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West 2019
  • The Road 'Mates'
Feb – Jun 2019

West 2019

February - June 2019 Read more
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  • Trip start
    February 14, 2019
  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler

    Winchester, VA - Candy Hill Campground

    February 14, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    "On the road again". Finally!!! After several departure misfires due to needed RV repairs, we have launched our 2019 trip. As with previous years, we're headed west via an express route southward to the Gulf coast and warm weather.

    Our first stop finds us in Winchester, VA for a one night stop. We have stopped in Winchester several times in the past, but never took the time to actually look at the town. Today we snaked through residential Winchester and found many historic homes, some of which showed a wealthy, stately origin. Since Winchester hosted several major Civil War battles, many of these home probably witnessed battles that actually raged up and down Main Street. Very impressive!

    One has to venture beyond the highways and interstates to experience the real USA.    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler
    Natural Bridge KOA Campground - Resident Chickens
    Winner, Winner, Chicken Diner

    Natural Bridge, VA - Natural Bridge KOA

    February 15, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Another one night stop along our dash to warmer weather. Natural Bridge is just a small town with not much to offer, EXCEPT, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the Modern World, the Natural Bridge. The Bridge is a natural arch, a rare geological formation. It and surrounding land was once owned by Thomas Jefferson. Unfortunately, our limited time precluded us from viewing the Wonder. Something for another visit when time permits.

    While many campgrounds come with resident dogs and cats, today's campsite came with 3 chickens. One was extremely friendly, working right up looking for a handout. Someone reached down to pet a head and got a pecked hand for her effort.    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler
    Natural Bridge, VA - Snowy Morning

    Statesville, NC - Statesville/I-77 KOA

    February 16, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    Today started with snow falling. Can't seem to leave the white stuff behind us. Thankfully it only stuck to the ground areas and not the streets. We managed an uneventful trip, taking in all the interstate splendor, and arrived in Statesville, NC, safe and sound.

    Why Statesville? No particular reason, except that we ranged our mileage limit and our campground of choice, a KOA, is in Statesville.

    It appears our 2 day stay here will be a quiet one. Time for a "time out" from driving.

    We apparently have selected the right spot for some quiet time. Statesville is a modest little city, surrounded by diary farms, corn and soybeans. It appears it's only claim to fame it is only 40 miles north of Charlotte, NC. Supposedly, Statesville's ancestors were stoic and unassuming. This foundation has given rise to a friendly, humble, hard working, gentle community. Probably not a bad place to live if quiet and unassuming is your lifestyle of choice.    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler

    Anderson, SC - Anderson/Lk Hartwell KOA

    February 18, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Finally found the warm weather! It took only a 700 mile drive. Anderson, SC welcomed us with a sunny 66° temperature.

    Today's drive took us through Charlotte, NC, with a stop at a Microsoft store for repairs to a tablet. We did better than a repair. Microsoft gave us a new tablet, even with the old being out of warranty. The old tablet had a overheating battery. We figured Microsoft felt it cheaper to replace the tablet rather than deal with damages from a fire. The store is located in the upscale SouthPark mall. Upscale being the key word. There's something to be said for a mall with Neiman Marcus and Nordstroms as anchor stores compared to one anchored by Sears and JC Penny's.

    Anderson, SC enjoys a very vibrant economy that is attributed to it's geographic location, halfway between Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA, along the I-85 corridor; and a strong manufacturing presence, especially in the of area of plastics. The area in general is recognized internationally as a automotive supplier hub. I suspect the BMW automobile manufacturing plant located here has something to do with all of Anderson's prosperity. Also, Clemson University is right next door. Probably a good place to live.

    An equally important facet of the Anderson locale is Lake Hartwell. This huge body of water was made by damning 3 rivers. Hundreds of feet deep, the reservoir and adjoining Statesville Park provide the usual outdoor activities associated with a recreational lake. Much to enjoy!    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler

    Pine Mountain, GA - Pine Mtn RV Resort

    February 19, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 6 °C

    After a fun filled drive through monsoon rain, thunder and lightning, we have arrived in Georgia. This trip segment took us around Atlanta via an interstate beltway. We saw nothing of Atlanta, not even a skyline view due to the heavy rain. We did have plenty of time to look since we crept along, stop and go, at 35 mph. Enough of Atlanta!

    Pine Mountain, GA is a small sleepy town known for it's unique art scene, shopping, and food offerings; and the famous Calloway Gardens.

    Today, Callaway Gardens is a 6500 acre resort complex with all the amenities. In 1930 Cason Callaway discovered a rare azelea that gave birth to the Garden idea. Callaway purchased 2500 acres in 1932 on which to build his home. Gradually his holdings were expanded and in 1952 Callaway Gardens began in earnest. In 1970's Callaway Gardens was opened to the public.

    One of the signature features of the Gardens is the Cecil B. Day (founder of Days Inn) Butterfly Center. There are 2000 butterflies housed in North America's largest glass enclosed tropical conservatory.    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler
    After The Tornado Warning

    Pine Mountain, GA

    February 21, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    What's a day without rain? Apparently this is a question the residents in the southeast US cannot answer. It has rained every day of our trip so far, except one. Flooding is the issue here, not snow plowing.

    Last of our 3 nights in Pine Mountain, GA. Days were spent relaxing away from windshield time. Just as at home, maintenance needed to be done. This time fixes were minor consisting of a broken lock replacement in the fresh water hatch and an nterior ceiling light replacement. Luckily a mobile RV service technician was available to make a house call. What appeared to be an easy fix turned out to be more involved. Glad I left it to a professional.

    Last night here, and weather issues wouldn't be complete without sitting through a "Tornado Warning" and more pouring rain. Thankfully, no actual tornado, no wind, just buckets of rain. Sitting in an RV and watching the weather radar, provdes a whole new weather experience.

    Had planned on a Callaway Gardens visit, but the RV repairs took precedent. Did want to see the butterflies! Next time!    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler
    Camellia

    Greenville, AL - Sherling Lk Campground

    February 22, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    "Sweet Home Alabama"! Sunny sky and 74°. Finally!

    Greenville is known as the Camellia City. The city grew from an agrarian cotton growing area, to a major trading center, brought about by the railroads coming to town, and finally into todays industrial manufacturing economy. Today it maintains a laid back family atmosphere that is associated with many small Southern towns.Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler
    Sunset Over Mobile Bay
    No Swimming Here!Home is Where The RV IsUSS AlabamaUSS Alabama

    Spanish Fort, AL - Meaher State Park

    February 24, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Finally made it to the coast! We are now enjoying 75° weather and a warm breeze on the Gulf of Mexico. We are camped right on Mobile Bay.

    Spanish Fort is situated on the Eastern shore of the Bay, across from the city of Mobile. Spanish Fort was an undeveloped area until the 1970's. Rather than get annexed as part of a large city, the area inhabitants banded together and Spanish Fort was formed in 1993. Although the town was created recently, the area has a rich and varied history going back to 1712 when discovered by the French. Over time, control transferred to Britain, Spain, and finally to the US as a spoil of the War of 1812. As part of the Confederacy, the Spanish Fort area saw the last Civil War battle east of the Mississippi, allowing the Union to occupy Mobile.

    To see this "new" town, we did a local road trip. Spanish Fort is indeed full of new construction, of very nice homes and busy commercial activities. The town appears to be upscale, and it is close to Mobile, it probably is the bedroom community for the city. All in all, Spanish Fort appears to a desirable place to call home.

    Our excursion took us to one of Mobile's "sights to see", the battleship USS Alabama. We did not do the full ship tour, but rather just took in the hugeness of this ship from the outside. We have done a full tour of the battleship USS Massachusetts, and if you have seen the inside of one battleship, you have seen them all. Still just standing next to this ship was an experience. The USS Alabama had the honor of leading the US Naval forces into Tokyo Bay at the end of WWII for the signing of the armistice.    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler
    Spring In February
    Mississippi Sandhill Crane NWR

    Gautier, MS - Shepard State Park

    February 26, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Moving westward now, hugging the Gulf coast, and have arrived in another state, Mississippi.

    We are camping in our favorite setting - quiet, peaceful, with happy birds singing, surrounded by woodlands. This setting is usually what camping in state parks provides and what we enjoy the most. The commercial, private, resort campgrounds do have their place in our itinerary; usually when laundry needs to be done. The full service amenities provided by the commercial campgrounds such as a pool, exercise/game facilities, community room, shuffleboard are not our type of camping. These also come with higher costs and lots of people, many who want to be your closest friend.

    The attraction of Gautier, MS is a visit to the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge. We have visited the Refuge before, and thought another visit would provide an opportunity to see the sandhill crane. But, as with our previous visit, no cranes to see. They are rare, only about 100, and being spread over 1000's of acres, they are elusive. This Mississippi sandhill crane is a subspecie of the crane clan. There are more prominent crane species which we have seen, so we weren't too disappointed this time.

    Awakening to the last morning here came early (5:30 AM) due to noise (pitter patter on the roof) from a brief rain shower causing a check for open windows (yes open, it's 65°). However, a reward for rising early came from the hooting owl. What a peaceful sound in the early morning stillness.!    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler
    Mardi Gras Parade Float; Mandeville, LA
    Spring In Louisiana in FebruaryCelebrating Mardi Gras or St Patty's DayMardi Gras Parade Float; Mandeville, LAMardi Gras Parade Float; Mandeville, LATrey Yuen Cuisine Of China Restaurant; Mandeville, LATrey Yuen Cuisine Of China Restaurant; Mandeville, LA

    Madisonville, LA - Fairview Riverside SP

    February 28, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    "Down on the Bayou"!

    We are now perched on the northern shore of Lake Pontchartrain which places us directly across the Lake from New Orleans. We have visited New Orleans twice, once prior to Hurricane Katrina and once after. So, visiting the city is not on our itinerary this trip. Besides, with Mardi Gras only days away, the city is full of revelers warming up for the big day. Can't see getting into that chaos. However, we found a little celebratory food that could be for Mardi Gras, or St Patty's Day. See picture below.

    Despite our desire to avoid all the Mardi Gras chaos, we found ourselves stuck right in the middle of a very large celebration. At first our adventure started innocently with a local shopping trip. By chance, we found ourselves at a side street staging area for Mardi Gras parade floats. We wandered around the floats admiring the festive colorful presentation. The parade would take place that evening as one of the many local festivities leading up to the big parade in New Orleans. Our adventure continued as we elected to celebrate Birthday Boy's number 71 with a special dinner at Trey Yuen Cuisine of China restaurant only a 15 minute drive from camp. We enjoyed a great dinner! Little did we know our night was to get more adventurous. Leaving the restaurant, we found ourselves in the midst of closed streets, thousands of people, and of course, a Mardi Gras parade. We're talking a very big parade. We could have been in New Orleans. Even with the GPS it took 2 hours to get back to the campground. All part of our camping adventures.    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler
    Right on the Lake - Lafayette KOA

    Scott, Louisiana - Lafayette KOA

    March 2, 2019 in the United States

    Why are we in Scott, Louisiana? Well, for no particular reason, except it's between " here" and "there", between our last stop and our next stop. Had to stop somewhere!

    Turns out we have been to this campground before. We did get surprised by getting a great campsite. The campground added a new section since our last visit. We got one of the new sites right on their lake. Very nice. The lake is home to a Mallard Duck family and to some yet unidentified paddlers. Nice neighbors!

    It also turns out, Scott, LA is famous. Scott is the "Boudin Capital of the World". And what is Boudin (pronounced BOO-DAN)? It's a sausage made of ground pork, rice, onion, green pepper, and Cajun spices and seasonings. The result is an intensely flavored Cajun creation. We've eaten this southern Louisiana staple and Mardi Gras essential; not seeing the attraction. This coming from someone who likes Scrapple.

    Not much else notable about Scott. It's a suburb of Lafayette. Lafayette is the home of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette "Ragin' Cajuns"". The area developed from an agricultural based economy, raising sugar cane, to today's industrial economy based upon petroleum. Lafayette is home to the 2nd largest Mardi Gras celebration in Louisiana. Once you add a heavy dose of Cajun and Louisiana Creole heritage, you have the Lafayette metropolitan area.

    "Laissez les bon temps rouler" (Let the good times roll)    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler
    Sunset Over The Gulf of MexicoGulf of Mexico - Sea Rim State ParkGulf of Mexico - Sea Rim State ParkMarsh Meets Gulf of Mexico - Sea Rim State Park

    Sabine Pass, Texas - Sea Rim State Park

    March 6, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 9 °C

    We have arrived in Texas!

    Some days it's better just to be lucky. We have stumbled upon a beautiful Texas State Park, Sea Rim. There's space for only 15 campers and we are one of the lucky 15. We are camped right on the Gulf of Mexico. WOW!

    The drive from the interstate highway to the Park was an adventure in itself and while interesting, it couldn't be confused with scenic. The approach to Sea Rim SP took us through the port city of Port Arthur. This city is home to the largest oil refineries in the US and is the center of a very large oil refinery network. How anyone can control and track all the pipelines and oil tanks in this labyrinth is both a mystery and marvel.

    Back to Sea Rim State Park. It is a remote secluded gem. It's "Where the Gulf Meets the Marsh". There are acres to explore and miles of accessible beach. It's small size and seclusion lends itself to quiet serene enjoyment.

    There is one opportunity for potential excitement. You have to take notice when you find posted, "Alligator Ettiquette".    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler
    Orange Tree Next to Our Campsite

    High Island, Texas - High Island RV Park

    March 8, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Wandering southward along the Texas coast, following the Gulf of Mexico. While not camped in a quiet State Park, we are now camped in small quiet coastal town, High Island, TX, 80 miles east of Houston. How can a town with a population of 500 not be quiet? The town's remoteness is characterized by no condos, no rental houses, and no bars; just one restaurant and one hotel and they are in the same spot.

    High Island's name comes from the large salt dome on which the town sits and its 40' above sea level height. It is one of the highest points along the Gulf coast between Alabama and Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

    The area was once noted for it's large number of producing oil wells. Pump jacks still dot the landscape. Today the area is a nationally famous destination for bird watchers who are drawn to by the Houston Audubon Society's four bird sanctuaries.

    Never heard of Texas oranges, but photo evidence doesn't lie.    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler

    Livingston, TX - Rainbow's End RV Park

    March 10, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Another "why are we here place" since there is not much to say about Livingston, TX. However, there is a reason for being here. Specifically, we are going to get our motorhome weighed.

    Weight, specifically weight distribution is very important to RV safety. The campground where we are staying is home to the Escapees RV Club (we're not members) which offers a program called, Smart Weigh (available to anyone). We have an appointment.

    For some reason 5,000 live in the town of Livingston. The main attraction here is a Texas Department of Justice state prison that happens to be home to the Texas death row. If this doesn't draw your attention to Livingston, there are 500 Native Americans housed on the Alabama Cousharrac Indian Reservation and the obligatory casino.

    Being only 75 Miles from Houston practically makes Livingston a suburb, which might make Livingston attractive to some. Everyone has to live somewhere!    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler
    "Horse Hotel" at New Adventure RV Park
    Horse Hotel - Reservation For 2Feathered NeighborLivingston Dam SpillwayThe "Dam" Liquor Store

    Coldspring, TX - New Adventure RV Park

    March 12, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    We are traveling the back roads of East Texas and have found a unique campground. It's full name tells it all - New Adventure RV Park & Horse Motel. Yes, " Horse Hotel". For our larger four legged friends, there are pens with covered stalls, and a fenced pasture. The campground is adjacent to the Sam Houston National Forest where there are 163,000 acres available for unlimited riding.

    Our stay at this location spans 5 days. The longer stay is due to this week being Spring Break for the entire Texas school system. Finding available camping spots during this time is virtually impossible. So, we'll are staying put for the duration.

    In addition to the National Forest, the area is home to Lake Livingston. The lake, the third largest in the state, provides many recreational opportunities and is the primary water source for the city of Houston. To attest to it's largness, the lake is 7 miles across at it's widest point. The Lake was formed by construction of a 2.5 mile long earthen embankment dam across the Trinity River.. Water flow is controlled by a 12 gate concrete and steel spillway. What's unique about Lake Livingston is that it was not built for the purpose of flood control. What water comes in, goes out.

    Doesn't every Dam need a liquor store? See photo below!    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler
    Our Backyard - Sam Houston National Forest, Lake Conroe
    1Home Sweet Home With A View - Sam Houston National ForestBeautiful End To The Day - Sam Houston National ForestSpiderman Making Breakfast

    New Waverly, TX - Sam Houston Nat Forest

    March 17, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    Yet another small town along our rural Texas wanderings. We moved only 30 miles from our previous spot, but this stop was selected with a specific purpose, to camp in our first National Forest.

    Our campground is located in the Cagle Recreational Area of the Sam Houston National Forest, right along the shoreline of Lake Conroe. What a beautiful, peaceful setting! We are camped right on the lake amongst tall pine trees.

    Lake Conroe was created as a reserve drinking water supply for Houston. Being only an hour drive from the city, the Lake has developed into a aquatic recreational area for fishing, boating, and related water activities. All this water and fun has contributed to the area becoming a vacationland for the city folk. Lucky for us we are secluded in the Sam Houston National Forest.

    As for the town of New Waverly, its claim to fame comes from being the home to the gymnastics training center operated by famed coach Bela Karolyi. He trained Olympic champions Nadia Comaneci, Mary Lou Retton, and many others. Never know what you'll pass while on the road.

    Also, you can't pick your neighbors. Woke up this morning and found a Super Hero making breakfast next door. See photo below!    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler
    Beautiful Lake Texana
    Living The Dream!Moon Over Lake TexanaSunrise - Lake Texana

    Edna, TX - Brackenridge Rec Complex

    March 20, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Have moved southward, but still in rural Texas. We are 100 miles south of Houston and 25 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, in the small (5800 pop.) town of Edna. Small is relative since Edna is the county seat and largest town in the county. If you live here, this is a big town. Besides its "bigness", Edna's draw is Lake Texana and the Brackenridge Recreational Complex on the lakeshore.

    Lake Texana is a reservoir for recreational purposes formed by damming the Navidad River. The Lake is named after the town of Texana which now lies on the bottom of the lake. Texana was a ghost town when it was inundated. Texana's populace had moved to Edna as a result of Edna getting the railroad. The same happened at our previous stop where New Waverly came about when plain ol' Waverly was bypassed by the railroad. When the railroad comes to town, better pack your bags and get ready to move.

    Today Edna retains its agricultural base, raising cotton, corn, and rice. Throw in some grazing cattle and petroleum extraction, add a big lake, and you have Edna. The lake provides a beautiful setting for some peace, tranquility, and solace after navigating Houston traffic on our way here. Houston is the country's 4th largest city, and most of the people were on the road, even during early afternoon hours. What a way to live, YUK! Time to relax, camped right on the lake! Beautiful!    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler
    Plephora Of Texas Roadside Wildflowers
    Texas RagwortPrimroseBluebonnetsGarland DaisyVerbenaBlanket FlowerChoke Canyon LakeMexican Eagle Having Dinner

    Three Rivers, TX - Choke Canyon State Pk

    March 22, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Another beautiful Texas day! And in more ways than one.

    First, weather is great with a sunny sky and a temperature of 82°, even in March. Doesn't get much better. And the travel scenery is GREAT. Today's trip involved mostly rural highways and a smidgen of interstate travel. However, no matter which, the Texas byways are in full bloom. There are gorgeous wildflowers all along the roads. Red, pink, orange, yellow, and the blue of the Texas state flower, the Bluebonnet. Compare this to the Pennsylvania roadside flower, the dandelion. It's great to be a Winter Texan.

    Our home for the next 2 days is Choke Canyon State Park which is 70 miles south of San Antonio, in an area known as the South Texas Brush Country. The campground is on the shore of the Choke Canyon Lake, which in turn is surrounded by a Texas wildlife management area. The WMA is home to numerous animals - deer, javelins, turkey, rabbit, coyote, feral hogs, mountain lion, gray fox, and hundreds of bird species. Management requests that you remember "this is not a petting zoo." Also, the lake is home to alligator which gives new meaning to "swim at you own risk".

    Speaking of bird species, yesterday we spotted a Crested Caracara, or Mexican Eagle. He was dining on the lakeshore.    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler
    Campground Neighbor "Augie"- Would You Like A Snack? Whatcha Got?
    Campground Neighbor "Augie" - Would You Like A Snack? Whatcha Got?Dinner For TwoOne More Member Of The Feline Dining Club - Sampling BreakfastThe Spinach Capital Of The World - Hero or Mascot- "Popeye"Riley - Carrots Please, No Apples!Riley's BudOur Front Yard And Neighbors At Triple RBeauty At The RanchDrilling For Oil

    Crystal City, TX - Triple R RV Park

    March 24, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Taking in the sights as we move further south. We're now 2 hours south of San Antonio and only 45 minutes from Mexico. Our travel inquisitiveness stops at the border. You know you're close to the border when Border Patrol vehicles are a regular sight.

    What brings us to Crystal City,TX? It's not so much the town, but rather the campground. We have been here before and that stay was memorable. The Triple R RV Park is actually part of a working ranch. During the previous stay we got to see an actual (not staged) cattle roundup. The campground borders pasture and the cattle were brought across the entrance road and herded into pens. The roundup was done by Vaqueros on horseback. Not something you often see in Pennsylvania. We're hoping for a replay, but will settle for just watching the herd.

    Our trip here brought us across a vast oilfield, filled with pumpjacks (the above ground portion of the oil well), drilling platforms, and many tanker trucks shuttling the oil. The industrial drabness was made more palatable by the patches and fields of blooming wildflowers.

    And Crystal City's claim to fame is....... It's the Spinach Capital of the World. Del Monte has a processing plant here. Apparently Texas and spinach go hand in hand.    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler

    Concan, Texas - Garner State Park

    March 27, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    This was to be a 3 night stop in a really nice Texas State Park, but technology or lack of, has interceded. The nice Park part is accurate, except our campsite is right next to a new bathhouse construction site; and there is no Verizon cell service for many miles around. Hard to believe no cell service given we are in a populated area and not far from San Antonio. Just one of the quirks of travel that we encounter from time to time.

    The problem is to be solved by our leaving this State Park after staying just one night. We'll get to our next stop 2 days early. No problem!    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler

    Kerrville, Texas - Kerrville KOA

    March 28, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    45 days and 1,927 miles have gone by, yet here we are in another Texas town. Some have been small, very small, only a crossroad with a few buildings. Others have been larger, a few hundred people or even a couple of thousand. All have stories to tell. They all have a history and a present. We watch the people, do a little shopping, gather a feel for the area. Now we have arrived in Kerrville, TX, a good size town of approximately 23,000, situated along the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country. There is a nice feel to this town.

    The complexion of our trip will change here. The Texas Hill Country is known as the border between the American Southeast and American Southwest. Scenery will change.

    We will be turning westward to a flatter and drier land. Vegetation changes. Fewer trees and more cactus. People and their culture change as both Mexican and Native American influence will be more apparent.

    As for Kerrville, it has been around since the mid 1800's. Original inhabitants were German. They were makers of wooden shingles. Later in the century ranching and cattle drives ruled the land. Of course the railroad showed up and the town grew from 1,400 in 1900 to today's 23,000 inhabitants. Kerrville has been named as one of the wealthiest small towns in America. Today the town has all the requisite elements for success - thriving businesses, recreational venues, education opportunities, plus natural beauty to support growing tourism.

    Kerrville has it all. It appears to be not only a nice place to visit, but also a nice place to live. Could you tolerate hot summer Texas days? Average August "high" temperature is 94°.

    Now we are about to turn westward to the wide open Texas. The beauty of scenery and sights will become more awe inspiring as the " big" West unfolds.    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler
    Wildflowers - Field Of Verbena
    I'm Watching You! - Blackbuck AntelopeOur Campsite Backyard - Wildflowers And CactusA River Of WildflowersOnly A Cactus Can Hitch A Ride On A TreeBeautiful WildflowersComing In For A LandingA River Of Wildflowers

    Junction, TX - S Llano River State Park

    April 1, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    Discovered another greatTexas State Park, South Llano River State Park. It is covered in beautiful wildflowers. What a sight!

    The Park also has a very noteworthy distinction. It is designated an International Dark Sky Park. A Dark Sky Park provides stargazers a unique opportunity to view the heavens without the light pollution and sky glow associated with developed areas. Unfortunately for us, clouds also are a factor in viewing the stars. Three nights here and 3 cloudy nights. No joy! More opportunities await us.

    The Park is home to the Rio Grande Turkey and 250 other species of birds. The turkeys form a large roost in the Park which is just ending, so turkey sighting was rare. As compensation we were able to see the exotic Blackbuck Antelope. This species is native to India and was imported to Texas in 1932 by ranchers. They now number in the thousands. And we came upon a Great Blue Heron searching for his/her dinner in the South Llano River. Wildlife is spotted when you least expect it.

    As for the town of Junction, TX, there's not much noteworthy. It is known as the "Land of Living Waters". Why? Answer is the South Llano River and the North Llano River meet here to form the Llano River. All this water makes for many recreational activities.    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler
    Sunset Over Caverns Of Sonora
    Purple Martins At The "Happy Bird Condominiums"Entrance Road To Caverns Of Sonora - "UP"Entrance Road To Caverns Of Sonora - "DOWN"

    Sonora, Texas - Caverns of Sonora

    April 4, 2019 in the United States

    Sonora, TX, where the Texas Hill Country meets West Texas and the Chilhuahuan Desert. The landscape is changing as we now head due West. Sand, flat land, and cactus will be with us for many miles. As we motored along the interstate, the blooming wildflowers still blanket the roadside, with the Texas State Flower, the Bluebonnet, showing itself more frequently.

    The campground for our one night stay is part of the Caverns of Sonora, a National Natural Landmark. The caverns are known worldwide for their unusual formations of exceptional beauty. We're not fans of big holes in the ground We'll pass!

    The campground has the distinction of being the only campground that we have visited in our 45 years of cndamping that has live peacocks wandering the grounds. We had the pleasure of an evening peacock serenade. They sound like cats getting their tails stepped on. Thankfully the concert lasted only an hour and they went to bed.

    And for the town of Sonora, it has one claim to fame as most Texas towns do. One, Will Carver, a member of Butch Cassdy's famous Wild Bunch gang, met his fate on the losing end of a gun fight on the streets of Sonora in 1901. The End!    Read more

  • The Road 'Mates'West 2019Traveler
    Pretty Kitty
    Wonder Where This Food Came From?Boss Kitty, Keeping WatchJust Relaxing!Staff MeetingWho Put The Hot Dogs In My Bowl?Cactus Beginning To Bloom

    Fort Stockton, TX - Fort Stockton RV Pk

    April 5, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Finally reached the "real" West, flat sandy land covered with cactus and scrub trees; and of course more beautiful wildflowers.

    Our first night in Fort Stockton was an exciting one. Nature provided us with an impressive light and sound show. Everyone needs to experience a thunderstorm where lightning can be seen from horizon to horizon. The roar of thunder was attention getting.

    Fort Stockton is the local "big" city for many miles around with a whopping population of 8,400. The populace is 71% Hispanic/Latino which creates many opportunities for a Mexican dinner. An authentic Mexican meal gets us to the dinner table every time. As its name denotes, Fort Stockton had its beginning as an army fort in the 1800's. Once the West was tamed and the army departed, the area assumed its modern identity. Irrigated agricultural, cattle and sheep ranching supported the economy. In later years the petroleum industry added it's economic support. Sure sounds like how much of the West grew.

    And Fort Stockton's claim to fame, it is home to one of Texas's largest ranches. The Lake Escalera Ranch consists of 257,000 acres, 223,000 of which are contiguous. Some people collect stamps, and some collect land.

    Made several new furry friends here at the Fort Stockton RV Park. They work at the campground in the rodent control department.    Read more

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