Farther south - Del Rio, Tx

Although we enjoyed Palmetto State Park, we decided to head farther south to Del Rio, close to the Mexico border. The weather is supposed to be sunny and in 70s. 

As we were driving south on Route 90, there wasn’t a lot to see. Mostly flat, arid land so I started looking at the entrances to the different ranch’s. Some were fancy and some just noted the name of the ranch. 

And here’s our destination for the next couple days. A good boondocking spot, very quiet and peaceful. 

After we set up, we took a drive into the town of Del Rio. It was sad to see all the empty stores. The strip malls took the business out of the downtown. 

We were using our GPS to find a grocery and beverage store. It told us the one Bill picked was over the border. Did we want to continue. Oops. We quickly turned around. 

A beautiful sky to end our day here. 

Tomorrow we are going to explore the Amistad Recreational Area. 

Luling TX - Palmetto State Park

We knew we were in Texas when we saw this big star. 

And then we saw something we haven’t seen in 10 days … blue skies and sun. It’s not overly warm but the sun sure helps. 

Palmetto State Park in Luling Texas, is tonight’s spot to camp. It’s about 45 minutes east of San Antonio. Nice, large spaces and great hiking trails. This photo will explain how the campground got its name - palmettos all over the place. 

And then finally after 10 days we have a little sunset. I’ll take it

Night all. 

Still in Lake Arthur, LA

Since the weather isn’t cooperating no matter where we go, decided to stay one more day and night in Lake Arthur. 

Took a ride west to Lake Charles to visit Crying Eagle brewery. We liked the beers, lots of open space both indoor and outdoor. They were decorated for Mardi Gra. Loved the tree. 

Also had a different type of jam in their gift shop. Anyone want to try it?  🤣

Next headed a little more south along the Gulf of Mexico coast. Quite an eye opener. We kept seeing houses with blue tarps covering roofs and campers set up next to the houses. Talked with a Chamber of Commerce docent who told us they are still recovering from a hurricane 2 years ago. In fact, he said he’s rebuilt 6 times!  Hard to believe. Really makes me feel so thankful for what we’ve got. 

Even though it’s too early to see much wildlife, we decided to take the Creole Nature Trail. Saw a couple herons but not much else. I’d enjoy revisiting this place in the spring. 

To get back to our home (RV), we had to take a short 300 yards free ferry ride. 

Saw a few pelicans but that was all

On our last day here (Saturday) we decided to get some housekeeping duties done. Bill washed the car and the motorhome. Bother we’re filthy from the rain and road dirt and I scrubbed the floors and did a load of laundry. 

Headed to Texas tomorrow. But before then, we decided to try a local restaurant called Nott’s Corner in Lake Arthur. Crawfish, eggplant fries, and a bucket of beer. Doesn’t get any more Louisiana than that. We are ready to go back!  

Myers Landing, Lake Arthur Louisiana

Made it to south Louisiana and warmer temps and some sun. We are staying in a little campground with full hookups right on Lake Arthur, which goes into the Gulf of Mexico.

It’s a no frills parks but we have lake view and it’s quiet so we are happy. 

Tomorrow will explore the little towns around Lake Arthur to see what they have. Might even have us some crawdads!  

As we were driving south into Louisiana, this looked interesting but didn’t stop. 

All along the highway south, we passed rice fields. 

And the airboats they used

As we pulled into the campground, we were surrounded by old Live Oak trees with moss hanging from the limbs. That’s how I picture the south. 

Night all. 

Chicot Lake State Park, Lake Village AR

Tonight’s camping spot is just over the Mississippi border into Arkansas. We’ve stayed here before and kayaked on Lake Chicot. That was not going to happen this time. It was cold and raining. 

The bridge across the Mississippi. You can tell by the sky that we didn’t have any blue sky. 

Lake Chicot. Lots of bald cypress trees. 

Still searching for warmer temps and also SUN, we are headed to Louisiana. It’s another state we haven’t camped in before. Driving there in the rain AGAIN. 

Still hunting flip fop weather - headed to Tuscaloosa AL

A foggy start as we got up to prepare to leave and head farther south to Alabama. 

Next stop, Adgar, Alabama. This is one state we needed to stay so we could add it to our list of states. The campground we chose is a Core of Engineer campground. Since we have our Senior America the Beautiful Pass, we pay half of the cost which was $15/ night with water and electric hookups. 

Burchfield Branch Campground is part of a lock and dam on the river. We saw one barge, but didn’t get to see it enter the lock. 

That’s the dam and the lock. 

We hiked a little through the campground. It’s a beautiful setting, quiet, peaceful with NO cell service. Had to drive about 30 minutes to find cell coverage. We both got a lot of reading done. 

Our big entertainment was watching turtles sunning themselves on logs in the river. 

At one point, we counted 10 on one log. 

Yes, I did say sun!  Definitely flip flop weather with 73 degrees. Didn’t get cold in the night either BUT it poured again throughout the night. 

Next stop will be on the Mississippi/Arkansas border. 

Going farther south to Appling Georgia

After about 7 hours on the road, which includes gas and pee stops, we pulled into Wildwood County Park in Appling Georgia. 

We really did well picking this campground, 3 nights with hookups for $60. Gorgeous lake and warmer temps. The nights are in the 30s and days are in the 60s

When we pulled into the campground, our neighbor came over and said they heard a sound coming from the camper. I drove the camper around the camp loop while Bill jogged beside me listening. He found that the wheel cover was loose. That’s tightened now. Next issue Bill has been troubleshooting is the hot water heater won’t light on propane. As long as we are plugged into electric, we have hot water. After listening to some YouTube videos, he’ll dive into the problem. 

Some pics right from our campsite

Can you spot the deer. I think we had 7 deer about 30 yards from camper. 

Morning sunrise. 

Banjo isn’t quite ready to get up yet. 

A nice bike and hike trail from the campground. 

Bill’s new toy. Hoping for s’mores tonight!

Bills been working on the hot water heater since lunch. So far he can’t find the problem. Since this is a weekend and we have electric and have hot water, we’re going to wait till Monday to contact a mobile RV repair. 

Nice campground. There is an International Disc Golf Center. 

Wish it would have been warmer to get the kayaks on the lake. BUT we did have two fires (not quite a Lew Shuffstall fire), several nice hikes and time for Bill to grill steaks. 

Headed for warmer temps

After all the snow and ice in Central PA, we decided to head out early to find warmer temps. Draper Village in Draper , VA is usually our first stop when we head south. We stayed here several times. In the past we’ve been able to hike on the New River Rail to Trail. Unfortunately, the first night wasn’t much warmer and  it raining when we stopped. No hiking this time.

Draper Village has a Mercantile where we had breakfast. A couple of quotes on the wall caught my eye. 

And of course the 12’ chicken that marks where we turn to park. 

They also have a labyrinth that is used by some to meditate. 

 During the night, we could hear the wind whistling outside. Hopefully those winds stop as we head farther south to Georgia.