Plan C?

 Might try a plan C but where would you go?

On a different note, if you are of a certain age you might remember Gibson department stores. There are only two left in Texas, one in Weatherford and one in Kerrville. We have been in both. The one in Weatherford, while nice enough, is not remarkable. The one here in Kerrville is a tourist destination into itself. If they do not have it, you do not need it. From sporting equipment, to a hardware department that makes Lowes and Home Depot look stupid. Add in a housewares area to find those things you just can't find elsewhere, Clothing, nicknacks, just an amazing collection of items. We went into the store several years ago and were amazed. Went back today to see how it compared to our memories. Believe it had even more items, not including the $100 worth of items we bought. If you are ever in Kerrville with some time, stop in and browse.


can't always be sunshine and lollipops....

Joy of retirement

 When we arrived yesterday our corner of the park was full. Kids running around, people gathered in groups talking. Later on campfires burning, good time being had by most.

 It is now 10:30am and most have already left, others packing to leave. Looks like it will just be two campsites occupied, us being one of those.

 Remember those days fondly when we were one of the ones leaving Sunday morning. Damn happy to be one of the few staying now.

 Time marches on...



carpe diem

Kerrville-Schreiner

 At one time this was a state park. About 10 years ago the TPWD in a cost saving move deeded several parks to the local city. This is one of them.

  We started out 13 days ago on the banks of the North Llano river. Now we are on the banks of the Guadalupe river. A river well known in Texas.

 A couple of scenes from the park

growing out of a bald cypress stump

 Our route took us thru San Angelo so it seemed a good time for a lunch date. We consider Rachel as a daughter. She was born the same day as Gary,our oldest son. Her mother and Mary were neighbors and grew up together. Accordingly we have watched Rachel grow thru the years.

 We will be here four nights with no real plans so we shall see what develops.

May 2017 map


 Has anyone checked the map link? Informative? Useful? Waste of time? Let me know as I plan to do it in the fall if of some value.



taking it easy on the banks of the Guadalupe



carpe diem

Plan B

 Mary has a plaque that says in part, "life is all about how you handle plan B..."

 Well we are executing plan B now. Originally we were going to head south,turn west and visit Balmorea SP for a couple of days. Did a drive by of the place but that was 25 years ago. After learning the nightmare of highway 285 to Pecos, we turned to plan B.The weather gods are predicted to wreck havoc on plan B, so there yet may be a plan C.

 You know it is going to crap when you spend the night near Big Spring Texas. Nice rv park, just not located in my top 1000 or so places I desire to be.

 Lunch date with a pretty young lady tomorrow so that will help


May 2017 road trip

this morning heater full force, now a/c full force



rosebuds have thawed...

Not real smart people

 We are not real fond of cold weather. It is however necessary to endure some to see things and be places we wish to be. So it is with Cloudcroft. Rain and sleet yesterday, lows down to freezing. It will be clear and cool today with strong winds. Maybe we should not have given away so many of our jackets and coats...

  Had an enjoyable lunch yesterday with friends Wes and Lee. They treated us at a restaurant inside a lodge that is supposed to be haunted. Good food, good conversation, about all anyone can hope for. They have plans to come visit the valley in January and we look forward to their visit. Tried to go to Ruidoso yesterday but weather really started to deteriorate so will try again today. Suddenly running out of time as we leave Friday morning.

 Back here in Scenic Canyon we have enjoyed some campfires and roasted marsh mellows. Jim has a RAZR, off road vehicle, which we used to go get some firewood up in the National forest. Have seen deer and elk visiting our campsite. Has been a fun, relaxing visit.

 Today in Cloudcroft high will be low 50's, back home in the valley it will be 100. Quite a difference



a little ice on those rosebuds...

White Sands

 A little background information might be helpful before we get to White Sands. As the crow would fly it is about 12 miles, as the car drives more like 16, between Cloudcroft and Alamogordo. In those 16 miles you drop 4000 feet in elevation, or climb, depending on direction. Today that change resulted in a 17 degree temperature change. Alamogordo and White Sands are in the Tularosa basin, formed in part by the Sacramento mountains.

 We had visited White Sands before 10 years ago but came again just because. It is pretty impressive to see.

Maggie at rest

carpe diem

Dos Cloudcroft

 Just did a little touring and wine and artisinal cheese tasting today. Cloudcroft is a popular place for Texans to spend the summer. Just as surely as the northerners come to the valley to escape cold winters, Texans come here to escape the heat. At 8000ft elevation summers are quite mild. In fact we will get near freezing before the week is out. Neat little village, touristy in some ways, quiet and comfortable in others. We have been here before and will return again. Also drove out to Bluff springs and ended the evening with friends around a campfire and the obligatory marsh mellow roast. Tomorrow we plan a return to White Sands National Monument, Maggie wants a new magnet.

acting silly with Jim and Renee

carpe diem