On the Go with Momma Jo & Steve

Living life, one mile at a time!

Tag: State Park Page 1 of 2

Killing Time

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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

By

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 8th 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.

They don’t call it catching…

By

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…

By

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…

By

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

By

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.

The Turn Around Point

By

On 24th February 2023

In Texas 2023

Always concentrate on how far you have come, rather than how far you have left to go. The difference in how easy it seems will amaze you.

Heidi Johnsen

We have officially hit our turn around point and it is time to head east 😢.

So, we are heading to Quartzsite, Arizona; this has always been on Steve’s bucket list. This area is extremely well known in the RV world for their RV rallies but we were there a month after the big event.  We did drive through it, and decided not to stay. It was sad for me that this was such a disappointment for Steve.

After a brief stay in Bouse, Arizona, (45 minutes from Quartzite) we took a side trip to Lake Havasu City. This little day trip was another suggestion by our new California friends. The lure of the city is London Bridge. Yes, I said the London Bridge. This original London Bridge was completed in London England in 1831. It was then sold by the City of London in April 1968. For a price tag of $2.46 million at that time. It was purchased by Robert P McCulloch, who founded Lake Havasu, and wanted the bridge to attract tourists to the area. To see this area today he definitely managed to attract tourists here!

It was definitely a lot of fun being a “Tourist” and walk the London bridge. So, in good British style we stopped at a local pub for a beer.  The Barley Bros. Restaurant and Brewery. Nice beers and we really enjoyed their tostado nachos!

After leaving Lake Havasu City we drove through another absolutely gorgeous range of mountains. The one thing that still amazes me today is the amount of mountains down here. I do not know why I ever thought Arizona was flat!

Our final stop for the night was in Morristown, on the west side of Phoenix at another Harvest Host; Dillion’s Western Trails Ranch & BBQ. Here we were fully immersed in the Cowboy culture; hat’s boots and spurs. We also got to see a rodeo roping completion.  For the record I am not a fan of the stress put on the small bulls but to be immersed in the middle of this culture was mind boggling.  The good food (Kanas Style BBQ) and live music was another bonus. I tried their “Big Mac”  – who knew that macaroni and cheese on top of a char broiled burger would be so good.

Act of Kindness

By

On 20th February 2023

In Texas 2023

We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things because we are curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.

Walt Disney

California is the place you ought to be, ♪♪ so we loaded up the truck and headed to Brawley ♪♪ (not Beverly). Yes, we did head to California.

Our first night was in Brawley, California nestled in the Imperial Valley. Here we stayed at a the “Desert Olive” olive farm. Cowboy Clyde was the host for this Harvest Host stay. Here we learned about olive farming, the trees, olives, and olive oil. We also learned about the water rights and irrigation practices in this area; as this is a huge agricultural area.

We tasted the difference between EVO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil), and others. We also, learned about how the grading system works. One of the most enlightening things was the supposed outside influence in the European olive oil industry. 

I especially found it interesting the information about harvesting; how important the timing is, and how mechanical and automatic the olive farming business is.

Our next stop was the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. This park is the largest state park in California (1000 square miles). When you first view the park there is this incredible view of the vast desert floor surrounded by the jagged mountain peaks. Now, because of the rain that they have had in the area the Wild Flowers are in bloom (apparently a little early this year) The pop of color in the barren desert was beautiful. It is totally amazing how these beautiful flowers can bloom in the otherwise bare desert. This park is also in close proximity to the big cities of California, so it is the most populated/busy park that we have ever seen.

We wanted to take the Borrego Palm Canyon Hike. It is a 3-mile hike, unfortunately for us Winnie could not fit into the parking lot so we had to hike another mile each way. The trail meanders through the valley to a shady palm grove. We could not get really close the palm trees themselves as they are recovering from a fire that went through the area in January 2020. It was remarkable at how well they are recovering.  Also there was actually water running in the creek (1st time in over three years).

Along the way we met this lovely couple from Washington State (Jim & Wendy). They were celebrating their 45th wedding Anniversary.  They celebrated a few of their anniversaries in the Canadian Rockies; and their 40th, in Nova Scotia.

Well, by the end of the actual hike I was knackered. I would have paid someone to drive me back that last mile to Winnie’s parking spot. As we were having a snack at the trailhead; there were Jim and Wendy. Yep, you guessed it they drove us back the last mile and I didn’t have to pay them.  I will always remember that act of kindness.

Melt Down

By

On 10th February 2023

In Texas 2023

Travel teaches tolerance, patience, acceptance, and how to live in the moment. There is no greater gift.

@worldlyroamer

Old El Paso – no not the salsa! It’s our day trip into the historic district of old El Pasco. San Elizario.  We arrived in this district around 10:00 am. The place was deserted; no one told us it was a ghost town. So, we walked around and checked out the local mission. (This was part of the Mission Trail after all). Then at 11 am we saw a sign of life as a local business put their open sign out! This little bar was a biker’s bar called Shooters. (Not Hooters 😊). It was Taco Thursday! Tacos were $1 each, the beer was cold and cheap too.

Now apparently since the San Elizario Mission is one of the last missions on the trail, all the shops don’t open until noon.  It was a fun afternoon wandering around the historic town. Definitely a slower pace then the big city. We visited the only jail in the old west that Billy the Kid actually broke into. (Anything for a bit of history). We laughed whole heartedly at the shrieks of school kids on their field trip, when the jail guard tried (successfully) to scare them.

We found a local Mexican bakery (Sorpresa Bakery) and tried almost one of everything he made.  Some things I would definitely buy again while others were a definite acquired taste. I did realize though I really need to take Spanish lessons!

Now our third morning in Hueco Tanks Park, Jo (I), had had enough. Frozen water lines, cold weather….Melt Down Time!!! And I am not talking about the hose having to melt/thaw so we could put it away. 😊

El Paso (population 800,000) is a one of the biggest cities we have seen in a long time. So, against our better judgement, we are heading to the big city. Here we found a Home Depot to buy some Reflecitix. (Something to keep the cold out was a must).

Then we found an outlet shopping centre on the west side of the city for retail therapy and a hair cut. Now, I was NOT going back to Hueco Tanks. New Mexico here we come!

We stayed the night just inside the New Mexico border in Anthony at the Public House 28 Brewery.  While trying a few of their brews we met some nice people from Washington state who invited us to visit them. Then we met Terry; a local high school teacher who convinced Steve to change his plans and check out some different areas of New Mexico. Stay tuned…

It’s All About the Rock

By

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….

By

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…

By

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

By

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

By

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!

By

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.

Bucket Lists

By

On 21st January 2023

In Places We've Been, Texas 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?

By

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

By

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

By

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!!

Lincoln Lake

By

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…

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