(9) A Healing Journey—or an Endurance March?
With a converted van ready, we set out across the continent alongside another couple. Our plans favor nature, flexible overnight stops and a route reaching all the way to Maine.
[Arizona] Showers Possible Near Flagstaff Beginning the Night of the 17th; Grand Canyon North Rim Viewpoint Roads Have Separate Closures
The likelihood of showers increases from the evening of October 17 through October 18 around Flagstaff and Williams. Cape Royal Road and Point Imperial Road on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim are closed for maintenance independent of the weather.
[Tennessee · North Carolina] Smokies Nighttime Temperatures Drop: Gatlinburg 35°F, Freeze Warning in Western North Carolina
Frost was possible across the Smokies on the night of October 17. A Freeze Warning for parts of western North Carolina from early October 18 meant campers needed to check overnight temperatures, power, and water conditions at their individual campsites.
[Utah] Rain Expected to Expand Beginning Oct. 21; Check Elevation-Specific Forecasts for Extended Camping at Zion and Bryce
Utah was expected to remain mostly dry on Oct. 17, though showers were possible in parts of the south beginning Oct. 18. With precipitation forecast across a wider area Oct. 21–23, RV travelers continuing trips from the weekend onward needed to prepare according to elevation and travel dates.
[Iowa] Howell Station Reservation Season Ends October 18: Final Weekend for Riverside 50-Amp Sites
Howell Station’s official reservation season is listed through October 18, followed by an unreservable off-season until mid-April next year. Travelers seeking 50-amp electric sites should reserve before arrival and verify the length limits for their individual RV.
[Arizona] North Rim Campground Ends Overnight Stays October 16; Grand Canyon’s North Side Shifts to Day Visits
Grand Canyon’s North Rim Campground ends seasonal operations on the morning of October 16. With the store and gas station closed and scenic roads undergoing maintenance closures, RV travelers should arrange lodging outside the park and prepare fuel and drinking water in advance.
[Texas] Rio Grande Valley Forecast: 45 mph Wind Gusts, 24% Humidity; Use Caution With Campfires
A Red Flag Warning was in effect for the Rio Grande Valley and inland far South Texas from 1 p.m. CDT on October 16 through 7 a.m. CDT on October 17. Forecast gusts up to 45 mph and humidity as low as 24% meant campers should avoid open flames and parking on dry grass.
[Iowa · Illinois] Quad Cities Overnight Low of 30°F Forecast…Check RV Water Lines After High Winds
A Freeze Warning was in effect from 1 to 9 a.m. CDT on October 17 for parts of eastern Iowa and northwestern Illinois, where lows of 30°F were forecast. With Friday wind gusts up to 45 mph also forecast, RV travelers should check exposed water lines and camping preparations.
[Florida · Alabama] 35 mph Gusts Forecast for Panama City and Dothan; RV Camping Caution in Recovery Areas
A Wind Advisory is in effect for parts of the Florida Panhandle and southeast Alabama from midnight through 7 p.m. CDT on October 17. Gusts up to 35 mph could move hurricane-weakened trees and debris, making RV travel and campsite checks important.