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West 2019

February - June 2019
February - June 2019 Read more
  • 60footprints
  • 1countries
  • 132days
  • 205photos
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  • 5.5kmiles
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  • TravelerWest 2019
    Day 42

    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

  • TravelerWest 2019
    Day 43

    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

  • TravelerWest 2019
    Day 47

    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

  • TravelerWest 2019
    Day 50

    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

  • TravelerWest 2019
    Day 51

    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

  • TravelerWest 2019
    Day 53

    Marathon, TX - Marathon Motel & RV Park

    April 7, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 23 °C

    We are in the middle of nowhere, in a remote area, in West Texas. Marathon (pop. 500, not counting cattle & wild burros) is the second largest town in Brewster County. Brewster County is the largest county in the country with the lowest population density. The area is known as one of America's last frontiers. Marathon is surrounded by the Chihuahua Desert, which is surrounded by mountains. Get the idea of "in the middle of nowhere"?

    Why is Marathon here? Thank the railroad. The railroad turned Marathon into a shipping and supply point for area ranchers. The railroad is still here today and so are the ranchers.

    Why are we here? There's a nice little campground here. We've been here before. Although it's remote, Marathon has an small upscale hotel with a restaurant, a couple of coffee shops, a few stores, all on one block; plus a small motel with a campground. Quaint! Quiet! Peaceful! And the scenery is spectacular.

    And that spectacular scenery included something special. Our stay at this campground provided access to the Marathon Sky Park, an astronomer's dream. There were 2 professional type observatories on the property, plus amateur astronomers complete with telescopes. We limited ourselves to just being outside and taking in the celestial awe. You haven't seen a starry sky until you view a sky rated #1 on the formal Light Pollution Scale. You can't get a darker sky. What a show!

    The spectacular offerings included a special dinner served at the campground. We were surprised by a local chef making Paella outside on a Mexican themed veranda, complete with flamenco music. The Paella was cooked on an open wood fire in the traditional huge Paella pan, served with a unique salad buffet and sangria. What a surprising treat. Delicious!    Read more

  • TravelerWest 2019
    Day 54

    Lajitas, Texas - Maverick Ranch RV Park

    April 8, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 29 °C

    Now the truth can be told. The real reason for our stopping at "out in the middle of nowhere" Marathon was .........going to Great Bend National Park. We're here!

    Being in Big Bend expands the definition of "middle of nowhere". It's where the desert and mountains meet the river. The Chihuahuan Desert, the Chisos Mountains, and the Rio Grande River converge to create Big Bend National Park. The Park is bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island. Its grandeur is difficult to put into words.

    However, we're not totally alone here. The flora, fauna, and geology is significant. Plants abound, more than 1,200 species. There are 450 bird species, but you have to watch closely and listen. We were lucky to spot a roadrunner dashing across the road. How about 56 species of reptiles. We did see one small lizard scurrying across our trail. And let's not forget 75 mammal species. There are bears and mountain lions making their home here. Add all the beautiful scenery and you know why we're here "in the middle of nowhere".

    There is something to be said for man's involement with all this diversity. That being, he pretty much has left it alone. Big Bend's remoteness and climate extremes have limited man's encroachment. This leaves an unspoiled landscape populated by creatures and plants large and small.

    Big Bend, not to be missed!

    We enjoyed an added scenic bonus by traveling the Camino del Rio or the River Road that follows the Rio Grande River through the Madera Canyon and Big Bend Ranch State Park (The Other Side Of Nowhere). National Geographic has selected this drive as one of the top 10 scenic drives in America. Another outstanding must see.

    PS. It's April and the temperature hit 100° in Big Bend.
    PS. A 100° day wasn't enough, the next day it was 108°.    Read more

  • TravelerWest 2019
    Day 58

    Alpine, Texas - Lost Alaskan RV Park

    April 12, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Alpine, TX, a big small town (pop. 6,000) in far West Texas. We pause here only for an overnight rest as we work our way toward our next significant stop. The town is literally an oasis in the desert. It sits on a 4,000' plateau in the midst of the Chihuahuan Desert, surrounded by the mile high Davis and Chico's mountains. This location provides for warm days and cooler nights compared to the surrounding desert. Due to this moderate climate, Alpine enjoys steady growth, including retirees.

    Similar to many other Texas towns, Alpine started as a cattle town, with growth spurred on by the arrival of the railroad. A college was established which today is a large state university, Sul Ross University.

    Take some ranching, add a railroad, grow a university, and then throw in some petroleum; and you have today's Alpine, TX, a thriving big small town.

    It's easy to see how many people saddled up and now call Alpine "home on the range".    Read more

  • TravelerWest 2019
    Day 59

    Van Horn, Texas - Van Horn RV Park

    April 13, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    Van Horn, TX is only a convenient spot for an overnight stop. We've camped here several times in the past, and our past exploration of the town and area has turned up little of interest. What we have here is another small town in western Texas. Not much happening here!

    It appears Van Horn's lack of excitement reaches all the way back to the late 1800's. Back then, a rancher trying to increase the town's attractiveness to settlers suggested a town motto as a tribute to Van Horn's climate, "This Town Is So Healthy We Had to Shoot a Man to Start a Cemetery". Kinda sums up the excitement here.

    However, we did come across an interesting site on the trip here. See photo below. We passed aTethered Aerostat Radar System blimp used by the U.S. Border Patrol to watch over the southern border by tracking low flying aircraft. Eight of these special blimps are spaced along the border to watch airspace over the US, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Carribean.    Read more

  • TravelerWest 2019
    Day 60

    Anthony, Texas- El Paso Anthony West KOA

    April 14, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    We're confused! Where are we exactly?

    Today's road trip brought us through and past El Paso, TX. OK? But we're not in El Paso. We're supposedly in Anthony. But Anthony straddles the Texas/New Mexico border. Officially we are camped in Anthony, TX . But Anthony is also in New Mexico, but we're in Anthony, TX. Getting your mail in "Anthony" could be a challenge.

    The Anthonys lie half way between El Paso, TX and Las Cruces, NM. And it's right on the Mexican border. Enough geography.

    The real story of these small towns is the people.

    But first a time out for this important message! We're actually stuck in this small town, and not by choice. After two months of hassle free milage, the RV decided to hiccup. The large living room slide decided to break, again. Luckily it stopped just as we had brought it all the way in, so we were able to drive. This malfunction brings us to Anthony, TX, only a few miles from El Paso and the availability of repair facilities. We're awaiting damage diagnosis and subsequent repair appointment.

     Back to the people of Anthony, TX/NM. The combined population of these 2 towns is approximately 14,000 and consists almost entirely of people of Hispanic/Latino decent. With Anthony's close proximity to El Paso it is easy to see the source of Hispanic/Latino population. El Paso is known as the "Ellis Island Of The Southwest". Unfortunately, the result of this immigrant population is not a happy one.

    40% of this population lives below the poverty line, and 50% of this number are children. Nearly all school children receive free breakfast and lunch. There is 15% unemployment. The majority of 911 calls are for domestic violence. With the median income less than $23,000 a year, poverty is a fact of life.

    There is at least one example of hope here. It comes in the form of a 45 year old woman. Her mother immigrated from Mexico at the age of 15. Her father was a deaf mute and worked as a farm hand and became disabled when a cow fell on him. Her mother became disabled after being struck by a drunk driver. Her 19 year old brother was murdered. And this 45 year old, who lives with her daughter and 4 grandchildren, and 88 year old mother, is a parapalegic after being struck by a drunk driver. She graduated from New Mexico State University and is now the mayor of Anthony, New Mexico. Hopefully her example provides the positive perspective of life that so many people of Anthony need.    Read more

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