Tuesday June 9, 2015-Moving Day-Terre Haute KOA to Elkhart County Fairgrounds, Goshen IN

At last, the final leg of our journey! 

This KOA park offers a cafe for breakfast that we have eaten at in the past. It's a great way to get a nourishing meal before hitting the road, and it wasn't too expensive but as we learned, prices change... Only a few of our group actually showed up to eat, but it didn't take too long for us to eat and be ready to travel.

We learned from the news that there was a fatality accident that had closed the highway that we intended to travel on, so the I-phones came out and a new travel plan was laid out. Mike, Andy and Paul decided to pull out before we and Tom were quite ready to go (one of Tom's neighbors wanted to tour his new Landmark 365) but we were soon on our way. Our new route proved to be a slow one but it was much better than sitting on the freeway while the accident was being investigated. 

We made it through all the little towns that surround Indianapolis and made it to the highway leading to Goshen. It was especially slow because all of the truckers that normally been on the highway were traveling the same route that we are. It was quite tight driving with all the extra traffic!

So, here we were, driving along in the beautiful Indiana Amish countryside when we spied two trailers ahead of us. It didn't take long before we realized that it was Mike and Paul. They had gotten separated from Andy and continued on their way. 

Now that we are hooked up again with our traveling friends, we continued on into the fairgrounds and got registered for the rally and were soon on our way to our sites. It's good to finally be here!

We all went inside after getting set up but slowly we came back outside and before you know it, a party had broken out! Many, many of our friends came by to say hello and sit and visit. It's great to see so many friends again. the party finally dwindled down and we came inside again about 11. I was so tired that I didn't remember drying off after I took a shower. Tired but happy to be here...

So long.

Monday June 8, 2015-Moving day-Hinton RV Park to Terre Haute KOA

We were up and ready to go pretty early this morning. Tom and I went down to a nearby gas station-small truck stop-to top off our tanks. I didn't actually need fuel but decided not to roll into Goshen without a cushion of fuel in my tanks. It only took a few minutes and we came back by the park to pick up the others. We had to wait a few minutes for Mike to get ready, and actually pulled away before he was in line to go. Then there was a miscommunication over a turn, so Mike got onto the freeway way before we did. We caught up with him just before our agreed-upon rest area stop but Tom had stopped before for an unscheduled stop. He soon caught up and after using the facilities and getting our sandwiches we were again off for Terre Haute.

We pulled in around 3:30 but soon learned that we were scattered all over the park. We were parked next to Paul and Nan with Mike and Peg & Andy and JoAnna on the other end of our row. Tom and Marti were on the other side of the park due to some high water in the site they were supposed to be in. We all went to our trailers for supper and met back outside for chats. We sat outside until about 9 before calling it a night. It had been a good travel day.

So long.

Sunday June 7, 2015-Moving day-Sunrise RV Park to Hnton R Park, Sikeston MO

We were up early and pulled out about 8:30 this morning as we have 393 miles to go. We heard from Louisiana Chapter Leaders Andy and JoAnna Grimes, who were meeting us tonight in Sikeston. They had just left the Tom Sawyer RV Park in Memphis along with Tom and Marti Mangum, South Texas Chapter Leaders, who were going on to Terre Haute. We would meet them there tomorrow. A little while later we heard from Tom and Marti and after a bit of talking, they decided to come to Sikeston. I'm certain it had nothing to do with our plans to go to Lambert's Cafe. There was bad weather predicted for Terre Haute, and that was their excuse to change their reservation. At any rate, they called and made their arrangements and we were all set!

Of course, we were the last to arrive, having the longest distance to drive. We did have a long way to go but it was freeway all the way and we made very good time and arrived just after 4. We had also been joined by Mike and Peg Finegan and Paul and Nan Lineen, so we had a party. 5 rigs and 10 people!

After getting hooked up, we went in to rest for a bit before the Lambert's van was called to pick us up or the ride to the restaurant. Not only was the ride convenient, they expedite a table for their guests. In no time we were seated and ordering our food. Of course, the first course was throwed rolls for all. Then the pass arounds came out and then our food. We had a great time with our friends and the food was pretty dang good too. 

After stuffing ourselves we lumbered out to the van and managed to climb back aboard without tumping it over for our ride back to the park. We had a short chat about the trip route for tomorrow's drive to Terre Haute. It's only about 215 miles, so it should be a good driving day.

So long.

Saturday June 6, 2015-Moving Day-Bay Colony RV Resort to Sunrise RV Park, Texarkana AR

We were up and working on putting things away around 7 this morning. I had already put away everything outside except the necessary utilities, water, sewer and electricity. I helped Stella for a bit before going outside to knock out my chores. We were actually packed up with the trailer loaded onto the truck about 8:45. I heard from Jennifer and Melissa that they were coming over to see us off and to pick up some family photos that we had. They are going to scan the photos to a disc or CD so we can all have access to them.

After lots of hugs, we were on our way and they were on their way to the beach in Galveston. We made good time into Houston but our planned route soon had an issue. There was road construction on the big ship channel bridge, and we were detoured around to the 610 loop to get to Hwy. 59. We saw many road closure signs and construction sign for various roads and highways, and it began to look as if we should have avoid Houston altogether. It's hard to get out of Houston when you're the 610 loop!

At any rate, we found a way to get on 59 and made good time. We missed a tiny sign for a new rest area and ended up in one of the many truck stops for our first stop. We picked up some good old truck stop burritos, which I love! before continuing on toward Texarkana. 

We stopped at another small rest area around Bivins TX, near Texarkana. It was the perfect stop for me, nice clean rest rooms with two Munzees about 400 feet apart, a good distance to walk and stretch my legs and clear my drowsiness. 

We pulled into our destination, the Sunrise RV Park in Texarkana Arkansas. We have stayed here several times in the past but the place is almost empty compared to last times we were here. We had a bit of trouble when we got to the assigned site and found that there was no working water in the site. Stella called the office but got no answer, so we elected to change sites to the one next door and had good water. It was burning hot today and I don't know when I have sweated more! I was frustrated over the water and the heat didn't help.

Once we moved, everything went pretty well. Stella finally heard from the office and informed them of the change but they didn't have a reason why it didn't work.

We soon got a neighbor, who soon came over to ask for help with his television reception. I went over and helped him change out his cable and after he got his TV boxes and switches arranged properly his TV tuned right in. I really didn't do too much, but his TV now works!

Another travel day tomorrow.

So long.

Friday June 5, 2015-Bay Colony RV Resort

Well, this is the day that we stayed here for, Tyler's high school graduation! In the morning, I did some last minute cleaning of the truck-cleaned and Rain-X'd the windshield and cleaned the inside glass. We filled up both fuel tanks, and I think we're ready to go!

Lots of family came in to see Tyler get his diploma; Jennifer, Ian and Melissa from Garland and Mesquite, Michael, Lisa and Savanna and Janna all from Blessing. It was very nice to get this many family members together and we all met at Kim's house for a short visit before going to Beyond Burgers for supper. since we had such a large group, they were able to get us into an area by ourselves, which wasn't available at other local restaurants. That's all right, they didn't get any of our money!

After  very nice meal, Kim and Ray had to take Austin and Tyler to the school, Austin for the band and Tyler to get ready. The rest of us stayed at the restaurant and visited until time to go to the outdoor stadium. We got there just before the sun went down and boy, was it HOT! We had to get there at 7 to get good seats, so we sweltered on the hard benches of the high school stadium for an hour before the ceremonies began. 

Go ahead and call me a wimp, but I went to the truck soon after Tyler got his diploma. My old bones couldn't take any more, so I went and sat on the soft seats of my truck. As soon as everyone had gotten the diplomas, I came back to the seats to wait for Tyler so we could take some photos. As soon as we got the pictures taken, Stella and I came home, so we can get some rest. We leave tomorrow for the first leg of our journey to Goshen Indiana.

This new computer doesn't seem to like Windows 8.1 and Picassa for photo storage, but I'll get it worked out and make a photo-only post to catch up.

So long.

Thursday June 4, 2015-Bay Colony RV Resort

Okay, here I am again, playing catch up. We have been pretty busy, visiting with friends and family in the area and I've just been lazy and didn't take the time to make a new post. 

It didn't help things when I had computer problems and was without a 'puter for several days while they checked out the BRAND NEW computer that I bought from Best Buy. I have  14 day return policy and took advantage but accepted their advice about keeping the old one. I changed brands, now using a Dell, again on the advice of the Geek Squad guys that recommended it over another Toshiba. We'll how this works out in the long run. This one's not perfect and I'm having to relearn a different keyboard, but I think in time it will be okay. Like so many others, I hate Windows 8.1 but it's the only game in town and when Windows 10 comes out, I'm told the upgrade will be free. Wait and see...

We were sad to hear that our old friends Harry and Judy plan to sell their trailer. They weren't been able to travel for awhile because of Harry's health and Judy took a job that she apparently likes, so they're gonna put down roots again. Sorry to see them come off the road, but they have to do what's right for them. If you know anyone that wants a nice Carriage "Emerald" trailer, give Harry a call or drop me a note and I'll pass it on.

We have been out to eat several times with friends to a lot of different places: Tookies, Spring Creek Barbecue, Monterrey Tex Mex, Kelly's Country Cookin', Topwater Grill, Center Buffet (oriental) and had great food at all of them. The best thing was the company, our many friends. 

We took the truck and had it all serviced up and ready to go north. We took it back to Ripley's Service in Spring for  brake check. We took our GMC there for a brake job many years ago and got some good work done at a reasonable price. This time was no exception and we were pleasantly surprised at the low prices. We didn't need a brake job after all and they didn't try to stick us for work that wasn't necessary. 

We've got to completely fill the truck with fuel before pulling out, but that's all that we need to get done. Now to get Tyler all graduated!

So long.

Monday May 25, 2015-Moving Day-Alamo Fiesta RV Park to Bay Colony RV Resort

With all the rain that we've had, we were all a bit wary when another big storm was forecast and seen on the radar, so we were all up and packing up early this morning. Tommy and Bill were up and gone by 7 and Ted wasn't too far behind them. We were the last to leave and pulled out about 8:45AM. We had fueled up the night before and were ready to go much earlier than normal.

We made good time down the road and through San Antonio on Loop 1604 to I-10. Traffic was surprisingly light and we made the mandatory stop at Buccee's in Luling for the first stop. I got a few Munzees and Stella picked up some coffee refills and a couple of kolaches for breakfast. 

We continued to make great time and decided to stop at the rest area bear Columbus for Tramp's comfort. Gotta take care of the boy! I gathered a few more Munzees, in fact, all of them on this side of the freeway. There are still a few on the westbound side rest area. I guess that's the good thing about traveling on the same roads.

We didn't hit traffic until we got into Houston, and it was slow going until we hit the Gulf Frwy. We were back at Bay Colony about 2:30 and everything was exactly how we had left it. We had left the porch and steps behind when we left, so set-up was a breeze. It's HOT down here, and I was glad to be back inside and cooling off. We're not used to the Texas heat any more, but we'll be moving north soon.

We dodged the bullet of the heavy rain while on the road, but about 10 it began to rain and continued all night. When I went outside in the morning I had 5" of rainwater in my gauge. There were no problems from the rain but we're rapidly filling all the lakes and ponds. I know the people with expensive waterfront property are thankful to have water at their docks. It's good to be back...

So long.