Feels Great to be in Familiar Territory

Familiar Territory is so soothing

P&J's Diary published weekly since 2001

Read a varied version of this Diary Here

Newsy Portion of Issue 45
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Hi All: It feels so great to be back in familiar territory. We have been to the Rio Grande Valley in south Texas for part of a winter about 15 of our 22 years on the move. We have not settled into our favourite western portion since 1999 when we spent a winter in Pharr. Well this year we are in Alamo and we’re loving it. Our first visit in 1986, the Valley was so laid back and quiet but we spent a month over Christmas visiting places from Brownsville to McAllen before we ventured into Mexico for several months. This was long before their major very progressive complex interstates evolved and all the major box stores moved in.

I think there must be a dozen Wal*Mart Supercenters in this central area. It is all here. We are finding the entire area manicured, neat and clean but it has still not lost its quaint almost Mexican flavour. High-end, full facility RV parks are abundant – it is obvious RVers are welcome. There is much more traffic than in the past and it is still in the quiet part of the season. Come February it may be overwhelming. However November weather is so perfect in the 80’s but dry so we only need our A/C for about 2 hours in the afternoon. Yes we know this area can get cold around Christmas and into Jan but it is perfect now. In a word it feels so good to be back.
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OUR WEEK IN REVIEW – AND MAINTENANCE UPDATE

SUNDAY was a catch-up computer ‘stuff’ and clean-up the ‘job-jar’ day. But MONDAY we were off running to McAllen. The park we were at for a week was about 20 miles from town so we stored up all errands for a long full day jaunt –TUESDAY we again settled into the park to unwind.

WEDNESDAY we left the huge and very empty Coast-to-Coast Park at LAZY PALMS RANCH near Edinburg, Texas. (see details last post) Our first stop was at Camping World in Mission. We had hoped that they would inspect our propane tank to verify it was OK but that was not in their realm of service. However during our repair at Cummins Mid-South, 24 October, the tech had forgotten to replace our Battery Disconnect he removed during the coolant hose repair. Without it our engine batteries will go dead over a long no-driving period, like we’ll be doing this winter. Camping World installed a new Disconnect. Good news, after a previous short phone call to Cummins Mid-South, Sikeston MO (N of Dallas) 573-472-0303 they compensated us for this complete service call. Those in need of service for their Cummins engine in this area - highlight this compassionate company – they are a dream to deal with. Our original emergency service call invoice was extremely low and now without Q they followed up by paying the complete Battery Disconnect install. Thanks guys for caring.

After we left Camping World we checked into CASA DEL VALLE RV RESORT 1-956-783-5008 until 7 December (using a $149.00 coupon). What an impressive park – it offers every conceivable amenity but we have been so busy we are only partaking in a few activities. Because we wanted to look around for a park that appealed specifically to us this winter we didn’t advance book at any place. Since this park has no space left from Jan to March, we thought this might be a sign of how busy the Valley has become. Thankfully over the next few days we discovered that many parks are still NOT full for the winter. If your plans are not set you can probably still winter into the Rio Grande.

Our site at Casa del Valle is a double wide paved empty mobile home site and it is so good for Katie. Grass in Texas at this time of year is loaded with tiny ‘stickers or burrs’ so it is very difficult for pets to walk in it. Soooo Katie uses our patio to potty and we simply hose it off each day. Works better than hearing her cry when we have to remove stickers each time she goes out. All roads are paved so pet walks isn’t a problem.
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OUR NEW HDTV

WEDNESDAY we also went shopping for a new HDTV. Not by choice but as a necessity, simply because ours gave up the ghost. Watching TV through a maze of lines made TV programs impossible to see. The learning curve of understanding HDTV for our non-technical minds was a major challenge. Plus we planned to update for a larger model but it was not possible without major modifications to the cabinets in our MH. So we found a new 19” Polaroid model from Wal*Mart fits the frame perfectly. When it wouldn’t work after install, a phone call to tech support walked us through the steps.

Removing the old TV was a major challenge. This coach could have disintegrated into a maze of 1” pieces and the TV would still have been in the frame. It took both of us about 4 hours to remove the six 2” bolts and associated hardware before it would come out. By staying in the same size level the new one sits in the frame and by adding eye hooks into the mounting plate holes, we can bungie the HDTV to the previous mega frame. Some heavy-duty plastic straps should easily keep the stand in place. Picture is good but should be better when we get a HD Exp Vu Receiver next April. As Cdns know it is not possible to obtain Express Vu service on this side of the border.
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WE FOUND A WINTER HOME- YEA

On FRIDAY we began a search for a Winter Home. ALAMO PALMS (956-787-7571/800-780-7571) was high on our list but after discovering Casa del Valle was full, we feared all parks just might be booked Jan - Mar. Thankfully that was not the case. Work campers Peggy and Gordon gave us a guided golf cart tour throughout the park and their amenities. We were able to pick out a site with shady afternoons – ours even has two large cactus plants facing our door way plus a long patio that makes it better for Katie. This park features pool (billiard) activity big time and each week they play at other Valley parks in a tournament. John thrives on playing pool, plus he is good at it. It’s been several years since he has been able to be in such a league. Of course like all parks this one offers numerous activities within two large Club Houses.

There is plenty that appeals to me, when I do take a computer break that is. Sites are smaller than some parks and the swimming pool is as well but every other aspect is 5+star. It even offers Free cable and Free WiFi - depending on the level of service I may put my Internet Dish on vacation. I love the security of my own system so we will see how it comes out. We can also book one month at a time – unless someone wants our specific site, we will not have to pay up front for the winter.
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FINAL THOUGHTS

As I already relayed, it feels real sooooo great to be here. Travel safe everyone and to those staying north for the winter we sure hope it is a gentle one. Till next week P&J

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Issue 44 - Tips and Hints Of The Rio Grande Valley Post

Diary published weekly since 2001

TIPS THIS WEEK …

from The ‘EASY LIVING HINTS’ Section of my E-Book RV Packing tips, RV Life Lessons, Easy Living Hints – 3 E-Books in One. Order details here

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GENERAL CLEANING

**'Goo Gone' Removes Sticky Residue left on hard surfaces from tape or putty.
**Cooking Oil Or WD-40 also works. (WD-40 may dissolve adhesives). Rub in – let it set a bit before wiping off. Repeat if necessary. Not for carpets or fabrics.

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**Attaching ‘Stick-On’ Velcro Keeps Items In Place but it is extremely difficult to remove from many surfaces. Our first motorhome was two-years old when we bought it and there was Black Vlecro Everywhere. When we sold it eight-years later, the Velcro was still there. On Kastle #3 we removed a picture from the manufacturer and the finish of the wallboard came off when we removed the Velcro. For a touch of décor I Covered the Damage Areas with a Field o 'Press-on Craft-Style Butterflies, but I should not have had to do that.

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***To add lustre to dull bathroom fixtures – clean normally, follow with A Light ‘Spray’ Of Fibreglass Wax Designed To Polish RV’s. The shower, toilet and sink simply sparkle. Thanks to Mary Moppin’s .

Follow-Up NOTES to this tip:
#1 A Light ‘Scrub’ Using A Wet SOS Pad will remove surface etchings that occur over time on brass fixtures and sink drains.
#2 After each weekly cleaning, we add a Final Spray Of Coach Wax To ALL Brass Fixtures to keep it brilliant.

Click to see my Ebook details

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PROMO THIS WEEK

NORCOLD FRIDGE RECALL

In the past I have warned about Recalls on Dometic Fridges but when we checked into our park at Edinburg they had a flyer offering $50.00 if you have a qualifying NORCOLD fridge that needs recall attention – payment will be when it is repaired. Most are from the years of 1997-2000 But I In Doubt Call 800 767 9101 with your fridge model and serial number to be sure your unit is safe (Remove the outside ‘intake vent cover’ to find the serial #). Many 2-door and 4 door models are affected. Better to be safe than sorry.

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PETITION SUPPORT FOR RETIRED CANADIAN MILITARY AND RCMP

As November 11th rolls around, memories of what our veterans did for our country is on the forefront of your mind. If you are a retiree and/or you know any Military/RCMP members who are affected by Canada’ unfair Gov’t Pension Claw back, we need your support. All Canadians who support this cause can sign this petition. Please add your name to the petition. Details

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HOW TO TRAVEL SAFE

An informative new website offers many tips on 'How to Travel Safely.' Take a look here.

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INTERNET SATELLITE DISH

Being on line 24/7 no matter where we are makes life so comfortable AND, my system is totally secure. To read my complete story of my fabulous Dish go to – or contact Tech Mobile Communications And Wireless (TMCW): (Formerly 3i Communications) 1-705-878-1025 / 1-866-494-4801. Tell them Peggi sent you.

Just a note – John and I frequently work together to set the DISH up but several times lately due to circumstances beyond our control I have set the Dish up completely by myself – 99.9% of the time it is no big deal; a 5 to 10 minute task. If I run into problems I simply call Tech Mobile for help. Are you on line as you move around? You should be!

Issue 44 - We Have Arrived In The Rio Grande Valley

Diary published weekly since 2001

Newsy Portion of Issue 44

Hi All: To say this has been a great trip south is an understatement – we have experienced all facets of this wonderful freedom lifestyle. It began with an enjoyable visit with family to celebrate a warm loving Cdn Thanksgiving Feast; plus stops at some outstanding RV parks, and yes we even survived a near maintenance disaster with a partially dropped propane tank. But overall this has been one fantastic trip – colourful trees lined our path all the way to Missouri and expansive picturesque highways greeted us the entire route. However we did encounter a few rainy days – at some campsites we even enjoyed waterfront property. It had dried up by the next morning. Traffic was light for most of the trip - even in the big cities. In a word it feels so good to be on the move again. We simply love this lifestyle that allows us to change ‘backyards’ on a whim.

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OVERVIEW OF THE WEEK

It has been impressive to stay at the quality of parks we’ve found along the way. We will return to most of them. All parks, but one, during our first night out have been on the high end of the scale with 50 Amp service, spacious sites and some with paved patios. Last Tuesday we left our pretty home Coast-To-Coast Park at Shiloh RV Park in Monroe, Louisianna on to move further south. (Send me an email to info@rvliving.net for details on how you can join C2C membership systems).

Next stop was at Bluebonnet Ridge RV Resort a bit east of Dallas (866-419-0100/972-524-9600) What an impressive place – it even had Free WiFi – no need to set up my valuable Dish for our short overnight stop. This park offers 10%-15% discounts to members of many clubs, including Canada’s Explorer RV Club (Canada’s answer to Good Sam – I stress to all Exp Club members – it pays to show your card because most parks will give you the GS discount). However John and I stayed under a special 30% military discount for serving and retired members – our cost was a mere $20.00. Nice touch to be appreciated for serving our country in our working life.

On Wednesday, it was Braunig Lake RV Resort – another gem just south of city limits of San Antonia. 210-633-3170/877-633-3170. It too is a great stopping spot, especially if you want to tour memorable San Antonio. We have been to that unique city numerous times, so for us this was just an overnight en route further south.

Thursday we settled into Lazy Palms Ranch in Edinburg, Texas. 956-383-1020 What a huge place – each full-service spot consists of an extra large side. They too offer discounts to members of many clubs but we stayed here again under C2C for $8.00 per/night for 6-days. (C2C rates are increasing to $10.00 per night in Jan.) 50Amp sites are available for $2.00 extra. Clubhouse entertainment is part of the mix. It is simply one more great place to stop. This park is located about 15 miles north of the city of Edinburg.
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HOW TO REDUCE CAMPING COSTS

Although fuel/gas, maintenance, insurances and upkeep costs do add up in an overall RV budget, camping does not have to break the bank. Why I mention camping prices in my Diary is if RVers plan carefully and become members of a few (but not all) Discount Parks such as Recreation USA ($10. per night), Happy Camper & Passport America (50% discounts), Good Sam, Escapees, FMCA, Explorer RV Clubs (10%-15%) it is not difficult to stretch your camping $$$$ while on the move. If you stay 4-nights over the year at any of the parks belonging to your Discount Club you will begin to save more than what you paid to join these organizations. Add an inexpensive Membership Camping plan to the mix and camping on the move does not have to be costly. Send me an email for details if you cannot locate the links on my home page.

Staying put for several months at a snowbird park in the south is allway more reasonable than overnight rates – even at discount prices. If extended travellers take a 5-6 month season site in the north, this too stretches camping costs.
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RIO GRANDE VALLEY

It feels so good to be in south Texas again. It has been three years since our last visit but the terrain, culture, design etc. is very different than many other sun states PLUS the RGV makes every effort to welcome “Winter Texans” to their mix – The Valley residents and tourism really want us here. Every amenity is offered and frequently for a very reasonable price. This area of the USA is a most unique place to visit. One of the high points is a short drive to the border and walk across the bridge to Mexico – shopping; restaurants, pharmacies and every type of medical experts (most train in the USA and Canada) are waiting. Yesterday we were in McAllen, in Mission, and many parts between. We even enjoyed lunch at our favourite Applebee’s on north 10th.

However we found one part of the Valley we forgot about. Our days have been in the 80’s for the past week we enjoyed comfortable, cooler nights. As a result, yesterday the fog was so thick until about 9:30 AM. Our drive to McAllen was definitely not pleasant. Also about noon we ended up on the south side of 10th street in front of the mall (main street in this metropolis) and we could not believe the heavy traffic we encountered. Usually in November things are quite quiet in this area. McAllen has grown tremendously in our 3-years away. When all the Snowbirds arrive in Feb., access to some businesses on 10th street may not be easy to visit.
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EXPRESS VU CHANNELS

Just for info – we began to lose Exp Vu channels (main choice for Cdn programming) when we were in San Antonio. Here in Edinburg we have now lost 16 channels; this number could go up when we settle another 50 km further south. Of course everyone knows they should NOT contact Express Vu south of the border for support because the company will cut you off. Funny thought – we have found many of our favourite programs on the eastern and western channels. Most of the ones we lost were in and around central Ontario. Apparently this does not happen with Star Choice. If your system is not locked in to one main company it may be wise to look at the competition.
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NEW PASSPORT RULES FOR ENTRY TO MEXICO

GOOD NEWS!!!!, changes for the requirement to have a passport to enter Mexico has recently announced. Date has been moved from January 2008 to summer 2008 (only requirement for this winter is a drivers license and birth certificate). So now ALL Winter Texans can enjoy fun and frolic with friends during a day of adventure across the border.
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FINAL THOUGHTS

As I already relayed, it feels real great to be here. We move to our new park in Alamo next Wednesday. More on that later! FYI: To all Explorer Club members who will be in the Valley this winter – we hope to host the monthly Club luncheons again over the next 4 months, but we have to wait till we settle in to find a place. Travel safe everyone and to those staying put for the winter we sure hope it is a gentle one. Till next week P&J

Tips and Pormo Portion - Issue 43

TIPS THIS WEEK ARE FROM THE ‘RV LIFE LESSONS’ SECTION of my E-Book RV Packing tips, RV Life Lessons, Easy Living Hints – 3 ebooks in one

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RUBBER GASKET ON PROPANE

Last winter our RUBBER GASKET ON THE HORIZONTAL TANK-FILL VALVE stayed on the propane nozzle of the truck that filled our tank. Without this gasket it was impossible to add propane into our tank. We didn’t realize this gasket was missing until we tried to fill up with propane.

Thankfully the missing rubber ring is AVAILABLE FROM MOST PROPANE DEALERS; ours was replaced at no cost. Apparently it happens frequently – this was a first for us in 19-years.

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OUR 16-YR OLD DACHSHUND (MADDIE) WAS ATTACKED BY FIRE ANTS.

Our senior 16 year-old four-legged ‘baby’ (now deceased) didn’t walk as well as she used to – occasionally she dragged her butt. One evening she apparently DISTURBED A FIRE ANT NEST. These critters only BITE if their nests are disrupted, but they STING for a long time. From personal experience I know the pain she felt.

She wouldn’t stop ‘screaming’ at bedtime. It was near midnight and I was beside myself trying to find a solution to relieve her distress. We thought the small bumps on her skin was ‘dirt’; but in a warm shower the water run-off turned RED. The ‘dirt’ was actually SCABS FROM FIRE ANT BITES. Following her shower, a liberal rubdown with cocoa butter cream finally settled her down and she finally fell asleep.

I called my breeder the next day searching for a solution – she suggested I always have a BOTTLE OF BENADRYL (LIQUID) ELIXIR – (A HISTAMINE BLOCKER) ON HAND TO COMBAT BUG BITES, BEE STINGS, ETC. She recommended one adult dose should reduce all swelling and discomfort - a children’s dosage can be doubled.

To discover many more tips, lessons and hints see details on this informative ebook Instant download.

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RED FRIDAY’S TO SUPPORT ALL TROOPS IN HARMS WAY

I received an email this week from an American Diary reader relaying that an email campaign has been launched to request that EVERYONE SHOULD WEAR ‘RED’ ON FRIDAYS to show support for service men and women fighting the Taliban. Canada undertook a similar program well over a year ago and it has met with great success. It lets the Troops know that those at home care. Even if you may not be in favour of the war it is still a good plan to follow. Why not ‘PASS THE SUPPORT ON’.

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PROMO THIS WEEK
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MEMBERSHIP CAMPING

In the past I have relayed the wonders of the inexpensive membership camping plan we have with our home park at SHILOH RV PARK, COAST TO COAST AND RPI. I will be happy to share the details of our special pricing with anyone if you send me an email to info@rvliving.net - RV Living.net is an affiliate - simply too much to cover here.

Today we checked into SHILOH RV AND TRAVEL RESORT IN MONROE LA for the first time. This pretty park borders a lake and also offers cabins, swimming pool, fishing, WIFI to some areas plus 30 and 50 Amp service and much more. High season for this park is in the Fall, so making reservations – even for members, is wise. Cost per night is still $8.00 but extras such as an upgrade to 50Amp etc is available for a minimal amount.


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INTERNET SATELLITE DISH –

We are enjoying a very pretty corner site at Shiloh but it is a distance from the WiFi tower so one more time I am so happy that I have my own Internet system. Being on line 24/7 no matter where we are makes life so comfortable. Read my complete story of my fabulous Dish– or contact TECH MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS AND WIRELESS (TMCW): (Formerly 3i Communications) 1-705-878-1025 / 1-866-494-4801. Be sure to tell them Peggi asked you to call. Tech Mobile will ship to American customers


Just a note – John and I frequently work together to set the DISH up but several times lately due to circumstances beyond our control I have set the Dish up completely by myself – 99.9% of the time it is no big deal; a 5 to 10 minute task. If I run into problems I simply call Tech Mobile for help. Are you on line as you move around? You should be.

Thank You - Guardian Angels

(Issue 43 -Newsy portion)

Diary published weekly since 2001
Read this Diary on line at RVLiving.net Forum
Or a different version on RVParks.com
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Hi All: Our journey south has been wonderful so far – today it is even a great travel day. Mississippi has some beautiful highways lined with giant trees, although at times the surface has been ‘wavy’ (bumpy because the surface in not flat). Because this past week has been hectic I started this post on our way to a weekend at Shiloh RV Park, Monroe LA – our home C2C Park.

You may be curious about my title this week, but our Guardian Angels and the Good Lord have been travelling with us big time. On a bright and sunny Tuesday we left Litchfield at 8 AM and John turned off our propane as usual – all looked normal. When we stopped for a coffee break in a rest area at 10:30 on I-55. John noticed our propane tank was hanging near the pavement at the back end. We called our ERS and within a ½ hour TODD FROM INTERSTATE RESCUE (1-636-933-0330) began to prop the tank up to re-secure it. We only had to pay for the labour ($75.00) – ERS took care of the rest. Apparently two of the three bolts that support the tank (I can’t believe that is all that holds it) had sheared off. We are so grateful it did not hit the pavement – the tank was filled at our last stop so it was heavy. We will have it re-inspected in the Valley

However our troubles did not stop there – to add to this emergency – a nearby coolant line had developed a slow leak. How we are not sure – maybe a flying piece of bolt? Todd gave us the number of Freightliner 90 miles south. As it turned out they could not fit us in but the CUMMINS MID-SOUTH DEALER across the street booked us an appointment at 7:30 the next morning. The procedure was long because the coolant hose was difficult to reach. Techs began working on it at about 10 and were still going at 4:30. In my mind the $85.00 labour/parts had accumulated to at least a $1000. and higher.

You cannot imagine how happy we were when our entire invoice only totaled $409.00 plus they changed a fuel filter at no cost. They had run into a few diagnostic problems along the way and I think this is why we only paid or 4-hours labour. Whatever the reason, we were ecstatic and didn’t Q it. If any RVer with a Cummins engine is in this area do not hesitate to book service at CUMMINS MID-SOUTH, SIKESTON, MO (1-573-472-0303) - www.midsouth.cummins.com They will take good care of you.

One minor hick-up – when we tried to start the furnace and the water heater later Tuesday evening in the campground, neither would light. Guess it was just the shifting of the contents during the tank episode. By continually engaging the water heater switch it eventually clicked in. At least we do not have to add that repair to the list.

We added a positive plus to this day when we found a gem of a Good Sam Park at Sikeston, just 2-miles from the Cummins dealer. HINTON RV PARK is a ‘big rig dream park - easy on and easy off’ (1-573-471-1457 or 1-800-327-1457) at exit 67 on I-55. It had long pull thru’s, full hook-ups (50Amp) cable and WiFi (no need to set the Dish up which helped with our early appointment). Good Sam Rate was $23.40 and it was located a mile from the classy Lambert’s restaurant – home of the ‘throwed roll’. The park also saved our site for us the second night just in case we were at maintenance all day.

Sooooo the lesson in this is “SH-- Happens” it also reinforces the importance of thoroughly checking your rig at each stop. It is also refreshing to learn that when the dust settles all breakdowns do not spell complete disaster. We send a very special Thanks to the Good Lord and to our Guardian Angels for keeping us safe and/or helping us avoid a major catastrophe if our propane tank had completely fallen off.
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FUN TIMES AND HIGH POINTS OF THE WEEK

Last Monday we left Chicago on a picture perfect day and settled into a prime RV Park at Litchfield, Illinois called KAMPER KOMPANION CAMPGROUND, Exit # 60 on I-55 (1-217-324-4747). This Gem was quick off and on – all level paved pull-thru’s with full hook-ups, 50 AMP connection and no trees to hinder Dish reception. 30 Amp was $18. and 50 Amp was $20 – taxes included. It is such a joy when we find parks like this.

Thursday, on the suggestions of Norm and Linda Payne on their website www.seeya-downtheroad.com, we stopped for two days at the SAM’S TOWN CASINO in Robinsonville, Mississippi (we had to drive to Tunica to top-up groceries) (662-363-0711 or 800 456-0711 ) Great campground – there are several RV parks in the area for under $20. Full service included 50Amp, cable, phone line etc. – and all for only $15.00 (GS rate). What shocked me was the number of High-end RV’s in the parking lot. They would have used almost that much in fuel costs running their generators to keep warm. Our furnace cut in and out frequently the two days we were there. It was a wet, cold and dirty two days

John and I are not true gamblers, but I had fun playing my $20.00 allowance in the penny slots. I was occupied for about 6 hours – sometimes I won and eventually I lost it all but it was enjoyable way to spend some time away from my computer for a little bit.

Today, Saturday the rain finally stopped and it is another beautiful comfortable sunny day en route to Monroe LA. Although the trees are still green it has been a pretty trip. We were thankful that vivid colours preceded us to almost through Missouri on this trip
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FINAL THOUGHTS

We are only 2-3 driving days from our winter home in the Rio Grande Valley although we will not arrive there till late next week. It is just so much fun being on the move. John and I send a special prayer to all those in California who have had to deal with those horrendous wild fires. We pray that in time your disaster or near disaster will have a positive ending. Watch out all for those ‘Road-gaiters’ (shredded tires) and ‘Orange Barrels’. We have seen a lot of both on this trip. Travel safe wherever you go. P&J