Travelin' Florida to Texas

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." Ralph Waldo Emerson

We're on the road again and lovin' it! We pulled out of Mexico Beach, Florida Friday morning. Saturday was actually the day we figured we'd go. Well, that was after we figured the 19th and moved it forward due to the weather and necessary drive to the airport on Sunday. Weather prediction for Friday was dry with more rain expected on Saturday. Normally, Terry tells us his watch doesn't work before 8:00 AM. Friday morning for some reason it was working again because he was out of bed, slides in and we were on the road at 6:15 AM .... that's the time our friends, Lee and MJ, indicated we pulled away.

Another plan was changed. Highway 98 is about 40 miles shorter than heading to I-10. At one time we thought we'd travel I-10. Then, we changed it to 98. However, early morning the traffic was heavy, stoplights caught us almost at every block and the school zone lights were all flashing. Thus, off to the freeway and out of the little beach towns. Alabama whizzed by, then Mississippi with Louisiana just a short drive away. The predicted rain for this area had either already passed through or all we experienced was an occasional drizzle. Driving was perfect and we made good time. About 575 miles later we pulled into our nest for the night -- the Flying J in Orange, Texas.

You can usually expect the Flying J's and Walmarts to have a few other RV's spending the night. This one was no exception and the only curbside spot left was one we grabbed. They usually have a great dinner buffet for about $10. We were hungry and the restaurant was packed. Again, one table available and we grabbed it. Most of the food was good except ..... none of the shrimp had been cleaned. Ick! I hate discovering I've eaten little uncleaned shrimp (you know that little black vein that should be removed).

Saturday's destination was a little questionable because flights out of San Antonio were booked solid but we really didn't want to waste a travel day. The conclusion -- Terry would fly out of Austin (70 miles from campsite) and fly back into San Antonio. The big difference between the 98 mile trip to the airport in Florida and this 70 mile trip was that this one was all freeway. We figured a little over an hour for the drive.

We expected lots of rain on Saturday ... again. We didn't get it. What we did get was low lying very dense fog all the way but it was an uneventful travel day so things were good. We settled into our very wide campsite which even had a cement pad!! WOW! We may never leave. They even have a golf course here!! But, alas, we'll be out of here on Tuesday and on the road again.

If we had thought we were in fog on Saturday, it was nothing compared to the fog Sunday morning driving to the airport in Austin. Once on IH-35 it was easy because we were heading straight north. However, once we arrived in Austin, looking for airport signs was another thing. We couldn't even read the signs until we were under them. And, of course, this was another morning that Terry's watch was working earlier than normal because it was still dark out. However, the drive back was much better because it was light and the fog started lifting in places. Actually, today was a beautiful day ... 75 degrees and beautiful blue skies. Duchess and I had a great day and even had time for a nap.

Tomorrow - well, tomorrow is supposed to be cloudy but no rain. Terry will be flying back in tomorrow evening and we'll be on our way again the next morning. Our destination ... hopefully, Ft. Stockton, TX and the local Walmart we stayed at on the down. Wednesday we'll be somewhere in Arizona ... somewhere (probably Benson) - at least that's the plan for now. And, we just changed it the first time from Van Horn ... due to a higher elevation (5400') and colder night temperature than Ft. Stockton.


That's all folks!