5/6/09 Texarkana, TX

Went to the Dodge dealer at 7:30, got back out about 9:15 with the wipers repaired. Bushings that hold the linkage to a circular disk had worn out and the linkage dropped off. New bushings pressed onto the disk cured the problem.

Which was a good thing, since after crossing the Mississippi (big river) we ran into two straight hours of rain, much of it of the slow-down-fast-wipers variety on I-20 Westbound. We turned off I-20 onto LA-9 and then US-49 up to Magnolia, Louisiana, with the weather becoming nicer by the mile, and getting into nicer rolling hills. Then US-82 west into Texarkana and the KOA.

We set up the camper and headed out with the truck. First stop was at a RV parts place to get the right light bulb for the right rear of the trailer, and for a failed locker hold-open device that was coming apart.

Then to a Mexican place for a very late lunch or somewhat early dinner. Had sangria maragritas, a first, and good food. Very eager server; we had to resist saying "down, boy".

The KOA campground (they prefer Kampground) is nice, with all the amenities. But it's a little too close to I-30 (on the frontage road, as a matter of fact) and we hear some noise from it. We'll see if it eases later in the day. But our site is level despite the sloping ground around it generally, and everything works. The pool is nearby, but I'm too tired to take advantage. Driving through the rain is stressful and then driving along in the sun is too nice - I'm getting left-arm-tan already.

The KOA is about 300 yards into Texas and the restaurant was about 30 yards into Arkansas.

So our first flap (wipers) is past us &, little things are getting done. On to Altus AFB tomorrow.