Labor-saving RV Strategoes
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a dim flash of light in the west. A few minutes later, a second, brighter, flash - it was lightning. Then, over the sound of the diesel engine - thunder. A few specks of rain appeared on the windshield. What to do? We had planned to reach the shelter of a RV park in Hinckley, MN. before the arrival of the squall line. We had seen it sweeping east across Minnesota on the weather channel earlier in the morning. The local TV weatherman reported that we could expect shirt-sleeve weather in the morning, but advised an umbrella for the afternoon. “Be prepared for possible severe weather, including hail.” Hinckley was only about 2½ hours north of Minneapolis and it was about 9 a.m. when we left. There would be sufficient time to complete the trip before the storm struck about noon. Guess weather forecasting is not one of my major strengths.
So what is the problem? Storms on the highway are a frequent occurrence while traveling - why not accept it gracefully? Having just washed and polished the motorhome in Minneapolis, I wished to avoid the onerous task of washing road grime from the shiny sides of our RV and car. By traveling only on rain-free days, the motorhome requires washing only once a month or so. As you probably understand by now, washing motorhomes is not one of my favorite occupations. Thus, avoiding motorhome-dirtying weather conditions becomes an obsession bordering on a phobia.
But, luck was on our side. A sign appeared on the side of I-35 - “rest area ahead one mile.” The squall line on the TV weather map had been fairly narrow; it was moving at 40 mph, so the storm would pass quickly and we could resume our travels. Hinckley was only 30 minutes north and we had all day to reach that destination. We had no reservations or deadlines, so there was time to spare. We could wait out the storm and resume our travels after the storm had passed and the road dried.
The full force of the storm struck soon after we stopped. The wind blew and rain fell in torrents. Later we observed that Minneapolis received more than 1.9 inches of rain from the same storm. But, we were warm, snug, and cozy in our motorhome. It was a good opportunity to catch up on some reading. After reading “MotorHome” magazine, it was still raining hard. I cranked up the generator, warmed a frozen bagel, and started reading the Good Sam Club “Highways” magazine. Then I read “Family Motor Coaching” magazine and we had our standard quick lunch of burritos. Took a nap, then read “Winnebago-Itasca Travelers Club News,” “AARP Bulletin,” and “Escapees” magazines. It was still raining! We had stopped at the rest area about 10:30 a.m. and it was now about 4:00 p.m.. Raising the satellite dish, we again watched the weather channel. The narrow squall band had grown. It was much wider than before, but the wind had died and a light fog was developing. Then the rain stopped, but the road was still wet. Trucks on I-35 were still kicking up road grime spray. It appeared that it would be several hours before the cold front arrived and there would be light showers and mist until it passed. Hoping that the heavy rain had washed much of the grime from the road surface, we decided not to spend the night in the rest area. We unhooked the Honda “toad” and drove it separately so that it would not become dirty from any residual grime kicked up by the motorhome.
“Trailer Life Campground/RV Park Directory” gave the Hinckley RV Resort very high ratings. It was like a mirage in a desert. We could hardly believe we were being welcomed onto an Indian reservation. To help attract customers to their new casino, the Mille Lac Indian Reservation built one of the best RV parks in Minnesota. Wide, level, paved sites welcomed us as we entered. For an overnight fee of only $11.47 we were rewarded with 50 amp electrical hookups, water, sewage, and cable TV. The receptionist expressed regret that we would not register for more than one night and explained that they remain open all year, even winter. Some sites have sub-pavement heating to thaw the snow, and water faucets are heated to prevent freezing. A bus passes within a few feet of each RV site every few minutes throughout the day and night to take you wherever you wish to go - as long as it is the casino.
Evidently we made the correct decision to come to Hinckley even though the highway was still wet. It continued to mist and rain for a few more hours, then after dark it cleared and a full moon greeted us as it rose over the gaudy casino lights. After dropping my 75-cent gambling allowance in a 25-cent slot machine and checking out the meals and prices at various restaurants, we caught the bus back to our motorhome. Having chastised myself for my extravagance at the slot machines, I was rewarded with Boca (vegetable) hamburgers - no eating out tonight.
Inspecting the sides of the motorhome and finding only minimal grime, I decided not to wash my motorhome tomorrow.
Thus, continue the trials and tribulations of gypsy Texicans.
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