The Road is Long...

     "The road is long, with many a winding turn, that leads us to who knows where, who knows where?..." -- Bobby Scott and Bob Russell

Are we there yet???  Almost!!!

      February 22nd marked our third day on the road.  We left Walmart in Edgewood, NM bright and early and headed for a regular stopping spot on the west side of Amarillo, Texas -- a distance of approximately 250 miles.

Oasis RV Park near Amarillo, Texas

      We knew a huge pull through site with full hook-ups would be a welcome sight for tired eyes once we reached Oasis RV Park.  Although the prices have increased significantly under new ownership, the dog run allowed the dogs some needed exercise and the washer/dryer got a work out.

Twin Fountains RV Resort in Oklahoma City

Plant stand in restroom at Park House

      Sunday, February 23, we drove east another 250 miles or so for a stop at Twin Fountains RV Park in Oklahoma City for a quick visit with George's son, George, and his wife Suzette.  We enjoyed a fabulous dinner at the Park House Restaurant.  We were very tempted to stay and sightsee, but a cold front was coming in behind us and we decided to hit the road again on Monday morning.



      We got a bit of a late start out of Oklahoma City and stopped short of 200 miles Monday, February 24th, for another manager approved Walmart overnight in Van Buren, Arkansas.  We again shopped short of 200 miles at a remote rest area in Hazen, Arkansas.  There was a separate area for semi trucks near the interstate with a building, but we drove on to the car and RV parking area, which was fairly desolate but appeared to have good lighting.  There were two law enforcement vehicles, which George approached to see if we would be allowed to stay overnight and secondly, if we would be safe.  With their reassurance, we parked beneath a large street light and caught up on email and phone calls.   As the skies darkened, a thunderstorm began and, despite the lightning, I was struck by how very dark it was all around us.

Rest area near Hazen, Arkansas where we did not feel safe without lights

      For the first time in seven plus years on the road, we did not feel comfortable alone with no lighting, so we moved further east after dark in the rain to the Walmart and the comfort of their security cameras in nearby Forrest City.  Experts say to trust your gut, and although it was quite disruptive, my gut certainly felt much better once we returned to civilization.

Tom Sawyer's Mississippi River RV Park -- what a view!

      Wednesday, February 26, we stopped a short distance outside Memphis in West Memphis, Arkansas at Tom Sawyer's Mississippi River RV Park.  Our plan was to have our dog Zara's dental extraction stitches checked at a Banfield Veterinary Clinic and visit Valerie's friend from Kansas City, Alexandra Clair, who has been living here for a number of years.

Barges run frequently on the Mighty Mississippi

Friends Alex Clair and Valerie Mayleben

      The park is uniquely located right on the Mississippi River, and we enjoyed watching the barges push freight up and down the river.  I'm sure there are more beautiful times to visit this park, but we had a pull through site with a fantastic view!  We stayed three nights again to catch up the laundry and replenish our supplies.  We especially enjoyed our lunch at the Silver Bullet Restaurant with Alex, who is an author, at the Silver Bullet, who gave us an autographed copy of her most recent publication, "Wood's End," an intriguing and well written novel.

Our last Walmart for awhile in Jacksonville, Florida

      We left Memphis on Saturday, March 1 and drove approximately 300 miles, stopping in Alexander, Alabama for a manager approved overnight stay at Walmart.  Finally, the weather was warm enough for flip-flops and capri pants.  We crossed into Florida on March 2 and stopped in Jacksonville for yet one more Walmart stay before driving the final leg to Water's Edge Motor Coach and RV Park in Okeechobee, Florida, where we looked forward to joining George's twin nephews for a month.

Our site at Water's Edge Motor Coach and RV Resort in Okeechobee, Florida

      On long trips we listen to audio books, operate our business to the best of our ability, and plan our route, shop, do laundry, sightsee and prepare meals.  Water's Edge is delightful, especially since we have family nearby. There's a lovely Tiki hut where we congregate for happy hour and we've found some good local restaurants.  The weather has been delightful and we are thoroughly enjoying our stay.  After 2400 miles, we need some rest!

Relaxing with the Michigan Maylebens at sunset is a favorite pastime!