Side Effect's 2nd Retirement Adventure

[Perry Butler]

I really like Palo Duro although we don’t often get there.

We don't get there much either, but we were there last January for four nights. It was -3F one night and below 5F the other nights.

We were camped across from a Coleman popup camper with four kids. I suppose the heater and 6 bodies kept their popup warm.

Enjoy,

Perry

 

[Mike G]

Here at John Martin Reservoir for a couple days and the heading down to Palo Duro Canyon State Park since I was able to secure a site.

Changing plans on the fly, bobbin’ and a weavin’. Good thing we don’t have to be back for a month and a half.

That's the way to be! No reason to have plans set in concrete when you're retired. "Footloose and fancy free!"

 

[WillyB]

Our FREE spot with Hot Showers, a Dump Station and Water if needed at Lake Meredith National Recreation Area just North of Amarillo for 2 nights before heading to Palo Duro Canyon SP this weekend.

The inner circle (10 sites) have Electric and Water for $30.59/night.

A tad drizzly earlier with a bit of snow coming Saturday on our way to Palo Duro Canyon. But we have such a nice view.

 

[iamunique127]

Lovely!

 

[vermilye]

At Palo Duro, if you have the time, hike out to the Lighthouse:

 

[WillyB]

At Palo Duro, if you have the time, hike out to the Lighthouse:

That’s the plan. It’s 5.6 mile round trip and the weather should make hiking nice.

 

[WillyB]

Well, Mom Nature had other plans at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. All trails were closed the day nights we were there. Snow and Rain made the trails too muddy.

It was an interesting drive from Lake Meredith to Palo Duro. Blowing snow made for snow covered roads on the east/west roads but the next days was sunny in the low 50’s.

We really enjoyed this park and will come back in the future.

Photos in order. Leaving Lake Meredith, Arriving at Palo Duro and our view.

We’re now at Lake Canton in OK for a few days.

 

[HABBERDABBER]

Snowbird, eh? Maybe next time.

 

[WillyB]

If you love the constant droning sound of a large diesel generator oil pumping station close by your nice campsite then Canton Lake COE in OK is for you.

We had planned 3 nights here but there is no way we’re going to listening to this $&@# any longer. One night was more than enough!

Waste of our time and money.

 

[Luvnlife-ESC]

Don’t know how far you are from Tulsa, but I’ve heard Keystone Lake state park west of there is pretty nice.

 

[WillyB]

We are at Lake Oologah outside Tulsa, Blue creek Campground for a couple of nights. Decent but with cold showers.

Nice view out our front door though.

 

[Luvnlife-ESC]

Have you had a chance to visit the park near the river in Tulsa called “the Gathering Place “. It’s impressive.

 

[Mike G]

Weird, I stayed at Canton Lake last spring and I don't recall hearing anything like that. It must have been down at the time!

We used to have a nice state park just south of I-40 (roughly south of Canton Lake too) called Red Rock Canyon. It's sort of like a mini Palo Duro (very mini) with red rock walls rising about 20' above the CG on all sides. Unfortunately the state let it become privatized a few years ago and the camping fees are a lot higher now! I don't know which idiots sold off a nice state park, but what's done is done.

 

[WillyB]

I guess there is not enough oil tax revenue in Oklahoma to support the state parks.

 

[WillyB]

I retired in October after completing radiation treatment on my head for my "gift" of incurable cancer since my last round of chemo in 2020/2021. Unfortunately the "gifts" were still coming and after losing a massive portion of our retirement income since April 1st we could no longer keep enjoying our 2nd Retirement Adventure.

Overall, the trip can be explained this way.
** Cold
** Windy (up to 60 MPH)
** Tornado Warnings
** Rain
** Snow
** Dust Storms
** Broken Coleman Mach 10 (No electric heat)
** Lots of Propane
** Hatch Green Chilis
** No Bugs
** Beautiful Scenery
** Fun
** Great People
** Scatterings of Amazing Weather

This is from a Google search:
"Faith is trust or confidence in a person, thing or concept."

I'm done with faith!

 

[Luvnlife-ESC]

Sorry to hear about the first portion of your experience. As I get older it’s family and friends that matter most. We’ve only had a couple of trips in our new trailer but look forward to meeting new friends and seeing new places. Best of wishes in your travels.

 

[WillyB]

The first portion of the trip only added to the adventure.

On this forum I’m not allowed to offer any opinion on the reasons why the trip ended but I think it’s pretty clear that evil wins in today’s world.

 

[HABBERDABBER]

 

[Mike G]

It's another grim reminder that life doesn't come with guarantees (wish it did). As some have said, 'Life is hard, and then you die!' Oh well. I hope as the days pass you can find some positivity and happiness despite the circumstances that are weighing on you at this point.

 

[Lorraine Pittsburgh]

...we could no longer keep enjoying our 2nd Retirement Adventure.

Hi there camping friends,
I'm so sorry to hear that this adventure has ended. Do know that many on this forum are pulling for you, both in terms of your health challenges & your travel challenges. I hope that the future is better & to see you again at a rally, even if it's a rally of just 2 Escapes in the same campground at the same time.
Wishing you & Nancy all the best.