The start of the Kentucky trip

April 16, 2007

Finally, ready to roll at 8:30 AM. Marti was out and gave
us a thumbs up and "have a good time." At the junction,
a gentle honk and wave from Julie as she went around us
and gave us a royal send off.

We stopped at Cope, CO, I kid you not, COPE, CO. I discovered
I had a cell-phone signal. We are traveling US 36 and they are
few and far between. I had forgotten to make a reservation for
May 3rd at the rendezvous point. We are meeting Robert's cousin,
Joy and husband Walt, just outside of Mammoth Cave National
Park. We'll stay there overnight and scope out the place. It looks
a bit tacky on the Web Site. Each cottage has Disney figures
outside, check the link and you'll see.

www.oakesmotel.com

We decided to have lunch in Cope and while I was getting lunch
Robert discovered a problem with the RV stairs. After lunch
he repaired a faulty wiring joint. The steps actually go up and
down now.

We walked around town a little before we left and discovered
the Sidebottoms's house, a neat bungalow, obviously lovingly
cared for, is for sale. They're moving to Yuma--30 miles north
of Cope; Yuma, Colorado.

We got gas in Cope @ 2.86/gal. The pump said $12.00. Ah, wish it
were so, $112.00 later we were on our way.

Now, stopped at the Huntsinger Memorial Roadside Park.
We've stopped here before. The Oak trees were planted in 1875
so the plaque says. The children of the Huntsingers made
arrangements with the State of Kansas in 1956 to set up this
little park in honor of their parents.

We are west of Mankato, KS and 396 miles from home. Seven
hours of driving and 2 hours stopped. So that is Day one.
We're ready to pack it in.