A FINE DRIVING DAY LANDS US IN HASKELL, TEXAS

AN 1883 RESTORED HOUSE BESIDE US TONIGHT IN HASKELL, TEXAS

Cracker Barrel opened at 7 this morning and we were seated for their $5.99 breakfast special at 7:15.  From there it was a short hop over to Wal-Mart for some groceries.  I had forgot to bring along my 3 year old Wal-Mart road Atlas this trip so picked me up a new 2012 one today.  I do like computer maps but still prefer paper maps in the long run and this big road Atlas is packed with lots of great info for only $6.97. 

After receiving a few directions on how to navigate all the construction in the area we rolled out of Wal-Mart, navigated a bunch of orange cones and picked up I-30 to highway 69 leading north out of Greenville. 

A COMMENTER MENTIONED SOCK MONKEY’S SO HERE’S A BUNCH OF THEM AT CRACKER BARREL

Had planned on heading up to Sherman and Gainesville on our usual long detour around Dallas but at the very last minute I made a snap decision to try highway 380 again from Greenville to Jacksboro Texas.  I say ‘again’ because we tried this 130 mile route a few years ago heading home from Jacksboro to Greenville.  I remembered it as being a nightmare of heavily congested stop and go traffic, construction everywhere and probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 to 75 traffic lights along the way.

The decision to try this route again despite my misgivings about it turned out to be a great ‘right on’ decision.  It was definitely not as bad as I had remembered it and I attribute that to three things.  Last time across this stretch of highway was mid to late afternoon I think and I’m sure we got buried in the north Dallas afternoon rush hour.  Also, I am positive that we missed the truck route around Denton last time too so that meant we would have been dragged right through Denton.  And, I think a lot of the construction we ran into 3 years ago is done.  So, the 380 route I have been pooh poohing for the last 3 years is now a route I would recommend.  We will go this way from now on instead of our other looooong route.  Just remember, if your going this way, do this 380 route between Greenville and Jacksboro between rush hour times and and be sure to use the truck route to get around the north side of Denton.

OUR TUESDAY NIGHT OVERNIGHT SPOT AT CRACKER BARREL IN GREENVILLE, TEXAS

Once we got west of Decatur the rolling Texas countryside began to open up and we saw our first bunches of Prickly Pear and Beaver Tail cactus.  The tall beautiful multicolored leaves of Arkansas trees were far behind us now and we were in yet again another beautifully different landscape.  Joined our old familiar route with a left hand turn in downtown Jacksboro.  With that turn we were off on the first leg of a long journey across the great plains.  Trees became fewer and smaller.  Soon we were onto the Texas plains with visibility across the flat lands for miles and miles.  Nice to pass through dusty familiar little western towns we had passed through a half dozen times before.

It was a perfect driving day with light winds, dry roads and an overcast sky for perfect visibility.   What a treat from the previous 3 days.  Gas mileage greatly improved and all was well except our warm temperatures sure took a drop somewhere along the line and by the end of the day the winds had really picked up again….but with clearing skies:))

 

SAW THIS CROW DRINKING A DR. PEPPERS IN A WAL-MART PARKING LOT THIS MORNING 

We had the little town of Haskell in our sites today because we have stayed at a Park there before.  Pulled in about 1:45 p.m. and found us a suitable spot.  The Park’s not fancy but there is free water and electricity plus showers and sewage dumps at the sites.  We find it fine for an overnight stop.  It’s in the southeast side of town beside a large ball diamond.  There is also a historic old 1883 restored house here. 

OUR OVERNIGHT SPOT IN HASKELL TEXAS TONIGHT >>>

Have had some comments about driving on rain soaked highways or windy days.  Many of my jobs over the years have had to do with driving  whether it was cars, vans or stake trucks.  I, like many others drove in all kinds of whether including ice and snow.  When people had to get to the Toronto Airport years ago it didn’t matter if it was pouring rain, foggy, a snow storm going on, icy roads or high wind gusts.  People had to catch their flights so you learn to drive in all weather conditions regardless of how bad they are.  Each person has their own comfort level of driving skills so it’s a personal decision when it comes to weather and road conditions. 

I should also add that it is easier driving a Motor Home on rainy days simply because the driver sits higher off the road where visibility is far better.  The lower you are to the road the poorer the visibility is through all the wet road spray.   Ever notice how fast those big trucks are moving along the Interstates on wet days.  Those guys have the advantage of seeing where they are going.  A Motor Home driver sits about the same level as a truck driver.   Ground fog can totally impair a car driver’s visibility but just a few feet higher the air may be perfectly clear.  So, I guess the bottom line is simply to drive at your own comfort level depending on how confident you are with your own driving skills.  Just my opinion of course.  And, as stated in previous posts, I am one of those fellas who totally enjoys driving and do not find it stressful for the most part.  Of course there are exceptions and I do prefer to keep my stress levels at an acceptable level by avoiding large cities or heavily congested traffic areas.

And no, we never dump our black tank unless it’s totally full either.  What made me decide to dump the tank Tuesday I don’t know but I’m sure glad I hadn’t waited until the tank was full to make the mistake I made!!  

And, a big welcome to new Blog Follower Jeff who I see has just joined the Bayfield Bunch for this winter’s trip. By the looks of your profile picture Jeff I'd say you are a fellow RVer:))

Today was our 5th day on the road and we are so pleased at how well Pheebe has taken to the traveling lifestyle.  She is just as exuberantly happy on the road as she is at home.  No change in her behavior or attitude at all.  She is just a natural happy born dog.  I often call her, ‘Happy Buns’ because of her furiously wagging tail.  She is definitely the most affectionate dog I have ever met.  We are sooooo fortunate to have found ourselves such a great little RV dog.  As I type this she is on my bed beside me sound asleep with her paws a twitching and legs a wigglin.  Nose is a twitching and she is letting out some little snorts and whimpers.  She is obviously dreaming of Squirrels chasing her again and I just might have to come to her rescue in a minute.  After all, that’s what Doggy Dad’s are for you know:))

And, speaking of Pheebs…..she wants to send a big ‘shout out’ to her former owners in Zurich, Ontario.   Pheebs says, “Hello to Crystal, Matt and my special little Pal Adella.  And hello to Gramma and Grampa too.  I’m having a blast out here being a happy and super good little RV dog.”  And, my new Dad says, ‘Yahouie Louie’:))”

  

GROANER’S CORNER:(( At the end of the great flood, Noah opens up the ark and lets all the animals out. "Go forth and multiply," he says, as the animals scurry down the gangplank.
But as Noah is closing the great doors of the ark, he notices two snakes sitting in a dark corner.
"Didn't you hear me?" he says to them. "You can leave now. Go forth and multiply."
"We can't," say the snakes. "We're adders

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