flooding during a torrential down pour will cause some stress.

 Thankfully we are now at Bastrop State park. A shadow of it's former self. While forest restoration is underway, the virgin pine canopy is not to be found. We last visited in 2015. Since then growth outside the park has far exceeded that inside the park. No longer a sleepy little country town.

 More later...

stop and smell the roses...

El Dorado

 No, not the John Wayne movie. The Kansas state park outside of El Dorado Kansas, about 30 miles northeast of Wichita.

 A big, spread out park with plenty of trails and activities. They have an archery range, a shooting ranges as well as the typical lake activities. Some strange ways but not a terrible spot to camp. Our site had room and plenty of shade.

 We stayed here one night when heading northbound and three nights southbound. In both instances it was all about location, location, location. Not a lot of choices in this area and it most closely matched the distance I was willing to drive. Strange policies and behavior to be found here. When I made my reservation on line it said 3 night minimum and would not let me book shorter time. In walking around the park seemed to be most people came in on Friday, leaving on Sunday. ???

 In the end it does not matter. We stayed here 3 days to rest after two long travel days with two more coming next. Getting old sucks. With FHU (short for full hook ups ie:water/electric/sewer) it gave us a chance to dump our holding tanks and to get caught up on laundry. We had been off the grid with no hook ups and Winterset did not have sewer at our site. A reason for all or at least most decisions.

 Tomorrow brings a 300 mile day to Thackerville Oklahoma, home of Winstar casino. They have a great rv park that we will utilize plus we will dine in the casino. Made many visits to Winstar thru the years when we lived in north Texas. Yes, we will probably donate a FEW dollars via the slot machines while there. Then Monday brings a 280 mile or so drive to Bastrop state park. Been there many times both pre and post fire. Sure looks different than it did pre forest fire.

 Been fun but look forward to returning to Texas

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About campgrounds

 

...awoke last night to the sound of thunder, how far off i sat and wondered. starting humming a song from 1962...working on those night moves...

 Thank you Bob Seegar for those words to open this session. Aptly describes the beginning of the early morning start to the day. After yesterday, todays goal was to go nowhere. Mission accomplished!

 We have visited a few campgrounds. I utilize a website, campgroundreviews.com, to find possible campsites. First figure out intended direction, then proposed mileage that leads us to a given town. Then research if any suitable campgrounds in the area. If not, adjust the parameters.

 When I say a few campgrounds perhaps I understate a bit. Below is screenshot of our profile on campgrounds website.

 While I do not claim to be an expert or authority, I do believe I can speak with some conviction about our personal observations. Those red dots represent city, county, state, COE, national and private campgrounds. They are all the same in a sense and all very different at the same time. From manner of check in to local customs one encounters. From strict enforcement of rules to wondering who the hell is in charge. Our current location, a state facility has no real check in. The office is very remote from the actual camping area. Hmmm? Any self respecting camper would drive slow in the camping area keeping kids at play in mind. Not so much here.

 Camping should cost X amount. Period. Not X for campsite plus X for parking pass. Minor gripe but a growing reality. A nice, pretty park here but not without some strangeness.

 Sunday brings a concrete parking lot next to a casino. Vastly different, yet still called a campgound.

"...gather ye rosebuds while ye may..."

The Day from hell

 

 At Winterset the camp host knocked on the door Wednesday night. He advised us severe weather was to our north and let us know of the two safe buildings. Rain started about 3am but it was light. We were awake early so left by 8:30am during a lull in the rain. What followed was a terrible day driving in the rain. We took some state roads to avoid downtown Kansas City which was tough in good weather. Did we make the correct decision, we will never know. It rained then it poured, then it rained harder. A long miserable day to be on the road. Total trip was 367 miles but took us nearly 8 hours.

 We arrived at our campsite safely and began setting up. All was going great till Mary told me a slide would not go out. Oh bloody hell. Not a rare occurrence, but a first for us in 6 years of rv travel. Mark will be saying I told you so because he dislikes slide outs on rvs. We can function fine as it is but I will try and solve problem tomorrow. Too damn tired tonight. Will rest here for three days before heading to Thackerville OK for a night.

stop and smell the roses my friends...

Back from the wild

  Sunday, July 11th found us leaving Bemidji and and heading into the wilds of Minnesota. There we camped for three days. No phone, no internet. Probably could have received tv but never really tried. It was in the woods we met up with some old friends and their camping friends. They soon became our friends as well. Enjoyed our short stay but it all too soon was time to head down the road.

 Wednesday July 14th was our scheduled departure day and facing a long day we got an early start. It helped that the sun is up by 4:30am or so at these latitudes. The days travel went well but we did have 50-60 miles or so of light rain.

 We arrived back in Winterset Iowa to the same campground we had left on July 1st. Luckily we got here in time for Mary to get to fabric store to purchase more fabric. She had intended to get it on way up but forgot. I had remembered and sent her to store while I set up camper. Being tired after a 399 mile day we treated ourselves to pizza. Very tasty. Tomorrow another long day to El Dorado Kansas. There we will stay for 3 nights.

carpe diem

 

Bemidji

   My bad , forgot to add some details to yesterdays post

Travel map can be found H E R E

Webcam for headwaters can be found H E R E

More information on Rabideau CCC camp found H E R E

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Bemidji and Mississippi headwaters

 

 Thursday July 8 we drove about 240 miles from Lake Elmo to near Bemidji Minnesota. A mostly uneventful drive. Initial planning had us coming to the area because of Mississippi head waters. We discovered a real treat for us just north of Bemidji. Anyone that has read this blog should know we always pay homage and respect to the boys of the CCC's. We have enjoyed the fruits of their labor for many, many years. In fact, Mary's father served in the CCC'S and we visited in Phoenix the park he worked on. But on this occasion we got to visit the most complete camp still in existence. A honor and a privilege for us.

 

A National treasure indeed.

 Of course no visit to the area would be complete without a visit to Paul Bunyan and his blue ox Babe.

 Bemidji is a nice little town in the north woods of Minnesota. The winters here are cold and the nights long. Makes perfect sense they would have one of these and perfect sense Mary would find it.

 Over lunch I sought solace and comfort like I did back in Hamilton.

 From downtown we headed out to Itasca state park. It is from this lake the great Mississippi river begins. I walked across the river but Mary's ongoing foot problems prevented her from doing so. Not to be deterred she balanced on a log over the river.

 Sadly we have achieved apogee on this short trip. Starting Sunday the 11th we begin drifting south. Along the way we will be in areas without cell service. Then we face some long driving days. I tell you all of that to let you know to not expect updates till probably the 15th or 16th. If all goes as planned we will be back in El Dorado Kansas state park for three nights. Plans call for not returning home till first week in August so more adventures coming, but most of them from Texas.

"...gather ye rosebuds while ye may..."

Surprises, good and bad.

 

 In planning this trip I faced multiple challenges. I had fixed dates and place to meet friends and July 4th holiday. Original planning had us traveling up thru North Dakota. When those plans fell thru I was scrambling trying to fill in extended time in a area that matched other parameters. Stumbled across Lake Elmo and glad we did. We normally try and get full hook ups including sewer for extended stays. Lake Elmo does not have sewer so we knew some adjustments were needed. As it turns out they have great showers here which we utilized easing pressure on grey tank. We also found a first rate washeteria nearby to keep caught up on laundry.

 One of the big surprises to us, not being familiar with the area, was the shopping. Everything you could need or want is less than 5 miles away. Major shopping inside the marked area as shown in this aerial photo. The campground very quiet and peaceful yet close to everything

Pleasant surprises all.

 Sunday meant the 4th of July celebration. Forecast called for rain on Tuesday so a trip to Redwing was called for on Monday. Took a beautiful drive down Wisconsin 35, the great River Road. Really enjoyed this drive and the heights of the bluffs overlooking the river were surprising. Another pleasant surprise.

 That got us to our destination of Redwing for another surprise. Nearly every store in town was closed for the holiday. Oops, who was in charge of planning this trip to Redwing! Not to worry we walked around a bit, in 95 degree temps and enjoyed ourselves.

 Years ago Mary bought some seasoning up here that we can not get at home. She bought it at a small kitchen type store. Having trouble locating any i reached out to the company for insight. They told us of a chain where we could find some. In the midst of all that circled shopping area! Alas the store had only one bottle of my target seasoning which I bought. Still in search of more. Any extra Wyzata Bay spuds seasoning in your possession please send to me COD.

 Thursday is moving day for us. Next stop near the headwaters of the great Mississippi river. There you will get to see us WALK across the river, no, not via a bridge!

carpe diem

 

Minnesota

 

 July 1st found us leaving Winterset and driving to Lake Elmo Minnesota. This is a very nice county run park I stumbled across. More information can be found HE R E  

 After resting and exploring the park we explored parts of Minneapolis on Saturday. One stop was a sculpture garden.

 From the garden we visited the Mall of America. What a large, crazy place. All in all it was a fun day.

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Madison County

  Our day in pictures.

 An interesting and informative day, plus enjoyable. Rain in forecast for tomorrow so tried to capture photos while dry. Stats tell me blog is getting a lot of views. If you know me, call or text and tell me what you like or don't like.

...gather ye rosebuds while ye may...

A little tease or sample if you will

 

 On Sunday June 27th we made the short, 130 miles or so, drive to Winterset Iowa. Our home for the next four days. This is a quaint, picturesque town with a park system that rivals much larger communities. The main attraction for me in this area is the covered bridges. Full confession, I love the movie "Bridges of Madison County". A tear jerker for me.

 Our travel map can be found HERE 

Our city run campground.

As always, click on a photo to enlarge it for better viewing.

 I titled this entry a little tease and so I should deliver...

 Coming up: more bridges, John Wayne museum (this is his boyhood home), quilt museum and scenes of a Walt Disney looking perfect town.

carpe diem