At least until we got to the town of Turkey. After that, we had a minor problem.
Here's some scenery along the way...
Texas sunrise at 7:13am. Yep, the wind generators are already spinning.
Ruth says "I never want to live anywhere that it's windy enough to put these things up!"
Yup. Too much wind is almost as bad as too much cold.
Texas back roads. No traffic.
Restored Phillips 66 gas station in the town of Turkey, Texas.
We made it to the town of Turkey, Texas... population 421. Saw the sign for their municipal library, and so we stopped in there to use the free internet. Wow! Fastest internet in Texas. When I found out how fast it was, I used it to download four HD movies and the most recent episode of Survivor in less than an hour.
Turkey, Texas.
Giant arrow.
The Drive In.
The sign on the drive in says "CLOSED FOR WINTER", but it had obviously been many many summers since it had been open!
At the town of Turkey, the road heads west for about 9 miles and we now had a bad crosswind from the north. Along the way, the wind caught Sherman's awning a certain way and it unraveled a bit. I stopped to try to fix it, but there was too much wind! Fortunately, there was no traffic so I drove very slowly the next 3 miles or so and pulled in beside a big building to shelter Sherman from the wind while I unraveled the roller tube and rolled the awning back up properly. Fortunately, no damage.
We made it to our destination at Caprock Canyons State Park. Saw the sign at the entrance way that said "all electric/water sites are either occupied or reserved", but fortunately we don't need electricity. Went in the visitor center and we got a nice site in the horse camping area for $14 USD ($17.75 CAD) for the night.
Sherman, in site 71.
No usable cell signal from our site, so no internet. Stay tuned though, we are going to fix that problem this coming week!
We had some lunch, did some reading, had a short nap and then headed out on the trails.
There are about 100 head of bison in the park.
We walked part of the Wild Horse Trail.
Ruth, and the view.
Scenery along the way.
Ruth and the view from the Mesa Trail.
Bright yellow flowers.
It always amazes me how these plants survive in areas that get so little rain.
There hasn't been any water in this river for a while.
Ruth, out for a hike.
We did 8.3 kms (5.2 miles), at a pretty good pace, so it was good to see the scenery and get the heart pumping.
Yesterday's drive, 164 miles (262 kms).
We're doing another hike here this morning, then driving this afternoon to Palo Duro Canyon State Park for a two night stay. The winds aren't supposed to be bad today, so we should be okay doing the 92 mile (148 km) drive after lunch.
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We had hoped to be in Turkey for the Bob Wills festival the last weekend in April (Turkey was Bob Wills' birthplace). It's a great time, lots of free music and dancing, and free dry camping at the High School. Might not make it this year though, got some medical stuff scheduled.
ReplyDeleteThose buffalos are kinda intimidating up close.
The bison are probably just cutouts, like last time ;)
DeleteWe noticed that on our way through but had no idea who Bob Wills was until we looked it up. ;-)
DeleteWe were actually parked by the library where the museum is and the old High School building.
Yes, they are especially when you come up close and personal to them when you are out hiking. Doug, we joked about it too, lol!
Hello - I own the restored 1929 Phillips 66 gas station and Bob Wills tour bus in Turkey, Texas. Thanks for sharing your pictures. I love to meet travelers that stop at the gas station for a look around - Iv'e met people from all over the world that pass through Turkey and stop in to chat. Safe travels! Mike Goldsby
DeleteWe loved that gas station, it is beautifully restored. In fact we loved the little town of Turkey. We really enjoy staying off the Interstates and traveling on the back roads just to be able to go through these interesting little towns. It is a fun way to travel and you just never know what you will come across. I really wish that we had met you while we were there, we love to chat with the locals. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. :-)
DeleteDespite the wind it looks like a nice area to cruise. Glad you managed to save the awning. Have a safe travel afternoon.
ReplyDeleteFor the most part it is a nice area, at least where we are now. Some of the drive wasn't so picturesque though.
DeleteWe love those back roads and small towns! A beautiful part of Texas (in spite of the wind).
ReplyDeleteWe agree and that goes for most of the States, it'so much more interesting than staying on the interstates.
DeleteOh man, we would love Turkey, Texas where Bob Wills Is Still the King!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am sure you both would, especially if you liked Bob Wills.
DeleteI don't know if you've ever been to Palo Duro Canyon, but we sure enjoyed our stay. We stayed at the CG in the canyon. Hopefully, they'll have the perfect place for you to camp. Texas has many great places to visit. Enjoy your travels.
ReplyDeleteNo, we have never been to Palo Duro Canyon before but we can already say that it is a fantastic place. We are going to love our time here.
DeleteYes, Texas does have some wonderful places to visit.
You will love Palo Duro Canyon. It is one of my favourite places to stay. After all it is the grand canyon of Texas.
ReplyDeleteYep, we are certainly going to love it here. We can't wait to get out on the hiking trails. :-)
DeleteWe had a similar awning problem last week in New Mexico. The side wind just unrolled it going down the highway. Luckily got it back into place with no damage but when we got to Albuquerque went to Camping World and got an RV Awning-Clamp "made to secure your awning during travel". Richard from the Caravan had one on his awning having had his awning also unroll in the wind. It is great insurance and a comfort on days like this.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kenny, Kevin is looking into and we will probably be getting one as well. :-)
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