Texas Sure is Big
We have been hanging out in the Rio Grand Valley for one week now having exited Mexico last Friday. Neither of us has ever spent any time in Texas to speak of although in my trucking days we did haul a few loads to and from Texas but during those days one hardly had any time for anything except productivity and making a buck.
Explaining to our friends in Mexico over this last winter that we would not be returning but would plan to look at Texas for hanging out in future winters brought mixed responses, such as, hang on to your hats, its windy in Texas. You won't be able to put out your awning cause the wind will destroy it. It gets cold there and the weather can be miserable for extended periods over the winter. We listened to all, and filed away all advise and comments but still felt it was worth a look.
One week is hardly enough to cement our feelings about Texas but so far, we have had to hang on to our hats, we haven't been able to put out our awning and leave it down because while gone it could be destroyed. We experienced 100 degree's on the day we arrived in Texas and two days later it didn't make it out of the 60's, but that only lasted one day and since it has been a respectable temp in the low 80's with nights getting down to the low 60's. That extra blanket on the bed feels good.
All of the advise and comments from our friends has been accurate as mentioned above but, hold on to your hats! We are lovin' it.
Take today as an example. We are now staying out in the country at a very nice Coast to Coast park, Lazy Palms Ranch. It is so quiet hear you could hear a pin drop. Well, that is if the wind quit blowing! We tested out the pool and hot tub early this afternoon and there was only one other couple there. We visited with them and were told they are "winter snow birds" from Illinois and have been wintering in this park since 1990. I worked many hours outside cleaning the road grime off the 'tininthewind' and the brisk breeze was welcomed keeping the 80 plus degree's tolerable. It was brisk enough to blow my hat off so I just went without. A bad hair day can be cured with a good hair cut. Kathleen rode her bike throughout the park as all the roads were easy going, and yes when going from South to North, the wind pushed her right along!
We love the wide open spaces, the friendly people, the great restaurants, and so far we are ok with the strong winds. We are going to spend the next couple of weeks exploring Texas before beginning to head North and will continue to blog about what we find. For now, we are "happy campers."
