Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Final Travel Day #25 – 60 Days on the Road

 Final Travel Day #25 – 60 Days on the Road

Where has the time gone? Not just the time—but the miles, too!

DaGirls RV has rolled through 25 travel days over the past 60 days. Our journey took us across 11 states, through 20 unique places, and over 3,800 miles of American highways and byways.

Along the way, we visited family, reconnected with friends, and met so many more amazing people. We’ve seen unique sights, shared laughter, and collected memories that will stay with us long after the road dust settles.

But not all moments were easy. Along the way, we lost a dear friend. We didn’t know his time was near, but on what would become his final day, we were blessed with a phone call—full of laughter and reminiscing—with Mike and Loraine. It was a gift we didn’t know we needed, and one we’ll carry with us always.

On the practical side, our mechanical issues were few and far between—a real blessing when you're living life on the road. All major systems performed well. The air conditioners ran strong, keeping the heat and humidity at bay both while rolling down the highway and parked for the night. That kind of reliability makes a big difference when you're chasing new horizons.

And as always, we travel with purpose.

To remind everyone of our mission statement:
The travels of DaGirls RV—piloted by Dakota and Tilly, who, along with Susan and Dale, explore the highways and byways of this beautiful country.


It was Koko and Della—our beloved free spirits now waiting at the Rainbow Bridge—who inspired us to hit the road in the first place. Their adventurous hearts continue to guide us as we live, love, and wander freely.

Through it all, we’ve been blessed—with good health, safe travels, and the kind of moments that remind us why we call the open road home.

























Rest in Peace my Friend



Safe Travels and Journeys

DaGirls Rv, Gus da Bus

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me



Friday, July 18, 2025

Day 3 – FRVA International Convention, Gillette WY

 Day 3 – FRVA International Convention, Gillette WY

Well, if I said it’s been an exciting convention and that a fun time was had by all… that might be a bit generous. But Susan and I have had some fun. We’ve met a few new folks, enjoyed some good conversations, and taken time to explore Gillette a bit.

We visited a few spots around town and captured some photos I’ll be sharing shortly. Gillette might not be a vacation hotspot, but it has its charms—and a few hidden gems if you know where to look.

Oh, and a quick update: Susan filed a claim with the FRVA Assist Program for reimbursement on towing and mobile mechanic expenses. Let’s just say she was on a mission—gathering every receipt, detail, and form they could possibly ask for. Fingers crossed they process it quickly.

As for what’s next—we’re planning to leave early Sunday and begin the journey back to Show Low. Honestly, we could hit the road Saturday, but we promised to have dinner with friends tomorrow night. So we’ll keep that commitment, say our goodbyes, and then roll out at first light.

That’s it for now—short and sweet. I’ll post a few photos next to help round out the story.












Safe Journeys and Travels 

DaGirls Rv, Gus da Bus

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me.




Thursday, July 17, 2025

Travel Day 17 to see Rudy, Beata and Henna

Travel Day 17 – Oops! What Happened? (continued)

We were prepped and ready to roll out by 8:00 AM Thursday morning. As usual, we left hooking up the truck for when we reached solid pavement—about a mile up the road from the campground.

Susan was in the pilot’s seat, and I rode shotgun. We merged onto Interstate 94 heading east, and everything felt smooth—until it didn’t.

Oops!

“What was that?” I asked.

Susan frowned. “I don’t know, but I’m pulling over. You’d better check it out.”

Hazards on. We eased over to the shoulder. I jumped out, did a full walk-around, checked the tires—nothing obvious.

Susan crept forward while I walked alongside, eyes and ears alert. Still nothing I could see or hear to pinpoint the problem.

So I took the wheel and merged back onto the interstate.

Nope.

Within seconds, we knew something was definitely wrong. Back to the shoulder again.

Susan remembered a vista pull-off just ahead—about 100 feet up—so we limped forward and tucked safely out of traffic. Time for a more serious investigation.

The noise didn’t seem to be coming from the rear. Both of us suspected the front. So Susan raised each front corner with our onboard jacks while I watched the tires and rims as they lifted. With the wheels off the ground, I was able to spin and shift them.

And just like that, we knew: we weren’t going anywhere. We were going to need a tow.

From there, it was one issue after another.

We both got on the phones—Susan with FRVA roadside assistance, me calling for a tow truck. I found one within a minute: they’d be on the road in 20 and could be with us in under an hour. We were just 8 miles west of Medora and about 40 from Dickinson.

But hold on. FRVA said we needed confirmation from a roadside mechanic before they could authorize a tow. No mechanic, no tow. So scratch that plan.

I could write an entire post about what happened next with FRVA—but trust me, it’s a long story. Let’s just say Susan was on the phone a lot.

We ended up finding our own local mechanic and tow operator. By 3:30 PM, we were at the shop with Roger getting to work on the front wheel. We arranged for new wheel bearings and sleeves to be held at a parts shop nearby, and Roger planned to pick them up. By 7:00 PM, he had the wheel hub off and called it a day.

The plan for the next day: Finish the driver’s side, then move on to reinstalling the drive shaft and inspecting the passenger side.

Being proactive, Susan went back out and picked up another set of bearings and sleeves—just in case we’d need them for the passenger side.

Oh, and where did we sleep that night?

Well… since the jacks were in use to raise the wheels and Roger didn’t have any jack stands, we didn’t spend the night in Gus.

More on that part next time.
















Safe Travels and Journeys 

DaGirls Rv, Gus da Bus

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me





Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Buffalo, Badlands, and a Visit from Officer Paul

Buffalo, Badlands, and a Visit from Officer Paul

Exploring Theodore Roosevelt National Park – July 7–8, 2025

Since July 7th, we’ve been exploring the sweeping landscapes and hidden treasures of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, nestled just outside the historic town of Medora, North Dakota.

Our journey from Jamestown to Medora was smooth—good highways, light traffic, and sunshine all the way. Susan took the first shift behind the wheel, and we changed up our usual towing routine by switching who handles the tow vehicle hookup. It’s a small adjustment, but a smart one—you never know when an emergency might happen, and it’s good for both of us to be ready.

We began our first day by exploring Medora itself—a charming Western town with boardwalks, gift shops, and just enough kitsch to keep it interesting. We spent time visiting the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, where we soaked in the legacy of rodeo men and women, along with a moving tribute to the Native Americans who once lived and hunted across these vast plains. It was a glimpse into the soul of the West—gritty, proud, and resilient.

From there, we headed east along I-94 to the Painted Canyon Visitor Center. It was a quick stop to soak in the views and get oriented before our deeper dive into the park. What came next was something we hadn’t planned—but it gave us a good laugh.

The Curious Case of Officer Paul

When we got back to town later that afternoon, we stopped at a little park to give Dakota and Tilly a chance to stretch their legs. That’s when a Medora police truck pulled up, and Officer Paul rolled down his window.

“Mind if I take a look at your dogs?” he asked politely.

“Sure,” we said, a little puzzled.

Turns out, while we were at the visitor center earlier, some kind-hearted passersby had noticed Dakota and Tilly in the truck and, with the best intentions, called the police.

We explained everything: how we’d left the windows rolled down, sun screens on both ends, and parked fully in the shade. The truck was cool, and the dogs were fine—just waiting for their turn to explore. Officer Paul checked them over, confirmed they were perfectly happy, and let us know he still had to file a report “just to be official.”

Needless to say, we all had a good laugh. It's nice to know people are looking out for pets, even if it brings a uniformed visitor to your door.

Office Paul checking on Dakota and Tilly


You will notice how Dakota is paying special attention to Office Paul while he is discussing the serious nature of events that transpired to her.

Into the North Unit: A Land That Changes You

On July 8th, we hit the road early and made the 60-mile drive to the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. It’s a long haul—especially in RV terms—so we left Dakota and Tilly back at the rig for the day.

The road out is something else. One thing about North Dakota: it is lonely out there. Just miles and miles of rolling grasslands stretching to the horizon. It’s the kind of empty that makes you quiet inside.

Along the way, we learned that farming in this part of the state is centered around hay and alfalfa—much of it grown for the ranches that dot the land. There’s something almost sacred about the simplicity of life out here. The rhythms are slower. The work is harder. But there’s beauty in the steadiness of it all.

When we finally arrived at the park’s North Unit, the landscape transformed before our eyes. The flat plains gave way to colorful badlands, deep ravines, and towering buttes—each shaped by centuries of wind and water. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel small, but in the best possible way.

The park wasn’t crowded, which added to the sense of peace. We stopped at several overlooks, each one more breathtaking than the last. At one point, we saw our first buffalo—massive, shaggy, and completely indifferent to our presence. It felt like a sacred moment, seeing something so ancient and enduring just a few yards away.

Prairie dogs popped in and out of their mounds like little sentries, and we even spotted a pair of longhorn cattle lounging in the shade of a cottonwood tree. The drive through the park was slow and winding—exactly how we like it. No rush, just the rhythm of the road and the whisper of the wind.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, “I never would have been President if it had not been for my experience in North Dakota.” After spending time here, we’re beginning to understand what he meant. This land doesn’t just change your view—it changes you.

Evening Reflections

When we got back to the RV, Dakota and Tilly greeted us like we’d been gone for a week. Well, not exactly—they were mostly just eager to go outside and get a drink of the “good water.”

And honestly? After a full day of park roads, distant horizons, and wandering bison, it did feel like we’d been to another world.

Wed we’ll explore the South Unit, which lies just outside Medora and promises its own kind of beauty. But tonight, we’re grateful for a warm meal, a quiet place to park, and that good kind of tired that only comes from a day fully lived. 

More to come on the South side of the TRNP.




















Safe Travels and journeys 

DaGirls Rv, Gus da Bus

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me.


Final Travel Day #25 – 60 Days on the Road

  Final Travel Day #25 – 60 Days on the Road Where has the time gone? Not just the time—but the miles, too! DaGirls RV has rolled through ...