Big Bend National Park is worth the effort to get there. I crossed the border into Texas, and for the first time since departing Virginia, I was in a new state. One I hadn’t been to before. The Lone Star State The Longhorn State The biggest state I planned to cross on this trip. I could barely sit still in my seat; I was so excited. So when I saw the Welcome Center sign, I had to stop. What treasures did this jumbo state have to offer a newbie? After taking the required selfie in front of the lone star, I grabbed a few brochures and walked up to the counter. “I’ve never been to Texas before. I love nature and hiking. What shouldn’t I miss?” “Big Bend National Park.” “Big Bend National Park? How did I not know that Texas had a national park? Why have I not heard of it before?” “It’s remote so not many people go off the main highways to go see it, …
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Every day is a journey, and the journey itself is home.
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From Here to Laredo
What I came to realize is that fear, that’s the worst of it. That’s the real enemy. So, get up, get out in the real world and you kick that bastard as hard you can right in the teeth.Walter, Breaking Bad I left Mustang Island and drove straight to Lake Casa Blanca International State Park. Even though I was a day late, they kindly held my campsite for me, knowing that I’d experienced the trauma of a dog bite at another Texas Park the day before. I loved Mustang Island until the bite incident and the drama of being solo while trying to find treatment. It’s amazing how a single event or series of events can color the joy associated with a location. I’d was hoping my experience in the Laredo park would be better; initially, I was excited to cross the border into Mexico for a day trip. Now, I just wanted to cocoon and take care of myself. The warnings were playing in my …
Mapping Borders
I stuck my map up on the door, carefully matching velcro strips I'd placed along the edge of a sheet of vinyl. I stood back and looked at my work. The edge was crooked, which irritated me a little, I thought I cut it straight. Isn't that just like life? We plan in straight lines, but the actuality is always a different matter. I kept the map as it was, happy with the symbolism. When I bought this fifth wheel, I thought I'd have it forever, but here I was, afraid to stick the map of my travels directly on the exterior wall of the trailer. Rather than displaying it for all passers-by to see, it only bragged of my nomadic lifestyle when the weather was warm enough to have the door open. I'm proud of the places I've traveled as a solo female RVer, especially since I was pulling a 33-foot fifth wheel. My entire rig was 50-feet long, including the truck, as the BC Ferries operator …
