Souvenirs From The Road: Down the Road to Texas!

We left out of Capitol Reef Saturday, October 15. We decided on a route going southwest through Moab and staying the night at Cortez, Colorado. We knew there was a WalMart there. We needed supplies and I desperately needed a haircut! We stayed at the Sundance RV park which was decent enough. Driving through Moab was a zoo. That place has gotten popular and crowded. The first thing we did at Cortez was to go out and eat some real Mexican food. It has been months and we were way over due. It was excellent. After that we needed to find a walking trail, which we did - the Hawkins Preserve.

Here's our toast to real margaritas! Not the Utah type!

Can I saw it was yummy??

A little hike afterwards.....

We were doing our best to stay ahead of a cool front and some really gusty, high winds. Decided the best route would be going south through New Mexico. We had heard what a nice state park that Elephant Butte was, so that was our destination. It was really pretty, but we didn't explore much as we spent our time visiting with our new neighbors and friends, Barry and Joyce Crocker. They are from Oregon and are on their way slowly to Texas to volunteer at Goliad State Park. They are keepers for sure and we hope to catch up with them at Goliad.

Elephant Butte State Park

Next stop was the Davis Mountains State Park out in west Texas. And it is back in the 90's! Caught a great sunset and a moon rise, but a visiting skunk sent us inside a little earlier than we would have liked.

The Texas state border at El Paso.

The next day we headed out, driving through the Davis and Braille mountains up to I-10. South Llano River State Park was about as far as we were wanting to drive. This is such a nice, quiet park. And score!!!! We haven't been in a river since June. It is warm enough that we got our bathing suits on and went and sat in the cool, clear waters for a while. Found us a meat market in Junction and yep, we grilled some really great steaks. Has been a long time since we sat outside and listened to the cicadas.

Wow did this feel good!

This sign says it all. Good to be back in Texas!

From here it was a 6 hour drive on home to Sweeny. We were able to fit our rig into the Backyard Park at Sweeny. Very reasonable - first night free, then $6 a night. But you can only stay a week. That was fine with us! First thing we did was to surprise Aiden when he got in from school! Best hug ever! We got caught up on visits with Ron's mom, my Aunt Lucy, Amy, James and Aiden and a host of other friends! I am so amazed at how many folks use this city park. They have a really great walking trail.

Some extra large hugs from these grandkids!!!

Saturday was our first trip to the Brazoria County Fair in at least 12 years! We went to see Aiden compete in the "Chicken Catching Contest". He spent the night with us. We decided to go to my hometown church - Sweeny FUMC. Saw so many friends! Felt like a reunion. And Sunday - Finally got to see Liz and Lucy! Yay! Even went to sorority meeting - just like old times. Got Ron into the doctor and scheduled more appointments.