We've settled in for a couple of days. ....

 Our Location: Laguna Vista RV, Marshall, Texas

We had a fantastic nights rest last night. The Wallyworld at Vicksburg was quiet except for one reefer truck, there was little other noise. The temps were good, about 53F/13C approx when we stepped out the door. We walked the parking lot before heading off for the day.

Crossing the river from MS to LA

A look at the river...

We climbed back on I-20 West and moved out. Our trek today kept us on I-20 West for the entire journey. We stopped at 3 rest areas and enjoyed a good long leg stretch at each of them. 

Welcome to Louisiana

Lineal parking for trucks, rvs and buses at Welcome Center.

Some notes for reference:  Louisiana Welcome Centers and rest areas allow parking overnight and supply a deputy sheriff at the Welcome Center at least, all night. The Welcome Center has linear parking but the rest area near Ruston has a big well defined parking area. We would definitely stay at the one near Ruston in the future if we need a spot. The Louisiana I-20 West from the Mississippi state line were quite rough for about 10 miles and then got better. The remainder of the journey until Bossier City was pretty good with a few rough bridge joints. HOWEVER if you can avoid the 5-8 miles that is BOSSIER CITY you should do so. We slowed down to 35-40 mph and used the emergency flashers for at least 3 miles, otherwise I was worried I'd break something. While it is an overall short stretch it is EXTREMELY UGLY to travel those few miles. From the edge of Shreveport onward the roads were very good. Texas roads are good too, although we are only a short distance into the Lone Star State. 

Parked on the shoulder of the welcome center roadway.

The park is a Passport America park, certainly no frills, basically a very large gravel area with hook ups. We are staying 2 nights and heading south toward Waco and points southward.  The weather here is 82F/26C, a bit of a breeze that seems to be dying now as night approaches. A laundry room and shower/bathroom seem to the be the only amenities, but we're happy with those for a couple of days.

We crossed into the Lone Star State.

Talked to Dad this afternoon, they had sunshine and warmer temperatures today and will for the next few days. 

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed your visit. 

Until next time, 

Take care, be safe, 

Deb

Bellmead, Texas.....

Our Location:  Walmart, Bellmead, Texas

 

 

 

An uneventful travel day. The kind we all like, isn’t it?
 

Traveling through the edges of Tyler, Texas.

 

We left our spot in Lincoln Parish Park in Ruston, Louisiana at 7:45 AM under misty skies, humid, sticky conditions. The temperature as we pulled out was 65F/ 18.3 C. That would be our high for the entire day.

 

I bet you can guess where we are in this photo.

 

We zipped along I-20 into the state of Texas but departed at Exit 571A, heading for Tyler. We journeyed along mostly on TX 31 with a few minor little pieces added in, until we came to the construction where this cute little road meets up with I-35 in Bellmead. Hm….construction, construction and more construction. However we hung a left, letting the Big Dog run along the on ramp to I-35 S where things smoothed out considerably. For future reference, this is a nice road (TX 31), a bit bumpy in places but overall very good. Except for a small portion it is a divided highway from the exit we took to I-35. I would certainly recommend this road for anyone looking for a way across that area. We took the loop around Tyler and Athens as well. We had to travel through Corsicana and a number of little slow down towns. Cute little towns and maybe one day will stop and check out a few things, but today wasn’t that day.

 

Corsicana, Texas under cloudy skies.

 

The interstate, meaning I-20 West was good except for a fairly long stretch (or maybe it just seemed long) through Bossier City, LA. It was awful, humpy, bumpy, dips, valley, hills and perhaps even a mountain or two in there. We stopped at the Texas Welcome Center but failed to see a Welcome to Texas sign. We noticed a sign that indicated the Texas State Line but nothing else.

 

I filled up earlier for $2.69 a gallon, but this isn't bad.

 

The skies continued to mist, drip and a couple of times for a couple of minutes each time it actually rained enough to use the wipers on regular speed for all of 3 or 4 minutes each time. The sun managed to show its lovely self once or twice but not for long. Tonight we are under cloudy skies still. When we pulled off the road for the day here in Bellmead the temperature on the dash of the Big Dog was reading 45F/ 7.2C. Going to get close to the freezing mark overnight but hopefully the further we move south and then west we will find some warmer weather and plenty of sunshine.
 

Sorry about the mirror but it's a great mural isn't it?

 

I spoke with my sister in law Janet a number of times today due to lingering family business. Hopefully it gets sorted out before long. I also chatted with my dad when we arrived here, letting him know we arrived safe and sound, where we are and what our plans for tomorrow are or at least what we think they are. Even if I don’t mention talking to my dad, I call him every time we travel. Once we are safely off of the road, it’s a quick call to let him know all is well. While talking with Dad I was informed that nephew Jesse was the lucky or skillful shot today, getting an 8 point buck. Congrats Jesse!! Not as big as Leah’s but still nice!!!! Haha.

Texas 31, not busy and a good road.

 

On that note I’m going to sign off. Tomorrow will be another travel day and I’m hoping to rid myself of this headache before morning. Thanks for stopping, I hope you enjoyed your visit. 

 

Very informative sign.

 

Thinking of George and Suzie, wishing them good days and nights!!!

We are staying in this small city, just north of Waco, TX.

 

Until next time…. take care, be safe.



Deb

Our last day here at LPP.....

Our Location: Lincoln Parish Park, Ruston, Louisiana

 

Some very quiet days here in LPP. Not much going on with only about 8 or 9 rigs in the park. One or two come and one or two go, it's a tough life. 

 

 

The road in/out of the park.

One of the walking trails here in the park.

 

This morning we did something Riley's been talking about for a couple of years. For one reason or another we just didn't seem able to fit it in. We visited a Waffle House for breakfast. I've been numerous times but Riley hasn't. We both enjoyed waffles but Riley isn't too interested in going back. We will see as time goes on if she changes her mind. 

 

Love the reflection in the water.

Wouldn't this be a nice place to sit and read or just reflect?

 

Yesterday we enjoyed the sun and the warmth. The temps reached the 80F/ 26.6 C, an overnight with temperature warm enough to leave the vents open and still be comfortable putting non slippered feet on the floor. Even with the cloudy skies today our temperature reached 77F/ 25C.

 

Watching for breakfast.

Also watching for breakfast.

 

Today we had a little rain, lots of clouds and a bit of sun. Tomorrow is calling for rain along our entire route. Morning rain with afternoon clearing, let's hope they are right. 

 

Paved over tree roots are pushing upward and breaking the walking paths smooth surface.

Turtles sunning themselves.

 

Tomorrow we head out moving into Texas. We have been debating our travels there, and I think we've finally made our decision. We've decided to head off through Texas on a one night overnight stay basis until we pass through both Texas and New Mexico. We hope to arrive at Empire Ranch in Arizona by mid week, in time to sit out the American Thanksgiving without any worry about campgrounds being full and highway traffic.  We had tossed around a number of different ideas but we both like this one best. If our friends Ron & Sharon are going to join us, they can do it as easily in Arizona as they can in Texas. 

 

Our Waffle House visit.

 

All photos today were once again taken with my phone. Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed your visit. 

 

 

Today we journey to the beach/picnic area.

 

Until next time.... take care, be safe, 

 

Deb

 

 

 

A productive day......

Our Location: Lincoln Parish Park, Ruston, Louisiana

 

We've enjoyed our past couple of days here at the park, it's been quiet and sunny, getting warmer by the day. Today we reached 'put your shorts on' weather. Our thermometer reached 80F/ 26.6 C, now it was in the sun but it was still very nice and warm. 

 

Two sites right outside our door. Both of these are back in sites.

You can see they are big enough for almost any rig.

 

Yesterday and today we ran a couple of errands and managed to get an annoying issue handled. Since shortly after I had the fuel filter changed I've noticed a noise, not constant and not something I could point to and say,' That's it.' but there was something.  Yesterday we stopped at a locally recommend auto repair shop and had the fella take the Dogsled for a run. Like me he couldn't really say it was a wind noise but thought that was the most likely culprit. Sure enough a look underneath and we had a broken engine shield (plastic of course), along with the fender skirt (from the fuel filter change) seemed to be loose and a couple of other loose pieces from having some work on the bumper this summer. 

 

A pull thru just like ours.

This path leads down to the water's edge and walking path around the pond.

 

This morning we returned to the local auto shop, the fella took us right in, and within about 30 minutes for less than $90 USD we had a brand new engine shield ($45) and he tightened bolts, strapped a couple of floppy pieces that seemed to have pulled from their assigned spot with no apparent way to hold them firm, and the noise seems to have disappeared, his labour was  right around the $40 USD mark, add tax and we're finished. Tomorrow we'll give the Dogsled a bit of a run and check it out. Broom Automotive just a mile from the park was the place we used. Friendly, knowledgeable and professional. Definitely use them again.

 

Day use picnic area.

Day use picnic area.

 

Yesterday and today Riley and I have been walking the park and walking path. We've managed to put in our steps but are still not back into our walking stride. We will manage I'm sure and it was encouraging to walk in the sun both days as well. While Riley was walking today I made lunch which was Stuffed Green Bell Peppers. Filling and tasty, they hit the spot.

 

Lots of turtles in the pond too.

 

 

Sleeping with the vents open tonight and have had the Igloo windows and doors open pretty much all day and still open now as I write this even with the sun going down it's warm enough to have them open yet. Miss Kitty has enjoyed watching the squirrels and the leaves from every vantage point she can find. She's not happy that the squirrels chatter at her but don't come close enough for her to give them 'what for' right back. She's a pistol. 

 

This pic is for Lorne, not a bathroom but the shower stall. Haha.

 

All photos have been taken with my phone, the other camera is too heavy to carry while I'm walking around the pond. Perhaps I'll take it for one trip tomorrow. We shall see. 

 

The bathhouse, located at the tent camping area.

 

In the last few days I've talked to sister Jan, SIL Janet & BIL Dennis, Dad, daughter Courtney, friend Linda and friend Ron. Always nice to catch up on the news. Leah (married to nephew Jason) bagged a big buck yesterday on the first day of deer season. Also cousin Barry managed to bag a scrawny, tick infested, mangy deer that begged to be shot. Hahaha...just kidding Barry. He did manage to get his deer, not as nice as Leah's but still a good sized doe. Brother Rick opted not shoot at the two he managed to see. None of these folks hunt with each other, just in case you were curious. So a good first day of the hunt on the Island. 

 

The clubhouse, it was locked so I couldn't get inside for photos.

 

Happy Birthday wishes to my BIL Dennis on his special day today. Dennis and Janet are in Indian Wells, CA enjoying the sunny, hot weather. They own Buttercup Ridge in Roseneath, Ontario where we usually spend some time coming and going on our travels. Dennis is an avid golfer and manages to golf pretty much 6 days a week. Happy Birthday Dennis. 

 

It is very pretty here.

 

A need to clarify something posted in my last post. The girl at the check in building was mistaken, it is not first come, first serve, and you can make reservations. HOWEVER the reservation only guarantees you a spot, not a SPECIFIC spot. On that issue it is first come, first serve. You cannot save your spot either by coming early and leaving something to block it from use by others unless you bring your trailer. So the locals can't book a reservation and then leave a chair or stool in front of the spot indicating it's taken. They must leave their rig in the spot to 'reserve' it for when they arrive. However if you have only a motorhome, or van with no towed, then you can certainly put something there to SAVE your spot while you are out and about. The manager cleared that up for me yesterday and I thought I'd pass it on. So on that note I'm going to sign off and say good night. Thanks for stopping by, I hope you enjoyed your visit. 

 

Until next time... take care, be safe, 

 

Deb

 

 

 

A photo kind of day....

Our Location:  Lincoln Parish Park, Ruston, LA

 

A very quiet and peaceful Sunday here at the park. All of the vintage trailers left before noon, most of the park emptied out except for maybe 7 or 8 rigs. Around 2 pm the rigs started coming in, at least 3 in a half hour. So I think arriving early would be wise, you may not get the best spot but you have a better chance of getting a spot. 

 One of the fishermen we noticed on our way around the pond.

I don’t have a lot of words today but I took some photos with my phone on our walk around the pond, which netted me about 2.5 miles (we walked this path twice around the pond). I hope you enjoy the views. 

That fisherman is a bit left of middle on this photo.

We are nearing one of the picnic areas in the day use section of the park.

That is the second picnic area over there and the swimming beach.

You can see the RV's way over there in the trees.

The RV park can be seen on the right of the photo.

That piece of iron work is the 'dam' of sorts to allow them to control the height of the water.

The swimming beach/picnic area is the yellowish sandy area. Picnic only area is to the right by that big green leafed tree.

You back out onto those areas, complete with all hook ups and a fantastic view.

The middle area is the day use picnic only area of the park. Swim beach to the left, park to the right.

You can see the campground from across the pond.

Until next time… take care, be safe, 

I told you the view was nice. The walking path can be seen along the water's edge in this photo.

 

Deb

A nice park and a not for us park.....

Our Location:  Lincoln Parish Park, Ruston, LA

We enjoyed our night here at LPP, it was quiet, peaceful and relaxing. I was awake early and slipped outside to go for a walk. Very chilly before the sun had a chance to peak thru and start heating up. I walked the loop twice clicking a few photos of the many vintage trailers parked here. Those are today’s photos, all taken with my phone. 

One of the tent sights here at LPP.

The sun breaking through the trees.

Back home Riley and I spent some time enjoying a hot drink, some breakfast and some catch up with our blogger friends.

 

This lady is from Texas.

Most of these vintage trailers are owned by single women.

 

With the clock moving toward the hour of 11 AM we climbed into the Dogsled for a side trip to Lake Claiborne State Park about a half hour from our front door. The road was windy, narrow and grooved. The park is too far from the interstate for our liking and is not a park we would enjoy. This is not a complaint by any means I’m just making notes for the future for myself.
 

A closer look at the mist on the water this morning.

Some very nice views on my walk.

 

LA 146 that we took to get to the park is skinny, twisty and very grooved. The state park road is also very skinny, very steep in some places and too curvy for comfort towing the Igloo. The park is covered with a canopy that would definitely not allow much, if any sunshine to reach the sites. Some sites are pull thru, some are back in, some on the water, others not. The road is much too skinny and curvy for a big rig to maneuver easily and stay on the hard top.
 

A baby Airstream.

 

A disc golf tournament was going on today. Cars parked everywhere, and folks walking everywhere as well. A very nice park but just not a park for us.
 

 

Another vintage trailer. Don't you love the teapot?

 

The sunshine today warmed up the air a great deal and as each day passes the temperatures are moving in the upward direction, just the way we want them to. We are planning on spending a number of days here before we move on into Texas. 

Can you see the Blue Heron in the water?

So that’s our story for today, I hope you enjoyed your visit, sorry it wasn’t more exciting. 

Very beautiful!

 

Until next time…. be safe, take care,

Deb