Table Of  Contents

FL

### Travel: Arrival at Wilderness Landing Park: Pure Off-Grid Bliss

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...

#Florida Resident – AGAIN!

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! 🌴🚐

MS

Perkinson - Airey Lake Recreation Area

Go West... Wait, South! Redirecting the Road Trip

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.

Decision made: I'm doing it. Next stop—Airey Lake Recreation Area in Mississippi.

This spot in the De Soto National Forest sounds like a peaceful gem: a small 3-acre lake for fishing and canoeing, picnic tables, primitive camping (think unnumbered sites, fire rings, and that serene forest vibe), plus access to the Tuxachanie Hiking Trail for some solid day hikes. No hookups or fancy amenities, but that's exactly the kind of quiet I'm after.

Time to head south and chase the warmer weather.

Go west, old man? Nah... go south this time!

Safe travels to anyone else out on the road—drop a comment if you've been to Airey Lake or have tips for the southern route! 🚐🌴

Today’s forecast? Mostly rain. 

But hey… at least there are no potholes in Tennessee.

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.

My Rat's Nest

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 been reading *Playing Through the Whistle*, 

a deep-dive history of the town of Aliquippa and the Beaver Valley in Pennsylvania.

The story begins in 1906 when Jones & Laughlin (J&L) Steel bought up vast amounts of land and built not only a massive mill but an entire town around it. They constructed it directly over a creek that still runs beneath the main street today. The company even divided the town into planned neighborhoods based on different nationalities, creating a tightly controlled company town from the ground up.

Life in the early mill years was brutal. Workers endured long hours in dangerous conditions and owed almost everything to the company. They lived in company-owned homes, shopped at the company store, and had all their expenses deducted directly from their paychecks. If a boss took a dislike to you, you could be fired on the spot — and that meant losing not just your job, but your home and everything you owned.

Conditions only began to improve in 1934, when the governor’s wife visited the town and publicly called out the mill’s abuses. This helped spark the formation of unions. By 1949, with the mill booming after the war, J&L actually welcomed the unions with open arms, working cooperatively with them and granting most of their demands.

That cooperative spirit changed in 1959 when the union went on a 112-day strike. According to the book (and my own father’s experience), this strike was a turning point — the union may have figuratively “cut its own throat.” I remember my dad staying home all summer during that strike, and the worry in the house about how the family would get by. Even as a kid, I could tell he wasn’t fully sympathetic to the union’s actions.

After World War II, foreign competition intensified. Countries like Japan, Brazil, and Germany built modern steel mills using the far more efficient Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF), while J&L was still relying on outdated 1903-era Bessemer furnaces. Foreign labor costs were also dramatically lower than the wages the unions had negotiated. When the 1959 strike finally ended, the mill struggled to recover. Over the next 25 years it was a slow, painful decline until the plant finally shut down in 1985.

I personally worked at the mill for its last 10 years, and the things I witnessed were often unbelievable. Many workers simply couldn’t grasp that other countries were producing and selling steel far cheaper than we could. Meanwhile, the U.S. was importing more steel than it was buying domestically.

I’m only about a third of the way through the book, but it’s already outstanding. The author skillfully weaves in Aliquippa’s remarkable sports history — the town has been one of the nation’s top producers of elite athletes for decades. 

Highly recommended.

Denny

PS: sometime in the early 80s I actually posted an article to the Beaver valley times regarding this issue. Someone with timesonline.com maybe able to find it?

Playing through the whistle

I’ve been reading *Playing Through the Whistle*, 

a deep-dive history of the town of Aliquippa and the Beaver Valley in Pennsylvania.

The story begins in 1906 when Jones & Laughlin (J&L) Steel bought up vast amounts of land and built not only a massive mill but an entire town around it. They constructed it directly over a creek that still runs beneath the main street today. The company even divided the town into planned neighborhoods based on different nationalities, creating a tightly controlled company town from the ground up.

Life in the early mill years was brutal. Workers endured long hours in dangerous conditions and owed almost everything to the company. They lived in company-owned homes, shopped at the company store, and had all their expenses deducted directly from their paychecks. If a boss took a dislike to you, you could be fired on the spot — and that meant losing not just your job, but your home and everything you owned.

Conditions only began to improve in 1934, when the governor’s wife visited the town and publicly called out the mill’s abuses. This helped spark the formation of unions. By 1949, with the mill booming after the war, J&L actually welcomed the unions with open arms, working cooperatively with them and granting most of their demands.

That cooperative spirit changed in 1959 when the union went on a 112-day strike. According to the book (and my own father’s experience), this strike was a turning point — the union may have figuratively “cut its own throat.” I remember my dad staying home all summer during that strike, and the worry in the house about how the family would get by. Even as a kid, I could tell he wasn’t fully sympathetic to the union’s actions.

After World War II, foreign competition intensified. Countries like Japan, Brazil, and Germany built modern steel mills using the far more efficient Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF), while J&L was still relying on outdated 1903-era Bessemer furnaces. Foreign labor costs were also dramatically lower than the wages the unions had negotiated. When the 1959 strike finally ended, the mill struggled to recover. Over the next 25 years it was a slow, painful decline until the plant finally shut down in 1985.

I personally worked at the mill for its last 10 years, and the things I witnessed were often unbelievable. Many workers simply couldn’t grasp that other countries were producing and selling steel far cheaper than we could. Meanwhile, the U.S. was importing more steel than it was buying domestically.

I’m only about a third of the way through the book, but it’s already outstanding. The author skillfully weaves in Aliquippa’s remarkable sports history — the town has been one of the nation’s top producers of elite athletes for decades. 

Highly recommended.

Denny

PS: sometime in the early 80s I actually posted an article to the Beaver valley times regarding this issue. Someone with timesonline.com maybe able to find it?

New email address for Denny.

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

MO

Dexter Missouri

Dexter is a city in Stoddard County, Missouri, United States, founded in 1873. The population was 7,927 at the 2020 census.[4]

Friday, Apr 24

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??????

OK

Quapaw, Oklahoma

Quapaw (pronounced kwuh-PAW), officially the Town of Quapaw, is a town in Ottawa County, Oklahoma, United States, which serves as the capital of the Quapaw Nation. Located about 9 miles (14 km) northeast of Miami, it is part of the Joplin, Missouri metropolitan area. Incorporated in 1917,[4] Quapaw's population was 811 in 2020.[5]

Made It!

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! 😊

🚨 RV Life: The Great Raccoon Heist of 2026 🚨

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.

Taking my trash to Amarillo

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. 🚐💦🗑️

I found my next place to go outside Amarillo Texas, and I'm so excited to get there I can't wait.