Walmart – Lonoke, Arkansas

Mileage:  53,121

Very early this morning we heard the great fluttering of wings.  Two owls must have landed in the tree outside our bedroom window.  We heard them hooting as they settled down.  A couple of times in the predawn hours we heard them calling to one another as if to reassure one another that they were both still there.   When I got up this morning I looked for them in the big old trees but could not find them.

Today’s ride continued along Route 40.  Across Oklahoma and into Arkansas.  There were soybean crops, cattle, and cotton fields.

There were also a lot of casinos.  In Oklahoma there were 9 casinos just off of the highway.  Oklahoma has the most Indian casinos and gaming centers than anywhere else in the country.  We passed through Cherokee, Seminole, and Creek territories.

Lunch spot.

Arkansas.

We drove about 400 miles today.  We stopped at a Walmart.  Lucky for us the Mariachi Grill was very close by.  We hopped on our bikes and went out to dinner.  Margaritas and Mexican fajitas…the highlight of our day!!

The ride was unremarkable and so it was a good day to get other things done.  Lists are started for all the things that have to be taken care of at home before we can leave again.

We have this list for you today:

Reasons Not to Go to Alaska in an RV

1. If you have to ask what gas costs or you are concerned about your MPG – don’t go.
2. If you are VERY afraid of bears (everyone should be a little afraid) – don’t go.
3. If you get annoyed if you have one mosquito bite – don’t go.
4. If you are anxious about chipping the paint on your RV or tow vehicle or chipping a windshield – don’t go.
5. If you are going to freak out when the engine light comes on, when the power goes out in the coach, when the furnace won’t come on, when the grill won’t light or when your serpentine belt is shredded – don’t go.
6. If you don’t like driving/sitting – don’t go.
7. If you aren’t up for a challenge – don’t go.
8. If you cannot stand being in small spaces with your partner for long periods of time – don’t go.
9. If you are worried about getting wet, dirty, greasy, or muddy – don’t go.
10. If you can’t figure kilometers to miles, liters to gallons, and Canadian dollars to USD – don’t go.
11. If you can’t sleep when it is light outside, or noisy outside, or quiet outside – don’t go.
12. If you are in a hurry – don’t go.
13. If you can’t live without cell/WiFi/TV – don’t go.
14. If you are scared of rough and bumpy roads with sharp drop-offs, no shoulders, no guardrails, and steep 18% grades with frost heaves – don’t go.
15. If you tend to be a candy-ass or a chickenshit – don’t go.

 

You see, all of these things are part of the RV experience.  You have to take this stuff in stride or you will be miserable.  Carry duct tape, bungee cords, zip ties and bug spray…and enjoy the ride!!

 

Reasons you might want to go to Alaska in an RV

1. If you want to experience the adventure of a lifetime and the ultimate road trip – GO!
2. If you want to have your adventure before dementia – GO!
3. If you want to challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone – GO!
4. If you want to STOP dreaming about it and do it – GO!
5. If you want to meet amazing new people from all over the country and from different parts of the world – GO!
6. If you love wilderness and wildlife – GO!
7. If you plan to reinvent yourself after retirement – GO!
8. If you want to see the most beautiful state in the U.S. – GO!
9. If you want to see the salmon run – GO!
10. If you want to drink crystal clear glacier water – GO!
11. If you want to see the tallest mountain in North America – GO!
12. If you want to see the Land of the Midnight Sun – GO!
13. If you want to walk up to the base of a glacier and touch it – GO!
14. If you want to contemplate the vastness, the enormity, the magnificence of America the Beautiful – GO!
15. If you want to open your mind to new ideas and perspectives – GO!
16. If you want to appreciate the resilience of people who survive and thrive in a harsh environment – GO!
17. If you want to share amazing views, and thoughts, and experiences with your partner – GO!
18. If you have the courage, energy, and enthusiasm and the idea of this trip thrills you – Make it happen – GO!