Day number 478 of Freedom Rolling's permanent adventure is upon us. Although the trip count has significantly slowed, and there isn't a parodic tome to bestow, there still is much for which to be thankful.
First, we are thankful for all those who have contributed to Freedom Rolling. Whether it's been T-shirts, care packages, gift cards, changing oil on the truck, fixing something in the rig... Even to those who are simply reading along or watching us on various social media forums, we are eternally grateful. Second, we are thankful for health and well being while on the road, even though we've had a few rough shots along the way. Third, we are thankful for all those, past and present, who have given us the opportunity to workamp at their locations and the hospitality they have provided. Fourth, a big thank you to everyone we've met along the way, whether or not they continue to follow us. Finally, we are thankful for not only each other, but the one who has kept us somewhat sane on this whole adventure, and that's Miles the Chug Terrier. If it weren't for him, one of us may be in Bull Shoals Lake at this point.
Thank you to all who have helped us to Follow our Internal Compass, as we hope each and every one of you are able to follow yours.
Once again, everything has been packed up, and we are on the road. Where, you might ask? Fans of a particular genre may have figured it out by the title of the trip, and those looking at a calendar will have narrowed it down. However in this case, our previous location has been left behind, and we are embarking on a multi-leg trip. There are a few lessons learned.
First, we've figured out, for the most part, what we materialistically do and don't need. As is typical with just about anything in life, it comes with practice. We had received a tip about this from another full-time RVing couple that didn't take enough with them when they started. However, we went to almost the complete polar opposite and took too much with us. Looking around at the time this is being written, which is near the beginning of this trip, there's still quite a bit, but much of it being consumable and should be able to be whittled down easily.
Large amounts of consumables brings us to the second lesson learned: the torment of the terrace. Yes, during trip 9, we must admit it: We cheated a bit and stayed in a stationary fixture. It was offered as part of the workamping deal, so it's not like an apartment was rented. However, some of those habits started to return, such as buying in bulk and using amenities that aren't exactly portable. Some packing nightmares may have returned, but we weren't in as much of a mess as when we started this whole thing. Not to mention, their next crew has been set up for success, at least as much in terms of what we were able to offer them.
The third, but probably the most important lesson learned, was figuring out what's important to us. Anyone who seeks to enjoy this lifestyle should know that the only way you're ever getting rich is if someone who recognizes you from social media happens to buy you a winning lottery ticket. Full hook up and salary isn't worth it if you're going to end up with the same problems that drove you to start doing this in the first place. Obviously you'll need some income flowing if you're young full-timers with many remote work outlets requiring stationary living to suit their "reliable internet" needs, though answering a want ad with seasonal work for wage, despite all the signs everywhere, is more complex because you're then beholden to that particular state's tax situation, and there's only seven in the lower 48 at the time of writing this that don't charge state income taxes (there is an 8th that charges it on unearned income, which you'll probably have). At the end of the day, things should work out.
With all of those lessons learned, we're now better prepared to Follow our Internal Compass to the next land.
For those of us who are living on the road, remaining healthy really isn't all that much less important than those who are stationary. We have our own challenges to face, and the process for what happens when ill or injured is different because we're moving around, but here are some tips from our experience to help you stay healthy.
First, considering wearing closed toed shoes on travel days. Nothing will be worse for your health than dropping a sway bar on your toe. Broken toes are absolutely no fun whatsoever, and make many tasks difficult, as mobility is a must. This isn't limited to the outside of the rig, either. Nothing puts a damper on the day like dropping a dog food can on your foot. So do yourself a favor and wear protection.
Second, when doing your regular inspections, check the rig for wasps and stinging insects. It becomes an absolute joy breaker when the wasps infesting your workamping location decide to build a nest on your hot water tank. Even more so when someone in your party is allergic, and that bug survives a thousand mile journey. No fear, as a diluted peppermint oil spray will help to prevent most infestations, and is a natural solution that's safe for your fur baby.
Finally, pay close attention to the quality of your resources. No advantageous experience is worth having to put up with moldy city water. Not only do the filters not always remove that contagion, but it will ruin your hose faster than your next paycheck hits the bank. If the water gets bad enough to the point where you can't even use it, remember that your house is on wheels. Find something a little better for yourself.
So the next time you Follow your Internal Compass, remember that staying healthy is important, and these tips along with other considerations will help.
If you've ever driven the highways of South Dakota, even so much at the point of barely crossing the border, there's one place you'll see advertised time and time again.
Welcome to Wall Drug, an iconic oasis in the middle of South Dakota. Situated along US 14 and Interstate 90, this place has become a popular stopping point for motorists going between Rapid City and either Pierre or Sioux Falls. Wall Drug began as a simple drug store founded by Ted Hustead in the 1930's. With a simple drug store in a fledgling town suffering from the depression, and Mrs. Hustead unable to sleep from all the tourists driving by, she decided to try something different to help the business. Why not offer them free ice water so long as they stopped at Wall Drug in the hopes of purchasing something else? To help, she made several roadway signs spelling out a "jingle" to attract the drivers. The rest, they say, is history.
Today, Wall Drug is still very much an icon of pride for the city of Wall, the state of South Dakota, and just about anyone seeking to travel this country by road. The drug store still exists, and the backyard is still offering free ice water, although it is now self-served. Several more merchants have brought their western-themed wares to turn Wall Drug into a bustling plaza attracting thousands of tourists daily from all across the country. Perhaps check out the large dinosaur as you enter the city from the east. Have a bite to eat in their restaurant. Check out the shops both within Wall Drug and across the car parking street. Let the children play for a bit in the Wall Drug Backyard at the center of the plaza. Perhaps stop at the chapel for a moment of prayer and reflection. Even if you're only filling up a jug with free ice water, there's something for everyone.
The City of Wall is approximately 50 miles east of Rapid City, 300 miles west of Sioux Falls, and 117 miles southwest of Pierre. As you drive that way, be sure to check out all the different hand painted billboards, from various offerings at the store to how they have been featured on national media. Even the international public have taken themselves to creating their own homemade signs showcasing the distance to Wall Drug, many of which can be found on the walls of the building near the Wall Drug Backyard. The city is so aptly named because of the "wall" seen to the south, otherwise known as Badlands National Park. The city does have an assortment of other amenities, although the drug store is what has placed Wall SD on the map.
So the next time you're Following your Internal Compass, don't despair if the road seems long. Make a stop at Wall Drug.
Calling all music lovers of the 50's and 60's: Have we a drive down memory lane for you.
Situated in northeast Arkansas lies Rock and Roll Highway 67. United States Route 67 itself spans the majority of the central part of the country, however a section from the White River to the Missouri border has been granted this special designation, passed by the state legislature in the late 2000's. The naming of the highway was quite a debate, as the area was famous for "rockabilly" music, a portmanteau of "rock and roll" and "hillbilly". With the latter term proving to be concerning, the politicians of the day settled on its present name. Although the highway itself is being converted to interstate standards today, business routes near the cities preserve the classic designation.
Highway 67 was the home to many nightclubs in the hey-day of the rock and roll era. Popular musicians would flock to northeast Arkansas to perform, such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and Elvis Presley. The highway's venues were not limited to rock and roll, as country artists from the area were also drawn to the events, such as rock and roll turned country singer Conway Twitty. A story is shared in the area that the clubs were so influential that top Arkansas country artist Johnny Cash, one who would never allow himself to be exposed to the nightclub scene, was convinced by Elvis Presley to give a joint concert along highway 67.
The legacy of the many rockabilly musicians are preserved along Highway 67. The city of Newport Arkansas hosts the Rock 'N Roll Highway 67 Museum, containing memorabilia from all of the great performers who made this route famous. Head a little further northeast to the city of Walnut Ridge, where before catching the midnight train, take a stroll along the Guitar Walk at Cavenaugh Park, as they pay tribute to several famous nightclub acts. Just a block away from the park is a tribute to one more famous musical group that played the venues of Highway 67: The Beatles.
So the next time your Internal Compass takes you to Arkansas, take some time along Rock and Roll Highway 67.
One more stop awaits us, this time at the Big Sioux State Recreation Area in Brandon, South Dakota. This park is a bit unique in that it lies within a suburb of Sioux Falls along the Big Sioux River, next to a housing development and local schools, a few miles off Interstate 90.
Grounds: Although Big Sioux is within a suburb, you'd never be able to notice it when you're inside the park. Once inside, it feels like a rural setting in the middle of nowhere. Drive a few miles, though, and you're able to resupply, fix your rig, or even make some improvements. The signage isn't the best when driving to the park, but is sufficient once inside.
Sites: The park boasts 50 sites and three cabins in a single campground area. As it's a state park, there's a 14-day limit, back-in only sites, electric only, and a single dump station near the entrance with several water spigots around. The site was fine-to-medium gravel, but there was a little difficulty finding a level spot. The pads were quite spacious, as we were able to extend our awning for the first time in a while. We did notice some fellow campers with larger rigs having difficulty entering their site.
Staff: Just after parking, we were greeted by two very friendly camp hosts who marked the site and provided helpful information without being overbearing. Based on this interaction, coupled with what we saw in the day use area, we could tell they took great pride in the park, and it was a very welcome place to visit.
Amenities: Big Sioux offers fine amenities for the area, including nature trails for hiking and biking, a disc golf course, and playgrounds where the younger campers can enjoy some time. If something else is desired, the city isn't far away, where pools and courts could be accessed. Cell phone signals are a little difficult due to a transmission line running through the park, which is a bit surprising for being within a suburb.
Atmosphere: Even during the very short stay, the fellow campers we saw on the trails seemed like they were having a great time. Some of the campers seemed they were kicking back on their own or finding day use fun elsewhere in the area, yet still had that vibe of "the place to be".
Overall, Big Sioux State Recreation Area becomes the first taxpayer-funded park, and the second since we began this adventure, to receive the illustrious 10 out of 10 rating. Yes, there's the added entrance fee if you don't have the annual pass, but for a relatively short stay, whether you're a casual camper taking a weekend trip, or in between locations as a full-time RVer, it is absolutely worth it. There's a little something for everyone, and what more could you ask for? This is a place where we will definitely return, and should our Internal Compass take us to Eastern South Dakota again, this park will be at the top of the list.
Let's go to Brandon, and play some more disc golf!
We're coming to you, almost live, from the beautiful Big Sioux Recreation Area Nature Trail Disc Golf Course, within the Sioux Falls suburb of Brandon, South Dakota. This is a more difficult course with more hazards, including the Big Sioux River. Again, this is within a state recreation area requiring a fee to enter by one day or annual pass. This course is designed to be challenging yet good for all players, with the front and back nine easily able to be played on separate occasions. The "B" baskets are not standing, forcing players onto the "A" baskets. However, the park was gracious enough to provide scorecards with a map and the "par" rating.
The morning session saw the front nine, this time without the pup. The handicap was in play, where she gets the driver, and he gets the mid-range, with both sharing the putter. Plenty of shots made the tall grass and hit a few trees along the way, but with all that, how did we fare?
Front 9: His holes: 4 Halved: 1 Her holes: 4
Course Record: Him 1 - 1 - 2 Her Holes Record: Him 7 - 9 Her
The front nine saw us going back and forth. Three times she'd win a hole, and three times he'd pull it back even, even with a halved hole in the way. Although unofficial, we decided to keep track of the shots to see how we'd do, and as a result of his terrible first hole, she won the shot count 64-67. This was on a Par 31, so needless to say we'll be sticking to match play for a while. However, with the first nine a draw, what will happen on the back nine?
Back 9: His holes: 5 Halved: 2 Her holes: 2
Course Record: Him 2 - 1 - 2 Her Holes Record: Him 12 - 11 Her
Once again without the pup, after a little more back and forth, along with some terrible hazard luck for him coupled with "tree love" (favorable bounce off a tree) for her on 13, he knew he had to turn it around. However, one shot deep into the rough on 15 and she just wasn't the same, allowing him to take the back nine going away. Unofficially, because of hole 13, he still barely eked out the shot count 57-58 on a Par 30, leaving the entire course to her, 122-124.
However, by all official counts, although he's up one hole in the aggregate, the course record is tied. Which way will it go next time? Find out when we Follow our Internal Compass to the next course.
Time to pack up and head to site number three, the Lake Thompson State Recreation Area in De Smet, South Dakota. This park is on Lake Thompson, a few miles south of Highway 14 in east central South Dakota. Although being a lake in the middle of the country, Lake Thompson has regularly crashing waves and a breeze that will make you think you were near the ocean.
Grounds: Lake Thompson is one of the parks that is a bit off the beaten track, as a paved yet narrow farm road as part of the midwest's famous "grid" is needed to access this place. De Smet isn't too far away if you need to resupply, but don't expect too many largely known brands in this small town. The park is well signed from the highway, as well as within the grounds itself.
Sites: This park boasts 103 campsites, five cabins, and a group lodge within a single campground. As with the other state parks, there is a 14-day limit, back-in sites, and only electric at the site, with a single dump station near the campground entrance and several water spigots throughout the campground and at the dump station. Each site was fine-to-medium gravel and fairly level, although we had to re-hook and adjust our spot due to the winds coming off the lake seeming like they would topple our rig. The 30-amp breaker had its polarity reversed, requiring us to use an electricity alternative.
Staff: The host and maintenance crew were seen now and again, and generally attentive. When we reported the electricity issue to the hosts, they chose a late hour to contact us despite stating in the note to wait until we were gone to fix the plug.
Amenities: Unlike many of the other state parks, Lake Thompson doesn't have as much to offer. There is a swim beach, although the lake is filled with algae to give it a greenish tint, so we had to suffice with long walks while trying to avoid dead fish. There are also walking/biking trails and a few sports court options. Bathhouses and vault toilets were readily available, although the maintenance crew left a sprinkler on in front of the door, leading you to get a shower before and after taking a shower.
Atmosphere: This park had a very friendly vibe, so much to where it was very pleasant to walk the dog around the grounds, or just take a leisurely stroll yourself. The park is relatively family-friendly with kids riding their bikes throughout the area. It's a laid back place where you truly can enjoy yourself.
Overall, Lake Thompson State Recreation Area receives an 8 out of a possible 10 rating. The added entrance fee without annual pass is a usual sticking point. You'd usually expect this to be included as part of the site fees, but given the annual pass and its relatively good deal, it's understandable that the charges are separate, though a bit of "fine print". If there were a couple more amenities or a better kept beach, this would be perfect. We would certainly be willing to return, although we would try to find a site that wasn't on a hill and a little further from the water to protect against the high winds.
Part of the fun of being a full-time RVer is, after packing everything up and checking the lights, pulling out of the park and heading to your next destination. However, like with everything else in life, it comes with its own set of challenges.
The first thing is to remember what you're pulling. You aren't going to be able to maneuver as easily as you would with a smaller vehicle, so don't try quickly changing lanes unless it's an absolute emergency, like unsecured debris flying out the back of a pickup truck. Secondly, use truck routes and take advantage of truck parking areas if you need to stop in a city for provisions. Except for the campsite, backing up should be a last resort. Pull through when you can. Most stores won't mind you taking up several spaces in the back, although the lots with heavy traffic will ban RVs, so be careful. Obviously you're not going to fit in a drive-thru, so call for instructions if you get to a food shop and there's no way to walk in; they'll usually try to accommodate, as your green is as good as anyone else's.
The one big thing to remember, when you're pulling, especially if you're using an engine that takes octane gasoline and/or ethanol (we don't use a diesel truck but this may also apply), your miles per gallon are going to suffer immensely when you're "heavy" (i.e. pulling your RV) vs. when you're "light" (i.e. not pulling your RV). You can try to help things out a little bit by using hypermiling techniques you learned during gas crunches in history, but it won't get too much back. As an example, with the soul of our adventure, we're able to get around 20 MPG highway and 15-17 MPG city/winding-rural when we're light, but only about 10-11 MPG when heavy. However, going into elevation is a completely different bear, as we've found ourselves to only get about 7-8 MPG when heavy in transition from the midwest to the mountain west, and transition from the south to southwest is anticipated to be the same. Be financially ready and plan accordingly, as gas stations are few and far between the further west you go, especially when using US highways instead of interstates.
Don't let any of this get you down, though. Driving with the RV in tow is plenty of good fun, even just as much as taking a nice Sunday drive while light to somewhere around you. It will take a little practice, especially when it comes to backing into your campsite and understanding how your rig moves, but after a while, it becomes as familiar as riding a bike, even if you take a few months break from a long-term stay. Have a plan, try to stick to it, cut down on the unnecessary detours, behave like a truck on the road (except for the honking because it just doesn't have the same impact), and the journey will bring as much joy as the destination, if not more, as that's one of the perks of living on the road.
So as you Follow your Internal Compass, have a wonderful time pulling your rig all across the country.
The second of the several state parks visited as a part of trip 10 was the Oahe Downstream State Recreation Area in Fort Pierre, South Dakota. The park is located on the Missouri River just off Oahe Dam, built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1948 to provide hydroelectric power to the area, while completely blocking off the river into two parts without any sort of canal to access the north, and the greenery of the hill makes the water run underground, avoiding the eye-sore of a concrete walled dam. Visitors can use a state highway to traverse the top of the dam and see the northern Missouri.
Grounds: Oahe Downstream is located just a few miles from the state capital of Pierre, and its sister city Fort Pierre. The easiest access is from the Fort Pierre side on Highway 1806 North. Signage from US 14 will mention "Oahe Dam", but the campground is in the same area. Time is quite a debate, as from Fort Pierre all the way north to the next state, the river serves as the border between the Central and Mountain time zones. One of the park's three campgrounds is in Mountain on the west bank, with the other two campgrounds, camp office, and amenities being in Central on a peninsula. Once you get to the park, the areas are easily accessed and well signed, with self-pay stations to handle entrance fees.
Sites: The three campgrounds boast 205 campsites and a dozen cabins. As with the other state parks, there is a 14-day limit, back-in sites, and only electric at the site, with a single dump station near the highway and several water spigots throughout the campground and at the dump station. The rig parking was on pavement and fairly level, although there was a bit of a drop-off to the spacious grass area with the picnic table and fire pit.
Staff: The staff, although there was a rig and golf cart in the campground host area, was effectively non-existent. This seemed to play a large role in an "anything goes" experience that existed around us. Once in a while, a maintenance staffer was seen to clean a restroom or do lawn care, but the park needed more conscientious attention to what was happening, and if it's going to have regulations, the hosts need to at least attempt to enforce them.
Amenities: Bathhouses are available at Oahe Downstream with showers, however there are curtains at the stalls instead of doors, having to go through one stall to get to another. A swim beach exists with waist-high water all the way to the safety buoys. The park also has a marina and disc golf course, and the nearby dam is a good place to visit and go fishing.
Atmosphere: If you're looking to relax and have a quaint, laid back experience, you will be sorely disappointed. The park was filled with large snooty groups, sometimes numbering almost 20 at a single site, nearly blocking the streets with the overflow of vehicles. Many dogs were let loose without leashes despite park policy, leading to our dog being attacked during his walk. The campers were not the best of character, either, as toiletries were stolen from us during a shower due to the lackluster stall setup, later found to be used and tossed by the same grifter that couldn't be bothered to bring their own. Although this was during a weekend where higher occupancy is expected, the campers and guests had little to no respect for their surroundings, especially with a non-existent staff allowing it to happen.
Overall, Oahe Downstream State Recreation Area receives a 4 out of 10 rating. Apart from the issues we had at the campground, as well as the added entrance fee charge without an annual pass, the flushing hose at the dump station didn't work well. The only saving grace for this park from being a complete disaster was the disc golf course. Needless to say, if our Internal Compass brings us to this area again, another park will need to be found, as we will not return to Oahe without significant changes.
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