It started as a free water stop during a long road trip. Here's the beef. A brain, a heart, a home, and courage meet here.
Welcome to Liberal, Kansas, where despite the political premonitions of many travelers out there, this destination has no relation whatsoever. Liberal is tucked in the southwestern part of the Sunflower State at the junction of US routes 54, 83, and 270, just on the border with Oklahoma. A small city of approximately 20,000, Liberal has historically been, and still is today, an oasis among the vast surrounding prairies. First founded by a generous settler who "liberally" offered water at no cost to travelers, the city became a center for farmers and ranchers. Although many ghosted towns surround the area, meat packing remains one of the top industries in Liberal, as evidenced by the large National Beef Packing plant on the way out of town.
One of the top attraction points to draw people to Liberal, Kansas, is the replica of Dorothy's House, as made famous by the L. Frank Baum book series, and later feature film, "The Wizard of Oz". Visitors are able to tour inside Dorothy's house to catch a glimpse of life in Kansas around the turn of the 20th century. A young lady, costumed to represent Dorothy Gale from the feature film, explains the house and all the general tasks of "her family" to the visitors before taking them through a short skit portraying the famous story and showing a collection of book and film-related memorabilia. The museum at Dorothy's House also houses the free Coronado museum, which takes visitors through the history of the Liberal area around the time of both its discovery and founding, including Native settlements, city planning, and the surrounding ghost towns.
Dorothy's House isn't the only thing to experience while in Liberal. The local Chamber of Commerce takes great pride in helping people experience the entirety of the town, going so far as to create a scavanger hunt by strategically placing "Dorothy" statues all about the city. One of these locations is the Mid-America Air Museum, a collection of various military aircraft throughout history. Other points highlighted include Light Park, which includes a small water amusement center, the Pancake House after which one of the major route's street names is given, and the old Train Station. Although passengers are no longer served in Liberal, the railroad remains in integral part of the city, especially freight servicing the area.
Next time your Internal Compass takes you toward Western Kansas, make a stop in Liberal, and you may just realize: "There's no place like home."
Looking for a nice breakfast spot? Try this place on for size.
Welcome to Papa Pete's, Home of the Giant Pancakes. Papa Pete's is located along the Molly Stark Trail (State Route 9) near Bennington, Vermont. Travelers heading into or out of New England while looking to route their way around Bennington won't miss this conveniently located place. The building itself is a bit on the small side with limited parking if they're busy and you happen to be towing your home. Though they've since limited their hours to mornings from Thursday to Sunday as of the time of writing, it is going to be worth the wait even if they happen to be crowded.
When Papa Pete's says they are Home of the Giant Pancakes, they aren't joking around. Instead of a traditional plate, these pancakes will be served to you on a pizza pan. As for utensils, you can forget that knife that comes with traditional flatware, as they'll provide you with a pizza cutter. Naturally, because you're in Vermont, the pride of the state in pure maple syrup is included. They do have a "full stack" challenge of three pancakes if you dare, although some of us have difficulty with two. Even if you're not in the flapjack mood, there are plenty of other breakfast options available.
Overall, Papa Pete's brings great food and great value to the table. We found this place by accident, but were glad we did. Granted, our last visit was prior to the drop in hours so the lunch menu items likely won't be available, but it's still worth a return trip with the friendly staff. Even if you want to try their challenge, it's not going to break the bank, unlike some of the other popular "pig out" locations across the country. They do take pride in their cooking means, and it shows in the taste of their food.
So the next time your Internal Compass takes you to New England, give Papa Pete's a try.
Freedom Rolling once again brings you their famous Brew Review, this time looking at three different locations for a particular beer they offer. As always, please ensure that these, or any brews, are enjoyed in accordance with local laws wherever you may be.
Starting in Fort Worth, Texas, just off the west fork of the Trinity River, one can find the Martin House Brewing Company. While in Texas, if you want a bit of a change from one of the most popular brewed bock beers in the state, then try on for size the "Bockslider". Bocks are sometimes also referred to as a "dark lager", giving a darker color for those with the preference, though not quite as dark as a porter or stout. A slight amount of bitterness will reach your palette from the light hops, but otherwise a smooth taste the experienced drinker will be able to enjoy, possibly in their Bock-yard.
We head northwest to our next stop in Sheridan Wyoming, home of the Black Tooth Brewing Company. Black Tooth brings to the table the Bomber Mountain Amber Ale, named after a peak at over two and a half miles of elevation where a famous aviation accident happened during World War II. The first pour of this selection for home distribution suffers from over-carbonation. Once you get past that, the body of this amber is what one would delightfully expect from this brew and more. The beer has won several awards from various festivals, and we can certainly understand why. The brewery has opened two other locations in Cheyenne and Casper, and it may just be a good place to visit.
Going back towards the Black Hills of South Dakota, we visit Spearfish and the Crow Peak Brewing Company to try their Canyon Cream Ale. Crow Peak has been brewing in-house since 2007, undergoing several expansions to keep up with demand in the northern mid- and mountain west. Although the beer doesn't necessarily look creamy when first pouring, the creamy taste is certainly there as it goes down smoothly. The subtle sweetness comes from locally procured honey, but does not overpower the taste. As a blonde, this is a wonderful addition to any summer gathering, and is one to enjoy again and again.
So as your Internal Compass takes you across the country, try some of the local craft beers as able, and see how they fare for you.
When in the south, one of the cuisines that comes to mind is Barbecue. Perhaps this place is a winner.
Welcome to Swadley's BBQ, a regional chain of barbecue offerings within greater Oklahoma City, along with a couple of locations to the north and south. Swadley's is a family-owned business that first began from the popularity of a Texas general store owner back in the 1930's and 40's. Since then, four generations of the family have been smoking meats and offering home cooking to the people of Oklahoma. In addition to the restaurants, Swadley's is also committed to their disaster relief efforts, as the wild weather of Oklahoma takes its toll on the area.
One visit has been had to Swadley's at the Midwest City location, on a weeknight near closing time with the trailer in tow. We were able to get our rig into their easy-off easy-on location, but would not recommend trying to do this during peak times, as the parking lot is moderately sized but maneuverable. Both the outside and the inside seemed like a cookie cutter of a popular southern-style steakhouse, but there is more to a restaurant than what the eye shows you.
Swadley's offers an array of different products that would make any barbecue lover know that they are at home. If you're not quite sure what you want to try from their menu, get a sampler of their several meats at a reasonable price for what they offer. As they do smoke their meats fresh daily, they will run out of product closer to the end of the day, but is a sign that they value quality over quantity. Professional critics have come to notice this as well, as barbecue awards and other accolades were won by Swadley's in 2020.
So the next time your Internal Compass takes you to or through Oklahoma City, make a stop at Swadley's, as they will positively satisfy any barbecue craving.
One of its largest industries was outlawed for several decades. If you're holding aces and eights, watch your back. Allow Freedom Rolling to Lead you down to this twin city.
Welcome to Deadwood, South Dakota. Just off the northern terminus of US Route 385, Deadwood is a place for gamblers, gold seekers, and other enthusiasts of the wild west. Although Deadwood has quite the history of these activities, both before and after South Dakota officially became a state, public gaming of this sort was outlawed shortly after World War II. Although the pastime continued in secret, the town was even further declined as a result of a fire in 1987 that ravaged the city. Looking to save Deadwood from becoming just another ghost town, the "Deadwood You Bet!" campaign successfully lobbied the state to once again legalize gambling. Although many fuel stations will have the colloquially known "Video Lottery" machines in their so-aptly titled "casinos", Deadwood remains the place in the state to find full service gaming.
Deadwood has much more history to it than simple gambling. In the mid-1870's, the city of Deadwood was founded as a result of one of the primary industries in the west: Mining of gold. Once Frank Bryant found the metal, it was just a matter of time before the city was built to what is seen today. There was an additional fire that ravaged the area in the late 1800's, but Deadwood was re-built and is still preserved by today's historical society. Other notable names of Deadwood include James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok, a former deputy who had moved to Deadwood and was shot by a recent poker opponent, along with Martha "Calamity" Jane Cannary, who supposedly had once married and had children with Wild Bill and remained in Deadwood after his death.
Today, Deadwood remains a real-life replica of what life once was in the city. Take a stroll down Main Street, visiting Saloon No. 10 where Wild Bill was shot, or perhaps see a re-enactment of one of the several famous gunfights of the city. Take a drive up Mount Moriah to the final resting places of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane, or slightly north to see the Tatanka Story of Bison. If the few streets of Deadwood have tickled your fancy, take a trip across the other side of the terminus of US Route 385 and up the mountain to the twin city of Lead. While there, experience the Black Hills Mining Museum, dedicated to an industry that still exists in the area today.
So the next time you want to experience the history of the Wild West, Follow your Internal Compass right to the city of Deadwood.
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'! Time to head to the southern midwest, out to the 46th state annexed in the early 1900's. Wait, what?! That late?! It's a Scandal! It's a Outrage!
Welcome to Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain. Anyone who has looked at maps of what the United States was in the 1800's will notice a large chunk of either "Unorganized" or "Indian" territory around where Oklahoma is today. Indian Nations still adorn the east side of the state, and was originally going to become the state of "Sequoyah" before President Roosevelt made a compromise to combine it and the Oklahoma territory to the west. Throughout the former Indian Territory, there are the Cherokees in the north, the Choctaws in the south, and the Creeks, Seminoles, and Chickasaws a bit further to the center of the present day state. Some of this autonomy can still be seen to today, especially when looking at the license plates. Among those from the state of Oklahoma, there are also Nation plates. Not much of a Lonely Room in those parts.
Not all of Oklahoma is plains and tornadoes, as popular media may have you think. Head into the Choctaw Nation of southeastern Oklahoma, near the Kiamichi River. While there, take a drive along the Talimena Scenic Byway through the Ouachita National Forest. The breathtaking views are such a site to behold, you Cain't Say No to the opportunity, even if it's just along the other US or state highways that traverse the area. Once you hit Talihina, consider making a stop at the Bigfoot Museum and art gallery, a small yet free-to-enter collection which pays tribute to one of the more controversial species known to man, the sasquatch. They may not be able to explain why Pore Jud is Daid if he wandered out into the forest, but the curator has some interesting stories to tell.
Maybe you're just taking a drive from Kansas City and want to see the rolling plains. You could still take a nice drive down historic Route 66, the Mother Road. After heading through the eastern parts of the state, route 66 doubles with Interstate 35, giving the driver lovely views of the Oklahoma City skyline before heading through the northwest suburbs. Although much of the route seems like a decrepit byway when compared to interstate 40, dump your grey and black tanks in the city of El Reno before seeing the eastbound-pointed Giants display along one of the multitude of farms across the west side of the state. It may feel like a Lonely Room when you drive through it, but there's some nice scenery out there.
Many a New Day happens when Following your Internal Compass, and perhaps it will take you to Oklahoma. But we won't go on about it much longer here, otherwise People Will Say We're in Love.
For the final leg of Trip 11, time to head over to the mainland to Aransas Bay RV Resort, or "ABRV", in Aransas Pass, Texas. This one saw a one month stay.
Grounds: ABRV is found within an otherwise developing outskirt of Aransas Pass, almost immediately off a highway bypass under construction at the time of our stay. Access to the business route version of the highway for resupply, along with a way to get to the island, is short and easy.
Sites: This park has about 80 full hook-up sites, all back-in and pointed in the same direction on both sides of the street, some being marked as "premium" based on pad width. Each pad is concrete with some of the best paved "patio" areas seen from a site since our adventure began, room enough to set up a full outdoor kitchen. The fairly wide separation between rigs is a combination of grass and gravel, so the lawn maintenance contractors aren't potentially damaging the hook-ups while keeping a sound appearance. We were happy to be able to get a site on relatively short notice during Spring Break, as it seems most vacationers will choose the island. The asphalt streets could probably use a re-paving, along with painting the location of the speed bumps whose position could already make backing in a rig slightly difficult.
Staff: The staff is friendly and accommodating, as well as receptive to the immediate needs of the guest. There seems to be a bit of a communication breakdown, as our paperwork was "lost" at check-in time after having reserved in person a few days prior. In addition, after a security issue involving a door-coded amenity, the guests weren't notified of a change that had been made, even after allowing for time as the incident occurred when the office was closed.
Amenities: The amenities at ABRV are hit or miss. They have relatively inexpensive laundry facilities for the area, along with a small and unheated yet beautifully designed pool with deck. There is a rec room with kitchen and billiard table, but is more like an extended office building, in that it's only accessible during the office's limited hours. Pet areas are not fenced, so unleashed time for the pup will need to be done at a city dog park. The bath house with four house-like full rooms are easy to get around, although some things don't work, such as an external fan that's seen better days.
Atmosphere: This park seems like it caters more to the long-term resident. The people are friendly, but seem to keep to themselves. There are a few families with children young and very young, although no play facilities exist.
Overall, Aransas Bay RV Resort receives a 9 out of a possible 10 rating. Although the monthly price is unbeatable, they do not accept cash and charge fees to use a card, so be ready to hop into town to purchase a money order at a lower fee rate. The local staff is thankfully very understandable about patrons doing this, especially when settling electric with the office that doesn't open until after check-out time. If your Internal Compass takes you to this area and you don't want the hustle, bustle, and premium pricing of the island, this is definitely the place to go.
The next disc golf match is upon us.
Welcome to Ingleside, Texas, and Live Oak Park for the site of this match. Live Oak Park is a free-to-access municipal park and is home to two disc golf courses, and we are playing the easier Red course. Although the concrete tees and holes are numbered, some of the signs have since faded making it difficult to know where to go. Thankfully, along with an online map, we were joined by two somewhat experienced gentlemen on our trip through the front nine; we'd like to thank Eric and Matthew for playing along with us.
Our session saw the four of us playing the front nine. No pup, handicap still in play, and thanks to our guests for allowing us to sample some of the other discs that are available to the discerning disc golf player. Some of the holes were a little tricky, but we were able to get through them with only a couple of discs in the trees, this time choosing to drop without penalty. How did the scores go?
Course Result:
Front Nine:
His Holes: 3
Halved: 2
Her Holes: 4
Course Record: Him 3 - 2 - 3 Her
Holes Record: Him 22 - 19 Her
This match found him having a dreadful start, hitting tree after tree by allowing her to take an early two hole lead. He started to pull it back in hole 3, but some awful putt luck (dinged off the hole, similar to a lip-out on the ball-and-club counterpart) meant a trade back in hole 4. He brought it back to even in the next two holes, while seven and eight were halved, leaving the lunch prize to the ninth hole. A choke on the tee, followed by yet even more bad putt luck gave her the win in the match play. He was able to win the strokes 54-55, but it's the match play that counts for the record books.
This brings us to a tie in course record, with him having an edge on holes. Who will take the edge on the next course? We'll find out next time, but until then, Follow your Internal Compass.
Trip 11 takes us, after a workamping excursion, to another campground. Nestled on Mustang Island in South Texas is Pioneer Beach Resort, a private campground that saw one of our first extended park stays of just over two months.
Grounds: Pioneer is outside the small island city of Port Aransas on the main Mustang Island highway, a few miles in the other direction from Corpus Christi. The resort is on the beach side of the highway with a private access point.
Sites: The park has nearly 400 sites, all of which fill up for the busy seasons of Spring Break in March, as well as the summer. We were able to get a spot, along with an extension up until just before spring break, on short notice. All of the sites are full hook-up, with some pull-thru and some back-in. There are also a few cabins able to be rented for those without a rig. The pads are concrete, although our site has a small paved patio area. Some are more cramped than others. The park also elects to practice dog breed discrimination.
Staff: Although the staff does the best they can, they seem to be hampered by a lack of organizational helpers. The office workers do not have computer access. Greeters do help you back into the tight sites. However, all of the staff seems to suffer from Jekyll-and-Hyde syndrome depending on the season, with things seeming "on edge" as Spring Break approached. They also seem to become more asinine when you are neither from their state nor of their preferred age group.
Amenities: Along with the beach access, where the wash faucets along their private boardwalk don't work, Pioneer has a rec room chalked full of activities. However, there is a cost associated with most of the activities that isn't disclosed until you're already there; it isn't on the calendar. Bathhouses with decently sized showers exist, although the hot water does take some time to get running. A hot tub exists along with unheated pools. Laundry exists, although the price doubled during our stay along with new yet dirty appliances; we found it better to go to the downtown laundromat. Don't even try using Park Wifi, because it doesn't work most of the time. There is a dog park, but is severely restricted to one dog and 15 minutes; you're better off going to the city park in Port Aransas.
Atmosphere: As we were there during the "Winter Texan" season, there were many visitors from the northern midwest who seem to have been coming for many years. As is typical with RV resorts, it is an older clientele, yet the other campers are quite welcoming and overly friendly. Once in a while, you'd see families come by.
Overall, Pioneer Beach Resort receives a 7 rating out of a possible 10. The price is one of the better ones for the island, although the mainland is much less expensive if you can stand the ferry waits. If our Internal Compass told us that we had to stay on the island again, we would be happy to return to this place.
When here, you can go up, down, on top, or in. The Department of the Interior charges many entrance and parking fees, but none here. It's where Alvin McDonald once led spelunkers on tours.
Welcome to Wind Cave National Park. Situated in western South Dakota along US Route 385 between Custer and Hot Springs, Wind Cave has become a place for nature seekers to explore. Unlike most of the National Parks in the system, this is one of the few that is able to be visited without cost to the visitor, although several tours of the caves themselves, along with campground stays, are able to fund the park. Even if spelunking isn't your cup of tea, the prairie is accessible by several walking trails above the ground, along with a few driving roads where wildlife can be seen.
Wind Cave was first discovered by the McDonald family in the late 1800's, when the family moved from Iowa to start their exploration. Alvin McDonald was the main cartographer and guide, and although his life was cut very short by typhoid fever, his contribution has one that is still enjoyed today. The caves themselves seemed endless according to one of Alvin's final journal entries, but there are five designated cave trails today of varying difficulties are available for the public to explore.
While taking a look around the Prairie Vista, one point of interest is a small yet inaccessible cave entrance with an associated story known as Lakota Emergence. The Lakota people believed that they, along with bison, emerged from this point when each species was in its infancy. The spirits were told not to come forth until the Earth was ready, though some prematurely arrived after giving into temptation, and after suffering from the inability to survive the harsh conditions, were further punished by being transformed into bison. The people who obeyed were then instructed to follow the bison to survive, but the entrance was shrank to what it is today to prevent returning to the spirit world.
So the next time your Internal Compass takes you to Western South Dakota, make a stop at Wind Cave National Park.
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