Living on Tulsa Time...

All roads lead to Tulsa...


So if we are close (like within 500 miles) we have to stop by to hug Arden, even if it's just for a short squeeze.

And since we were on our way from OBX to Colorado to ski with Arden and her 'rents in early January, Tulsa was a required stop, even if just passin' through...

We hitched up Clyde in Memphis with overcast skies and a promise of rain...and boy, did it ever! 

Now we lived in OK for over 20 years, and we have seen some real toad chokers...although this was one for the books...not long - but intense.





We were on the right side of the OK border making good time running I40 due west.  Clyde was in a trot pulling the Fox at 70 when it first started to blow.

Within 5 minutes, it was white knuckles tight on the reins...flashers and lights on...and concern that trying to go even just 10 MPH might be too fast...with car-wash volumes of rain driven sideways by a howling wind from the north hitting the Fox broadside.


Now everyone has seen the videos of tractor trailers blown over sideways...and every one of them was playing on repeat in my head...

And at the same time, I was trying to logic whether a broadside wind might easier tip the Fox if we were stopped - OR - was it better to keep moving? 

Let's see...hmmm...the Fox is 13 ft high x 36 ft long, and allowing for running gear, it has maybe 350 square feet of sidewall, while weighing in at ~14,000 pounds loaded...so heavier than many RVs, which is a benefit in a side wind situation...

...But just how much wind would it take???




While all this was rolling around in my head, I was also urgently seeking a hidy hole, a safe place, a wind block...maybe the leeward side of a hill, a bridge abutment, any shelter from the storm...with none to be found. 

So we kept on, just a bit farther, maybe we can make it just a bit further...while feeling every gust of wind...

I figured better to move forward and that once we got to our exit and headed north toward Tulsa, the risk from the broadside wind would be diminished.

And as fast as it hit, it was over!

Sure enough, as we finally got off the Interstate and headed up 75, it was back to being a steady, though not violent downpour.

So, we forded the creeks and swam up 75 to the Tulsa RV Ranch, a convenient 15 mins from Shaun and Melissa's. 

We hobbled a drenched Clyde and unhitched a dripping, but still upright Fox in the rain.

And don't ya' know...the sun started to shine once again as we finished up outside!





Now I believe life should be a continous learning experience.  Never stop learning!

Maybe we should have pulled over to the side of the Interstate, who knows for sure?

But we learned a bit more about what Clyde can do and what the Fox can take in that storm.





And in looking back, the storm was alot like life...

You assess the information, make your best decision, trust God and have faith it is the right one...and let momentum, in spite of the uncertainty keep moving you forward...

And I am reminded, yet once again, that God is great and as David said - a mighty fortress...a shelter in the midst of a storm.

Another reason we did not stop was that we are...

     Living on Tulsa Time... 
     Our watch is set back to it... 
     We have to get back to it...
    'Cause that is where our Arden girl is...

And I think that Arden girl is pretty special...and Judy adores her like no other.

We always have a good time when together...

Whether it is hanging
at the park... 

Or riding bikes...








 

And for New Year's Eve, we hosted Arden's first night of "camping out Fox style"...with a comfy blow up mattress, sleeping in front of the  fireplace, hot and cold running water, and 3!!! pieces of toast for breakfast! 

Though time was tight, in addition to funning with Arden, we also made time to help Shaun put down some baseboard in Melissa's new master bath...which is looking pretty good.




Then it was back on the road...this time, on the trail to Armadillo.





Let the adventure continue...