Not too much going on the last two days other than driving. After 200 miles yesterday, I spent the night in a not exactly stellar campground. Left at 8:30 this morning to head for Sikeston, MO. I’ve stayed at the Hinton RV Park before, so it was a known entity. Due to a couple of little delays, it took me until almost 4:00 to arrive after driving 327 miles.
A couple of folks had recommended not taking I-70 to I-55 outside of St. Louis. They had suggested US 65 to US 60 to Sikeston, but I ignored their idea. I checked it out on line last night, and not only was it a longer route, but it took me through what I think was the Missouri Ozarks. If I had a lot of time, and it was warmer, I might have taken that route.
When I have to get somewhere quickly, I have always preferred interstate highways. I know a lot of people disagree with that, but it’s a whole lot easier for me, with no navigator, to use the interstates. They have been the quickest routes for me, and the best chance of finding fueling stations that I can get into and out of without any incidents.
327 miles is about 127 miles over the top for me for driving in a day, but with the cold air shooting down from Canada, I took advantage of an almost all-day tail wind. Even here in southeast Missouri the temps tonight are predicted to go down into the 20’s. Brr!
On the bright side, I’ve made reservations for at least two nights at Tom Sawyer RV Park in West Memphis, AR. I’ve only read good things about this park, and am looking forward to taking a little break, not determined by the wind, on my dash to Louisiana. Then I’ll make the final push to Bayou Cocodrie NWR. I didn’t want to arrive on a weekend anyway. No one works the weekends…
Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later, Judy
As one who usually prefers the byways, I agree that there are times when the interstate is the best way to go, by far. Fuel stops, overnight stays, and easy to read signage, plus being able to maintain a fairly steady pace, makes a big difference. I'm only driving an SUV now and really dislike driving over 200 miles a day.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet you are pooped. Well you will sleep so well you won't hear the furnace running all night. Stay warm. 20's are the norm here, but too cold for where you are. Safe travels.
ReplyDeleteYou definitely put in a long day but I understand the need to get further south. If we are going from point a to point b we travel interstates. So much easier.
ReplyDeleteThat Tom Sawyer RV Park just might be the one we have stayed at before...Lots of sites, most pull through..We stayed there a couple times and toured Graceland and downtown Memphis...I love that city...birth of the blues..and beer drinking goats...The campground wasn't called Tom Sawyer then, but it's about the only one in W. Memphis that I know of..It's darn cold here tonight too, but next week it's going to warm up..yay!!
ReplyDeleteYou are certainly covering a lot of ground. Keep that up and you'll be awarded a PDD medal!
ReplyDeleteWe, too prefer the interstates over back roads. We like to get where we want to be, back road exploration is what a toad is for.
Enjoy your rest. :c)
334 miles to go. You are doing great!
ReplyDeleteHinton RV Park... man i will have to stay there some day... my last name is Hinton!!!
ReplyDeleteI was reading about snow in the Midwest and thought maybe you had run into some. Too many miles, but sometimes you have to do it to get away from the bad weather. Hope you can sight-see and relax before getting to the refuge.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like mileage a Snowbird would drive not a full-timer. Be Safe and Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteIt's about time.
Howdy Judy & Emma,
ReplyDeleteHow fast do you go on the SUPER-SLABS, Judy?? At 62mph ,for gas mileage you'll be assaulted by the 80-85mph GOTTA GO people.. Since most states have raised their PAUL DAHLs TO 75mph, no one but old fogies drive the legal limit and RVs... You're really taking a chance with your life...
I had to get on a SS for about 30 miles awhile back, SL 75mph, I was doing 62mph, the 18-wheelers were SLIDING SIDEWAYS changing lanes, at 100mph then swinging back in before they were past me; needless to say, as soon as I could I got me & myself OFF OF IT !!! How they get by without killing themselves or anybody is a mystery... When I drove the BIG RIGS I drove that fast too, but there wasn't as much traffic back then and I didn't do it in CITY LIMITS...
Drive safely ON THE BLUE ROADS at a decent speed and LIVE LONGER...
I actually prefer the interstates, at least when just making time, because they are usually in decent shape with good-sized lanes and plenty of places for fuel and to take a break. Glad you made this leg safe and sound. We've stayed in Sikeston before, but not at Hinton. Spent a month in that town on one occasion shortly after we hit the road in 2010 and then again just passing through for a few nights during that Winter. I think we've had enough of Missouri! Save travels and smooth roads the rest of your journey!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about getting from Point A to Point B. It's dreary but necessary sometimes. I had a day like that today @ 294 miles. Not very inspiring but I'm closer to Point B!
ReplyDeleteBut yeah! You are rolling!
DeleteOh! And I did add a "Follow" button on my blog. :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes the Interstates are the only way to go. While others may drive faster than you should in your RV, at least they have several lanes so they can safely pass you. Two lane roads where no one can pass an RV and no place the RV can pull over can lead to some really irritated drivers. Don't blame you for running ahead of the cold.
ReplyDeleteTom Sawyer is a favorite of ours. Most pull thru sites. Try to get the front row. Its neat to see the tugs pushing the barges. The last time we were there they had a free laundry. Also check out the pictures of the flood they had there . Hard to imagine the water coming up that high. Rest easy and travel safe. Had friends just leave the park and said it was almost full.
ReplyDeleteWe stayed at that park recently and loved it. its just a group of pull throughs but right on the Mississippi and great for kicking back and watching the barge traffic go by.
ReplyDeleteI hear ya! Although the small roads are more scenic, I too much rather have the piece of mind of a good fast road, gas and no crazy hairpins or insane grades!
ReplyDeleteNo more white knuckles or my stomach in a knot for me!
We have had several friends stay at Tom Sawyer RV Park. They all loved the place.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels, and I hope you enjoy your next Tom Sawyer.
As a solo woman traveler, I, too, often prefer the Interstates. I just drove from Page to Flagstaff, AZ on 89, which is only one lane each way most of the time. I had no place to pull over to let the 80mph group go by. I'm conscious of gas mileage and safety, as you said, Judy, with no navigator. And, I'm a first time tower so I'm particularly conscious of finding gas stations where I know I'm going to be able to get in and out of.
ReplyDeleteI'm picking up I-40 (Route 66) here in Flagstaff to head east and will make my little forays off the beaten path in my little Smart car. I think I'm going to try to stop at that RV park in West Memphis, AR; thanks for mentioning it!
Oh, another thing. I really don't want to drive over 200 miles a day either; and, at that it's great to have a day in between two 200 mile days. After all, I'm doing this to enjoy, not to push myself so I can't enjoy the stops!
89 is a tough drive!
DeleteThat sure was a long drive day you had. I don't like to drive more than 200 miles but sometimes it just has to be. But I surely will stop in the middle to get out and walk around a bit and let Fred walk a bit too.
ReplyDeleteSounds like I am the only person who lives in a house by the side of the road! Judy, you are doing good work getting to Louisiana and I'm g;ad to hear you are stopping for some fun along the way. Snow flurries here today, but they didn't stick or stay. Good wishes on your journey!
ReplyDeleteJo in MN
That's one reason I didn't take the 5vr ... well, among many other reason... if I had what you had which is a wonderful home! ... I can't think of too many backroad type roads I'd take period. Your exploring comes from trips away from a nice cozy campsite. West Memphis? wel, go on in to Memphis and have a fine time... you been there? great ribs and music. I know you know of Beale Street, right?
ReplyDeleteJust walk along the street and listen to the music... and smell the soul food... gooooood stuff OR the ... wonder if the Greyhound races are going on... that's a hoot. AND ... you know me... Arkansas' unofficial chamber of commerce... go on down the River Road and over to the Casinos.
Mark Twain's prsence is along the River Road. Helana and West Helena full of history and home of the King Biscuit Blues Festival... it's a good road ... flat part of Aransas... going down through the Delta...
hope you didnt have too much trouble coming thru st louis, our traffic can be a bear and we can have some idiot drivers, especially the
ReplyDeletetexters and cell phoners...see you in the spring hopefully...we are about 40miles west of the i70-i55 interchange.
We stayed at Hinton RV park in Sikeston two weeks ago and took that 60 route over to Springfield. It does go through the Ozarks but it's just hilly not too bad. Still, I think you made a good choice since you're driving alone.
ReplyDeleteWe also stayed at that Tom Sawyer park a few years ago and really liked it mainly just because of it's location on the Mississippi. West Memphis is the location of the famous West Memphis Three murder case and that kind of creeped me out but the park is a pretty good distance from the town.
That would be about 127 miles too many for me too. Glad you made it safely.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear about the Tom Sawyer park. Looking forward to exploring in the area one day!
ReplyDeleteSafe travels....
We, too, prefer the interstates for the # of lanes and fuel availability in a truck stop where we fit!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Tom Sawyer. That was one of the first parks we stayed at after we bought Lucy.
I've read about Tom Sawyer Rv park several times lately. It sounds like a great place. We prefer interstates for the MH too. Side trips along scenic roads are easier in the truck.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to hearing about your stay at Tom Sawyer RV Park.
ReplyDeleteWe love Tom Sawyer RV Park, continued safe travels.
ReplyDeleteIT's taken a few trips, but we are finally cutting down on the number of miles driven in a day. It does help to have two drivers. I like our Rand McNally navigator because it announces "Speed Warning" whe you are five miles over the limit. So I don't have to keep nagging Craig to slow down! He grumbles at it, but if he doesn't slow down it keeps telling him "speed warning"
ReplyDeleteI know your rig is big. But you live for long periods of time between driving, so it suits your life.
Safe travels.
Be sure to visit Mud Island if you get a chance. The model of the Mississippi River is very cool!
ReplyDeleteI've stayed at Tom Sawyer Campground in West Memphis. I'll be very interested to hear what it is like now.
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree about the advantages of the interstates if you in a hurry and boredom is not an issue. RE Barabou WI. The operation has been moved to the Horicon because of the Black Flies in Necedah driving the Whoopers off the nest. Still the adults we saw must have liked it in the fall....:)
ReplyDelete