April 26 to April 27, 2010

Monday – April 26, 2010
I had a relaxing morning and it was nice and cool in the shade. We were the only campers in the tent section so we had a quiet night. Sonora Caverns is in the middle of a working ranch so we saw and heard sheep on the hillside this morning. Earlier Joey spotted some deer. Charlie took the cave tour and he really enjoyed it. The cave is warm unlike others we have visited, 71 degrees and 92 percent humidity! It was a two mile trip with 250 some steps and lots of formations. He took a bunch of pics that he has already posted on Picasa. He was the only guest doing the tour; there was a guide and two new employees. So it was all for him and he liked that! After reading and walking most of the time he was in the cave, I got a head start on packing up the camper so we were ready to go when Charlie got back. I had eaten a yogurt and Charlie had some cereal earlier. Even though it was getting close to lunch time we headed out thinking we would go to a Subway. Big mistake. We headed south, but very soon the road took a turn slightly west and then north. Worse, the road is not on the map. On the Garmin the road was being created as we went along, so we didn't know where we were going and there were no roads to turn onto. About this time I am having fun, and Charlie is thinking about how much gas we have and all sorts of practical matters. We crossed cattle guards, met burros in the road, went into many dips with flood gauges next to them measuring up to 6 feet. All was dry though fortunately. We thought we must be on someone's ranch but then we passed gates to different ranches that were secured. We even passed the 'Happy Trails Ranch'. Perhaps Roy Rogers old place? Eventually, to my disappointment, and to Charlie's relief we went under I-10 and then on-ramped and headed west again. We quickly got to Rt 163 heading south and travelled about 80 miles back to Rt 90. Still all open country. We arrived in Comstock thinking something would be there. And there was: The Seminole Inn Cafe looking dusty and dirty. The Quick Stop (Beer – Ice 24-7 fuel) where we got gas and ice. A big Border Patrol facility. But we were back on Rt 90 at last. So the wreck on the bridge on Rt 90 that closed the road near Del Rio, the closed road to the west due to high water, and the road not on the map going north, all caused us to drive an additional 200 miles on our way to Langtry. But we didn't give up, and we enjoyed our visit to Sonora. Next we crossed the Pecos River over a canyon. When we got to Langtry there was still nowhere to eat, for Charlie at least. They only had hamburgers and BBQ down the street. Plus it was about 90 degrees there and Joey was not allowed inside the visitors center which we had to go through to get to the exhibits. So we opened up the camper on the side of the road and ate some string cheese and fruit cups. It was amazing how much better we felt after that. We put Joey in the camper with the windows and roof vents open and he was very comfortable. We saw Judge Roy Bean's courthouse and saloon. It is the original building in the original location. There is a billiard room attached to it, which is where he died. He also had built a home for himself that he named the Opera house. It is thought that he hoped to entice the famous actress, Lily Langtry, to come there to see the Opera house and the town named after her. She finally did come, but not until after he died. I know the story from the Paul Newman movie, but I should read about it one of these days. Thanks to Glenda for recommending we visit the cactus garden there. We probably would have missed it. Glenda was right, most of the cactus are in bloom now. There were many varieties and all were beautiful. Charlie took lots of pics. He posted a few but I am going to go back and post more of the garden and other things, and add captions, when I get a chance. The visitor center there is part ot the Texas Pecos Trail, as is Rt 90, and they provide lots of local information. As Jeanne suggested, we got the big Texas guidebook. All the info and the exhibits were free. There is a store across the street where I got my magnet and a few other things. Our long detour to get here was well worth the trip. From there we continued on Rt 90 to Marathon to spend the night. It was about a 2 hour drive through more open country. We are staying at the Marathon Motel and RV Park, right next to the railroad track! The track is even closer, but the trains are not so loud for some reason. Getting used to them? We got a few things at the 'French Grocery'. Only store in town, and everything cost three times as much as we are used to. We settled for lunch meat and bread and chips, and ate some other stuff we already had. We have wifi so Charlie got on the computer and stayed on it most of the night I think. I was tired out so went to bed early after watching a beautiful sunset over the hills. The temperature was dropping all evening so we kept the camper buttoned up all night.

Tuesday – April 27, 2010
Happy Birthday little sister! I miss you. We woke up to a cold and windy morning. Didn't turn on the heater, but I got up during the night and put on a sweater and an extra blanket on Joey. I put his fleece sweater on him to take him out. It warmed up later and it is a beautiful clear day. I took a shower and I was so taken with the bathroom I considered taking a picture of it. It is a single bathroom, like in a house. Like a master bath, with mexican tile, brass fixtures, little guest soaps, a heater, and a lock on the door so I had it all to myself. There is nothing like camping for two weeks to make you appreciate the little things in life....like indoor plumbing! Well I am going to post these notes and we will be leaving soon for Big Bend. We will be there at least a couple of days. Since it is mostly state and national parkland, I don't know if we will have wifi or cell phone service again for awhile. Talked to Sarah, and it was good to hear her voice. I miss everyone and the pups and kitties at the SPCA!