Departing Leakey and the Rotodome Ranch this year we head north. This year we not only arrived late but will depart a bit early as well. We had planned on a big THANK YOU BBQ for our neighbors who watch our place during the summer, but our early departure changed that. Barb made up two large pans of her DELICIOUS lasagna and gifted that for this year. Both Brenda and James are great neighbors for which we are grateful. We got quite a bit accomplished this winter. I had just returned from visiting Mom in Salem, OR and because of scheduling we didn't figure to able to attend the Annual AWACS Reunion in Midwest City, OK, but due to other factors they did reschedule enabling us to attend after all. We departed Leakey March 25th enroute to Lake Thunderbird State Park SE of Oklahoma City. 500 miles, a long 10-hour day towing. Of course, with higher gas prices came lower mileage via a north headwind. 11.7 mpg today with the cheapest diesel in Oklahoma at $4.52. Once again Barb and Jeep 'Barbicus' fell in line behind the RV, not much enjoying the 55 mph speeds.
We were fortunate to be able to stay in one of our favorite camp sites at Lake Thunderbird State Park, Little Axe CG, site 51. Nice site with plenty of shade and yet isolated if the campground fills up. Also, an easy walk to the showers and laundry. Out in the country and peaceful, not too bad a drive to town, about 21 miles.
Chad Hilts, a good cook in his own right
We also stocked up a few rolls of Blue & Gold Pork Sausage, the best we've ever had. Oklahoma City metro area is a very large area and everything/anything you may need or want is here. Of course, to Barb that also meant Cabelas. She wanted some updated light weight, waterproof hunting clothes. I always enjoy visiting KOSMOS BBQ Store. I also dropped off the huge agate we found on our Texas place to be cut and polished; we'll pick it up in the fall enroute south. A bit of time for ourselves.
From here we headed NE to Arkansas so we could visit another USAF buddy, as well as Barb's cousin for a bit. The wind proved to be a force to be reckoned with all day, although I did manage to get 12.2 mpg. Diesel in Springdale, AR was $4.44. In Bella Vista we stayed at Blowing Springs CG, nice place with water/electric for $22/night. I did YANK my back quite a bit setting up when I took a nasty fall. An extra day in the recliner with hot/cold therapy helped as much as it could. Bella Vista is a very nice town with all the bells and whistles you might need.
Chris Horner and I go way back to our AWACS days. A finer man you'll never meet. He works as a finish cabinet maker, quite the skilled craftsman. He is also a fellow BBQ aficionado. We shared more than one cooking secret.
Hiwasse, AR to Neosho, MO is a mere jaunt at 35 miles. In Neosho we stayed at Hickory Creek City CG with full hookups for $25/day. PLENTY of rain and hail enroute. We try to visit her cousin, Stephen every couple of years. They are not only close, but die-hard St. Louis Blues hockey fans as well. As it happens, we also arrived on Stephen's 40th birthday. Both Hiwasse and Neosho are nice little towns tucked in the Northern Ozarks with plenty of good folks and BBQ.
After departing Neosho we headed east on US 60 to Lake Wappapello and Redman Creek CG. I would stay here as the furbabies and I assumed RV Watchdog Duties while Barb visited her sisters. Yep, don't ask. Of course we ate well here, but that is another menu.
"Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about the destination"
Drake
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