Wind and More Wind

By the way, thanks for all the replies, even the ones from anonymous - there seems to be many.   

A quick update, we left Clovis, NM after 1 day instead of the 2 on our plan. Due to location of the park, the train noise was getting worst and the prospect of driving in high winds made it worth the departure. 

Since then, the morning were ok, but by 1 Pm the high winds and gust upto 45 Mph. Due to the dust and low visibility, staying inside, is a smart idea.

We made a short trip to Palo Dura Canyon with the girls. 

I have started back to walking around the area early in the mornings.

When we arrived here in Amarillo, Tx. We started with paying for 2 days here at the Elk's lodge, with the intend to staying an additional night. We decided to relocate to Lawton, Ok. today. So, if you look at the US hwy 60 map, you'll see us zizzing down. Not to worry, Susan and taken over planning, as I have no plan. Except ?

jeff is running, jogging, and walking his race near dallas-ft worth. Carry the Load.

Final Saving 

Safe Journeys and Travels

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me

DaGirls Travels - in Gus.

By the way, Dakota is getting better each day. Most of the time, she is no longer limping, but we are careful in how long and how many walks she goes on. 

Finally - Getting out of Texas

Today was the today, prepping to get out of Texas. Finished helping Josh with Slide gear assembly.

Out new leveler system has been installed and working.

Break in the weather - Sunny and in the 80's.

Our destination, Beaumout, Tx. Elk's lodge. Funny thing though, this lodges rents out to NON_Elks. I don't mind this, but when there are no spaces for visiting Elk members, this is contrary to the requirement. MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE ELK"s.

I understand the need to bring in funds, but, the lodge should keep 3 to 5 spaces available for Elk members. I definitely, will be sending in a bad review to the Lodge Trustees and ER.

Our route took us from Pipe Creek onto TX-16, then southeast to San Antonio (SA). Where we took 1640 east loop around SA. Thanks Ray for the suggestion. This route was east and free of traffic.

Our first stop was a rest stop, where we switch drivers, (Susan taking over). We continued onto our next stop, refueling station. Where we picked up fuel for $2.71/gal. 

Our next stop was a Buc-ee's gas station. I always wanted top see one of the largest re-fueling station in Texas. Boy is it large

So, picked up some coffee along with 2 sandwiches, then back to the coach and lunch.

I promise to do a writeup on how our new jacks are working - later.

So we arrived at the Elks in Beaumont, Tx. Nice place BUT, they do not have spots for traveling members. All the sports are taken by LONG TERM NOT MEMBERS. 

So, we have a grass spot with no sewer. 

Safe Travels 

DaGirls Rv

Susan, Tilly, Dakota & Me

Keep an eye in the rear camera

Maintenance

Maintenance - Plug to Receptacle;

Recently Susan and I relocated to Round Rock, Tx., specifically to the Old Settlers RV park. A City Park with Full Hookups split with 30 and 50 amp sites. Be aware this is a no-frills park, with sites just big enough for a Alfa with slides out, without the awning. Upon setup, nothing abnormal was notice, plugged in and life was good. As we were leaving I notice this:

What I did not take was a photo of the plug looked like. When I remember to take additional photos, it was in the replacement process. The photo showing the damage to the plug, was a sight to see.

If you notice very closely, the Red wire (Leg 2) had come completely out of the terminal. The Green wire (safety ground) was burnt through the insulation.

As this was a Sunday, we knew we needed a replacement; we located a Camping World in New Braunfels. We arrived just as they opened and of course had to spend time looking around. Our destination was the Elks Lodge in Kerrville, Tx.

So, it was time for replacement of the damage plug and cord.

In replacing the plug this time, I had some wire sleeves, which I installed over the stranded wires. This allowed a firmer connection.

So, what is the take-away from this experience? Always look closely at both plug and receptacle.
What can cause a burnt plug – receptacle?
Loose connection, wire to terminal, inside the plug or the receptacle.
Loose connection, wire to terminal, circuit breaker.
Bad plug - receptacle.
Not being inserted all the way.

What can you do to prevent this?
Prior to plugging in, look closely at both the plug – receptacle.
Are the blades clean, is it a tight fit when plugged in. Is it inserted all the way?
Has your plug been replaced? If yes, have you opened the cover and ensure connections are tight.
Is the insulation of the cable pulled away from the strain relief? If it is a molded plug to cable, then replace it.
If it is a replacement plug, remove the strain relief, remove the cover, using black electrical tape (Not Cheap tape), wrap a few layers around the cable. 

Cost: Less than $30
Time: 1 hr.
Out of the way of our travels? No
 

Safe Travels and Journeys

DaGirls Rv

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me

Waco, Gerogetown and Hutto

Our time spent here in Round Rock, has allowed us to visit some unique places. Like the birthplace of the Dr. Pepper soda and bottling plant, Texas ranger museum and a stop in at the Chip and Joanna Magnolia store.

Dr Pepper is America’s unique flavor and was created, manufactured and sold beginning in 1885 in the Central Texas town of Waco.

History of Dr. Pepper - Clicky 

A few photos, of our visit:

From there we also stopped into the Texan Ranger Museum. I normally do not take photos inside museum. This is due to light and the glass:

Along our walk downtown we always run into some fun finds:

Along our road trips took us to the Town of Georgetown. North of Round Rock, about 10 miles. Our walk this time took us to a famous courthouse. Famous by being the first place to win a court case against the KKK.

Your Honor

Another unique place was this church, it is open to the public and on certain days a docent is available. Jus too many thing to remember all about it.

The above photo of this Bible, long with other items will no longer be available, as the items will be transfer to another museum. Once there they will no longer be made available to the public for handling.

Our final stop was a town just east of us. To hear about it, you assume it was a large historic downtown area. The biggest draw? Hippopotamus. Yes, Hippopotamus. It seems the town is overrun with Hippos. I just had to see this unique place, Oh, history you ask?

History of Hutto - Clicky  

At this point, you may be asking: “what’s up with the hippos?” Local legend says that a hippo escaped from a circus train that stopped in Hutto in 1915. The hippo nestled itself into a local creek and the ensuing romp to recapture it would change the town forever. Soon after, the town’s high school adopted the hippo as its mascot, and today Hutto is the only municipality in the United States to have the animal as its talisman. In fact, there are as many as 4,000 hippo statues throughout town, including Henrietta, a 14,000-pound concrete statue that stands in Hutto’s Old Town.

Oh no, Tilly is Hippo Bait.

Susan Saved her just in time. 

Safe Travels and Journeys

DaGirls Rv

Susan, Tilly, Dakota and me