Rain in Paradise

Put Out the Fire

Missed the Festival

One night my campground neighbors had a fierce fire going, it was nice to watch the flames dancing around the fire pit from one of the slideout windows.  Unfortunately, they left embers burning in the pit and went to bed.  There was a breeze, the embers danced right out of the pit.  I watched for hours then even though there are dangers of bears, filled up my bucket with water, found my flashlight and went to put their smoldering fire out.  Wouldn't you know, about an hour later, the rain started.

Another day, I found a WalMart and laundromat located in Oneida.  As I headed there, I didn't recognize the road as the one I took to get to Bandy Creek.  It was full of hairpin turns and then down slopes.  After finishing up at the laundromat, I readied myself for that (in my mind) treacherous drive back.  An SUV pulling a trailer of about 30 feet long was in front of me.  As they traveled around the hairpin turns, once the back of their trailer scraped on the roadway.  My thoughts went to my upcoming travels to my FIRST EVER RV Rally.  There was no way I'd drive that road again especially with my "Safire" in tow.

I was in pain the day of the festival and stayed inside my "condo on wheels".  The weather was perfect, my a/c was on.  With the festival going on there were many others here, most have dogs and kids.  One neighbors kids were so loud that there were times I jumped off my loveseat.  By the time "quiet time" came around, you could hear a pin drop.

It rained all day Sunday and into the night.  I wonder if I put "cushions" on the top of my "condo" would it lessen the sound of the rain hitting it?  It was good to stay in while crocheting and watching movies via the ROKU box.

On the sunny days, I walked around my "condo" and took pictures of the site.

Looking out toward the road

View of picnic table and fire pit

View of bath building

Another view of the front of my "condo"

Looking toward the back of my "condo"

 As you see, the trees are not obstructing the pad and around my "condo".  I was pleased by this! 

View of the road that goes through Area D

You can see that the roads are paved and are wide enough for two vehicles to pass by each 

other.

Last night on the news there were reports of high wind for Scott County until 8pm.  The winds started at 9pm but other than hearing it you'd never know that the wind was blowing at a quick rate.

Tomorrow, I leave Bandy Creek Campground.  Found the route that I took into Bandy Creek from Jamestown even though it will take me 30 minutes out of my way, I'm better safe than sorry.

Bye Bandy Creek, I will visit you again!

From disaster to PARADISE!

Disaster was Cedars of Lebanon, Lebanon, TN

Paradise is Bandy Creek, Oneida, TN

I wrote a review on Cedars of Lebanon.  After having a difficult time getting a site reservation, arriving to a cramped campground area 1, moving to area 2 (which was better but you really need to check your overall length before moving to a new site) and then being told that the one I was in was reserved by someone else starting Wednesday, April 26, 2017.   My decision was to find another campground to stay in.

Cedars of Lebanon was $24 per night (less 25% discount) with only water and electric.  They do have a dump station.  Internet was spotty at best and when it did work I could only get 3G reception.  Let me tell you about the water, it dribbles.  Here's the link to my video of both faucets wide open.  Made me want to cry.  Sorry folks, took no pictures at Cedars because I was so disappointed.

Today, I left Cedars and headed toward Bandy Creek Campgrounds (yes, I made a reservation).  The price is $11 per night (with discount from my National Access Pass) which includes water and electric.  They do have a dump station.  Although I can only get 3 channels with my air digital antenna, I'll try hooking up my ROKU box for other channels.  It is GORGEOUS here.  Nice site across from the shower house which looks brand new.  There are trees here but they aren't on top of your RV or so close that you have doubts about opening up a slideout or awning.  There is, what looks new, a picnic table and a firepit.  Internet is all 4G LTE both on my phone and jetpack.  I'm THRILLED!   As for backing up into the site, well I was doing really good with the help of my "campground neighbor".  Her husband came over and backed me in a bit further.  Within 1/2 hour, I was all set up!  The FASTEST EVER!  

Before leaving Cedars, met a couple who was walking by as I was getting ready to leave.  They gave  Bandy Creek a VERY high recommendation and now I know why.

After setting up and relaxing for a bit, I was able to take a shower with great water pressure (yes, I use a regulator on the hose).   It's 80 degrees, sunny, peaceful and quiet!  Truly PARADISE!  The a/c is on, but outer doors are open.  Will I come back here?  ABSOLUTELY!

Here are some pictures of my current site at Bandy Creek Campground and the ladies room.  I was told by the couple I spoke with that it was the cleanest restroom and they were right!

Ladies Room

I was told by my "campground neighbors" that there will be a festival here over the weekend!  That's a bonus!  Can't wait.

BTW, I did see a sign on the restroom building that there is FREE wifi but I'm not finding a connection.  I will inquire about that tomorrow.

Driving in pouring rain is not fun!

Rain Rain Go Away

The rain started the day after my trip to the Memphis Zoo.  I will post pictures soon from that trip.  I left Memphis TN in the rain to my destination of Cedars of Lebanon State Park in Lebanon TN.  Although there were times when it was just a drizzle here and there, there were times of blinding rain.

During the days of rain, I would just sit inside my "condo on wheels", relax, and crochet.  There was just no sense in getting drenched.  Yes, I own umbrellas and have kept my all weather coat.

Three days before arriving at Cedars of Lebanon State Park, I called to make a reservation.  One woman told me that there were plenty of sites available but was too new to help me further.  She transferred me to another woman who said ... "we don't have any openings".  Within 2 minutes or so, I went from excited to frustrated.  I called them back several times to "make sure".  Finally, their website was informative, more than the women I spoke with.   If you do make a reservation here, please note the following items:

1)  If you choose to use the website to reserve a site, note that the pictures for the sites aren't really helpful.  You'll think the site is much bigger than it is.  

2)  If you reserve a site in Campground Area 1, it's almost like you can share a cup of kawfee with your neighbor

3)  Do you need cell service?  I have 4G LTE but only get spotty 3G.

4)  I suggest calling the Park Ranger office to make sure that your vehicle & trailer or your motorhome and "toad" fit.

5)  The campground host is actually in site 2 which is not the site marked as "campground host".

6)  If you have several slides, you must be careful with parking as the trees are pretty close.

Therefore, I'm not staying the 9 nights that I originally reserved.  Found another park closer to where I want to be at 1/2 the cost per night by using my National Access Pass.

Oh, almost forgot, I have two challenges:  1)  hitching the truck to the trailer which I overcame today.  Did it all by myself!  YAY ME!  2) backing up into a site.  I can almost cross that off my list.  Had help but got backed in.  

Checked the weather, looks as though Wednesday is a great day for traveling.  I'll take 86 degrees and sunny skies.  Wouldn't you? 

April 19 & 20 taking time for me

Organize and Reorganize 

I wanted to go to Graceland but as I have already posted the cost just wasn't in the budget.  Instead, two days were spent sitting outside, listening to music, crocheting and then inside to organize and reorganize. 

Nothing was strenuous but I need to be reminded that I have to sit in a manner that won't fire up the pain in my back, knees and legs.  The pain was so bad on Tuesday that I had to reschedule my trip to the Memphis Zoo.

The days were not lost to pain ..... I made a remote control holder!  Will be making them for sale.  These can be made to order and shipped anywhere within the United States.

Because the camp host has been so nice to me, I made his dog, BB, a "doggie stocking" that can be hung up and be used for treats, leash or whatever you want.

Life is good!

T O Fuller State Park

Do you love peace and quiet?  Nature?  Trees?  I do!  I'm completely satisfied with my surroundings.

Big Daddy & Safire
Doesn't look like it but it's level

View from my site

Another view

I had thought of going to visit Graceland but it's a bit pricey for 2 hours even more for the longer tours.  I noticed though there is a Graceland Cam which I will watch without the crowds.

My plan is visit the Memphis Zoo!  You can purchase your ticket online and either pick up at the Tourist Center or print out.

So many places to eat, I want a real taste of Memphis.  More decisions!

Russellville to Memphis and the RV Parky App

Leaving Russellville

Destination Memphis

Pulled out of WalMart in Russellville, AR at "my break of dawn" (late morning).  70 degrees, sunny and warm.

Gas at the Pilot/Flying J station, make sure when you stop there to get your rewards card that gains points for purchases to use on items in their store includes food.  When you purchase kawfee, the 10th cup is FREE!  Make sure that you register your card online before using it as it's the only way to get your rewards into your "account".  Gas here is $2.15 per gallon and miles per gallon were 10.1!  I slowed down to 55 mph with the cruise control on.  MPG are getting better!

Traveling through Arkansas, there are many dead armadillos therefore I have decided that the state animal is the "dead armadillo".  

No pictures from today because my camera (Canon Digital) had a dead battery.  I'd imagine that my cell phone camera doesn't work while driving ..... must be a safety feature.  

With approximately 60 miles to go until Memphis, another rest area stop.  I'm excited and almost forgot about the free RV Parky app.  Searching through the app, there it is, T O Fuller State Park.  Immediately, I call them.  Park Ranger Mitchell gave me all the information and assured me that there were sites open for me.  I consider myself lucky so far when it comes to finding a place to stay.  NOTE: If you are over 62 years of age or disabled, the price per night is $28 less 25%.  There are hookups for water and electric, the sewerage is at the entrance.  Within this state park, there is a laundry/shower building, gravel sites that are nice and fairly level, a playground and sheltered picnic tables with bbq grills.

Before entering the state park, another gas stop.  This time price per gallon was $2.23, and miles per gallon was a whopping 11.7!  It pays to drive at 55 mph!  My jaw dropped with excitement.

I want to note here that there is a Camp Host, his name is Robert and his dog is BB (after BB King).  He is a wealth of information, very helpful, and will be there if you need anything.  If you arrive on the weekend, go directly to the campgrounds, during the week go to the Visitors Center.  There are signs everywhere.

Oklahoma City Oklahoma to Arkansas

Still Learning Everyday

While getting ready to leave Oklahoma City there are still things to learn.  My biggest challenge is hitching my truck to my "condo on wheels".  There HAS to be a better way than backing up, getting out to look how close you are, getting back into the truck, out to look .... well you know the routine!  I have been VERY fortunate to have helpful people around to guide me back and line up the hitch.  Suggestions anyone?

Gas prices aren't too bad (yet).  Leaving OKC, stopped in Choctaw, OK where gas was $2.09 per gallon, miles per gallon was 8.4.  Could it be the hills that I need to go up that is keeping the mileage per gallon low?  Usually travel at 60 mph with the cruise control on.

Some pictures from along the way

The weather was sunny and warm, blue skies dotted with a few clouds.  Believe it or not, never have I had a sunroof in any of my vehicles until now.  The cool breeze coming in was wonderful.  Bonus: my arm is tan!  Plans were to stop in Fort Smith.

Passing by Lake Eufaula, the lake was choppy with white peaks.  Lonely tree had no leaves.  😢

Continuing on through Oklahoma - HORSES!  Anyone who really knows me knows that I love animals.

This rest area was beautiful and well maintained.

Welcome to Arkansas!
I gave a sigh of relief!

Arkansas Visitors Center

It was almost 5pm when the Visitors Center was closing.  I really wanted to share pictures of the inside as it was gorgeous!  The lady behind the desk was so helpful and nice.  

In Van Buren, another gas stop where gas was $2.12 per gallon and mpg were 9.3!  I was amazed!

Dinner is on my mind and where to stop overnight.

Passing by Alma, AR I see a sign for Cracker Barrel.  Do I turn around or keep going?  Decisions decisions!  Rest Areas are lifesavers while on the road.  I pull off and check for the next Cracker Barrel.  It's in Russellville not far from my location!  Haven't been to Cracker Barrel in ages, the prices are right, food is really good.  

Cracker Barrel has RV & Camper parking BUT there were cars parked in all the spots so in pure "Elaine Fashion" I pull Big Daddy & Safire across car parking spaces at the rear of the parking lot at 7:30pm.

I'm seated and my server, Jemarkis, was patient and accommodating.  Since driving in the sunshine, even with my sunglasses on, my eyes needed to adjust to being inside.  So many items to choose from on the menu, my choice is the Sirloin steak medium rare, french fries smothered in brown gravy, a side of cornbread muffins and a cup of kawfee.  EXCELLENT!  I took the cornbread muffins with me to eat later.  Jemarkis was very familiar with the area and wrote out  directions to the closest WalMart where I decided to stay for the night.  

If you are in the area of Exit 83 on I-40, stop in at the WalMart.  Justin, the assistant manager, was very nice and told me "sure you can park here"!  I was thrilled but exhausted.