Once I got the positive news that I would be spending the summer at Tamarac NWR in NW Minnesota, I got out my road atlas to begin pouring over my route to get there. I have to begin by getting down to I-10 for a trip to Scott, LA, to visit my most trusted RV repair place, Billy Thibodeaux’s Premiere RV. Long time readers may remember that this is where I had my MCD shades and the residential refrigerator (twice) installed.
 |  |
Wildflowers blooming this week on the refuge will be the pics for tonight; like this candyroot.
At about 675 miles to Scott, which is longer than I thought it would be, it will take me three days to get there. Once there, I’ll have routine maintenance, new tires, and some more MCD shades installed. With the list I have of things to get done, it will more than take care of my nice tax refund this year.
 |  |
The first hooded pitcher plant bloom of the season.
Thibodeaux’s has full hookups for me, so I’ll be revisiting some places I’ve been before in the area to enjoy a shrimp po’boy or two. 
I may even make a return trip to Avery Island and the Tabasco factory since the last time I was there I was contracting the Louisiana crud, and had a raging fever. I’m hoping the work only takes a little over a week to accomplish. The MCD shades are what will take time to measure out, order, and receive delivery on for installation.
 |  |
Once everything is done, I’ll head north to Fargo, ND. I’ve taken I-35 and I-55 north before, so I want to take a different route this time. Since driving the rig is the thing about this lifestyle that I find least appealing, I tend to rely on interstates. Many others prefer two lane roads, but interstates work for me when I need to get somewhere on a deadline.
So now I have a question for any of you travelers. Has anyone taken US 71 from Texarkana to Fort Smith, Arkansas? It’s the most direct route to get me to I-29, but is a two lane highway that I’ve never driven before. I’m hoping someone can give me some input as to whether this is a good choice or not.
With only two weeks to the day to go before my departure, my mind is working away on a schedule of getting packed up and ready. My stomach is also doing the usual flip flops now and then…
THE END!!
Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later, Judy
