It was a generous offer which came via email from a member of another website forum. The discussion had been about the electronics in RVs and Campervans. The pros and cons of solar panels, generators and wind power. I butted into the conversation to ask about dealing with electronics while the van is in long term storage.

That is when I received the email. It was from north western Florida with an offer to store my van, under cover, and to run it once or twice every month, just to keep the engine running and the batteries charged. (It's all much more complex than that, but mostly beyond my understanding.)

So when I left Joplin it was off to Florida to meet the gentleman who had made the offer. There was no way I could accept without first meeting him, seeing the property and finding out just what he had in mind. On the way I planned to call in at Melbourne AR.

Rt 412 across northern AR is such a lovely and scenic route. Up and down, around and around as it goes through the mountains and the little towns. A narrow slow road, but very pleasant. The idea on that first night had been to make it to Bull Shoal SP, but time ran out. Instead the night was spent at the Harrison Welcome Centre.

I had learned about the AR Welcome centres permitting camping when I was at the Bella Vista Welcome Centre on US 71, earlier in the day. At Harrison there were a couple of others already settled. The facilities are left open, lights and air conditioning are left on.

Another great resource.

The idea was from Melbourne AR to head to Jonesboro and down I-55. Ashley at the visitor centre even printed out the instructions for me. But alas. Many hours and miles later, having driven through many of the local roads not seeing a sign nor a shop, I finally arrived on 63 at Jonesboro. From there it was I-55 and I-10 straight to FL.

That night I spent at the MS Welcome Centre, and again discovered a great resource. MS rest areas have 24 hr security. I asked about staying the night and was made most welcome. Even at rest areas where there were signs of no overnight camping, when I asked the security officer about staying the night, I was told I was welcome to stay, and told where to park.

Interstates are normally not my favourite drive. However, I-55 in MS seemed to have a lot of the brown signs along it, each announcing a nearby attractions. I was thinking of what a great road trip this would make. One could spend aweek or two just checking out each and every one of those attractions. On another pass through, when I have more time, that might be soemthing I will think about.

We had calculated that the trip would take me two days. In fact, I made it in almost four days. Enjoyed every mile of it.