Thursday, August 15, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (96)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (96)

08/15/2019 No Travel Day – Enjoying Peace at the Park


Start Location:
Start Time: N/A
Mileage:  58,651.4
Cost Per Night: $45.00 USD
Weather: 75 – 99 F Sunny

Paul got up on the roof of the RV right after breakfast to clean the coach air-conditioner. It really seemed to help. With the temperatures in the 100s, every bit helps.

We spent the rest of the day just getting caught up with our paperwork and stuff. The park here is great – very spacious with a river and pond! We love the big trees and birds. The best part is that there are relatively no mosquitoes. We took our walk early in hopes of beating the heat.

Wildlife Spotted: Just Park Birds

The Park Has Beautiful Mature Trees
The Park Has Beautiful Mature Trees

Wichita Falls RV Park’s Pond
Wichita Falls RV Park’s Pond

The Scenic River
The Scenic River

Spot 44 - Wichita Falls RV Park
Spot 44 - Wichita Falls RV Park

North Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas Stickers Added
North Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas Stickers Added

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (95)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (95)

08/14/2019 No Travel Day – Kiowa and Comanche Casinos


Start Location:
Start Time: N/A
Mileage:  58,651.4
Cost Per Night: $45.00 USD
Weather: 72 – 95 F Cloudy

It rained off and on last night. You would think the noise of raindrops bouncing on the RV roof would be annoying. I found it nice and the Thunder was also a thrill.

Before going to the casinos, I fixed a crock pot full of my vegetarian beans. We also took the time to take some of our cold weather gear out of the motorhome to make more room.

The casinos were fun, but the slots were very tight. Including our lunch, we dropped $125 between Kiowa and Comanche Red River Casino. Kiowa has more than 800 slot machines and nearly one dozen table games, three unique restaurants and very friendly service. We still lost though.

We had lunch at the Comanche Red River Casino’s Red River Grill. Paul had his usual Grilled Cheese – it was too light on the cheese. I ordered the special; Prime Rib for $8.00. I thought it was wonderful and plentiful. We ended up paying a little more than $20.00 with included the tip. The machines were just a tad better than Kiowa.

Wildlife Spotted: Park Birds

We Went to the Kiowa Casino First
We Went to the Kiowa Casino First

Paul won about $20.00 on this Machine
Paul won about $20.00 on this Machine

Comanche Red River is just a Mile away from Kiowa
Comanche Red River is just a Mile away from Kiowa

My Prime Rib was very Tasty
My Prime Rib was very Tasty

Our Homemade Crockpot Beans Were Great
Our Homemade Crockpot Beans Were Great

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (94)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (94)

08/13/2019 Travel Day – Wichita Falls, Texas


Start Location:
Start Time: 10:00 a.m.
Mileage:  58,481.4

End Location:
End Time: 1:55 p.m.
Mileage: 58,651.4
Cost Per Night: $45.00 USD
Weather: 72 – 97 F Cloudy
Route:
  • I40 BL
  • Old Route 66
  • 83 South
  • 287 South

Since we had a very short drive and get good internet, we lingered this morning. I was hoping to catch up a bit . . . . yeah right. Paul had washed the windshield last night, but it did not last. Bugs were bouncing off it immediately after we reached 83 South.

We had to drive through the town of Childress, Texas, where gasoline was priced at $2.11 per gallon. That is the lowest we have seen all trip!

After setting up camp, we got busy cooking. I made tacos for dinner and cut up everything I needed to put in the crockpot beans tomorrow.

The spaces here are huge. We do not have shade though and it got to 100 degrees. They have a nice pool if it gets unbearable. However, we have gotten pretty skilled at keeping the inside of the ‘Beast’ a reasonable temperature.

Wildlife Spotted: None (Lots of Livestock though)

A Lot Drier in Texas
A Lot Drier in Texas

Gas for Just $2.11 Per Gallon
Gas for Just $2.11 Per Gallon

Shamrock to Wichita Falls, TX
Shamrock to Wichita Falls, TX

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Monday, August 12, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (93)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (93)

08/12/2019 Travel Day – Shamrock, Texas


Start Location:
Start Time: 8:30 a.m.
Mileage:  58,231.0

End Location:
End Time: 12:55 p.m.
Mileage: 58,481.4
Cost Per Night: $20.00 USD
Weather: 69 – 103 F with Rain, Thunder, & Lightning
Route:
  • 83 South
  • Detour through Garden City Due to Road Closure
  • 83 South
  • 60 West
  • 83 South

Paul had to fix the bolt that keeps the spare tire from wiggling. It was just 8:00 a.m. and already so muggy he was sweaty when he finished.

We had to take a detour due to a road closure on the U-50. They were removing and reconstructing the concrete pavement. We notice that the Oklahoma roads were a lot rougher than the roads in Kansas.

After driving for 200 miles, we wanted to stop to give Paul a chance to stretch; however the only rest stop available was chaotic. It was very small and there was trash everywhere which, of course brought the nasty bugs.

Our host for the night were a husband and wife team. They bought the park a year prior and were in the process fixing it up. It is a huge area and we were one of three over-nighting. The hookups were great and the scenery awesome. This place will be tremendous once they are finished.

We did all our laundry despite the 103-degree temperature and threat of thunderstorms. Their laundry facility was clean and spacious. The bathrooms were closed due to repairs, but we are self-contained, so it did not matter.

Wildlife Spotted: Slow Rabbit; Not So Wild Animals: Donkey, Horses, Cattle

This Old Building is Dwarfed by the Majestic Sky
This Old Building is Dwarfed by the Majestic Sky

Thunderstorms A Coming  (Texas Route 66 RV Park)
Thunderstorms A Coming (Texas Route 66 RV Park)

 What an Ignominy – We did not Stop
What an Ignominy – We did not Stop

Our Spot at Texas Route 66 RV Park – No Number Yet
Our Spot at Texas Route 66 RV Park – No Number Yet

Texas Route 66 RV Park is Under New Management & Renovation
Texas Route 66 RV Park is Under New Management & Renovation

Scott City to Shamrock, Texas
Scott City to Shamrock, Texas

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Sunday, August 11, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (92)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (92)

08/11/2019 Travel Day – Scott City, Kansas


Start Location:
Start Time: 8:50 a.m.
Mileage:  58,027

End Location:
End Time: 12:55 p.m.
Mileage:  58,231.0
Cost Per Night: $26.00 USD
Weather: 69 – 88 F Cloudy
Route:
  • 83 South 
  • 34 East
  • 83 South
  • 40 East
  • 83 South

Our camp host for the night was not returning from church until a bit after 1:00 p.m. Therefore, we did not leave until 8:50 a.m. today. About fifteen minutes into our drive, out in the pastures, our noses were overwhelmed with the smell of poop. It was so strong; I checked our bathroom to make sure it was not coming from us!

There were corn fields everywhere for miles and miles. The rolling hills speckled with trees and cattle were also breath taking. The marshes and ponds had all but disappeared.

Our campsite (spot 3) was nothing to brag about. But it had sewer, water, and electricity, so it was perfect for a quick affordable stop. There was nothing to do in the small town of Scott City on a Sunday – trust me we scoured the town looking for a sit-down café for lunch. Tates, which the gas station lady informed me was the best place in town, was closed; as was Daylight Donuts!

It was hotter than hell in the RV, especially in my office area (the passenger seat near the engine ‘dog house.’) This was unfortunate because I had hoped to catch up on some computer work – it was just too unbearably hot!

The internet was just fair, so we spent our evening trying to stay cool while watching number three and four of our Bruce Willis ‘Die Hard’ marathon.

Wildlife Spotted: Dead Doe on the Side of the Highway; Big Turkey; Doves everywhere in the Park Not So Wild Animals: Domesticated Buffalo, Donkeys, Horses, Cattle


Miles and Miles of Corn
Miles and Miles of Corn

Livestock Roamed the Hills Freely
Livestock Roamed the Hills Freely

We took a quick stop along the Blue Star Highway
We took a quick stop along the Blue Star Highway

Trains in McCook, Nebraska (pop 8,000)
Trains in McCook, Nebraska (pop 8,000)

We had to stop for a train as we went to town for gas
We had to stop for a train as we went to town for gas


Our Spot #3 - Scott City, KS
Our Spot #3

Church in Scott City, Kansas
Church in Scott City, Kansas


North Platte, NE to Scott City, KS
North Platte, NE to Scott City, KS

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Saturday, August 10, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (91)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (91)

08/10/2019 No -Travel Day – Cooking & TV


Start Location:
Start Time: N/A
Mileage:  58,027
Cost Per Night: $38.99 USD
Weather: 67 – 85 F Cloudy & Very Very Muggy

We learned that there is really not much to do in North Platte. Nevertheless, we managed to fill up our day quickly.

After a simple breakfast (Toast & Cereal) we went to explore the local Farmer’s Market. (We tried to go yesterday when I thought it was Thursday – but no one was there!!!) Paul really enjoyed the market because the venders were actual farmers selling their wares. We bought a bunch of green onions, Strawberry Bread, a tomato and a hot pepper.

Since the Farmer’s Market was located in the Platte River Mall, we decided to check out it out. Talk about small town. They had a jewelry store and a few others establishments. We walked it in under fifteen minutes. There were very few shoppers and the air conditioner was either off or broken.

We were making Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice) for dinner, so we went to the Walmart to pick up the remaining ingredients. Our television in the RV was broken so when we saw one on sale ($118.00), we decided to splurge – there goes our daily $$$ average.

We stopped by Buffalo Bill’s Trading Post – a tourist trap. Yet the staff were friendly, and we ended up buying a T-Shirt and Sign.

After cutting up all the vegetables for our dinner, it was after 4:30 p.m. – Unbelievable.

Wildlife Spotted: just park birds.

Paul Really Enjoyed this Farmer’s Market - North Platte, NE
Paul Really Enjoyed this Farmer’s Market

We Bought a Loaf of Strawberry Bread from this Sweet Lady
We Bought a Loaf of Strawberry Bread from this Sweet Lady

The Mall Was Nearly Empty - North Platte, NE
The Mall Was Nearly Empty

Buffalo Bill Cody’s Trading Post was Fun
Buffalo Bill Cody’s Trading Post was Fun

Paul Out Did Himself – Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
Paul Out Did Himself – Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

Friday, August 9, 2019

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (90)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (90)

08/09/2019 Travel Day – North Platte, NE


Start Location:
Start Time: 8:00 a.m.
Mileage:  57,792.4


End Location:
End Time: 1:00 p.m.
Mileage:  58,027
Cost Per Night: $38.99 USD
Weather: 67 – 88 F Cloudy
Route:
  • 183 South
  • 18 West
  • US 183 South

Not much to report regarding our journey to Nebraska. We saw plenty of birds. One bird in particular caught our attention. I believe it was some kind of quail. They were the size of a chicken, with a sweet red on their heads.

Talking about red, the roads just across the border (South Dakota to Nebraska) are of that color.

We were slowed a couple of times by road construction. The comfort of the RV make these delays innocuous. However, it did add about twenty minutes to our time on the road.

Fifty miles from our destination, we read a sign, “Scenic Overlook.” We decided that would be the perfect place to stretch our legs. Wrong. There was just a very narrow pull through stop – nothing scenic about it. Luckily the narrow turn was just enough so we did not have to unhook. Bummer.

The Holiday RV Park is nice. Our Spot (62) has a nice shade tree. We set-up camp and then bought some groceries at Gary’s Super Food. Tonight we will try some Nebraska Corn.

Wildlife Spotted: ducks, quail; little black & white birds; lots of unrecognizable dead animals on the road.

Beautiful Sunrise at the Park - Presho SD
Beautiful Sunrise at the Park

Skies Turned Dark and Angry
Skies Turned Dark and Angry

Welcome to Nebraska - 'the good life'
Welcome to Nebraska - 'the good life'

We Took a Quick Break Here
We Took a Quick Break Here

Beautiful Weeds at Our Pit Stop
Beautiful Weeds at Our Pit Stop

The Beast had No Problems with this Flooded Road
The Beast had No Problems with this Flooded Road

Small Town America
Small Town America

Presho, SD to North Platte, NE
Presho, SD to North Platte, NE

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal