The weather weasels were predicting strong wind today, but mostly well north of our route. We really enjoyed Big Bend, but I am ready to be out of this dusty RV park. In order for us to head for home (southeast of here), we have to go about 90 miles north (to get around where Mexico "humps up") before we can turn east. The mileage is about the same, whether we go north outside the park, or east, then north through the park - we decided to go through the park.
This RV park is located with a motel... you have to "check out" of the RV park before you can leave. Yes, that is unusual: most RV parks, you pay, stay, and go on your check out day. We were out as early as we could manage... still adapting to 2 hours difference in the Time Zone.
The first 26 miles in the park, we covered some scenery we have already seen. Still pretty, though...
The Ranger at the pay station remembered us from yesterday, when we stopped to ask about double towing through the park - "Have a safe journey home!" At Panther Junction, we turned north, getting to see a part of the park that is new to us...
Our route north will take us through Marathon, Texas - I suggested to Joan that "If they have a McDonalds, we can stop there for a breakfast sandwich." She looked it up while we still had a bit of phone service... they ain't got nuthin'.
The roads straighted out once out of the park - Joan decided to make us breakfast sandwiches while we cruised down the road...
We used to do this all the time, but since we retired, the schedule has been more slack - today, it was about nothing out there, not the time. Breakfast was good, and at Marathon, we turned east. Very little traffic on the road today - more motorcycles and bicycles than cars...
I can't imagine riding a bike with nothing but scrub brush for 100 miles. I haven't seen any blue bonnets, yet, but there is a variety of purple and yellow flowers...
Since we had breakfast late, we didn't need lunch, but we stopped in a picnic area so Izzy could eat...
It was about that time that the wind came up. Gusting to well over 30 mph. Yeah, pretty much right on the nose. For the next two hours, I watched our gas gauge drop faster than normal. To add to the fun, the road got crappier, as well. With the speed limit being 75 on this two-lane road, everything going our direction needed to pass us... fortunately, there were plenty of passing zones, but we still had regular drivers passing us on a solid yellow line... up hill... and on curves... with no forward visibility! Yep, we're definitely back in Texas.
The first civilization we came to was Del Rio, and the Amistad Reservoir - the water was pretty...
Well, pretty color, what I could see of it. And, whitecaps. We stopped for gas on the outskirts of Del Rio... only $2.19... 60¢ per gallon less than I last paid. We had tentatively planned on making it to the Uvalde area; with the wind and crappy road, I asked Joan to find us a park closer... something we decent reviews.
I have to admit: I have never heard of Bracketville. The RV park is located in Fort Clark, which is in Bracketville. I didn't know what to expect... Fort Clark is a former Army Base (General George Patton served here) that is now a resort. People have purchased former officers' quarters as their resort homes. There is a natural springs pool (not hot, at 76º), a restaurant, a theater, some lovely grounds, a stream that runs through the fort, bike paths, motorcycle roads. The RV park is a small part of the fort... but, they have sites long enough to accommodate our 63' length without unhooking. And, surprise: they accept Passport America. Once through the front gate, you have to drive another mile or so to get to the RV park, so you won't find this by just driving by.
And, Izzy's favorite part: they have grass! Really, it has been quite a while since she has been able to walk in the grass. And see green leafy trees. After getting set up, I took her outside...
"I love this place - let's stay here forever!!"
"Well, Izzy, we are heading for home... your tower by the big window... sitting out on the deck watching the birds... and all kinds of room to run!"
"Forget this place - let's get home!"
I am beginning to feel that draw, too.
;-)
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