We had a hard time finding free internet yesterday. Stopped in two towns, but neither had a library. Finally made it to the town of Anson (pop 2,400) where they have open Anson wifi in the "downtown" core.
Spent an hour getting caught up on things online, and while I was doing that I checked for some more overnight possibilities along the way. I came across one at the north end of Lake Ft. Phantom that was actually before Abilene. Even though it wasn't very far away, we decided to head there since we had done some extra driving the day before.
So, since we had some extra time we went for walk around Anson.
Beautiful building in the Anson central square.
The Anson Opera House.
Looks like Anson used to be a thriving little place, but there are now a lot of dilapidated and empty buildings in the downtown area.
Sherman, parked up beside an unfinished mural in Anson, Texas.
We drove on to Johnson Park at the north end of Lake Ft. Phantom. I had read mixed reviews of this free camping area, however the most recent ones were positive. We arrived and found a place to park up. In the park itself, it says areas where there is no camping allowed, and even signs that say "Camping in designated areas only", but no signs saying where the designated areas were!
Definitely a nice spot, especially compared to the last two nights. GPS 32.61296, -99.67957
It was too hot inside the motorhome, so we set up our lawn shares under the shade structures and did some reading and had a nap and played some backgammon. A nice relaxing afternoon!
But after we went to bed, an awfully lot of vehicles drove through and into the area where we were parked and turned around and drove off again. No idea what that was all about. I certainly wouldn't want to stay here on a Friday or Saturday night! Nice spot, but too close to the city of Abilene.
Yesterday's drive, 93 miles (148 kms).
Johnson Park and the city of Abilene (pop 117,000).
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Looks like a great spot. Too bad about all the traffic. Maybe it's a local high school lover's lane/drinking spot and you scared em' all off!
ReplyDeleteIt was a nice spot other than the late night traffic turning around in our little area and yes we are sort of figuring it most be a bit of a gathering spot for the younger crowd, that is why we would advise against anyone staying there on a Friday or Saturday night.
DeleteAt least you had a nice view.
ReplyDeleteThat we did! :-)
DeleteWith all that traffic, you could of sold tickets for the submarine races.
ReplyDeleteI think it would depend on how much they had to drink first! ;-)
DeleteWow it is Tioga George all over again! He too had a knack for camping in places that attracted a younger crowd late at night ;) Hopefully future nights will be more peaceful.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I said that we wouldn't stay in some of the places that he stayed at in a comment the other day. Having said that we knew already that this wasn't a great place on the weekend but seeing that it was a week day we thought it would be better and it probably was compared to the weekends.
DeleteAnson does look like a really neat town. So sad when that happens.
ReplyDeleteSome of the buildings were beautiful and other were in ruin. We have actually seen this a lot in some of the towns that we have passed though on this route. Some are trying hard to revitalize the town and others not so much. It does give the town some character though.
DeleteHow many times have we boondockers been asked to leave a place? We've never had one.
ReplyDeleteWe were only asked to leave once and we sweet talked the security guy into letting us stay the night and that we would be out first thing in the morning. It was at an airport parking lot and we paid the overnight parking fee required, nowhere did it say that we couldn't "stay" in the vehicle. That was only just this spring just outside of Jackson, WY.
DeleteAll seems to be going problem free with your progress....enjoying your boondocking searches and descriptions. I like your maps...seems more real for me to see "from where to here"..lesalp.blogspot.com.au
ReplyDeleteYes, it does seem to be going by problem free. We have had a little glitch here and there but certainly nothing major. :-)
DeleteHappy to see that you love looking at the maps. We do think it helps to let people see our route and gives them an idea of where we are in this huge country.
It always amazes us the beautiful court houses found in Texas towns.
ReplyDeleteWe agree with you Paul, even in the little towns the courthouses/city halls are beautiful. We are so glad to see that they work at trying to keep these old buildings rather than replacing them with something new and modern, it gives the town some character.
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