Week in Review: October 14 through October 20

Sunday, October 14, our last morning in Cloquet until we return in the Spring. We had hoped to hit the road by mid-morning, but you know how the best laid plans go...

Dick had nuked Windows from our old Compaq laptop computer (affectionately named "Miss Piggy") and loaded Linux. We surprised our niece MacKenzie with it on Saturday. There were issues on Sunday. So...we did a housecall before we left; Dick fixed the problem, and we were off! We were able to be "on the road, again" (thanks, Willie) by 11:30, on our way to Welcome, MN, close to the Iowa border: 283 miles. We pulled into Welcome to the Checkers RV Park around 5:00, in time to get set up before nightfall.

What a lovely little town. Monday dawned bright and beautiful, with temps reaching 70 degrees. Dick took a short motorcycle ride around the area, while I enjoyed the sunshine and sat outside to knit. We took an afternoon stroll through the downtown area.  (Almost expected Sheriff Andy, Opie and Barney Fife to walk around the corner!) On main street I think we counted no more than 8 places of businesses open on Monday. The library is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 2-5 p.m. Dick wanted to find a car wash that could handle the black beast; we actually found one!  Later in the day, he decided to wash the windows on the outside of the trailer! Rather handy to have around, I'd say:-D!  Lots of lady bugs and box elder bugs around. Rather a nuisance...  While on our walk we took photos, but this one stood out among all of them.


Sign says: "WATER FOR HORSES AND HUMANS"
Built in 1814

Established July 9, 1894

Tuesday brought rain in the morning, but sun and 70 degrees in the afternoon. Dick took the truck to the carwash, and decided he wasn't through washing stuff when he got back: he washed the hard surface floors in the trailer! Later, Dick and I rode our bicycles: he, around town and me, around the campground. I haven't really ridden a bike in about -- well, in a really long time -- so I'm still getting my bike legs under me.

Wednesday the 17th was a day to pack up again, to head towards Des Moines, to a campground in Kellogg, Iowa, 251 miles away.  It was a very windy trip, with winds gusting to up to 25 mpg. Glad to have a 1-ton and a 5th wheel, rather than a pull-behind.

We arrived in Kellogg, and were met with:
Wind, wind, wind...
Rain, rain, rain...

That night the storm continued. Wind, wind, wind...mantaining at 25 mph and gusting to 40 mph...and rain. Ugh! Thursday we did head to a local Walmart to pick up a few items, and gas the beast. Good day to stay close to home and watch Iron Man-2, streamed in HD from I-Net! Very cool!

Friday the wind and rain abated; we packed up to head to Missouri. And, we had our first mishap. Dick didn't get the hitch closed so when we pulled forward the 5th wheel fell onto the truck bed. Ouch! Thanks be to God, no major damage was done (just to a bit of fiberglass on the trailer and the sides to the truck bed were spread about 1/8", enough so the tail gate wouldn't stay closed--we're working on that). After jacking up the trailer again--and an hour later--we were "on the road again," headed to Missouri.

We arrived to Lake Paradise Resort in Lone Jack, MO 262 miles later. Beautiful spot, covering 300 acres with 600 campsites, including RV and tent sites, as well as cabins. It's known as the "Ozarks of Kansas City" because of the beautiful and scenic landscape. There are well stocked lakes for fishing on the property; there are plenty of trails for hiking and biking; an in-lake swimming pool, boat rentals, and tons of other stuff to do. There are only about 100 occupied sites at this time of year, so it's very quiet and peaceful. (I'm not sure we'd want to be here in-season, with so many sites.)

 

View from our site. 8 a.m.

Saturday morning dawned bright and beautiful. Our site faces south, onto Paradise Lake. The temps reached 78 degrees, sunny, no clouds, with a slight breeze. What a good day for a bit of R&R. We walked around the property for a while in the morning, enjoying the weather and meeting a few fellow campers. Golf carts seem to be the mode of transportation around the property--we'll stick to bikes and the motorcycle. Later, Dick cleaned up the motorcycle and took a little ride, while I enjoyed the sun and spent some time knitting.

One of my roommates from Greenwich, CT lives in Lees Summit, MO, just a few miles away. I connected with her and we'll be having lunch with her and her husband on Sunday. Should be a fun time; we haven't seen one another in almost 30 years.

Now that we're officially moved in and settled in our 5th wheel, I thought you'd like to see the interior. Here are a few shots. We love livin' in our new home!

Hope this finds you all well. We'll be here in Lake Paradise for about a week, so check back next week for updates.

Hugs and blessings,
RJ (Dick) and Gail