Plan – Onward to Downstream Casino… Maybe
Distance: 475 miles.
Can we do it? Well… that depends on how much coffee, determination, and good humor we can pack into one day. As always, we’ll see what happens—and more importantly, where we decide to stop when common sense finally taps us on the shoulder.
But before we get too far down the road, I forgot to circle back on Rudy and Beata’s Jeep situation. Turns out, there’s some good news in the middle of all that mechanical drama. A deal was worked out for a used/rebuilt rear axle along with the labor to get it installed. If everything lines up—parts arrive on time, no surprises in the shop—they could be rolling again by Tuesday, May 5th. That’s the kind of update you like to hear when your home has wheels and your plans depend on them.
Now… back to us.
Why in the world are we even considering pushing close to 500 miles in a single day?
Short answer? Because sometimes the road isn’t just about distance—it’s about timing, weather, and a little bit of “let’s just get there.” There are days when 200 miles feels like a full journey, and then there are days like this, where you look at the map, take a sip of coffee, and say, “Well… it’s doable.”
Part of it is the pull of the destination—Downstream Casino Resort—sitting up there like a reward at the end of a long stretch of highway. Full hookups, a place to rest, maybe even a decent meal that doesn’t come out of the RV freezer. That alone can make the miles seem shorter… at least in theory.
And part of it is just the rhythm of this lifestyle. When you live on the road, you learn to read the day. Weather looks good. Roads are clear. Spirits are high. Those are the days you stretch it a little. Not recklessly—but intentionally.
Of course, we also know better. Four hundred seventy-five miles in an RV isn’t the same as hopping in a car and stepping on the gas. Fuel stops take longer. Stretch breaks matter more. And somewhere around mile 300, you start having honest conversations with yourself.
“Do we keep going… or do we find a nice spot and call it a win?”
That’s the beauty of this journey—plans are flexible, expectations are negotiable, and the destination… well, sometimes it changes.
So, onward we go. Maybe to Downstream. Maybe not.
Either way, the road’s got a say in it too.
What's the next word ? Photos of course:
475 is a long drive, even if both drive. We did it once or twice in our much younger days. Always vowing that we would not do it again.
ReplyDeleteGreat news about Rudy’s Jeep.
Your picture of the Indian Village at the Painted Desert reminds me of old Route 66, back in 1962 when Ellen and first drove it, on our way to Ft Lewis, WN, via San Francisco. The Barbasol shave cream signs were great.
Hank and Ellen Folk
That's a bit far someone your age, better to be rested up for the next day instead of still hearing the roar of the wind in your dreams.
ReplyDelete475 miles - May your coffee stay strong, your traffic stay weak, and your GPS actually know what it’s doing. Beate, Henna, and I wish you smooth roads, zero ‘what was that noise?’ moments, and that Susan hands out snacks on demand!” You’ve got this!
ReplyDeleteRudy
Just checking Google maps. Looks like a great place. The RV Park looks a little empty, you shouldn't have any difficulty finding a spot..ha ha .. 1848 miles from here. We will be on our way in 3 weeks to South Dakota, Sioux Falls for a month then onward..enjoy....ALFA 74281
ReplyDelete