Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 34 degrees, high 45 degrees, cloudy skies, scattered rain showers, windy
Just as I was turning over in the bed and thinking I would get another half hour of sleep this morning, I realized that today was garbage day. Putting the garbage out is one of my jobs, and once that little bit of reality nosed it's way in to my sub-conscious, there was no chance of more sleep. Carolyn would have taken the garbage out if I hadn't gotten up, but I can't have her doing my job. After all, this marriage is a union.
Since I had gotten up a little earlier than usual, I went a little farther with the madness by taking a walk of almost an hour in the cold, windy weather. Fortunately, I'm able to dress warmly for this type of weather, but today was the first time I've walked in about a week because it has been so cold. I guess it really was madness that had me out there this morning. I can't promise I'll do the same thing tomorrow.
Once I got back from the walk, I spent about two hours recuperating from the infrequent exercise and cold. Then, I went to town to pick up a couple of things at Lowe's and a few groceries at the grocery store. We are fortunate to have a Lowe's here, since the closest Lowe's or Home Depot elsewhere is about 20 miles away in Madison. I'll do just about anything to avoid going to Madison because of the traffic.
While I was at the grocery store, I saw that they had fresh collard greens. We have been wanting some collards for a while, but everything I found until today was always old and wilted. The ones I found today were fresh, and there are plenty of them for a good pot full. I got them home too late to prepare today, but they will be cooked tomorrow. Good eats coming up!
Before I came home, I stopped at the library to get more books to read. Even though their choices seem a little limited, I still keep finding books to read. We're going to be traveling before too long, so we're saving our personal books to take in the RV with us. Also, when the weather warms up and people start having yard sales again, I'll be buying books for traveling. Some of our best books were found in yard sales or purchased at libraries all across the country.
One of my favorite foods is meat loaf. We hadn't prepared that in some time, so we decided that the meat for supper was going be meat loaf. I prepared the meat loaf, while Carolyn prepared potato salad and green beans. Not bad at all, and plenty left for tomorrow.
Did you hear about New York Times columnist Paul Krugman blaming global warming for the Egyptian riots? That's strange, I thought the riots were because the people wanted the old regime out and democracy or something like it in it's place.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Asheville, North Carolina: Land Of Apples
Not all who wander are lost.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Ruby Tuesday"s
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 24 degrees, high 50 degrees, mostly clear skies
The sun was shining today! Will wonders never cease?
The sun made us want to get out a little today. Carolyn has been wanting to go to Ruby Tuesday's in Athens, so we went there for lunch. We were lucky to get there before 1100 hours, which means that we just beat the lunch rush. If we had been 30 minutes later, we would have had to wait for a table, or found another place to go.
It has been years since we last ate at Ruby's, so we didn't quite know what to expect. As I have said before, I'm not a fan of these chain restaurants, preferring to try the local places in an effort to find the gems that make you want to go back. However, sometimes, I have to go where Carolyn wants so I can keep trying the local places. So, don't be surprised if we try a local place soon.
When we went in to Ruby's, it was just as I remembered. It seems all these chain places are the same, no matter where they are located. A little brass, some greenery, dark wood, music playing in the background (I have no idea what was playing because it was so quiet), some kind of patterned carpet on the floor.... I think you get the idea.
Since it had been so long since our last visit to Ruby's, we took a few minutes to look at the menu. They were really pushing their brunch menu, but it's hard for me to order something that can't make up it's mind when it's supposed to be eaten. After looking over the menu and realizing that it contained no semblance to what I remembered from the last time, I looked through it until I found the sandwich section. Aha, this is more like it. About the only thing I found that I wanted was a bacon cheeseburger.
I have to say that the hamburgers were cooked perfectly. Carolyn will only eat meat that is dead, Dead, DEAD!. That means it has to be charred to a semblance of what it used to be. I, on the other hand, like my beef to be cooked medium rare. As I said, both of them were cooked exactly as we requested, and mine had just a touch of pink. The burgers were very good, as were the fries, and the drink glasses never ran out. The service was outstanding. We brought about half the food home, since neither of us likes to eat a lot for lunch.
Will we go back? Carolyn says yes, so I guess we will. First, though, we're going to a local place. It's my turn, now.
After eating, we took a short ride on one of the numerous country roads that we hadn't been on before. I guess if we live here for another ten years, we might go down all the roads. When we got home, the weather felt warm enough outside that I cleaned up the shop where I park the truck. I had thoughts of cleaning up the truck, but got over that when I saw that rain is in the forecast for tomorrow. No need in doing work that will be wasted.
The Super Bowl has dominated the sports news for the last few weeks, I don't know about everyone else, but I'm glad it's finished. By the way, who won? But, who cares?
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Miami, Florida: The Magic City
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 24 degrees, high 50 degrees, mostly clear skies
The sun was shining today! Will wonders never cease?
The sun made us want to get out a little today. Carolyn has been wanting to go to Ruby Tuesday's in Athens, so we went there for lunch. We were lucky to get there before 1100 hours, which means that we just beat the lunch rush. If we had been 30 minutes later, we would have had to wait for a table, or found another place to go.
It has been years since we last ate at Ruby's, so we didn't quite know what to expect. As I have said before, I'm not a fan of these chain restaurants, preferring to try the local places in an effort to find the gems that make you want to go back. However, sometimes, I have to go where Carolyn wants so I can keep trying the local places. So, don't be surprised if we try a local place soon.
When we went in to Ruby's, it was just as I remembered. It seems all these chain places are the same, no matter where they are located. A little brass, some greenery, dark wood, music playing in the background (I have no idea what was playing because it was so quiet), some kind of patterned carpet on the floor.... I think you get the idea.
Since it had been so long since our last visit to Ruby's, we took a few minutes to look at the menu. They were really pushing their brunch menu, but it's hard for me to order something that can't make up it's mind when it's supposed to be eaten. After looking over the menu and realizing that it contained no semblance to what I remembered from the last time, I looked through it until I found the sandwich section. Aha, this is more like it. About the only thing I found that I wanted was a bacon cheeseburger.
I have to say that the hamburgers were cooked perfectly. Carolyn will only eat meat that is dead, Dead, DEAD!. That means it has to be charred to a semblance of what it used to be. I, on the other hand, like my beef to be cooked medium rare. As I said, both of them were cooked exactly as we requested, and mine had just a touch of pink. The burgers were very good, as were the fries, and the drink glasses never ran out. The service was outstanding. We brought about half the food home, since neither of us likes to eat a lot for lunch.
Will we go back? Carolyn says yes, so I guess we will. First, though, we're going to a local place. It's my turn, now.
After eating, we took a short ride on one of the numerous country roads that we hadn't been on before. I guess if we live here for another ten years, we might go down all the roads. When we got home, the weather felt warm enough outside that I cleaned up the shop where I park the truck. I had thoughts of cleaning up the truck, but got over that when I saw that rain is in the forecast for tomorrow. No need in doing work that will be wasted.
The Super Bowl has dominated the sports news for the last few weeks, I don't know about everyone else, but I'm glad it's finished. By the way, who won? But, who cares?
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Miami, Florida: The Magic City
Not all who wander are lost.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
More Snow Today
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 28 degrees, high 33 degrees, cloudy windy, snow flurries
The weather was supposed to be warmer today, but guess what? It didn't warm up, and the snow was totally unexpected. The cold weather story continues.
With the weather being what it was, we stayed inside until the afternoon, when we went to my sister Judy's house to visit with her and her family. We had no sooner gotten in to the truck and started it up when Carolyn asked if we really wanted to leave the warm house. I told her the truck would warm up quickly, so toughen up. Actually, I didn't say the last part of that sentence, because things would have probably gotten rather warm, right there in the truck.
Our visit with Judy and Roger was enjoyable, with some good joking and laughing going on. Their daughter Traci was also there, so we saw the entire family in one visit. We made plans to get together for supper at a local restaurant in the next week or so.
On the way home, we stopped at Publix to pick up one of their excellent deluxe sub sandwiches for supper. At one time, I could have eaten the entire 12 inch sub, but now I'm lucky to eat half of one. The store was busy, as it usually is, so it took about 30 minutes to get served and out the door. But, the wait was worth it, as the sub was very good. Roast beef, ham, turkey, pepper jack cheese, and all the trimmings. Yum!
I have some RV blogs and discussion pages I check out every day. Yesterday, i happened across a discussion about a family that was looking for help in thawing out their holding tanks, which had frozen. The family and their RV are located in Oklahoma, which has been catching it in this latest bad weather. It appears the sewer hose had frozen, and then shattered, so it was not usable. Then, the black water and gray water tanks had frozen, and possibly ruptured. Apparently, the roads are not passable, so they can't go get repair parts. Then, there seems to be a matter of low finances restricting what they can do. With everything going on, this family seems to have found the perfect storm, at least for them. The wife of the family is ready to chuck the RV lifestyle and move back in a house. I have to say that with everything that has happened, they might be better off in a house. At least they would probably have plumbing that worked.
It's too bad these folks are having the problems they are going through. It's probably a safe bet that there will be one less RVer on the road.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Ada, Oklahoma: City Of Pure Spring Water
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 28 degrees, high 33 degrees, cloudy windy, snow flurries
The weather was supposed to be warmer today, but guess what? It didn't warm up, and the snow was totally unexpected. The cold weather story continues.
With the weather being what it was, we stayed inside until the afternoon, when we went to my sister Judy's house to visit with her and her family. We had no sooner gotten in to the truck and started it up when Carolyn asked if we really wanted to leave the warm house. I told her the truck would warm up quickly, so toughen up. Actually, I didn't say the last part of that sentence, because things would have probably gotten rather warm, right there in the truck.
Our visit with Judy and Roger was enjoyable, with some good joking and laughing going on. Their daughter Traci was also there, so we saw the entire family in one visit. We made plans to get together for supper at a local restaurant in the next week or so.
On the way home, we stopped at Publix to pick up one of their excellent deluxe sub sandwiches for supper. At one time, I could have eaten the entire 12 inch sub, but now I'm lucky to eat half of one. The store was busy, as it usually is, so it took about 30 minutes to get served and out the door. But, the wait was worth it, as the sub was very good. Roast beef, ham, turkey, pepper jack cheese, and all the trimmings. Yum!
I have some RV blogs and discussion pages I check out every day. Yesterday, i happened across a discussion about a family that was looking for help in thawing out their holding tanks, which had frozen. The family and their RV are located in Oklahoma, which has been catching it in this latest bad weather. It appears the sewer hose had frozen, and then shattered, so it was not usable. Then, the black water and gray water tanks had frozen, and possibly ruptured. Apparently, the roads are not passable, so they can't go get repair parts. Then, there seems to be a matter of low finances restricting what they can do. With everything going on, this family seems to have found the perfect storm, at least for them. The wife of the family is ready to chuck the RV lifestyle and move back in a house. I have to say that with everything that has happened, they might be better off in a house. At least they would probably have plumbing that worked.
It's too bad these folks are having the problems they are going through. It's probably a safe bet that there will be one less RVer on the road.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Ada, Oklahoma: City Of Pure Spring Water
Not all who wander are lost.
Friday, February 4, 2011
A Little Ice
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 30 degrees, high 38 degrees, cloudy skies, rain most of the day
The weather didn't get as bad as was threatened here. That is, until about daybreak this morning, when the rain started and ice began forming on the trees. We didn't get out all day, so we don't know how bad the roads were, but people were in and out of the neighborhood. So, I guess conditions were not too bad.
About mid-afternoon, the ice in the trees started melting and the rain stopped. The temperature is forecast to be below freezing tonnight, so if the roads are wet, there will be ice on them tomorrow. We'll stay home until the sun gets up and melts the ice.
Since this was an enforced stay at home day which we expected, we did the usual things when the weather is bad. Did a little reading, watched a little television, surfed the web, watched some television, checked the weather, looked out at the ice on the trees, fretted about whether the power would go out (it didn't), surfed the web..... I think you get the idea.
I do have some pictures to share tonight that we took previously. This first one is of an old railroad trestle no longer being used that crosses the Elk River a couple miles north of us. When I see scenes like this, I often wonder when it was built, what the circumstances were that caused it to not be used anymore, what happened to the people that built the trestle, and so forth. The bridge is located just north of Veto.
This next picture is of an old house that was probably being used until what looks like a fire occurred. The house is located in the middle of no where, also north of Veto, and just inside Tennessee near Prospect, so it was probably owned by a prosperous farmer long ago. Don't you just love the names of these towns? Actually, they are not even towns. Neither of them have any businesses, just a few houses. I think the best thing they have going for them is their names.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Dahlonega, Georgia: The Heart OF Georgia Wine Country
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 30 degrees, high 38 degrees, cloudy skies, rain most of the day
The weather didn't get as bad as was threatened here. That is, until about daybreak this morning, when the rain started and ice began forming on the trees. We didn't get out all day, so we don't know how bad the roads were, but people were in and out of the neighborhood. So, I guess conditions were not too bad.
About mid-afternoon, the ice in the trees started melting and the rain stopped. The temperature is forecast to be below freezing tonnight, so if the roads are wet, there will be ice on them tomorrow. We'll stay home until the sun gets up and melts the ice.
Since this was an enforced stay at home day which we expected, we did the usual things when the weather is bad. Did a little reading, watched a little television, surfed the web, watched some television, checked the weather, looked out at the ice on the trees, fretted about whether the power would go out (it didn't), surfed the web..... I think you get the idea.
I do have some pictures to share tonight that we took previously. This first one is of an old railroad trestle no longer being used that crosses the Elk River a couple miles north of us. When I see scenes like this, I often wonder when it was built, what the circumstances were that caused it to not be used anymore, what happened to the people that built the trestle, and so forth. The bridge is located just north of Veto.
This next picture is of an old house that was probably being used until what looks like a fire occurred. The house is located in the middle of no where, also north of Veto, and just inside Tennessee near Prospect, so it was probably owned by a prosperous farmer long ago. Don't you just love the names of these towns? Actually, they are not even towns. Neither of them have any businesses, just a few houses. I think the best thing they have going for them is their names.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Dahlonega, Georgia: The Heart OF Georgia Wine Country
Not all who wander are lost.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Columbia, Tennessee
Elkmont, Alabama
The weather gurus here are making noises about bad winter weather coming over the next 2-3 days. When most folks hear bad weather is coming that might keep them housebound for a day or two, they make sure they run to the grocery store to stock up on food. And toilet paper. What do we do? We get out and take a road trip so our travel bug doesn't get too bad while the weather keeps us in. So, today's trip took us all the way north to Columbia, Tennessee.
Our route led us through Pulaski and up US 31. We went up that way because we saw on the map that there was a town named Waco, and thought that was unusual. We had not heard of another town with that name except for the one in Texas. Well, when we passed through Waco, we didn't know it, even though we were looking for it. A little disappointed, we decided to go another 15 miles to Columbia.
As soon as we arrived in Columbia, we started looking for the courthouse so I could get a picture. Here's the required picture of the Maury County Courthouse, and the building is still being used.
Most of the buildings around the courthouse square are used by lawyers.
The temperature was 28 degrees while I was out taking pictures. Look at the ice on the Peace Fountain, just across the street from the courthouse.
Columbia has a population of about 34,000 people. The town was settled in 1808 as the county seat of Maury County, which was formed in 1807. The area has many old homes, and has been the setting for several movies. The headquarters of The Sons of the Confederacy are located here. James K. Polk, the 11th president of the United States, was a native of Columbia, and his ancestral home is open to the public.
The Duck River flows through the town, and has over 50 species of fresh water mussels and 151 species of fish, which makes it the most biologically diverse river in North America.
By the time we discovered all the facts listed above and took pictures, it was late enough that we decided to head back home before the threatened bad weather hits. On the way, I stopped and picked up some milk, because you're supposed to buy groceries when bad weather is coming. Right?
Let the bad weather come. We scratched the travel itch a little, and maybe even built up a little resistance. For a day or two.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Columbia, Tennessee: Mule Capital of the World
Not all who wander are lost.
The weather gurus here are making noises about bad winter weather coming over the next 2-3 days. When most folks hear bad weather is coming that might keep them housebound for a day or two, they make sure they run to the grocery store to stock up on food. And toilet paper. What do we do? We get out and take a road trip so our travel bug doesn't get too bad while the weather keeps us in. So, today's trip took us all the way north to Columbia, Tennessee.
Our route led us through Pulaski and up US 31. We went up that way because we saw on the map that there was a town named Waco, and thought that was unusual. We had not heard of another town with that name except for the one in Texas. Well, when we passed through Waco, we didn't know it, even though we were looking for it. A little disappointed, we decided to go another 15 miles to Columbia.
As soon as we arrived in Columbia, we started looking for the courthouse so I could get a picture. Here's the required picture of the Maury County Courthouse, and the building is still being used.
Most of the buildings around the courthouse square are used by lawyers.
The temperature was 28 degrees while I was out taking pictures. Look at the ice on the Peace Fountain, just across the street from the courthouse.
Columbia has a population of about 34,000 people. The town was settled in 1808 as the county seat of Maury County, which was formed in 1807. The area has many old homes, and has been the setting for several movies. The headquarters of The Sons of the Confederacy are located here. James K. Polk, the 11th president of the United States, was a native of Columbia, and his ancestral home is open to the public.
The Duck River flows through the town, and has over 50 species of fresh water mussels and 151 species of fish, which makes it the most biologically diverse river in North America.
By the time we discovered all the facts listed above and took pictures, it was late enough that we decided to head back home before the threatened bad weather hits. On the way, I stopped and picked up some milk, because you're supposed to buy groceries when bad weather is coming. Right?
Let the bad weather come. We scratched the travel itch a little, and maybe even built up a little resistance. For a day or two.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Columbia, Tennessee: Mule Capital of the World
Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Old Houses
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 22 degrees, high 32 degrees, partly cloudy skies, windy
We didn't stir out of the warm house until 1100 hours, when we drove in to Athens to find a new place for lunch. Since we're not moving right now, we don't eat out as much as we used to. When we do eat out, we try to find a new place that we haven't been to before. Today's choice was a quick seafood type of place that was advertising Wednesday as Senior Day. They had something like 15 different meals that were $4.99 each, including a drink. That caught my eye (naturally!), so we pulled in to check it out.
Carolyn had shrimp, cole slaw, and fried okra while I had fried fish, french fries, and cole slaw. It may not have been outstanding, but what can you expect for $4.99? We've had much worse meals for a lot more money, so it worked out.
After eating, we drove out one of the numerous country roads in this area. The temperature at the time was about 30 degrees, but it amazes me the number of people we see up here out side with shirt sleeves and no coat on. I look at these people and start shivering. I grew up in the deep south, and when the temperature gets below 60 degrees, I start looking for more clothes to put on. How do these people stand the cold?
On our drive, we saw the first water fall that we've seen in Limestone County. Granted, it's not much of a water fall, but it'll do.
Many years ago, this area was much less settled than it is now. During our rides, we have been finding old houses and barns, and wondering what kinds of stories they would tell if they could talk. We found a couple today that the type and location tells a little about why they were located where they were. This one was placed on the south side of a hill for protection from the wind. In addition, the south facing location helped with warming in the winter. Just behind the old house was a creek, which may have been used for drinking water or watering crops.
This next old house just looks forlorn to me. Abandoned, forgotten, breaking down...
Eventually, we made it back home for some meditation and napping. Late in the afternoon, I attempted to take a walk, but the cold wind drove me back inside before long. Just in time for supper, which consisted of breakfast - scrambled eggs, thick bacon, and pancakes. Ummmm!
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Tampa, Florida: Cigar Capital Of The World
Not all who wander are lost.
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 22 degrees, high 32 degrees, partly cloudy skies, windy
We didn't stir out of the warm house until 1100 hours, when we drove in to Athens to find a new place for lunch. Since we're not moving right now, we don't eat out as much as we used to. When we do eat out, we try to find a new place that we haven't been to before. Today's choice was a quick seafood type of place that was advertising Wednesday as Senior Day. They had something like 15 different meals that were $4.99 each, including a drink. That caught my eye (naturally!), so we pulled in to check it out.
Carolyn had shrimp, cole slaw, and fried okra while I had fried fish, french fries, and cole slaw. It may not have been outstanding, but what can you expect for $4.99? We've had much worse meals for a lot more money, so it worked out.
After eating, we drove out one of the numerous country roads in this area. The temperature at the time was about 30 degrees, but it amazes me the number of people we see up here out side with shirt sleeves and no coat on. I look at these people and start shivering. I grew up in the deep south, and when the temperature gets below 60 degrees, I start looking for more clothes to put on. How do these people stand the cold?
On our drive, we saw the first water fall that we've seen in Limestone County. Granted, it's not much of a water fall, but it'll do.
Many years ago, this area was much less settled than it is now. During our rides, we have been finding old houses and barns, and wondering what kinds of stories they would tell if they could talk. We found a couple today that the type and location tells a little about why they were located where they were. This one was placed on the south side of a hill for protection from the wind. In addition, the south facing location helped with warming in the winter. Just behind the old house was a creek, which may have been used for drinking water or watering crops.
This next old house just looks forlorn to me. Abandoned, forgotten, breaking down...
Eventually, we made it back home for some meditation and napping. Late in the afternoon, I attempted to take a walk, but the cold wind drove me back inside before long. Just in time for supper, which consisted of breakfast - scrambled eggs, thick bacon, and pancakes. Ummmm!
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Tampa, Florida: Cigar Capital Of The World
Not all who wander are lost.
Not all who wander are lost.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Cold, Wet, Rainy
Elkmont, Alabama
Weather: low 45 degrees, high 52 degrees, heavy clouds, rain, strong winds gusting to 35 mph
Today was not a good one to be out and about. Yet, I did go into town to the bank and library. This cold weather means we're reading even more than normal, because it's just too cold to do much outside.
Sitting in the dining room and looking out at the cold, gray, rainy, windy day (how's that for a number of adjectives to describe a cruddy day?), I couldn't help but think of how nice the weather was when we visited Big Bend National Park last winter. The weather at that time was just perfect, with clear, warm days, low humidity, and cold nights that made you want to snuggle under the covers. This weather makes you want to snuggle under the covers, too, but that's where the similarities end.
I was intrigued by the stories I had heard and read about Big Bend, but knew better than to go there in the summer. Carolyn would have probably pulled a mutiny on me if I had insisted on going when it was hot. Even though I'm the captain of our ship, it is with the understanding that Carolyn allows me to claim that title. Just kidding!
In addition to the park, I wanted to see what the town of Alpine was about. Can you imagine a town in Texas with the name of Alpine? My research made me want to go even more, because I couldn't miss seeing the Alps of Texas.
One other thing I wanted to see was the lights of Marfa. I had heard about these mysterious lights for a long time, and wanted to see them, if for no other reason than to say I went there and saw them.
I have to say our trip to Big Bend, Alpine, and Marfa was outstanding. Big Bend was much more than I expected. Located at the end of long, lonely roads, this is one of the largest national parks, yet one of the least visited. The highlight of that visit was the Chisos Basin, a paradise located in the desert.
We stayed in Alpine for about a week, and I came away from there with a much greater appreciation for the area and the people who live there. If it wasn't so far from everything, it would be just about the perfect place to live in Texas. Of course, that isolation might be what appealed to me so much.
Marfa was more than the mysterious lights. Sure, people go there to see them, but how many people knew that the movie Giant was filmed there? Plus other films, as well. The night we saw the lights, I thought I would freeze, it was so cold. And just beyond the viewing area for the lights was an old army air base that we couldn't see until I looked up the area on Google. As far as the lights are concerned, we saw them, and have no explanation for them. It wasn't weird or scary, but it was interesting.
Are you starting to get an idea why we love to RV so much? It's memories, experiences, going places we've never been, meeting people we wouldn't have, and doing it in our own little house on wheels.
I can't wait to get back out on the road.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Alpine, Texas: In The Alps Of Texas
Not all who wander are lost.
Weather: low 45 degrees, high 52 degrees, heavy clouds, rain, strong winds gusting to 35 mph
Today was not a good one to be out and about. Yet, I did go into town to the bank and library. This cold weather means we're reading even more than normal, because it's just too cold to do much outside.
Sitting in the dining room and looking out at the cold, gray, rainy, windy day (how's that for a number of adjectives to describe a cruddy day?), I couldn't help but think of how nice the weather was when we visited Big Bend National Park last winter. The weather at that time was just perfect, with clear, warm days, low humidity, and cold nights that made you want to snuggle under the covers. This weather makes you want to snuggle under the covers, too, but that's where the similarities end.
I was intrigued by the stories I had heard and read about Big Bend, but knew better than to go there in the summer. Carolyn would have probably pulled a mutiny on me if I had insisted on going when it was hot. Even though I'm the captain of our ship, it is with the understanding that Carolyn allows me to claim that title. Just kidding!
In addition to the park, I wanted to see what the town of Alpine was about. Can you imagine a town in Texas with the name of Alpine? My research made me want to go even more, because I couldn't miss seeing the Alps of Texas.
One other thing I wanted to see was the lights of Marfa. I had heard about these mysterious lights for a long time, and wanted to see them, if for no other reason than to say I went there and saw them.
I have to say our trip to Big Bend, Alpine, and Marfa was outstanding. Big Bend was much more than I expected. Located at the end of long, lonely roads, this is one of the largest national parks, yet one of the least visited. The highlight of that visit was the Chisos Basin, a paradise located in the desert.
We stayed in Alpine for about a week, and I came away from there with a much greater appreciation for the area and the people who live there. If it wasn't so far from everything, it would be just about the perfect place to live in Texas. Of course, that isolation might be what appealed to me so much.
Marfa was more than the mysterious lights. Sure, people go there to see them, but how many people knew that the movie Giant was filmed there? Plus other films, as well. The night we saw the lights, I thought I would freeze, it was so cold. And just beyond the viewing area for the lights was an old army air base that we couldn't see until I looked up the area on Google. As far as the lights are concerned, we saw them, and have no explanation for them. It wasn't weird or scary, but it was interesting.
Are you starting to get an idea why we love to RV so much? It's memories, experiences, going places we've never been, meeting people we wouldn't have, and doing it in our own little house on wheels.
I can't wait to get back out on the road.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Alpine, Texas: In The Alps Of Texas
Not all who wander are lost.
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