ACROSS THE GREAT PLAINS FROM HASKELL TX TO TATUM NM….TOMORROW, THE MOUNTAINS:))

OUR FREE OVERNIGHT STOP IN TATUM NEW MEXICO….AHEAD IS THE COMMUNITY CENTER BUT WE NEVER SAW A SINGLE PERSON ANYWHERE ALL THE TIME WE WERE HERE.  GOTTA LOVE THAT……..:))
Cold night in Haskell but the morning dawned clear and bright.  Checked some areas ahead of us and see we can be in some warmer weather in a day or two.  That’s kind of a priority for us this year….go where it’s warm!!  The Quartzsite and Yuma areas are looking pretty good right now.
A brisk morning morning walk around the Haskell ball bark and we were on the road westbound again at 8:20 a.m.
I sure like this 397 mile stretch of highway 380 between Jacksboro Texas and Roswell New Mexico.  It’s a good road with very little traffic, varying scenery, interesting and tired little western towns along the way, rest areas and free Community parks.  We are currently in a little town in eastern New Mexico called, Tatum.  Kelly found a favorable internet review on it so we checked things out and decided to stay for the night.  The Park is called Rampy and has 5 pull through sites.  It’s an old site but we are on a hard level surface and have electricity. The water taps are long gone and I don’t know if the sewer pipes work on each site.  But, the Park is free and there is a large park here and lots of secure room for pets to run free.  Great spot for an overnighter if your not expecting fancy schmancy.
In the morning we will continue west on 380.  Shortly after leaving Tatum I will have my eyes glued to the horizon ahead for my first glimpse of the western Capitan Mountains looming up out of the flat misty plains.  That’s always a favorite time for me when we use this route.  Just love catching my first glimpse of the mountains.  It is this same stretch of highway where I have sadly watched the mountains disappear in my rear view mirror on several of our homeward journeys:((
Sorry about all the repetitive doggy photos this week but I just haven’t been taking a lot of time to find anything too creative. I will get the Nikons dusted off shortly:))

We will head through Roswell Friday morning and climb into the mountains passing through the little towns of Hondo and Ruidoso.  We will reach the summit of the Apache Pass in an Alpine like setting and begin the long drop down the other side into the New Mexican town of Tularosa.  Descending from Apache Pass I will be straining for my first glimpse of the White Sands far out on the Tularosa Valley floor.  It is at this point of our westbound journey that I feel we have finally arrived at our southwest winter home.  From this point on the rush is over and everything slows down to a relaxing winter pace for the next 5 months.    
As we draw ever closer to our winter home we still have no idea where we are going.  Should we head straight away to southern California and work our way back or should we hang out in southern Arizona for awhile and move further west later on.  What about Quartzsite this year or maybe try a new area up around Parker and Lake Havasu along the Colorado River.  Will we re-visit the area around Why and Ajo Arizona again?  How about the Patagonia area south of Tucson or the Vallecito Valley in California.  Checking ahead, I see Yuma is the warmest.  All these questions and southernmost areas are in our conversations these days as we plod ever further west.
Had planned on just letting my hair grow for the winter again but after nearly a week on the road and scaring small children and frightening elderly ladies in Wal-Mart the other day I knew it was best for all concerned that I get my hair cut.  Didn’t take Kelly long to shorten me right up!!  With most of the hair gone I later stood myself pretty darn close to my electric beard trimmer too:))
PHEEBS IS WONDERING WHY MOM IS CUTTING DAD’S FUR OFF
TRAVELER has joined the Bayfield Bunch as Blog Follower 350.  Welcome aboard Traveler and thanks for stopping by:))
And a big thanks to reader Butterbean for her generous invitation for the Bayfield Bunch to drop by and visit her Texas ranch southeast of Abilene.  (I’m assuming Butterbean is a female with the name Butterbean:)) In part, Butterbean said, “You'll get a BIG TEXAS WELCOME AND HOWDY, with plenty of room for the pups to play!!! You can stay as long as you want!!! Hot coffee, toast &
peanut butter & venison chili!!!” We did have a look at the map to see where you were BB and if we get down into that neck of the Texas woods sometime we would be happy to drop around.  We will hang onto those directions you gave us.  Keep that toaster and peanut butter jar handy:))

GROANER’S CORNER:((  My husband had lost 50 pounds and after eight years of being a housewife, I had taken a job in a restaurant. When I returned home after my first day at work, I gave my husband a big hug.
He seemed to cling to me longer than usual. "Did you really miss me that much today, dear?" I asked.
"No," came the reply. "But you smell so much like pancakes that I hate to let you go."
--------------------------------------------------------------
-Tourists see the world, travelers  experience it.
-Until one has loved an Animal, their  soul remains un-awakened.
BAYFIELD BUNCH PHOTO ALBUMS https://picasaweb.google.com/117858411710794543295
The only thing better than right now  will someday be the memories of
right  now...AL.

A FINE DRIVING DAY LANDS US IN HASKELL, TEXAS

AN 1883 RESTORED HOUSE BESIDE US TONIGHT IN HASKELL, TEXAS

Cracker Barrel opened at 7 this morning and we were seated for their $5.99 breakfast special at 7:15.  From there it was a short hop over to Wal-Mart for some groceries.  I had forgot to bring along my 3 year old Wal-Mart road Atlas this trip so picked me up a new 2012 one today.  I do like computer maps but still prefer paper maps in the long run and this big road Atlas is packed with lots of great info for only $6.97. 

After receiving a few directions on how to navigate all the construction in the area we rolled out of Wal-Mart, navigated a bunch of orange cones and picked up I-30 to highway 69 leading north out of Greenville. 

A COMMENTER MENTIONED SOCK MONKEY’S SO HERE’S A BUNCH OF THEM AT CRACKER BARREL

Had planned on heading up to Sherman and Gainesville on our usual long detour around Dallas but at the very last minute I made a snap decision to try highway 380 again from Greenville to Jacksboro Texas.  I say ‘again’ because we tried this 130 mile route a few years ago heading home from Jacksboro to Greenville.  I remembered it as being a nightmare of heavily congested stop and go traffic, construction everywhere and probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 to 75 traffic lights along the way.

The decision to try this route again despite my misgivings about it turned out to be a great ‘right on’ decision.  It was definitely not as bad as I had remembered it and I attribute that to three things.  Last time across this stretch of highway was mid to late afternoon I think and I’m sure we got buried in the north Dallas afternoon rush hour.  Also, I am positive that we missed the truck route around Denton last time too so that meant we would have been dragged right through Denton.  And, I think a lot of the construction we ran into 3 years ago is done.  So, the 380 route I have been pooh poohing for the last 3 years is now a route I would recommend.  We will go this way from now on instead of our other looooong route.  Just remember, if your going this way, do this 380 route between Greenville and Jacksboro between rush hour times and and be sure to use the truck route to get around the north side of Denton.

OUR TUESDAY NIGHT OVERNIGHT SPOT AT CRACKER BARREL IN GREENVILLE, TEXAS

Once we got west of Decatur the rolling Texas countryside began to open up and we saw our first bunches of Prickly Pear and Beaver Tail cactus.  The tall beautiful multicolored leaves of Arkansas trees were far behind us now and we were in yet again another beautifully different landscape.  Joined our old familiar route with a left hand turn in downtown Jacksboro.  With that turn we were off on the first leg of a long journey across the great plains.  Trees became fewer and smaller.  Soon we were onto the Texas plains with visibility across the flat lands for miles and miles.  Nice to pass through dusty familiar little western towns we had passed through a half dozen times before.

It was a perfect driving day with light winds, dry roads and an overcast sky for perfect visibility.   What a treat from the previous 3 days.  Gas mileage greatly improved and all was well except our warm temperatures sure took a drop somewhere along the line and by the end of the day the winds had really picked up again….but with clearing skies:))

 

SAW THIS CROW DRINKING A DR. PEPPERS IN A WAL-MART PARKING LOT THIS MORNING 

We had the little town of Haskell in our sites today because we have stayed at a Park there before.  Pulled in about 1:45 p.m. and found us a suitable spot.  The Park’s not fancy but there is free water and electricity plus showers and sewage dumps at the sites.  We find it fine for an overnight stop.  It’s in the southeast side of town beside a large ball diamond.  There is also a historic old 1883 restored house here. 

OUR OVERNIGHT SPOT IN HASKELL TEXAS TONIGHT >>>

Have had some comments about driving on rain soaked highways or windy days.  Many of my jobs over the years have had to do with driving  whether it was cars, vans or stake trucks.  I, like many others drove in all kinds of whether including ice and snow.  When people had to get to the Toronto Airport years ago it didn’t matter if it was pouring rain, foggy, a snow storm going on, icy roads or high wind gusts.  People had to catch their flights so you learn to drive in all weather conditions regardless of how bad they are.  Each person has their own comfort level of driving skills so it’s a personal decision when it comes to weather and road conditions. 

I should also add that it is easier driving a Motor Home on rainy days simply because the driver sits higher off the road where visibility is far better.  The lower you are to the road the poorer the visibility is through all the wet road spray.   Ever notice how fast those big trucks are moving along the Interstates on wet days.  Those guys have the advantage of seeing where they are going.  A Motor Home driver sits about the same level as a truck driver.   Ground fog can totally impair a car driver’s visibility but just a few feet higher the air may be perfectly clear.  So, I guess the bottom line is simply to drive at your own comfort level depending on how confident you are with your own driving skills.  Just my opinion of course.  And, as stated in previous posts, I am one of those fellas who totally enjoys driving and do not find it stressful for the most part.  Of course there are exceptions and I do prefer to keep my stress levels at an acceptable level by avoiding large cities or heavily congested traffic areas.

And no, we never dump our black tank unless it’s totally full either.  What made me decide to dump the tank Tuesday I don’t know but I’m sure glad I hadn’t waited until the tank was full to make the mistake I made!!  

And, a big welcome to new Blog Follower Jeff who I see has just joined the Bayfield Bunch for this winter’s trip. By the looks of your profile picture Jeff I'd say you are a fellow RVer:))

Today was our 5th day on the road and we are so pleased at how well Pheebe has taken to the traveling lifestyle.  She is just as exuberantly happy on the road as she is at home.  No change in her behavior or attitude at all.  She is just a natural happy born dog.  I often call her, ‘Happy Buns’ because of her furiously wagging tail.  She is definitely the most affectionate dog I have ever met.  We are sooooo fortunate to have found ourselves such a great little RV dog.  As I type this she is on my bed beside me sound asleep with her paws a twitching and legs a wigglin.  Nose is a twitching and she is letting out some little snorts and whimpers.  She is obviously dreaming of Squirrels chasing her again and I just might have to come to her rescue in a minute.  After all, that’s what Doggy Dad’s are for you know:))

And, speaking of Pheebs…..she wants to send a big ‘shout out’ to her former owners in Zurich, Ontario.   Pheebs says, “Hello to Crystal, Matt and my special little Pal Adella.  And hello to Gramma and Grampa too.  I’m having a blast out here being a happy and super good little RV dog.”  And, my new Dad says, ‘Yahouie Louie’:))”

  

GROANER’S CORNER:(( At the end of the great flood, Noah opens up the ark and lets all the animals out. "Go forth and multiply," he says, as the animals scurry down the gangplank.
But as Noah is closing the great doors of the ark, he notices two snakes sitting in a dark corner.
"Didn't you hear me?" he says to them. "You can leave now. Go forth and multiply."
"We can't," say the snakes. "We're adders

---------------------------------------------------------------Tourists see the world, travelers  experience it.
-Until one has loved an Animal, their  soul remains un-awakened.
BAYFIELD BUNCH PHOTO ALBUMS https://picasaweb.google.com/117858411710794543295
The only thing better than right now  will someday be the memories of
right  now...AL.

HAZEN ARKANSAS TO GREENVILLE TEXAS…WET, WET, WET……AND WET!!

T-RICK’S MAY NOT BE EVERYBODY’S CUP OF TEA…..BUT I LIKE THE SCENERY HERE  (ALL OF TONIGHT’S PICS TAKEN WITH MY CANON SX210iS)
Sure got noisy real fast in our rig this morning at 4:30 a.m.  A hard driving rain was quickly upon us and anyone in an RV knows what a clatter on the roof that can be.  Even had us some good old thunder boomers going on.  Woke the whole crew up except for me who was already up of course.  Going backwards through these time zones is not easy for folks like myself. 
In case anyone is interested in seeing a few scenic Autumn photos or reading why I think this T-Rick RV Park we stayed at fell on hard times you can access my post from October 26/09…T-RICK'S RV PARK. Remember, this Park may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but we have found it handy for an overnighter now and again.
And a big welcome to JED’S MOM as our latest Blog Follower.  Nice to have you aboard on our latest journey to the great American Southwest.
Dennis and Donna from THE CAVE DWELLERS left Sandwich Illinois for Louisiana Monday morning and were a day behind us on the I-57 route.  Because of tornado warnings in the Memphis area they stayed put at Rend Lake for an extra day.  Rend Lake is only a few miles north of Ferne Clyffe where we stayed a couple night’s ago.  Despite the high winds it looks like we made it through that Memphis area just in time.
We were in no hurry to land ourselves in the Little Rock morning rush so it was 9 p.m. before we rolled out of the T-Rick RV Park in Hazen, Arkansas.  We had the windshield wipers on full tilt from the time we left Hazen, all the way through Little Rock and right on down I-30 to Arkadelphia.  Rains were heavy and visibility at times was very poor.   But, that’s all part of the traveling excitement.  And we did slip slide our way through Little Rock with no problem.

THIS PRETTY WELL SUMS UP OUR WHOLE DRIVING DAY
Crossed the Texas State line at 12:10 and 20 minutes later we were seated in a particular Cracker Barrel in Texarkana that we have been to 4 or 5 times before.  There is a big vacant field next door so it was a good spot to let the guys out for a good run.   Kelly too. Cracker Barrel has $5.99 lunch specials so that’s what we ordered.  Kelly had a pile of green leafy looking rabbit food stuff and I had yummy mashed potatoes, beans and meat loaf:))    The thought occurred to me sitting there that this was probably our last Cracker Barrel for awhile because there are no large city areas ahead of us now for quite awhile.  Little did I know we would be in another Cracker Barrel parking lot just three and a half hours later.

KELLY AND THE PHEEBS DO A FEW LAPS BEFORE WE HEAD INTO THE TEXARKANA CRACKER BARREL
Headed southwest on I-30 heading towards Dallas.  Sometimes we cut off at Boston Bar and begin a long detour north around Dallas but today I figured we would try something a little different and slip in closer to Dallas as far as Greenville and then head around Dallas via highway 69 to Sherman and Gainesville.
Kelly spotted a Wal-Mart coming into Greenville so figured we would just hole up there for the night.  This whole area has been under construction for 3 years now so we kind of got ker-fuddled somewhere.  In attempting to get ourselves back on track in the increasing traffic Kelly spotted a Cracker Barrel, so we wheeled ourselves in.  Cracker Barrel welcomes RV folks for overnight stops so that is where I am typing this from.  Nice spot in the parking lot with a large field for the doggy guys right beside us.  In appreciation for Cracker Barrel’s overnight RV policy we will have breakfast here in the morning.  Wednesday night I suspect we will be out on the Texas plains somewhere.  And how the heck did Cracker Barrel sneak two pieces of Chocolate Pecan Pie and ice cream into the rig tonight anyway??
 
FOR ANYONE WHO HAS NEVER BEEN IN A CRACKER BARREL….THIS IS THEIR GIFT CLUTTERED LOBBY….I’M NOT MUCH FOR GIFT SHOPS BUT I DO LIKE THE COZY COLORS AND LIGHTING
Ok, about the black tank incident…..since you asked.  The problem actually began last May when I drove the Motor Home over to Exeter Ontario where there is a dump station in a city park.  Had a bit of goop left in the tank from the final days of our return trip home at the end of March.  Hooked up my aging sewer hose and pulled the valve.  ‘Poof’…..part of the hose gave way around the clamp creating a small mess before I rammed the valve closed again.  Now I had a problem.  Still some soup in the tank but no sewer hose to get it out with now.  Cleaned up the mess, hopped into the rig and drove a few blocks to a Canadian Tire Store where I bought a brand spanking new Rhino extendable fancy-do sewer hose.  Back to the park, hooked it up and finished up the job at hand.  Hubba Bubba no trubba. 
Never had occasion to use that new hose again until Monday afternoon at the T-Rick RV Park in Hazen, Arkansas.  Hadn’t planned on emptying the black tank because there was only 3 days of grumblys in it but thought, what the heck I might as well get some practice in with my new hose.  Well, I was obviously out of practice because I do not think it was a problem with the new hose.  I think it was a problem with my ‘not paying attention to what I was doing!!’  The end of the hose is slightly different than my old one and I think I did not fasten it onto the pipe securely.  Pulled the lever and….’Whooooosh!!’  Jumped back so fast I did not get the lever pushed back in and within seconds I had the whole contents of the tank dancing along the edge of the concrete pad running under the motorhome to the other side and out onto the road.  I immediately pulled the lever on the gray tank and let that water pour out right behind the goopy stuff to chase and dilute the mess I had just made.  I followed that with the garden hose and hosed down the whole area including the bin.

Despite the obvious big mess, I quickly realized two things had worked in my favor.  First, the tank was not full and two, all the neighboring RV’ers were away at work.  Construction workers from Kansas working on an I-40 road project nearby.  I was able to have everything cleaned up before anybody arrived home.  If anyone had asked about all the water on the road I was prepared to tell them I just washed the Motor Home.  I could just imagine the response I could have got…."well, your Motor Home must have been pretty dirty because that water sure looks brown and muddy.  Oh dear!!

For my next dump I will insure I have that hose on securely and then will pull the valve on my gray water first and see if everything holds together.  Then, I will tie a long rope on the black valve and go stand behind a large tree and give the rope a yank.
Now, to add a little insult to my misadventure I can tell you that before dumping the black tank I had had a shower and put on a pair of clean jeans and shirt.  Boy, I sure got that procedure in the wrong order didn’t i.  And ‘NO’ I did not take any pictures!!

GROANER’S CORNER:((  When his eyes began to give him trouble, a man went to a ophthalmologist in Prague.
The doctor showed the patient the eye chart, displaying the letters CVKPNWXSCZ.
"Can you read that?" the doctor asked.
"Can I read it?" the Czech replied. "I dated his sister!"
---------------------------------------------------------------Tourists see the world, travelers  experience it.
-Until one has loved an Animal, their  soul remains un-awakened.
BAYFIELD BUNCH PHOTO ALBUMS https://picasaweb.google.com/117858411710794543295
The only thing better than right now  will someday be the memories of
right  now...AL.