Monday, July 30, 2012

1070 miles and wondering...

I did not post yesterday as my smart phone 3G capability was next to zero..Another drive along the most lonesome highway I have been on...Five towns between Shamrock Texas and Lake Scott State Park Kansas...the terrain  and usage of land changed about 4 times during the trip...From hills with Buttes, to Ranch land, Farm land, Oil Fields...and of couse Prairies....I was surprised at the vast number of oil fields on this stretch of Road....and the sole purpose of the towns was to support the oil industry..though the largest town was probably at 1000 in population...when I got to the State Park is was approaching 105 degrees...the AC was  struggling to get to 88 degrees..I finally turned it off and used the fantastic fan......to no avail...The park had hills and numerous hiking trails....but it wasn't going to happen today...I got dehyrated just sitting in the camper reading......

Lake Scott State Park Kansas Horst Kelly Photographer


Woke up this morning about 0400 and planned out my route and were to stop...either Stapleton or Thedford Nebraska.....both very small towns..Stapleton has about 350 residents...but it has a city park with 4 RV hookups, and the price is right....one dollar donation...it received great reviews...they called it "a hidden gem"...especially in this wilderness....Todays ride produced about the same number of small towns...however most of the scenery was rolling hills...up one hill, down another....and then there was the "gas issue".

I was going to fill up at McCook, Nebraska...right across the State line from Kansas....looked  promising....even saw several stores selling "Spirits"... only saw 3 gas stations...alll on the other side with no easy way for me to maneuver  across the road....another 50 miles and the carburetor is grasping on fumes...I pull into a small town of less than 100(smart phone said it had a gas station)...and it did...a "AG COOP" station...no one there...but not to fear, just insert CC....RIGHT.....I finally flag down a local, and he was more than happy to help...we soon realized that we had to be at least 10 percent smarter then the implement we were dealing with....and we were  NOT even close to 10 percent...he suggested a short 6 mile ride to the town of Curtis....and yes someone is working there today....what he did not tell me is that in those 6 miles they are working on two bridges...both have a single lane with a stoplight...as luck would have it I caught  red both times.....I knew I was going to have to walk to the station and fetch a gallon of gas....but the Petrol Gods where with me and I sputtered into the station...with 2 drops of gas remaining.....ok maybe 3.
The rest of the trip to Stapleton was a none event....

I decided to check out this town of less than 300, and find the City and RV Park.....what a neat place..the town is probably 2 miles square.....and the park was on one end of it....at first I did not see any roads leading into the park...and decided the bike trail was the way in....at the end of the park is a grassy nole with 3 electric(30amp) outlets and water....the only problem was trying to find a little shade and trying to level from side to side...I went around the circle 3 time before getting it somewhat level....right next to me a farmer was cutting hay......and a 2 minute walk got me from one end of town to the other...and everything was closed...I was hoping for a farmers market stand...but no such luck...Its still a great place ...I'm the only one here...its like boondocking....I'm a little concerned as there is a chance of T-showers tonight and I think the ground could get real soft, real quick...but its worth the gamble and I do have emergency road service....all is well....

My Little slice of Heaven at Stapleton City Park.....Life is GREAT


Tomorrow...on to the Badlands.....Till then...Happy Trails...Horst

Postscript....I was "wondering",ok  thinking about RT 83 and its rich heritage, its past history and the present...There was a common thread that ran through all of these towns....the folks were very friendly, hard working, proud of what what they had and who they where, a strong faith, and a willingness to sacrifice...

Route 83 made me realize that we have GREAT People in this county.....and I am glad  I'm taking this journey and honored to have met many of those fine folks.....Happy Trails  Horst

1 comment:

  1. Looks like you're having great weather. Could you please send some of the rain and lower temps this way? Rock on! And don't forget to stop in KS on way home!

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