Across 3 rivers - Missouri, Mississippi, and Illinois

Left R U Lost campground in eastern Nebraska and crossed the Missouri River. Drove through Missouri, crossed the Mississippi, and then into Illinois and Indiana, crossing the Illinois River. 

Up to now, we had good roads, but Illinois roads were very rough. This means lots of noise within the coach and shifting of items if they aren’t secure. Since we e been this way several other times with the same rough roads, we have learned what needs to be secure. 

Banjo didn’t seem to notice the bumpy roads or maybe they lulled him to sleep. 

We’ve been lucky finding good campgrounds this trip. As Linda Zubler know, this doesn’t always happen.  We pulled in to Charlarose Lake Campground near Crawfordsville, IN. This was another small town but the campground was nice with lots of open space. 

When we checked in, the owners told us about a storm that was headed our way and if the winds got too bad, they had a building made of concrete that we could go into for shelter. YIKES!  Was that supposed to be reassuring?   

Luckily we were able to set up before the rain started. This was the first rain we had seen since we left in late June. 

Since the storm just brought rain, we were able to stay in the RV. Dinner was tomatoes and cucumber salad and corn, veggies we got at R U Lost campground. 

Tomorrow we will either make it home or stop at Lou and Denise’s for the night. 

Eastward to Nehama, NE

Nebraska is a LONG state but we made it from western to the very east of Nebraska. Crossed the mighty Missouri. The highway still showed evidence of the flood they had last May 2019. 

Found a nice campground called RU Lost. Only 7 spaces but it’s somewhat out of the way so there was a spot for us for only $20 and free veggies. This was definitely a good find. 

Humidity hit us for the first time in 2 months. Definitely didn’t miss it. 

Tried okra for the first time. 

Campground had lights all through her garden. Beautiful at night. 

Monday, headed eastward again. Will get somewhere in Indiana today. 

Exploring Scott’s Bluff

After traveling west several times and saying that we wanted to stop in Scott’s Bluff one day, we finally did it. We stayed in a little town south because it was the weekend and we had not made any reservations in Scott’s Bluff. 

Up early to try to beat some of the heat, we arrived at the Scotts Bluff National Monument about 8 am. We decided to take the Saddle Rock trail up to the top. This is the start of the trail. Then it winds its way up the bluffs and zigzags back and forth with a tunnel through the rock. 

At the top, we could see such a long way. 

At the Visitor’s Center, there were Conestoga wagons along the Oregon Trail to give us an idea of what it must have been like to be a pioneer traveling. 

A look inside ... there isn’t much room. I don’t think the things we hauled from home to Drew and Erin’s would have fit. 

Next we drove through the town. And found a quilt shop, a bakery and a brewery. Had to visit all three. The brewery had the best pizza we’ve ever had. 

Next it was on to Chimney Rock. Chimney Rock was an important landmark for overland westward migration. Imagine what the pioneers experienced when they saw the most famous landmark on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails.  

There was a cemetery at Chimney Rock to remind us of how many people died along the trail. 


As we were making our way back to where our RV was, we decided to drive to one of the Pony Express stations. This was a trading post for the pioneers. Pretty bleak shopping if you ask me!!


Getting to this trading post took us on a dirt road for miles and miles. We ended up in Wyoming. We didn’t have any cell service so we were on our own for directions. 

There were fields and fields of sunflowers as we were headed back to our campground. 

Tomorrow, we’ll head more eastward again. 

On the road East

Decided to take Route 50 across most of Nevada. Beautiful drive. It’s designated as the loneliest highway in the US. I can see what it’s so desolate. 

Towns were few and far between. Drove into Eureka, NV. Decided to stay here in the Silver Sky RV Lodge. The word lodge is a little misleading!  It’s gravel parking but full hookups. Lots of full-time campers here because right now gold mining is a huge business here. 

Here are two of the some town buildings. 

Thursday

Still on Route 50. Even though it’s only two lanes, it’s straight and not much traffic. 

Looks like an abandoned school in the middle of nowhere. 

Interesting mining area. 

As we were rolling down the road, there was a police car coming towards us in our lane!  Bill slowed to a stop and the officer did, too. Told us there was a wide load coming. Sure was wide!

Since we left CA, we kept seeing signs for the Pony Express auto tour. Stopped at a rest stop that told us the story of the Pony Express. 

In 1845, it took 6 months to get messages from the east coast to California. In January of 1860, the Pony Express began. Since horses could only run at a gallop for about 8-10 miles, they had to have relay stations across the US. However the Pony Express only lasted 18 months because the completion of the first Transcontinental Telegraph. 

A very interesting rest stop. 

Staying at Fort Bridger, Wyoming, tonight and then head north to Scott’s Bluff in western Nebraska. 

Last day in Tahoe.

We decided to take a hike on the Tahoe Rim Trail where the backpackers started. Bill wanted me to see some of what they hiked. It was a gorgeous, rugged trail along Echo Lake. 

Time to pick up the backpackers

Today the boys and we’re all alone. We hiked about 3 miles and then relaxed on the Pope beach until it was time to pick up Bill Shan and Carl at the Glen Alpine Trailhead. 

Such a relaxing place to spend a couple hours. The water is isolated clear and a beautiful blue color. 

The road back to the trailhead was only 7 miles BUT it takes 30 minutes to get there. It’s a narrow, bumpy road with lots of houses and or cabins along the way. Crazy where people build around here. 

Since we got to the trailhead early, Lenny, Banjo and I decided to walk up the trail for about a mile or so. A couple pics along the way. Very rugged. 

And here they are. They were right on time. We packed their backpacks in the car and headed for the South Lake Brewery. They were hungry for some real food and beer!

After a great dinner, we had to say our tearful goodbyes. Good memories that we can talk about for a long time.

Bill will post pics about their backpacking trip later. 

Around South Lake Tahoe with Erin, Drew and Eim

After the backpackers left, we went for a hike to the Upper Truckee River. we all  played in the water a little. It was so clean and clear. 

Decided to take a drive to Truckee for some ice cream and beer. What a combo. 

On the way back we stopped at the Tallac Historic site that is on Lake Tahoe. It was a well known resort in the late 1800s. They’ve preserved a lot of the buildings. Unfortunately, the museum wasn’t  open but we enjoyed sitting on the sand by the water and watching the boats on Lake Tahoe. 

Came back to camp and had salmon foil packets, a fire and s’mores. 

Since we enjoyed Tallac Historic site so much and because we could have dogs on the beach we went back. This time we were a little more prepared with blankets, chairs,  and Phase 10. What fun!  

Erin purchased corgi fabric to make masks so she and I spent some time cutting and sewing. Made my day!

And here’s the finished product. 

So cute. 

But they had to head home to work tomorrow. Yes rears were shed but we have had such a great time, the memories will help till we can see them again.