In our post Three Months in Bryan, Texas, we shared our vacation plans and let you know we would be traveling to Missouri for the next job.
We arrived in Springfield, Missouri, on September 7 after a great vacation in San Antonio and Rockport, Texas. However, before sharing our vacation photos and adventures, we want to tell you a little about the trip to Missouri and share our news.
Day One – Vinton, Louisiana
The trip from Rockport to our first stop in Vinton, Louisiana, started like any other trip. Andy and Max, our husky mix, rode in the F350 pulling our Solitude. I followed behind them in the Subaru with Sadie, our little terrier. And, for the first time in our two-year adventure, we became separated on the road.
Before pulling getting the road, we review our route. Each vehicle has a Garmin, and it appeared the routes matched. The Garmin in the truck is set for pulling the RV. The one in the car is not. Though I usually stay behind the RV, on occasion, another vehicle gets between us. With a semi-truck blocking my view, I thought Andy was taking the next exit, following the route I had. I was already on the ramp when I realized he wasn’t turning. Grabbing the walkie-talkie, I yelled into it, “Why aren’t you turning?”
Separated on the Road
He replied that he didn’t have that turn. After a brief scare, I was able to catch up with him. I may have exceeded the posted speed limit along the way.
Day Two – Shreveport, Louisiana
If anyone tells you that the highways in Louisiana are bad, please believe them. Our RV neighbors in Bryan had warned us about the Louisiana state highways. So, we took the interstate, thinking it would be fine.
We were wrong. The drive to our first stop in Vinton wasn’t bad. The next day, our drive to Shreveport on I-10 and I-49 was very bumpy. Following the RV, I noticed that one side was a little lower than the other. After pulling into our campsite at Barksdale AFB, we discovered a broken leaf spring.
Repairs on the Road
We checked with the campground office, and they gave us the name of a mobile RV tech. Unfortunately, he was not able to help but gave us the name of a local shop to call.
Andy called Topps Trailers and was told to be there when they opened the next morning. Luckily, the shop was just off base and not far from the campground. We arrived a little before they opened, and they worked us in.
While waiting, we drove the Subaru to downtown Shreveport and the riverfront.
After walking around a bit, it got too hot for the dogs, so we went looking for another alternative. Luckily, there was a Bass Pro just across the river. Since they are dog-friendly, we strolled through the store, exploring both levels. Andy’s phone rang just as we finished touring the entire store. The RV was repaired and ready to go.
Day Three – Little Rock, Arkansas
Getting a later start than usual, we headed north towards Little Rock. I am happy to say that we had no issues with this leg of the trip.
Day Four – Springfield, Missouri
Our drive from Little Rock to Springfield was also a typical day’s travel. When stopping to eat, we often park the Subaru in front of the truck. We did this when we stopped in Harrison, Arkansas, for lunch. The temperature was too hot to leave our dogs in the truck without the air conditioner running. Since we couldn’t lock it with the motor running, we left it unlocked.
Blocking the truck with our car was our ‘safety’ so no one stole it, which would really upset our dogs! We always sit near a window so we can keep an eye on things while eating. We didn’t like doing this, but we didn’t want to eat in the truck.
Unfortunately, there was not an open seat near a window that day. While eating lunch, I got up from my place several times to peek out at the truck.
Shopping around
Over the last six months, we have been talking about our ‘retirement’ home. We did not like driving separate vehicles on long trips. We also didn’t want the F350 to be our only transportation.
As much as we loved living in our Solitude, we knew it wasn’t where we wanted to be in a couple of years. After the trip from South Texas to Springfield, we talked about trading again. Because of the declining trade-in value of the F350 and Solitude, we decided to start looking for a new home.
After walking through a few Super Class C Motorhomes, we decided a Class A would be a better fit for us.
We Did It!
Less than one month after arriving in Springfield, we traded our Subura for a 2014 F-150 and our Solitude and F-350 for a 2019 diesel Sportscoach 404RB.
The transition from the 5th wheel to the motorhome has been an adjustment. Storage is a whole new experience. More in the basement, less inside.
We are adjusting and making it our own. While living here, we have been visiting with family and friends (this is where I grew up), exploring local trails, rivers, and planning for our next move.
Before making this life-changing decision, we have a great vacation after leaving Bryan, Texas. Our first stop was Downtown San Antonio.
Click here for pictures of all our campers, starting with a used pop-up.