Three flats and a blow out

After we left Hot Springs we headed to Vicksburg, MS. It was a long dreary drive. It didn't rain very much but it was cold and gray.
We spent the day in Vicksburg going around the battlefields and taking pictures of the state monuments. I also spent a little time at the outlet mall.
As we prepared to leave Vicksburg we were all set to take off when Bill noticed a flat on the camper's left side front axle. We called Good Sam and they had someone there, fixed the flat and we were gone in about 45 minutes. We headed of toward Gulfport, MS it was a beautiful day and we had no problems. Until we were about 35 minutes north of Gulfport, we had just passed a 5th wheel and drove on when they came running up along side us blowing their horn and waving, we thought that we had another flat. We had a blowout on the right side front axle. There was an 18" strip of rubber in addition to a tiny fringe of rubber around the rim. The tire was gone, completely gone. the rim was chewed up a little, but still usable.

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Well, unfortunately since it was late Sunday afternoon Bill decided to change it himself. It was pretty difficult to get those lug nuts off, but he did it and we were back on the road in short order. But the fun wasn't over just yet. 

 When we went outside the next morning the tire that had the flat the previous day was flat again, but Bill just aired it up with his compressor and began thinking seriously about new tires for the camper. Our preacher friend had given us a recommendation last year, so we called him for an update, went to a couple of places checking prices and availability. We ended up ordering two tires to be put on the next day. We spent about half the day doing this instead of walking on the beach in Biloxi, MS. I wasn't happy about this, but you do what you have to do.

I went on line to check out these camper tires. Power Max/ Tow King seems to be the # 1 tires RV manufacturers use on their campers. I read the reviews and they are constantly failing and not just failing, but blowing out. This is so dangerous, I can't believe that manufacturers continue to use these. Just for fun I looked to see how much I could buy one for..... $65.00 each. The ones we bought to replace these chinese junk tires were about $200. **** camper warning**** check your camper tires.

So we were getting ready, packing up the camper to go and get the two tires, guess what, another flat tire. That's 3 flats and a blow out in a little more than 48 hours. We quickly called the tire guy to see if he could get two more, we decided to change all four. It took a few hours out of our travel time, but it is worth it to know that we are on safe tires now. It is tremendous peace of mind to know that we are as safe as we can be for ourselves and not a danger to others.

Getting a camp site, this is a whole other story, just wait.

Donna

Picture Post

                                     Lots of pictures from our trip.

Heading south down that long and winding road.
On the road with Bill and Donna and Max, and for a few more days, Tucker.

Donna

Monday Morning pictures

Tents and Teepees on the shore of Lake Bailey at Petit Jean state park in Arkansas. These even come with a canoe. Bailey and I have some memorable moments in a canoe.

Max and Bill enjoying the scenic overlook at Petit Jean.

We think Max gets bored sitting in the back seat all alone. The last few trips he has tried to climb into the front seat with one of us, not so good for the driver.

Who takes these pictures

When we left Texas we were headed toward Russellville, Arkansas. We didn't have a reservation for the Petit Jean State Park so we decided to stay at the Mission RV park. I don't know who takes the pictures for some of these places, because they often don't resemble the actual property. Now we aren't snobs, but this place was a mess. We drove in and drove right back out. We headed to the state park and it turns out they had plenty of spots, but only for three nights. We wanted to stay a week, so we checked the next day to see if there had been any cancellations, but there were none.
We decided to take a little drive around the park and did a little hiking very little.

 Our camp site is right along the shore of pretty lake Bailey. I suppose it is named for our darling grand daughter Bailey.

One stop on our drive, the view is very impressive you can see all the mountain peaks around here even through the haze.

This is the overlook to Cedar Falls. Unfortunately, the falls are all dried up. Too bad, I was looking forward to seeing this natural wonder.

Well Bill got on his tablet and discovered the Devil's Den state park north of Fort Smith, AR. It is said to be just as beautiful as this one so he called and we got some great reservations through the 26th. So I am looking forward to being still for a little while.

Donna

Leaving camp

So Thursday afternoon, about an hour before skit night the sun came out and dried up most of the rain but it was about time for dinner, so there was no time for any of the kids to go swimming. I won't say camp was a bust because Bro Robby always has plenty of activities for everyone, but during free time it was a little hard for kids who can't entertain themselves to find something to do. There is a craft room, and a game room with lots of games and usually swimming. But swimming was off the table most of the week. Oh well.
Bro Robby's message on Thursday night was very challenging to me. Since we are retired it's easy to think that God is done using us, but his message was about being yielded to God and available to Him to used in any way that He decides. I can't wait to see what that is.

So Friday morning we got up and started to prepare the camper for the road. It's quite a production, though it only takes us about an hour or less from start to finish, usually. I was done with the inside and taking my purse and computer to the truck, but as I stepped onto the stairs to go out something weird happened. I don't even know how, but I fell off the top step and landed face down in the dirt. I must have slipped since it was still pretty damp outside and as I lost my balance I slammed into the side of the camper bending the handrail back against the side.

I don't think I lost consciousness, but I remember thinking " I don't think I even have a clean shirt". The one I was wearing is my yellow one. My right leg was still kind of tangled on the step and everything hurt.
As I got to my feet I was pretty surprised to see that I hadn't broken anything, nothing was bleeding and apart from being very sore for a few days, I only developed a few bruises. My shirt wasn't even dirty. I did have a nasty scrape on my right elbow, though, and it hurts like the dickens.

After breakfast we headed out, not really knowing where we would end up. We drove north and landed in Denison, TX at the Eisenhower State Park. It is gorgeous there I would have loved to spend a week here, but we only stayed two nights.

We did go into Denison to see the birthplace of our 34th president Dwight D. Eisenhower. It was nicer than I had expected. Kind of funny, since this trip began with a trip to the Eisenhower boyhood home, library, and museum in Abilene, KS.

We wanted to have a fire on Saturday night and cook hot dogs and s'mores, but there was quite a storm, so no fire, no hot dogs, no s'mores. We didn't even drive around the park or lake Texoma, I was too sore to want to move much.
Sunday morning was beautiful and we decided to head out to Arkansas and see what we would find at the Mission RV park in Russellville, AR.
more to come...............

Donna

Same camp different location

As I had stated we have gone to camp before and we have been at this particular camp. It is a private Christian camp snuggled back in the Sam Houston National Forest. The setting is gorgeous, it simply couldn't be more camp like. Although we have been here before we had never been in our current location. They have, and I use the term loosely an RV park. It is an area on the north west side of the camp, (I think). There is a road behind our RV that separates the Nat'l forest from the private property line.  They have space for about 7 or 8 units with full hook ups. So much for the camp sites. It is gorgeous back here in the woods, but, since we have had rain all week, we are up to our tutus in mud.

The property has two actual camps and can accommodate around 550 campers and counselors. Our group is the farthest away from the RV side as you can get so walking is not really an option.  So golf carts are used  to get around by those of us over here on the 'far side'.
How dramatic the contrast between here and the high plains 'desert' we were in a week ago. So hot and dry there, Why you would get out of the shower and be dry before you could reach your towel. Here it is so wet from the rain, and the humidity has been over 70% every day.  The only great thing is that it hasn't been terribly hot, so it's not that bad, but when ever I step outside my glasses fog up.

The kids from Lavon are on the far side of the lake from here. The lake has fishing, canoeing, no actual swimming. There's a pool for that, but they do have a blob. It's a huge air filled rubber mattress like thing. One person sits on the end and another person jumps off a high platform and launches the sitter into the water. It is wicked crazy. I would never do it, but Bill has and I think our granddaughter did it when she came with us a few years ago.

We have enjoyed the time here, far more relaxing than when we came here as counselors and fun to see Max with all the kids. He has even gone to the service with us and except for the people right around us, no one knew he was there. He is so well behaved. Max has enjoyed riding in the golf cart and seeing deer in the woods.
I have enjoyed mostly everything. The thing I have not liked is the ride to and from the camper. Since it has been raining so much the road in front of the campers is very muddy. Now this mud is very slick and slimy I saw it suck the shoes off of a little boy. But driving a golf cart through here is a challenge. Too slow and you could get stuck, go too fast and you could slide off into a ditch or a puddle.
The ride home at night, usually around 10- 10:30 is the worst. There are no lights out here on the roads and riding around in an open golf cart feels very vulnerable. As you leave the commotion of the campers you head out on a very dark and lonely stretch of road with several turns. Soon you are swallowed up by the dark inky blackness of the night. The sensation is so palpable, not a good feeling for one afraid of the dark and all that lurks therein.  As you turn onto the dirt road leading to the RVs you pass the equipment sheds and then the dumpsters where an occasional rat may run by, through the mud hazard and then the welcoming light of my own home on wheels as a beacon welcomes me.

Our time here is drawing to a close one more full day of camp.
Tonight is the last night for competitions  after the evening service since tomorrow evening is the award service. This should be a really good evening. And then we will leave, and head out to where? Can't really say yet, but we are looking forward to our next adventure.

Donna

Junior Camp 2012

We used to go to Junior camp with the children and counselors of Lavon Dr Baptist Church. Bill and I were the Camp Dad and Mom for several years, and even after we relocated to Kansas City, MO we continued to return each year until budget constraints just made it impractical. But this year as we were in Dallas for the Addison, TX "KaBOOM Town" 4th of July events we actually parked the rig on the campus of Lavon Dr Baptist church.  Our hosts were very generous to us and we were greeted by our dear former children's pastor Robby Greene.
My hubby and I regard Bro Robby very highly and think he is one of the brightest and most talented young pastors we have known. His love for God is shown by his incredible love and compassion for the unchurched in this area. "Bus" kids have gotten the cold shoulder from many church members for years all around our country, but not here. This church's out reach to the lost and needy families around them is extraordinary. This year there are over 350 children and counselors at camp. Many of the counselors and support staff have paid their own way, and taken their family's vacation time to be here ministering to children. Bro. Robby has presented this ministry year after year to this church, he has preached and pleaded, and literally shaken the bushes for donations to send as many children to camp. Children whose families either could not or would not make the sacrifice to send their child to a week of Bible camp.

The kids have a great time, they are all well fed with really good food, they are loved by caring adults, and the preaching is really great and the messages are pointed to discipleship, personal growth, and character.

There is a lot of fun going on around here too. There are lots of games, no kick ball here. They play capture the flag at night in the dark, three legged race with a bit of a twist and one with inner tubes and sometimes people get water ballooned. The games are very  challenging  and these kids fall into bed at night, very tired. No one gets bored around here.
For free time there is pool time, archery, zip line, paint ball and the most fun, the blob . Canoes and fishing is also available.

Kids participate in Bible quizzing, Sword drills and a memory verse challenge.

Robby Greene with his unique vision for children puts on quite an outstanding program. Many decisions are made at camp each year. It is pretty amazing. We stopped coming about five years ago and this year we are seeing counselors who were campers when we left. That is the hand of God on the life of a young person yielded to the will of God with the intention of giving glory to God.

I am so proud to be asked to come this year and just be able to observe what is different and new and to see what is still the same. The singing is still spirited, the challenges are still crazy and fun and the activities are still just as stimulating as ever, and these children light up when Bro Robby comes in to speak to them. It is pretty thrilling.

I will tell more about camp tomorrow. Here is a picture of the spirit award, Sammy. The kids have such a great time with Sammy, you would think he was something special, I guess he is.

Donna

Amarillo, TX

We have been here in Amarillo for nine days, and yes west Texas is hot. I don't think it's as hot as some other places, and in the morning and evening it is very cool and comfortable. I have enjoyed just being here and relaxing. We did go to a nice church last week, and we went to the Big Texan for dinner. There were two men trying to eat a meal including a 72 ounce steak. That's 4 1/2 pounds of meat people. It would feed most families. They didn't finish in the 60 minutes alloted, so they had to pay $72.00. Yikes.

Today we are moving into the Palo Duro Canyon state park. We will stay there until Friday, unless I get scared. Then we will head to Dallas.
While we are in the 600 ft deep canyon, we will be without a cell signal for most of the time. So we will be in touch when we get back to the surface.

Donna

Dodge City, KS

We arrived in Dodge City, KS on Wed the 13, of June. We left on Friday the 15th and actually we didn't do anything in Dodge at all.
When we arrived we went to the "Water Sport RV resort" it was supposed to be this great place with a lake and all sorts of water activities. Well in reality it looks like a place where camping rigs go to die. It was junky and messy and no trees or grass. Just hot sun baked ground and miserable looking campers.
There was a really pretty park on the other side of the lake, but we found out that it was a membership only place and hence, not for us.
So we looked on our map and found Gunsmoke RV park. It, too, was tree- less, but we were in the high plains and I guess that's just how it is.
We were going to head to the Big Basin Prairie Preserve, to see the Bison and the stars at night, but just as we went out to get in the truck we noticed quite a huge storm brewing up. So, we stayed outside to watch the clouds roll in, took Max for a walk before the big rains came, and then as the first drops began to fall we went I think it rained off and on most of the night.
We packed up in the morning to head south. As we were leaving the campground we noticed some people who had been tent camping, all their gear was hanging on the fence rails around the tenting area.
I'm glad I have my 5th wheel, we were snug as a bug.
On to Amarillo, TX.

Donna

Is that Willie?

No it's us, "ON THE ROAD AGAIN." I love that song and it aptly describes much of our life. We have traveled, moved and rambled all over this great country, now we are getting serious about our traveling.

This morning we left Kansas City, MO and headed straight west to Abilene, KS. Our objective is to visit the Eisenhower library and museum. This little tiny town is packed with museums. An antique Doll museum, a Greyhound (that's dogs, not buses) museum. Train museum, Indian artifacts, fashion museum, telephones, and more. But don't try to eat lunch anywhere besides fast food. Almost everything here is closed on Monday.

I did find a Quilt shop, this lady does the machine quilting for you, she does not sell any kind of fabric, I was disappointed, but she did put me on to a quilt shop in Chapman, KS about 10 miles east of here.
It's just a cute little shop originally called Mom & Me, now it's Lucky Charm. I don't care what they call it, I found a pretty big stash of Wizard of Oz fabric by Quilting Treasures. I bought a pattern and a few pieces of fabric for a little Wiz throw.
Our campground this stay is Covered Wagon RV resort. Throw out the definition of resort you have in your head. This is a little more modest than that. Any way we're home for now in Abilene, KS.
Tomorrow we are meeting friends and going to the Eisenhower museum and the Material Girl Quilt shop, also closed Monday.


                                  

On the road with Max,
Donna

Finally.....

we got this little bitty EeePC from our son. As they were no longer using the little darling we have decided to give it a try. I am finding it works to pull up my blog and next I will attempt to download photos from my tablet.

Today we are back in Kansas City, we've been here for a week. We are celebrating the anniversary of our nuptials. Forty four years ago today we stood and promised God and each other that what ever came our way we would hang in and hang on. Sometimes have been difficult, but I think for the mostly it has been an amazing adventure. I love my husband with all of my heart most days and I am excited about this next part of our adventure together. So far, so good.

I am hoping that my posts will be more regular now that we  have a computer to take along on the road with us.
                                                                                                  

Down by the river

We are in lovely Bennett Springs state park, MO.  It's very pretty here, this is a trout fishing mecca. The river is nice, seems pretty fast and since we are right at the spring, it's probably pretty cold. But unless you are an angler, you may not even wade. Since it's close to 90° here it's very tempting.
I am putting all of the pictures on facebook, when I post them here they end up cattywompass.