Category: Campgrounds Page 1 of 4

Reflections on campgrounds we’ve stayed in.

Slowing Down

On 1st April 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.
Mary Engelbreit

Our last night in Tennessee was at Roan Mountain State Park. From here we headed towards the Blue Ridge Parkway. This National Parkway, is noted for its scenic beauty. The parkway, which is 469 miles, is the longest linear park in the US. From the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, through Virginia to the Shenandoah National Park Skyline drive. The Parkway follows the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Some call it “America’s favorite drive”. The Parkway experience is a slow-paced and relaxing drive on the ridge of the of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Speed Limit is 35 miles/hour (55 km/hour) and we averaged 25m/h (40km/hr). It was time to take a step back and slow down for a few days.

We picked up the parkway around mile marker 308, the Lineville area. Most of the tourist areas were closed, however the views along the parkway were breathtaking and vast. You can definitely see how the Blue Ridge got its’ name as the blue haze hung over the mountains.

Along the way at mile marker 200 we stopped for two nights and stayed at Fancy Gap KOA in Fancy Gap, Virginia. (Hot showers and WIFI!) When exploring the very small community I found the most amazing bakery and café. I finally found a BROWNIE!! Man, oh man it was good 😊.

At mile marker 176 we stopped at the Mabry Mill. Interesting fact that this mill is one of the most photographed mills in the US. Apparently, some other states have claimed this picture as theirs.

At mile marker 115 we stopped and stayed at the Explore Park in Roanoke, Virginia. Here we found the Twin Creek Brew Pub, our 31^st craft Brewery of the trip. The one thing that we have noticed at a lot of the breweries here in the US is that they are using a Canadian Malt in their brew. I knew there is a reason I liked the beer here!

Now to continue with the everything is deep fried down here theme we tried the deep-fried mushrooms. Not something that needs to be tried again, if you get my drift.

Finally, mile marker 0, the most northern end/start of the Blue Ridge Parkway, followed by the most southerly end of the Shenandoah Skyline Drive. At least this time the 105 miles of the Shenandoah drive was open.

So, some math for you 308 + 105= 413 / 25 miles/hour = 16.5 hours, we took four days to drive it. Like I said; time to slow down a little, and enjoy the drive.

Killing Time

On 24th March 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.
Michael Altshuler

One of the most common questions I get is “What do you do when Steve is working?” Well, I definitely learned ways to kill time. One of my favorites is walking around and meeting people; whether it is in a campground, city or a town. I definitely manage to get my steps in. I learn a lot of trivia and I also meet some amazing people.

Today our stop is Memphis, Tennessee. Home of Rock and Roll; Rhythm and Blues; Elvis Presley and BB King to mention only a few of the musicians who recorded records here. Of course Elvis Presley’s Graceland mansion being one of the most popular attractions to see. Our original plan was to stop at the Bass Pro Shop because they have WIFI and Steve could have his meeting. Well, that did not work out as it was directly under an overpass!

However, there was a tourist information center about half a mile away so after talking to Vivian, I got permission for him to stay in the parking lot past the allotted time restraints. I know that being pleasant and helpful is part of their jobs at tourist information centres but I have to say that Vivian and, I believe Marcie, were beyond helpful. They were definitely brilliant at their jobs. Now, on the list of things they suggested was to visit the Pyramid.

The Pyramid is 321 Feet tall (98m, about 32 stories) and the base sides are 591 feet. It measures to be the sixth largest pyramid in the world! It is even taller than the Statue of Liberty. Apparently, Memphis was looking for a landmark that would set them apart. It was supposed to rival the Statue of Liberty, and the St. Louis Arch. It is the cities most unique landmark. Built in 1991, it originally was used for entertainment events, including home of the NBA Grizzles for a few years (2001-2004), before it became the worlds largest Bass Pro Shop in 2015.

Inside this Bass Pro was amazing; I mean amazing! It was more than a store, it was an adventure. It houses America’s tallest free-standing elevator (28 stories). At the top there is an observation deck; which allows its spectators a 360 view of Memphis and the Mississippi river. Unfortunately for me because of weather the deck was closed. The restaurant that is up there was open, however it was full. This is all good as I have an extreme fear of heights 😊. It also includes a 103-room hotel with treehouse cabins, three different restaurants. Not to mention the cypress swamp with its alligator pools and duck aviaries. It contains 600,000 gallons of water teeming with over 1,800 fish and even some ducks, but no alligators. See, killing time is easy, and so much fun sometimes!

We did explore a little bit of Memphis together as we checked out Beale Street, ate at Sugar Grits Café, tried a moon pie which is on the list of things to eat in Tennessee. (Don’t have to have another one 😊)

We also found Ghost River Brewing and managed to survive the night at T.O. Fuller State Park during the storm. What a relief it was not to hear the air raid sirens during the night. Apparently, the tornado hit down just 2 hours south of us. Thank you lord, for keeping us safe.

March Madness

On 19th March 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome.
Samuel Johnson

I think I have mentioned that there were very few places we booked ahead of time. In general, it has worked out extremely well for us. We were hoping to be able to stay in Hot Springs National Park for a couple of nights, however there was no room at the park. But we did find a couple of nights at the Degray Lake Resort State Park. This is officially our first stay in an Arkansas Park. This park was located in the Ouachita Mountains (more like rolling hills😊) All the sites had shade and were nestled in the tall pines. It was a fabulous park.

Our first stop on our way to the park was Slate Rock Brewing in Amity, Arkansas. Our first Arkansas craft beer came with some great entertainment. The atmosphere here was exciting with the talk about the upcoming Razorback game. I loved being emersed in the middle of this. I wish we could have stayed here for the game as it looked like such a fun spot.

Now I don’t know if any of you follow basketball but it was March Madness time. The NCAA men’s basketball tournament; second round. The 8^th ranked Arkansas Razorbacks were playing the number one seed Kansas. Now I don’t watch basketball, especially college ball, but what a fun experience to be in the state today.

The normally quiet campground was a buzz with campers watching the game. We didn’t need to have the game on to know what was happening. Before you knew it, I was checking the scores and following the game. The Razorbacks were behind by 8 at half time when I checked, so I decided not to watch it.

As the cheers started flowing through the campground in the second half I had to keep checking to score. As the Razorbacks mounted a great comeback, I found myself pacing the campsite. Really what madness is this?

And I want to know how long it actually took to watch the last three seconds of the game. As I was biting my nails a huge cheer filled the campground. I knew at that time that the Razorbacks had upset Kanas 😊.

As you can see by the pictures, we finally got a chance to try horseback riding. The price was right, and there was no time like the present to give it a try. I truly think horses are absolutely beautiful animals. However, I have always had a fear of riding them. It took Steve a little bit of persuading, but I gave it a try. I think when I go back home, I might have to take some lessons.

Umm, maybe this March Madness is more than basketball.

What do Oil, Chili and Fruitcake have in common?

On 15th March 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

Don’t count the days, make the days count.
Mohammad Ali

Day 74 of our journey; it is truly the beginning of our drive “north” to home. From Waco we are heading diagonally to the most northeast point in Texas. We decided to break up the 6 hours of driving with a few stops.

Do you pay attention to the bill boards on the side of the road that are advertising businesses? Well, for whatever reason today was the day we paid attention. There must have been at least 10 billboard signs telling us to stop at the historic Collin Street Bakery. Even though it was not on our direct route we did find ourselves taking the quick detour to Corsicana Texas, to check out the bakery.

Stop 1: What we learned along the way today is that Corsicana, Texas with a population of 25,000 is known as being one of the first oil discoveries west of the Mississippi. In 1894, while drilling for water, they struck oil. It then become Texas’s first oil boom town. It is also known for being home of the original Wolf Brand Chili. The recipe was developed in 1895 and sold in Corsicana during the oil boom. Till this date 128 years later they are still using the original recipe. No, I did not try the canned chili!

Now, to the reason for our stop; the bakery. Opened in 1896, this 127-year-old family-owned and operated bakery is home to the world famous, one of a kind, Deluxe Fruitcake. Really? Apparently, world famous, who knew? The company must be doing well as there is a news report about how one of their employees embezzled 17 million over 9 years. Imagine $17 million, selling fruit cakes. (That’s a lot of cakes) I am not a fan of fruitcake, however all their other baked goods looked amazing! 😊

So, to answer the question above, Oil, Chili and Fruitcake all started out in Corsicana Texas!

Stop 2: As we have mentioned before one of the biggest challenges, we have had on this trip is to find WIFI. Our campground for tonight Lake Tawakoni State Park (our last Texas state Park.). It did not have any, this meant we had to stop along the way for Steve’s meeting. A quick stop in a little town called Wills Point, served this purpose. A Very small town!

Stop 3 of this drive, we decided to stop in the town of Pittsburgh, Texas that is. What a quaint little town. We checked out the feed and seed shop which was actually had the Anvil Brewery in the back (of course it did 😊).

Final Stop, Wright Patman Lake. This Corps of Engineers campground was our home for the last two nights in Texas. ☹. This park was absolutely gorgeous; the flowers were in bloom and the sunset on the lake was lovely. Bonus – they had WIFI!

They don’t call it catching…

On 11th March 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

Fishing is a passion that can never be fully explain.
Unknown

Our drive today is taking us through the Texas Panhandle plains; which has a bit of a rolling prairie feel and some woodland area. Essentially, a flatter landscape than we have been used to seeing in Texas. Our goal for today is Lake Arrowhead State Park.

One thing I must say is that Texas has one of the best state park systems we have ever used. The campgrounds are always clean, there is usually water and electricity hook ups and they are extremely well priced with deals for Texas State Park Pass holders. Most importantly they have wonderful hot showers facilities! 😊

So, to break up our 4-hour drive today we stopped in the small town of Wichita Falls. We managed to catch the tail end of the farmer’s market and had fun exploring the Saint Patrick’s Day festival happening that day. We stopped for lunch at a great brewery, Wichita Falls Brewing Company, and then checked out the Duck Coffee Shop for coffee and a gelato.

Lake Arrowhead State Park is extremely popular with anglers. All eager to catch either a Crappie fish, a catfish, or a large mouth bass. I enjoyed walking the pier that was lined with fisherman and having a chat with them about what type of bait they were using. Curiosity, as my mom owns a bait shop. My favorite conversation was with this older gentleman; who when I asked if he was catching anything today? His reply was; “Not much luck today ma’am. But ma’am, you know that’s why they don’t call it catching ma’am, they call it fishing.”

Give Me A Home…

On 10th March 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

Every person you meet knows something you don’t : learn from them.
H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Oh, give me a home, where the buffalo roam and the skies are not cloudy all day…

On our drive we just had to stop in the small town of HAPPY, Texas; population 613. I just couldn’t resist the photo op. 😊 We laughed hysterically at the ATM in the middle of nowhere saying it is the Happy State Bank.

Continuing our drive in the Texas panhandle; approximately two hours southeast of Palo Duro is Caprock Canyon State Park. We were very impressed with this canyon. We loved the vibrant red and orange colors of the steep and rugged canyon walls and bluffs.

As breathtaking as some of these views are, the highlight for me had to be the Bison. Roaming freely here is the Texas State Bison Herd. I think they are amazing creatures. It saddens me greatly that greed almost made these incredible animals extinct. According to the literature that the park provided; during the years of 1876 and 1878 the buffalo were hunted to near extinction. All this for their hides.

On the encouragement of his wife, Mary Ann, Charles Goodnight (a local rancher) obtained two bison calves and managed to grow his herd to 250 head by 1929. After their deaths the herd did dwindle to less than 50. In 1994, genetic testing was done. It was discovered that these bison had a rare genetic marker that revealed these might be the last remaining group of southern plains bison. With this, in 1997 the bison were moved to Caprock Canyon and became the official Bison herd of the state of Texas. We are so glad we came here and could help with the efforts to maintain this herd.

Side note : Did you know that a prairie dog is another name for a ground hog type animal? To be honest, I didn’t. It is another animal that lives in this park. They are small noisy little critters. Interesting to watch but not as mesmerizing as the Bison.

More padding required…

On 9th March 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

A camera teaches you how to see without a camera.
Dorothy Lange

Palo Duro Canyon is one of the two places I had identified on my bucket list before we left home. It is located in the Texas Panhandle Plains area. Now, according to the Texans we met, this is their version of the Grand Canyon. I must say it was quite impressive, with it’s spectacular geologic wonders and panorama of views and colors which you definitely cannot capture on film. All that being said, the Grand Canyon is definitely in a league of its own. Sorry, Texas…

One neat thing about it is you actually camp on the bottom of the canyon floor and look up instead of looking down. This four-night stay at Palo Duro Canyon State Park meet all my expectations and more. We hiked, biked and explored everyday. Let me tell you there is some spectacular scenery here. We did want to go horseback riding, but at $150/hour we decided not to.

Our favorite hike was the iconic Lighthouse Rock Formation which is the symbol of the park. This was a 6-mile (10 km) hike in total. Now, the first and last 2.75 miles were a breeze. The last quarter of a mile was straight up, which means on the way back it’s straight down… ugh! Next time I will bring more padding for my butt to make it easier to slide down the decline. 😊

I now know why this trail has the most injuries in the park. Unfortunately for one hiker today, she was carried off the trail in a stretcher and an ambulance. Speaking about injuries, one of the most frequent injuries, and occasionally even death, in this park is related to the heat. They have signs posted everywhere about how to prevent sun and heat related injuries and proper hiking trail etiquette. Take plenty of water 1 quart per mile, take snacks, wear a hat and sunscreen, wear appropriate clothing and footwear, know your limitations. Even with all these signs I still find it mind-boggling how many people we saw on this hike with no water, no hat, improper footwear and wearing a tank top. I know, I am not their mother…

Amarillo by Morning

On 6th March 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

There is no must in art because art is free.
Wassily Kandinsky

Today is a driving day. After two days at Oasis State Park, we are leaving New Mexico and crossing back into Texas. It is interesting now that we look forward to these days. Not necessarily the driving but the treats I pack along the way.

Every morning, just like at home, we have a routine. For me, I prepare the snacks for the day. We have a console in the cab of Winnie (the camper), and the third drawer is the treat drawer. Today we had Korean pork jerky, salted mixed nuts, clementines, and of course chocolate. The drawer always contains granola bars, pepperoni sticks, a small jar of candy for Steve’s sweet tooth, and since Yuma, Dates! Our rule of thumb is to keep the drive around 200 miles, or 4 hours of driving per day. So now you know why we need snacks!

Our first stop today was the Big Texan. This Texas icon since 1959, Tex Randal stands 47 feet tall. I barely could reach the top of his Boot. Levis Strauss made the pants, and Amarillo Awning made the shirt. Total surface area was 1440 square feet. Believe it or not, this was all hand stitched!

Next stop Amarillo, and the Cadillac Ranch. This is one of the most iconic roadside attractions in Texas. Off of the old route 66, this piece of art was created in 1974. The Cadillacs are all nose deep into the ground with an incline at the same angle as the pyramids of Giza (Who Knew?).

Part of this attraction is that it allows people to spray paint graffiti on the cars. Sounds like fun, however, you need a can of paint. A young mother with her daughter were leaving and gave us their can of spray paint so we could play and paint. We are definitely not a Picasso; however, I must admit we enjoyed it immensely. On our way out we too gifted that can of paint to a another family who had none.

A Change of Scenery

On 1st March 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

The earth has music for those who listen.
William Shakespeare

The drive into New Mexico on the Historic US 80 was a pleasant change to what we have been used to seeing most of this trip. There was flat grassy plains that lead to the foot of the mountains. The golden color of the tall grass glistened in the sunshine as the wind blew it softly. I could envision horses running wild on this beautiful land. As much as I am intrigued by the desert, this scenery was absolutely stunning.

An interesting fact for you; in this area of southern Arizona, Geronimo, the last Apache Chief, surrendered on Sept 6^th, 1886. This day in history forever ended Indian Warfare in the U.S.

Our goal for tonight was to be close to the base of the Chiricahua National Monument on the New Mexico side. We were totally blessed, I mean really blessed, to find Rusty’s RV Ranch in Rodeo, New Mexico. This campground is just outside the park boundaries and it is a little piece of heaven. I loved it so much we stayed an extra day. Part of me wants to tell the world about it but the other part wants me to stay quiet about it so whenever we come back there will be room for us 😊. I know totally selfish of me.

Now, a friend of mine recently told me that she wanted to see some pictures of different scenery from our trip. I am glad to say today was the day! Our day in the Chiricahua Wilderness, took us into the Coronado National Forest and Cave Creek Canyon. This side of the park is entirely different to the area we visited before. This oasis of green trees, and a babbling brook full of water provided for some beautiful scenery today.

An American Icon

On 25th February 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

Nature is where the soul is set free.
anonymous

Another recommendation from our California friends was the Lost Dutchman State Park in Arizona. This park is located on the east side of Phoenix. Now one would think just the other side of the city shouldn’t take too long to get there. How wrong! Over two hours to cross the city. Yikes.

This park is named after the fabled lost gold mine. It is located in the Sonoran Desert. We decided to do the Siphon Draw Trail ; a 4-mile hike with a 1000-foot elevation change that winds its way into a canyon. I know we have a thing for canyons. The trail started in the Tonto National Forest and continues into the Superstition Wilderness. I love these names. After seeing three or four people being carried out because they twisted their ankle, we decided not to do the additional 2 miles further into the canyon.

Now, when I think of Arizona, I think of the iconic Saguaro (sah-WAH-row) Cactus in the desert. You know the tall and thin cactus with arms silhouetted against the sky. The ones you always saw in the old westerns. I am told that while the Saguaro Cactus is the icon of the American west; it only grows in the Sonoran Desert, in southern Arizona.

Lucky for me I am in the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona 😊. So, one thing I really wanted to see while I am here is the Saguaro National Park. I have always loved the distinctive look of the Saguaro with its arms turned up against the sky.

What I have learned today, beside that the Saguaro is native to the Sonoran Desert, it is also the largest cactus in the United States. An adult Saguaro is generally considered to be about 125 years of age. It may weigh between 3200-4800 pounds, and can grow to between 40-60 feet tall. Interestingly enough it is an extremely slow growing cactus; a 10-year-old plant may only be 1.5 inches tall. They only start to grow their arms when they are 50 – 75 years of age. Also, there average life span is probably 150-200 years of age.

Now you know why they are they are the iconic picture of the American West.

Are We Blessed?

On 23rd February 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

Expect the unexpected, and when ever possible be the unexpected.
Lynda Berry

Our furthest point west, Joshua Tree National Park, California! Established in 1936; this park is where the Mojave and Colorado deserts converge. The Mojave Desert is the western part of the park at elevations above 3000 ft. The Colorado desert is the eastern half of the park which is below 3000ft.

An interesting fact, is that I kept wondering why the vegetation was so incredibly varied in different parts of the park. Apparently when you see the wild-armed Joshua tree, which is actually a species of Yucca, you are in the Mojave Desert. The higher elevation and the only area the Joshua tree grows.

Here we are looking forward to some good California sunshine and warmth. Now, depending on how you look at it we can consider ourselves really lucky or really unfortunate as we had snow!! We stayed at the higher elevation in Black Rock Campground😊.

Our first night had high winds with gust up to 80 miles/hour. You know it’s bad when you are getting weather alerts in emails and texts from the park! It was so bad, we thought Winnie was going to tip. Both mornings we woke up to snow; which most people say is rare. Since there is more storm weather coming through, we cancelled our third night and got a refund the day to boot!

We did get to explore all the park we wanted to. We hiked the Hi-View Trail and nearly blew off the top; the things we do for a picture. We drove the scenic loop with many stops along the way to discover and of course take pictures. The Keys View was a scenic overlook that had a view of San Bernardino Mountains; the Coachella Valley, and the San Andreas Fault.

We were intrigued by some of the rock formations and the shapes of the Joshua Tree. We truly enjoyed Indian Cove and the nature trail there. Although all these were great to see and do, my favorite part of the park was the Cholla Cactus Garden (lower elevation). Even in the rain and snow, this was a beautiful park. So every time I hear the song “ It never rains in southern California” I will always think of the snow.

Thank you to our California friends who suggested coming here. Would I go back you ask? In a heart beat.

It’s All About the Rock

On 8th February 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

Whether in commerce, science, or politics – history remembers artists.
Naval Ravikant

Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site. This area has three unique large rock formations that rise above the Chihuahuan Desert floor. It is a little Oasis of nature and culture; that due to its geology and water availability has served as a place for animals, plants and humans for over 10,000 years. The rock art, that the park is famous for, dates back to the pueblo-type farming peoples (1000 AD). Apparently, there are thousands of pictographs in the park. Sadly, we only found a few…

They are extremely strict and protective of their park. So; we had only had access to the North Mountain. Unfortunately, we were unable to book a guided tour of the rest of the area. Oh well, we still made the best of it.

Now the other big attraction to the park is rock climbing. It was interesting to watch these young people climb up and over the sides of the rocks. Definitely not something on my list of things to do. We did however manage to keep ourselves busy for a day.

Tomorrow Day Trip…El Paso!

Searching….

On 7th February 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

Not all who wander are lost.
J. R. R. Tolkien

We are now on Mountain time, so up early. After catching the sunrise at the Fort Davis Skyline drive viewpoint, we are heading north. We took part of the scenic loop drive through the Davis Mountains. These mountains are the most extensive mountain range fully contained with in Texas. We drove by the Mac Donald Observatory – (one of the major astronomical research facilities in the world), but it was not open. It is a definite stop if we ever come back this way.

Not sure where we are stopping for the night. I want to stay in Van Horn; Steve thinks Dell City. We drove through Van Horn; not sure about this one. I am sure it was lovely in it’s time. But No Go today!

Next stop was the Guadaloupe Mountains National Park. They had no room for us. Also, it was literally a paved parking lot (no thanks). So, we had lunch here and enjoyed the fantastic scenery. Apparently, this park preserves the rugged spirit and remote wilderness of the American West. These mountains seem to tower majestically into the Texas sky. The view was iconic to the old Western movies my dad used to watch.

Now, unbeknownst to me, we were in the need of fuel… Next stop Dell City. Well, to call Dell City a city is a stretch. Population 225. However, it had agriculture! They produce a lot of hay; I mean a lot!! On further research it seems it is alfalfa hay!

We checked out the RV park (a gravel pit) and decided to carry on. I wanted to try out Rosie’s café but the parking lot was full. Then out of the corner of my eye was a small green sign for off road diesel. (They had on road diesel too). Halleluiah!

Okay, next we are going to try Mountain Hut for camping…Hell NO!!! Now on a whim we stopped at Hueco Tanks State Park. They had a site for us. We now have a home for 4 nights!!!

In Tow…

On 6th February 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

Not I, not any one else can travel that road for you, You must travel it for yourself.
Walt whitman

Fort Davis is a little town in Texas that sits at an altitude of 5050 feet. It is situated in the middle of the Davis Mountains which are the most extensive mountain range fully contained within Texas. The state park we are at is another one of those many parks that were built in the 1930’s by the CCC.

Now our biggest challenge the past few weeks has been connectivity and Wi-Fi access. Steve actually tried to conduct a business meeting in the shower block because it was one of the few areas with Wi-Fi in the park 😊.

We decided to hop on our bicycles and ride into town (just 15km round tri p). The plan was to go to the local coffee shop; have coffee, a treat and hook up to their Wi-Fi, and get some work done. We stopped at the Double Shot Coffee Lounge. The cinnamon buns were fabulous! However, the Wi-Fi not so much (oh well). The coffee “Texas Wildfire Blend” was so good Steve had to buy a bag. This coffee is made in honour of all the firefighters who fought day and night to control the West Texas Wildfires of 2011 that destroyed more than 314,444 acres of land.

Now on the way into Fort Davis, Steve was quite far ahead of me. When I passed the hot dog cart vendor, he offered me a length of yellow rope out of the back of his truck. He said I could tie it to the back of Steve’s bike, so he could tow me up the hills. This way I could keep up. He was such a pleasant character. We did not get the yellow rope, but we did support him and bought a hot dog. By the time I walked up the last steep hill to the campground, I really wished I was “In Tow” with that Yellow Rope 😊. Tomorrow we will definitely drive, not cycle the Fort Davis Scenic Loop.

ABC

On 5th February 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.
Lao Tza

Well, the trip wouldn’t be complete with out Another Beautiful Canyon. This one was Closed Canyon. Interesting name, I know. Some rock-climbing skills were required. This canyon leads to the Rio Grande, but the access to the river requires vertical climbing gear. Which means height (no thanks to either).

It was early morning and we were the only people there. It was a little unnerving given that we were right on the Mexican Border. Interesting enough it is the first time Steve’s spidey senses were up. However, we prevailed. Steve looking for other humans and me planning escape routes, if we crossed a bear or a coyote!… I know right!

We stopped to check out the Hoodoos. We nearly lost Winnie in the ruts and potholes of the entrance way! So, we decided that the Hoodoos would have to wait for another day.

We skirted the Mexican border till we hit Fort Leaton State Historic Site. (more history). It is one of the largest and finest historic Adobe structures in Texas. It was built in the early 1800’s. The adobe buildings were historically made with bricks that were a mixture of straw water and clay. You wouldn’t think that they would be strong enough.

What is that ridiculously large wooden cart that Steve is standing by you ask? It is a Carreta! It is believed that this is the first wheeled vehicle that was brought into the U.S.; by the Spanish in 1590. The wheel that Steve is next to is 6 feet tall. It is believed that some of these back in the day would have wheels that were 9 feet tall and it could take up to 12 oxen to pull them!

Then, there it was; the first sign of real civilization. The little town of Presidio. We loaded up on some amenities. We tried a Mexican treat called Conchas (light and fluffy shell shaped sweet bun). I am so glad we only bought one as I could have eaten a dozen.

Then we headed North. We did get stopped by US Border Control, but once they found out we were Canadians they waved us through. (We must look trustworthy😊). This last part of our drive was a flat and wide-open expanse of desert. Such a different terrain than we have seen in a while.

We had a brief stop in Marfa (population 2000) to look for the PRADA shoe store. I know right. Finally stopped at Davis Mountain State Park for the night. Electricity, water and HOT SHOWERS!! Halleluiah!

On a Whim

On 4th February 2023

In Campgrounds, Texas 2023

Spontaneity is what travel is all about.
Zach Anner

Our last day in the park. After catching the Sun rise from the view point, we are heading west.

Before we leave the park, we have one last chance to go to Boquillas…for whatever reason we both passed. However, on a whim (and against the park attendant’s advice) we took Winnie on the road down to the Hot Springs. This was definitely what Grampy (Jo’s Dad) would call a white-knuckle drive!

It was well worth the effort. The natural hot springs is situated right on the edge of the Rio Grande! They were soothing; both mentally and physically. Apparently, they were believed to be the “healing waters”. The geothermal processes and emerging at 105 degrees F (41 degrees Celsius) The water in the hot springs carries dissolved mineral salts reputed to have rejuvenated powers. The setting was serene, like out of a movie.

Our next stop was the ghost town of Terlingua. We had lunch (a burrito) from a local vender at the market – but no beer! 😊 We checked out the ancient cemetery. (Steve’s family has a thing for old historic cemeteries). Our plan was to stay here tonight ….. No Thanks! Not really much of a town and we wanted more of the natural scene.

Next stop; Big Bend Ranch State Park. We managed to get their last campsite (in La Cuesta)! We stopped at Contrabando (which they tell us was an old movie set for a western). Apparently, this state park was voted by National Geographic as the most scenic drive in Texas. After leaving the National Park, we highly doubted it. However, I must agree that National Geographic is right; this was a spectacular drive!

TEXAS BBQ!

On 23rd January 2023

In Campgrounds, Places We've Been, Texas 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.

Oh, what to do?

On 20th January 2023

In Campgrounds, Places We've Been, Texas 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.

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……….

Louisiana : Here We Come

On 10th January 2023

In Campgrounds, Places We've Been, Texas 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!!

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