LANGTRY TO TERLINGUA

Monday morning we rolled out of Langtry.

A left turn at the highway to go west.

The 90 is a great road if you've never been on it - stretching from Del Rio to Van Horn. It's one of our favourites - a free and easy kind of road. 

Just remember to keep track of your gas. We fill up in Del Rio and then again in Sanderson. Not a lot of gas stations out here in southwest Texas. We could have filled in Marathon instead of Sanderson but glad we didn't - the price jumped from $2.09 to $2.50. 

Not the most exciting scenery but nice - also very quiet.

We stopped in Marathon for lunch. Our usual spot is along the street across from the Gage Hotel. Last January we ended up staying overnight because when we returned from looking around the town we realized we had a flat tire. Remember that?! We sure do!

Of all the times we have been in Marathon I've never ventured inside the Gage Hotel. Today was the day. Very nice….

Although not overly impressed with the wildlife on display.

Sadly, the Burnt Biscuit Bakery was closed.

Then we headed south. Only one picture along the way - windshield photography doesn't work when headed into the sun.

We chose to take the 385 down even though we knew we'd have to pay the $20 Big Bend NP fee but would only be driving through. We'll be taking the 118 north and didn't want to do it twice in the span of a few days.

Sure wish our Provincial Park uniforms were more in line with the American National and State Parks.

I commented on why we don't go to Big Bend NP. We did back in 2008 but realized that it's not a good place if you have a dog. They are not allowed on the trails or even left unattended. Worth the stop I'm sure if you don't have any fur kids along.

For us - we like the scenery on the west side best. Now we have passed the headquarters and are heading to Study Butte.

Upon pulling into Study Butte we first went to the grocery store to stock up on water ($1 for 10 gallons in our tank), Big Bend Beer and a few groceries. 

From there over to one of our favourite shops to snoop around.

We are big fans of Terlingua but I didn't take any pictures this time. Go here to see last years collection.

Then over to the Study Butte Cafe - part of Big Bend Resort and Adventures. It's the main hub area with hotel, rv park, gas station, store, cafe, tours and laundromat.

The food at the cafe and is GREAT plus we can plug in and get wifi. We spent the afternoon there catching up.

Then we headed a few miles to our favourite boondocking spot.

After finding a super parking spot we went for a sunset walk.

Next post - just a few of the great pictures we got over the course of the two days and three nights we spent sleeping among the rocks and stars.

Teresa

LANGTRY & THE JUDGE ROY BEAN VISITOR CENTER

After spending Friday night at the Del Rio Home Depot, Saturday afternoon we headed west to Langtry. 

One of the reasons we moved quickly from Eagle Pass to Del Rio was to stock up on on e-juice for Derek's e-cig. After more than three months in Mexico he was down to nothing. Saturday before heading out we stopped off at Del Rio Vapor to get him topped up. Nice guys, Derek was impressed with the guys and their products.

Then we carried on.

It was a grey day.

I take a picture here at the Amistad Reservoir every time we go by - dating back to spring 2008. 

I notice from the link above that I take the same pictures each year along this route. 

One of the things I love about Texas is the golden rock.

Going over the Pecos River. 

Last year we went up to the viewpoint - good thing we did it was a much nicer day.

Blue sky just as we arrived at our turn off into Langtry. We took it as a sign!

As in - welcome to your second home!

Our usual boondocking site at Langtry in the parking lot of the community center - by donation.

I didn't take pictures this time of the museum and visitor centre since I did that in detail last January - you can see that here at Langtry & Judge Roy Bean. We highly recommend this stop if you are along highway 90. Susan and Sarah - in the Visitor Center - are lovely ladies - we enjoy visiting with them each time we are by. 

Once we were parked, Cassia ran over to see if her friend Neal (Neally) from last January was home. He was and they were quickly playing together. Turns out we arrived on his 6th Birthday!

Cassia and Neally waiting for the Birthday Party to begin.

So, what are we to do when we happen upon a Birthday Party? Give cash of course …. Cassia and I rigged up an envelope with lined paper and electrical tape and a way we went.

A few fun games. Cassia was enjoying herself as it was the first large Birthday Party she has been to.

Fun! Digging out 5 pieces of pineapple covered with whipped cream and putting it into a second bowl. 

A little cool outside but not bad. Setting up the piñata.

The Birthday Boy starting with a few swings.

Later, Cassia's turn.

Candy scramble!

We had a great time at the party meeting all of Neally's friends and their parents from the local community. We appreciated that they included us in their celebration - a great dinner was supplied of salads, treats and hot dogs and hamburgers. And Birthday Cake of course! 

Neally's family was out Sunday until the afternoon. We got some computer time in at the Visitor Center but later Cassia was back over visiting. I wandered over and took pictures of Neally's animals.

While Cassia, Neally and Neally's sister Haley drove around.

Later they brought Cassia back to the van. As you can see, Cas wasn't too impressed that playtime was over and that we would be leaving the next day. I got a great picture of Cassia and Neally last January - scroll down to the last picture. So cute - they walked around holding hands back then. Such a polite kid - maybe we'll plan a family trip back here when Cas turns 18!

Later we went for our usual walk down into the river valley.

A nice warm evening.

Cassia going her own way to the top of the hill.

The plan was to spend one night in Langtry but as with most of our plans that ended up changing - to two nights. Last January we spent three nights. There is just something about this place that has a hold on us. Electricity and wifi at the visitor centre helps also.

I was a bit sad as we pulled out wondering when we'll be here again. 

Monday we carried on west through Sanderson and on to Marathon. Then a left turn on the 385 south to the Big Bend area.

Those pics next.

Teresa