Grayville City Park

Well, we didn't wind up at Harmonie State Park.  Instead we went on up to Hilltop Campground in Grayville, IL., not far from Harmonie.  I needed gas and was concerned about higher gas prices in Indiana.

Hilltop is part of the Grayville City Park.  We had to wind around through the town and up a hill (thus, "Hilltop") behind the baseball field.  There were 20-25 campsites on a tree covered loop.  Only 2 other campers were there, both 5th wheels, and only one appeared to be occupied, although neither had a vehicle there.  It was very isolated and a bit scary, but sure as heck was quiet.

I got the power and water connected and Pumpkin leveled just in time for the rain.  Here we go again with that uncooperative weather god.

Just before dark, a car showed up and went to one of the trailers.  I don't know if the guy was homeless and living in a camper or what, but he sure did not have a vehicle there that could pull the trailer.

No one ever came around to collect a camping fee and there was no accommodation for making a payment.  So, Hilltop was free.  Maybe it wasn't so scary after all.

Greenville Campground (COE)

We don't hit it too hard when we travel.  Typically we like to drive about 4 hours - 6 max.  Today we made our first stop at Greenville Campground (COE) on Wappaello Lake.  We seldom get reservations as we seldom know for sure where we'll be stopping.  So, when we got to Greenville, we were lucky to find a spot.  Who would have thought it might be filled on April 14?  As it turned out, there was a black power association get together.  Folks had big white old time Army tents clustered in a meadow next to the campground.  The weekend was shaping up to be a noisy smoky affair.  But, we were moving on the next morning and would not be there to witness the event.

During the night it stormed.  So much for the weather god cooperating.  The next morning it was easy to understand where the old saying “Keep your powder dry” came from.  Oh well, we’re off for Indiana today.  The planned stop is Harmonie State Park, a bit west of Evansville.

Joyce's birthday and start of another trip

Joyce turns...huh...well, let's just say she doesn't have to buy a fishing license in Missouri anymore.  But, we're leaving Missouri today heading for eastern Kentucky.  We are meeting Tom, Jr. and family and, later, Dustin and family at Carter Caves State Resort Park.  Carter Caves was chosen because it is about halfway between Cedarcreek, Mo. and Altmar, NY.  We plan to get there Sunday, April 17.  Tom, Jr. is due to arrive Monday and Dusty on Thursday.  We're all staying until Easter Sunday, April 24.

Have a Coors

I've decided to tow Coors on this trip.  We're going to spend an extra day or two on the road and we will be spending several days at Carter Caves. We might want/need it and my paranoia likes having the ability to drive for help should Pumpkin lay down on us.  Besides, Kensey might want to drive Coors. :)

I checked on the drop hitch adapter I ordered.  It should arrive next Tuesday - just in time.

Another danged problem

Yesterday I parked Pumpkin on the drive slab parallel to the garage.  This is the best way to get it level for testing fluid levels, etc.  I checked the oil, brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, windshield washer fluid and battery water.  While parking Pumpkin, I had rolled down the driver's side window so I could see better.  So, when I finished checking things I rolled the window back up - or tried to.  It wouldn't go.  Pushed the button and nothing.  The passenger side didn't work either.  So, I went looking for a blown fuse.  Instead of a blown fuse, I found one that had nearly fallen out under the dash.  One of the previous owners (I can't believe the manufacturer did it) had jammed a wire in for the "jacks down" warning light on one end of the fuse.  For whatever reason, the wire decided to come loose at this time and partially pulled the fuse out with it.  I put the fuse back in and the windows work again, but now I have to find a better place to get 12 volts for the warning light.  At least this problem should not cost anything except time.

Countdown for Kentucky

We're heading out again next week.  We're meeting sons, Dustin and Tom, Jr. with their families at Carter Caves State Park in northeast Kentucky.  We're looking forward to another great week - plus.  Now we'll see if the weather god will be as kind to us this time as he was at Petit Jean.

Haven't decided yet if I will tow Coors on this trip or not.  It would seem kind of silly since Dustin & Tom, Jr. will have their vehicles there.  But, ya never know where Joyce and I might go before and after Carter Caves.  I ordered the drop hitch adapter just in case.

Petit Jean breakdown

Not as bad as the title might suggest.  We had a great time at Petit Jean with sons, Dustin & family and Stephen.  The weather was perfect for late March.

Stephen, with his new pop-up manned the kitchen

Dustin was nearby on the hill in his Rockwood "hybrid".

After 5 days, Joyce and I headed to Monticello, Ar. to Stephen's house (he needed some "dad" assistance on his house wiring).  While there, Stephen drove us down to Vicksburg, Ms. where we toured the town and the battlefield.  Had a nice time.

Saturday I was prepping Pumpkin for the trip home and while checking the tire pressure made a disappointing discovery.  The passenger side air suspension top bracket had broken a weld.

This may have actually happened last September on our trip up north.  Joyce said she heard a popping sound once in a while and it may have been the bracket moving a bit.  I did notice on this trip that the passenger side always required greater extension of the leveling jacks no matter where we parked.  But, it's fixed now.  A local guy (just up the hill actually) has a body shop and heavy welding equipment.  Took a couple of hours and $80.