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370 Lakeside Park
This was our view as we spent 4 days at this park in St. Peters, MO. Campsites had full hook-ups and ours overlooked the lake. The trail around the lake was about 4 miles. I was taking a walk around the lake when I met up with an elderly gentleman and we struck up a conversation. His companionship made the walk go by faster and when it was time to depart he put out his hand for us to shake. Normally, I would not have hesitated but with the current circumstances I had to refuse and he nodded and understood.
One of the benefits of traveling is the interesting people you meet along the way. I enjoy talking to people and finding out about their background and fascinating tidbits you find out during the conversation. There might come a time when I have enough information to sit down and write a book about our adventures and the people we met along the way.
Lakeside Park offers kayak rentals and the pavilions were elegant enough to host a wedding or special event. There two dog parks, one for large dogs and a separate area for the small dogs. The lamp posts were very unique because on top of each post was a different animal made steel. My thoughts as I was walking the park were, “This would be such a neat place for a family reunion”.
Here is their website for those who might be in Missouri and need a place to camp for a few days. www.stpetersmo.net
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Elkhart, Indiana
The trip to Elkhart was an upgrade for our 5th wheel. We wanted to be as safe as possible, so, we added a MORryde independent suspension system with disc brakes. This provides the RV better stability when traveling through rough and pitted roads and provides better-stopping power. You would not believe how bad the interstates are and how many cars just want to cut in front of us without any notice.
While in Elkhart, we visited the RV Museum and Hall of Fame. It’s amazing to see how far we have come in terms of features in recreational vehicles. The first ones were merely somewhere to sleep. There were no cooking or bathroom facilities and didn’t appear to be strong enough to endure all types of weather conditions. Not my idea of fun, but, a real way to get close to Mother Nature.
This area also is known for its Amish community. It’s not every day you see horse and buggies clippity-clop down the street as they share the road with motorized vehicles speeding by. One has to respect the fact they have stood by their beliefs and ways while the modern world technologies have made our daily lives easier. No phones, no laptops and the biggest of all no electricity. We enjoyed visiting their shops of woodworking, quilts, and homemade bakery goods. The find of the day was Yoder’s meat and cheese shop. The varieties of cheeses were endless and best of all – grass-fed beef, lamb, and pork. The next time we visit, we will have to go with an empty freezer.
The new suspension and brakes are now on the 5th wheel and we are ready to roll once again. Next stop – St. Louis, Missouri.
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Indiana Dunes State Park- Chesterton, Indiana
We arrived at the park and were greeted with chilly 57- degree weather. There was a crisp breeze and coming from Florida, it was welcomed. We were there for five days and walked the pebbly shoreline of Lake Michigan. The lake was formed by a melting glacier over 11,000 years ago. As it melted, it pushed and pulverized the mountainside into small stones forming the rocky shoreline.
The dunes were created by the windstorms. Some dunes completely buried portions of the forest and one would never know there were trees beneath the massive sand dunes. Over time, some of the trees were uncovered by the wind but the terrain just looks like wood poles sticking out of the sand.
The campsite was spacious with over 130 sites nestled among the trees. We had electricity hookups but had to fill our water tanks since the site did not have water. Interesting to see how long you can actually function with only your water tank for five days. We learn something new every day.
On the ride to the park, we passed a wind farm. It had over 200 wind turbines lined up and space out on this farm. As we passed, it reminded me of something alien. Not a bad idea to farm your land while generating income renting land to the electric company so they can produce renewable energy. This sounds like a win, win to me.
Next stop- Elkhart, Indiana where over 80% of all RV’s in the US are built.
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Exploring Nashville- not really
The ride to Nashville was picturesque with its big beautiful trees lining the highway. As the road meandered through the mountain with its jagged rock formations around us, it made our 350 truck feel very small. Our visit was for five nights and it rained for three of them, which didn’t leave much room for exploration.
Our first venture was to see the replica of the Parthenon in Cumberland Park. Upon our arrival, signs indicated it was closed due to renovations. The next stop was the Gaylord Hotel (Opryland). I was looking forward to this visit based on my daughter’s recommendation to get a drink and sit and watch the water fountain show. As we pulled up, the barricaded entrance stated this facility is closed until further notice due to COVID 19. Needless to say, disappointment was starting to set in. Next, we went to Broadway, the main drag downtown Nashville. The street is filled with honky-tonk bars and country music. The sidewalks and the bars were filled with people. They were not practicing social distancing or even wearing protective masks. The decision was made to stay in the truck and cruise down the street. Further down Broadway, we passed an art museum and entertained visiting it for a fleeting moment until – you guessed it – closed.
However, on the way back, we found the Greenway trail. We decided to take a hike, which was a peaceful and invigorating way to end the day. We don’t know what other venues will be closed going forward but, hey – it’s all part of the adventure.
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Chateau de Pique Winery & Brewery
What a great experience! We are really enjoying our layovers at Harvest Hosts. The entrance way was elegant with its wrought iron gates and its name carved into the stone. We picked a spot on top of the hill to spend the night among the many rows of grapes vines. Across the way was an area where couples had their wedding ceremony in front of family and friends. They also had an outside patio with tables and fire pits to sit and enjoy a glass of their crafted beers and wine.
What made this trip even more memorable was meeting our new friends, Nick and Julie. They were spending the night as well and we decided to share a bottle of wine and enjoy conversation of their travels. They have been on the road for about 3 years.
If you are ever in Seymour Indiana, stop by Chateau de Pique and say hello to Susan (our host) and sip some wine and just relax.
