2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (95)

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

Start Location:

• Wichita Falls RV Park
• 2944 Seymour Hwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76301
• 940.723.1532

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

Paul won about $20.00 on this Machine

Comanche Red River is just a Mile away from Kiowa

My Prime Rib was very Tasty

Our Homemade Crockpot Beans Were Great

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day – Wichita Falls, Texas (94)
2. Travel Day – Shamrock, Texas (93)
3. Travel Day – Scott City, Kansas (92)
4. Cooking & TV (91)
5. Travel Day – North Platte, Nebraska (90)
6. Travel Day – Presho, South Dakota (89)
7. Recouping in Bismarck (88)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (94)

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

Start Location:

• Texas Route 66 RV Park
• 15580 I-40, Shamrock, TX 79079
• 806.256.5353

Start Time: 10:00 a.m.

Mileage:  58,481.4

End Location:

• Wichita Falls RV Park
• 2944 Seymour Hwy, Wichita Falls, TX 76301
• 940.723.1532

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

Gas for Just $2.11 Per Gallon

Shamrock to Wichita Falls, TX

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day – Shamrock, Texas (93)
2. Travel Day – Scott City, Kansas (92)
3. Cooking & TV (91)
4. Travel Day – North Platte, Nebraska (90)
5. Travel Day – Presho, South Dakota (89)
6. Recouping in Bismarck (88)
7. Travel Day - Bismarck, North Dakota (87)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (93)

08/12/2019 Travel Day – Shamrock, Texas

Start Location:

• Pine Tree RV Park
• 402 N Main Street, Scott City, KS 67871
• 620.872.3076

Start Time: 8:30 a.m.

Mileage:  58,231.0

End Location:

• Texas Route 66 RV Park
• 15580 I-40, Shamrock, TX 79079
• 806.256.5353

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

Thunderstorms A Coming (Texas Route 66 RV Park)

What an Ignominy – We did not Stop

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

Texas Route 66 RV Park is Under New Management & Renovation

Scott City to Shamrock, Texas

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day – Scott City, Kansas (92)
2. Cooking & TV (91)
3. Travel Day – North Platte, Nebraska (90)
4. Travel Day – Presho, South Dakota (89)
5. Recouping in Bismarck (88)
6. Travel Day - Bismarck, North Dakota (87)
7. Travel Day - Jordon, Montana (86)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (92)

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

Start Location:

• Holiday RV Park & Campground
• 601 Halligan Dr, North Platte, NE 69101
• 308.534.2265

Start Time: 8:50 a.m.

Mileage:  58,027

End Location:

• Pine Tree RV Park
• 402 N Main Street, Scott City, KS 67871
• 620.872.3076

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

Livestock Roamed the Hills Freely

We took a quick stop along the Blue Star Highway

Trains in McCook, Nebraska (pop 8,000)

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

Our Spot #3

Church in Scott City, Kansas

North Platte, NE to Scott City, KS

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Cooking & TV (91)
2. Travel Day – North Platte, Nebraska (90)
3. Travel Day – Presho, South Dakota (89)
4. Recouping in Bismarck (88)
5. Travel Day - Bismarck, North Dakota (87)
6. Travel Day - Jordon, Montana (86)
7. Journaling at Dick’s RV Park (85)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (91)

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

Start Location:

• Holiday RV Park & Campground
• 601 Halligan Dr, North Platte, NE 69101
• 308.534.2265

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

We Bought a Loaf of Strawberry Bread from this Sweet Lady

The Mall Was Nearly Empty

Buffalo Bill Cody’s Trading Post was Fun

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

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day – North Platte, Nebraska (90)
2. Travel Day – Presho, South Dakota (89)
3. Recouping in Bismarck (88)
4. Travel Day - Bismarck, North Dakota (87)
5. Travel Day - Jordon, Montana (86)
6. Journaling at Dick’s RV Park (85)
7. Happy Anniversary on the Road (84)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (90)

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

Start Location:

• New Frontier RV Park
• 432 Spruce Ave, Presho, SD 57568
• 775.621.5277

Start Time: 8:00 a.m.

Mileage:  57,792.4

End Location:

• Holiday RV Park & Campground
• 601 Halligan Dr, North Platte, NE 69101
• 308.534.2265

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

Skies Turned Dark and Angry

Welcome to Nebraska - 'the good life'

We Took a Quick Break Here

Beautiful Weeds at Our Pit Stop

The Beast had No Problems with this Flooded Road

Small Town America

Presho, SD to North Platte, NE

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Travel Day – Presho, South Dakota (89)
2. Recouping in Bismarck (88)
3. Travel Day - Bismarck, North Dakota (87)
4. Travel Day - Jordon, Montana (86)
5. Journaling at Dick’s RV Park (85)
6. Happy Anniversary on the Road (84)
7. Travel Day – Great Falls, Montana (83)

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal (89)

08/08/2019 Travel Day – Presho, South Dakota

Start Location:

• Hillcrest Acres Campground
• 5700 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501
• 701.255.4334

Start Time: 8:30 a.m.

Mileage:  57,539.0

End Location:

• New Frontier RV Park
• 432 Spruce Ave, Presho, SD 57568
• 775.621.5277

End Time: 1:30 p.m.

Mileage:  57,792.4

Cost Per Night: $41.31 USD
Weather: 64 – 82 F light clouds
Route:

• 10 East
• 83 South
• 12 East (Lewis & Clark Trail)
• 83 South
• 212 West
• US14 West
• East / 83 South

Our path today was lined alternatively with corn in all stages of growth and bright yellow sunflowers. We were entertained by a yellow crop duster who flew low enough to give us quite an exciting exhibition of flying skill.

Then a flock of geese crossed the road right in front of us. The last two stragglers had to rush in half flight to evade a deadly impact. Talk about up close and personal.

We passed through Strasburg, ND, Lawrence Welk’s place of birth. Ludwig and Christina Welk built their homestead in 1893. We did not have the time to stop.

After checking in at the RV park, we walked to the Hutch’s Motel, Cafe & Lounge. The café is a small family-owned establishment. They have been in business since 1967. The food and service were good – I had the specialty, the Hutch Burger. We also stopped into the Sinclair Convenience Store for Bread and Potato Chips – Very Convenient indeed.

New Frontier RV Park was very comfortable, and their internet rocked.

Wildlife Spotted: lots of ducks, a pair of swans, Paul spotted a hawk, geese walking across the street right in front of the beast; small hawk flying to telephone pole.

South Dakota has 4.95 Million Acres of Corn

Beautiful Landscapes Along our Route

Missouri River Bridge in Pierre, South Dakota

The Blanket of Sunflowers in the Fields Were Spectacular

I Could Not Resist this Dilapidated Wood Home

The Pebble Drive In is a Small Business in Herreid, SD.

Lots of Water with Lots of Ducks in SD

Setting up Camp in Spot 3

The Hutch Cheese Burger Deluxe

We Really Like This RV Park

Love this Camp Sign

2019 Alaska Vacation Journal

1. Recouping in Bismarck (88)
2. Travel Day - Bismarck, North Dakota (87)
3. Travel Day - Jordon, Montana (86)
4. Journaling at Dick’s RV Park (85)
5. Happy Anniversary on the Road (84)
6. Travel Day – Great Falls, Montana (83)
7. Travel Day – Fort Macleod, Alberta (82)