Our heart goes out to all affected by Hurricane Harvey....
Ciao for now!
Showing posts with label TX. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TX. Show all posts
NM, TX, LA: rolling through - Trip Home
Monday, October 21, 2013
The weather has been decent if a bit on the cool side in the mornings. We left Las Cruces NM and headed to our next stop in Kerrville, TX. Beautiful country, decent hotel and a good night's sleep and it was on to Carthage, TX. On our way, after surviving a trip through Austin traffic, we had a nice lunch at the Cafe 290 in Manor, TX where Stu got to chat with some firefighters from McAllen TX. Nice guys...we arrived and left at the same time.
Here is a pic of my windshield - the tiny bugs looked like little hairs growing out when viewing from the side. Needless to say, the photo doesn't really show that. LOL!
Why Carthage? Still avoiding the worst weather - rain and coldest temps. Things held for us and we had another decent hotel and a good night's sleep before moving onward to Monroe, LA. That's when things fell apart a little bit... We were about 70 miles out of Monroe when we stopped for a break. I went to get something out of my left saddlebag....
The back bolt holding it on was completely sheared off. Stu attempted a roadside fix but we finally opted to remove it and strap it on top of the trailer until we got to the hotel. Oh, did I mention the fact that the roads in Louisiana ARE THE WORST EVER? No? Well, they are...and not just judging from this trip. LOL!
By the time we got to the hotel we agreed that if the room was nice, we were staying an extra day. It was and we did. We headed out to Logan's Roadhouse for a late lunch/early dinner.
Then we took in a movie, "Carrie". Not as good as the original but good enough to bring the story of bullying (albeit a fictional story) to a new generation. Tomorrow we head out again, taking back roads and avoiding the interstate. Weather is cooling but looks to stay dry. We can layer up but we both HATE riding in the rain. We should be home by Friday!
PS, Stu got the saddle bags bolted back on with Stage 8 bolts. That ought to hold them.
Here is a pic of my windshield - the tiny bugs looked like little hairs growing out when viewing from the side. Needless to say, the photo doesn't really show that. LOL!
Why Carthage? Still avoiding the worst weather - rain and coldest temps. Things held for us and we had another decent hotel and a good night's sleep before moving onward to Monroe, LA. That's when things fell apart a little bit... We were about 70 miles out of Monroe when we stopped for a break. I went to get something out of my left saddlebag....
The back bolt holding it on was completely sheared off. Stu attempted a roadside fix but we finally opted to remove it and strap it on top of the trailer until we got to the hotel. Oh, did I mention the fact that the roads in Louisiana ARE THE WORST EVER? No? Well, they are...and not just judging from this trip. LOL!
By the time we got to the hotel we agreed that if the room was nice, we were staying an extra day. It was and we did. We headed out to Logan's Roadhouse for a late lunch/early dinner.
Then we took in a movie, "Carrie". Not as good as the original but good enough to bring the story of bullying (albeit a fictional story) to a new generation. Tomorrow we head out again, taking back roads and avoiding the interstate. Weather is cooling but looks to stay dry. We can layer up but we both HATE riding in the rain. We should be home by Friday!
PS, Stu got the saddle bags bolted back on with Stage 8 bolts. That ought to hold them.
Oklahoma, Texas and into New Mexico - Rt 66
Friday, September 20, 2013
The days seem to go by in a blur...not sure if it's fatigue or old age. LOL! I'm going to do a quick recap as best as I can recall from photos. We left Tulsa on Tuesday morning, bound for Oklahoma City for the night. We didn't find much to see between the two cities but we were also having some issues with our GPS mapping software and did some additional flip-flopping around.
We finally arrived in Oklahoma City and passed the Memorial site, looking for a parking spot.
We spotted the local Firefighter Union building and pulled into their parking lot. We stopped inside and let them know we were parked there and as expected, they were fine with that.
The memorial outside is beautiful, a quiet setting to reflect on the terror of that day. We went into the museum ($10 admission each) and spent quite some time, visiting, reflecting and shedding a few tears. It's a tremendously emotional experience but we highly recommend it to anyone in the area.
Heading out Thursday morning, we once again fought with the mapping software, trying to stay on track as we left Oklahoma City for parts westerly. Eventually we found our way and headed to Shamrock TX for the night. What a day that was!
The road, once we found it, ended up so incredibly bumpy - concrete with asphalt dumped in patches. We couldn't go the speed limit, it was so rough. Of course the 30+ mph sustained winds didn't help.
We did get a few scenic shots including some fun metal cactus and an "almost" muffler man.
Around Clinton, I think, we went over the Pony Bridge and I managed to snap a decent pic.
Although the weather looking threatening, we stopped for a nice visit at the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, OK. The Route 66 part was small but the village recreations were great...but again, the weather forced us to get back on the bikes and hopefully beat the upcoming storms.
We finally pulled into the Western Motel in Shamrock, still dry!
We were across the street from U Drop Inn, inspiration for one of the buildings in the movie Cars.
It did rain overnight but was just cloudy when we got up. No breakfast so we stopped at McDonalds's just up the road. Most of the day stayed cloudy as we moved towards Amarillo. We stopped for lunch at the Big Texan, home of the 72 oz steak. We had a nice meal and watched a young couple try to beat the clock on the meal. No go but a good attempt!
The afternoon was good, nice roads and little interstate. We grabbed photos as we could and soldiered on to Adrian TX, home of the Mid-Point of Route 66. We had hoped to stop in the cafe for pie and coffee but it was 4:30 and they had just closed.
That worked out okay, we ended up stopping at Russell's Truck & Travel Center in Glenreo, NM. What a find! Don't pass it up...best FREE car museum we've been in, in fact it was better than many we've paid for! Good gift shop, great peach & cherry cobbler in the Route 66 diner, too.
Then it was on to our final destination for the night, the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, NM. Terrific owners (and also riders), comfy bed, great atmosphere in a fun little town.
Tomorrow we head to Albuquerque where we will spend two nights in a Best Western. I'm ready for a day off the bikes, maybe even do a little reading or write my next children's short story.
We finally arrived in Oklahoma City and passed the Memorial site, looking for a parking spot.
We spotted the local Firefighter Union building and pulled into their parking lot. We stopped inside and let them know we were parked there and as expected, they were fine with that.
The memorial outside is beautiful, a quiet setting to reflect on the terror of that day. We went into the museum ($10 admission each) and spent quite some time, visiting, reflecting and shedding a few tears. It's a tremendously emotional experience but we highly recommend it to anyone in the area.
Heading out Thursday morning, we once again fought with the mapping software, trying to stay on track as we left Oklahoma City for parts westerly. Eventually we found our way and headed to Shamrock TX for the night. What a day that was!
The road, once we found it, ended up so incredibly bumpy - concrete with asphalt dumped in patches. We couldn't go the speed limit, it was so rough. Of course the 30+ mph sustained winds didn't help.
We did get a few scenic shots including some fun metal cactus and an "almost" muffler man.
Around Clinton, I think, we went over the Pony Bridge and I managed to snap a decent pic.
Although the weather looking threatening, we stopped for a nice visit at the National Route 66 Museum in Elk City, OK. The Route 66 part was small but the village recreations were great...but again, the weather forced us to get back on the bikes and hopefully beat the upcoming storms.
We finally pulled into the Western Motel in Shamrock, still dry!
We were across the street from U Drop Inn, inspiration for one of the buildings in the movie Cars.
It did rain overnight but was just cloudy when we got up. No breakfast so we stopped at McDonalds's just up the road. Most of the day stayed cloudy as we moved towards Amarillo. We stopped for lunch at the Big Texan, home of the 72 oz steak. We had a nice meal and watched a young couple try to beat the clock on the meal. No go but a good attempt!
The afternoon was good, nice roads and little interstate. We grabbed photos as we could and soldiered on to Adrian TX, home of the Mid-Point of Route 66. We had hoped to stop in the cafe for pie and coffee but it was 4:30 and they had just closed.
That worked out okay, we ended up stopping at Russell's Truck & Travel Center in Glenreo, NM. What a find! Don't pass it up...best FREE car museum we've been in, in fact it was better than many we've paid for! Good gift shop, great peach & cherry cobbler in the Route 66 diner, too.
Then it was on to our final destination for the night, the Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, NM. Terrific owners (and also riders), comfy bed, great atmosphere in a fun little town.
Tomorrow we head to Albuquerque where we will spend two nights in a Best Western. I'm ready for a day off the bikes, maybe even do a little reading or write my next children's short story.
[Please visit all the state albums in SmugMug for a LOT more photos!]
Texas and Tombstone
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
- Livingston (the Escapees mecca)
- South Padre Island
- Mission
- Marathon
- Paris
- Dallas - Museum of Fligh
- Dallas area - Audie Murphy Museum
- Flint
- Pharr where the BRAT Rack was made
- Victoria (with the neatest Harley dealer)
There is still a lot of Texas to see...we'd especially like to stay in the Hill Country area and get in some riding there.
BONUS: Tombstone 2008 / Tombstone 2010
Kites and Klassics
Friday, July 20, 2012
Kites - we're not into kiting but we did take in a huge kiting event at South Padre Island the winter we spent in Mission, TX. You can see a lot more photos here and some videos here.
BONUS: Klassic, cars that is....6 shows!
Texas Theme Park for the Disabled....spread the word!!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
The carousel has chariots for wheelchairs. Braille games decorate side panels on the jungle gym. And table-high sandboxes allow just about any kid to build a castle.
Morgan's Wonderland aims to offer everything a special-needs guest might enjoy at a theme park — while appealing to non-disabled visitors too.
"If it wasn't for searching Google," founder Gordon Hartman said, "it would've taken me a lot longer to put this together."
The result is both inventive and heartwarming: a 25-acre, $34 million park catering every detail to people with physical or mental disabilities, down to jungle gyms wide enough to fit two wheelchairs side-by-side, a "Sensory Village" that's an indoor mall of touch-and-hear activities, and daily attendance limits so the park never gets too loud or lines too long.
Read the full article....
Till next time - keep on rollin',
Donna and Stu
Morgan's Wonderland aims to offer everything a special-needs guest might enjoy at a theme park — while appealing to non-disabled visitors too.
5223 David Edwards Dr. San Antonio, TX 210-495-5888 Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. most weekdays during the summer and 5 p.m. or later on weekends. Check website for specific days. Free admission for persons with special needs and children 2 or younger; adults accompanying person with special needs $10. General admission $15. Reservations recommended. |
"If it wasn't for searching Google," founder Gordon Hartman said, "it would've taken me a lot longer to put this together."
The result is both inventive and heartwarming: a 25-acre, $34 million park catering every detail to people with physical or mental disabilities, down to jungle gyms wide enough to fit two wheelchairs side-by-side, a "Sensory Village" that's an indoor mall of touch-and-hear activities, and daily attendance limits so the park never gets too loud or lines too long.
Read the full article....
Till next time - keep on rollin',
Donna and Stu
Rolling, rolling, rolling....
Monday, January 11, 2010
We headed out of Marathon this morning after picking up our mail at the local Post Office. Our sewer hose was frozen almost solid but since Stu figures it's worked through 4 rigs over 12 years, it didn't owe us a thing. Tossed it out with the other garbage....LOL!
The day warmed up into the mid-50's and mostly sunny. Nice driving, nice scenery (I have pics but a slow connection so will load them later). We stopped several times to stretch our legs. We had originally planned to stop outside El Paso for the night but since we had already moved into Mountain Time Zone, we decided to press onward to the Escapee park, Dream Catcher, in Deming NM.
We did stop at the Camping World in El Paso and picked up a new sewer hose. We also finally bought a folding extension ladder since it was on sale. We can now get rid of the clunky one....this one folds to a very long, narrow profile and can easily be stored in either our basement compartment or in a PVC tube under the rig.
Our next stop was Barnett's Harley-Davidson in Las Cruces, NM. Stu is trying to get a t-shirt (or some article of clothing) from every state. He found a great one for 50% off. Sweet!!!
The sun was quickly setting as we left the HD dealer and before we knew it, Mother Nature was putting on a great show for us. I snapped several shots outside the truck windshield and told Stu to expect even better ones when we get to Quartzsite.
We have changed our original route and are heading to Tucson and Doc Justin's Diamond J RV Park. I haven't stayed there but did visit friends there two years ago. Nice park, out in the country a bit so quiet...lots of wildlife. It' supposed to be upper 60's to low 70's so we can get the bikes out for a bit. We'll stay three nights and then book it to Quartzsite on Friday.
Oh, my friend Ara put up some photos of us on his blog today. Check it out!
EDIT: Photos uploaded to SmugMug
Till next time - keep on rollin',
Donna & Stu
The day warmed up into the mid-50's and mostly sunny. Nice driving, nice scenery (I have pics but a slow connection so will load them later). We stopped several times to stretch our legs. We had originally planned to stop outside El Paso for the night but since we had already moved into Mountain Time Zone, we decided to press onward to the Escapee park, Dream Catcher, in Deming NM.
We did stop at the Camping World in El Paso and picked up a new sewer hose. We also finally bought a folding extension ladder since it was on sale. We can now get rid of the clunky one....this one folds to a very long, narrow profile and can easily be stored in either our basement compartment or in a PVC tube under the rig.
Our next stop was Barnett's Harley-Davidson in Las Cruces, NM. Stu is trying to get a t-shirt (or some article of clothing) from every state. He found a great one for 50% off. Sweet!!!
The sun was quickly setting as we left the HD dealer and before we knew it, Mother Nature was putting on a great show for us. I snapped several shots outside the truck windshield and told Stu to expect even better ones when we get to Quartzsite.
We have changed our original route and are heading to Tucson and Doc Justin's Diamond J RV Park. I haven't stayed there but did visit friends there two years ago. Nice park, out in the country a bit so quiet...lots of wildlife. It' supposed to be upper 60's to low 70's so we can get the bikes out for a bit. We'll stay three nights and then book it to Quartzsite on Friday.
Oh, my friend Ara put up some photos of us on his blog today. Check it out!
EDIT: Photos uploaded to SmugMug
Till next time - keep on rollin',
Donna & Stu
Cold Hands, Warm Hearts
Another cold night, made it down to 12 degrees. This is our last day here and we wanted to visit a good friend of mine, Ara & his pup, Spirit. I first met Ara two years ago when I first headed out on the road. We did some riding together (I had my BMW motorcycle then) and have maintained a loose email friendship.
Ara had picked up some land just outside Big Bend National Park and not too far from the quirky town of Terlingua. He is boondocking in style....a cargo container for his valuables (you don't leave anything out when you leave your land), a tent for enjoying a little more room than the small Class C he normally travels in, and a great firepit area for cooking and conversation.
We headed into Alpine and picked up some chicken breasts, zucchini, green peppers and sweet onion. Ara was planning on firing up the pit for cooking, he already had the bread started.
The drive was about 90 minutes and we started to really get a flavor for the beauty of the area. We met Ara at the local American Legion and followed him in to his land. We spent several hours just gabbing, catching up to date, and watching our dinner cook. Ara was a professional chef and he whipped up a marinade that had our mouths watering way before the food was done. LOL!
About the time dinner was done the temperature decided to take a decided dive. We moved into the tent to eat and after dinner Ara lit the wood stove to keep up toasty.
All in all a great day, too short and a bit too cool, but still a great day for sure!! Be sure to check out Ara's journal and enjoy his gorgeous photos!
Still rolling,
Stu & Donna
Ara had picked up some land just outside Big Bend National Park and not too far from the quirky town of Terlingua. He is boondocking in style....a cargo container for his valuables (you don't leave anything out when you leave your land), a tent for enjoying a little more room than the small Class C he normally travels in, and a great firepit area for cooking and conversation.
We headed into Alpine and picked up some chicken breasts, zucchini, green peppers and sweet onion. Ara was planning on firing up the pit for cooking, he already had the bread started.
The drive was about 90 minutes and we started to really get a flavor for the beauty of the area. We met Ara at the local American Legion and followed him in to his land. We spent several hours just gabbing, catching up to date, and watching our dinner cook. Ara was a professional chef and he whipped up a marinade that had our mouths watering way before the food was done. LOL!
About the time dinner was done the temperature decided to take a decided dive. We moved into the tent to eat and after dinner Ara lit the wood stove to keep up toasty.
All in all a great day, too short and a bit too cool, but still a great day for sure!! Be sure to check out Ara's journal and enjoy his gorgeous photos!
Still rolling,
Stu & Donna
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Stu and Donna