Hi all

We moved on and crossed a good part of southern Oklahoma. Yes, the wind does blow wild and free. Set up in a COE (Army Corps of Engineers) campground on a huge reservoir on the Red River. This one is a little more crowded than many, and is still a great campground. 

Next day we got together with Tom and Rene at their wonderful property on a point on the lake. 

Tom and I grew up a few blocks apart and attended school together from the 4th grade through graduation. Our families have known each other since our parents attended school in Fargo. It was so wonderful to talk of old times and learn what we each had done since High School. Millie and I also met Rene for the first time. What an amazing person, we all had so much fun going out to eat, thrift store shopping an just being together. Hope to get back this way again. 

The next day Millie and I slept in. Millie and I headed for the local museum, Quilt shop, and out to an Amish store. Millie found some fabric and I got my jar of Sorghum, along with some popcorn and salsa. Fueled up the truck and went back to the RV for left over Fajitas and relax out in the 70℉, sunny weather. Time to say goodbye to Johnson Creek COE Campground as tomorrow we continue our, sort of, southerly direction.

Make your day great and love the important people in your life, while you can.

Tom and Millie

 Hi all

A night in a Casino parking lot and a couple of travel days from Hamilton have found us in Arkansas. Looks like all of our stays will be either COE (Corps of Engineers) or State Parks. Our first stay is in a COE at Blue Mountain Lake. Only going to be here one night and after seeing it I could stay a week. 

Woke here to sun shining through the trees into our big windows. Only 30℉ this morning and will warm up to around 50℉ today. Roller Coaster weather here as it seems to always be in March no matter where in the USA. 

A few hours on the road and we set up near Hot Springs, AR. Started raining about halfway there and sprinkled into the night. Nice park here and mostly occupied. Dark, quiet and cool for the night.

Beautiful State Park on a big lake and nestled in the Ouachita Mountains. Spent the morning getting laundry done, necessary shopping and lunch at Bubba's Catfish and Seafood. 

Absolutely the best catfish, shrimp and fries we have ever had. Anytime you are in the Hot Springs, AR area and you like those items (pretty much all they make) it is worth the stop. After a great lunch and a short nap back home, we headed out for a hike. Only took the 2 mile trail to get some exercise and view some beautiful Arkansas woodlands. The bonus waterfalls added to a wonderful afternoon.

The couple on the left were getting professional photos taken, maybe engagement, I didn't ask. The young lady by the waterfall was just about to wash her hair. I bet it was pretty cold as it was not out of a hot spring. Quiet evening at home and plans to visit the Bath House Row tomorrow.

Pancho and Lefty were champs on the trails and I think the hike tired them out as well. Lefty couldn't even finish the crumbs on the plate.

Bath House Row is the oldest part of Hot Springs. With the buildings that are dated early 20th century. Lots of fun architecture that is still mostly in use. The National Park Service occupies several of them.

We walked the main street, both sides, then walked the Promenade that goes along the backside of the bath houses. So not only a good walk it was also informative with info along the way. Had a late lunch at the Ohio Club, a 107 year old establishment across from the bath houses. 

Filled our gallon containers with hot spring water and then found a couple of thrift stores. And home for desert and rest to tackle another day.

Waiting for the storm today. First I had to get the truck to do a regen. Drove about 50 miles and got a partial clean. Twenty bucks worth of fuel, but the Ford garage would have charged me $250 just to diagnose. At least I know the regen is still working and hopefully getting back on the road again will straighten it all out. Millie has been busy sewing and making quilt tops today and we both took naps in the afternoon. Catching up some from the last couple of days of hiking. Yup, the storm hit and we got about 1-2 inches of snow.

Morning brought so many photo opportunities and I spent an hour walking around capturing what I could. 

Spent the rest of the day taking walks, naps and enjoying watching the snow completely disappear by sunset. The Boyz are so happy to have us and not being left in the RV or the truck and are showing their appreciation by cuddling a lot. Putting items away and preparing for travel tomorrow heading West.

Make your day great and pray for peace.

Tom and Millie

Big Adventure 2022 Begins

 Hi all

Finally we are able to escape the cold and snow of the Northern Great Plains. The morning we left home it was 18 degrees. By the time we stopped for the night it was 65. We stayed in the "RV Park" at a small casino in Iowa. Was mostly just part of their parking lot with electric hook ups. Much quieter than a Walmart or truck stop and maybe safer with the casino providing 24 hour on site security. Pretty sunset and sunrise. All above a concrete parking lot.

Next day we moved further south to a State Park in Missouri. Located nearby one of Millie's favorite quilting towns. Along with brewery and wineries, quilting will be a big part of our days here. Weather again it beautiful, 75 degrees when we stopped and we got to sit outside and enjoy the weather.

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Had a nice quiet morning as the weather warmed up. About 40 this morning and we left for Hamilton about Noon and 75 degrees. Light winds and sunny made this a perfect spring day. Quilt shops, lots of quilt shops. 

A bit of a variety.

OK, back to quilting.

Wow, all the different stores.

Fabric, thread, parts, patterns and quilt talk most of the afternoon. Millie went back to one shop where she had entered a drawing and had to be present to win............I went to the brewery. Had a nice conversation with some locals who were also enjoying a good beer. Millie joined us after NOT winning the drawing. (sad face) Enjoyed the beer and conversation. 

A quick trip for some groceries and back to our home on wheels. 

While enjoying a glass of wine, the sunset and the nice weather, met a young man from The Netherlands. Bjorn and his Father are vacationing and also delivering a Class B from Iowa to Denver, sort of a working vacation with the only rewards to get to drive a brand new motorhome with a 2500 mile limit while delivering. Iowa to Denver is only about 1000 miles so they could side trip up to the allotted miles. Their plan is to see the Grand Canyon and as many other National Parks as they could fit into the miles and 14 days. Did not meet Bjorn's Father and after visiting with Bjorn, I think his Dad would have been also fun to meet. 

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The next day we were back in Hamilton. Millie was going to a "Trunk Show" which is apparently where a well known Quilter brings their quilts and presents them like a "show and tell". Of course I had little interest in going to the show, so Millie let me loose at the brewery. 

While Millie was loving her afternoon and so was I. For a couple of hours and a couple of tasty beers, I had some great interactions and conversations with the Brewmaster, a visiting "husband" (she was at the Trunk Show, too), the Mayor of Hamilton and even Joe and Bob from the day before who had returned. Was a lot of fun and Millie joined us, after the show, for a cool frosty one. Then Millie went over to the Missouri Quilt Museum while I finished my beer. 

I joined her shortly afterward and we saw lots more quilts. I think I am quilted out, but I'm sure Millie could do more. 

And toy sewing machines, at least one  room full of them.

Yes, this is a quilt.

These are Miniature Quilts. My truck key gives some perspective on their size.

 

Millie drove us home after picking up the missed groceries. Sure made for a fun and relaxing day.

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Today we did some other more normal activities that we are know for while traveling. A couple of Thrift Stores, a couple of wineries and of course Walmart. It was a grey and windy day, but still mild temps so we enjoy the weather and the wandering around the countryside following the GPS to find the wineries. Did not find anything that peaked my photo instincts so no pics from today. Think I may have to try harder. Back home and relaxing for the evening.

Enjoy your journey.

Tom and Millie