Westward Ho.....! The Adventure Continues!

Leaving Okeechobee!

February, 2019

After spending December and January celebrating the holidays with family, catching up on household projects, installing a security system, doing upgrades on the motor home, and going to way too many doctors' appointments, we left Okeechobee on Saturday, February 2, 2019, at 7:00 a.m. under overcast skies. By 1:00 pm we decided it was enough travel for our first day and we checked into the Osceola National Forest at Ocean Pond Campground.  The best thing about staying in a National Forest is that the cost for a site is always half-price because we have life- time National Park and Federal Recreational Land passes...senior passes!  We purchased these when we were on The Great Loop and we were in St. Louis.  They were just $20 a piece and we have saved lots of $$$$$ by using them.  All entry fees to National Parks and monuments are always waived.  Such fees are usually $20-$30 and since we are planning to visit almost 50 parks, a substantial savings will be realized and as I mentioned campsites are half-price.  The first day did not pass without a few problems for me.  My new Fitbit Charge 3 decided to stop working, the water heater wouldn't heat our water and the weather was nasty.  After our Thai Chicken Wrap dinner, having traveled 266 miles we were both ready for bed early.  The next morning dawned much brighter and we departed the campground at 9:15 a.m.  It was a very rainy day, but we decided to travel directly to New Orleans, LA.  It was a very long day with lousy weather, but Dave was a trooper and he drove straight through to our campsite at Bayou Sengrette State Park about 30 minutes outside of New Orleans.  We arrived at 7:30 p.m.  Thankfully, we had made reservations so we found our site, in the dark, set up "camp" and settled in for the night.  We traveled 530 miles.....way past what we prefer to do in a day.  However, the water heater decided to start working again, and I did a bit of research online and was able to get my Fit to function once more.....all was right with the world.

At Last at Bayou Sengrette State Park
      

Bayou Sengrette 

Monday, I put a stew in the crock pot and Dave and I settled into our site.  Our friends Mark and Molly Brewer were meeting us at Sengrette later in the day.  Dave worked with Mark for several years at TF Green Airport in Providence.  Mark recently retired from his position at the airport in Manchester, NH and he and Molly were returning from an extended stay out west in their RV.  We were very happy we would be able to spend a few days together.  Unfortunately, they had to make a few repairs to their motor home and did not arrive until early evening.  We spent the rest of the night enjoying dinner together and catching up on each others lives.

On Tuesday afternoon, we went to New Orleans.  It was my first visit, but everyone else had been before. New Orleans is also known as the "Big Easy".  It is of course known for its nightlife, live-music scene and its cuisine which is often spicy, reflecting its history as the melting pot of French, African and American cultures.  Although Mardi Gras was about a month away, signs of the upcoming celebration, which is sure to be filled with music, drink, fun, and debauchery, were everywhere.  We spent a few hours walking the streets of the French Quarter, taking in the sights and visiting popular tourist spots like Jackson Square, a historic park where a bronze statue of Andrew Jackson is located; and the Café du Monde, famous for its beignets and café au lait. We stopped in a bar where we shared a very potent drink of Absinthe (136 proof) to the tune of $20 and then
relaxed at a terrace-bar above Bourbon St. to watch all the sights and listen to the sounds of the city prior to leaving for our dinner reservation at K-Paul's Louisiana Kitchen, one of Chef Paul Prudhomme's famous restaurants specializing in Cajun fare.  It did not disappoint.  The meal was excellent and the company delightful.  A good time was had by all and we returned tired and very full to our campsites.

Visiting New Orleans, LA

Getting Ready for Mardi Gras

NOLA is known for its jazz legends.

It took four of us to drink this and we still didn't finish it! So strong!

136 Proof!

Andrew Jackson

St. Louis Cathedral

NOLA Signs

Mark and Molly

Molly O'Brien's

Looking into a Courtyard

We enjoyed these street musicians!

The iconic green and white striped awning of the Café du Monde.

Terraces of the French Quarter

Interesting Building in the Vieux Carré

On Wednesday morning, Dave and I decided to take a walk around the campground to work off some of the previous night's meal.  It was a beautiful day and Dave captured a cardinal feeding on berries in one of the trees.  When we returned to the site, I straightened up, showered and made cheeseburger soup for our dinner.  Mark and Dave were fascinated by a brown-shouldered hawk that was hanging out between our campsites.  They both got some amazing photos of the bird.

Enjoying his Breakfast

The Incredible Brown-Shouldered Hawk

Mark and Dave

We spent a good part of the afternoon talking with Molly as she shared many of the places she and Mark had already visited and made suggestions as to which places she thought we might also find interesting.  In the late afternoon we took a ride to see a couple of New Orleans old and majestic plantations.  We visited Evergreen and Oak Alley Plantations.  

Plantations

Evergreen

Gate

Pathway to Plantation House

When we returned to Bayou Sengrette, we had dinner together, spent more time sharing stories and laughs until we decided it was time to turn in for the night.  Tomorrow we would go our separate ways as we each continued our journeys.

On Thursday morning we all left Sengrette by 9:00 a.m.  It had been a wonderful visit.  We left New Orleans and headed to Grand Isle State Park in Louisiana where we met Tom and Vicki Blazer, friends whom we met while we were "Looping" in 2015.  The campground is at the eastern end of a barrier island and Grand Isles is the only inhabited barrier island in Louisiana.  There is a nine-mile causeway bridge that connects you to the island.  The beach was expansive.  Vicki, Dave and I took a walk.  When I returned I took advantage of the free laundry.  We had dinner outside where we were invaded by mosquitoes thus, driving us indoors.   

Grand Isle State Park, LA

Lots of birds seen on our walk in Grand Isles.

Boardwalk to the Beach

Another View

Bathhouse/Laundry at Grand Isles

Vicki, Tom, Dave
Making Plans

In the morning Tom had an issue with his batteries.  He had someone jump them and we were on our way.  We stopped for lunch at The Galley and then continued to Lorraine Parish Park in Hayes, Louisiana.  It was a very small campground, but neat and clean with full services for only $12.00.  Dinner was our leftovers from lunch. We made plans to leave early the next day.  We were traveling to Inks Lake State Park together to meet two other couples we had met during our looping experience.  It was going to be a Looper Reunion, only in RVs instead of boats.  We left at 8:15 a.m.  Around 11:00, we stopped at Interstate Battery where Tom bought six new batteries.  Dave also changed our batteries.  When this chore was done, we decided to head to a winery to spend the night.  Dave and I are members of Harvest Hosts.  This is a program that provides access to a network of wineries, farms, breweries, museums and other unique attractions that invite self-contained RVers to visit and stay overnight.  Although it is not required, patronizing the business where you are boondocking is appreciated.    We arrived at the Bernhardt Winery in Plantersville, TX at 3:30 p.m.  After parking our RVs in the appropriate location, we did a wine tasting.  It was fun and interesting to learn about the various wines.  When it was done, we purchased some wine and a charcuterie tray and enjoyed the guitarist who was playing for the afternoon.  After a busy day of travel and several "tastes" of wine, it was time to retire for the evening.

Harvest Host

Boondocking at the Winery

The Grounds at the Winery

The Cart

Our Wine Expert

Tom and Vicki at the Tasting

The Tasters

On Sunday, the 9th, both couples left the winery at 9:00 a.m. for Inks Lake State Park in Burnet, TX.  As we entered Texas, Vicki caught us on camera.  We stopped at a Walmart just over the state line to re-provision.  When we were done, Vicki and Tom traveled on in search of firewood.  Dave and I continued to Inks Lake State Park, arriving around 3:00 pm.

Crossing into Texas

We checked in, bought a Texas State Parks Pass since we would be spending several days in Texas parks which realized quite a savings on entry fees for us, and then made our way to our site where we were greeted by Jesse and Linda Williams and Janet and Ralph Babish, 2 couples with whom we had spent a lot of time in Canada in 2015.  Vicki and Tom arrived a couple of hours later.  It was amazing to have Gold Loopers (4 couples) in a campground in Texas at the same time.  Tom and Vicki are from Ohio, Janet and Ralph are from Colorado and Jesse and Linda are from Alabama!  Linda had prepared a pot roast for dinner.  I added some appetizers and a salad and voilà, a grand social affair!  Everyone gathered on "At Last, too" since we had the best set-up and the weather was a bit chilly outside.  I must say, we were surprised that we could fit 8 adults for dinner with relative ease.  We had a great time catching up with our old friends.  Monday was a day for relaxing.  Ralph, Janet, Jesse and Linda went to explore the nearby caverns while Dave and I explored the campground.  When they returned Jesse and Ralph tried their luck at fishing out on the lake.  (Ralph tows his boat behind his camper.)  Cocktails that evening were aboard Vicki and Tom's RV--- "Land Baron". (The name of their boat is "Grand Baron"....pretty clever, eh?!)  They shared a well-designed video with music and everything of their latest travels.  It was an early night for all since tomorrow we (the ladies and Dave) were heading to visit the Silos in Waco, TX.

Jesse and Linda taking Kip for a walk or is it the other way around?

Morning Scenes from Ink State Lake State Park

 Lots of Deer and Lots of Geese

By 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday we were on our way to Waco, TX with Dave chauffeuring the ladies.  We were headed to visit the Magnolia Market at the Silos.  We are all fans of HGTV's Fixer Upper stars Chip and Joanna Gaines who undertook a rehab of two huge grain silos and a 20,000-square-foot barn.  It opened in 2015 and the complex has become much more than a store.  It is now a destination!  In addition to the store, there is a large green field where families can toss a football, play cornhole or have a potato sack race.  Beyond this area is a space with picnic tables and food trucks as well as a little garden.  Magnolia Seed + Supply is also on-site.  Dave and I were very interested in visiting the Silos Baking Co.  We had watched the episode on Fixer Upper where Joanna and Chip had transformed this former flower shop into a pretty white brick building now known for its scrumptious cupcakes and other pastries.  When we arrived, the other ladies headed to the store, but Dave and I went straight to the bakery.  We were not disappointed.  The decor was exactly as we had remembered from the show.  Luckily, the line was quite short and we each ordered a lemon lavender cupcake which was lemon & lavender vanilla cake with lemon buttercream icing.  We enjoyed them on the patio out back while watching the crowds come and go from the store.  We eventually make our way to the store.  Although some of the merchandise was quite pricey, ( a high-end home decor store) it was fun to see some of the items that Joanna often incorporates into her house decorating.  The store has a special section known as Chip's Corner.  There has been speculation that Chip will be remodeling space in one of the silos that will be devoted just to him, his tools and his merchandise.  We purchased one of the metal signs designed by Jimmy Don, an artisan  Joanna often uses on her show.

The Silos

Magnolia

Bakery

Inside the Bakery

Sign inside the Bakery

Ordering our Cupcakes

Lemon Lavender Cupcake
Yum!

At the Silos

Inside Magnolia 

Chip's Corner

Our Metal Sign

The gang finally caught up with one another and we left in search of a restaurant for lunch.  We tried to find a spot at Magnolia Table, Joanna's restaurant, but the wait was ridiculously long so with the help of Google, we ended up at Buzzard Billy's which specializes in Cajun and American food.  It is located across from Baylor's McLane stadium.  We had a great time and the food was very good.  When lunch was over, it was time to head back to Inks Lake.  Once again, Dave "captained the ship" (drove the truck) and returned us safely to our campground.  What a guy to have put up with four loud females for the whole day!

On Wednesday, Dave and I spent the day doing chores.  We went into the nearby town of Marble Falls.  We did errands at CVS and Sprint and then Dave dropped me at a much needed laundromat.  When we returned to the campsite, it was time to head out to Llano, TX for authentic barbeque.  The place was interesting.  First you chose your dinner from the grill....chicken, brisket, hot or sweet sausage, ribs, etc.  They weighed your choices inside and you then added whatever you wanted.  Seating was cafeteria style and various sides were available.  It was quite the meal!  After dinner, we drove into the small town of Llano.  Around the corner from where we parked, we found an alley that the owner was transforming into an "artsy" area where local musicians came to jam, poets came to recite poetry, and people gathered to relax and enjoy the entertainment.

Cooper's BBQ  Llano, TX

Your Choices

      

The Griller

The Gang

Sign at Cooper's

Llano, TX

Eclectic Alley

On Thursday it was time for us to leave Inks Lake.  Janet and Ralph were headed to San Antonio to meet their grandkids, the Williams were going to hang around and then meet up with the Babishes in Corpus Christi, and we decided to head to Fredericksburg, TX with the Blazers for a couple of nights.  We arrived around 3, checked-in and settled into our site.  Vicki and Tom arrived a couple of hours later.  We visited a bit and then had dinner.  I had made a pizza and Tom and Vicki grilled burgers.  But most importantly, Vicki had brought a bottle of Coopers and Thief to share with Dave.  This is Dave's newest favorite wine.  Our son-in-law, Mark, had introduced Dave to it when we were visiting last summer.  Needless to say, Dave was a happy man.

Dave's Favorite

The next day Dave and I drove into Austin, TX where we explored the city and took a tour of the state capitol building.  We found the history of the building and its architecture to be quite interesting. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986.  It is constructed out of Sunset Red Texas Granite and is the largest capitol building in the United States.  Its giant brass door hinges, weighing eight pounds each, are elegant and ornate.  The detailed handrails are magnificent and the brass chandeliers in the House of Representatives Chamber have light bulbs which spell out T_E_X_A_S.  The grounds around the capitol building are beautifully landscaped with monuments and historic buildings.

State Capitol Building

Austin State Capitol Dome

Dome as Seen Through Glass Ceiling

Door Hinges

After leaving the capitol building, we drove to iFly in Austin.  This high-tech indoor attraction is a vertical-wind-tunnel-powered skydiving simulation.  It allows you to experience the thrill of skydiving without having to jump from an airplane.  There is no falling.  There are no parachutes, just the person floating on a smooth cushion of air with a professional instructor right next to you.  The ad says no special skills needed, just a sense of adventure.  So you guessed it, Dave experienced iFly and I watched.  It really did look like fun.  We have a great video, but my attempts at posting video have failed so here are a couple of still shots.

iFly Austin

On Saturday, Dave and I went into Fredericksburg and visited the National Museum of the Pacific War.  The town is the boyhood home of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz who was the Commander in Chief, Pacific Ocean Areas during World War II.  The museum contains numerous artifacts & interactive exhibitions which focus on the history of WWII & Admiral Chester Nimitz.  There are actually three museums that can be visited, but to do them all thoroughly you would need several days.  

National Museum of the Pacific War

After spending about three hours in the main museum we were exhausted, but we wandered around the town a bit.  It was very busy with tourists filling the sidewalk cafés and visiting the numerous shops. We met Tom and Vicki for an afternoon cocktail at an outside café named Silver Creek before heading out for our dinner reservation.  Vicki had snapped some interesting sayings that she had found in some of the shop windows.

Vicki's Signs

Enjoying an afternoon libation

Around five we drove to the Vineyard at Baron's Creekside .  It was a jazz club.  We ate outside, but heaters and blankets were provided for the chilly evening.  It was a fun night.  The food was okay, but the ambience was great.

The Club at the Vineyard

Sunset at the Club

Tom---Chilly and Silly

Tom and Gail Having Fun

Dessert:  Tom and Vicki's, Not Ours

As the saying goes, "All good things must come to an end."  It was time for the Blazers and the Edwards to part their ways.  We were headed to meet Ralph and Janet for a couple of days and Tom and Vicki we going to meet friends in Houston and then return to their boat in Virginia to begin cruising again.  We had had a great time together and hope to meet again soon in our travels.  We left Fredericksburg at 10:00 am and arrived at Guadalupe River State Park around noon.  We had to wait for our campsite to be ready, but we soon settled in next to Ralph and Janet.  Later in the afternoon, Dave built a campfire and we enjoyed some beer and wine.  Dinner was my famous Thai Chicken Wraps.

State Park Sign

On Monday, we all drove into San Antonio to visit the Alamo.  We took a guided tour which took us through the area that was the original footprint of the Spanish mission complex, today it is Alamo Plaza, and the guide described the heroes and the events leading up to and including the Battle of the Alamo.  The tour concluded inside the Alamo Church.  The Alamo was an 18th century Franciscan Mission which was the location of an important battle for Texans fighting for independence from Mexico.  In February of 1836, a small group of Texans was defeated by Mexican General Santa Anna. But the group rallied to the cry "Remember the Alamo!" and regrouped.  They defeated the Mexican Army at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836.  It was this final defeat that led to the end of the Texas Revolution.

The Church

Detail on Church at the Alamo

Bars on the Longhouse

At the Alamo

After the tour, we walked through the Living History where people in period costume explained what was used for medicine, how guns were made, what was grown for food, etc.  We listened to a very interesting presentation by "the doctor".

The Doctor

After our visit to the Alamo, we walked along the famous San Antonio River Walk, or Paseo del Rio, with its network of walkways along the banks of the river. This 15-mile urban waterway is the largest urban ecosystem in the nation.  Sightseeing, shopping, food and fun are all part of the River Walk experience.  We had lunch at one of San Antonio's oldest Mexican restaurants, Casa Rio.  The food was awesome.

Along the River Walk

We returned to Guadalupe River State Park.  In the late afternoon, we joined Ralph and Janet at their campsite for a fire and dinner.  Janet made my Cheeseburger Soup and it was delicious.

We said our good-byes and left the park at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, the 19th.  We hope to see the Babishes again when we are in Colorado. On our way to the Amistad National Recreation Area in Del Rio, Texas, we stopped in Utopia, TX to visit the Laurel Tree.  This is a restaurant run by Laurel Waters.  She and renowned treehouse architect and builder, Pete Nelson, collaborated to build a French-themed treehouse in a 450 year old oak tree on the property.  Treehouse Masters is another show that Dave and I enjoy watching.  We saw the episode where Pete and his crew created this awesome structure.  It is interesting that the Laurel Tree is by reservation only and is only open on Saturdays for lunch and dinner.  The treehouse is open by reservation only and the gates to the premises are open only on Saturdays for business. Therefore, the treehouse is not available for viewing during the week.  There is a $300 non-refundable booking fee which does not include the cost of meals.  Needless to say, we did not make a reservation and because it was a week day, the restaurant and the treehouse were closed.  The gates to the property were open, however, when we drove by so we did go onto the property and snap a few pictures.

The Laurel Tree Restaurant and Treehouse

The Restaurant

Truck and Tower in front of Restaurant

The Treehouse

We continued to Del Rio and arrived at Amistad at 3:30 p.m.  This recreation area is managed by the National Park Service including the area around the Amistad Reservoir at the confluence of the Rio Grande, the Devils River, and the Pecos River near Del Rio, TX.  We chose our site and then took a ride to the border to cross into Mexico and view the dam and reservoir.  We cleared border patrol on the Mexican side and stopped to take a few pictures.  We returned to the US border where we again cleared customs.

Our Site at Amistad

Dam

Border Signs

Selfie at the Border

Midway on the bridge between borders

Sunset at Amistad

We spent two nights in Amistad.  We drove through the town and to other areas of the preserve.  Dave also did some planning for our future travels.  We left Amistad on the 21st and drove to Big Bend National Park.  This park is in southwest Texas and includes the entire Chisos Mountain range and a large swath of the Chihuahuan Desert.  The Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive leads to the ruins of Sam Nail Ranch, now home to desert wildlife.  The Santa Elena Canyon, carved by the Rio Grande features steep limestone cliffs that rise 1500 ft.  Langford Hot Springs, near the Mexican border, has pictographs and the foundations of an old bathhouse.  Big Bend is very remote.  It is not near any cities or transportation hubs, and is definitely not on the way to anything.  Big Bend's remoteness is one of its prime assets.  The park's location far from bothersome urban light pollution makes it a favorite with stargazers.  Big Bend has five developed areas.  It caters mostly to campers.  The main visitor center is located at Panther Junction.  Although the Rio Grande Village campsite sign indicated it was full, we drove through anyway.  We stopped at the site of the Camp Host and she was very helpful in finding us an available site for the night.  Site 90 was fine.  The only problem was a swarm of bees who had taken up residence in a tree right next to the RV.  They did not bother us and we did not bother them.  They were gone by morning.  The next day, after scoping out who was leaving, we moved to site 59 for four more days.

View driving into Big Bend
100 Miles from Nowhere

Bee Swarm at Site 90.

After moving to our new site, we took a drive to get some information on Boquillas Crossings.  There is a border patrol station here and you can cross over the Rio Grande into the small village of Boquillas, Mexico.  We decided we would do the crossing on Sunday.  We then drove to Boquillas Canyon.  Dave hiked the trail which began with a short climb, then descended via a sandy path to the river.  It ended near a huge sand dune "slide".  As Dave neared the end of the trail, he saw three horses "escaping" from the Mexican side of the Rio Grande.  They were being chased by two Mexicans on horseback and one riderless horse.

The Rio Grande

Looking for the loose horses

Boats on the Mexican Shore

Prickly Pear Cactus

Later in the day, we returned to Boquillas Canyon and we both did the hike.  Along the way, there were Mexican crafts for sale.

Crafts for sale along the trail
It is illegal to purchase these on the US side of the river.

In the evening we attended a presentation by Park Ranger Bob entitled "Some Endangered Evening". It focused on the importance of a dark night sky in the lives of living creatures planet-wide and provided a way for humans to connect to days past, when artificial light was non-existent.  As the description of the presentation said, it was an evening about evenings.  Unfortunately, the telescope for viewing celestial objects was not available.

On Saturday, we drove to Panther Junction.  It was one place in the park that we were able to get cell service.  We then headed to the Chisos Campground where began our hike to the Window Trail.  This trail was listed as a moderate hike.  It was a 4.6 mile hike round-trip and involved hiking down into the canyon.  Toward the end of the trail, it was necessary to climb on "steps" set into the cliffs in order to reach the Window.  It was challenging for me due to my bad knees, but Dave had bought me some hiking poles which helped a lot with my balance.  We just took our time and completed the hike in about 3.5 hours.  It felt great to have accomplished this!

The Windows Trail

A quarter mile to the end of the trail!
But wait.....we have to hike back, too!

The Window

The Trail

Gail on the trail

We made it!  The Window in the background!

Dave on the Window trail

Dinner and wine were the protocol once we returned to our site, but we truly felt we had completed a challenging hike, especially me.

On Sunday, we went to Boquillas Crossings.  After speaking with the border patrol agent at the port of entry, we headed down to the river where we were met by a Mexican man who rowed us across the Rio Grande.  On the opposite shore we were greeted by more young men who asked if we wanted to ride a burro or a horse to town, or if we wanted to ride in a truck or just walk.  Everything was $5 per person.  We opted to take the burros and were immediately assigned a guide named Raoul. Bosquillas actually survives on its tourist trade.  The next closest town or village is about five hours away.  We had a quick tour of the town and several children came up to us to try to sell their trinkets.  A simple no thank you or no gracias sent them on their way.  There were two restaurants, a few homes, a school and a church.  Raoul recommended the restaurant on the right as we came onto the main, and only street in town.  We each had a margarita.  Dave had enchiladas and I had chicken tamales.  The food was authentic Mexican and the pickled jalapeños were tasty.  When we finished lunch, Raoul led us back to our burros where we boarded the boat and were rowed back to the United States.  We checked in with the agent on duty.  He directed us to a computer screen.  We scanned our passports, a phone rang, and a voice asked if we had brought anything back from Mexico.  We answered no and the response was thank you,  have a good day.  And just like that we were back in the states thinking about how Boquillas might be a stone's throw away, but it is a completely different world.  It was a unique National Park and Mexico experience!

Boquillas, Mexico

Being rowed to Mexico

On the Burros

Bar

Flanco's

Dave enjoying his lunch

T-shirt for sale
They are very aware of US politics.
Closing the border after 911 almost wiped out Boquillas.

The street is filled with items for sale to tourists.

In the afternoon, we took the Ross Maxwell Scenic Drive.  The drive highlighted the geologic splendor of Big Bend and offered many scenic overlooks and exhibits along the way.  We stopped at the Castolon Historic Compound where there is also a Visitor's Center and camp store since Cottonwood Campground is nearby.  Castolon includes the oldest known adobe structure in Big Bend National Park.  There are numerous adobe ruins that were once homes for  the many Mexican American and Anglo families that lived in the area.

Castolon

We continued on to the magnificent Santa Elena Canyon where limestone cliffs rise 1500 feet above the Rio Grande. This canyon is one of the best-known natural features in Big Bend National Park. The nature trail crosses Terlingua Creek, climbs several flights of ramps and stairs and then descends into the canyon along the river.

Santa Elena Canyon

The 25th was our last day in Big Bend.  We went to Panther Junction in order to have cell service so we could plan the next few days of our travels.  When we returned we visited the Langford Hot Springs.  This unique and remote area is located where Tortilla Creek enters the Rio Grande about four miles upriver from Boquillas Canyon.  This area was once a resort developed by J.O. Langford in 1909.  Now visitors to the park relax in the 105 degree springs which are a few yards from the river's edge. The springs were enclosed in a brick wall creating a small bathing pool.  Some of that walled area still remains today.

The Hot Springs

The Rio Grande

We had an excellent stay in Big Bend National Park.  Many of our pictures cannot capture the beauty of this place, but here are a few more that might give you a taste of what we experienced.

Big Bend National Park

An Amazing Moon

Bluebonnets, the state flower of Texas

A Torrey Yucca cactus in bloom

A Road Runner--the state bird

We left Big Bend National Park on Tuesday, the 26th at 8:30 am.  We were headed towards Carlsbad Caverns National Park.  It was along day of travel and the weather was nasty from Mt. Pecos on.  After traveling for over 380 miles, we decided to stop at a Walmart.  It was already after 5:00 pm (We had gained an hour moving west.) and we badly needed to re-provision.  After putting away our groceries, we had dinner and then spent the night.  After all, it was late and the price was right!

We were up early on the 27th.  We left the parking lot at 7:15 am and arrived at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico at 8:00 am.  As stated in the Park's brochure, the Cavern is one of over 300 limestone caves in a fossil reef laid down by an inland sea about 265 million years ago. Carlsbad consists of over 46,766 acres and it ranges from about 3600-6370 feet above sea level.  The Visitor Center is at an elevation of 4400 feet.  There are currently 120 known caves in the Park.  In May of 1930, Congress designated Carlsbad Caverns as a National Park.  We strolled around the Visitor's Center until 9:00 am when we were allowed to take the elevator down into the Cave to begin our self-guided tour.   This was a 1.25-mile underground walk around the perimeter of the cave's largest room known as the Big Room Route.  It was a circular 1+1/2 - 2 hour route which passed many of the largest and most famous features, like Bottomless Pit, Giant Dome, Rock of Ages, and Painted Grotto.  The room was immense, almost 8.2 acres, or the length of 16 football fields.  The passage on the tour was relatively level with well-lit trails.  It would have been helpful, however to have had a small flashlight to focus on areas that were outside the lighted view.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Cave ceiling

The ladder

Restaurant and gift shop in the Big Room

At the visitor's center

We had a quick lunch in "At Last" and then continued to Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Pine Springs, TX, east of El Paso, TX.  The mountain range includes Guadalupe Peak, the highest point in Texas and El Capitan which was used as a landmark by travelers on the Butterfield Overland Mail stagecoach line. According to its website the Park preserves the rugged spirit and remote wilderness of the American West.  The Guadalupe Mountains tower majestically into the Texas sky allowing visitors to delight in grand views and diverse landscapes.  Although there are several hiking trails, we did not try any.  Most looked quite strenuous and we decided to leave them to the young and experienced hikers.

We left Guadalupe Mountain State Park on Thursday, the 28th.  Our next destination was Saguaro National Park near Tucson, AZ.  After driving for almost 375 miles we started to look for a place to stay for the night.  We exited the highway in Benson, AZ and checked out the Walmart.  Although there were a couple of motorhomes parked in the lot, I noticed a sign prohibiting all over-night parking.  We decided to continue our search.  There were several private RV parks in the town, but we were looking for a bargain.  We stopped at the tourist information center and asked about campgrounds in the area.  Another couple in the center overheard our conversation and asked us if we were familiar with SKP parks.  We were not and she explained that there are SKP Co-op parks throughout the country.  Members of Escapees or their guests who are traveling are welcome to stay at these parks for a reasonable fee for full service sites or they can boondock for a very low fee and still enjoy all the amenities of the park.  The Saguaro SKP RV Park was about 10 minutes away.  We found the park and booked a spot in their "boondocking" area for two nights.  Total price....less than $12.00.  After settling in, we joined about 20 people for their daily happy hour.  Everyone was very friendly and helpful.  They encouraged us to explore the area, take their 3-hour tour and put our names on the "hot list" for a permanent spot in the park.  They were a very active group with something to do almost everyday.  Although we didn't consider looking into being a permanent member here, we did join the Escapees Club as we hoped to stay at other parks during our travels.

On Friday we left the SKP park early to visit Saguaro National Park.  The giant saguaro is the universal symbol of the American west.  Many can grow to be over forty feet tall.  They are found in only a small portion of the United States and are protected in the Saguaro National Park.  After stopping at the Visitor's Center, we followed the Cactus Garden Trail, just outside the center.  It was a walkway through a variety of desert plants.  Many were labeled and helped us to identify a wide variety of cacti.  We then did the Cactus Forest Loop Drive, an 8-mile scenic drive which wound through a saguaro forest and allowed us a close and leisurely look at a variety of Sonora Desert life.  We had lunch in a well-designed and maintained picnic area.  It was a pleasant ride and we saw some amazing saguaros. 

Saguaro National Park

A Saguaro

We left Saguaro National Park and followed the Sky Island Scenic Byway through the Coronado National Forest to Mount Lemmon.  This was a 60 mile drive and it took us about 3 hours to complete.  Part of the drive was 25 miles of hairpin and blind turns.  It climbed more than 6300 feet.  It wound up the southern flank of the Santa Catalina Mountains to 9157-foot Mount Lemmon.  According to our National Geographic Scenic Highways and Byways Guide, the drive begins in the saguaro cactus forest of the arid Sonoran Desert, and passes through five distinct life zones, ending in a cool mixed conifer forest more reminiscent of Canada than southern Arizona.  As the drive climbs, the trees change from oak to juniper and then to cypress, sycamore, pine, and walnut in Upper Bear Canyon.  At Windy Point, a 6400 ft elevation, the views are spectacular.  The road continues up through ponderosa pine forests.  Just before reaching Summerhaven, the end of the road, a 2-mile spur road leads to the Mount Lemmon Ski Valley, one of the country's southern-most ski resorts.  We were awed by this ride.  The changes in topography, vegetation, and temperature as we climbed were dramatic.  We saw lots of snow, waterfalls, bikers, and skiers.  Yes, they were skiing on the top of Mt. Lemmon.  At Windy Point, Dave was able to take some great photos of the vistas.

Sky Island Byway

Mt. Lemmon

Cliff hanging!
Is that Dave or Gail?
Not!

Dave at Windy Point

The Overlooks

Lots of Snow

Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley

We returned to the SKP Saguaro in the late afternoon.  I spent the next couple of hours doing laundry and then it was back to "At Last, too" to have dinner and prepare for our departure tomorrow.  We left on Saturday and headed toward Phoenix.  We had decided to stay in another SKP park for a couple of nights.  This park offered half price for the second night.  It cost us a whopping $5.36 for two nights.  Another bargain!  We arrived at Rover's Roost in Casa Grande, AZ before noon and made reservations for dinner and the Electric Light Show at the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix.  Mark and Molly had recommended this show.   We had dinner in Scottsdale at Los Sombreros.  It was another fine Mexican dinner.  We arrived at the Botanical Gardens a little before sunset and were able to walk around to see the many species of cactus, trees and flowers from all around the world. As the sun began to set, we could see the desert, light, and sound unite in a mesmerizing display.  

Chihuly Glass Trees

On Sunday, we "took the day off".  Dave took a walk around the campground while I attempted to put the RV in order.  We drove into town and had lunch at an Olive Garden.....there's nothing like their soup and salad.  It was an early night for us as we were looking forward to our travels to Sedona, Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon.

Monday, March 4, 2019

We left Rover's Roost at 7:00 am en route to Sedona, AZ where we were going to meet our friends Ann and Jeff.  They just happened to be in the states from St. John, VI celebrating a friend's birthday.  Jeff had posted on FB that they were in Sedona and Dave saw it.  We made arrangements to meet.  Our plan was to take a campsite at Cave Springs in the Coconino Mountains.  When we drove into Sedona the view was breathtaking.  The red rock of the mountains was everywhere you looked.  We drove through the town and came to the campground.  However, we were sorely disappointed.  The campground was still closed for the season even though the website said it was open year round.  In fact, throughout our trip west, it has been uncharacteristically cold and there was still a lot of snow in this area as well.  So, it made sense that certain campgrounds were delaying their openings.  We continued toward Flagstaff, but had no luck in finding a state, county, or even private campground.  Either they had no available sites or they were not yet open.  So we had lunch and regrouped.  After looking at the map, Dave decided we should just head directly to the Grand Canyon which is what we did.  After a long day of driving, we arrived at the Mather Campground in the Grand Canyon.  We checked in and secured site 79 for the next five days.

Entering Sedona

What a Surprise!

Scenery near our not to be campsite

At the entrance to the Park, we received a map and brochure describing this area.  It states the Grand Canyon is one the Earth's most powerful, inspiring landscapes that overwhelms your senses. Its story tells of geologic processes played out over unimaginable time spans as a unique combination of size, color, and dazzling erosional forms.  Its rugged landscape hosts a fascinating variety of plant and animal communities, from the desert next to the Colorado River deep in the canyon to the mountain forest atop its North Rim.  The Grand Canyon is truly one of the world's natural wonders.

As soon as we were settled, we went to the Visitor's Center.  After looking at the information posted on sign boards and chatting with one of the rangers, we walked to the Mather Point Overlook.  I finally had my first look at the Canyon.  It is not until you actually walk out to the rim that are you able to see the awesome views.  It is really an experience that leaves you speechless.  We spent lots of time taking photos.  There are just too many for us to post, but here are few that we think help to capture the vastness of this place, but they certainly do not do the views justice.

Views from Mather Point Overlook

We returned to the Visitor's Center, but it was closing time so we went back to our campsite, had dinner and called it a night.  We decided we would return to Mather Point the next morning to experience the sunrise.

We left the site at about 6:30 am.  The overlook was already busy when we arrived.  We waited patiently for the day to dawn.  When it finally did, it was amazing.

Sunrise on the South Rim

The black speck in front of the sun is a bird!

After the sunrise, we returned to our campsite.  Later in the morning we took the orange line of the shuttle system.  The shuttle busses are free and stop at various overlooks along the Rim. You can wait for another bus to come along if you get out, or you can hike to the next stop.  We took the bus from the Visitor's Center, got out at the Kaibab Trail stop and hiked along the Rim Trail to Mather Point.

Kaibab to Mather Point

As we walked, we began to see several animals in the nearby trees and along the pathway.  As we got closer, we noticed they were elk, female elk as they had no antlers.  They were not frightened by us in the least.  As a matter of fact, we had to walk around them to get by.  They were munching on the branches.  I had read that they were most active at dawn and at dusk, but we saw them all over the Canyon at various times in the day.  About five of them were in our campsite on night.

The Not So Shy Elk

After lunch, we drove to the Village and took the shuttle bus red line to the other end of the South Rim.  Again, the bus stopped at various overlooks and you could get off and wait for another shuttle or walk to the next stop.  We got out at Powell Point and walked to Hopi Point in order to get a better view of the Colorado River.

The Colorado River

The Rapids

Hiker's Rest Stop

Dave captured a picture of this hut where people hiking into the Canyon can rest.  When Dave and his brother Gary were young, they hiked into the Canyon, spent the night in a tent, and then hiked out the next day.  Not sure I could have done it even back then.

Other views from the ride to Hermits Rest

At Hermit's Rest

Wednesday, March 6, 2018

We had made plans visit the Petrified Forest National Park and the Painted Desert.  Because our "schedule" had been somewhat jumbled, it was going to be a long drive:  190 miles one way, but we decided to go.  We left early and arrived in the Petrified Forest by 11:00 am.   According to the americansouthwest.net website, the Petrified Forest may not sound very appealing as it comprises stone log frames scattered over a rather remote and otherwise featureless section of Arizona desert.  Apparently it comes as a disappointment to some who expect the trees to still be standing in thick

rocky groves instead of lying flat in sections as they are.  But the petrified logs are extremely beautiful with most having unexpectedly bright colors.  The park also contains a section of the scenic Painted Desert.  The Desert consists of rolling multicolored landscape.  The patterns visible in the eroded soft sedimentary rocks are due mainly to hematite (red), limonite (yellow) and gypsum (white), and the colors are especially striking at sunset.

The Petrified Forest

The Painted Desert

As we drove along the road we came across a 1932 Studebaker.  It marks the spot where the famed Route 66 once cut through the park.

After a long day we returned to our site at the Mather Campground in the Grand Canyon.  Needless to say, we were both in bed and asleep by 6:00 pm.

On Thursday morning, I headed to the laundromat.  With that chore completed, we stopped at the Village Market to pick up some odds and ends and then went to the Yavapai Lodge to get some cell service.  After lunch we completed the South Rim by driving to Desert View.  This is the only area of the South Rim that the shuttles do not go.  The Desert View Watch Tower appears at the end of the drive.  Dave climbed the tower.  This is also where you can view the site of a 1956 TWA-United Airlines Aviation Accident.  It has been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

Desert View

Inside the Tower 

Views from the overlook

Accident Site

We ended our day in the Village at the famous El Tovar Hotel.  That's where the non-campers who are rich stay.  We enjoyed wine and tenderloin chili and then returned to our campsite for the night.

Friday, March 8, 2019

Friday dawned to gray and cloudy skies and cold temperatures.  We were meeting Ann and Jeff in Sedona for lunch so we left the campsite early.   Before too long, it started to snow.  Dave made his way carefully to Flagstaff where we picked up the mail we had had sent from St. Brendan's Isle.  We also stopped at CVS to refill some prescriptions.  We met our friends at the Oak Creek Brewery and Grill.  It was great to catch up and visit with them.  After lunch we spent some time with their friends and then headed back to the Grand Canyon.  We would be leaving tomorrow after five wonderful days.

Snow, Snow, Snow

Lunch with Ann and Jeff

Beautiful Views of Sedona

We'll end this blog here, but there is still more to come.  We still need to let you know about our travels to Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree National Park but our high-speed data is running low.   We will post again soon.

Since we left Okeechobee, we have traveled 4179 miles in the RV and 2212 miles in the Fit and we still have many miles yet to go!  What an adventure!  Stay tuned!