Our first reservation is in Tucson on Nov 15. We had originally thought we would depart on Nov 10 however a few people suggested that perhaps we were being a bit aggressive in our travel plans so we decided to depart on Nov 7. As this date grew closer the weather forecast called for snow and rain on the 7th so we moved that up to the 6th. As we head down the road that is proving to be a very good decision.
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| Grand Forks, ND. The only snow we'll see this winter, I hope. |
I had heard some horror stories about the border crossing, getting grilled about food, how much money you have with you and being able to show you have a life to come back to in Canada. So I prepared my Border binder. Copies of investment statements, bank statements, income tax and property tax bills. Turns out I over prepared. A first time for everything. But better than being turned back. 5 minutes, a few of the usual questions, big concern about Citrus fruits and we were on our way. A great day for a drive, temp was 2C, sunny skies with some cloud and the biggie, as I was soon to find out, no wind.
Our destination for day 1 was Sioux Falls, SD and we arrived at 3:30. Now this is where it gets a bit interesting. Keep in mind that Lori likes everything planned in advance so there are no surprises. I had checked online for possible campgrounds for our expected destinations along the way but did not make reservations. So for our first night and the test of my planning, the campground I selected was closed and under construction. Their parking lot was incredibly tight but I managed to get us in and out without scraping any trees, buildings or cars. The owners of the campground had suggested an RV park down the road. This one looked much nicer and roomier but alas they were full. Lori was getting a bit skeptical and after 9 hours and 470 miles, I was getting a little perturbed myself. We stopped at the Flying J to find some WiFi and search out a new campground. I asked the fellow behind the desk if he new of a place and he suggested the KOA just down the road. Hallelujah.
We pulled into the KOA lot and there were a number of trailers already there but plenty of vacancies. As I walked up to the door it was locked. “Closed for the season” the sign read. The trailers in the park were from an adjoining RVDealer who must store his trailers there for the winter. Good news though. Put $25. in an envelope and slip it in a slot in the door we could stay and have power, cable and Wifi. No water but we have a case of bottled water in the trailer so we would be ok. Bonus, as we were the only live bodies in the park we didn't have to share the Wifi with anyone and had a great signal. Lori was able to have a great wifi conversation by using “Hangouts” and talking on our IPad to her mother on her landline. Technology is wonderful when it works. More on that later. A trip to Walmart to get some groceries and we had supper, 1/2 bottle of wine, turned on the fireplace and electric space heater, snuggled under the blankets and had a great nights sleep.
Day 1 and we survived the the curves thrown our way and glad to be on our way. Surely tomorrow will go better.
Later
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