December 5, 2015 - January 19, 2016
6,000+ Miles
Arizona: Wild Horse Pass Casino, New Mexico: Mesilla, Texas: Sanderson, San Antonio
Louisiana: Lake Charles, Lake Ponchartrain. Fla: Panhandle's Destin, Live Oak, Withlacoochie River/Silver Lake near Nobleton, Vero, Pompano, Naples, St Pete, Santa Rosa
Saturday, Dec. 5
Nice day for a drive back down to Phoenix for the trailer. Durango had good weather, nothing to worry about, not even super cold. Stopped for coffee at Safeway in Gallup and who walks up but Jeff Trank. Blew me away! Chatted for about 30 minutes then back on the road. Arrived to Superstorage before dark, unpacked and moved it over to Wild Horse Pass Casino among a very busy parking lot for the night. Walked over to the outlet mall for shopping and food court dinner. Called it an early night.
Sunday, Dec. 6
Left the parking lot for Las Cruces today. But first: a stop at In 'n Out Burger for an early lunch outside Tucson. First time to "hack the menu"! 2x2 animal style and well done fries, which weren't, root beer float and a neopolitan shake for me! Back on the road without a stop until Lordsburg for another coffee hit. What a desolate place. Arrived to The Hacienda campground about 3:30. Out for food at Walmart, then dinner down the street at Andele, pretty not great tho it was packed. Good salsa bar but Bill's beef, their specialty was dry and plain! And we are so close to Mexico, dammit. Oh well. Mornings here low 30s, days were 65, nice.
Monday, Dec. 7
Went out in the truck to scout around first, then took out the bikes to downtown Mesilla plaza area. After hitting a few shops (got a blue cotton queen size cotton bedcover at the Mexican shop), we rode bikes along the irrigation ditch, having a lovely time until Bill got a flat tire. He had a kit to fix it so we were able to get back after 6 miles. Then went out to see the town and hit the mall; came back to find two more tires flat! big thorns to blame, no wonder no one rides that great trail... So he fixed those too. Finally at night for dinner we went to the Double Eagle to again eat on their patio, which was the best chips and salsa, but the margarita, no so much. should have axed for a margatini.
Tuesday, Dec. 8
Mesilla to eventually Sanderson, TX. Took Interstate until after El Paso, then we took Highway 90 thru Del Rio and into San Antonio eventually. Pretty much uneventful driving except for a stop at Marfa, or outside it near Valentine, to see the Prada store art installation. That was... interesting. Marfa also know for strange lights glowing and twinkling in the distance--since the 1880s-- but we didn't stay there at night to see them; he kept driving until Sanderson, where we were the only "guests" at Canyon RV "Resort," a rather strange place, a highway on one side and the train tracks on the other, self-serve, $25 a night with full hookups and cable, tho wifi didn't work. Not bad, it was getting dark anyway, we had food, good thing cuz no where to go... just a place to cookout and sleep. Again, cool mornings, high 30s, days 70-ish.
Wednesday, Dec. 9
Leaving Sanderson, the drive was mostly empty roads except for trucks, and open desert along the Mexico border. Stopped at Seminole Canyon State Park for a look-see, but decided to keep going. Could have kayaked the Pecos River, but saving it for another time. Warmer here, near Langtry, maybe 80; back in the truck to drive on. Kinda retracing our steps from three years ago, so no need to keep stopping. Uvalde was a bigger town than I recall, cute. Finally reached San Antonio and staying again at Travelers World on Roosevelt, spot #118, almost near same as last time. But so much warmer this time! Sunny and 80 and beautiful. Quickly got on bikes for a short 4 mile ride on river trail, couldn't connect to mission cuz we are stupid and came back, margarita time! Couldn't decide on where to have dinner, so drove around to the south along Military (which looked like 441), and picked a place with the most cars: La Pearla Mexican. Well, it was packed with local Mexicans, plus a crooner sitting at a table with his guitar. Good cheap food, and did enjoy. Wine margaritas so passed on that. $40 night/ full hookups
Thursday, Dec. 10
Bike day to Riverwalk. Cool morning but would warm up to about 80. Ready to finally go and there's another flat tire on my bike: front tire again. Another thorn. So he patched that and we got off to a late start. Rode the Riverwalk north to town, GREAT cement trail, beautiful and wonderful, well maintained and couldn't have asked for anything better. It was about 4 miles to downtown, then we parked them at La Villeta and walked the loops from there. Before this I found my new favorite neighborhood: King William with incredible old mansion after old mansion, all restored to gorgeousness. Loved that. So did the loop walked, everything about the same as three years ago, then got back on bikes and rode north about another 4 miles, past the water locks for the little river boats, then turned around beyond that. Trail even nicer up that way, lots of interesting details: hanging fish art under the interstate overpass, a cave, apparently some bats live around there, etc. Stopped at the Blue Star arts area on the way back (kinda weird area) and rode back to camp: 17 miles in all. Cleaned up and drove to town later for dinner at Paesano's, good Italian and giving mexican a rest (just this once). What a vibrant downtown, walked a ways and seems to be a pretty safe place, even in the dark.
Friday, Dec. 11
Interstate driving today toward the dreaded Beaumont... knowing the east is ahead of us, along with it's many people and traffic... and humidity. Had a slow down around lunch time in Houston but made it through; heading as far as Lake Charles today. Finally arrived later in the day back to our old Westlake Park in the swamp. Three years ago it was cold and empty, this time, it was warm and almost full. Overcast and gray, humidity and mosquitoes. It's all here. Stayed in for the night and ate leftovers, and what's that? a salad? Facebook gave me look back three years ago in history and we were IN THE SAME CAMPGROUND ON THE SAME DAY THREE YEARS AGO. unbelievable. This is a weird place, time to keep moving on. $24/night, water and elec
Saturday, Dec. 12
Kind of in a race with the weather. They keep saying rain is coming so we are rushing to keep a day ahead of it but once in a while we need to slow down. Especially after some heavy interstate traffic driving. ugh. But not him, he wants to keep going. We got in a short bike ride around the park before leaving this strange swamp area. Today we would drive across Louisiana, mostly on Highway 190 (about 15 miles north of I-10) rather than the bumpy interstate. Not bad, very rural, passing thru several little towns: Elton, Eunice, Basile, etc. Ready for some cajun so picked Ronnie's in Eunice. Again, the place was packed, everyone was HUGE and everyone knew we weren't from there. Very friendly folks, waitress very helpful trying to explain what a Boudin was, so we tried an order. Still not sure, but not bad. The truck driver with the fuller family stopped by to chat as well. Bill's po boy was great, but my okra shrimp gumbo was.... not. It was pureed, no distinguishable solid food parts of either okra or shrimp, and it tasted like, well, cigarette butts. But I choked it down after drowning it in hot sauce. Back on the road, heading for Coffee Call BEIGNETS in Baton Rouge, our original destination! Highway busy as always around there but we made it there slowly by about 3:30. Again, being watched by locals who started up a convo, very nice and suggested where to camp. They figured it was our Airstream. This is becoming a pattern around here. Are we that obvious? Guess so. Inhaled a large plate of beignet fingers and cafe au laits, and went nextdoor to a friendly and busy walmart for food. Getting late... getting dark... ended up towing another hour in the dark in heavy traffic to get to the Fountainbleau State Park on Lake Ponchartrain for the night. Left it on the hook and hmm, not really hungry. Got here about 6:30. Should be a nice park, I see they have a great bike trail, but too dark to tell. $26 a night, elec and water
Sunday, Dec. 13
Dreary weather still, warm and humid and cloudy… just about all I have ever seen in the part of the country. But we took a bike ride on the very nice rails to trails they have here, maybe went 4 miles, can't remember, and it got warmer and Billy was whining so we went back to leave. Checked out the sugar mill ruins that are part of the park, interesting. Checkout isn't until 1pm. Drove all the way to the Florida Panhandle and picked a park in Destin on the beach. First time in this area, the Emerald Coast, packed with chain stores and beach things, I can't imagine this at spring break. Got roped into taking a toll bridge that was barely 2 miles long and cost $11.25!!! ridiculous. Samantha owes us. As soon as we got out of the truck to check in at Henderson State Park's park station, we started this annoying cough. Both of us, weird. Still trying to stay ahead of the weather so wanted a decent place if we had to spend the day doing laundry in the rain. Got on bikes for a quick ride to the beach, wind blowing like a MFer, I hated it and turned around after a few pics. A nice couple on bike was kind enough to show us the way, we were riding around lost when she showed us. Wet wet wet here, so close to the beach so wet city. not liking.
$33 a night, elec and water only, with a backwards dump station.
Monday, Dec. 14
Cloudy morning, rained last night, everything soaked, so gross. Went across the highway to all the stores to shop a bit, BBB, Fresh Market, Publix… Came back and started laundry, $2.25 a load and dryer, and four hours later I was done. Even managed to sneak out to Marshalls, but not on bike. Coughed all the way to the front station for more quarters. It was while at the laundry area that a man told me all the coughing was due to Red Tide! what?? we had no idea. It was rough on everyone. Ready to leave this place. Two nights, enough.
Tuesday, Dec. 15
On we drive taking I-10 to Live Oak, Suwanne River State Park. Seemed like a good idea… could kayak the Suwanee, since last time we stayed here in '08 we did nothing. Wellllllll, more clouds and humidity, just plain gross. Our spot, there were only two available, was very unlevel so we had to dig down one side, plus the front hitch to get that low enough. Went out for a quick bike ride, only to have Bill hit a root, then catch his sandal on the way down, and next thing I know he's rolling toward the river. He stopped before going over the edge, then I could laugh. It was a good one, and he was fine. About time he did some of the falls. During happy hour I noticed about dusk that a big Airstream had arrived, and would be in the next spot over. Then about a half hour later I see they are still trying to to get it in the spot so I told Bill, let's go over and see if they need help. They did and we helped. Had a different kind of lift system, but we showed them the shovel trick. As we were talking I said, hey, were you just at Destin??? Yes, it was the couple who were on bikes who helped us find the entry to the beach. Unbelievable; small world. Got them situated and went back to make dinner.
$48 for 2 nights, full hookup, except he couldn't use sewer cuz poop doesn't go uphill.
Wednesday, Dec. 16
Today is kayak day on the Suwannee. Only went about not even three miles upriver but not the most scenic or exciting, barely any birds even. Turned around and found where the Withlacoochee joins it then called it a day. Ran into the Airstream couple and made a plan to meet for cocktails later. Next we got on bikes, still a gross overcast humid day -- hate it here -- rode around the park to see a huge sink area, and an old cemetery from the 1850s from a town that used to be there called Columbia. There were confederate earthworks there but we didn't get by to see them. Rode along the river some more, no one fell, and after four miles that was enough of that. Now time to drive into beautiful downtown Live Oak for some Winn Dixie action and a peek at the old downtown. Came home, showered, and Amy and Will came over for some camping location tips and convo. Nice fun couple, we should keep in touch but we'll see.
Thursday, Dec. 17
Gladly left Live Oak, still crappy out, and hit I-75. Saw a peek of blue sky near Gainesville. On the way to Silver Lake Recreation Complex, no alcohol allowed (hahaaa), for biking and kayaking on the Withlacoochee. We did this maybe 15 years ago, long before Airstreams and we biked 35 miles. Not this time… Weather not too bad when we arrive, warm enough to run the air and buggy enough to get three monster bites that will hurt for days… Camp is right next the interstate, so pretty loud, good thing we keep the windows closed… This time instead of biking right away we got in a quick kayak paddle around the "lake," which is actually just a wide part of the river, to scout out where the river continues on. While out there we did a fishing line rescue for a guy on shore who had snagged a cypress knee. Our work being done, we paddled back. no bugs out there happy to say. Bill grilled and got attacked by skeeters. Weather supposed to be moving in, along with a cold front.
Friday, Dec. 18
Sun and clouds so good day to kayak. First went under the bridge, which was with the current, but it was still quite wide so we turned around and went ALL THE WAY across the lake to that other exit and down the river for a few miles. Much more interesting. Bill started whining again to turn around so we did, doing about 8 miles total. Nice ride. Good weather for it. Never sitting around for long…. time to drive to Brooksville to check out the action and do some errands. Zoom in and out, 12 miles away, Bill has to rush back. He is always in a hurry, for nothing, WTF I must ax??? Lots of huge old oaks with all the moss swaying, and more than a few Confederate flags flying. Stopped at the Cracker Kitchen and trading company but now it's a small bar, not a store like it said online. but no, we gotta go… Anyway, he's out grilling in the dark again, and now it's too cold for 'skitters he says. Started work on Bec's menu but didn't get too far.
Saturday, Dec. 19
Woke up (late, 9am) to 47 degrees -- and this is bike day! Looks like it got down to 44 last night. After a conference call to bec and vic, and another flat tire fix on bill's bike, we finally got out for a bike ride on the rails to trails Withlacoochee Trail. It was still familiar. But more exciting the first time. We pushed on, going 11 miles on the trail then turning around (yes, Bill was whining), so all total did 21.5 miles. We like to call it 22. Beautiful day, dryer finally (yay), but pretty cool but we rode anyway. It was about 64 but a lot of riding in the shade. It's now 5pm, and bill spent the last hour repacking the truck so time to what else, eat again. Humidity is 55%. And you can tell.
For the next few weeks it is all a blur...
Sunday, Dec. 20 - Vero for a night, visit with O’Connors and Woody
Monday, Dec. 21 - Arrived Pompano, parked at man cave amidst heat and neighborhood noise. Labamba
Tuesday, Dec. 22 - to Bec's to make pasta, then pizza brought in
Wed Dec. 23 - LaBamba
Thursday Dec 24 - bec's Christmas Even extravaganza
Friday, Dec 25 - hung out
Saturday, Dec. 26 - bec and I shopped her hood
Sunday, Dec. 27
Monday, Dec 28 - Joyner and LaB lunch with Mary
Tuesday, Dec. 29 - La B in WPalm (did we really go this many times?)
Wed, Dec 30 - Keys, super hot
Thurs, Dec 31 - New Years Eve in Keys, very busy, very hot
Friday, Jan 1 - headed back
Saturday, Jan 2 - Bec and I to mall, lunch at Rocco's Tacos
Sunday, Jan 3 - packing day, bike ride with Dad, yard work with vic, feeling sick, at at Brew Fish on McNab. Finally a break in the weather. Cooler with a bit of sun.
Monday, Jan 4 - leave for Naples, drive across alligator alley, night at Welle's and boys. Her (me) sick.
Tuesday, Jan 5 - Drive to Fort DeSoto Park in St. Pete, I sick.
Wednesday, Jan 6 - slept, Bill to dinner with Barb and Roo
Thursday, Jan 7 - Gainesville.
Camped at Micanopy’s Paines Prairie, HUGE mosquitoes, partly sunny and cloudy but drove bikes to town for campus ride one last time, 32 years after graduation. Me back to bed.
Friday, Jan. 8
Big day drive to Santa Rosa for next two nights for 10th Annual Can Opener. Spot #126. Met Pat and Patty but that's about it, don't feel much like coughing and socializing.
Saturday, Jan. 9
Tons of rain this morning, went to the movies, The Revenant. Hit a few events but cooked in and laid low. still recovering.
Sunday, Jan 10 - Leave for New Orleans. Sun finally coming out. Arrived about 2:30, 49 cold wet windy degrees. Walked to filthy Frenchie Quarter for dinner at Pierre Maspero's then over to a very disappointing Cafe du Monde. Monde was busy as always but very greasy tasting and coffee bitter -- nothing like Coffee Call's perfection!! Walked back at dusk and had a local puke, wait... no piss, along a fence right in front of us, then apologize. yeah, thanks. gross. Not enjoying this place too much, seeing it for the pit it is this time.
Monday, Jan 11
About 32 degrees this morning. Got a late start to walk over to the Frenchie Q again (stopped to get Powerball tickets) which was good cuz we went to the Central Grocer and got a muffuletta, which we ate along the river. Walked around and shopped for cool mardi gras beads, tried a beignet at a different place (tasted better), plus hit a bakery before going home to rest before… dinner! Made a 6pm reservation for Emeril's NOLA. Still getting over my crud so took a nap in the late afternoon while Bill biked it over to City Park to check out where the action is. sometimes. Pretty cool out for the walk to dinner. Bill had the works (martinis, oyster app, drum fish entree) while I just had a jambalaya app and citrus martini -- and shared in on the bread pudding, the real reason we are here! It was colorized for mardi gras, complete with gold baby!
Tuesday, Jan. 12
Back on the road again. And tho we swore we wouldn't, we made one last stop at Coffee Call in Baton Rouge! They still beat the pants off du Monde. Good weather so just drove as far as we could to get west and went as far as San Felipe, TX, west of Houston (hit the 3:30interstate traffic), home of the first Texas post office, and first settlement by Stephen J. Austin. Nice park, had to enter from the side due to construction, but lots of standing water so bike trails closed (as if we would ride…). Lots of hanging moss -- we are still too far east! Skeeters huge so we just did a quick walk of the campground and in for the night.
Wednesday, Jan. 13
Back on the road, destination Del Rio to the Seminole Park we visited on the way out, with the intention of staying two night and paddling the Pecos River. Arrived about dusk, long day of driving on Highway 90, beautiful sunset, windy night… Woke to a soaking gray sky, cold, gray and… yep let's go. So we left and drove in soup, very poor visibility on the two lane road out. And no, we didn't win Powerball, but I got three of the numbers.
Thursday, Jan. 14
Drove in the soup with quarter mile visibility if that for about an hour to get out of it, sunny by the time we reached Sanderson. Again, wanting to go far but played it by ear. Almost stayed in El Paso, but one look at the RV place he said lets keep going on to Anthony TX even tho it was getting dark. Once thru that traffic hell (an accident with a car sitting on the wall), we then realized that Las Cruces was only 14 more miles further than going backwards to Anthony so… on to Mesilla and Hacienda again! We used our second night there instead. Watched the first Republican debate of 2016.
Friday, Jan. 15
Exciting morning, did all the laundry -- 6 loads. Hacienda has nice facilities so glad we took the time to do it there. Lunch at La Posta then to the movies at Cineport 10 to see The Hateful Eight. Yes dumb idea. Very windy at night, mornings were 27 degrees. To bed early, like every othernight. I'm still getting over this crud so bed before 8 always seems like a good idea.
Saturday, Jan. 16
9 am start! Leaving west up the first I-10 hill out of Las Cruces the truck starts its shuddering again, then the engine light then the "limp" mode, where it loses power. So we pull over and restart and it does fine for a while, until it does it again, on and off all day. Being a Saturday we are screwed anyway, so we kept going, switching plans from Safford to Tucson just in case we get stuck, which we didn't, but made it to exit 264 KOA Lazy Days in Tucson. And of course to In 'n Out Burger for lunch! Kinda cool at 60 degrees so lazed out from a bike ride, but we probably coulda…
Sunday, Jan. 17
(Writing this a month later… have forgotten, but I'm told:) We did a few nights at Lost Dutchman then packed it up to come home from there, after taking trailer back to Superstorage at Wild Horse.
Tuesday, Jan. 19
Returned home.
RIP: Peter O'Toole, Pat Harrington, Natalie Cole, David Bowie, Alan Rickman, Celene's Rene, Dan Haggerty (Grizzly Adams); El Chapo recaught. Glen Frey after we got back.
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