HeeHaw....Badlands here I come

Only one photo as wifi is really slow...


What a GREAT nights sleep I got in Stapleton...It rained for about half hour, temperature dropped, opened some windows and slept  through the night.... a rare event for me.....woke up about 0500...that is midmorning isn't it...got a cup of Java, and went outside to look at the heavens blinking at me...as if to say they approve of my adventure..I was ready to depart by 0615, temp. was a nice cool 65 degrees...today was going to be a smiley day...I felt it...the Country Side started getting some rolling hills..but higher......elevation was rising...trees were sparse... the fields had color...I wanted to stop numerous times, but no place to pull over...traffic picked up...but a special kind of traffic....."HARLEYS"...my Sturgis Buds are on the move....the 3 times I stopped there where Bikers..and we talked...a super bunch of folks...one group had a retired Air Force Colonel with them...so we chatted about our careers....it was the kind of day you wished you had a convertible.....


But is was also a melancholy day of sorts...at mile 1289 of my journey on Rt 83, which took me to five states and intersected 4 almost 5 Interstates has ended...it was a informative experience,  I hooked a left on SD Rt. 44 to Interior SD....and the climb started..along with Native American Radio Stations and I assume Casino's..after about 90 minutes I drove into Budget Host Inn and Campgrounds at Interior Sd...at the sorthern entrance of the Badlands....I was going to stay at Cedar Lodge Campgrounds, but this was cheaper and had more stuff going on...if it would only cool down I would Boon-Dock....Patience!!!... Horst, Glacier is coming soon....I have a spot at the far end.....a photo op view of the Badlands from my camper.....they have wi-fi...but I'm too far away...so I'm sitting in the cafe writtng this...my 3G isn't working here...so no tethering to my netbook....

Got to The Badlands around noon, ...and some nice views of the Badlands...can’t ask for more...am going to stay for 3 Days....maybe longer. 

Horst Kelly Photographer

About 1400 I decided to do the Loop Road to include about a 10 mile section of Sage Creek..a dirt washboard type road..what an experience....a cross between Hoodoo's, canyons, prairies, and breathtaking...only down side is there aren’t enough pull offs...at least not for me..ended up at Wall, SD..and no I didn’t go to the Drug store...yet....got back about 1700 hours called my Honey ....and since I  couldn't go online she helped trying to figure out options for my stay....she's Soooo very supportive...after that I grilled a small Ribeye, and a tomoto sandwich... did some reading and called it day...it cooled done to the extent that I turned off the AC...

Woke up this morning(Tuesday 7/31) at 0430....by 0500 I was sitting outside to a super nice crisp morning watching the sun rise over the Badlands....going to head out to try and capture some early morning shots.....then who knows what...would like to do some trail hikes...but for me it just gets too hot to fast.... guess it comes with the package called “being an AARP”....Happy trails...Horst

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

On the Road Again...Post no. "uno" 313 miles on Rt 87 & 283

The day has finally arrived.....yes I still have unfinished stuff on my "List"....but it doesn't matter and yes I forgot to take some stuff....only items that bothered me, and that I couldn't find  on the road... were my tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions...you would think there would be at least one road side veggie stand in a 300 mile stretch...it was not to be.....

In the Country...Horst Kelly Photographer

I began the journey by getting a  wheel replaced on the Casita...they noticed it was bent when I went to the tire place last week...one was ordered and I decided to have it put on at the start of the trip...by 0830 all was done and I'm on my way....

So I make my way west on I-10 until I get to Comfort, Texas..hit Rt 87 through the great German town of Fredericksburg, birthplace of Adm. Nimitz...and then the vast open and desolate trip begins...thru Mason, Brady on Rt 283 North and more ET landing areas, Fife, Santa Anna, Coleman until I hit I-20...I see no Cattle, No Horses, no Vultures, no Roadkill....not even an empty "Bud Light beer can" on the side of the road.....I was lucky to find a gas station...well a pump and one can only hope it was  gas and not kerosene....I decided to Bed Down in Abilene....I was thinking of staying at the Cracker Barrel as they allow overnight camping...however the temps were in the high 90's and they didn't want generators running(for the AC).....so I stopped at Abilene RV Park...you get a Good Sam discount...they are pull throughs, electric, pool, very clean bathrooms...price $27.00.....two hours into being parked the rain and wind came in mass and the temperature dropped 15 to 20 degrees......I could have stayed a Cracker Barrel...no AC needed...timing is everything....

Horst Kelly Photographer

Will leave at first light tomorrow and see where I end up...looks like its all Rt 83 until I get to the Badlands....another 4 or so days away....I just looked around and I forgot to bring my Dulcimer...see what happens when you start believing in" lists"...never again.....just let me deal with adventure, the unknown....and vision...if I would have done that, I be trying to carve out a tune with my Dulcimer right now...oh well...time for a little Bob Segar ....and a glass of JD....photo's are from my Spring trip.....Happy Trails  Horst

5 Days and a wake up

I'm on my final countdown..all systems are go...only action left is to get new camper tires, which will happen tomorrow...I also will put in on a scale and see what Ms Casita weighs...and since I'm 95 percent packed, it should be a pretty accurate weight.....

Got the Generator on the rear basket and tied down and tomorrow I will do a test drive over different types of road surfaces .......also will have a cover over it when traveling....

I will try to do as much boondocking as possible....between here and The Badlands there aren't too many places to camp...it will be interesting,  but I'm excited...to me that's what these adventures are all about.....I plan on driving 200-250 per day and will try to stay off the interstates as much as possible....between here and Nebraska I've found several small town parks that allow overnight camping.....and on Rt 83 the towns seem to be far and few between....I'll be in my comfort zone...

OK...I didn't post this  yet...its now Saturday 21 July...I got the new tires, Maxxis 8008  ST225/75R/15 E load 10 ply....glad I did as when they were balancing them, they found one of the wheels was bent.....all is now well...got Ms casita weighed...with 95 percent packed it came in at 3150lbs....
Also did my test drive with the generator, several different terrains, from Freeway to washboard and everything in between...all went well...
Now its down to the last 72 hours.....and the list of things left to do keeps growing....here we go, crossing "t's" and dotting "i's".....oh bother..but there is hope...'cause the day is near when I start the engine and head north  for my adventure...no matter what the damn "list" still has left on it....But the old "hitch-itch" is getting stronger......BTW here is a "phone pic" during my daily walk this A.M... Enough of this...need to start going through my list...there's some daylight left....It's now Sunday evening....Happy Trails...Horst

La Vernia Texas morning walk...Horst Kelly Photographer

Happy Independence Day.....Enjoy and Reflect

Just added a bit on how the basket is held onto the Casita...4 bolts to frame...inquiring minds wanted to know.....
Its the 4th of July...a warm, muggy day in South Texas......but as I watch the weather in other parts of the country,  I would have to say we are blessed with the weather we have......Just going to relax today...no fireworks/displays in our immediate area due to the continued drought....I plan on doing some BBQing later today...Got the camper washed and waxed yesterday.....still need to get the tires....But the big news is that we completed the rack(Bolted the angle irons to the frame...4 bolts)to carry the Boliy generator, and I did buy the Boliy....still have to put some support cross members on the basket, though my Bud 220lbs and myself 170lbs got on the basket....jumped up and down...and to our amazement and delight, the basket nor support beams( angle irons)) moved...not even an inch....I am still somewhat leery about this...I'm going to take it out for some off road testing within the week and see how it stands up to dips and potholes, etc....
Sooo without further ado...some photo's for your critique and comments...and advice...

From Cell Phone

The Boliy was run through the wickets and so far exceeds all my expectations....more than enough power, quite as advertised and for 3600 watts it weighs in at about half (70lbs) as the Honda 3000...and the price was also alot cheaper....will it hold up...only time will tell....but for what I paid for it...I won't complain....here's a photo...

Boliy 3600 electric start

So the countdown continues....and it's getting closer to "liftoff time".....Only health issues and forest fires in the Region will keep me from taking this Journey....Hi Ho Silver...Away....


I'm finally getting a grasp of the Route I'm going to take North.....Right now I'm leaning toward Rt 83, which takes me through Texas, a small part of Oklahoma, West Kansas, Nebraska...South Dakota which gets me to the Badlands National Park..if you look at this route, it appears pretty desolate...I did find some free city parks campgrounds....and once I get to
 Nebraska I'm home free....not sure yet how many different places I'll stay at in the Badlands area...I want to do Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Buffalo Gap Grasslands, Custer State park, and other points of interest.....and as an added photo ops moment...guess  what will be Happening in and around Sturgis between end of July-12 August......yup...100000 or so of my closest "Biker Friends"...that ought to make things interesting...I do have to be at Glacier by the 14th of August....Well more to Follow....keep tuned...thanks for stopping by....time to start the "Barbie"
HAPPY 4th of JULY..... please keep our troops in our thoughts and prayers...

Horst Kelly photographer