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Stop 1
Stop 1
Hickory Creek Campground - near Lowell, AR - Feb 17th - 20th
Hickory Creek Campground - near Lowell, AR - Feb 17th - 20th
Hickory Creek Park sits along the shores of Beaver Lake in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, offering spacious and sunny campsites right on the waterfront. The Pine Loop, sites 44 - 61 are the only spots open during the winter camping season (Nov 1st - March 31st).
Site #58
Freja, "pocket puma" in the wild, hehehe.
These 2 cats are starting their 19th RV camping season. Thor is wondering when he can go back in the RV for a nap.
Stop 2
Stop 2
This campground on Lake of Arbuckles has an A and B loop that are closed in the winter, a C loop that is reservable and a D loop that is first come - first serve. We originally placed a reservation in the C loop (site #53) but it was so slopey that we changed to the D loop, site #113 (as recommended by the host). People call the Chickasaw National Recreation Area Peaceful Valley of Rippling Waters . The area was created by combining the Platt National Park with the Arbuckle Recreation Area in 1976. There are many natural, fresh water springs, mineral springs, and a bison viewing area. This part of Oklahoma and northern part of Texas is lso aknown as the Texomo region.
Site #113 with Lake of the Arbuckles in the background.
First of many sunsets to come on this trip.
Little Niagara Falls (and swimming hole). The water is supposed to be more a blue-green color from the spring fed creek, but it rained heavily on the morning of our visit.
Bison Pasture viewing point along Hwy 177. The small herd present in the park today is descended from a group of six bison which were obtained from the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge in western Oklahoma in 1920.
Information on the Niagara Falls swimming hole that was created by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1937-8.
Pavilion Springs is one of several fresh and mineral springs around the area. As you can see from Lars gesture this would be a mineral spring with a strong sulfur smell.
Sunset campfire once the winds finally died down.
This is one type of camp site you can build using circus lights, hahaha. Luckily they turned them off overnight.
Stop 3
Stop 3
Lake Arrowhead State Park - Wichita Falls - Feb 23rd - 25th
Lake Arrowhead State Park - Wichita Falls - Feb 23rd - 25th
Halfway between Dallas and Oklahoma City (and fifteen minutes away from Wichita Falls, TX) is Lake Arrowhead State Park, on the north shore of a 16,200-acre lake. In this short stop the weather was a little wintery, grey with highs around 35-45 and lows near freezing.
You might be in Texas if there is an oil well pumpjack in the campground.
Stop 4
Stop 4
Lofers Bend West - Near Whitney, TX - Feb 25th - 28th
Lofers Bend West - Near Whitney, TX - Feb 25th - 28th
Lofers Bend West Campground is located on Whitney Lake on the Brazos River in Central Texas about 75 minutes south of Dallas.
Morning fishing for this heron even though it was quite chilly.
Finally after a few days of grey and foggy weather the sun came out for a cameo appearance at sunset, but it also brought a lot of wind (30-40mph).
What a difference a day makes, today sunny, warm, near 80 degrees. This photo is from the camping loop that contains sites 63-68.
The sun is going down on the stay at this campground.
The morning sky as we get ready to embark on our travel day to the next stop.
Enjoying the fresh air and warm temperatures.
Stop 5
Stop 5
Potters Creek Campground - Canyon Lake, TX - Feb 28th - March 5th
Potters Creek Campground - Canyon Lake, TX - Feb 28th - March 5th
Potters Creek Park is on the northern shore of Canyon Lake between Austin and San Antonio.
***Note that there is a very strict check in time. If you arrive early, before 3:00pm, you will not be able to access your site even if it is vacant. They also have a very strict gate closure time of 9:00pm. You are able to leave the park after the main gate is locked, but will not be allowed to re-enter with a vehicle after the gates are locked. You may walk into your site, but the vehicle must be parked outside of the gate on the side, out of the way until the gate opens in the morning.
This area is part of Texas Hill Country with 100+ wineries and a lot of cute, small (German type) towns with great restaurants and scenery.
Bird's eye view of Loop 2. There are 6 loops total with one loop that has double and triple family sites.
Campfire wood is a bit pricey. This is the first time that I have seen wood priced according to type.
Today's (March 2nd) motorcycle ride was on the River Road between Canyon Lake down to New Braunfels on the Guadalupe River.
On the ride we also did a quick visit to the San Antonio River Walk for a quick snack and beverage and Hard Rock Cafe.
The storms and wind in the dark of the night was a little rough, it was like the RV was a cradle rocking back and forth. We put in the full wall slide before heading to bed.
Today (March 3rd) we rode pieces of the Three Twisted Sisters motorcycle ride. It is known to be the best, challenging motorcycle roads in the Texas Hill Country. The Sisters are a connecting trio of Texas county roads, Farm-to-Market Roads (FM) 335, 336, and 337, that form a 100-mile loop around some of the prettiest country Texas has to offer. Our loop was much longer, 330 miles.
Past this gem of a roadside attraction. The Cartoon Saloon is a tiny little place off the side of FM 473.
Lunch at the Jail House in Rocksprings along Hwy 377.
South Fork of the Guadalupe River on Hwy 39.
We pulled over at this interesting little oasis. The Garven Store has been around since 1932 and is known for jerky, sausage, cheddar cheese, BBQ, and of course whatever you need to wet your whistle. It also claims to be the gateway to the Three Sister motorcycle ride at the corner of US Hwy 41 & 83.
Tatum Lake on Hwy 337.
It's always nice to get back to the RV for sunset.
This is what 330 miles on a motorcycle on a bright sunny day does to your face.
Stop 6
Stop 6
Lake Corpus Christi State Park - Mathis, TX - March 5th - 8th
Lake Corpus Christi State Park - Mathis, TX - March 5th - 8th
Lake Corpus Christi is about 80 years old and could use some modern updates but the lake and bird watching is worth the stay. There were many campsites, with water only, water and electricity, or full hookup sites.
The Castle towers over the highest point overlooking Lake Corpus Christi and was designed by the National Park System. The building style is known as NPS rustic.
Went to a cute little pizza place (look at the light fixtures), Vans Brick Oven Pizza, where we enjoyed an Alfredo and buffalo chicken pizza.
Sunset picture taken from the Castle scenic overlook at Lake Corpus Christi State Park.
Glad I saw this sign in the park. I did get to sit and watch a road runner and they are correct, they have a lot of personality. No wonder Looney Tunes used the road runner with Wile E Coyote in their cartoons.
Stop 7
Stop 7
Isla Blanca Park - South Padre Island, TX - March 8th - 11th
Isla Blanca Park - South Padre Island, TX - March 8th - 11th
Isla Blanca Park is located on the southernmost tip of South Padre Island and is considered the crown jewel of the Parks system. Located within the park, there is over a mile of beach along the Gulf of Mexico
Heading into SPI via the Queen Isabella Causeway.
Beers and a mango daiquiri at Mahi Nics after a day of travel. The daiquiri did not disappoint, yum!
Went to Clayton's and Bar Louie to check out the incoming spring break crowd.
State Park 100 leads to the End of the Road. With a Texas State Park pass you can camp along the dunes and beach. We met a lady that had been there for months. The pass is $30 per year and allows you to go into other state parks and empty you tanks and fill fresh water.
Finishing the Day out at Pirate's Landing in Port Isabel with Coco Nuts an Amaretto, Malibu Rum and tropical juice delight.
End of the Road, South Padre Island. The park road is about 12 miles long from the south end, Isla Blanca Park to the north end.
The small observation airship hovering SPI is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's aerostat, equipped with a surveillance system. The blimp is to combat smuggling, drug trafficking, immigration and illegal fishing.
Morning walk along the Gulf of Mexico side of the park.
Isla Blanca Park is a county park at the south end of SPI. For being a 600+ site campground the spots were not horribly close to each other especially if you were on the outer edge of the park. We were in site C403 along the Laguna Madre side.
The Jesus Christ of the Fisherman statue is a jewel of South Padre Island, but not many people know the story behind it. Check it out here.
Stop 8
Stop 8
On the Beach RV Park - Port Aransas (Mustang Island), TX - March 11th - 18th
On the Beach RV Park - Port Aransas (Mustang Island), TX - March 11th - 18th
Port Aransas is on the Texas coast near Corpus Christi and known for its Gulf of Mexico beaches.
Coming across the John F Kennedy Memorial Causeway, Corpus Christi, TX over to Port Aransas.
Sunday, funday for the boaters in the Corpus Christi Bay area. Record high of 99 degrees.
Driving and boondock camping is allowed on the beaches. RV and tent camping are permitted on the beach in Port Aransas. However, according to the city, there is a 3-night limit during any 3-week period.
The City of Port Aransas requires a $12.00 permit to park along the beaches. This includes the area from Marker 0 to 62.
Paid for a premium front row, corner spot to the Gulf of Mexico.
At first we were a little disappointed that there was a large sand dune in our view, but learned it was a good thing with the incredibly strong winds.
The weather for the spring breakers included a coastal flood advisory due to dangerous rip currents. Not a good day to be in the water. The air temperature was 65, water temperature 76.
Taking the ferry over to the north side of Corpus Christi with pit stops in Fulton and Rockport.
On our ride today we were literally at sea level. Waves crashing up on the street.
Stop 9
Stop 9
Dunn Right RV Park - March - April 1st
Dunn Right RV Park - March - April 1st
Very nice RV resort with swimming pool/hot tub, Watering Hole bar, food trucks, great bathroom/shower house, and trash service. All kinds of people with many different types of campers stay here from permanent, to seasonal, and short term vacationers.
It's going to be a good weekend, the Swedes are coming and the Ultra beer truck is making a delivery.
When the RV garage becomes a guest room.
The Three Amigos, I mean Swedes at the campground Watering Hole!
More fun from the Watering Hole!
Stop 1 0
Stop 1 0
Pickled Pelican - Holley Beach, LA - April 1st - 6th
Pickled Pelican - Holley Beach, LA - April 1st - 6th
The most remote beach campground we have been to since traveling to the southern states. The sites have full hookups and a really nice cabana and best of all a direct view of the Gulf of Mexico and the beach. This is not a typical RV park as there are no amenities. As of this date rates are $75 a night for the cabana sites.
Went for a motorcycle ride on the Creole Nature Trail and found Fred's Lounge (biker bar), a truly local bar with a fun atmosphere. So many laughs with the locals.
Went for a motorcycle ride on the Creole Nature Trail and found Fred's Lounge (biker bar), a truly local bar with a fun atmosphere. So many laughs with the locals.
Couyon meaning Cajun crazy! Ring the bell and you buy the next round for everyone in the bar.
Long time friends and new friends eat, drink and laugh at Freds.
It's Fred himself! You ought to see him prep and BBQ up the lunch.
Seagull drummies,...it's what is for lunch!?!?
Malcom, a new local friend, then took us to Mary's Lounge for live music and beverages.
Connected to Mary's Lounge is Mac's Crawfish where you can get the cajun expereience for dinner.
Even on vacation, there is RV maintenance to be done.
It's break time, while working on the RV.
Stop 11
Stop 11
New Orleans RV Park & Marina - April 6th - 11th
New Orleans RV Park & Marina - April 6th - 11th
This campground was on the Inner Harbor Navigation Canal on Lake Pontchartrain. It's our home base for visiting downtown New Orleans and the French Quarter.
Indian Motorcycle Dealer New Orleans
Bourbon Street by day
This iconic, revolving carousel bar is located in the Hotel Monteleone.
Ghost Bar of Bourbon
Back at camp...Fun in the sun!
Went for a motorcycle ride down to the bayou of Louisiana, where there is one road in and one road out.
Went for a motorcycle ride down to the bayou of Louisiana, where there is one road in and one road out.
Joe's Landing, the only place to grab a beer and get a snack.
Beer break!
Bikes on Bourbon!
New Orleans by Night (evening)
New Orleans by Night (evening)
Stop 12
Stop 12
Bay Breeze RV Park - Gulf Shores, AL - April 11th - 18th
Bay Breeze RV Park - Gulf Shores, AL - April 11th - 18th
Unfortunately this was the end of the trip. We never made it to Bay Breeze Campground due to a catastrophic RV event.
On April 11th while waiting to get gas at a Sam's Club in Gulf Port, MS a fire started in the engine compartment of the RV. After an insurance investigation, it was determined that the fire did originate in the engine compartment in the distribution blocks that route power, arcing ignited insulation spreading to the dashboard. Most likely due to wear ant tear.
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