Roswell, NM - March 25

Rolling across the panhandle of Texas, landscape didn’t change too much from Oklahoma.  

Before Interstates and I-40, was Route 66 which is now part of I- 40. It’s a faster route, but you miss all the interesting little towns. Now, in some states it’s just a sign along the Interstate. 

You know you’re still in Texas when you see a sign like this 

Also lots of windmills along the way

Finally we were in New Mexico, one of my favorite states and off the Interstate. Saw this sin that made us happy.. .

Lots of graineries and cattle feed lots along this route. 

From a distance, the granaries look like skyscrapers. 

Made it to the UFO capital, Roswell, NM. A sprawling town of old and new. We spent our time in the old part looking for aliens. 

Just like there is a Punxsutawney Phill on every street, there is  an alien in Roswell. 

Even the street lights were aliens. 

Murals around town






More on Roswell and Bill’s birthday in another post. 

Flying W Guest Ranch - March 24

And the adventure continues as we leave Arkansas and head for Oklahoma. We continued on I-40, which was Route 66 before the Interstates were built. 

We drove through Native American lands throughout Oklahoma. Lots of open, flat, dry land with straight roads. Wondering how these people live. 

We drove around Oklahoma City, a huge city for out west. It even has skyscrapers. 

Getting close to our destination for the night ... we thought. Unfortunately, our RV’s GPS directed us south instead of north. It even had us driving on dirt roads, but they were straight!

When we realized (or hoped) we weren’t at the right place, we called our hosts for directions. Burl asked if we were using our car’s GPS. We said YES.  He said to use our phone because the car GPS sends people to the wrong place. Maybe he should have mentioned that on their website!  45 minutes later we came to the Flying W Guest Ranch. We even had hookups. Even though the guest ranch isn’t what it was a year ago, we had a very peaceful, relaxing stay. We even had guard dogs who came to greet us and play with Lenny. They were friendly but scared of little 3.5 Banjo!

This was our view from the camper. 

An early sunrise picture 

Now we are off to find aliens in Roswell, New Mexico. 

Aux Arc - March 23

Headed south to Arkansas. The trees are budding. The red buds are especially colorful. 

We’ve crossed the Mississippi several times but the breadth of the River always amazes me. 

Our stay for the night is a Core of Engineers campground- Aux Arc, on a hydro dam. Large lots, right along the man-made lake AND only $10 a night - SCORE. 

Tomorrow on to Oklahoma. 

Beachaven Winery - March 22

Travelled from Virginia and halfway across Tennessee to a Harvest Host location, Beachaven Vineyard and Winery. After the pups had a little relief time, we each had no a flight of our chosen wines outside. Temps are in the 60s which is much warmer than last night’s 32 degrees. First time in months I had my toes exposed. Loved it!

If you’re in the Clarksville, TN area, stop in for a relaxing visit with great wines. 

Draper Mercantile- March 21

We drove to Draper, VA, to Draper Mercantile where we boondocked for the night. We are members of Harvest Hosts, a group of 1,400 business who allow campers to park. This is our second time to stay here. It’s a small, peaceful place with access to the New River Rail Trail. 

Lenny and Banjo were very happy to stretch their legs while sniffling all along the trail. 

Here we go again!

The camper is packed and ready to roll - but wait! The camper toilet broke on Saturday, one day before we were leaving. After a lot of calls to RV places, we found Ainsley RV had one for sale and would be open till 2pm. So while Bill and Jim and Jane Welshans watched the 2021 Wrestling Nationals, I jumped in the car and headed to Hollidaysburg to pick it up. Thank heavens for Jeff Byers, PSU wrestling announcer gave great play by play on the radio 

A couple hours later, Bill had the toilet installed and we all watched the 4 PSU finalists win their respective Championships. What a great weekend of wrestling. So glad the Welshans were with us. Banjo was so happy to have company.

Last walk around the park

Tomorrow (Tuesday) we’ll head north. But for now, we’ll take in more of the warmer weather. 

Pics from our last hike around the park. It was a cloudy day in the morning, then cleared up later in the day 

Thought this was interesting as we walked through the nature trail. Need to remember to ask Linda if they have these birds and whether they drill holes in a straight line. 





This is a live oak tree. Learned that the salt from the sea and the wind make these trees and other trees and bushes bend along the beach. 


Biked one last time into South Myrtle Beach. Nice bike lanes. Then a last fire before heading north.