We have now been on the road, heading north, for 17 years. Yes, I'm kidding; it has only been 14 years. OK, it only feels like it. We left home one week ago today. About 1,600 miles. Two of those days were non-traveling days. We have tried to be off the road by 3:00 on the travel days; earlier is OK by me, too. Today was about 270 miles, and it didn't get above 75º most of the way; drove through a couple rain storms, one of which dropped the temperature to 59ª... I don't recall the last time we saw 59º.
Our route today took us through northwestern Nebraska and into South Dakota. People think of Nebraska as being flat, but this part of the state has some significant hills, and our elevation topped out around 4,300 feet...
Before getting out of Nebraska, we came to more road construction. It was right after driving through a significant rain storm. Then, a sign that said: Dusty Conditions Ahead. Of course. It wasn't just "dusty," it was ground up concrete dust from them milling the road...
You can see the difference in our side of the road compared to the lane coming at us. It's going to take some scrubbing to get that kinda "dust" off the coach, car, and trailer. We stopped for gas along the way and paid the highest this trip: $2.99. Rolling into South Dakota, the prices seemed pretty fixed at $3.09. Our first views of the Black Hills, with some rain shafts...
We rolled into Hart Ranch mid-afternoon; while I went to the front desk to get us checked in, Joan got the tow stuff disconnected. We drove to our site - we have a system: Joan pulled in first with the cargo trailer, we unhooked that, moved the car, then parked the motorhome. That puts the cargo trailer with the ramp door facing the street, so we can come and go easy with our scoots.
After being in travel mode, it takes a while to get set up to be in one place for a while. The motorhome is set up, all utilities connected, windshield cover installed, then on to the cargo trailer... scoots unstrapped and rolled out, chocks removed, stuff rearranged, scoots back into their "portable garage." E-bike and e-scooter out and put together. Patio stuff set out and arranged.
Then, into the motorhome to get the inside set up. Yep, it takes a lot of work to have this kinda fun. ;-) I did take each of the scoots around the block to make sure they made the ride OK - all good. Too much to get done for any more of a ride than that today. Just feels good to be here.
Rufus got to be outside for a bit... until the neighbor dog (about the same size) came charging from under their motorhome to bark and growl at Rufus. The dog was on a long leash, so Ruf just looked at it until the lady came out to holler at her dog. I told her, "He's a friendly cat, as long as dogs don't get aggressive." Just letting her know that her yappy dog could wind up with his nose ripped open if it comes this way again. Ruf was just happy to be outside in the grass by our patio.
It got to about 78º while we were getting set up... really nice. The high temperatures that are baking the western states will make its way here in a couple days. Sure glad Mother Nature let us get moved in during this lovely weather.
After traveling for the past week, we'll need to do the same thing we'd do at home: grocery shopping and laundry. But, not today. After getting all that done today, we'll cool our heels this evening.
5 comments:
We’re in Vancouver, WA where it is a blistering 110 degrees today. We really wanted to hit the hotel pool, but COVID restrictions in this blue state means that a guest room can reserve a single pool hour per day - no sharing [roll eyes] - and today is booked up. Dinner with old friends tonight, then visiting with Hawaiian friends who are moving back to the islands next month. It should be down to only 88 degrees by the time of our kanikapila (jam) Wednesday evening at their house.
Glad to hear that you made it safely. Looks like a wonderful setting.
Thanks, Earl. Yes, Hart Ranch is the RV resort that we compare all others to. I was thinking about you two when I saw the national weather report yesterday - that part of the country isn't used to that kind of heat. Hope you're able to stay comfortable. Have fun with the playing on Weds.
Alert!! Break into a conversation here!!! So made bold by coveting Cap's and the Blonde's toy buys over the years, I have a white Lectric Gen II step through folding eBike on the way. My hand shook as sent the payment. Thanks for being my mentor on Boy's Toys. Bob Jarrard
Congrats, Bob! I think you will enjoy the e-bike. Everyone I've visited with who bought an e-bike is a happy convert. And a folder just means you can take it with you almost anywhere. I look forward to hearing all about it when you get it!
112° Tuesday, but only 98° Wednesday evening in Vancouver, WA. We saw up to 116° driving through Pendleton, OR on the way over. It was a wonderful cloudy 66° this morning on the river walk before we got on the road for the day. Got back to Boise a couple of hours ago to find 108° here and #5 in an ongoing string of triple digit days. Triple digits isn't terribly unusual for Boise (we are on the edge of the desert not far from the northern border of Nevada) but usually we're barely at or just above 100 - not days of 110°.
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