Goin’ places that I’ve never been, seein’ things that I may never see again…
~ Willie Nelson
After three months of Texas adventures and birdwatching at Balcones Canyonlands, we packed up and started our summer journey. Departure days can be stressful and after months of not going anywhere proceeded by weeks of my not being able to participate fully in the preparations, I was a little anxious. But the hitching up went off without a hitch. We both chuckled when, as we made our final walk around before pulling out, the sky started spitting on us. Not really rain, but as close to is as we’d like for a travel day.
The drive was easy. We only had a few noises of unidentified origin that needed attention and more tire-sensor headaches, but both were easily remedied. We’d planned for a short travel day and due to the overnight temperatures we needed electricity to run the air conditioner overnight. San Angelo Texas State Park was a good fit, and since we were only staying the night, I’d selected a long enough site so we wouldn’t have to disconnect the truck. But when we arrived with plenty of daylight to spare and temps in the high 90’s, we unhooked and headed to the blissful coolness of a movie theater. We got lucky – they had those super comfy recliners and there was hardly anyone else in the theater. Maverick was a fun watch and the snacks made for a simple and convenient dinner! Overall a great first day on the road.
We made a fast getaway the next morning, having re-hitched the 5th wheel when we got back from the movie. Not entirely sure that was a wise choice given the fantastic severe thunderstorm that rocked and rolled us for hours just after bedtime. (Had we stayed unhitched, the trailer legs would have provided more stability.) The morning greeted us with fresh just-rained air and local wildlife.
A long and uneventful travel day brought us to our campsite here at Brantley Lake State Park in New Mexico, near Carlsbad Caverns. I have always assumed that if the campsites are large enough for us to fit, then the campground entrances and roads will as well. But I won’t make that mistake again. We barely made it past the entrance kiosk! Worth it though for the expansive view over the reservoir. It made it easy to watch the evening thunderstorms. After several early starts, we are enjoying a leisure morning before heading into the depths of the Caverns. Pretty excited that we were able to secure tickets for the Big Room and a tour of King’s Palace.
We are happy to be back on the road on our own schedules. Volunteering is rewarding and certainly serves several purposes for our way of life. But not being beholden to a place or schedule, even just taking the time to relax this morning rather than rushing out to see what there is to see is pretty great. We have three full months of goofing off before we go back to “work.” We will probably be ready for the break by then!
Where To Now 