North Acomita Village New Mexico

Since my previous casino stay was pleasurable I decided to try out another one.  This time it is Sky City Casino near North Acomita Village. 

This casino is run by and patronized primarily by the Native Americans from the area.  I felt like a real minority there, but not in a bad way.  

The campsites were under $20 per night and were large, level, easy to pull through, with power and sewer at the site and because of the winter temperatures, the water was from a central spot, which was fine for me as I was going to be there for two nights, I filled my tank a bit upon arrival.  

I received discounts on the dinner and breakfast buffets by playing conservatively. 

It appeared that some of the sites were occupied by full time residents (insulated water services and skirted campers), but everything was clean and tidy.  A shuttle van was available from the campground to the casino, but it was close enough that during the daytime I would just walk.  

I played bingo there for the first time on the trip, with no luck.  They had some interesting games, I hadn't played before like, broken picture frame, big diamond, crazy kite and double postage stamps.  I did a bit better at the craps table and the video poker.  

I would have liked to visit the old Sky City, but tours were not being offered on the days of my stay.  There was also a wolf sanctuary somewhat nearby, but I didn't go there either.  Maybe on the next time through here. 

This is where I spent US Thanksgiving.  Wednesday night there was a live band playing in the casino bar.  The locals enjoyed dancing to their music.  I enjoyed a cold drink and watched them and the sports on TV.

The following day the same venue was featuring the football games, with some of the staff wearing their favorite teams jerseys.  I saw one Native woman wearing a Washington Redskin hoodie.  I felt like questioning her about it, because when I was at Loyola we had spent some time studying about how many high schools, colleges and universities had recently changed their mascots away from those that might be considered offensive, but I decided it was best not to rock the boat.  Perhaps some of the white folks have gone a little overboard trying to be politically correct.

The restaurant had a nice buffet, featuring all the usual holiday foods.  The turkey was very nice, as was the stuffing.  I didn't care so much for the cranberry sauce they had infused it with orange, I don't know why they felt they had to mess with it.  

I believe the casino was busier than a normal mid week, due to the holiday.  On Thursday night the prizes for bingo were higher than the night before, as they were having a special holiday session. 

Crossing into New Mexico

From Amarillo Texas I crossed into New Mexico.  The winds had died down enough that the drive was not a white knuckle one.  

My destination for the day was Santa Rosa.  My research indicated that there was a privately owned campground in town and a distance out of town was a state park.  I had not stayed at any state parks yet, though I had read reviews about them generally being nice, inexpensive but not always fully serviced and with limited sites for "large rigs."  Generally reservations can be made online, but must be made at least a day in advance.  Otherwise most state parks have some sites for drop in guests.  

I had called the private campground to verify they had space for me, as I couldn't make a reservation at the state park.  They said there was room, that the rate was $20 cash for the one night I was looking for.  They didn't want a credit card number to hold the space.  I said I would arrive around 3:00.  As it turned out I arrived around 2:00 and no one was there to check me in.  I didn't really like the look of the place and it was next to a railway track so figured it might be kind of noisy at night.  I decided to take the drive to the state park and see if there would be a drop in site available for me.  

The drive was on a narrow winding road up into the hills, where a river had been dammed in the 1960's, which creates a lake to enhance the natural outdoor environment and allow for controlling the water flow, similar to ones in Ontario that I have stayed at. 

At the same time I arrived there, their was also a couple who were traveling in a Class A motor home.  We both stopped at the entrance point at the same time and had a brief conversations.  The nightly rate is $14 for electricity only at the site.  There were public washrooms and showers nearby, which I didn't need to use because I had enough water on board.  There was a dumping station on the way out of the park, so I was able to lighten my load before heading down the road.  

I encountered the camp host who suggested the best site for me and who was able to provide change for my $20 bill, which allowed me to put the $14 into the registration envelope and return it to the payment post.  He also briefed me on the wildlife I might encounter during my stay, which surprisingly included a stray black cat, a very skinny light brown dog, which ran away from its owner when they stayed there in the summer and was left behind, needing to fend for itself, and skunks.  I did see the cat and dog, but fortunately not the skunks.  Apparently the snakes, spiders and scorpions are all in hibernation at this time of year. 

The views and peacefulness was definitely worth the drive up to Santa Rosa Lake State Park, and the savings of $6.00 didn't hurt either. 

Once I was settled in, I got the bike out and went for a little ride around the campground.  There are two small loops.  At this time of year one was closed, so it made for extra safe riding.  I encountered the folks in the Class A out walking and we agreed to meet up at their camper after the sun would set a couple of hours later.  

The sky got a bit ominous looking as a storm blew through:

I went to the Class A at the prescribed time, with a drink in tow, in order not to be a burden on the other folks, but to just learn from their experience.  They were very welcoming and we had a nice visit, which ended up including a dinner comprised of leftovers as they were just one night from returning to their home in Albuquerque.  If she hadn't kept mentioning about the leftovers, I wouldn't have really noticed as she prepared a nice simple dinner.  Many of the ingredients had been purchased from Trader Joe's, a chain of stores I was not familiar with, that are located throughout the US.  She served their mayonnaise, salad dressings and some Indian food.   

They helped me plan my route for the next day and offered some suggestions of places to to and things to see, as they are very well traveled. 

Amarillo Texas

I realize that early on I was keeping track of how many provinces and states I had visited and lately it seems I have been remiss with keeping track of those statistics, but rest assured the number is growing.  

This days journey takes me from Oklahoma to Texas.  

I am devoid of reservations from this point until I get to Tucson, Arizona so am kind of winging it.  It isn't prime camping season so finding openings isn't proving to be very difficult.  I'd been reading on the internet how much some RVers like spending the night at Cracker Barrel, a restaurant that I enjoy, so I checked their map to see if they had a location in Amarillo and sure enough they did.  I called the location to be sure spending the night in their parking lot was allowed (as opposed to camping there) and was assured it was, so that is where I will spend the night.  The manager said that there are always staff in the restaurant, even when they are closed, overnight there are cleaners and early in the morning the chefs arrive to start baking and cooking.  The RV parking spots were behind the restaurant, so further from the interstate passing by the front and there was a hotel beyond that, which worked out well for me, because their WiFi signal was strong enough that I could use it from inside the trailer.  Many RVers overnight at Walmart, that doesn't appeal to me as much as Cracker Barrel does.

Just after crossing the state line, I went into the tourism office to see what information they might have that would help me on this part of the trip and my future plans to visit Texas.  The staff were quite helpful and I left with a handful of brochures and maps. 

I arrived at Cracker Barrel around 3:30.  I  went into the restaurant to inform them that I had arrived and was parked out back.  I was the only RV there when I arrived so I picked the nicest spot.  I had notice the American Quarter Horse Museum was just down the road a short distance and found it was open until 5:00 so decided to go and check it out.  

The statues outside may have been done by the same artist as the ones in Oklahoma City as to my eye they are of a similar style, size and medium. 

It was interesting to learn about the developments of the quarter horse breed and all the uses for them, from racing and ranching, to pleasure riding.  I believe many of the horses I saw at the Fall Fair in Huntsville were likely quarter horses.  

The museum had displays about owning a horse and all the work that is involved as well as celebrating the best of the breed and all the championships they have won.  There were some animated, hands on and interactive displays.

The big disappointment with the visit was that all the computerized displays said they were "out for upgrades," which apparently has been for over a year.  As such I felt they should lower the admission price but haven't.  

After the museum closed I went back to Cracker Barrel for a leisurely dinner. 

Upon checking the weather, I was concerned about driving the following day as winds in excess of 40 mph were forecast.  I had a late breakfast and delayed my departure until 11:00 a.m. when the winds were to be subsiding.  That wasn't a problem because I didn't have far to go. 

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

The next stop is two nights in OKC at a privately owned campground a few exits from town and right next to a part of the cities excellent bicycle path system.

I arrived on Saturday November 18th.  There was a prominent sign noting Church Service in the clubhouse at 9:00 on Sunday mornings.  Daily they offer free newspapers and fresh baked muffins.  

Upon my arrival I set up quickly on my large pull through site, so I would have time to go for a bike ride before sunset.  The owner recommended I go out the gate and turn right in toward the man-made lake, about 4 miles away.  

Along the route are some industrial lands.  It reminded me a bit of the Portland area in Toronto. 

The following day was going to be my big day of sight seeing in the City.  

I happened to be ready for a muffin just before 9:00 a.m., so thought it might be interesting to sit in on the "Church" service. There was a fairly young pastor there as well as the owner, one other male visitor and one other female visitor, an intimate group. The service lasted about 30 minutes and included the lords prayer, prayer for healing of the sick and study of a portion of the new testament.  I don't recall the chapter and verse, but it was construed to suggest patience with the transition of power happening in January after the election of Donald Trump, that was heated and that things will work out O.K. 

First stop was the Centennial Land Run Monument. This depicts the time when would be settlers could stake their claim in Oklahoma.  The run started with the firing of a cannon:

Then the settlers took off, flags in hand, on horseback or in all manner on horse drawn vehicle.

  

 

The bronze statues are very detailed and make you feel the power and movement. I would say they are about twice life size:

The term "sooner" was used for those that left before the official start. 

The entrance to the park where the statues are is behind the OKC Bass Pro Shop, an interesting store to browse in every if you aren't an avid fisherperson.

Next stop was the Oklahoma City (Bombing) National Memorial.  It commemorates the event of April 19,1995, when Timothy McVeigh, (who in 2001 was executed for his crimes,) set off a truck bomb in front of the federal government building killing 168, including 19 children and injuring more than 500.  I remember hearing about it on the news.  

The memorial is on the site of that former building.  The monument is comprised of a Field of Empty Chairs (representing those killed) 

standing in-between massive bronze Gates of Time (before and after and names of those injured,) which frame the site of the bombing.  

There is a reflecting pool and "Survivor Tree."

The most touching thing was some of the notes and trinkets people have attached to the chain link fence outside the memorial.  Visiting the memorial was enough for me, I didn't go into the museum. 

The family story on here about the things that have
happened since the loss of their mother
was heart wrenching. 

 

Next I went to the Chesapeake Energy Arena to see if I would be able to get a reasonably priced ticket for that evenings NBA game. The Thunder were playing the Indiana Pacers. I was able to get a ticket and had a few hours left before tip off.  

I found a free parking spot a short distance from the Arena and took a little walk around the Bricktown area, something like the distillery district in Toronto.

I stopped into the Coyote Ugly bar.  Although it wasn't very busy the bar tender decided to do some dancing:

I grabbed a quick Mexican dinner and then headed into the Arena for the game.   

Outside the arena there were some festivities going on:

Inside there were some fan experience stuff:

I went for the cheap, nose bleed seat for this one:

Championship banners:

A little Canadian presence:

OKC played pretty poorly, particularly at the beginning of the game.  They couldn't complete a pass or make a basket.  At times it seemed the ball was greased as they couldn't seem to hold onto it.  They managed to drain a buzzer beater to tie the game, resulting in an extra frame.  Their luck ran out and they ended up loosing in OT.  

I made it safely back to the truck and then the campground, capping a wonderful day in OKC, with enough things left for a possible future visit. 

First Casino Stay

From this point of the trip until my scheduled check in day, November 28th, at my furthest southwest destination of this trip, my route is somewhat flexible, as is the number of days I spend in any given place.  I think this approach will be O.K. as it is not prime camping season in the areas I will be traveling through.  

My coach suggested a nice casino with RV parking not too far from her place, but somewhat south from her place and in the general direction I want to go.  I have not yet stayed at a casino but have read on Facebook RV group postings that they can be a good option, because the casino is happy to have new potential gamblers on their site.  

I called to inquire at the Downstream Casino run by the Quapaw tribe at the intersection of the state lines of Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas. Originally that was thought to be the location of the monument of rocks shown here:

But when they surveyed the land in 2004, prior to beginning construction of the casino and golf course, it was found to be quite a bit to the right from this angle and a the concrete pad was placed there:

   At this point you don't need very big feet to be standing in three states at once!

It doesn't seem to be advertised it on their website very well, but they have quite a nice RV campground (mostly pavement) a short distance from the casino and hotel.  Due to the time of year the water was shut off (due to possible freezing), but I was able to fill my tank sufficiently prior to leaving the coaches place.  There were a few other campers in the lot along with mine.  They had power and internet available as well as centrally located garbage containers and a dumping station.  

They also offer a free shuttle bus between the campground and the casino, with a side trip to the monument if you ask to see it.  It was the shuttle driver who took the picture of me above.  

When you sign up for a players card you get 1 free night in the RV lot.  If you are a couple you would be able to stay two nights.  You also got a few free dollars to play in the machines and if you played enough you could get $2 off the buffet restaurant.  Inside the casino many of the employees were Indians.  They were encouraging patrons to learn their language with most signs translated into their dialect, like the washrooms and restaurants.  Most of the customers were the racial mix you would expect to see in this part of the USA.  

I enjoyed a one night stay here and wasn't out of pocket very much at all.  I had a late lunch on my arrival day and the breakfast buffet on the morning of my departure, which was in a different venue than the lunch one.  

I certainly would return if I am by this way again and would like to try the golf course as well.  It is quite highly rated.  I didn't play on this trip because the weather was just too cool and windy to make it enjoyable. 

Reunited with my College Golf Coach

Next on the itinerary is a good visit with the coach that recruited me to Loyola.  I didn't have very far to go and the route was taking me through St. Louis, where I have never been before.  I checked out the opportunity to visit the famous arch but it is under renovation so stopping there wasn't really an option.  I will save St. Louis for a future trip.  On the way through though I did catch some glimpses of the structure:

I made my way directly to the coaches home/farm on the outskirts of Springfield Missouri.  We headed out to her golf team's practice in her car, leaving the trailer on her property for her husband to back into the appropriate parking spot for my 3 night stay.  They also have a 5th wheel so had a 30 amp service available for me. 

Here's the view from my dining table window.

After the golf practice we went to Andy's for frozen custard, a treat she had introduced me to while at Loyola.  This one was a pumpkin pie flavor concrete (something like a DQ blizzard):

Then we went to the college campus she is now working at to watch both the women's and men's basketball teams play.  

They play in a new arena, which is quite nice.  We eat "junk" food from the concession for dinner. 

Andy's sponsors a promotion that if the Drury basketball teams score more than 7, 3 pointers you can get a free custard the next day.  They did and so we did.  This time I choose Apple Pie.  

Wednesday mornings she bowls in a league and I was recruited to play because one of the team members was unable to make the game. 

Here we are, me, Lisa, Tina and Debbie.

And the official score card. 

In order to play I had to join the American Bowling Association.  Who knows, that may come in handy further down the road. 

Next stop was the original Bass Pro Shop for a little look around.  I didn't find anything I needed to buy:

Start them young with hunting gear.

 

Next we played 9 holes of golf at the same course the practice had been at.  They are renovating their bunkers so the holes that were open were 3 to 11.  After that coach had to show a prospect around campus so I went to check out my first Camping World Store:

 
 

Once again, I saw some interesting things but didn't feel the need to buy anything.  

Later that evening we had a home cooked dinner from the BBQ.

The following day we met up with Lisa's parents and one daughter for lunch and then went live on the air with her weekly women in college sports radio program.  Here we are in the studio:

This was quite interesting, my first experience with radio.  All of the guests that day phoned in for their interviews.  The show runs 60 minutes.  The hostess, also a TV personality, in the foreground had an infant baby girl in tow.  Fortunately the baby napped from before the beginning to just seconds past the end of the show. 

After the show we went back to the farm and toured each other's 5th wheels.  Later went out for a nice Mexican dinner, which included Lisa's husband Casey.   For good measure we indulged in one more Concrete.  This time I choose Butter Pecan. 

Wolfie the cat who I looked after during Christmas break my first year at Loyola (almost 3 years ago) is still with Lisa.  It took him a while, but he eventually warmed up to me.