Friday, Feb 23 - My, the time is flying by. Still lots of weather back home, according to the MacKays, who filled us in about the 'hood' this evening. Great to talk to them. And even here there is weather. Tucson had snow yesterday, and even Las Vegas has had snow, maybe for the first time. And at home there is the chance of big winds on the week-end. It's been one crazy winter everywhere.

Last we spoke we were trying to decide what to do for our last day in the Big Bend Park area. The choice was to go to the State Big Bend Park, where we spent a day three years ago. There's a neat canyon, Closed Canyon, that we'd hiked, as well as a HooDoo area further along the Rio Grande. So that's what we did. Both hikes were enjoyable, short but worth doing. After that we wandered around the Terlingua Ghost Town, checking out the rather sad old cemetery and other sites. The Ghost Town is going through a rediscovery, so there has been a surge of AirBnBs', which a lot of locals are concerned about. Good to see growth, but sad it's changing the tone of the place.Sounds like the County.

Next day we drove to the Fort Davis Mountains, and set up camp in the State Park. Then we drove up to the McDonald Observatory, and took in a lecture about the Sun. They have the second largest telescope in the world here, and are able to do direct observations of our main star. As with all such lectures, it leaves you feeling totally like a speck of sand in the desert. Two billion stars like the sun in our solar system alone, and zillions of other solar systems in the broad universe. We are but nothing.

We then did a nice little up and down hike back in the park, and called it a day. We were lucky to spot four lovely mule deer at the bird feeding station, which was a highlight. During our stay there, we also saw a few birds we hadn't seen before, and a pair of javelinas, so that was good. Next day, we did a two trail hike of about 5 miles, up a pretty good incline, and then another, and then down a steep grade. The area is very pretty, and although desert in nature, it has  fields of soft yellow grass that lend a different look to the topography.

Next morning, Anna did a 1.5 hour walk with a group that brings homeless dogs to the park, hoping  that someone will adopt one. Anna had a cute little chihuahua, but we didn't let her keep it, mean grand-parents that we are. Then it was on to El Paso, for a reasonably early check in, and laundry chores. They happened to have a hot tub, so that felt pretty good. No wifi or t.v., but we're getting used to that.

Today we went to the Franklin State Park, which is actually within the city limits of El Paso, and did a 3 hour hike, 900 foot vertical, for quite spectacular views of the city, of New Mexico, and across the river to Juarez, a huge metropolis on the Mexican side. It was a fairly tough hike, but well worth it for the views and the exercise.

What next? Tucson has had snow, and quite cold temps, if you can believe it. So we decided to come here to a place most of you have never heard of, Alamogordo, New Mexico. We're north of the huge military base, Fort Bliss, in the White Sands area, not far from where the first Atomic Bomb test was done.  We came here to delay our advance to Tucson, and to visit the Space Museum/Theatre complex here. Got a nice spot in a mobile home park, and went to a terrific grocery store, Albertson's, to stock up. Rain ended the day, but we were snug in our little house, so no matter.

Tomorrow we'll do the Museum Complex, then the White Sands National Monument, and then decide whether to stay here or go on to Las Cruces. Perhaps Tucson on Sunday, when the weather is supposed to be better. After that? Who knows! Anna claims she will depart from Tucson for San Diego, so we have to face that. It's been great having her along for the past couple of weeks, and we'll miss her when she goes out on her own.

One final little bit about interesting people we've met. This one was Phillip, an 80 year old who rides a dirt bike all over the country. He decided after a serious accident when he was young that he would look after one person in his life, and decided that that person was him. So he's knocked around for the rest of his life, here, there, and everywhere. He had many stories, talked non-stop, and clearly has an eye for ladies, as he mentioned several that he had spent time with. He had two pieces of advice for Anna. "One, never go anywhere without clean underwear. And two, marry rich!" He was fun to listen to, as conversation was definitely one way.

That's all for now. More later. Stay tuned. Some pictures follow. The first is of two javelinas that make a daily stop at the bird feeding station to feed on whatever they can scrounge. Along came four mule deer, who were spooked off by the jav's. But one intrepid fellow with a powerful thirst edged his way slowly, ever watchful of his adversaries, and finally got to the water tank for a good drink. Interesting to watch the approach-avoidence the mule deer displayed, all the while ignored by the javelinas. They just kept munching away.
The next three shots were taken this morning on our hike up into the heights of the Franklin Mountains. Which way to go? We made it! Finally a shot of El Paso below, a huge sprawling metropolitan area, especially when Juarez is taken in as part of the scene.

Sunday Feb 17 - Almost a week since my last post. So lots to catch up on.

We are now in Big Bend National Park, our third night. We love this place. Vast, magnificent mountain ranges and such varied surface features. And large. We had to drive 50 miles today to get to the hiking we wanted to do. The weather has also been great...30C yesterday, and 25C today. Anna is not a heat lover so it's been a little tough for her, but she was quite happy with the lower temp today.

Our last two days in San Antonio were good. Anna and I biked to one of the Missions, and had a good look around. Then we all took the bus into the city and visited the Briscoe Museum of Western Art, which is great. Some wonderful paintings of western scenes and some fine bronze sculptures of frontier figures, native, cowboy and animal. A real treat for the eyes, if you're ever in San Antonio. In addition we walked and biked the river valley, and did the River Walk twice. One of our favorite cities in the U.S.

We left San Antonio for Seminole Canyon Park, where Gail and I have been twice before (and Anna once when she and her family did their great semester tour 5 years ago). We hiked 6 miles along the canyon rim, unfortunately running out of time before we could get to the Rio Grande. A good hike after a longish day in the r.v. And we had a fine campsite at the top of the park, so were able to enjoy a lovely sunset.

Here in Big Bend, we've done a total of 5 hikes in our two days here. We're camped in Terlingua, outside of the park, as it being President's Week-end, all campsites in the park are full.  So we drive in, and do our thing, enjoying the beautiful scenery. Yesterday we did three relatively short hikes for a total of about 3-4 miles, as it was so hot. But today we did a 6 mile hike (round trip) to the hot springs, which are right on the Rio Grande. Lots of ups and downs, but a really good test in the warm weather. Enjoyed the hot springs as well, as it provided a nice respite before we headed back. Gail and I capped it off with another walk while Anna took it easy, again along the Rio Grande into a box canyon.

So now we have to decide what to do tomorrow. Either another day in the park, or go to the nearby Big Bend State Park to find a canyon we enjoyed three years ago. Then on to the north, perhaps to Fort Davis, and then on to El Paso. We're working our way west, folks. And loving having Anna along. Keeps us old folks from fighting all the time.

I'll post a few pictures, having said enough for one post. Most of them will be Anna and Gail enjoying our various adventures. The first is of Anna and Gail on one of the little bridges in the River Walk area of San Antonio. Second is one of the many fine paintings of western figures as mentioned above. Third, and on, outdoor adventures, a game of crib, and relaxing at the hot springs. Wonderful scenery here in Big Bend. All for now. More later. Stay tuned.

Wednesday, Feb. 11 - I've been delinquent, as it's been almost a week since the last posting. Galveston has come and gone, and a good part of our stay in San Antonio as well. However, it's been mostly good, especially since we are now three. We picked up Anna, our grand-daughter at the airport yesterday, and are very happy to have her with us. We've rearranged the r.v., and it's working out well. So we look forward to having her with us for the next few weeks.

About Galveston. Foggy foggy foggy. Every day for three days, except the second, when we got a break in the afternoon. However, it didn't stop us from cycling and walking, as any rain seemed to come in the evening or night. We did the entire seawall on our bikes, from end to end, a distance of 30 plus kms return, and we did it twice. So it was an okay visit to a city we've grown somewhat attached to, as it's the fourth time we've been there. We know it pretty well.

From there to San Antonio, I unwisely, some might say, decided to go the long way. Rather than tracking over to Interstates that go by Houston, I wanted to see what Galveston Island is like its full length. This led us to many highways and biways that meant an extra two or three hours of driving. However, it was instructive, as we saw more huge petroleum and gas processing plants along the south shore, adding to the impression we had driving to Galveston past Port Arthur. This whole area is built on oil and gas processing, jobs galore, but not very pretty.

San Antonio. We're lucky to be in the same park as last year, right next to the river valley and therefore perfect for walking and cycling. Short version: since arriving three days ago, I've done 32 kilometers on foot and also 32 cycling. Anna and I did 12 kms walking today (Gail rode her bike, as her shins are bothering her). And Gail and Anna did a good 2 hour walk yesterday while I cycled, so we've got the poor girl well initiated.

There is a considerable celebration of Chinese New Year here, with a lantern parade on the river for the next two weeks, which we'll go to see tomorrow night. On Saturday, there was an event involving the launching of paper lanterns in the river. We bought one for 5 bucks, and put the names of our parents, and Sharon's parents, on the lantern, and then along with hundreds of others, placed the lit lanterns in the river. Quite a sight to see, with hundreds of people showing up, despite the cold weather. A picture or two follows.

We had hoped to go on to Austin on Thursday, but couldn't get a site in any of the rv parks. This is Presidents Week, so the parks are booked up. This led us to decide to head west, so we're booked into Seminole Canyon for Thursday night. Then on to Big Bend National Park after that. Looks like we'll be going on to Arizona after all. Weather has been quite cool, only 3 or 4 on the week-end, but a lot better today. Sposed to go to 20 tomorrow. Finally!!!

Should mention one interesting character met at a bar this week. He's a 30 year old bike courier, of Mexican descent, with perfect English, and rather bizarre attitudes. He is a member of a Texas Cesessionist movement, (small, but he claims growing). He has no use for government or the Presidency, thinks they're all controlled by big money. Doesn't vote, because he sees no point. Convinced that population numbers world-wide are inflated to create the sense of need and thus raise consumerism. We talked for an hour, while Gail chatted with a lovely holidaying RN on her side. Bars are the best place to meet people, with many Americans quick to start up a conversation. And this time we were only drinking hot chocolate and coffee, as it was mid-afternoon.

Anyway, enough of these ramblings. More later. Stay tuned.

Gail putting our lantern into the river. We were at the beginning of the process, so by the end of the two hours, there would have been hundreds of lanterns in the river, floating around. They were in a corner of the River Walk, with a barricade ensuring the lanterns didn't get into the main river system. A very nice event.

Tuesday, Feb 5 - Greetings from fog-bound Galveston. No sign of it lifting off either, as it was here when we arrived, the fog, that is, and it will likely be here until we leave on Thursday. However, it's pleasantly warm, despite the dampness that fog produces, so we'll go for a bike ride along the sea wall later.

We had a problem with steering vibration on the drive from New Orleans to Lake Charles, enough to make me nervous for the whole drive. Fear of a blow-out on roads under construction, with narrow lanes between concrete barriers, makes you tense up a bit, so I was glad when we got to our park in Lake Charles. A friendly reception guy told us of an alignment shop in town, so first thing Monday morning, we were there. A quick check of my right front tire revealed a sizable bump, so over to the Goodyear shop to get a new pair installed on the front. Now she drives like the queen she is.

We then drove part of the Acadian Nature Trail, stopping at one site to look at a few birds and a couple of gators, then proceeded across the short ferry at Cameron, and past the mega processing plants (oil and gas) at Port Arthur. It's like going through a science fiction setting, the vastness of the installations so mind-boggling. It was foggy all along the coast as well, so we hardly saw the Gulf during that drive. On to catch the larger ferry that takes you to Galveston Island, and here we are.

About the 6 pictures I posted last writing. Just so you know I know of what I post. There were several creatures depicted, and you can try your best to decide which ones were which. A Patagonian Cavy; A silverback gorilla; a black and white ruffer lemur; two painted dogs; several blackfoot penguins (South African); and a swordfish made entirely of garbage found in the oceans. All of these were taken at the Audubon Aquarium and Zoo.

So time to go for a ride. Come along with us...wish you could. All for now. Stay tuned. More later.

Super Bowl Day, Feb. 3 - Not a good night for the old boy last night. Rampant congestion kept me awake for most of the late hours. Feel better when up and around, so this too shall pass.

Today is catch-up day, which rvers need once in awhile. We were so busy doing things in NO, that we need a day just to relax, heal, clean, do laundry, go for a walk (not much around here to walk to, as we went 2 kilometers up along the highway last evening, and not a bar to be seen). We have a little front end problem with the rig, as it was chattering all the way from NO. The man on the desk gave me a reliable alignment outfit in town, so first thing tomorrow that will be the prime order of the day.

As for NO, we tried to do some things we hadn't done before, rather than just wander about. So we did the WWII Museum, the Aquarium, and the Zoo. We were also planning to do the Mardi Gras Museum and the Museum of Southern Art, but ran out of time. Thoroughly enjoyed all three attractions. Could have spent the entire day in the War Museum, which is excellent. We focused on the Invasion of Normandy, and the Pacific War, both of which were very informative, and presented in quite a balanced way. It wasn't all "Look how we Americans saved the world", which I had feared it might be.

As for Aquarium and the Zoo, you can buy a combined ticket, which saves some bucks. Both were very good. In addition to the exhibits in the Aquarium, we saw two large screen films, one dealing with the Antarctica, and another Hurricane Katrina...both films excellent. As for the zoo, we closed the place down, and managed to see nearly everything. Both facilities are produced by the Audubon Society, a guarantee that quality is the word. Lots of pictures at both facilities, which I always enjoy.

Aside from that, we spent time on Frenchmen's Street, visiting our favorite bar/music places...The Spotted Cat, Maison, and Bamboulas. A beer, some food, and good music, rather than the noise and rock and overthetop stuff that goes on on Bourbon Street. Not to say there aren't some good places on the main party drag, but we prefer Frenchmen's. Also saw an excellent concert at the Jazz Museum, featuring Wes 'Warmdaddy' Anderson, who has worked with the Marsalis band for 30 years. He was very good (alto sax) with an excellent quartet.

Riding the bus in from our r.v. park was always interesting, as we were generally the only folks of whiteness on the ride in. People always treated us with courtesy, and were interesting to observe or chat with. The last day, however, the bus was very late for some reason, and as a result, it was packed by the time we got midway to Canal Street. And there was a lot of chatter and anger aimed at the bus driver, for being so late. No riots or anything, but the riders had lots to say. And of course, a guy in a wheelchair had to be set up when he got aboard, and that took time. And an old gal with a walker took forever to get off at her stop. And another old guy took quite awhile to get his bike off the front of the bus when he got off. So it was a long but entertaining ride into town.

There were a lot of homeless people on the streets as well, many of them young people with their dogs, generally clustered together seated on the sidewalk, maybe playing some tunes. And there were also the loners sleeping under their layers, sad to see on the very cool evenings. But we have this too, but with a slightly different character, because there's really no place like this city. Characters abound.

So a good week once we decided what to do that we hadn't done before. And now we move on, anticipating the arrival of our grand-daughter Anna, who is going to join us in San Antonio. She'll travel with us for as long as she can put up with our ways, and will no doubt bring a whole new dimension to our wanderings. Being vegan, she plans to bring lots of recipes. Who knows, maybe she'll even convert us.

That's more than enough of my prattle for now. Glad it's warmed up at home, although the possibility of freezing rain isn't appealing. Stay warm. Stay tuned. More later.

Saturday, Feb 2 - We finally got rid of January, and hope that February is kinder to all. It's been awhile since our last posting, but we've been on the go in New Orleans, so no time or energy left by the end of the day. And I have a heavy head-cold, so not too sharp in the brain department at the moment. But that's pretty normal anyway, I hear you saying.

Last post, I indicated I'd put up some pics that show how the communities from Port St Joe's to Panama City, especially Mexico Beach, are still affected by the impact of Hurricane Michael. So here are a few below.

These photos show some of the damage, which workers are now trying to clear up. Demolition is the only alternative for a lot of the buildings, and one wonders if Mexico Beach will ever be a town again. However, one business was open, with a sign posted saying "Still in Business", so the spirit of the people is evident in some areas. Businesses were destroyed and have not recovered, and no doubt many people are living elsewhere, as their homes are totally unrecoverable. 

All of this is several months after the storm. There's lots of work for tradesmen, who are advertising their services in various ways, posting phone numbers on hydro poles. Refuse piles are all along the highway, and tree remains are piled up, the trunks no doubt carted off to be used in some way.

A sad thing to witness, and a reminder to us of how powerful a storm can be. We're very lucky that where we live this kind of thing doesn't happen. We get snow and ice instead that screws up our day-to-day life, but then life soon returns to normal. Not here!!

New Orleans in another missive. Stay tuned. More later.