Goodbye Arkansas, Hello Oklahoma

It didn't take long for the rain to clear, the sun is out, it's cooler but we have clear skies and smooth highways (most of the time). Certainly nothing wrong with America's Interstate highway system - thank you America for sharing.

Oklahoma Reception Center I-40

Last fuel fill up was in Ozark, AR. Price $3.28 gallon. Came with clean restrooms at the Velero I-40 Travel Center, which just happened to have an old-time group of Ozark pickers entertaining in the the truck stop restaurant. This was a first for me. It's just 10 am, nothing like a little Blue Grass to set the mood for the day.

Incidentally, Deliverance was not shot in the Ozarks, it was filmed in Georgia. Just the same, I think I saw descendants (or, possibly kin) of country folk from that movie back at the last truck stop. We were very polite just in case. A lot of folks in these parts do wear camouflage for whatever reason.

Oklahoma I-40 Reception Center wins the prize for best in America.

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.

Camp Fairfield, Knoxville TN

This has been a richly rewarding day for both of us. Anytime you can weave your way through several million trucks, maintain highway speeds, and make virtually every comfort stop without a mishap, you've had a richly rewarding day.

We're currently at Camp Fairfield, on Cracker Barrel Lane, so you know where we'll be dining tonight.

Judy is currently watching golf, I'm updating the blog and bringing my fluid level back into balance.

The Coach ran like a deer. The photo shows Judy giving it a loving hug. We're approaching 80,000 miles on this rig, so hugging is a good idea. Thank you Chevy for a great ride. Thank you Roadtrek.

Fuel today came to something under $100. Current price $3.15 in TN. We refueled at $3.38 before leaving VI. This was a miscalculation. Travel Tip: refuel in TN.

Mileage today about 450 miles. Judy drove more than her fair share as a penalty for saying yesterday that I was not calling on her enough. Tomorrow may well be different.

Speed limit here for trucks is 55 mph in TN. This is apparently just as guideline.

Good things about today worth noting: Verizon. No need to ever be disconnected.

Started the day in jeans, finished in shorts waiting for things to cool down, and game one of the World Series.

PS. Roast Beef dinner at CB, $20. No dishes, excellent dinner.

Downwind Day One

Lakeside in Chambersburg, PA at Camp LaQUINTA.

Reflections of The Coach in Lac LaQuinta

Found other campers in same park, haven't met them so far.

Did notice other campers at Walmart on the parking lot, but didn't meet them either, and decided this really wasn't where we wanted to be tonight. Looked for dinner in Walmart, but Judy didn't like the idea of macaroni and cheese with hot chicken wings.

Travel Tip: No booze at Walmart in PA.

Currently enjoying refreshing drink before heading out for camper's dinner.

For those who follow in our footsteps. Leave Kingston around 6:30 am. Turn right at Thousand Island Bridge crossing. Follow I-81 to Chambersburg PA (exit 16). This should take about nine hours. Arrived in time to search out fine wine and vodka source, and then settled in. No maps or GPS necessary, watch the highway signs, do not leave Hwy 81.

Weather was warm and wet.

Judy is getting the hang of camping on the road in the Roadtrek. She is currently looking forward to our campfire at the Long Horn. This changed when Long Horn was not open for business. Fuddruckers was the next best thing.

Gas today:  about $100 ($3.74 a gal). Here's the route.

Room: $69 with a coupon.

Travel Tip: Always check at rest stops for discount books. This LaQUINTA is a new hotel, it's beautiful and worth every penny.

The guy behind me without the coupon paid $89. Save where you can campers (lesson for today).

Final Update: Steak House was not open for the public yet. So, we went to Fuddruckers. This was a good choice, since campers always look for way to keep costs low. Dinner was excellent, walked home to campsite. Cost of dinner $20.

Note: when we returned from dinner out and campfire, hotel was full.  Travel Tip: Don't wait too long to settle in for the night.