Scene from Twister and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation In One RV Camping Adventure!
[SOWLE Journeys of Faith]Dec 21, 2019
Scene from Twister and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation In One RV Camping Adventure!
SOWLE Journeys of Faith
After beginning to write this article, I realized this could be another edition of our series “Funny Things Seen While RV Camping”. It is like a scene from Twister and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation in one RV Camping Adventure! Here’s how our first SOWLE RV Christmas Journey went for us and why we chose to add it to our SOWLE Journeys of Faith articles!
SOWLE RV Christmas Journey
We FINALLY were able to take our first cold weather trip in the first part of December. We had been wanting to get out for quite some time, but things just kept coming up. Deciding where to go wasn’t a hard decision. Mark hadn’t seen his side of the family for a while, and we had never taken Aiden very far. Going to Western Kansas for the weekend was an easy decision.
We really wanted this to be a fun, Christmas themed weekend for Aiden. We decided to make a Christmas Wish List to entertain us all for our first SOWLE RV Christmas Journey. Our Christmas Trip Wish List made decorating and entertaining so much more fun for our Christmas Camping Trip!
Planning Our Christmas Trip
As I mentioned in our article about RV Camping in the Cold, Winter Months, You MUST make sure that there is a campground open for you to go to!
This is the trip that I was referring to when I said “while planning a trip to Western Kansas, we made the mistake of ASSUMING that when a campground said “Open All Year” that they would have frost free hydrants open on those campsites.
Not the case!”
We planned to go RV Camping at a State Park in Western Kansas, however, after checking for more information on that state park, we found that they “winterize” their campground for winter months in October, so we had to find a different place to stay.
This worked out great because we found that there is a new RV Park Resort on our way. We called them the day before we planned to leave and made reservations. That was a huge relief to not have to worry about finding a place to stay once we got into town since it would be late.
This is HUGE for Us!
1. We headed out and Aiden got to visit his first toll booth. I know you’re probably thinking “Big Deal” but it was! We haven’t been able to travel very far with Aiden, so this was HUGE for him to hold that ticket that would bring on such an amazingly fun adventure!
2. We stopped to stretch for a minute just west of Topeka, KS where I grew up. The drive was not too bad with many Kansas Flint Hills to see. When we arrived in Westfall, this was when Mark and Aiden really got excited.
OK, mostly Mark! Ha-ha!
The wind turbines started to appear. When we got to Ellsworth is when they really got much closer to the highway and Aiden could see them much better.
3. The closer we got to Western Kansas, the more we began to smell something funny. Aiden gave me a funny look and I asked him “do you smell something yucky?” He immediately looked at Mark. Ha-ha! Mark (sounding just like his grandfather) states “that’s the smell of money”! We then explained to Aiden that what he was smelling was oil.
Visiting Kansas State Parks Along the Way
We had plans to try to see a few state parks along the way. We got a late start and decided to see them on the way back. However, we were able to stop at one on the way, Wilson State Park in Sylvan Grove, KS. It was getting dark, so it was a quick stop. I’m sure there is so much more to see at this State Park, but time just wasn’t on our side for this stop. Nonetheless, we got a photo!
When we left Wilson State Park, we had plans to head right to Hays Kansas which is 54 miles away and where we had reservations made at the new RV Resort.
This SHOULD have been a nice easy going last 55 minutes of our trip, however, in the style of how our family usually has things go, we had a “hiccup”. That’s putting it mildly in my opinion.
Like a Scene from the Movie ‘Twister’
Mark was driving, Aiden was in the front seat, all 5 Chihuahua’s were in their seat belts in the theatre seating, and I was in my very comfy, anxiety reducing, jump chair that Mark had installed for me.
This jump seat basically puts me on the floor directly behind Aiden so I can care for him easier on long trips. I have a great view if I want it, but if traffic gets too heavy, I don’t have to see it! Works great for me and my anxiety with riding in a vehicle.
So, we are driving along in the dark on I-70 where the speed limit is 75 mph.
Let me share that we don’t go that fast in the motorhome, but we were probably going around 70 mph.
The main door to the motorhome made a funny sound. (I sit directly next to it on the floor so I could hear and see it well).
I noticed a little light coming through from the interstate and then it happened.
THE MAIN RV DOOR OPENED!
I grabbed the handle just in time before it caught the wind and I tried to pull it shut but unfortunately it wouldn’t close!
Remember we are going 70mph!
I yelled at Mark to tell him what happened, and he asks, “do I need to pull over?”
As my entire body is shaking because I’m trying to hold the door closed, I yell, “UMM… YES!!!!!”
You guys, we can’t make this stuff up! It was like a scene from the 1996 Movie “TWISTER!”
Photo Credit ‘Twister’
Mark finally got pulled over on the side of the interstate where he got out and was able to close it properly and got it to “hold” until we arrived safely at our destination.
Back to The Christmas Wish List
Once we arrived at our campsite, we were able to set up rather quickly and got a much needed, good night’s sleep. We built the Snowman S’mores Christmas Tree that evening as well as hung the Christmas Stockings! Check, check!
Plans to Journey through Mark’s Childhood Memories
We had plans to drive the motorhome on Saturday from Hays to WaKeeney Kansas so Mark could share with Aiden memories from his childhood of visiting his Grandparents there.
We didn’t bring the SOWLECYCLE (our 3-wheeled ATV) because we knew it was a long journey and decided it would be better to leave it at home.
Marks relative offered us a vehicle for transportation during our stay which made it so much easier to get around and we didn’t have to pack up the entire motorhome to go somewhere. Additionally, it gave us a sense of security to know if we needed to get something we could.
After baking Christmas Cookies (for breakfast, ha-ha! Check!) we started to plan our day. We spent late morning and afternoon with Marks family. We had planned to visit an RV store a few blocks away that morning to purchase a new RV door handle, however, they closed early, so we missed being able to purchase one. Mark worked on the door handle and were able to temporarily fix it and keep us safe.
A Hallmark-Like Christmas Town
Our next plans were to drive to see the Christmas Lights in WaKeeney. I will share much more about this small, “Hallmark-like” Christmas town in our next article. It was such a beautiful display! Another thing to check off our RV Camping Christmas Wish List! Drive to look at Christmas Lights, CHECK!
Mark drove us around the town and shared many childhood memories with Aiden. We saw a cute little snowman made of tires! Only in a small town. We tried to visit the Polar Express in Ellis after we finished up in WaKeeney, but my very stubborn husband wouldn’t call for directions and we ended up driving right on by and missed it. LOL! We did hear this is a must-visit attraction in Western Kansas!
The Trip Back Home
It was already time to start thinking about our trip back home. What a fast weekend this had been!
We got up early Sunday morning with plans to see many State Parks on the way back to KC. It was a much more relaxing trip home, and we learned something VERY important from this experience.
We shouldn’t make plans.
Yes, this OCD Mom said it. DO NOT MAKE PLANS!
Yes, having a set destination is OK, but for us, we do much better just going with the flow and stopping at places along the way. We visited the following in ONE DAY and it was AWESOME!!!
Bunker Hill
So, first thing we see when leaving Western Kansas is this…
It’s kind of hard to see, but yep, that would be a 4-wheeler on the left and a deer on the right in the back of that pickup truck. This was in the town of Bunker Hill. I mean what else would you expect to see in a town called Bunker Hill, right?? Ha-ha!
Ellsworth
The next town we visited was Ellsworth, Kansas. This is the first thing we saw when arriving in this town…
This is a very nice display to honor veterans and say thank you for their service. We grabbed a slice of pizza from the local Casey’s (because Mark can’t pass a Casey’s without getting a slice of pizza) and headed on towards Kanapolis.
Kanopolis State Park
We will talk much more about Kanopolis State Park in an upcoming article, but here are some photos of what appeared to be a very “sandy” state park and lake.
Once we saw that State Park we headed towards our next destination.
THIS was the destination Aiden and I were most excited about since we first began plans for this trip.
Mushroom Rock State Park
What we didn’t expect was THIS ROAD was how we would get there!
Another quote appropriate from the movie “Twister” “I can’t find this road. It’s like Bob’s Road”…
While we were Chillin’ on a Dirt Road for many miles, we finally reached our next destination, Mushroom Rock State Park! Again, we will share the details of this State Park in an upcoming article, but for now, let us show you some photos of this 5-Acre State Park in Kansas!
The next conversation between Mark and I went something like this:
Me: “You do see that Rock behind us, right?”
Mark: “What rock?”
Me: Oh, you know THAT HUGE ONE you’re about to back into!”
Back on the road again, meaning the interstate and not these crazy, dirt back roads of Kansas, we saw another snowman! This Snowman was made from hay bales and can be seen off I-70 in Salina, KS!
A Reflection of the Christmas Journey in a Town called Abilene
I was a little leery about stopping in this next small town when I saw this right when we pulled off the exit ramp! Ha-ha!
I mean seriously, is this a Christmas Themed Trip or a Twister Themed Trip?!?!
Historic Old Abilene Town Reminds Me of the Hallmark Series ‘When Calls the Heart’ Town of “Hope Valley”
This small town proved to be one of the most fun stops we made! What is it about small, little quaint towns that really bring out nostalgia in us? Probably the idea comes from a Hallmark movie! This little Historic Old Abilene Town Reminds me of the Hallmark Series ‘When Calls the Heart” town of “Hope Valley”!
We started talking about so many things from our childhood while visiting this town. We really began to focus on all the blessings we have been given. [SOWLE Journeys of Faith happening right here].
We also viewed the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Eisenhower’s Boyhood Home, the Place of Mediation, and the Greyhound Hall of Fame from our RV. This is a place to come back and visit in the spring or summer when we can get Aiden outside and really dig into the history of this town.
As we were leaving the Historic Old Abilene town, we saw they also have The Greyhound Hall of Fame. Mark had just said “there’s the Greyhound Hall of Fame” and I must have missed hearing him say that because when I saw the building, I spoke up and said “Oh look! There are greyhounds in the front of that building!” That got the guys making fun of Mom again…Ha-ha!
As we reflected on our little Christmas journey, it reminded us of the very first Christmas Journey. Joseph and Mary making that long trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem only to find there was no place at the Inn for them. The blessings we received from THAT journey far surpass our imaginations and yet we are blessed to have had OUR first Christmas Journey because of Him. [SOWLE Journeys of Faith again]
Continue on Our Journey
We continue on our journey towards home when I saw Mark looking down at the dashboard. Even from a side view, I can see that concerned look he gets.
So, I ask… “What’s wrong?”
Mark: “Service Engine” light came on…”
I got a little nervous, until Mark explained that this is different than the “Check Engine” light.
So, we decided to pull over just to check things out.
The Atomic Cannon
Conveniently, we happened to pull off on the Junction City Exit that has the Freedom Park Atomic Cannon. This is a place that Mark had told us on the way to Western Kansas he would like to stop and take photos of the Atomic Cannon. He checked everything out with the RV and said all was fine and that it just needed regular service once we got home.
The Flint Hills
I finally got to take a photo of the Flint Hills sign that I wanted. I’ve always wondered what the Flint Hills of Kansas was and now I know after many years of living here!
Sorry about the quality of the photos out the window going 70 mph again.
When Mark decides it’s time to move, we move and there is no slowing down for photos! Ha-ha!
Overall, it was a great trip besides this Momma’s extreme allergies with the Western Kansas MAJOR WINDS!
The cows all stayed on the ground, thankfully!
Last State Park Stop On This Trip
We stopped to do a final clean out of the Motorhomes tanks at Clinton State Park. We didn’t think that the dump station would have water available, we just assumed that they would have it to clean out tanks.
Unfortunately, this was not the case. They shut their water off at the dump station at this state park too! That’s when Mark says jokingly, “we may have to just find a way to empty the tanks at home”!
I immediately flashed to the scene from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation!
Thankfully, that was not the case! Our freshwater tank was still full, and we were able to clean out the grey and black tanks at the dump station.
In Conclusion to Scene from Twister and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation In One RV Camping Adventure! [SOWLE Journeys of Faith]
Thanks for sticking with us through this crazy Scene From Twister and National Lampoons Christmas Vacation in one RV Camping Adventure! [SOWLE Journeys of Faith]
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Happy RV Christmas Journey’s to You!
Sharing is Caring [Share a Pin on Pinterest if you enjoyed this story]
Everybody Has a Story to Tell
Everyone has had that moment (or more) where they knew something that happened was destined to happen. The blessing that occurred at just the right moment (even if maybe it wasn’t exactly what you had been praying for). It was just supposed to be THIS WAY moment. It felt right. We love hearing peoples stories about those divine moments when something happened and you just knew it was supposed to. We would love to hear YOUR story! We plan to add a section on our website for YOUR stories! If you would like to share your story and be considered for having it added to our site, send us a message below and we will get in contact with you.
Recent Blog Posts By SOWLE RV
![Discovering the Charm of a Round Cabin While Connecting with Nature [SOWLE Journeys of Faith]](https://sowlerv.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Discovering-the-Charm-of-a-Unique-Round-Cabin-While-Connecting-with-Nature-SOWLE-RV-795-x-500-px-min-400x250.jpg)
Discovering the Charm of a Round Cabin While Connecting with Nature [SOWLE Journeys of Faith]
Discovering the Charm of a Round Cabin While Connecting with Nature [SOWLE Journeys of Faith] Have you ever seen a round cabin? We certainly never had! Of course, we had heard of Yurts and seen them before but never a round cabin! Well, one day we went for a drive...
![Purchasing Private RV Camping Land: 3 Important Steps to Follow from Our Experience [SOWLE Journeys of Faith]](https://sowlerv.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Private-RV-Camping-Land-3-Important-Steps-to-Follow-for-Finding-and-Purchasing-From-Our-Experience-SOWLE-RV-FI-min-400x250.jpg)
Purchasing Private RV Camping Land: 3 Important Steps to Follow from Our Experience [SOWLE Journeys of Faith]
Private RV Camping Land: 3 Important Steps to Follow for Finding and Purchasing From Our Experience [SOWLE Journeys of Faith] Exploring the Benefits of Owning Your Own Private RV Camping Land Owning Your own private RV camping land offers a unique blend...
Christian Songs for the “SOWLE” A Spiritual Journey through Christian Music
Christian Songs for the “SOWLE” A Spiritual Journey through Christian Music Who doesn’t love listening to music? Whether it is Country, Heavy-Metal, Rap, Pop, Christian or any of the other 50 genres of music, there is sure to be some form of music each person enjoys...