DAVIS MOUNTAINS STATE PARK

Friday, March 2 – We were on the road bright and early again today for our trip to Davis Mountains State Park in Davis, TX. The six hour trip took us through some isolated areas of southwest Texas.

We saw very few other travelers in this “out-of-the-way” part of the United States. It was interesting how the geography changes as we moved west.

We saw about a dozen guys riding bikes. Crazy!

From oil wells, through white crusted cattle land, the Lake Amistad area,

the red foothills of the southwest mountains, and eventually climbing into the Davis Mountains.

Our campsite is in a valley between two mountain ridges. We are staying two nights and used our Texas State Parks pass which gives us free admission to the parks and half off our second night of camping. We have a water & electric site that cost us $22 for both nights. The sites are large and arranged in pairs. We are fortunate not to have anyone in the neighboring site.

Looking to our right.

Our nearest neighbor.

After getting set up, we took Bella out on her long awaited hike. She loves camping in state park type settings so she can get out on her leash and roam.

After she tired herself out a little, we returned her to the safety of the motor home and went exploring ourselves.

We looked at the full hook-up sites available down the road. These site are all pull-through and arranged as pull-offs from the camping loop road. They are all reserved or taken for the weekend. We like our water & electric site better because it is much more secluded.

We then ventured up to the Indian Lodge.

The mile-high lodge is a rustic inn built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps. This full-service hotel is modeled after southwestern Indian pueblos and has adobe walls more than 18 inches thick. You can relax outdoors in one of the many peaceful sitting areas, take a dip in the pool, or dine in comfort at the Black Bear Restaurant. We checked the prices in the restaurant and they are very reasonable.

We then drove the switch-back road to the top of Davis Mountains. Man is it windy up there! Paul had to save little Marsha from being blown away! You could see for miles and miles. We had several great views of our campsite in the valley below.

Can you pick out our motorhome?

Zoomed in from far atop the mountain.

Tomorrow we are heading up to the McDonald Observatory so be sure to check back for some interesting hiking, viewing of the telescopes, and our Night Sky Watch Party!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day

GOOD BYE MISSION…HELLO EAGLE'S PASS

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Monday, February  27 – The last few days have just flown by. Monday was Marsha's last dentist appointment in Mexico. Friends, Donna, Norm and Carole, went with us. They had several items to purchase and wanted to have a Marguerita or two with us. Carole is moving to Pahrump, NV this Saturday, so it was sort of a good bye party also.

Norm, Donna, Marsha, Carole, Paul

We went outside this evening and saw the planets all lined up. From our photo, it looks like the moon is full, but it was only a Crescent Moon.

Moon, Jupiter, Venus

Wednesday, February 29 - Our last night to attend a social. Since it was Sadie Hawkins day, they played an abbreviated version of the Newly Wed game. Our friends, Donna, Norma, Angie and Rick were among the seven couples that participated.

There were some disagreements between the couples, but no couple had an altercation of any kind. Our friends, Sandy and Dave, were the winners.

Just a little beauty from around the park.

It was another wonderful, memory-filled winter. A very special "Thank You" to our dear friends, Rick and Angie. We love you dearly! Miss you already.

Thursday, March 1 – OFF WE GO!!! We've been in the state of Texas since October 29, 2011 and it's time to head West. We still have a couple more days to spend in Texas. We'll be over-nighting in Eagles Pass, and then spending two nights at Davis State Park to visit the McDonald Observatory. Then a run through El Paso, TX and we'll be in New Mexico for another over-nighter on our way to Tucson, AZ.

We were anxious to get moving this morning and hit the road soon after daylight (about 7:30). We traveled the entire day along the southern Texas border with Mexico. Once past Laredo we were in the wide open spaces. But there's oil out here! I think we were the ONLY non-oiler working rig on the road. Truck after truck flew by servicing the many thousands of oil wells in this area.

A bit hazy on the road today.

We had to stop once at an inspection point.

Housing is definitely in short supply. There are numerous RV Parks (I'm using the term generously) where workers are parked one after another in a dirt field. There are temporary restaurants set up and trailers for rent for long term workers. Money is just flowing out of the ground!!!

We arrived at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass, TX, shortly after noon. We have full hook-ups but are really camped in a parking lot. The website said camping was free but nope....cost was $15/night. Oh well, we're only here one night.

Not any place to write home about!

The Casino has NO flashing lights…the outside isn't much but the inside is very nice.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!

 

GRACIAS Y ADIOS

Sunday, February 26 – Marsha, Jane and Carole had there "Thank You and Good Bye" party on Thursday. Jane and Joe left early Saturday morning, and we are on our way on Thursday, March 1.

Jane and Marsha…Carole is a shy one.

Joe, Jane's husband, did his best to count all the people at the happy hour…last count was 53. Marsha never does anything small…haha!

A small sample of the cars and golf carts parked on the road by our site.

Our neighbors from across the street.

We had six table set up, and they were all packed with delicious food that everyone brought.  Jane supplied the sloppy joe and Marsha made her corn casserole and "Sex In A Pan" dessert.

Just a few of the people in line for some grub!

Paul and Joe got to take a short break from their hosting duties to grab a bite to eat.

We have no idea what Phyllis was talking about but it got Rick, Lynn and Mike's attention.

Not sure it Norm and Donna were showing Chuck how to do the hand jive or some sort of sign language.

A great time was had by all. Another wonderful winter in the Valley.

Friday night found us once again at Angie and Rick's. It was our last night all together. Amazing as it sounds, we didn't pig out! Everyone had drinks, and we had one bag of Fritos. UNBELEIVEABLE! We played two rousing games for Idiot's Bridge.

Front…Joe, Jane, Marsha   Back…Angie, Rick, Paul

We all had so much fun these past two months. Thanks for the memories!

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y'all back real soon. Have a great day!