When you're finishing a long day of travel, chances are that you want to park for a bit, but don't necessarily want to shell out for a campground. There's one particular option that seems quite tempting.
Situated all across the roads of this country, both two-lane and four, rest areas give the driver a chance to take a break. However, most states have been cracking down on their rest area usage. Whether it's lobbying from hotel owners, governments believing the homeless population will increase, or evidence of crime, rest areas have been severely limiting stays, banning overnight parking altogether, or completely closing down these roadside stops. Leniency is shown to truckers because of electronic logs shutting off the engines, but even then it's not always welcome. Thankfully, the state of Kansas still allows overnight stays, although only one night, and as it should be since progress should be made to the next destination.
Many think of interstate highways when it comes to rest stops, and they aren't always in the best of shape with thousands of motorists using the facilities, coupled with limited maintenance, to where they take a beating. When you look at the roads less traveled, you may see somewhere much nicer. Enter the Cherryvale rest area, situated at the US 169 exit off the US 400 super-two highway in Eastern Kansas. Not only is it a fairly quiet place to stop for the night, but if you have a pup with you, there are a few walking trails in between the pollination areas to help bees continue to thrive. It is a bit off the beaten track being nowhere near an interstate highway, but when RVing, these aren't such bad roads to take.
One added benefit to the rest stops in this state, as well as several other midwestern and southern states seen during the escapades of Freedom Rolling, is the addition of dump stations. These are beneficial not only for those with RVs, but also some truckers. Dump stations are offered as part of the cost to maintain the rest area, and typically include a simple sewer manhole with a water outlet. It's not recommended that the potable water be filled with this, since the piping is designed for flushing purposes only, as opposed to drinking. However, if you've just left a campground without a sewer hookup, it's not a bad choice for lightening your load.
So the next time you Follow your Internal Compass, whether on the highways or byways, don't forget to take a break every once in a while, and maybe you'll find a good way to not only completely recharge, but take care of your added carrying.
Once again in a new series, time to hit the links and throw some discs. What, discs you say? Not clubs and balls? What sort of sorcery is this?
Many parks today are placing disc golf on their grounds. For the uninitiated, this combines then fun of throwing a Frisbee or similar brand disc with the challenge of a golf course. Mind you, a typical Frisbee-brand disc is not used in playing, as there are specially made discs made for all different sorts of distances and curves for any throw you wish to make. Instead of your traditional hole you'd see in golf, the "hole" is a metal bowl-like structure with suspended chains above, all mounted on a short pole or hung from a tree. Hazards range from tall grass to tree branches and trunks, and sometimes a small stream. The course length is a bit shorter because throwing the disc covers less distance than hitting a ball, but there's a good amount of ground to cover for a full 18-hole course.
We first tried disc golf a few years before getting the RV. Picking up a good deal on a starter pack of discs at the Mall of America during one of our road trips, between hectic work schedules, home improvements, and inclement weather, time was finally found to play a bit. The first ever match was at Clay Park Central in Liverpool NY. Located within a municipal park, this is a much more challenging course to play, even more so when there were no maps or signs explaining the course along the path. If it wasn't for painted hole numbers on the tees, we would have been completely lost. Plenty of hazards exist, and the course is designed to play the entire 18 holes in one go, meaning an awkward hike was awaiting for us, when we only wanted to play 9 holes.
Although each hole has a "par", for us, Match Play is the way to go. During match play, the "winner" of the hole is determined by who gets the disc in the "hole" in the fewest number of throws. If each player uses the same number of throws, the hole is "halved". Unlike James Bond and Goldfinger, there aren't any big prizes for winning a hole, not even who has to dump and flush the black tank. However, we'll keep score during the series so you can root for who you want. Each "match" is going to consist of 9 holes since that's what we usually play at a time, although we may be inclined to go for all 18 at a course, whether across two sessions or all at once. For those curious, a "starter pack" consisting of a distance driver (Innova Sidewinder, 9/5/-3/1), mid-range (Discraft Hawk, 0^), and putter (Innova Colt, 3/4/-1/1) are what we are using, and we'll make an update if we get new discs. She gets the distance driver while he gets the mid-range disc as the handicap, and the putter disc is shared as desired.
Not too much of specifics are remembered with this match other than her winning, and there's some question as to how many holes were actually won, but we have agreed to the following score:
Front 9: His holes: 1 Halved: 5 Her holes: 3
Back 9: Not played
Course Record: Him 0 - 1 Her Holes Record: Him 1 - 3 Her
Looks as if she has the advantage. How long will she be able to hold this? Stay tuned as we Follow our Internal Compass points towards the next course.
For Miles, it's state number 25. For the map, it's just another bit of coloring. For the humans of Freedom Rolling, one little day trip means so much more.
With a non-trailer trip into North Dakota, the hosts of Freedom Rolling have finished visiting every state in the Continental United States together. All of the lower 48 have been seen, side by side. This is not to say they hadn't previously seen what they were missing separately, with one of them having a trucker in the family, and the other visiting all of the lower 48 states in a single vehicle that was decommissioned just before leaving the old home for good. However, some of the states were first achieved with the other, and with the relationship rooted in our desire to be on the open road, it's only fitting that this be accomplished.
As of the writing of this, readers may look at the map and notice about 20 states missing. What gives? In the 48 state accomplishment, the hosts are certainly counting adventures before the RV, and were there a few of them! The Great Lakes and Northwestern states were accomplished during a vacation in 2016 to the Pacific Northwest. With a honeymoon in Las Vegas, the remainder of the southwestern states were covered. California was all of one exit beyond Primm while trying to kill time for the room to open up, but they saw the call boxes, so it counts. South Carolina came in 2019 during the first trip to the Space Coast of Florida just after driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, although had previously touched it during the first ever road trip together. The rest were accomplished during day trips, including a hockey game in New Jersey, an encounter with Lula in southern New England, and an impromptu trip to Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, where the hosts continue to promise themselves not to take 500+ mile day trips, and seemingly continue to break that promise to this day.
With that goal being said and done, what's next for Freedom Rolling? Obviously making the rest of the states to be a "not black" color on the map is one of them. Hawaii is a little tough for a drive, and Alaska will require some extreme preparations and favorable conditions, especially with the drive through Canada. The rest of the lower 48 should certainly be something that is easily able to be accomplished. Some of the National Parks are certainly on the bucket list for any RVer. There are a few destinations each of the hosts would like to visit. It all just comes down to following your internal compass.
Miles, I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore....
When starting this RV adventure, we knew it wasn't just going to be a happy couple. We were going to have a pup with us. With one year behind us, it's time to look at Traveling with your Fur Baby in this installment of "Did It Work?".
When we first began, we had a lovable American Staffordshire Terrier named Maggie. She was with us on the Shakedown and first two trips before losing her to health issues. Looking back to our travels, as much as it would seem selfish that our location abilities would have been limited by her, it is a sad and uncomfortable truth. We've been spending a great deal of time in an area that discriminates against certain dog breeds colloquially referred to as "pit bulls", and her well-being and safety from local bureaucrats would have very much been in jeopardy. The nature of this breed makes matters even more difficult if you think about starting an adventure like this, because the dog becomes very attached to its first recognized "owner". As much as a new owner would be very happy to have this companion, along with a reciprocal feeling possibly being mutual, the dog will always long for its first.
Fast forward a bit, and in comes Miles to the picture. The original strategy was to crate train so we could workamp. Needless to say, he grew a bit too large for the crate, and there isn't exactly a good spot for a larger one, so he now enjoys close company while respecting our needs. He's still a relatively small breed, which not only makes finding places to stay very easy given a 25-pound limit that seems to come up often, but also allows for a little more room for our living needs. The carrying of food and water transferred very well, as he enjoys a good national brand that keeps him healthy. Being on his own is starting to get better as the separation anxiety doesn't seem to manifest.
If there's one thing where we've found quite the swing, it's vet visits. Once we made it to the first workamping site, we found a terrific vet that was not only more concerned about the true health of the pup, but was much more reasonable in price. Fast forward to the next spot that has many ranches around, and the service is even better. We know we aren't going to get that lucky everywhere we go, but at least transferring his records from place to place is a breeze. Changing environments can be rough on the pup, though. This is where you have to really pay attention to what sort of things go around the area, from minor illnesses to allergies. Work with the locals, and try to stock up on the "essentials" before moving on to the next place.
When following your internal compass, remember to re-orient and adapt if necessary. That includes with the fur babies.
After several months of workamping, it's time to dust off the cobwebs and hit the road again!
Yes, trip 10 is soon upon us. This one is going to come with a return trip, as the workamping contract still has a little time on it. However, since we're hooking up the home and heading out, it'll be an official trip. When do we depart? Where are we going? We can tell you that it's to the northwest, but as for specifics, you'll just have to tune in to find out.
Now comes the fun of trying to make the "lessons learned" work. Our workamping location has graciously been providing alternate quarters throughout the term to help on fuel costs, as well as some unforeseen maintenance circumstances. Although we've tried to maintain "RV-like" living standards, the transition may come with bumps. We know what worked and what needed improvement, so now is the time to put it all into action. As the days count down, so we prepare to make this happen.
So join us as we Follow our Internal Compass to where it takes us next.
Any road trip enthusiast who travels this country is drawn to a historic route. They want a route winding from Chicago to Santa Monica, even if only for a few of the 2000 miles.
United States Route 66, the Mother Road, is one of the most famous roadways in pop culture. Navigating through eight midwestern and western states, drivers and riders experience a nostalgic look at Main Street USA, small tourist attractions, and a reminder of a golden age of Americana. Route 66 has long since been decommissioned by the Federal government and replaced by the Interstate Highway system, most notably interstates 55, 44, and 40. However, many states have come to pick up the maintenance of this road, and recent signage allows the driver to know they are along what used to be this well known highway.
When driving between Oklahoma City and the northeastern border of the state, Route 66 remains a great way to avoid the tolls of the Will Rogers Turnpike. Most of the Mother Road in the state has been designated today as State Highway 66. Make a stop at the Blue Whale of Catoosa, situated along the highway just outside of Tulsa. First built by Hugh Davis and completed in 1972, the whale served as a small water park for travelers throughout his life. Although closed in the 90's after the owner died, this attraction has since been re-opened and is now maintained by the city of Catoosa. As you travel further northeast, there are many indications of the "Historic Route 66" breaking from the state highway. Some of these instances are for what is known as "sidewalk highways", barely wide enough for one lane and wouldn't conform to today's US highway standards. However, it may also be to bypass a populated city center, which might not want to be missed. As an example, consider taking the turn in Miami, passing under The Gateway on Main Street through the heart of the city.
Those who know the popular song about Route 66 may wonder why eight states was mentioned here, as opposed to the seven referenced either directly or by city name in the song. Many forget that the Mother Road passes through approximately ten miles in Kansas, especially since today's interstate highway alternative doesn't even touch this state. Today, the majority of this road has been reduced to a byway, but still has its classic route designation on the road itself, along with historic markers to help find the way. Hopping off Alternate US 69 allows the driver and riders to experience the Field of Dreams in Baxter Springs, and if traveling southwest, cross the Rainbow Bridge across the Brush Creek. This bridge has been reduced to one way travel with a two-lane alternative to the side, but remains on the National Register of Historic Places, and is a sight to see. Once back to the main highway, the state has designated highway 66 to take the traveler through Galena before reaching Missouri and the city of Joplin.
The next time your Internal Compass sends you west, get your kicks and follow it along the Mother Road of Route 66.
When RVing, one of the most important things, given the moniker of the "soul" of the adventure, is the traveling vehicle. That makes you able to get from place to place, it's your true mark of freedom. However, like everything else, it's important to keep the soul in check.
First thing is to make sure everything on the vehicle is in good working order. Many RVers are choosing to "live" in states that don't have mandatory annual vehicle inspections. Sure, it's nice you don't have to pay a bureaucrat to tell you your horn doesn't work, your window has too much tint, or the bumper has a tiny orange spot. That doesn't mean you can't take the time to check these sorts of things out for yourself. Figure out what's important both from a legal standpoint, as well as being able to get from point A to point B. You're likely already doing light checks on the trailer when you hook up, so check the truck as well. One of the best vehicle tools you can have is the OBD2 scanner, which gives you Check Engine light codes. Auto parts dealers sell them at a reasonable price, and though they'll try to convince you that you can just go to them to get it read at no cost, it's something that has been needed to be used in the middle of nowhere.
Preventive maintenance is something you may have been doing in the stationary life, and in the RV world, it's no different. Oil changes, air filters, tire rotations; the list goes on and on. Sometimes you're in a position where you can do these things yourself, and other times you may be in an area where it has to be done professionally. Tire pressure has become a bit of an interesting point. Many service stations have started charging for air, with one major midwestern brand, at the time of writing this, swapping out the "free" pumps for credit card operated ones. Some stations will offer it at no cost to the consumer. However, at the time of writing this, there is a brand of big box hardware store that is offering air at no cost to the customer. The RV can usually fit because contractors are always bringing trailers. The store also carries a number of consumable products you're likely to use, so if you feel obligated to buy something, that's usually a good choice.
So while you follow your internal compass, make sure you have the means to actually follow it. Keep that soul in check, and you'll be able to see all of this great country.
When first planning this adventure, internet connectivity was one of the big concerns, knowing we'd have to use it just about every day. Are we still using the same setups? Time to find out in this episode of "Did It Work?", as we look back on Internet Connectivity, including our electronics update.
After Trip 1, we figured out that we couldn't depend on campground internet whatsoever, so it was easy to choose to go to an unlimited data plan. The one point that worked for a little while, but has since not, was the wireless router. The only reason it didn't work out was cell phone compatibility, as instead of being able to use the router as the one connection, everything else connected to the router was seen as a separate connection. However, that didn't stop us, as we were able to use bluetooth for connectivity. Thankfully, the cell phone could accept multiple bluetooth internet connections despite only one for the wireless hotspot, so there's always a way around. Some things still have to use wireless, but those are few and far between, and we can get away with using only one at a time, so no harm done. Some connections are a little spotty so we have to travel a bit, but we can make do.
When it comes to devices, we ended up getting a small portable monitor for the wallet sized computer, because using the TV just wasn't working not only for position, but also shared use. The good news was that we found a monitor that runs on USB power, so plugging into the battery pack works wonders, not to mention it doesn't draw as much power as the traditional laptop. A little finagling in terms of screen size had to be done, but we make it work. It can also be used for saved media in a pinch. Laptops are still good to carry around and are put to good use, especially ones with ethernet ports to be able to set up a router when needed.
Always be ready to tweak when following your internal compass, even with electronics. Never fear, as once you figure it out, you're able to move forward with your great adventure.
Looking for some nice views? Feeling like an aspiring lepidopterist? Just want a place to kick back and relax? Oh, do we have the place for you.
Situated throughout Northern Arkansas, one of the National Park Service's offerings is the Buffalo National River. This river spans over 100 miles throughout Arkansas, and is able to be visited by the public without a general entrance fee. Information stations and general camping areas are found at three locations along the river. Visitors to the upper portion of the river may head to Ponca and the Steel Creek station. Some from the eastern portions will head between Yellville and Harriet to the Buffalo Point station. Most visitors traveling along Highway 65 between Marshall and Harrison to the Tyler Bend Visitor Center. Each of these points offer camping opportunities, along with day visits.
Prior to becoming protected by the National Park Service in 1964, the Buffalo National River area was once the site of several limestone quarries. Evidence of this is still seen today, as the river flows along many large cliffs and bluffs of limestone and other sedimentary rocks within a fairly deep valley, as motorists will want to beware the steep grades. If you happen to be at Buffalo Point, head down the hill to the rocky beach formed from the sediments that once graced this area to access the water. Perhaps take a tour offered by one of the private guides conducting business nearby. If you're lucky, you may see a cliff diver or two that stop by from boating along the river.
If staying on the land is more of your cup of tea, never fear, for there are plenty of options around. Hiking trails range across the Buffalo National River area at many levels of difficulty, and offer amazing views overlooking the river, along with the ability to view several different species of butterflies. On some trails, you may be able to find and explore caves and waterfalls created from the surface water flowing into the rock, with the underground streams flowing into the river. Perhaps you want to saddle up and take some of the trails by horseback. The Ponca area, along with several other points along the river, will give you this opportunity.
So the next time you're following your internal compass in Arkansas, perhaps it will take you to the Buffalo National River. It may just be somewhere to visit several times while in the area.
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