Elk City Camp Hampton

Looking East - View From Our Hampton Suite

No travel coupons tonight, but did manage a little rate manipulation, so we're in a rather classy campground, which happens to be directly beside a Wal-Mart. Judy wasted no time in heading over for much needed supplies.

Noooo, staying in the Roadtrek on the Wal-Mart lot was not a consideration.

Low tonight 29 F. This area is under a breeze and freeze warning. When temperatures drop this low, we prefer being inside brick and mortar.

This day was totally up to expectations. We left Little Rock in rain, it cleared quickly enough, and then it was about the wind behind the front, which was pushing from the NE. That should have helped, probably did, but it made for some nice jolts from time-to-time when gusts hit. We shared the driving.

Beyond Oklahoma City there was slight less truck traffic. Only slightly less. This is America, and there are trucks on the Interstate. Millions of trucks.

We're now out of the mountains and onto the plains. Tornado Alley.

Oklahoma where the wind come rolling down the plains. Windy today, but NO tornadoes.

Tomorrow morning, we off to Amarillo, TX. It won't take long to make Amarillo, and we'll make some decisions then based on wind and weather as to where we head. We've got close to 2,000 miles behind us now, we're on the downwind slope. With luck, Mesa, AZ by Sunday. Here is our expected route.

Okay, it is about the journey. So here's a little bit about Elk City from Wikpedia, which we consult constantly as we travel: Elk City's history dates back to the days immediately following the opening of the Cheyenne-Arapaho reservation in western Oklahoma Territory on April 19, 1892, when the first white settlers made their appearance. Prior to this time, many early ranchers had driven cattle over the Great Western Cattle Trail from Texas to Dodge City, Kansas, the present town-site of Elk City being in the direct path of that famous trail.

We're humbled thinking of what those early pioneers went through in their travels, over these exact same trails. We think of them constantly.

Tennessee River Crossing

Just past 10 am and we're already past Nashville TN. Took Hwy 40 right through town so we could see the tall buildings. Judy also enjoyed some facetime with Costco,  it wasn't open yet - she was happy just seeing the sign.

Two things happen near Nashville, the time zone changes so you lose an hour (or gain an hour depending on how you look at it), and not too far west of Nashville you cross the mighty Tennessee River. Once past the Tennessee, you also have fewer hills to climb.

We did discuss taking the Natchez Trace south to New Orleans, but the weather forecast has rain and cooler temperatures ahead, so we'll stay on route to Memphis, and then Little Rock.

Sunny today, warm with a light breeze. Traffic moving well, roads are great. With the late October sun low on the horizon, it certainly puts the driver in the hot seat going west. Tinted windows recommended.

Fueled just west of Nashville, $3.29 a gallon.The fill up took 24 US gallons (91 litres) and cost $79. Based on the price per litre we paid on departing Kingston on Tuesday ($1.19) the savings was $29. There may be people reading this blog who will want to hear that US highway travel remains cheaper than Canadian travel.

Judy is starting to fidget, she's driving so I think we're close to a lunch stop. Nice thing about traveling in the coach is you have your kitchen with you. Lunch and a nap, and then off we go.

Knoxville TN - Little Rock AR

Florida and the entire east coast is facing a major hurricane, the weather network is all about that. In our area it looks like warm temperatures, and we'll see about winds as we get going.

We're still 1,800 miles from destination, and 500 miles today will certainly put a hole in that. We're hoping for Little Rock, but will settle for anything west of Memphis. Here's our route.

The Fairfield Marriott turned out to be just fine, and we saved a bundle ($64 before taxes) by bringing along our coupon book, which we picked up at the last comfort centre along I-81. We had many choices, but settled here because it was steps from Cracker Barrel. Hotels put limits on how many rooms go to coupon clippers, but the front desk told me at this time of year they'll take all they can get. Fair exchange is no robbery.

We had considered camping back in Bristol, but we checked KOA rates and changed our mind. Overnight, with power and water was $50 (our hotel with breakfast $64). With dinner out just $20, you see the appeal of camping at the Fairfield.

Off to breakfast and an early start today. Well rested, ready to go.