Feb 2 - The little person mentioned occasionally by the Rambling writer would like to have her say...notes of a more practical nature than the usual observations here recorded. For instance, how have we survived 70 days in our little space, specially since winter short hours of daylight and cooler temperatures mean we aren't really camping, but truly living in our space?

Very well, actually. Larry has it to himself while I have my morning nap, during which he puzzles or writes and has a cup of tea, and lays out bagels, cereal etc. We are out and about during the day, or driving, and evenings are spent reading, cards, writing, slide shows, lots of planning, and very seldom t.v. I love the days we can stay set up and go hiking, biking, or sight-seeing, and I love moving days when we head out for some place new. I love the life, when Stony cum Mr. Sociable does all the work. Not only chatting up strangers for stories, but also for all-important information. He does all the driving, 95% of the planning, all the set-up and break-down (which is pretty darned easy, but still)....I do the challenging job of levelling the rig, I must add, and push the button for the slide-out.

We do all of the shopping together and share laundry duties. With all that, he still thinks that washing the dishes is his job, so I have to be quick to keep him out of the sink after dinner. Which brings me to my job- cooking. Since that is pretty minimalist, it is no big deal, other than trying to be creative and learn how to not-cook. The oven igniter doesn't work, but we have 3 burners, micro and BBQ. Each area sells its own specialties to spice up our menus, so we have muffeletta mix, Cajun and creole spices and sauces, Tobasco and pecan rice from New Iberia, sausages and spatzle from Fredericksburg, and mustards from everywhere, and fresh fish and shrimp when not in the desert.

Best buys? Whole bbq'd chickens for $5., 2 for 1 packages of  Caesar salad, russet potatoes and yams, and spicy rice mixes - just add shrimp and-or sausage. And go out for local specialties and beer.

That is all the little person has to say. Mr. Congeniality will be back with more esoteric ramblings and worthwhile reading in the next instalment. Or below.

OK! I can add that we came to Big Bend Park of mountain and canyon and desert for 3 nights, extended for 2 more, and lucked into 2 more on the other side of the park from where we were. Terlingua, to Rio Grand Village for those familiar with the area. Aside from the fantastically interesting landscape and hiking opportunities, we have found a little pocket of perfect weather, and are staying until it ends.

Tuesday - It ended. Mr. Congeniality here. We did indeed have two great days in the east end of the park, hiking a canyon, climbing a ridge to watch the sun set on the Sierra del Carman (on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande), and doing a 6 mile hike to the hot springs. The latter was great going there, especially when we found the hot pool right on the Rio Grande's edge. Had a great soak beside the river, looking at Mexico only a few yards away. Then hiked back in 90 degree heat. Nearly did me in, although not so the 'little person', who coaxed me along. But we made it, and enjoyed a cold beer as a reward. Next time I drink more water. It was a struggle.

Later yesterday, two things happened. First of all, a major dust storm...high winds threw dust into the air, fine dust that even invaded our little nook, while wiping out any view of the mountains we had viewed the night before. The wind howled, putting us in mind of how it must be in Beijing in their dust season. Then, our power disappeared. I went to the camp store, and found out that a major power transfer station had caught fire at Panther Junction. No power left in the entire huge park. Not only that, but the fire spread, so that people had to be evacuated out of Panther Junction, the site of park headquarters. People had to be escorted along the road to get away from the fire, which we saw this morning as having been quite extensive across the desert in that area. Still smoking in places this morning, and still no power in our area.

So we did the candle and lantern thing last night, still had our water, and survived quite well. Even the furnace continued to work, which was good, as we went from 90F to about 34 last night. Good time to make our way along the road to new horizons. So here we are, just outside of El Paso, awaiting the temp to drop to 27F, and hoping it won't freeze up our water system. Stay tuned.