Month: January 2023 Page 1 of 2

Traveling is about finding those things you never knew you were looking for.
unknown

The Lost Mine Trail is the number one trail in Big Bend National Park. The lack of parking is the number one limiting factor to people not doing the trail. According to one Park Ranger it is their way of limiting this access. Now, when you are driving a 24 foot RV that is definitely more challenging! Challenge Accepted!

Today’s hike was up to an elevation of 7550 ft. It would be a 1100 foot elevation, 5 mile hike ( ̴ 8km). Took us 4 hours to complete; too many photo stops 😊. The trail itself was well maintained and a fairly easy walk except for the elevation change. You start in a treed area with some shade, then at the 1 mile mark you break out to the most beautiful & breathtaking view you can imagine. These views kept getting more spectacular as you climbed to the summit. This was an extremely satisfying feat. Even with my irrational fear of heights I too, enjoyed the view from the top!

I am soooooo glad we accepted the challenge and found a parking space. Of course Steve’s mad parking skills played a big part in this.

WOW!

On 29th January 2023

The walls are bare, look out the window and you have a finer sight than any painter has ever placed on a piece of canvas.
Iian Pears

After 4286 miles (6857 KM) we finally made it to BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK!

Apparently Big Bend is named for the big bend in the Rio Grande River. We entered the park at Persimmon Gap (the north entrance). Our first stop was the Fossil Discovery Exhibit. This was extremely interesting to Steve as he always wanted to be an archeologist. They have made some great discoveries here!

The drive into the park was amazing. We were thinking wow how does it get better than this? Then we turned into Chisos Basin Park Road, and the views were SPECTACULAR! UNBELIEVABLE! WOW! Once again, good thing for digital!

Since we wanted to take advantage of the nice weather, we decided to do the Window Trail (5 miles). We actually started at an elevation of 5401 ft., Hiked down to 4600 ft. I know that an 801 foot elevation change doesn’t seem like much. However, when you are 60 and out of shape it was a work out.

Some of the trail was through the desert and dried up creek beds. It was the bottom of the valley. The majestic mountains towering over us were massive. It surely makes you put things into perspective. The pictures cannot do this justice. It is a memory we will have forever. The window is actually a break in the rock of the mountain where water used to “pour off” (still does after a rain). The opening has a dramatic view of the vast desert expanse below.

A Diamond in the Rough

On 28th January 2023

Spontaneity is what travel is all about.
Zach Anner

These couple of days are travel days. From Fredericksburg to Stillwell, Texas is approximately 400 miles. Straight west on the I – 10. Did you know there interstates here in Texas are 80 miles/hour (130km/hour)? And people are getting stopped for speeding!

We detoured for a quick stop at South Llano River State Park. There we had lunch and dipped our toes in the river.

Drove through Bakersfield, TX and were amazed by the number of windmills – apparently Texas has the largest installed capacity of wind energy in the US at 37,422 megawatts. Who Knew?

We stayed overnight in Fort Stockton at a Harvest Host brewery, The Old ’76. However, it was closed but he still let us stay there anyway.

On a whim we decided to stop in the little town of Marathon. Population 365. It had a hotel, a coffee shop, a high-end artisans’ stores, a small garage, a convenience store and a Texas BBQ and Brewery. The Brick Vault (est 1886). According to the locals it is the best BBQ in Texas. This time we would have to agree! As the waitress said “we are the diamond in the rough!

NEWS FLASH! – Jo Drove the camper – for 29 miles. The road was straight, flat and no one else was on it 😊 This was the longest 29 miles Steve has experienced on this trip. Not that he had concerns about Jo’s driving but he didn’t know how to keep from being bored!

Finally, Stillwell RV Park. Which is a glorified way of saying gravel pit camping. However, electricity water and laundry facilities were a must before we spend a week in Big Bend National Park.

BURR!

On 26th January 2023

Don’t ever save anything for a special occasion. Being alive is a special occasion.
Mary Engelbreit

Now; Trivia before we start the day. It is actually warmer in Nova Scotia than it is here in Texas! Today we Started at the “Enchanted Rock State Natural Area”. It was so unique; the landscape was so diverse in this area. We hiked to the summit (1823ft) that had a 360-degree view of the park and Texas Hill Country. We climbed over the summit of Little Rock as well. (A story for another day). At Moss Lake, we stopped to take in the natural beauty and views of both summits.

Here we met a lovely couple from Texas, who had a new lease on life. Apparently, he had a near death experience a couple of weeks ago. He was truly enjoying being alive today! He was so proud that he hiked to the summit. You could see what a special occasion this was for him.

Next, to replenish our fluids and sodium after our 4-hour hike, we tried another German brewery. “Altstadt”. Again, for Beer (Fluid) and Pretzel (Sodium). I know! 😊

Guess what I found???……. A chocolate company!! Chocolates El Rey. (Venezuelan Chocolate). Took the self guided tour and tried 12 different flavours of chocolate. Exchanged some flavour profiles ideas with the chocolatier, Johnathon. He offered me a job and said the interview would be very short. Four words. “When can you start?”.

Next… Oro Bianco, Italian Creamery. Their niche was Buffalo! Of course, buffalo meat done every which way. They even had a chocolate that they made with buffalo milk. However, the highlight was their unique gelato made with buffalo milk. The flavours were delightful. Who Knew?

To top off this amazing day, our stop for tonight was the “Messina Hof Winery”. We would highly recommend them to anyone traveling through. The staff was wonderful, pleasant, and knowledgeable. Oh yes, the wine was extremely good too.

Hill Country

On 25th January 2023

Jobs fill your pocket; Adventures fill your soul.
Jaime Lyn Beatty

Okay, Texas Hill Country is code for Wine Country. Who knew that Texas made wine? Apparently there are over 225 Wineries in this area. Another interesting fact is that this area has a huge German heritage & influence.

Now our first goal in Fredericksburg was, yep you guessed it, Beer! German beer and a pretzel to be exact. Remember the German influence? We checked out the oldest brew pub in Texas! Whatever tagline you need 😊. The Fredericksburg Brewing Company. We tried their Not So Dumb Blonde, the Honey Cream Ale and the Harper IPA.

We walked around the historic downtown area and tried some wine filled chocolate. Really! Who would put wine in Chocolate?!

Then off to Luckenbach, Texas. Population 3! Remember the Willie Nelson Song “Basics of Love”? This little side trip was a lot of fun for sure.

Our stay for tonight was another Harvest Host; Long Horn Cellars.

TEXAS BBQ!

On 23rd January 2023

Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit.
Frank Borman

On our way to Lockhart, we stopped for the night at the Palmetto State Park. We really enjoyed this park’s unique ecosystem. Also, we managed to take the bikes off and explore their multiple trails.

Now, the goal was to hit Lockhart, Texas, which since the spring of 1999 has been declared the BBQ Capital of Texas. Lockhart’s BBQ history dates back to 1875. Apparently, three of Texas’s Best BBQ restaurants are right here in Lockhart. So, if you are going to try Texas BBQ why not go for the best! (Blacks, Kruez, and Smitty’s) Of the three best we decided to go to Black’s BBQ. Why Black’s you ask. Because we overheard some locals say they were going to Black’s. 😊

Lockhart also had quite the historic charm so we found ourselves exploring the city on foot. We stayed at the Lockhart State Park for a couple of nights. We had hoped to get in a round of golf here but the weather did not agree. However Texas is very dry right now and needs the rain; so no complaints here.

Heading West

On 22nd January 2023

There are opportunities everyday to be kind.
Unknown

What a better way to start heading west, and see the interior of Texas, than to spend the night on a Texas Ranch. Our stay for tonight was with Gus & Gail at their Regenerative Ranch. This was another Harvest Host spot.

Here we spent time learning about regenerative ranching, a tour of the ranch and we got to meet some of the animals. I loved Cinnamon! (long horn cow), and June Bug the dog! (She wanted to come with us). I thought Curly (a curly haired horse) was a unique and beautiful! We fed the donkeys and horses graham crackers. (There goes the smores).

All of their horses and donkeys were rescue animals. It is so hard to believe that someone could abuse these magnificent animals. Thank goodness for people like Gus and Gail for rescuing them.

The big, dark Texas sky at night was beautiful and the area was quiet and peaceful. Best Sleep Ever! This experience was one of highlights of our trip so far. It has restored our faith in the goodness and kindness of people. If we come back this way, we would definitely love to stay again.

Interestingly enough Gail was wearing a Nova Scotia tartan scarf. Apparently, they visited Nova Scotia in their motorhome a few years ago and love the Maritimes and the Maritimers! Gail said we were the friendliest people they have ever met. We told them if they ever come back our way, they have to look us up!

Bucket Lists

On 21st January 2023

The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.
Robert Wyland

We started the day very early at the Goose Island State Park. Not by Choice! At 5 am Airboats started on the bay! Man, they are LOUD!!! We left the park by 6;45, earliest start since New Years Day.

Now another thing on Steve’s Bucket List was to drive on the Padre Island Beach. (I know weird right?) Also, this gave us one more chance to walk the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico before we head inland.

Padre Island National Seashore is located south of Corpus Christie. This is the world’s longest undeveloped stretch of barrier island. The park is 70 miles of sand and shell beaches; sand dunes and grasslands. It is also the prime nesting area for the endangered Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles. We did not see any turtles; however, we did get to see some of the many migrating birds to this area.

On another note, there is a huge beach clean up initiative that was started by Captain Billy L Sandifer. So of course, we tried to do our part. Every little bit helps.

On our way inland, Steve (out of the corner of his eye) spotted a picture of wheat on a sign…..Yep you guessed it again; he found another brewery, (he is like a dog seeing a squirrel) Rail Road Brewery. Of course, we turned around, and stopped for lunch and a beer.

Oh, what to do?

On 20th January 2023

Don’t cry over the past, it’s gone. Don’t stress about the future, it hasn’t arrived. Live in the present and make it beautiful.
unknown

Galveston, Oh Galveston…., You should be happy you can’t hear us sing that song! We are staying at Galveston Island State Park and as we had no plans for here, we checked out the top things to do. Five of them were related to ghost walks and haunted houses; NOPE!!

Awe look, one of them is the Galveston Island Historic Pleasure Pier. “Coney Island South” Unfortunately it was closed but Jo was so up for the Roller Coaster and Funnel Cakes and we did visit the site anyway.

We enjoyed walking the beach and watching the surfers for awhile on this beautiful day. Okay, what else is on that list besides museums? Yep, you guessed it; a Brewery!

So off we go to Galveston Island Brewery to try their flagship beer “Tiki Wheat”. Which, we’re told, is the number one beer on the island. We also tried the Tangerine Tiki, Mardis Gras Blonde, and Math is Hard IPA.

One more stroll on the beach as the sun was setting was the perfect way to end the day.

Space, The Final Frontier

On 18th January 2023

Hey Houston, we’ve had a problem here.
James A. Lovell Jr.

Today’s adventure; Space Centre Houston “NASA” Steve is like a kid in a candy shop. “Lift off”, or doors open, is at ten am. We wanted to be one of the first to enter the building. Us and 6 bus loads of school kids had the same idea!

What an awesome field trip this must have been for them. They were definitely full of energy. Maybe Houston could collect this energy and turn it into Rocket Fuel.

Our favorite part was the Mission Control Centre. We were transported back to the moment on July 20, 1969 when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon. The Mission Control Centre from the 1960’s is a national historic monument “preserved in time” right down to the little details. It was simply amazing when they turned the clocks back…

Throughout the day we smiled to ourselves and took pictures of our Canadian contributions to the space programs. We got so excited to touch the rocks from both the Moon and Mars.

We learned about the training required and the physical effects that space has on an astronaut. It was also very interesting to hear about life on the international space station and the ongoing Artemis program. This is when NASA is returning to the Moon in 2024 but this time to the dark side of the Moon.

Where will we go from here………..

Where the Sea meets the Marsh

On 17th January 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

Nothing soothes the Soul like a walk on the beach.

Anonymous

Today we made it to TEXAS! After 17 days on the road we finally crossed the Texas Border. Felt so Good!

Now, one of the things we did not get to try while in Louisiana was Boudin (a Cajun smoked sausage). So, we found a place in Port Arthur, Texas at Larry’s French Market and Café. Unbeknownst to us a Boudin Ball is deep fried. (Texture is like a falafel) Oh well it was still good!

Our first stop in Texas was Sea Rim State Park. It was “foggy as the bags”. It was such a dense, wet fog that we spent most of the day in the camper.

Now what do you get when the Sea meets the Marsh? MOSQUITOS!! Originally the stay was to be for 3 nights. But we cut it short because of the Mosquitos. They actually managed to get inside the camper, I mean inside the camper!! YUCK!!!!

So now you know why we left before sunrise……….

Rutherford Beach

On 15th January 2023

The sand may brush off, the salt may wash clean, the tans may fade, but the memories will last forever.
unknown

One thing on Steve’s checklist for this trip was boondocking (camping with out amenities) on the beach. Now, to be honest, it was not something I (Jo) wanted to do. Nevertheless… being a good sport, I went along with it. The only promise Steve had to make was that I would be able to watch the football game. In theory we had enough battery power (via solar) and water to last three days. However, when one person is set on watching the Buffalo Bills game on a cloudy day, (that would be me),… Oh well, but what a game! fabulous!

The morning sunrise on the first day was absolutely beautiful. However, the sky was red. One thing I have learned over time a red sky in the morning……

Now, Rutherford Beach is on the Gulf of Mexico, that large body of water. And for all you people who live by the ocean, you know that it can get windy!! And true to form it got really WINDY!!! I was so sure that the wind was going to knock the camper over. (Ok so I exaggerate a little bit).

The waves in the Gulf were tumultuous and deafening. I went to bed and said my prayers and hoped we would not be in Kanas in the morning. I slept like a baby. Steve on the other hand, who kept telling me that I was overreacting, didn’t sleep a wink because of the wind and the noise . 😊

Some Like It Hot

On 13th January 2023

Patience is a virtue and the best things are worth waiting for.
Julia Spira

To warm things up we detoured to Avery Island Louisiana to the McIlhenny Co. TABASCO brand Pepper Sauce Factory. The original Hot Sauce since 1868. We were on two minds about spending the $13.75/each for a self guided tour however we were pleasantly surprised at the value of the experience. It was extremely well done. All the staff were fabulous!

We (yes) even Jo tried the hot sauces, the BBQ sauces and the hot sauce spiked ice cream. Now some trivia for Y’all. They use honey to calm the spiciness down. Speaking from personal experience it works well!

Did you know that it takes sometimes up to 3 years or more to make a bottle of Tabasco Sauce? The Pepper mash (Peppers & Salt) is stored in large White Oak Barrels, then covered with salt and stored for up to 3 years. Then they start the rest of the process. On one of there signs their motto is “Patience is not just a virtue; it’s a job requirement.” Now I understand the motto.

We even had lunch at their restaurant and tried a shrimp Po’boy Sandwich (MASSIVE!) The Condiments are all Tabasco sauces. Jo liked their Chipotle Smoked sauce while Steve’s favorite was the Sweet and Spicy.

Included in the price of admission was the Jungle Gardens. A beautiful Botanical gardens that displayed the wonderful massive old oak trees and the flowing Spanish moss that was covering the branches. I especially liked the unique bamboo that clicked in the wind like wood chimes. Even though there were no flowers because of the season it was still very impressive place to visit.

OOPS over 3 hours later…. change of plans with no Rutherford Beach tonight. We reached to our trusty Harvest Hoss App and found Wildcat Brothers Distillery. Rum was their speciality. We tried 7 types of Rum UGH! (Jo prefers Moonshine). A Bloody Mary and a Daiquiri/Martini. This has been our favorite Harvest Host ever! Oh boy, $60 to camp for the night (a little high) but hey they threw in a bottle of rum (Steve’s Rational) 😊

Oh, to be King

On 12th January 2023

You will enrich your life immeasurably if you approach it with a sense of wonder and discovery and always challenge yourself to try new things.
Nate Berkus

Yesterday, the only thing we missed was King Cake. Jo was going to say no worries, however, it is King cake season (code for Mardi Gras) and according to our Uber driver, one must have King Cake. So, the Hunt for the King Cake is on.

So, off we go on our bicycles. We found one at Joe’s Café and King Cakes. Only problem; you have to by a huge cake! It will feed 16 people, no go. We did finally find a smaller one at the Piggly Wiggly.

Now a King Cake is like a cinnamon roll Danish filled with cream cheese and filling, oh ya and a baby inside! The icing has to be green, purple and yellow. Oops, yes, a baby! The custom is that the one who has the piece of cake with the baby in it, has to buy the next King Cake for the family. Funny thing neither Steve or I found it. (Wink wink)

Now the even more pleasant surprise for the day was we came across a fish market. How cool! We bought 1 lb of Crawfish; 2 lbs of shrimp and a package of Louisiana Crawfish and Shrimp & Crab boil up mix. We are going to have ourselves a Louisiana Boil up!

Now Crawfish are tiny little lobster or an oversized bug. They were alive and moving in the bag YUCK! So, we tied the fish to the back of my bike and the King Cake to the back of Steve’s bike and headed home. The boil up was a lot of fun and a lot of work to eat your supper. However, it was an experience that everyone should try….

Fifty-Five Cents

On 11th January 2023

I like to challenge myself and I like to try new things.
Jessica Lucas

Question What Can you buy in New Orleans for 55 cents???

We took an Uber into NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana) and our first stop was Jackson Square. The city was still hopping with left over partiers from the night before. It is Mardi Gras season after all.

Jo started the day with a check list….

Beignets at the original Café du Monde
Try Seafood Etouffee (Cajan/Creole)
Jambalaya for Steve
Try a Praline
Try a King Cake
Eat Gumbo
Drink at Pat O’Brien’s
Listen to Jazz Music
Take the Trolley
Take a photo at Jackson Square
Lastly, to try a local beer

So, we started the day with Beignets and Jazz Music at Café du Monde. The Beignets were heavenly! (✓✓)

We explored the city-love the French quarter! The architecture and the vibe and walked Bourbon Street; collected no beads!

We had lunch on a roof-top café, Mambo’s, and it was wonderful 25-degree weather. Had the taste of NOLA platter: (Etouffee, Jambalaya, Gumbo, and Andouille Smoked Sausage) Wow they love there spices here, needed the local Abita Beer to tone it down. (✓✓✓✓)

Now the Pralines, they were more like a fudge – I was hoping for a brittle texture. (✓)

Next the hunt for a local brewery : but to no avail. However Pat O’Brien’s was top notch. Steve had their famous Hurricane; after sending the first drink back and Jo tried the rainbow and loved it! (✓)

Next the trolley to the Garden District. Well, the Garden District is quite the contrast to Bourbon Street. We took the trolley the full length to the end. (✓) NOT the thing to do with a full bladder.

Now to answer the question: 55 cents gets you a small soft drink at Burger King and a token to use the bathroom!

Louisiana : Here We Come

On 10th January 2023

You do not find the happy life, you make it.
Camilla Eyring Kimball

The sunrise here at Lincoln Lake State Park was amazing; very difficult to capture the moment on film. We will miss Mississippi, but Louisiana here we come!

Our first stop today was the Louisiana Welcome Centre. Loaded up on maps and pamphlets for NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana). Also got a free Louisiana coffee (with Chicory). We love the free-bees at the welcome centres, plus the friendly welcoming staff! 😊

Through our Harvest Host subscription, we heard about John Schneider’s Studios (remember the Dukes of Hazard) – unfortunately it turned out to be a bust.

Okay next stop Low Road Brewery company. Here we tried a flight; Lemon Blueberry Blonde Ale, Rebellious Red Head (Irish Style red), Twenty-two (American Lager), Smooth Operator (American Porter) and lastly Cloud Cover (Hazy IPA). The owner was extremely pleasant and apparently, we are living her dream. She sold her RV to buy the brewery… Steve says no way – we will just continue to support other craft breweries.

The stop for the next 3 nights is the Bayou-Segnette State Park which is south of NOLA. The weather was 20ish and time for shorts, t-shirts, bikes and after 10 days ; laundry!!

Lincoln Lake

On 9th January 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

Every breath we take, every step we make, can be filled with peace, joy and serenity.
Thich Nhat Hanh

After another 8 hour day of driving, we managed to find another beautiful state park; Lincoln Lake, Mississippi.

The campground staff were oh so friendly and helpful. We arrived just at closing so after a few stories about what she’s seen in the campground over the years (our favorite was the streaker in the woods!), she simply said “Go on down, find a spot and we’ll settle up in the morning”.

As for the beauty of the area, the pictures speak for themselves…

Davis Lake

On 8th January 2023

Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit.
SAINT FRANCes dE sALES

Mile Marker 243.1 : This absolutely serene setting was our first 2-night stay.

After eight days of constant driving, we needed a day to chill, and be a little silly. The morning sunrise was majestic… How does it get better than this?

The Drive – Week 1

By Steve

On 8th January 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

As the quote says, it’s the journey that, to me, is the most exciting part of traveling. Don’t get me wrong; I love visiting new places but thankfully I also enjoy driving!

And this trip has a significant amount of driving!

We met a couple at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee who were originally from Texas and when we told them we were heading to Texas they said “What part of Texas, it’s a big state”. My response was “Well, we’ve come a long ways so Texas doesn’t seem to bad…”.

When Jo meets someone on this trip and they ask where we’re from her response is “Nova Scotia, Canada” followed quickly by “north of Maine”. Not everyone in the US knows exactly where Nova Scotia is but they know where Maine is!

Anyway, week 1 has given us unseasonal weather so instead of directly south on the I-95 and then across on the I-10, we decided to go a diagonal route and visit the Shenandoah & Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. What a wonderful decision on our part as these majestic areas are beautiful any time of the year!

Hope you enjoy this short highlight reel below…

A Walk Back in Time

On 7th January 2023