Ponca City to Rose, Oklahoma

I have entered a new phase in my gypsy travels. After a chance meeting with a wonderful man named Al, we’ve decided to travel the country together, along with a very mild mannered tortoise shell cat named Chloe. Heili has decided to spend the rest of her high school years living with her grandfather and my youngest sister. We’ll be sure to return every school holiday to, hopefully, take her on short trips.


Our home is a 1983 MCI Crusader II bus that we are in the process of refurbishing. The kitchen is completed for the most part with the exception of decorative touches. We have a smaller apartment sized fridge, a four burner stove top and a wall oven with broiler. The most convenient thing about our kitchen is a deep stainless double sink. The bedroom and living room is a work in progress, as well as the shower area. For the time being, Al does all the driving; an arrangement that we both find convenient.

Our first trip together began in Ponca City, Oklahoma, which is mostly a stomping ground for Phillips-Conoco refinery employees and several Indian casinos. We spent one night at the 7 Clans Paradise Casino, in Red Rock, where a sign up for their casino club card netted us $10 in free play each. After an hour or so on the penny slots, we walked out with a little over $30. We parked our bus at their RV facilities and hooked up electric for free. Our plan was to stay only one night, although our understanding was any further nights would be $10 each; still a great price.

The end of October fall colors here in Oklahoma are just beautiful. Sumacs are already brilliant ruby red; the maples are a combination of yellow, orange and red; and the variety of oaks provide just as many color variations. Our route took us down Oklahoma’s state highway 177 to 64, and then across 412 where we stopped off at my dad’s house until November 1st. We decided to stick to state roads rather than cope with the traffic of the turnpikes and freeways. The country side is a combination of farmland, forest, and a few sleepy little towns, with the exception of Tulsa, which is a major metropolis. The bright sun warmed the cooler fall weather and reflected brightly off the myriad of small lakes and ponds along our route.

I am rapidly learning that the world of full-timers and especially those who travel in converted buses is a world of friend folk. Wherever two or more end up parked near each other, there will be visits between. The morning we pulled out from the casino, a gentleman who had worked on buses came over just to learn about ours and take a look; like I said a very friendly group. I look forward to many trips with my new companions.