RV There Yet?

We are so close we can feel it.  We were slow moving this morning.  We had a 3 pm check-in time at our first destination, Whistler Gulch, and with only a three hour drive ahead, we didn't need to rush.  We surveyed our surroundings and then began the final leg of our journey.

After about one hour, we approached the much advertised (on highway billboards) city of Wall with it's legendary (?) Wall Drugs.

We decided to stop and check it out.  For the uninformed, it's a historic, maze-of-a-drug store with lots and lots-o-stuff.  It's more like a department store to be honest.  We spent a brief half-hour checking it out before we headed out once again.  After several hours of driving, a stop for lunch, a visit to the grocery, we finally rolled into Deadwood, SD and our first camping spot of Whistler Gulch.  When we rolled in at registration, we were pretty pumped, but afterwards, ummm, not so much.  The views were pretty nice, the amenities were nice, our particular camp-site not so much.

We ultimately settled in and made the most of it.  While we prepared the campsite, the girls took advantage of the pool.  Finally after almost three days of traveling, we were able to settle down.

Some views

As a prior photo illustrated, we were right next to a steep sloping hill.  Emma discovered that deer like to walk the hills.

After the sun went down it cooled considerably so we had our first campfire of the summer.  And with it, s'mores.

A great start for our first night of camping.

Road Warriors

The first day's drive went pretty well.  We drove a little farther than expected so that should help with the remaining drive.  We arose, ate and prepared to drive through Kansas City, Iowa, and into South Dakota.  Ready, set, GO!!

It seemed like we'd never get out of Missouri, but after a few hours we finally made it to Iowa.  After a while, we stopped for gas, eat lunch, and give everyone a chance to stretch his or her legs.

The sign in the back reads, "The Trail Ends Here".  Unfortunately for us, that was not the case. Nevertheless, we drove on and while there is not much to see in Iowa, it was an enjoyable drive because it was FLAT.  I like flat.  Flat is easy driving.  In addition, we encountered very few people on the road.  While we found it to be unusual we didn't mind.  Before long, we reached South Dakota and though the driving remained the same, even less people were on the road.  And it seemed desolate, as if we were on the road to nowhere.  Just rolling hills with an occasional farm/ranch stuck out in the middle of nowhere.

After about eight hours on the road, silliness struck to lighten the mood.

Nothing like a little fun while cruising on the South Dakota plains.  After approximately ten hours of driving we decided to call it a day.  We felt pretty good in that we were only three hours from our final destination.  Happy! Happy!

The Gypsies

The night at Texas T was fine because we rolled in around midnight and we were exhausted.  We rose a bit later than expected, but that was okay - we needed the rest.  We grabbed a quick bite to eat, gassed up, and hit the road.  Everyone was in good spirits for our long trek.

We drove through TN and KY and decided to stop in Paducah for our first roadside picnic.  Spirits were still high.

The drive through southern IL was enjoyable - it was cool to look out into the distance and see a lonely farm or church with it's steeple poking up from the corn fields.  We made it to St. Louis right around rush hour and since we needed gas, we stopped at the Flying J - I'm amazed at how RV friendly that particular truck-stop is.  Even the girls seemed to agree.

The drive across Missouri is loooong.  The rolling hills were unexpected, too, and that made it hard to maintain a consistent speed.  It was pretty country though so it wasn't totally a bummer.

It seemed like we'd never get to our first resting stop, just outside of KC.  We finally made it, crashed, and planned to start fresh in the morning.

AND.....WE'RE OFF!!!

After much planning and packing, we finally hit the road on Tuesday night around 7:30, about 2 hours later than expected.  What's two hours when you are going to be spending the next three days on the road?  Time will tell, I guess.  After two and one-half hours on the road, we found ourselves at the Flying J in N Bham on I-65.  IT WAS AWESOME (as far a truck-stops go).  We wheeled in & wheeled out, piece of cake.

Two and one-half hours later, we pulled off I-65 at the Texas T Campground in Somewhereville, TN for a nights rest.  Tomorrow will be our first full day on the road.

Round Two....Navarre Beach Emerald Beach RV Park

After we spent a few days with grandma, helping her and visiting.  Larry joined us, and we headed to Navarre Beach for some more camping.  It was different than camping at the state park, but a good different.  We thoroughly enjoyed both. The Bagwells joined us for some fun as well.  We swam, kayaked, grilled, and kicked back and enjoyed our view of the Santa Rosa Sound.  There were four-legged friends everywhere, so the pups felt right at home.  The kids went to the Sundae Social and Maddie and Larry enjoyed the pancake breakfast.  We hope to be back there soon!!

The campground had its own little beach for relaxing.

Our view from the camper.  I loved eating my meals outside.  Waterfront dining all day.

The beach was all ours!!

The water was crystal clear!!

Round One....Gulf State Park, Gulf Shores

School was out on Friday and away we went Saturday morning.  It was exciting heading out on a new adventure.  We spent the week swimming, going to the beach, and visiting with friends.  We had all sorts of visitors that week.  We got in a routine and started to learn the ins and outs of camping.  I even solved a few camping problems....including putting Maddie's chain back on her bike.  Dad joined us on the weekends, along with the pups.

Camping Life

We bought a camper and heading for a summer of fun!!  We took our maiden voyage to Stone Mountain.  We had a great time.  The kids rode their scooters, played volleyball, made new friends, swam, and hiked to the top of Stone Mountain.....all in one day...whew!!