Big Bend- Day 1 & 2

We made the long haul to Big Bend National Park. This Park is huge. I believe that it took us 1.5 hours to get from the front gate to our campground.

The campground was organized by site, but primitive in terms of hookups (ie. electrical, water, sewer). I am very proud to say that we made it 7 days on solar power and propane..... and the occasional use of generators.

The day after our arrival, I went for a run up the road to do my usual "first exploration".

Our campground was 20 miles away from the Visitor Centre.

I didn't realize how difficult the run was going to be.......

We had come from Sea Level and were now almost 2000 feet above it. The hills and altitude made it one tough run. I managed a respectable 11.5 miles.

Andrew and I were both excited about this trip because our friends Matthew and Dr. Ana were flying to Dallas, picking up a motorhome, and meeting us at the park.

I couldn't wait to experience the park with our friends.

My run got me psyched with the beautiful views.

Next post....... "Our friends arrive".


Gotta run.

Big Bend National Park

All I can say is "Wow!". What an incredible visit.



I've got limited wifi and cell service at the new campground...... Its been a huge problem throughout our journey.

We are heading home in a week...... Hope to be able to post more.

Gotta run.

Guataloupe River State Park

We stayed here for a few days.......


The sites were very nice but the park is in a dessert.



The trails were made of dirt, rocks, and cacti.



Sadie says: "had to be on a leash cause Mum thought I would run into a cactus. It was hot. When I am hot I stick my tongue out. Look how pink it is."


I went to the river on the last day.


Wished I had gone sooner.


Was incredible.


The root systems are amazing.


This tree had the coolest base.


Here it is up close.


Guess I wouldn't have seen so much if the water was higher.


I did see a rattle snake sunning on the road when I was on a run. Cool!

Gotta run.

I'm going to be in Big Bend National Park for the next week. There is no phone or cell service. Not sure when I will be able to post again.

Pat O'Brien's in San Antonio

I didn't know there was more than one Pat O'Brien's.....



...... But San Antonio has one!

Gotta get yourself a a Hurricane here.

Location:Losoya St,San Antonio,United States

Delighted with detergent.

I absolutely love my husband (he posted this first part.... it's true but not relevant), and Tide plus Febreze Sport.

Generally, I find that sports clothes start to smell 'stale' after several washes.

Tide Sport removes the stale smell and leaves clothes smelling fresh for days. I can't believe how awesome it is!!!!!

The bad news...... It can't be used with HE washing machines.

When I get home I'm going to have to go back to my regular detergent. That sucks!!!!!

You Gotta try this.





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a few things i learned on the road.........

This post was inspired by an email I sent to a girlfriend.

- Our Airstream is too small for the 3 of us. A day doesn't go by where I don't crack my head off a cupboard or smash my elbow against the wall while trying to dress.

- Trailer parks aren't as dumpy and ghetto as I thought (although there have been a couple that exceeded that expectation). I prefer State Parks to trailer parks.

- You can only spend so much time in the US before you have to start paying US taxes. Unfortunately, we have to cut or trip short because of that.

- I miss my bed.

- There are US counties that do not sell or serve alcohol. WTF?

- Going south doesn't necessarily mean avoiding freezing temperatures. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate any winter day I can walk outside without 12 layers of clothes on.

- I miss my shoes...... and boots.... and sandals.... and heels.

I have a fabulous dressing room/ closet.

- There are US counties where you can pick up a 6 pack of beer to go....... from a bar. Guess you need a little something for the ride home?! WTF?

- Peach Moonshine that was made by someone's great, great granddad can Knock You On Your Ass.......

..... or face as it were.


- I am enamoured with the Georgia accent; I found myself wanting to say "Ya'll" and "Yes Ma'am" while we were there.

- 'Texans' are as friendly as Canadians and I love it here. If no one objects, I am making myself an honorary Texan.

Anyone know where can I find a Texas longhorn t-shirt that is made for a woman?

- Pennsylvania is a beautiful state. I have never seen so many trees and rolling hills.

- I have confirmed my opinion that most people are good, that most people want to smile and say 'hello', and most people want to connect with others.

- I am afraid to try the moonshine cherries I bought at a rally in Hiawassee.

- Never thought I would get excited to shower in a park facility (the shower in the Airstream is pitifully small). Hell has frozen over.

- Learned about my love of jellyfish and the Gulf of Mexico...... never realized how much I could love the beach. I love that it is constantly changing and evolving. There is always something new to see or experience.

-People can exist without ego. Andrew and I have found that we get along very well with people who are much older than we are because of this fact (Don't get me wrong, there are people of all ages who still act like they are children). I want to surround myself with genuine people.

- I miss my clothes.

Believe it or not, I also have a walk-in closet with my formal wear, coats & jackets, running clothes, and handbags.

- I know how fortunate I am to be on this journey. I am humbled every day. I try not to take things for granted. I am not perfect by any means...... I can be petty, stubborn and childish. I can say for certain that I have far too much attachment to 'my possessions' but I do make a conscious effort to better myself and grow as a person.

Life is SHORT......
“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching,
Love like you'll never be hurt,
Sing like there's nobody listening,
And live like it's your last day on earth.”


Gotta live life to the fullest.

Aquarium.

Sea horses are fun to watch.

Like most aquatic life....... they don't stay still for photographs.

Pretty colour.

So many colourful things to look at.

You're a star!!!!!!

Looks like it could be a bird.

Where ever the shark is in the tank........ he appears to be looking at you. Intimidating. I really got a good look at those choppers and I wouldn't want to get a body part stuck in his mouth.

As long as this piranha keeps it's mouth closed it doesn't look that scary.

My favorite fish.

So delicate.

This is a Moon Pie Jellyfish.

This is how I usually see the Moon Pie....... dead on the beach.

Got to see the dolphins playing with their toys.

They are always smiling.

This is part of their performance.

The otters looked like they were having a blast.

They would rest for a minute and then hop back in the water.

At the end of the day I would have to say the Texas State Aquarium was not worth the trip to Corpus Christi. It cost us almost $40 for entry and parking. The exhibits were interesting but very limited. If you can't get a discount or coupon I wouldn't recommend going.

Gotta tell it like it is.

Falling in love with the Gulf of Mexico.

Everyday, I get to see new and different things that have been washed ashore.

This coffee mug was stuck (with the help of algae) to the metal lid of what appeared to be a cooler.

This looked like a landmine from a distance (up close it resembled a helmet). Here's the curious bit........ the next day special police and beach officials dug a big hole in the sand and blew something up. Hmmmmmm?

This is as close as I was allowed to get to the explosion site.

'A toad with spikes and lips?'.

Found out that it was a Puffin Fish. It has several names, one of wich is 'Toadfish".

Puffin fish (Tetraodontidae) are a delicacy in Japan, China and Korea........ and are VERY poisonous. If prepared incorrectly, they can cause death. YIPES!!!!!!!

This is what the Puffin does when it wants to scare off predators. That is one ugly fish.

Speaking of poisonous fish...... The 'Portuguese Man O War' has tentacles that can cause stinging, burning, redness, difficulty with breathing, and cardiac arrest.

Don't mess with this innocent looking jelly fish.

This big boy was over 2.5 feet long (30 inches). I'm sure he filled the bellies of several birds.

There has been a lot of vegetation lately.

Thought of shallots when I saw these. Anyone for some Ocean Salad?

Don't stop reading yet..........I want to mention that I have been featured in a Q & A @ Just Running. Make sure to check it out. Thanks Christina!!!!!!!


Gotta run.