Yup, you read that right....we finally left Elkhart, IN after getting our laundry list of work completed and hit the road. The weather was perfect, if anything it was too sunny since I was driving west. The first night we stayed at the Effingham, IL Wal-Mart. When I first pulled in, this is a BUSY exit with a lot of stores, hotels and restaurants, I noticed a lot of tractor trailers parked at the far end of the parking lot close to the gas pumps. I parked close to them but not in their midst. There were posted signs about no overnight semi parking as well as security camera notices. I went inside and confirmed that RVs were welcome overnight, then picked up some more frozen foods and fruit. Later that night another Class C pulled in beside me but they were gone by the time I got up.
The next day brought us into Branson....leave it to me to take the wrong exit (one too early) and found myself driving through the center of town. EEEEK! I finally saw a good place to pull off and call the campground to get better directions. They took me the long way round but it meant I got to avoid driving back through town (and that was a GOOD thing). The rest of the ride was gorgeous and all I could think of was how great it would be on the motorcycle.
Today was perfect for what I needed to do....clean the inside of the Lily Pad. Time to shake all the rugs, sweep & mop all the floors, open the windows and let in some fresh air. Went through a couple of the storage bays and found some little things I had been looking for, did several loads of laundry and then I was so beat and achy that I took a LONG, HOT shower in the campground shower. Then I attended the Sunday night Ice Cream Social. Chatted with some nice folks and one lady came over and asked if I was the motorcycle lady from the SKP forums. I told her yes, and she got all excited. I'm used to that from the motorcycle forums but this was a first from the SKP forum.
The campground isn't large but it's well kept, and everyone is very friendly. I don't know the statistics but I suspect at least 50-60% of the folks staying here are Escapees (and it could be higher). I dug out my camera but have been so busy that I didn't take any pictures yet. The trees have lost most of their leaves so I had no problem getting a satellite signal. I opted for a pull-through spot even though all they had was 50 amp and it's a couple more dollars daily. Backing up was not an option....not at the end of a 300+ mile day and getting lost in Branson with a gazillion tourists doing 2 mph due to the crowds.
Tomorrow I'll get the rental car and head to SD to get my driver license and pick up my mail. I will be back late Wednesday. The park is doing up a turkey and those who sign up for dinner bring a dish. I signed up to bring dessert since I can pick something up on the way back from SD. So I'll be getting STUFFED with new friends....one more thing to be thankful for.
Not sure how long I will be here...depends on the weather. Right now the forecast temps drop on Wed and Thurs (hi 44, low 28). If it looks to improve next week (which it doesn't right now), I'll stay a bit longer and get in some riding. If not then I'll be heading to TX....just no idea where in TX though. JELL-O plans....
Till next time - keep on rollin',
Froggi/Donna
Stu and Donna
Donna,
ReplyDeleteBack when I was staying in Carthage, MO, I scouted out Branson as my next stop. I too got side tracked through town--but luckily only in my toad. I can image what a nerve racking experience it would be to drive my MH thru. Also despite my GPS I never found the campground I meant to check out and there was something about the place which made it easy to get all turned around and lose all sense of direction. I was very relieved when I found out that the RV-Dreams rally next summer is accessible without going thru town.
Scott