Tuesday 12 February 2008 thru Texas, Oklahoma to Arkansas Tuesday 12 February 2008
We had been looking for a truck wash and found one late last night at Panhandle, Texas. It was a do-it-yourself type and the water had been shut off around 1800 due to freezing temps. We were lucky to find one stall that worked with light pressure water...cold water. Together we managed to get most of the salt, mud and sand of our vehicles. Much better. We then moved on a tad more miles and stopped at a Flying J truck stop. They welcome RVers to stay the night. We did. We also sleep well to the rhythm of trucks traveling by. Thanks to Joe for driving all day.

0800 hours we departed Sayre, OK. It is windy and cold and dark gray. Back into knit caps and gloves. We will stop at a full service park as we are out of fresh water. We shared the driving. Even though the winds were pounding all day, we sit solidly and barely feel any bumps. Thanks, Joe for setting up our rigs to handle so well.

1530 hours crossed into Arkansas. Decided we have had enough of this wind and will stop for the night. We took an awkward southward route to Little Chaffee trailer park. This old place is part of Fort Chaffee military base near Fort Smith, Arkansas. The park was built in 1953 and had single-wide mobile homes on it for military families. Today the original electrical and plumbing exist. There are a few RV units some military employees live in. Our hosts, Barbara & Jim Burdick welcomed us as we arrived and gave a quick tour. Pets are welcome and as long as you walk them along the perimeter, no need to clean up after nature calls. Okay. We took Lucy into the nearby forest to play and poop. Incredible green country side. It would be very easy to get lost in the forest. There is old growth and new growth pine and evergreens. Stunning. The base is interesting, old, and a tad of new. Recently a fire occurred and quickly took down many of the old barracks and buildings. All you could see remaining are stacks. Now, new jobs are available as the buildings had asbestos and will require licensed environmental people to clean. Driving about you do see some of the old buildings have been restored and are leased to local companies. The base is mostly used for 15 day training missions. Jim, our host is retired military and it was a pleasure to chat with him during our short stay. They made sure we knew the laundry was free and in the morning coffee and muffing/donuts would be available. Before we left, Jim gave John the 30th anniversary issued of the Vietnam Veterans magazine. Like I said, kind people. Thank you.

Expanding Photos

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    NameWelcome to Arkansas
    NameFort Chaffee located near Ft. Smith, Arkansas
    NameOld buildings and stacks of buildings recently accidentally burnt
    NameFort Chaffee has a nice secluded campground - back in the trees
   

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