West Texas, Stalagmites and Travels to Denver

I start this entry with a picture of our cozy campsite at Lake Lewisville, north of Dallas, Texas.

We have no doubt that if we are trailoring in the Dallas area, we will stay here again. We headed out on the road driving due west along State Highway 180 intending to arrive at Carlsbad Caverns in two days time. It's been about 15 years since part of our family visited to these majestic caverns along an ancient prehistoric ocean reef, now part of the Guadalupe Mountains of Texas and SE New Mexico.

It was not long before we left the hills and trees of north-central Texas and we found ourselves driving through an ever-changing geography turning dryer but accompanied by big beautiful skies with interesting cloud formations. It really felt like we were entering the West to us westerners. Now and then we stop at roadside markers on our travels and we were glad we did so at what is now known as Bud Matthews, Texas, population zero. We were greated by an old windmill at an historic cattle point. A railroad spur built in 1900 ushered over 105,000 head of cattle over its 67 year history from this very point. The cattle went to market in Fort Worth.

During this journey west on our first day we had a little difficulty with our trusty Ford. We chugged into the town of Anson, stopped at a Ford dealership and discovered through a diagostic session and test drive that we likely have a fuel pump going out in the rear gas tank. It seems to only act up in the heat of the day, so, instead of spending hundreds to have it replaced (being no totally certain that this was really the problem vs. bad gas or a clog in the fuel line) we opted to drive on after a good night's rest utilizing the problem tank in the cool of the day and then switching to the front tank at the heat of the day. Each tank has its own fuel pump. I don't know if we picked to stay in Anson, Texas, or Anson picked us. Perhaps, it was an agreed upon arrangement if an arrangement could be made. We found a small RV park behind a non-descript motel on the west side of this small Texas town with a very agreeable rate of $17.50 for full RV hook-ups. Although higher in cost to our cheapest paid site at Lake Lewisville at $8.00 per night, it was still far better than the typical $30-$35 rates charged in most locations. That early evening, exhausted from driving several hours and dealing with mechanical problems, I decided to unwind and take a leasure bike ride through this sleepy town of 2,500. What I found were two substantive brick buildings, a lot of marginal older downtown structures and on the edge of town numerous abandoned houses, their hay-day well past.
Reading the plaques at the county courthouse Anson, Texas was named for the last sitting Texas Republic President, Anson Jones. The town was originally named Jones City but later changed to its present name, perhaps less precocious. Here are some photos I took of the best of Anson and it lesser side.

A mix of old with new in this town, the newer Lexus in the falling down wooden garage.

With no further truck difficulties we traveled to Carlsbad, New Mexico and then beyond to White's City at the gateway to the Caverns. Carlsbad Caverns, one again, did not disappoint. If you have not seen this sight, this is a must on your bucket list. Let the pictures speak the rest.

Happy and helpful rangers made the visit to the caverns even more enjoyable! ;-)

We stayed at an RV park in White's City. That first evening we were treated to some wonderful inspiring sights during the long sunset.

We visited the White Sands National Monument enjoying a wonderful day with perfect weather.

Sand dunes need nomads and camels, don't they?

This man, his wife and their camel come to the dunes every Sunday, their Christian ministry. The camel attracts the visitors, he gives out a catchy million dollar bill with some scripture printed on the back, and he encourages people to read the Bible. That is it. What I found interesting is that the dozen or more visitors the camel and owner had, not one objected to the encouragement to read the Bible. Good advice.

Notice, the unique way camels are made to withstand sand storms. Just amazing.

After a wonderful time in New Mexico it was time to head north to our home state, Colorado. It took us but two days to drive from southern New Mexico to our resting spot in the Denver area. We have been on the road since November 1st,ready for a road-rest. We plan to spend a full month here catching up with family, friends, our church and some necessary doctor visits for dad. Oh, yes, also painting the 1200 square foot garage at our main house. By the way, our truck gave us no further problems, so it must have been the gas! I plan to do another blog entry showing the various flower we saw since our special day touring the Texas Bluebonnets, so stay tuned. Thanks for joining us on our journeys and we will see you next time. I will end with this picture self-taken, another happy moment.

Easter

A day late for many western Christians, but six days early for the Christian Orthodox Church, Happy Easter to you all!

Here, a statue of Christ found at the county park on South Padre Island. The statue was given to its residents and visitors as a commemoration by one sea-faring family who last their twenty-something son to the ocean. The rock cube below the statue contained names of others lost to the sea. Although borne by sorrow, the statue brings to memory the great hope we, as Christians have in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Great I Am, the Beginning and the End, the Savior who died on the cross for the sins of the whole world and was raised from the dead, Who now lives. This is why Easter is celebrated. Because of the resurrection of Christ, we have hope, hope of eternal life through Him, through faith. My favorite three verses are John 3:16 and Ephesians 2: 8,9. I wanted to share this joy of Easter with you, my friends and family!

He holds all things in His hands!

The Bible speaks that He made all things, that He was there at the time of creation. The flowers sing of His glory and his workmanship.

Even the bloom of the Thistle sings out.

The pictures of flower (above) were taken at a rest stop on our travel north to the Dallas area. The pictures below were taken on Easter Sunday, as we enjoyed yet another day with our friends Larry and Nancy McDowell.

Texas Bluebonnets, wonderful blooms after a wetter-than-usually winter an hour southeast of Dallas.

Here are our good friends also enjoying a beautiful day together!

Of course, I need to add another flower picture!

We stayed next to a very large lake, Lake Lewisville. The RV park was comfortable and the views and neighbors were great.

Yes, although it is a suburban lake, it has wildlife. Look closely for her two eggs.

Another part of the park, an urban treasure. It is known for its superb Bass fishing.

I will finish with this picture I took of another of God's creations, the head of a Leatherback turtle. We saw this 90lb turtle at a turtle rescue facility on South Padre Island. Yes, I took the liberty for more religious talk, but it is Easter season and I find joy and solace in knowing the Living Christ. See you next time.

Downloaded a bit out of place, I will let this stand. What a glorious day of Texas Bluebonnet touring!

South Padre Island

"What a life!" This declaration is usually spoken by dad at the end of another good day. Today was another one of those days. He celebrated his 88th birthday today, doing what he most enjoys, shell collecting. And we hit the treasure trove today, of all days. What a blessed life he lives. The picture above was taken at the end of the road that runs north for about 14 miles on South Padre Island. Not far from civilization, yet feeling remote, but safe. We all enjoyed the experience shelling.

Here, dad is standing in the midst of one of hundred of shell quarries, waiting for a discrimination eye.

Focused on shells once more...

South Padre Island had less seaweed than north Padre, but it had a special guest, a bird very much adapted to the seaweed life. See if you can pick it out in this first picture.

No, the truck was not buried in sand!

Instead of the road crew clearing snow, it moves sand of the road; a daily chore, no doubt needed.

Dad continues to enjoy the travels and is easily bored if we stay too long in any one area. He defies the stereotype of burdened on older folks, the wanting sameness and routine and familiar. That is not him. Sure, he does not mind the regular routine of breakfast, lunch and dinner, and yes, that comfortable bed at night, but other than that, he likes the road life. Although his memory is spotty, I have noticed a stronger stick to the brain cells when he knows we are going to hit the road. Desire has a way of doing that for him. Today, marks the change of direction in our travels, our last day on the beach -any beach - for the foreseeable future. We will miss the sand, the surf, shells and driftwood, and the wildlife. Like saying goodbye to a friend, our parting will be tempered only by looking forward to seeing friends in Dallas soon and spending some time in May with our family and friends in Colorado. Before I say goodnight, here are a few pictures of Corpus Christi area.
North Padre Island birds, feasting on who knows what!

In Unison

On Goosebay Island, a bit north of Corpus, stands an oak which is believed to be 1000 years old!

This is one big tree with a spread of 89 feet.

Look what we found on the beach, complete with a smile.

Downtown Corpus Christi looking across the bay

What is it about boat harbors that are so eye-appealing? This too, is close to the downtown area.

The Old and The New, representing the stages of our own lives and journey. We now head North!