Sunday's Adventure

This day did not go like any of our plans were written.  This was one of those adventures you really don’t want to have, but you know us.  We like to get the most out of every trip.

This story really begins on Saturday afternoon.  Just as we were getting off the interstate and pulling into Wal-Mart the “check oil” light started to blink.  That’s never a good sign, but at least we were where we were going for the day.  We parked and Gene let the engine cool down a little before checking the oil.  We had all kinds of oil--it was up to the high mark on the dip stick.  Then he started the engine and, behold, no “check oil” light and everything looked good.  As a precaution, however, just in case there was a leak, he bought another quart of oil at Wal-Mart to go with the spare we always have.

This morning, we pulled out of Wal-Mart and into the Shell station for gas--filled up the motor home and the car. Ouch.  More on that later.

We had decided to only drive about 60 miles toward Great Sand Dunes today.  Their weather forecast was not that good so we thought we’d just get a little closer and stay at a campground with full hook-ups to wait for the weather to improve.

We got on the interstate (I-25) northbound and drove 8 miles up to the next rest area.  There we called to be sure the campground we had selected was open.  Back on the interstate, we drove about 10 more miles when the “check oil” light came on and the oil pressure gauge showed low.  That’s never a good sign.  Gene immediately pulled over onto the shoulder.  After waiting a few minutes for the oil to settle, he checked the oil.  Still full.

Gene called the Ford Motor Home hotline and after a few dropped calls and a lengthy conversation, they sent out a tow truck.  We sat on the side of the interstate for perhaps an hour all together.  During that time, two state police officers stopped to investigate about 15 minutes apart.  Satisfied that it truly was an emergency and that we had things under control, they encouraged us to call if we needed anything and they returned to their job of keeping Colorado safe.

Unlike that time in Connecticut when we had a flat on the Everest 5th wheel and the emergency service sent out a mini van driven by a 12 year old equipped with a tire iron, this time we got a real tow truck and a driver/mechanic who knew what he was doing.  Although it was a sad sight, he had us hitched up in no time.  Then when he dropped us off at the campground, he help us get level.  That’s great service.  I don’t recommend needing a tow, but if you ever do and you’re in southern Colorado, Kelly is the one to call.

Wish I’d thought to make a picture of our drive shaft being disconnected.  That’s never a good sign.  Anyway, I didn’t, but that may be the story for tomorrow--where in the world is the drive shaft.  Last we saw it was in the tow truck and who knows which truck will come for us tomorrow.  We have notes stuck all over the motor home reminding us to ask about the drive shaft.

At this point, we really don’t know what the problem is.  After talking with the Ford service tech, they apparently think it’s some sort of warranty issue.  That’s good news, cause now Ford is happy to pay for the towing and the repairs.  Since we’re probably going to have to be towed to Pueblo, which isn’t just around the corner, we’re happy for Ford to pay the bill, too.

For today, Kelly Towing Service towed the motor home back to Trinidad and we’re in not so fine a campground behind the Budget Summit Inn.  It’ll do.  We have a great view of the snow-capped mountains and full hook-ups.  And Ford’s probably gonna pay the bill for here, too.

I’m sure you’ll agree--life doesn’t get much better.  Or maybe this is one of those “box of chocolate” moments.

Black Mesa, Oklahoma's High Point

Friday was our day for another high point adventure. Reaching Oklahoma’s highest point required a real hike of 8.4 miles round trip.  We haven’t hiked in a while so expected it to be more difficult than it really was.

Summit marker

We got an early start--leaving about 7:30.  On our way out of the park we saw our first wildlife of the day--10 mule deer.  About halfway to the trailhead we saw a group of four antelope.

Black Mesa in the distance

At the trailhead, we got suited up, or at least that’s the way it seemed.  The cool temperatures required a jacket and Gene even had on his gloves.  We also put on gaiters as a precaution against snake bite.  Dressed for whatever might befall us, we headed out.  The trail follows an old jeep road for the first couple miles.  It was wide and easy to follow.  However, there were numerous paths crisscrossing the area so the green arrows pointing the way were helpful. The day started out cool, but warmed up quickly.  We shed our jackets within the first mile of the hike.

The trail was an old jeep road most of the way

At every mile mark there was a bench.  The benches were nice for resting, but we especially liked having a mile mark to keep track of our progress.

After about 2.5 miles we began our climb to the top of the mesa.  We passed the 3-mile bench along the way which offered a great view of the valley below.  Once we gained the top it was smooth sailing for the last mile to the summit.

A monument of Oklahoma Indian granite stands at the summit.  Pictures were made, of course, and I signed the summit register.  At the summit, we were only 4.7 miles from the Colorado state line and a mere 1299 feet from New Mexico.  After a short break, we headed down.

Trail to the top of the mesa

It’s always exciting to go to a state high point and today was no exception.  However, I think the highlight of the hike was the ten antelope which dashed across the mesa about 50 yards in front of us as we were approaching the high point.  They were beautiful and we had the privilege of witnessing the event.  Of course, they were moving far too fast for me to get the camera out of the case, focus and get a shot, so I just stood there spellbound and watched as they turned and headed out of view.

Mile 1 bench

Actually, it was an easy hike.  Pretty flat for the first 2.5 miles, then the climb of 632 feet up to the top of the mesa, then a mile across the top which was ever so slightly uphill.  The trip back to the car, of course, was all down hill.  However, it was a busy hike with dodging cow piles in the middle of the trail and watching for rattlesnakes.  From a distance I kept mistaking dried up cow dung for coiled snakes.  I didn’t learn until afterwards that I should have also been on the lookout for mountain lions and bear.

We completed the hike and were back at the car in just over 4 hours.  We were real pleased with that, all things considered.  After showers, it felt so good to sit down and prop the old, sore feet up.

Once again, it was a very windy day here.  We have decided to leave in the morning.  Hopefully, Colorado won’t be quite so bad.

Wildlife count for the day:  15 antelope, 10 deer, 4 rabbits, and a lizard.  Thankfully, we didn’t see a rattlesnake.

That’s it for Friday.  Thanks for tagging along.

Oklahoma State Capitol

We managed to get so far out away from civilization yesterday that we didn’t have a cell signal.  No cell signal, no MiFi, no post.  Now, I’m really behind.  I’ll start the catch up process with our visit to the state capitol.

We went on Monday after visiting the Oklahoma City Memorial.  It was a cold, windy day so we didn’t walk around the capitol grounds.  It was a huge, grassy campus away from the downtown area.  It was even called “Capitol Park”.

The building is neo-classical style which we see so often in capitol buildings.  Construction was completed in 1917.  Well, almost completed.  They ran out of money before getting to the dome.  They didn’t get around to adding that until 2002.

They offer guided tours every hour during the day except noon.  Since we arrived about 11:30 we didn’t want to wait around until 1 PM for the next tour.  We went on our own with the help of a self-guided tour book.

We began on the 5th floor and worked our way down stopping in at both the Senate and House chambers, admiring the art work throughout the building, viewing the new dome, and resting a spell in the Supreme Court.

We completed our tour in about 90 minutes then headed home.  I had enough time to get the laundry done before we were to meet at Mike and Peggy’s.  Peggy prepared a delicious dinner for us ad we enjoyed our last night in Oklahoma City with our friends.

This trip has gotten us in its grip and we were anxious to get moving again.  We packed up and pulled out of Oklahoma City Tuesday morning.  Our first stop, of course, was at a gas station.  Monday, we noticed 7-Eleven had gas for 3.39.  It was just a couple blocks from our campground so we went there.  Over night the price had increased to 3.53.  We were there, so we got gas anyway.  As it turned out, Flying J, which had been 3.43 the day before was now 3.55 (diesel cash price was 3.93).  We still saved 12 cents per gallon at 7-Eleven.

We stopped at Washita Battlefield and then camped at Black Kettle Recreation Area on Tuesday.  That story tomorrow.

I was caught off guard with no cell signal.  This may happen more often.  If there’s no post, you’ll know there’s no signal.  Never fear; I will return.

Gene wants to add a final paragraph to today’s post, so here he is.....

First, let me say Mike Evringham is one fine fellow.  Mike checked out my house battery and eliminated some things from what drew it down of our last boondock.  It is in good shape too and was apparently undamaged by the event.

Second, Mike worked on plumbing.  My water heater was weeping a bunch of water.  He found the thermostat was not flush (no pun intended) against the side of the tank, and therefore the thermostat could not sense the heat and kept asking for more.  He reinstalled the thermostat and all seems well. I even learned how to do that.

And more.  In our looking about we found the converter.  Ok, Mike told me where to look.  And it is a 55 amp, not a 10 amp like I had thought.  My coach alternator is 125 amp.  I ought to be able to recharge a house battery!

So I am quite thankful Mike took the time to look into my problems and teach me a couple things.

That’s it for today.  Thanks for tagging along.

Oklahoma City National Memorial

Despite the wind that would just about blow you over this morning, we bundled up against the cold and headed over to the Oklahoma City National Memorial.  This memorial honors those lives which were changed when a bomb exploded outside the Alfred P Murrah Federal Building April 19, 1995.

Gates of Time

The memorial is located at the site of the Federal Building.  The Field of Empty Chairs is where the Federal Building once stood and the Reflecting Pool was once Fifth Street, where the rental truck containing the bomb was parked.

One hundred sixty-eight people lost their lives that day, nineteen of them children.  Like 9/11, most of us remember the shock we felt when we heard the news of this devastating event.  Today, touring the memorial, those memories came rushing back.

Field of Empty Chairs

We also toured the State Capitol Building today, but I think as a dedication to those killed and injured in the Oklahoma City bombing, I’ll just post the photos of the memorial and save the capitol building story for another day.

Murrah Plaza

A few words from yours truly,

First, let me say Mike Evringham is one fine fellow.  Mike checked out my house battery and eliminated some things from what drew it down of our last boondock.  It is in good shape too and was apparently undamaged by the event.

Second, Mike worked on plumbing.  My water heater was weeping a bunch of water.  He found the thermostat was not flush (no pun intended) against the side of the tank, and therefore the thermostat could not sense the heat and kept asking for more.  He reinstalled the thermostat and all seems well. I even learned how to do that.

And more.  In our looking about we found the converter.  Ok, Mike told me where to look.  And it is a 55 amp, not a 10 amp like I had thought.  My coach alternator is 125 amp.  I ought to be able to recharge a house battery!

So I am quite thankful Mike took the time to look into my problems and teach me a couple things.

Bricktown Canal Walk

Well, the wind has picked up here in Oklahoma and it has our little home rockin’ and rollin’.  Our slide-out awning was flapping so much I put the slides in this morning.   According to the weather forecast, it’s supposed to be worse tomorrow.  We had the windows open for a short while yesterday and again this morning and now I have a thin layer of dust on everything. Closed up everything and turned on the AC.

Upon the recommendation of a couple of our readers, this afternoon we went to check out the canal walk in the Bricktown area.  Bricktown is the old warehouse district which has undergone a tremendous facelift over the past several years.  It has been renovated and revitalized and is now one of the city’s hotspots.  It reminds me of the San Antonio River Walk.  The mile-long stretch of canal is bordered on each side by sidewalks lined with restaurants, some shopping, a movie theater, and the Bricktown Ballpark.

For a treat and a chance to rest a few minutes about halfway through our walk, we stopped in at the Peachwave Self-Serve Yogurt place.  There were about 20 flavors to choose from and since it was self serve you could mix and match which ever flavors and however much you wanted.  There was also a large selection of toppings.  At the cash register you put your cup of yogurt and paid by weight--39 cents per ounce.

At one end of the canal were several large sculptures depicting the Oklahoma Land Run.  I don’t know much about this event, but my understanding is that some 2 million acres of prime public land was opened up for settlement.  Anyone interested in homesteading a portion of that land could do so and, if improvements were made to the land within a certain amount of time, then the settler would own that land.  Well, naturally, that sounded like a really good deal to a whole lot of people.  Anyone interested was to gather at noon on the set date.  Then, I guess, it was just a free for all.  Whoever got to a spot they wanted could stake their claim.

The canal walk was nice.  We enjoyed it and we are always uplifted to see older and less popular sections of towns revitalized.

Yogurt Machines

Besides our walk, we also got a few chores done this afternoon and even had a few minutes to visit with Mike and Peggy.

That’s my story for today.  Thanks for tagging along.

Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum

We had a very enjoyable day with Mike and Peggy.  Our destination was the Cowboy Museum.  Lucky for us, this was the first weekend of the month and Bank of America sponsors free weekends at many museums around the country.  All you have to do for free admission is provide proof of a Bank of America account and ID.  In Oklahoma City there are two museums on the Bank of America list--the Cowboy Museum and the Art Museum.  For the Cowboy Museum we saved $25.  Sweet!!

Coming Through The Rye

We were not disappointed in our choice.  Even I enjoyed our day and Gene was in heaven.  There were exhibits on every aspect of the American West, especially the cowboys, both real and fictional.

Bill Cody

Gene was so excited about the cowboys that I remembered seeing a couple pictures of him as a child dressed up in his little cowboy outfit.  I couldn’t find the main one I was looking for, but found several others.  One thing quickly became very clear--he got something cowboy every Christmas.

How can there be anything else for today.  Thanks for tagging along.

Arrived in Oklahoma City

We had the windshield wipers on as we got underway this morning, but the rain didn’t last long.  The clouds moved out and we had sunshine for most of our drive west from Fort Smith to Oklahoma City.

The road surface on I-40 gets a mixed review today.  Much of the drive was on new pavement--very nice.  However, there were two areas of construction where the west bound lanes got to share the east bound lanes.  The traffic moved along at about 55 mph, so there were really no delays.  Much of the road, at least west bound, needs work.  There were several areas that were very rough and it was especially bad through Oklahoma City.

We arrived at Rockwell RV Park about 2:30 and got settled into our site.  This is the first “full service” park we’ve been to in a long time.  We have it all--water, electric, sewer, cable, and free WiFi.  There is also a heated indoor pool and a laundry facility.  The interior roads are paved, but everything else is gravel--what’s not road is covered with gravel.  The RV Park is very close to I-40, but from our site we don’t notice the traffic noise too much.

Our friends from Maine (Maineiacs in Motion), Mike and Peggy, whom we first met in St. Augustine last winter, pulled into the park about an hour later.  We had an uneventful travel day; they did not.  It’s his story to tell and I’m sure he’s busy writing it right now with all the details.  I’m just going to say it was a miracle his motor home didn’t get hit, or his car didn’t hit anyone else, or that they weren’t on the interstate driving 60 mph when his tow bar broke loose from his car.

The front end of Mike's car

We were very glad to see them and have been looking forward to this visit.  Of course, it’s has taken quite a bit of alcohol to get Mike’s nerves under control.  After a couple hours of conversation at our home, we moved over to one of the chain restaurants on the other side of the interstate from the RV Park for dinner.  We hope to do a little sightseeing with them.  Their priority right now, of course, is to get their car towable again.  We’ll see what kind of schedule evolves.

Piece he is carrying in his car

We’re going to be here for at least 4 days.  We have several things we want to see/do including the capitol building, the National Memorial, and the Cowboy Museum. I bet we go to the Cowboy Museum tomorrow.

I think that’s it for today.  Thanks for tagging along.