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.