Monthly Archives: July 2017

Sunday, July 30—Northward Bound, Continued

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First, Happy Birthday, Harper.  Our older granddaughter turns 5 today—where has the time gone!

Lifting the stabilizing jacks, drawing the slides in, and unhooking from shore power, we were driving north again by about 8:30 am.  Continuing through picturesque rural Illinois, the 290-mile drive was uneventful—just the way we like—as we arrived at Rock Cut State Park in Rockford, Illinois, about 2:45 pm. Again, we hooked up only to 50A electricity, making setup quick and easy. (NOTE:  The motorhome has sufficient onboard water and sewer capacity for us to travel several days without refilling/dumping.)

Rock Cut SP, Rockford, IL

Rock Cut SP, Rockford, IL

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Cycling at Rock Cut SP, Rockford, IL (2017)

We stayed at Rock Cut State Park in 2014 as we toured Wisconsin and Michigan. Somewhat interestingly, we lived less than 10 miles from there in 1956 and 1958. I remember cousin Walker and I fishing in a Belvidere park, and catching a large bass on summer morning, that was 59 years ago! Kay and I biked here three years ago, and we tried again today. I made it over 8 miles, but the roads are so bad that maximum speed down the many hills was limited to about 10 miles per hour, making the uphill climbs challenging to say the least. We enjoyed another evening in camp chairs in the shade doing what we do best—nothing—followed by the season finale and perhaps series finale of Grantchester!

Cycling Rock Cut SP, Rockford, IL in 2013

Kay cycling Rock Cut SP, Rockford, IL in 2013

Saturday, July 29—Northward Bound

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Though not in a big hurry, we departed about 8:30 am, towards Carlyle Lake, Illinois, our destination for overnight. An uneventful drive of some 280+ miles led us along I-55 north to Cape Girardeau, Missouri, across the Mississippi River into Illinois, and northward on a small two lane road through mostly agricultural country. It is such a shame that Illinois is so readily identified with Chicago—the rural country we drove through was neat, clean, and very picturesque.

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Crossing the Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau, Missouri

We arrived at the US Army Corps of Engineers Dam West Campground at Carlyle Lake about an hour east of St. Louis, and found it to be a lovely campground with a friendly and helpful campground host. Since we were just hooking up to 50A electricity, setup was quick and easy. We left the campground in search of tonic water, and had to drive 8+ miles to find a decent tasting brand.

Enjoying the cool afternoon at Dam West Campground, Carlyle, Illinois

Back at the campground, we relaxed in camp chairs under the awning before driving to dinner at one of the local fish houses. The catfish was very good, but the thousand island dressing at the salad bar was a bit old, and I suffered with stomach cramps and related maladies most of the night.

Kay enjoying happy hour!


Friday, July 28—Errands, Visiting the Simanks, and Harper’s Birthday Celebration

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Sure enough, the forecast proved accurate as rain began shortly after dawn.  With a couple of errands to complete in the Federal Building, we were off to Memphis. First, a stop at the US Army Corps of Engineers Security Office provided an opportunity to get a civilian Department of Defense identification card, allowing us to partake of a a few privileges afforded DoD retirees such as using RV campgrounds on Army, Air Force, and Navy bases. Then, it was across the hall to the credit union to close a 44-year account. (Of note was the friendliness of all the folks in the Federal Building from the Homeland security guards to Corps staff—quite a change from what I experienced in Little Rock!)

Following those errands, we drove to Germantown to visit Sandy and John Simank; Sandy has very serious surgery a few weeks ago, but is recovering very nicely.  We have sure missed visiting with them since moving from Norfork. Then it was off to lunch at Popeye’s, a non-event since our food was never prepared!

Harper greeted us at the door of their house, and she is growing like a weed. Kay hit grand slam home run with her presents, as she was elated with the Barbie dolls and Barbie swimming pool. Lunch was at a sushi bar nearby, and Harper loves sushi, eating almost two dozen sushi rolls—the apple did not fall far from the tree (her mother). After a great late lunch, one of our best ever visits was concluded.

Harper and Jenny blowing bubbles
Harper playing with Barbie and Barbie swimming pool

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We drove back to the campground in West Memphis, and enjoyed another night of peace and quiet before our departure north tomorrow morning.

Thursday, July 27—Enroute, Again

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Tom Sawyer had an open slot, and we had so little left to do that we decided to leave after lunch. Refrigerated and frozen foods were packed along with other last minute items. The house was readied for our absence, and we were literally “locked and loaded”. We hooked up the Honda CR-V at shopping center parking lot on the east side of the Village, and were off to West Memphis to celebrate Harper’s 5th birthday a couple days early. The 3-1/2 hour drive was uneventful, and after checking in, we parked and set up, enjoying a bit of peace and quiet before a full day of activities on Friday.

Tom Sawyer RV Park (West Memphis, AR) looking towards the Mississippi River
Beautiful clouds portending rain, Tom Sawyer RV Park, West Memphis, AR


Saturday through Wednesday, July 22-26—Washing and Packing the Motorhome

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Great on the back!

High temperatures and equally high humidity has us ready to head to a cooler climate. Unable to find anyone to wash the RV, Kay and I opted to do the job ourselves today.  Our storage facility has a decent wash rack, with an elevated platform on one side.  Armed with a hose, washing liquid, brushes, and towels, we were able to complete the job in two hours, soaking wet from perspiration as much as the wash water. The motorhome was again stored awaiting a few days to begin packing (we are allowed to park the RV in the driveway for 72 hours; consequently, we will move it to the house on Tuesday for packing).

We were surprised with a visit from Aker, Ridge, and Karyn just before lunch—our final visit for a few weeks.  Aker and Ridge are growing entirely too fast, and both enjoy beach time.  Balboa beach offered warm water and sand, and despite the crowds, we had great time; Ridge is definitely a water kid, and is swimming like a fish, and Aker is getting more and more acclimated to the water, though still quite cautious.

Aker contemplating some mischief
Kay went to church on Sunday, and I stayed home recuperating from washing the RV and watching the final round of The Open.  Jordan Spieth is an incredible golfer and seeming an outstanding young man!

Monday was exercise day for Kay and golf for me.  Golf again was on the agenda for Tuesday while Kay volunteered to assist in preparing meals for the hungry at Jackson House in Hot Springs.  After golf, I moved the motorhome to the house, and set it up to begin preparation and packing for the trip north. We had a 50A outlet installed when the house was constructed, so the motorhome was fully operational as air conditioning was much needed in the sweltering heat and humidity. We also replaced the leaking “air” mattress (similar to Sleep Number) with one from our master bedroom. Water was drained from the fresh water tank and it and the pipes were sanitized, the hot water heater was drained and flushed, and packing began. Fortunately, we have numerous packing lists, and they prevent an otherwise daunting task.

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Wednesday morning was filled with a haircut, a medical appointment, and shopping.  I played golf in the afternoon while Kay accumulated here clothes and shoes. Except for refrigerated and frozen foods, and last minute items, we are about ready! Rain was forecast for our original “depart” date, Friday, and we discussed and opted to leave on Thursday afternoon IF we could finish packing and IF Tom Sawyer RV Park in West Memphis had an open slot.