Postings are in REVERSE Chronological Order. Newest Posts at the top.
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Postings are in REVERSE Chronological Order. Newest Posts at the top.
(Tap just below in the TOC)
I’m by no means a religious person. But I have to admit, there is one thing I really like about religion: friendship and fellowship. Some of the friendliest people I’ve ever met have been in churches, and oddly enough, the Baptist churches seem to win that contest. 😂
There’s something pretty special about getting together once a week, sitting around with other people, talking, laughing, and actually caring about one another. I may not buy into all the religious stuff, but I certainly can’t argue with friendship and fellowship.
Then there’s the other side of the equation. I’ve also enjoyed visiting clothing-optional places over the years. And honestly, I’ve discovered that there’s something remarkably friendly about a bunch of naked people hanging around together 24/7. 😂
Think about it: at church, everyone takes off their hat before God. At a nudist resort, they take off everything else!
So if there really is a God, I sometimes wonder which situation is closer to what He had in mind. A group of people getting together once a week to fellowship and care about each other—or a group of people who have stripped away all the superficial stuff and are simply comfortable being themselves around one another All day everyday?
Maybe God isn't nearly as concerned about what we're wearing—or whether we're sitting in a church—as He is about how we treat the people around us.
And if that's the case, the nudists might actually have more in common with what he wanted. 😄
After spending the last six nights boondocking—and finally running out of water yesterday—I decided that, since today’s route would take me to Helper, Utah, I would treat myself to one night at an RV park.
While having lunch at the local Maverik, I searched for an RV park and found Willard Peak Campground. It was only about 20 miles down the road and conveniently located along my route. Their website was incredibly easy to use, and within minutes I had a reservation. I figured I’d be there in about 30 minutes.
After six nights of boondocking, I couldn’t wait to hook up to water and finally wash the dirty dishes that had been sitting in my sink since yesterday.
Then I arrived.
I was assigned a 71-foot pull-through site where the driver’s side of the site is approximately four inches higher than the passenger side. And when I say the entire 71 feet is unlevel, I mean not one portion of the site is remotely level.
But the real masterpiece is the water hookup.
In more than 40 years of RVing, I have never seen a water connection like this. There is no shutoff valve whatsoever. None. You apparently just connect your hose and hope for the best.
Unfortunately, the campground office is closed on Sundays and Mondays. And, of course, today is Monday.
So here I sit, after paying for a site specifically so I could have water, still without water and unable to do anything about it.
At 73 years old and after more than four decades of RVing, I can honestly say this is one of the worst-paid-for camping experiences I have ever had.
I came here expecting one night of comfort after six nights of boondocking. Instead, I got an unlevel parking lot, a bizarre water hookup, and no one available to help.
Needless to say, I will not be coming back.
To be fair. Apparently they sent me an automated text upon arrival. I only saw it around 9:30 p.m.. I guess it included instructions on how to turn on the water. If you can read the photo. I could not. Anyways, I texted back and they came out and turned the water on finally. About 10:00 p.m.
Next day. Because these people don't open up till 10:00 a.m. and I was trying to leave at 7 a.m. The only way I could leave was the clamp off my hose disconnect it. they owe me for a 50 foot zero gravity hose and a 12-in bar clamp
Some months ago, I started putting pins on a map of places I wanted to visit that were railroad-related. One of those places was Helper, Utah. It’s actually called Helper because this is where the extra locomotives are kept to help trains climb over the Wasatch Mountains.
As many of you know, I’m a big fan of the YouTuber Wonderhussy. Her latest video, which I’ve linked below, is all about Helper, Utah.
So, my plans for tomorrow have changed! Instead of going to Provo, I’m heading straight to Helper, Utah. Wait until you see this video! If you have the time, take a good look at it.
The town even offers free overnight RV parking, so I’m going to hang around and explore the town for a while. This place looks pretty awesome, and I’m really looking forward to checking it out!
I am staying on BLM land in the parking area at a trailhead. It’s actually also a designated camping site, with a fire pit and picnic tables.
I’m surrounded by black lava-rock hills in every direction. They’re not really mountains—more like small hills—but they make for a pretty interesting landscape.
Another attempt at Hell's Half Acre Lava Walk, Idaho Falls, ID 83401, USA
...assuming Flo's (Progressive's) Roadside Assistance gets me back on the road today!
Hell's Half Acre Lava Walk, Idaho Falls, ID 83401, USA
43.553800, -112.442040
https://maps.app.goo.gl/58vH1V829ReDEAfD9
For the last few days, I’ve been busy as crazy! 😂
Wednesday morning, I got up at 4:00 a.m. and headed to Walmart to pick up some things I needed. When I got home, I started working on several projects I needed to get completed.
Over the last couple of days, I’ve been working on:
1. Mounting my water transfer pump to the truck
Previously, the pump was just loose in the truck, which made it difficult to work with whenever I needed to use it. I finally got it mounted securely, so it should be much easier to use now.
2. Wiring up a way to keep the pump battery charged
The battery in the back of the truck runs the water transfer pump, and I needed a way to keep it charged. I now have it wired into the auxiliary line for the RV.
This was a rather difficult job. First, I had to dismantle my current RV plug so I could identify the wiring colors. Once I figured out which wires were ground, positive, and the brake line, I went back to the brake box and wired into them.
The ground and positive wires run the pump. I also want to use the brake line to turn on a light when I hit the brakes. That way, I’ll have a way to confirm that the trailer brakes are actually coming on when I hit the brake pedal. I haven’t wired up that light yet, but that’s next.
3. Replacing the shower head
The old shower head wouldn’t completely shut off. Even when I turned it off, it would continue to dribble—and then sometimes it would actually start flowing again.
The new one shuts off completely, which is going to help me conserve water. When I’m showering, I can turn the water off while I lather up and then turn it back on to rinse. When you’re traveling and concerned about conserving your water supply, every little bit helps!
4. Securing the lithium batteries
Today is Saturday, and I still have a couple of projects to finish before I pull out on Sunday.
Now that I have a drill, thanks to my sister, I need to put a grinding wheel on it and cut a piece of angle iron to the proper length. I’m going to mount the angle iron in a couple of places on the floor of the RV to hold my two lithium batteries in place and keep them from sliding around when I hit bad roads.
At one point, the batteries actually slid around enough that they disconnected from each other—which is seriously bad if they should ever short out. I definitely don’t need two lithium batteries blowing up on me! 😳
These are the two lithium batteries that power my solar system, so keeping them secure is pretty important.
5. Replacing the missing marker-light lenses
Finally, I need to replace the missing marker-light lenses on the RV. I bought the replacement lenses months ago, but I’ve been reluctant to climb way up the ladder and try to get them installed.
I’m hoping to get that done today somehow. Maybe I can convince a neighbor to give me a hand. It’s just getting a little too high for me to comfortably reach these days! 😂
So, as you can see, I haven’t exactly been sitting around doing nothing. Between traveling and trying to keep this rolling home of mine in shape, there’s always something to work on!
Hopefully, I can get the last few things finished today, hook everything up, and be ready to pull out tomorrow. 🚐
Today I took my first real trail ride on my new bike. Boy, did I learn a few lessons the hard way! 😂
After riding what seemed like forever, I started thinking, “Maybe I should have confirmed this was actually a LOOP before I started.” I was beginning to wonder if the trail was going to loop back to where I started—or if I had just signed myself up for a one-way expedition into the wilderness.
To make matters worse, I forgot to reset the trip odometer, so I have absolutely no idea how far I rode. It had to have been at least 100 miles. Okay… maybe not 100, but by the time I was done, it sure felt like it! 😂
Then, believe it or not, I actually got lost.
I came to a road where the trail crossed and finally got tired of following the trail, wondering if I was ever going to find my way home. So I decided to take the road.
Only problem was… which way?
One direction looked like it went straight to an old farm, so I wasn't exactly feeling confident about my navigation skills at that point.
Fortunately, an old guy in a pickup truck came along. I asked him which way to get back to the corral, and he said, “Just follow me.”
Well, alrighty then! So I followed him.
Right into the biggest damn dog I have ever seen! 🐕😂
That thing came after me like I owed him money! I was doing about 20 miles an hour on a gravel road, looking over my shoulder while this monster was chasing me down.
And THAT brings me to another lesson learned:
Next time, bring bear spray.
Seriously. I'm going to mount that stuff right on the bike and figure out some kind of button-triggered delivery system. 😂
That dog chased me all the way down the road, nipping at my heels. I don't think I've ever been that scared on a bicycle in my life! Fortunately, he never actually caught me. Either he finally got tired… or he decided I wasn't worth the effort. 😳
And then, when I finally made it back, I learned yet another valuable lesson:
Take aspirin before you go riding!
By the time I got back, I was so soreI swear I ached in every bone in my body. 😂
So there you have it—my first real trail ride on the new bike:
Got lost.
Forgot to track the mileage.
Nearly got eaten by a dog.
Learned I need bear spray.\
All in all…
I'd call it a successful first ride! 🚴♂️😂
Well, since you asked..
Traveling by myself has been wonderful, but I do wish I could find someone who has the same passion for exploring and seeing these places that I do. Even 10 or 12 years ago, whe n my ex and I traveled together, she just didn't share that excitement. I was always a lot more into the adventure than she was.
I'm not looking for a relationship—just someone who enjoys traveling and experiencing new places. At my age, I have to admit... I really enjoy having my bed all to myself! 😂
Have you ever watched Dry Bar Comedy on YouTube? It's a collection of really funny comedians. You should check it out sometime. The actual Dry Bar is in Provo, Utah, so... I guess you know where one of my next stops will be! 😄
And as I'm writing this, I'm sitting here watching the sunset. Moments like this remind me exactly why I love doing what I'm doing.
Monday morning's adventure was called "The Quest for Water." 🚰
All I wanted to do was fill two 5-gallon jugs so I could haul them back to the RV. Simple, right?
First, I called my Nephew Lee who works at aplace called Fork & Spoon preparing meals all day for the needy . He said, "I'm on my way to work. Just come here and fill them."
Easy enough.
I searched Fork & Spoon on Google Maps, hopped in the truck, and happily followed the directions... through construction zones, heavy traffic, and just enough red lights to question every life decision I've ever made.
I finally arrived... only to discover Google had taken me to the old location. Apparently they moved but forgot to tell Google. Minor detail.
So I fought my way back through the same traffic and headed to the address Lee had texted me. I get there, and all I see are several tall office buildings with giant HRD signs.
No Fork & Spoon.
No sign.
No clue.
No water.
At that point I'd spent over an hour playing Bozeman's version of "Where's Waldo?" and decided I'd had enough. I went back to the RV.
You'd think if your business is hidden inside another building, someone might say, "Look for the HRD building."
Oh well...
I did find water. The nearest establishment to me is the rest area only 5 mi away. I checked the dog park and there is a water spicket there. So I hooked up to that and got my 10 gallons of water
#video 87m America's DEADLIEST Flood i Johnstown Flood Flood, Fire & Destruction
Copper City Dispersed Camping: Five-Star Livestock Luxury
Today I rolled into Copper City dispersed camping—the free kind, where the only fee is your dignity. To my genuine surprise and delight, the place is wonderful. It’s not so much a campground as an actual corral. You have to drive over a cattle grate to get in, which feels like the world’s least glamorous VIP entrance. The corral, of course, exists to keep the livestock *away* from you, which is reassuring until you realize the cows are probably looking at us the same way we look at them: with mild judgment and zero plans to tip.
The amenities are suspiciously civilized. Clean, vaulted toilets. A shelter with picnic tables. And—chef’s kiss—a pair of binoculars mounted on a stand so you can stare at distant objects like a very committed birdwatcher or a slightly less committed spy. Throughout the day I noticed cars pulling up, facing out over the fence, and just… sitting there. It’s dark now. A couple of them are still at it. I have no idea what they’re looking at. Or for. Possibly the meaning of life. Possibly a particularly photogenic cow. Eventually I’ll figure it out, or join them and pretend I knew all along.
To make this even more perfect, I’m only five minutes from the highway interchange, which boasts a rest area, a place to dump my garbage, and two travel centers. In other words, civilization’s version of room service: milk, eggs, and the quiet comfort of knowing I can still buy overpriced snacks without hiking. I’m also about 45 minutes from my nephew in Bozeman. His mother (my sister) arrives August 10th, after which I’ll spend a week running around with them. I also intend to revisit Yellowstone. I’ve been before, but I really want to go through it again—it’s not that far, and apparently I have unfinished business with geysers and traffic jams full of people photographing bison.
Loving it here. Ten out of ten. Would get corraled again.
Click on the photos below to walk throug hthe carousel.
Copper City Dispersed Camping : le luxe cinq étoiles pour bétail
Aujourd’hui, je suis arrivé au camping dispersé de Copper City — le genre gratuit, où le seul prix à payer, c’est votre dignité. À ma grande surprise et mon grand plaisir, l’endroit est merveilleux. Ce n’est pas tant un campement qu’un véritable enclos à bestiaux. Il faut passer sur une grille à bétail pour y entrer, ce qui donne l’impression d’accéder à l’entrée VIP la moins glamoureuse du monde. L’enclos, bien sûr, sert à tenir le bétail *à l’écart* de vous, ce qui rassure… jusqu’à ce qu’on réalise que les vaches nous regardent probablement de la même façon que nous les regardons : avec un jugement tiède et zéro intention de laisser un pourboire.
Les équipements sont suspicieusement civilisés. Des toilettes propres et voûtées. Un abri avec des tables de pique-nique. Et — bisou du chef — une paire de jumelles montées sur un pied, pour contempler des objets lointains comme un ornithologue très motivé ou un espion un peu moins assidu. Toute la journée, j’ai vu des voitures s’arrêter, face au grillage, et juste… rester là. Il fait nuit maintenant. Quelques-unes sont encore en train. Je n’ai aucune idée de ce qu’elles regardent. Ou de ce qu’elles cherchent. Peut-être le sens de la vie. Peut-être une vache particulièrement photogénique. Un jour, je finirai par le découvrir… ou je les rejoindrai en faisant comme si j’avais toujours su.
Pour rendre le tout encore plus parfait, je suis à seulement cinq minutes de l’échangeur autoroutier, qui offre une aire de repos, un endroit pour jeter mes ordures, et deux centres de voyage. Autrement dit, le room service version civilisation : du lait, des œufs, et le confort discret de savoir qu’on peut encore acheter des en-cas hors de prix sans avoir à marcher. Je suis aussi à environ 45 minutes de mon neveu à Bozeman. Sa mère (ma sœur) arrive le 10 août, après quoi je passerai une semaine à courir partout avec eux. J’ai aussi l’intention de revisiter Yellowstone. J’y suis déjà allé, mais j’ai vraiment envie d’y repasser — ce n’est pas si loin, et apparemment j’ai des comptes à régler avec les geysers et les embouteillages de gens qui photographient des bisons.
J’adore cet endroit. Dix sur dix. Je me ferais volontiers enfermer dans l’enclos à nouveau.
Review:
Today I took the trolley tour… and made the classic rookie mistake of sitting on the left side.
Before we even rolled, they herded us all into a tight little human clump so we could “hand things to each other.” Very wholesome. Very practical. Also extremely effective at turning the entire right-hand view into a solid wall of strangers’ heads, shoulders, and the occasional backpack.
So whenever I tried to look across the aisle to see the sights on the *other* side of the tour, all I got was people. No scenery. No photo ops. Just… humanity, aggressively blocking my Instagram dreams.
Clearly I now have to take the whole thing again from the right side.
Or maybe that’s the real tour experience they want you to have: bonding with strangers by staring at the backs of their heads for an hour.
I ended up with about 50 photos that I used to put together into a 2–3 minute video to share with my friends.
The trip was very interesting and informative. My only suggestion would be about the seating. Since everyone was grouped together I missed everything on the right side.
There couldn't have been more than five or ten of us, so maybe in the future you could stagger where people sit so everyone gets a chance to see both sides.
Just my opinion, but I think it would make an already great tour even better.
Thanks again for an enjoyable experience!
For my French Friends....
**Avis :**
Aujourd’hui, j’ai fait le tour en trolley… et j’ai commis l’erreur classique de débutant en m’asseyant du côté gauche.
Avant même de démarrer, on nous a tous regroupés en un petit tas humain bien serré pour que l’on puisse « se passer des choses ». Très chaleureux. Très pratique. Aussi extrêmement efficace pour transformer toute la vue du côté droit en un mur solide de têtes d’inconnus, d’épaules et d’un sac à dos occasionnel.
Donc, chaque fois que j’essayais de regarder de l’autre côté de l’allée pour voir les sites de l’*autre* côté du parcours, je ne voyais que des gens. Pas de paysage. Pas d’occasions de photos. Juste… l’humanité, qui bloquait agressivement mes rêves Instagram.
Clairement, je dois maintenant refaire tout le tour depuis le côté droit.
Ou peut-être que c’est la vraie expérience de visite qu’ils veulent vous faire vivre : créer des liens avec des inconnus en regardant l’arrière de leur tête pendant une heure.
J’ai fini avec environ 50 photos que j’ai utilisées pour monter une vidéo de 2-3 minutes à partager avec mes amis.
Le parcours était très intéressant et instructif. Ma seule suggestion concernerait les places assises. Comme tout le monde était regroupé, j’ai raté tout ce qui se passait du côté droit.
Il n’y avait pas plus de cinq ou dix d’entre nous, alors peut-être qu’à l’avenir vous pourriez alterner les places pour que tout le monde ait la chance de voir les deux côtés.
Ce n’est que mon avis, mais je pense que cela rendrait un tour déjà excellent encore meilleur.
Merci encore pour cette expérience agréable !
For my Rail Fans I am re-posting this hour & a half video which I think is the best I have seen!
The PRR headed up the Red Arrow with a double header of it's famous K4s, which seqways nicley into this 2nd video of the restoration of one of the TWO remainig K4s. The K4's were designed and built at the Altoona Shops and is also where the current restoraion of K4 1361 is ongoing!
I could no longer take it a 9000 ft. Too hard to breathe... so I packed up and headed North ...working my way to Bozeman... via Casper then Cody.
First: I finally got to see Big Boy—well, a Big Boy! I drove to Cheyenne to see the one on static display.
What fascinated me the most was the articulation of the front driving engine and the ingenious way they route steam to the pistons even though that entire section has to pivot away from the boiler on curves. Seeing it up close gave me a whole new appreciation for the engineering. It's absolutely amazing.
#railfan 5m Denny Goes to Cheyenne and sees _A_ Big Boy
Second: My cousin Linda invited me to come visit her in Alaska, and I definitely plan to take her up on it—just not this year.
Linda, getting there would be about 14 days of driving if I only did 3–4 hours a day. I think I'd need a travel buddy (or maybe a cuddler! 😄) to share the driving and make the trip a little easier. My main reason for going is to spend time with you, the oldest living relative on the Pike side of the family. And, of course... it's Alaska! I've always wanted to spend some time there. So I'm aiming for early next summer. See you then!
Third: Below is the live webcam link where you can watch Big Boy roll by today. It should pass around 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time.
See Big Boy go by about 9am CDT
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyLw5HQKiYU
Look Where I Am!. I am at Elevation 8671 ft. and located at 41.27180, -105.43710
See it In Google Maps
https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=41.27180,-105.43710
... and where I’ll be next year, here’s the honest answer: I’m living out an adventure inspired by the wonderful **WonderHussy** YouTube series! She’s the one who sparked this whole journey for me.
I headed out last November with plans to spend the '26 winter in Quartzsite, Arizona. Along the way, I decided to follow Route 66 and made it as far as Amarillo, Texas. (I missed Sarah by a crowded room) Then I took a detour north, hoping to meet up with my sister while she was visiting her son in Bozeman, Montana. Halfway there, though, I made a U-turn and headed back down to the Cheyenne area so I could catch the return of Big Boy (the famous steam locomotive) at the end of July. After that, I’ll continue on to Bozeman, then swing down to Pahrump to visit my cousin Judy. From there, it’s on to Quartzsite for the winter—along with what feels like 2 million other RVs!
Once winter is over, I’ll just keep wandering the beautiful backroads and wild open spaces of the West, just like WonderHussy does. Her latest video was fantastic and exactly the kind of exploring I want to do.
So if you’re planning to be out West next summer, drop a comment and let me know where you’ll be — I’d love to meet up!
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**Loving life out here!** Today was a great day. I drove just 15 minutes down the mountain into Laramie for a Walmart run. My campsite sits at 9,000 ft, while the Walmart is at 7,000 ft — the drop is no joke! On the way back, I found a whole bunch of cows casually roaming right through my campsite all day long. I ended up staying inside most of the day because of them.
On the bright side, I got a lot accomplished: picked up supplies and had a new battery installed in the RV. The fridge is finally staying on properly now that the battery stays charged. Tomorrow’s project is figuring out a good way to haul water up to the site.
Every single day is an adventure, and it’s absolutely gorgeous out here. Life is good! 🌄
Check Out at 20:45 to see steam system to front pistions
...and a Bike Carrier for the ebike (best ever)
While staying in Raton at Summerlan RV Park, I managed to install (mount) a receiver to the back bumper of my 5th wheel RV
I then purchased an ebike (Velotric Discover 2)
I found my next place to go outside Amarillo Texas, and I'm so excited to get there I can't wait.
So I roll into camp yesterday, plop my Starlink dish on the picnic table like a fancy white dinner plate, and boom — internet in the middle of nowhere. Living the dream.
Around 2 a.m., I hear rustling outside. I peek out the window and see a blue light flashing and dancing all over the place like some alien disco party on my table. My brain immediately goes full crime drama:
> “Somebody’s stealing my Starlink. In the dark. The audacity!”
Heart pounding, I flip on the outside light. The mysterious blue orb stops moving instantly. I’m squinting through the blinds like a paranoid grandma, seriously considering buying a gun for the first time in my life.
Morning comes. I step outside and discover the terrifying thief left tiny muddy paw prints all over everything.
It was a raccoon.
A very tech-savvy raccoon who apparently wanted better Wi-Fi.
---
Undeterred, in the morning I heroically mounted the Starlink on a tall pole, strapped it up high like Fort Knox... feeling victorious.
Then at 11:30 p.m., this evening I wake up to metal rattling. Something big is messing with my awning. I turn on the light, open the door, and make direct eye contact with the largest raccoon in North America. This absolute unit had to be 100 pounds of pure muscle and bad decisions. He was hanging off my garbage bag like it owed him money.
If that thing had charged me, I would’ve lost the fight. I’m 99% sure he looked at me like, “You gonna do something about it, human?”
Still thinking about that gun.
Moral of the story: Raccoons don’t want your trash. They want your *setup*. And they’re willing to unionize to get it.
Send help. Or bear spray. Or a bigger raccoon to fight him.
Well, after 28 glorious days of boondocking in Mississippi, I swaggered in here thinking I was a full-blown RV survival ninja. "I got this," I said, chest puffed out like a man who’d already won the wilderness Olympics.
Narrator: He did not, in fact, have this.
The last place spoiled me rotten — easy water, trash dumps like a five-star resort for people who poop in tanks. This new spot? Mother Nature’s budget motel. No water spigot. No dump. Just vibes and disappointment.
I rolled up with my trusty truck full of water — enough to fill the whole RV if I had a working transfer pump. Key word: if. I’d borrowed one before like a responsible adult. This time I went pro and bought a brand new one. Cracked open the box with all the excitement of Christmas morning...
… and pulled out a sad, clearly defective little pump that looked like it lost a fight with itself in the factory.
So now I’m out here living like a pioneer who lost a fight with capitalism. $25 later I’m hauling six pathetic gallons of store water like it’s liquid gold. I’m rationing it harder than a doomsday prepper.
Need to brush your teeth? One tablespoon, champ.
Washing hands? We’re doing the NASA sprinkle method.
Look at that sad little bit of water in the bathroom sink — I’ve got the plug in like it’s Fort Knox. Every drop that doesn’t go down the drain gets *recruited* for future service. Gray water is my new personality trait.
Meanwhile, my trash bags are multiplying in the RV like they’re throwing a wild party. Two bags currently staring at me with judgment. They’ve got more baggage than I do.
If I can’t find a free spigot somewhere to fill my jugs, this nomadic king might be forced to pack up and roll out like a broke cowboy.
Send help. Or a working pump. Or just validation that I’m not the only one out here pretending this is fun. 🚐💦🗑️
Today's drive is nearly 5 hours.
In the snapshot below, Note the RV Park connected to the Parking Lot at the Quapaw Casino. It is free to stay at for a max of 3 nights... AND that includes Electric and Water hook up. No purchases required.
Hey everyone! Just arrived at Quapaw Casino and RV Park.
I scored a great deal on a 14-day stay — only $10 a day, and the first 3 days are free! Can't beat that at all.
I'll probably be here a couple of weeks. Electric and water are included for just $10 a day, which is awesome. The best part? It's right beside the railroad tracks, and I already got to watch my first BNSF trains roll by. So cool and they're really close too!
Anyway, I'm here safe and sound. Plus, Route 66 is right nearby. Woohoo! 😊
My first route 66 stop. It is only 6 minutes from where I am staying for the next couple weeks. I think I will need a milkshake and a cookie every day! (grin)
You can’t travel Route 66 without stopping at this vintage service station turned restaurant: Dairy King in Commerce, Oklahoma. Come for the vintage decor and stay for some ice cream and a famous Route 66 cookie.
Built into an old cottage-style gas station, the Dairy King location started its life as a Marathon station in 1927. It was then owned by Roy Cowherd and owned by Jim Mullen but eventually bought out in the 1930s by Loren and Grace Broyles. Over the years they began serving soft serve, it flipped to a Tydol station, and changed hands once again.
In 1980 Treva and Kenneth Duboise took over and it is still a family operation today being run by their son Charles Duboise and his mother.
While they will no longer fill up your tank at the Dairy King, they will fill up your belly. Stop in for a burger, a milkshake, a banana split, and a Route 66 cookie shaped like the highway marker shield and printed with US 66.
I remember flipping through that old 1925 Commerce School annual like it was yesterday. Right there on one of the pages was an ad for the Independent Service Station—Ray Coward’s place—sitting at Commerce and Main. The phone number was just 98. Back then, that’s all you needed.
Now, if that annual came out in the spring of 1925, that station must’ve been built in 1924. That’s usually how those things worked—they had to sell the ads ahead of time to get them printed. And I always figured Ray was the kind of man who’d want to build something like that himself.
That station’s been around a long time—well over a hundred years now. And it made sense it was built right there, because next door was a lumber yard. I should know—I worked for that family for years and years. They’d been in the lumber business since around 1890, and altogether they stayed in it for 107 years.
Their yard used to sit right next to us, but in 1939 they moved it about a block down the street, just around the corner. They stayed there until 1997, when they finally closed up. But in their prime, they had lumber yards all over. They did well—real well. That whole family had money.
Down the street now there’s a flea market, but long before that, it was a garment factory. That place employed about 400 people, making clothes. One of the brothers from that same family owned it, and altogether they had five factories employing around 1,500 people. They had their hands in everything.
When those factories eventually shut down, though, it didn’t hurt them much. They were already set. Between him and his partner, they owned five funeral homes down in Texas, a big horse ranch up in Kansas, and even built a bank in Kansas City. They had a fireplace company, too—made fireplaces. Truth is, they could’ve retired long before they ever hit 90.
My name’s Charles Dubois. My mom and dad bought this place back in 1980, and we’ve had it ever since. Like I said, that lumber yard used to be right next door, with the railroad tracks running just behind us. They’d unload the lumber straight off the trains.
I remember my boss telling me once—he started working there when he was about 16. Back then, things were different. But standing here now, you can still feel all that history in the ground.
Decorating My Walls
Dexter is a city in Stoddard County, Missouri, United States, founded in 1873. The population was 7,927 at the 2020 census.[4]
I safely arrived at Wildwood RV Park in Dexter Missouri. Lady put me in sight two which was flooded. I went to pay her. She said happy birthday it's free on her tonight. Ummm...wondered if she would be stopping over later??????
As for yesterday’s grand adventures in home improvement:
✅ TV successfully mounted (it’s now staring at me judgmentally from the wall)
✅ New charger acquired and Bluetooth monitored like it owes me money
It was glorious... until I remembered I still haven’t gotten the solar panels up on the roof.
Hopefully today’s the day. I didn’t want to go up there solo in case I pull a fall down and go boom maneuver. Luckily Terry will be here to act as my official “spotter” and potential 911 caller. Fingers crossed I don’t become a cautionary tale for future YouTube fail compilations.
Oh, and speaking of “falling down the rain” — where the hell did that saying come from? I finally broke down and asked the Great and Powerful Wizard of Oz (a.k.a. Grok) about it after remembering it for years every time it rained.... once heard long ago.... (sam)
### Why "pouring down rain" is correct:
- This is the standard, idiomatic way native speakers express heavy rain.
- Common full sentences:
- "It's pouring down rain."
- "The rain is pouring down."
- "Rain is pouring down."
### Why "pouring down the rain" is incorrect (or very awkward):
- Adding "the" makes it sound unnatural and slightly off to native ears.
- It implies a specific, previously mentioned rain (like "the rain we were talking about"), which doesn't fit this context.
- You almost never hear "pouring down the rain" in everyday English.
So, if you're choosing between the two you gave, go with **"pouring down rain"**. It's the grammatically smoother and more idiomatic choice.
I installed my new Victron Solar Charger a few days ago. It comes with an app to keep me on top of all it is doing. (first two photos)
I’ve also purchased their entry-level paid plan for $4.99 a month. It makes everything much simpler and includes additional apps, such as Proton VPN for all my devices.
My old email address still receives everything and I will monitor it for a while. Just letting you know you're going to see new email address from me. Got fed up with Google. Grock says this is the best.
Proton Mail (often stylized as ProtonMail) is the world's largest end-to-end encrypted email service, designed with a strong focus on privacy and security. It was launched in 2014 by a team of scientists from CERN and MIT, led by co-founder Andy Yen, and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
### Key Features
- End-to-end encryption (E2EE) and zero-access encryption: Emails between Proton Mail users are automatically encrypted so that only the sender and recipient can read them. Proton itself cannot access the content of your emails or attachments—not even for scanning purposes in many cases. Emails to non-Proton users can use password protection or PGP compatibility for added security.
- Swiss-based privacy: Switzerland has some of the world's strongest privacy laws, which protect user data from easy government or third-party access. Servers are located in privacy-friendly jurisdictions (Switzerland, Germany, or Norway).
- No ads or surveillance: Unlike Gmail, Proton Mail doesn't scan your emails for advertising, track you extensively, or sell your data. It's funded by paid subscriptions rather than "surveillance capitalism."
- Additional tools: Built-in tracker blocking, self-destructing (expiring) messages, encrypted contacts, spam/virus protection, and integration with other Proton services like Proton VPN, Proton Drive (encrypted storage), Proton Calendar, and Proton Pass (password manager).
- Open-source elements: Much of its code and cryptography has been independently audited.
- **Apps and access**: Available on web, iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, and even via Tor (.onion address) for extra anonymity.
### Free vs. Paid Plans
Proton Mail offers a generous free plan (with limited storage and features) supported by paid subscriptions (like Proton Unlimited or Mail Plus). Paid plans unlock more storage, custom domains, advanced features (e.g., more aliases, priority support), and full access to the Proton ecosystem. It's used by over 100 million people and businesses.
### How It Differs from Gmail and Others
- Privacy-first: Gmail (and many mainstream providers) uses your data for ads and profiling. Proton cannot read your emails due to its encryption model, and it logs minimal personally identifiable information by default.
- Security trade-offs: Full end-to-end encryption works best between Proton users. Emails to/from external providers (like Gmail) may be scanned for spam/viruses on the unencrypted side, and convenience features (e.g., advanced AI search or integrations) might feel more limited compared to Google Workspace.
- Usability: It has a clean, modern interface and works well for most users, though some note it prioritizes privacy over every Gmail-like convenience.
You can sign up for free at https://proton.me/mail. Many users switch from Gmail and report it as a solid, privacy-respecting alternative, though results depend on your specific needs (e.g., heavy Gmail power users might miss some features).
If you're considering switching, Proton provides easy import tools from other providers.
dennisgpike@protonmail.com
I originally installed ProtonMail to see if it could replace Gmail. During setup, they offered to integrate and bring over my existing contacts one time, and then forward all future emails from Gmail to ProtonMail — which I accepted.
After just a couple of days, I decided I no longer wanted the forwarding, so I turned it off. If I were to do it again, I would skip the email forwarding part entirely.
Back in God’s country (Tennessee), I’ve got three projects on deck:
**Project #1:** Mount my solar panels flat on the RV roof like a civilized human being. I’m sick to death of unfolding them, dragging them outside, then hauling them back in and stacking them in the bathtub like some kind of redneck solar art installation.
**Project #2:** Replacing my 20-year-old, non-smart Vizio TV (which was basically a fancy picture frame) with a shiny new $73 Walmart Smart TV I snagged in Pennsylvania.
**Project #3:** Previously I had this tiny 20-watt solar panel strapped to a short ladder just to keep the RV battery from dying of boredom. One strong gust of wind later, the ladder face-planted and the panel exploded. Now I’m left with nothing but the charger and a shattered dream. My new 200-watt panels are going to feel like they’re on welfare until I get a decent charger hooked up.
Today’s forecast? Mostly rain.
But hey… at least there are no potholes in Tennessee.
Middle of the night, the sky decided to throw a full-on rock concert: thunder boomers, lightning flashes, and rain coming down like the heavens had a serious leak. I’m pretty sure my roof was considering filing for workers’ comp.
In between dodging the deluge, I watched another Wonderhussy YouTube video — this one on Cisco, Utah. Added it straight to the “Places I Probably Won’t Get To This Year But Damn It Looks Cool” list. My bucket list is starting to look like a travel brochure for places that require a 4x4 and a prayer.
Also, big thanks to my brother in Pennsylvania for loaning me the book Playing Through the Whistle. I returned his hard copy (because I’m fancy and prefer reading on a screen like a civilized gremlin) and bought my own digital version. Man, what a great read. If you’re from the Aliquippa area, do yourself a favor and check it out — it’s the most interesting history of that town you’ll ever find.
Serbs, Croats, Poles, Slovaks, and a small scattering of blacks were sent to Plans 1, 2, 4, and 9 along the tracks, making up much of what was known as Logstown.
Plan 7 held Serbs and other Slavs,
Plan 11 the Italians and some Poles.
Jews held down plan 8
along Franklin Avenue; Greeks and Lebanese settled at its eastern end, by the tunnel, in the area known as the Wye.
Italians dominated West Aliquippa.
The higher in the surrounding hills you went, the whiter, richer, and quieter it became
Plan 6 with its three clay tennis courts, was reserved for management: "cake-eaters," in the slang of the day.
Anglos, Germans, and Nordics lived in plan 12 spilling over the bridge into a neighborhood soon to be dubbed "Hollywood" because of its decadent parties.
Well folks, on the 15th I finally escaped Pennsylvania after attending Mom’s funeral.
Rest in peace, Mom… and thank God the rest of us finally get to rest too.
My only remaining prayer is that my siblings have the courtesy to outlive me. If I never see that gloomy, pothole-riddled, screwed-up state again, it’ll still be too soon.
Yesterday, I got one of those great calls from my son Travis that always makes me smile. He asked why I wasn't heading west anymore—instead, I was pointing the rig south. "Dad, you just have to backtrack a bit," he said.
I explained that pushing toward Cheyenne, Wyoming, right now would mean dealing with way too much cold—probably not thawing out until June. He shot back with the obvious: "Stay south, along the coast. Texas, Mississippi, keep it warm!"
So I pulled out the maps and checked the weather. He's right—it looks perfect. Mild temps, no snow in sight, and plenty of open road ahead.
Finally official!
On Monday the 23rd, I made it happen: my truck and 5th wheel now sport shiny new Florida plates, and I walked out with my Florida driver's license in hand.
It was a three-and-a-half-hour ordeal at the DMV—but only the first hour and a half was actual waiting. Worth it!
Freedom at last! No more being tied to the Crestview area. I can head anywhere now.
In the next few weeks, I'm planning to travel farther south—maybe even down to visit my cousin Jane around March 15th when my sister heads that way. Can't wait to leave this chill behind for good.
I'm still at Bear Lake Campground until Wednesday. The power hookup has been a blessing, keeping the electric heaters running through these freezing nights.
On Wednesday, it's back to free camping! I'll head east (and a bit south) to Buck Horn Camp near Tallahassee. Once there, I'll reassess how long to stay before continuing farther south.
Looking forward to warmer days, open roads, and more adventures ahead! 🌴🚐
First off, a huge thank you to everyone who sent birthday wishes! It was a fantastic day here in a beautiful park.
I'm currently parked in a national forest spot (unlike the previous one, which was in a state park). Interestingly, both locations are near Air Force bases. I've been itching to fly my drone, but drones aren't allowed in national or state parks anyway—and around here, with the Air Force presence, I wouldn't trust it. By the time it got airborne, someone might shoot it down! Maybe I'll find a safer spot down the road.
### Mississippi Breakfast Wins
The last two mornings, I've hit up local convenience stores for milk or gas and ended up grabbing breakfast treats.
The first was alligator sausage—a full footlong—and wow, it was incredible. It had nothing to do with the meat itself; the seasoning and stuffing made it awesome.
Yesterday was a thick, handheld omelette about an inch thick—man, it was just as good. Mississippi really knows how to do breakfast right!
### Smart Moves: Cell Service & Starlink
Surprisingly, this spot has solid cell service—good enough for regular internet use. So I've put my Starlink on standby for a month (just $5 instead of $165). No sense paying for what I don't need right now!
That extra budget breathing room let me snag a great deal on a generator: a 4,400W unit for only $269 (33% off). It's already on its way—actually being shipped to a nearby neighbor's address.
### Park Life & Helpful Neighbors
There are only about four rigs here right now, spread out so far that there's a good football field between each of us—nice and private.
I've chatted with a couple of folks, including one guy in a fifth wheel who's been here a couple of months. He has a mailbox at a nearby UPS store and kindly offered to let me ship the generator there. He'll let me know when it arrives—super helpful!
At the far end is a small RV with an older lady who's been here over three months (well past the usual two-week limit). My friend says no one bothers her, and they've even done welfare checks a couple times. She mostly stays inside.
### Next Stop & Long-Term Plans
The Campendium app has been a game-changer—it highlights all these free boondocking spots off the beaten path. That's exactly what I'm after. These places feel like those dreamy RV ads: rig parked by a serene lake or in the woods. You rarely get that at paid campgrounds, but it happens when you go this route.
Of course, boondocking takes some setup—once the generator arrives to keep the batteries topped off, I'll be fully set.
If you scroll to the top of the page, you'll see my live map tracking toward the final destination: Tecopa, California. (It's a small spot in the Mojave Desert, southeast Inyo County, near Death Valley—famous for hot springs and desert scenery.)
If you've watched Wonderhussy's YouTube videos, you know she's all about the desert gems in the Mojave and Death Valley. I've gotten really interested in that area too. It's only about 30 minutes from my cousin Judy in Pahrump, Nevada. Still a couple months out at least.
That's the update—where I'm at, what I'm up to, and where I'm headed. Thanks again for following along!
Stay safe out there, everyone.
February 2026 – Somewhere in the Florida Panhandle
Yesterday I finally rolled into Wilderness Landing Park, and wow—what a gem! One thing I'm learning about these free dispersed camping spots: they're not always easy to find... or more accurately, not easy to get to. Google Maps will guide you there, but the route involves miles of back roads, dirt paths, narrow turns, and that constant nagging fear: "What if I can't turn around?"
But man, did I get lucky when I arrived. The place is stunningly gorgeous —right along the Blackwater River, surrounded by peaceful woods and water views. Only a handful of people here, and the first person I met jumped in to help me back my rig into the perfect spot. Total stranger, ex trucker, total kindness.
The quiet is unreal. No power hookups means no generators humming, no AC units blasting—just pure silence all day. As soon as darkness fell, it got even quieter. A few scattered campfires, maybe some stars peeking through, but otherwise... nothing. No lights, no noise. It's magical.
Bonus: There's a bathhouse with hot showers! That's a huge win for a free primitive site.
Getting used to no shore power is the real adventure. Everything runs off the RV battery—I'm feeling like a kid again, camping in the woods with just flashlights and battery power. I've got a 1000W 12V inverter hooked up to supply 110V when needed, but the only thing drawing from it right now is my Starlink for internet. Without that dish, I'm 100% off-grid—no cell service, nothing.
I'm constantly monitoring battery voltage, watching every watt. At 1:00 a.m., I managed to hop on Amazon long enough to order a 20W solar battery charger for the rig—it should arrive Thursday. Since Starlink only pulls about 3W, that small panel should keep things topped up during the day. Fingers crossed!
I can't wait for sunrise so I can explore more, snap some photos, and shoot videos to share. This place is absolutely gorgeous, free, peaceful, and already one of my favorites.
More updates soon—loving every minute of this off-grid life!
Stay tuned...
After a sudden departure yesterday, I found myself at a stone's throw from the highway RV park. And literally, that's what it is—a quick overnight stopping place right off the road.
Now that I have a moment to regroup, I've lined up my next free camping spot. It looks awesome! I'm hoping to arrive this morning sometime, or maybe just after noon.
It's called Wilderness Landing Park—up to 14 days of free boondocking, with about 15 sites available. There's a camp host on one of the sites who maintains the showers and bathhouse (hot showers are a huge bonus!). Best of all, it's only about 20 minutes from the tax collector's office where I need to sort out my vehicle registration and get everything straightened out.
Plan for today: Empty all my tanks here, fill up with fresh water, and head over there.
(From what I've seen, this is a beautiful riverside county park in the Florida Panhandle near Baker, along the Blackwater River—primitive but well-maintained free camping with river access, boat ramp, and those coveted hot showers. Fingers crossed for a good spot!)
Check it out here
Safe travels, and here's to another great stop on the road! 🚐💨