Tuesday, March 30 - Day 20
Monahans, TX to South Llano River State Park, TX
Last night I made it to Monahans Sanddunes State Park near Monahans, TX way after dark, and I hate not getting to a campground during daylight hours. But that's the price one pays for getting lost on sideroads. As I noted in my journal yesterday, the place looked pretty spooky - just one other camper in sight, and a moon (blue!) casting an eerie light on the dunes.
This morning, matters looked decidedly better. The eerie dune in back of the van looked anything but scary.
I really like this park and recommend it highly. There are a lot of fun things to do, especially for children. Climbed the dune and was rewarded with a nice view of the campsite.
Was ready to roll by 9:30. Temperature had climbed to 58F from the night's low of 48F. Drove to the visitors center to pay for the site. $8.00 for a site with water hook-up. Had I hooked up electricity as well, it would have been $12.00.
With the most beguiling smile I could muster (which my beloved daughter, Stefanie, calls "that unbearably silly grin") I asked the lady at the desk "would you know of any place nearby where I might hook up my modem? I haven't been able to send and receive since last Thursday." Well, Debbie Hall took pity on me (or was it my smile?) and she gave me a phone line for the 45 minutes it took to upload three sections of the journal and to download over 50 messages. So, if you follow my recommendation and visit this park, please ask for Debbie and say "Hi" for me.
Then took TX 18 to Fort Stockton. Drove through town a couple of times, nothing special. After that, had no excuse for not taking I-10 eastbound. Actually, I-10 wasn't bad at all. Pretty wildflowers along the way, a blessed absence of billboards, and a slowly descending road that would cut through mountains from time to time.
Jumped off at Sheffield to follow TX 290 (part of the Texas-Peco Trail) to Ft. Lancaster. Although the fort was closed, I got some pretty photos along the way.
Past the fort, the road winds uphill and there is a rest area and historic marker at the crest. Worth a stop, because you learn how this important trade route got to be called "Government Road." Unfortunately, matters get a bit junky and run down for the rest of the way back to I-10.
Hopped off again at Sonora and found a place to refill the propane tank. It took 10 gal ($10.00). That seems like reasonable propane consumption, considering that I've used the heater a great deal. The previous tank filling lasted from last May until November, essentially used only for water heating and the stove.
Made it to Junction, TX and headed for South Llano River State Park and Wildlife Protection Area. Judged by the road kill, there are a lot of deer around. Didn't see any live ones yet. But after I backed the van into the site and opened the rear doors, saw some Texas turkeys in the rear view mirror.
Like last night's campground, this one is worth a visit. There are wildlife viewings and walking trails, and the bath house is terrific. Easily spent 30 minutes in the shower! The friendly lady at the reception desk told me it would be no problem to connect my modem tomorrow. Cost of the site with water and electricity is $12.00, including the $2.00 park access fee. What a bargain! I must say, every Texas state park I have visited has been a scenic and comfort delight. I'd rank Texas right up with Georgia as the top state campgrounds I have visited so far.
With all the work on the journal, lost track of time and it was 9:30 before I thought of dinner. Decided to grill a couple of hot dogs and went outside to start a fire. What a night! Full moon, no need for a flashlight. Sparkling stars in the sky, not a single artifical light around to pollute the view, and no man-made sound to offend the ear. This is what camping is all about, as far as I'm concerned. Although the temperature had dropped to 55F I decided to eat outdoors, comfortable in the warm sweater that my hosts in Coronado had given me. Thanks again, Dan and Rory.
Drove 278 miles today, was on the road for 5 1/4 hours.