Henry & Pop Camper Adventure: Day 1 ~ Lawrence to Scottsbluff, NE

Aging Adventurer Journal

Henry & Grandpa Road Trip – Day 1

Lawrence, Kansas to Scottsbluff, Nebraska

We rolled out of Lawrence at 6:30 a.m., the truck loaded and the Northstar camper packed with everything we would need for the adventure ahead—clothes, golf clubs, fishing gear, and plenty of anticipation. After a week of planning and dreaming, the road trip had finally begun.

Our route carried us north through Topeka and Nebraska City before joining Interstate 80 for the long drive west across Nebraska. Our first stop came at Casey’s in Holton, Kansas, where we fueled both the truck and ourselves with breakfast pizza before settling into the rhythm of the highway.

Not long afterward, Henry captured one of the day’s most memorable moments. As a crop duster swept low across a nearby field, he instinctively grabbed Fred—his iPad—and snapped an incredible photograph through the truck window. The timing was remarkable, and it reminded me how observant he is becoming. It was a proud grandpa moment.

The miles rolled by as Nebraska stretched out before us. Henry managed a good nap while I watched the endless fields gradually give way to the rugged landscape of western Nebraska. By late afternoon we reached Scottsbluff and made our way to Scotts Bluff National Monument. Standing beneath those towering rock formations gave us our first real sense that we had left the Midwest behind and were entering the American West. We spent a little time taking photographs before heading to check out our campground.

Dinner in town was simple and satisfying. Henry chose mac and cheese with fries, while I enjoyed a steak and baked potato—exactly the kind of meal that seems to taste better after a full day on the road.

As evening settled in, we arrived at Robidoux RV Park where we had prepaid for Site #39. We backed the camper into its spot and worked through our now familiar nine-step setup routine. Before long the camper was leveled, connected, organized, and ready for the night.

Henry laid out his clothes for tomorrow, brushed his teeth, and climbed into bed. The camper grew quiet as we both reflected on the day.

This was a day we had anticipated for the past week. One of the longest driving days of the journey is now behind us, and tomorrow promises to be even more memorable. We’ll cross into Wyoming, climb into the magnificent Bighorn Mountains, and spend the night beside a clear mountain trout stream, surrounded by towering pines and a sky full of stars.

The adventure is officially underway.