Friday, April 23-24; Sunday, April 25; Monday, April 26-30, 2021 - Travels through Oklahoma, Missouri, Indiana and Kentucky with Friends.

Friday-Saturday, April 23-24; Sunday, April 25; Monday-Friday, April 26-30, 2021 - Travels through Oklahoma, Missouri, Indiana and Kentucky with Friends.

Friday, & Saturday, April 23 & 24, 2021 - We had coffee with our Escapee friends one more time before we left Grove, OK traveling with Alvin & Linda, and Keith & Drena on a two week trip to Kentucky.  We left Cedar Oaks RV Park at 10:00am.  It was a long travel day of 296 miles, which is just short of the 300 mile travel limit we have set for ourselves.  We prefer 150 miles, so this is really pushing our limits, but we are on a timeline.

Alvin & Linda across the waterway from us.

Our site

Drena and Keith to our right (left to you).

The park itself was full of dogwood trees.  

The campground was large and the sites were nicely spaced.  We set outside the first night enjoying time around the fire genie.  Later that night the rain came, and continued most of the night.  I had a hard time sleeping.  Mostly because it is so loud on the roof of the RV, but also because a waterway ran through the park, and it was not far from our spot.  I always think about the flooding at Roaring River and other parks where it comes up so fast with a heavy rain.  Fortunately, that did not happen here, and I was glad when the rain let up enough I finally fell asleep again.  (Strangely, enough it was around the same time that Roaring River did flood again causing some major damage to RV's and vehicles.)

Drena told us about a BBQ restaurant in nearby Cuba, MO, called Missouri Hick.  We decided to give it a try for lunch today.  It was a good choice.  The food was quite good, with quite a variety of BBQ sauces, from mild to hot and a variety in between.  I think everyone enjoyed their meal.  I took a few pictures on the inside and outside.

After lunch, we made a trip to the grocery store.  Alvin and Linda needed a few things so they rode with us into nearby Leasburg, MO.  They had a Walmart, so that's where we headed.  We noticed as soon as we pulled up that it was quite small.  We assumed it was just a smaller version - similar to a Neighborhood Walmart.  That was not the case - it had about 3 or 4 short aisles of food, the rest was clothing, and other typical things you find at Walmart.  So, back we went to the local grocery store Mace Supermarket.  We were able to get everything else we needed and were soon headed back to the park.

Everyone gathered at Linda and Alvin's this evening and we enjoyed sharing snacks this evening.  We always have something to talk about, and best of all there is always something fun to laugh about.  We sure enjoy our time with our RV friends.

Sunday, April 25, 2021 - Travel to Linnville City Park, Linnville, IN

We left Leasburg, MO at 9:28am making our way further east.  There wasn't too much too see along the way that I haven't already shared before.  As we neared the Mississippi River I felt the need to take a picture - even though I've posted many in the past.

This was the first of two surprises we had within our group on this trip.  We left Missouri for a city park in Linnville, Indiana.  As we neared the location Dean and I chose to take a side road that was just a few miles from the park.  The other two couples remained on the Interstate to the exit to Linnville.  We should have stayed on the Interstate too, but God watched over us and took care of the situation we found ourselves in.

We came to a set of railroad tracks, with cars backed up on either side of the tracks, but no sign of a train was to be seen or heard.  There were no shoulders, so we had no option of turning around and going back the way we came.  Finally, a man on the other side of the tracks, got out to look and see if any trains were coming.  No...so the people on his side of the road went around the signal arms.  On the next to last car, the arms went up and the final car drove through just as the arms came down again, but still no train in sight.  Fortunately, there was no catastrophe there.  Then either he or another gentleman watched again, as the cars in front of us went around the arms.  When it came our time he waved us through as well.  Of course, we had to get far to the left, cross and go to the far right to keep from hitting the arms with the RV.  We barely made it a mile or two down the road and our TireMinder started beeping.  We had a leak in one of the tires.  Since we were only a few miles from Linnville City Park, we drove on down, quickly checked in and got parked in Site #3.  We could not find the leak, but the air was going down fast.  Dean took that tire off, then we leveled the RV like we normally do, just minus a back tire on the passenger side.  He could not find where the leak was.  We went up to the office to ask about a tire service business.  The camp worker suggested we contact Raban Tire first thing in the morning.  Of course, with it being Sunday, there was nothing we could do until tomorrow morning.

We walked around the park and took these pictures.  The area was beautiful adjacent to a lake.  Everything was so green and fresh with spring, trees were blooming and it was nice to just enjoy being outside on a warm afternoon.

Monday - Friday, April 26-30 - Big Bone Lick State Park, Union, KY

Monday, April 26, 2021 - The next morning we were up early.  At 8am Dean called Raban Tire here in Linnville.  They told him to bring the tire down.  They tried to repair the tire, but the damage was on the side and every time they patched it, it would break loose again.  He did not have the tire we needed but advised there were several other Raban Tire Shops in the area.  He called Evansville, IN and they had the tire we needed but didn't know how quickly we would be able to get it.  After receiving the information on the tire, the receptionist advised she would do some checking and would let us know.  It wasn't long she called back and said they could get us one today, but she wasn't sure how long it might take, as the person who does pickups with the warehouse was already out on a call.  We decided to drive to Evansville and see what we could find out.  After we arrived, and while we were giving the information to the receptionist, the man came in who does the pickup, and he headed out to the main warehouse to bring it back.  She said it would take 30-45 minutes before he returned.

We hadn't yet eaten breakfast. It was now nearly 10:30, so we asked where would be a good place to get something to eat.  She directed us to a nearby restaurant called "The Merry Go Round".  If you are ever in Evansville, IN and you need a good meal give this place a try.  The food was delicious and it is decorated in a circus horse theme.  Originally it was in a round building.  The waitress told us that is why it was named The Merry Go Round.  

The Chevster

My lunch was a fried pork cutlet, with swiss cheese on toasted garlic bread.  It was delicious!

They serve breakfast all day, so Dean chose eggs, hash browns, polish sausage and biscuits.  He said he would highly recommend their breakfast!

Before we left I took a few pictures in the restaurant while Dean was paying our bill.

Click to enlarge this picture of the original "Merry Go Round" Restaurant.

The waitress brought our ticket only minutes before Raban Tire called to let us know the tire was ready for us to pick up.  We had left the damaged tire and wheel with them, so when we returned we paid for the tire and labor, then headed back to Linnville City Park.   

Alvin and Linda left earlier.  Drena and Keith waited for us to get back, and pulled out just a short time before we did.  

It was almost an hour later from when we returned, that we pulled out of the park headed to Big Bone Lick State Park near Union, KY.  Alvin and Linda sent a note they would have hamburgers ready for us to eat upon arrival.  We were so appreciative of this gesture on their part.  It was quite an ordeal, but God worked it all out perfectly, allowing us to make it to the next stop as planned. 

We enjoyed a nice meal outside at Linda and Alvin's site.  Later we enjoyed a fire outside for an hour or so before turning in.  

Tuesday, April 27, 2021 - Trip to The Creation Museum with Alvin and Linda. 

Drena and Keith chose to stay at the park today to see the sites in the area.  

Alvin drove us to The Creation Museum where we enjoyed walking through their garden area to the front door.  After purchasing our tickets we made our way through the museum looking at various things on display.

It is a very interesting place to visit. Since we've been here before, I am not posting much about the museum itself, however, here are many pictures from their garden area.

Here's the link from our previous trip:  https://deanandcheri.blogspot.com/2017/08/sunday-friday-august-6-10-2017.html

We returned to the RV Park.  Dean and I had a bite to eat, rested a bit, then we took a walk around the park and down to the office area.  

Baker Family Root Cellar (located near the park office)

It was a beautiful day.  We walked around the roads behind us, to discover there were several more camping spots here.  It was quite warm though so we headed back to the RV to rest. 

Later in the evening we set outside with our friends to visit, and as always, there were lots of laughs.

Wednesday, April 28, 2021 - Trip to Walmart, Visiting Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, Bison & Museum, Quick Campfire Before It Poured!

Dean and I needed a few things from Walmart so we left around 8:30 to make our way there.  When it comes to traffic we are sure not in Southeast Kansas anymore.  Fortunately, we found Walmart and soon had purchased the few things we needed and we headed back to the campground.

We put away the groceries and rested a bit before we had some lunch.  Shortly afterwards, we drove to the Museum/Gift Shop.  They have a herd of bison, so we walked the path to the fenced in area.  It was not an easy walk as it was graveled - with larger gravel than I care to walk on.  It made it a little difficult.  It looked as if it would rain at any time, and I was a little concerned we might have to hurry back.  Fortunately, that was not an issue.  We could see the bison from a distance.  This is the best picture I could get.

There are four or five bison in this picture.  

I asked Dean to drive down to the main entrance to the park so I could take a picture of the entrance sign.

We set outside for awhile and visited before it started to rain about 5:30pm - and rain it did!

You can see it cleared up around 7:30.  Dean sent a text that he was going to light the Fire Genie.  The six of us enjoyed 45 minutes to an hour before the rain started again.  We called it a night.

Thursday, April 29, 2021 - Quiet Day

We visited outside several times throughout the day.  Dean and I drove to a nearby gas station to refuel the truck.  There was quite a bit of road construction around the gas station, and it rained most of the time we were gone.

The countryside here is very pretty, especially with everything fresh and green.

Friday, April 30, 2021 - The Ark Encounter, With More Vehicle Issues

Today all three couples were headed to The Ark Encounter.  Dean drove today and Linda and Alvin rode with us.  Keith & Drena were in their vehicle getting ready to leave.  We left expecting them to follow us.  After awhile we realized they were not behind us, so we assumed they had forgotten something and went back to get it.

Unfortunately, it was not as simple as that.  Keith could not get the truck to shift into gear.  It was not too much later that he sent a note letting us know what had happened.  He did finally get it to shift, so they began contacting Chevrolet dealers to see if they might get it looked at today and hopefully repaired as we are supposed to move to another campground in the morning.  

In the meantime, the four of us had arrived at The Ark.  We boarded buses to drive the couple of miles or so where they dropped us off at the front door.  From there we could walk a path to the life sized ark.  It is really amazing to see such a large "boat".  Again, Dean and I had been here before several years ago.  It had more improvements than our first visit.  It is really a site to see and worth the time to visit.  We enjoyed it as much this time as we did the first time we visited 2-3 year ago.  

Look closely - do you know this couple?

The Ark 

It is really an amazing structure to see.  If you haven't seen it, it's well worth the trip to do so.

It's quite a bit of walking but we took it slow and easy, stopping to rest now and then, before moving on to another exhibit.  They do have scooters for people to rent if needed.  It was shortly after noon when we left the Ark and by now we were hungry.  We had heard from Keith and Drena, they found a Chevrolet dealer who was willing to work on their truck today, and they happened to have the part that was needed in order to get them back on the road.  We have truly been blessed on this trip with God's goodness.

We decided to eat lunch in the cafeteria at The Ark.  The food was actually pretty good.  We had the choice of two meat dishes, two sides, salad/fruit, roll, and dessert(s)/  We were quite happy with the food choices.  

We returned to the RV Park.  Drena and Keith arrived a short time later.  They are now ready to get back on the road.  Wow!    What a miracle they found someone on a Friday, that happened to have the part they needed in stock at their location.  They checked with a number of places, so it is truly a miracle they were able to get it taken care of today.   

We enjoyed visiting our last evening here before calling it a night.

April 17-22, 2020 - Ozark Chapter 17 Escapees Rally & First Casual Campout of 2021 - Grove, OK

April 17-21, 2020 - Ozark Chapter 17 Escapees Rally & First Casual Campout of 2021 - Grove, OK

Sunday, April 17, 2021 - I was up early this morning so I could shower and get as much packed up in the RV as possible before we left for church this morning around 10:15.  When we returned I made us a quick wrap of meat/cheese followed by our apple with a little peanut butter.  

We each drove to the lot, so I could put the car in the garage while we are away.  While I was there I noticed my iris' were blooming, so I picked all that had blooms and buds to take with me.  The temperatures are supposed to be below 32 degrees in the next day or so.  I wanted to enjoy them as long as I could.  I found a container in the garage and Dean had some water there to put them in.  They are so pretty.

After returning to the RV Park in Oswego, we hitched up and pulled out of the park at 1:00pm heading south to Cedar Oaks RV Park in Grove, OK.  We were parked and set up by 2:25 pm.  

It was a beautiful day, with a high around 60.  They parked us in site #88 near the water and the clubhouse.  No one was parked on either side of us at the time, so we had a great view of Grand Lake. 

We drove into Grove later in the afternoon, making a stop at Harp's to pick up a few groceries for the week.  We decided to get some Kentucky Fried Chicken for dinner tonight as well.  

It was nice to just relax, rest and enjoy some quiet time for the afternoon and evening.

Here are a few evening pictures I took.

Tomorrow the fun will begin!

Monday, April 19, 2021

I had an appointment with my dermatologist in Joplin this morning.  Dean drove me over since no one would be arriving until around 1pm.  I haven't been to see her in four or five years.  I had a couple of spots I wanted them to look at, and since my face has been breaking out some, I was hoping they could tell me what to do.  Fortunately, no surprises.  When she saw my face, she said it was rosacea.  I had this on my nose for several years, and had used a product during that time.  When I was taking prednisone a few years ago, it cleared up.  I still had some of the medicine at home, but had no idea that the spots on my chin was also rosacea - it looked entirely different to me.  At least I have the medication I need to clear it up, and a script if I need more.

After we returned to Grove, we had a quick lunch.  It wasn't long and the club members and new guests started arriving.  What fun!  We had 13 couples, 8 were current members and 5 were guests - who have all decided to join Ozark Chapter 17 Escapees group.  

The first to arrive was our President and his wife, Alvin & Linda.  It was good to see them again, after our wild month in Texas and the freezing weather.  After most of those attending arrived by late afternoon, we all gathered at the clubhouse in the evening.  Alvin provided an outline of activities for the rest of the week.  

Afterwards we played games in the clubhouse.  I played hand and foot with 5 others, and several played Mexican Train (dominoes).  

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Dean offered to make the coffee each morning in the clubhouse, so we headed up there a little after 7 so it would be ready by 7:30.  The guys usually show up first, with the ladies following later.  Lunch was on our own today.

Officers met this morning prior to our business meeting tomorrow.  Dean and I went to Walmart to buy gifts for our brown bag exchange that will be held tomorrow after lunch.  We needed a few things in the grocery department as well.  

Tonight was our potluck dinner.  I brought pulled pork and cole slaw.  There was lots of food to choose from as always.  

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

This morning after coffee, Keith & Drena provided breakfast of french toast on their Blackstone grill.  It was very good.  Once breakfast was done and things had been picked up and put away we had our annual business meeting.  Dean was elected as the Chapter Leader for 2021. All other officers stayed in their current positions.  Drena advised only the May casual campout was planned for this year, and would be held at Melvern Lake in Kansas.  She stated the months of June-October were available if anyone wanted to host them.  (As of this writing, all months are spoken for except June and July).  After lunch on our own, we had our brown bag exchange, which is always lots of fun.  Each person brings a gift ranging from $5-10, placing it in a brown bag.  Each person takes a turn based on the # they were given when they came in.  We started with whoever had #1, and worked our way through to the last person with the highest number. There were several items that were stolen from the original "owner", and after two steals it stayed with its new and final owner.  It was lots of fun, and there was much laughing throughout the game.

Afterwards, everyone brought their potluck leftovers from last night.  Janelle brought her scrumptious pecan bread pudding and new members Marc and Nancy brought a fresh peach cobbler.  The food from last night was pretty much gone and the sweets were a hit.  It was another fun night of playing games.

Thursday, April 22, 2021

We had quite a few people come to the clubhouse this morning for coffee.  Several left to visit Lendonwood Gardens near Grove, OK.  We've been there a few times, so we did not attend today.  For lunch, the club purchased pizza for our lunch.  It was very good.  Later in the afternoon we played card bingo.  Each group of 4 were given a deck of cards.  Each person put a dime in a bowl that will be given to the winner(s), at the end of each game.  Dean was the card caller.  There was lots of laughing and BINGO's being called out.  Everyone at our table won one game.  

Tonight everyone ate on their own, later joining up at the clubhouse for games, or gathering outside around a fire.