Just had a couple of slow days just driving in a northerly direction. Last night we swung into the Abilene RV Park—a standard sort of dump right smack dab on the interstate. There I was informed that they could not rent us a space for one night because our RV was older than ten years. In Galveston, right on the beach, I could almost understand this policy. In Abilene, right on I-20, I couldn’t even fathom the reasoning. These were not the type of people who would be considered highfalutin. We weren’t asking for the monthly rate here, just one night paid up front.
On the way out I circled through the park to turn around and lo and behold, an 80s vintage Winnebago with that classic burnt orange stripe, complete with 100 gallon propane tanks set up outside and boards over the wheels. The manager and lawn boy were outside the office so I swung past and asked them what exactly that old RV in B-3 was doing there. Told them they might want to check its title because I was pretty sure it was older than ten years. The manager pretended not to hear me, and the lawn boy spun his shovel around and walked up to the window for a better listen. Must have been all that noise from the interstate affecting their hearing.
Speaking of Interstates, we recently rolled past 3,000 miles on this trip, and I’d guess in total so far we’ve logged a hundred miles of that on those big roads. Most of the time it is for five miles or so to jump from one state highway to another.
Today was a nice drive north on Route 6. Most people probably wouldn’t consider it nice, but I really like this sort of road connecting nothing but a handful of small towns spaced fifteen miles or so apart. Sometimes in Texas it has felt like I can never shake a tail—meaning that no matter where we are there is always a car right on our butt. Not out here though. Out here it is just that long strip of black with green or brown on either side and that giant slice of blue up above.
Ouest was hounding me for a key of her own ever since that damn Brother Berenstain Bear got one. She can’t reach the door, but she can “help” me unlock and unload the toy compartment in the back. I wonder how long the novelty will last for her.
Ali was saying, “That bird is acting weird, like he wants to go in the house.” And sure enough, he took off from the windshield wiper, swung a wide arc and flew right in the window. He then proceeded to knock himself silly while I got a towel and grabbed him. Lowe liked him, but didn’t want to keep him. “Yucky.”
19 Comments on “Somewhere in Texas”
I enjoy your blog.
This week I’m going to be passing through West Texas on a slow drive from Denver to Dallas in my 1997 Eurovan. Can you recommend any camp spots or good food or just classic TX experiences?
much obliged.
We have really enjoyed seeing your travels through Texas. We lived there for a few years and traveled by RV to many of the same places (pre blog – many years ago).
We are now getting ready to set sail and now have a blog. So, I guess we are doing it all backward from you guys.
Best wishes for continued safe travels,
Mark and Cindy
Got the 10 year old thing too but for my motorcycles..most Honda dealers won’t work on bikes older than 10 years old..go figure..they say their mechanics don’t know about them…I guess they are all under 30???? BUT!!! they will sell you parts at largely inflated prices..
So I have learned to service all my own bikes! And have a new business RBCYCLES specializing in Goldwings 75 to 83 :)!!!
That 10-year thing really gripes me. After all, your Travco was instrumental in introducing people to RVing back in the 60s. Now the people who are benefiting won’t let her park in a place that wouldn’t even exist if the Travco had never been built. They should be giving older rigs a discount out of appreciation!
So far, we haven’t been turned away anywhere in our 31 year old Toyota Dolphin. That’s mostly because I usually get on the internet and check out places where we might stay. If they’re called RV “resorts” or have an age limit, we just skip ’em. But that only works if you know where you’re going. Just wandering around makes it a little tough to know where you might spend the night.
Not to mention the Travco is a thousand times more attractive than every RV made in the last ten years combined.
Since we’ve had a long fascination with vintage Airstream and Argosy trailers, we’ve also run into the 10 year rule. After stating our “true age” to one park manager, she looked at our gleaming, shiny rig and said, “Even though your RV is over 10 years, you can stay. We just ask that question so we can reserve the right to refuse renting you a spot.” It didn’t take us long to tire of staying in RV parks – just didn’t like the mentality. Consequently, my husband joined a small Canadian Elks lodge, composed mostly of RV’ers. Now, when we want shore power, water and a dump, we find a lodge on our journeys. We find out more about the community, the rates, classified as donations, are reasonable and we have seen families with kids. Even if there are no RV hookups, many lodges will allow you to park overnight in their lots, a preferable alternative to Walmart or a rest stop.
Wow, I wish I’d known you were headed into that part of West Texas, I would have called my brother to see if you could spend a night on their 8 section ranch outside Sweetwater. The kids could have played with the baby Longhorns.
if there is a next time…try here:
http://www.lakesweetwater.com/sweetwater/Camping_2.html
PS on your way to Santa Fe this might fit your needs: Just grocery up if your there for a few days…Santa Rosa is OK.
http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/SantaRosaActivities.html
Woodalls camp guide was always a great help when we were RVing. It lists all kinds of campgrounds and tells if old rigs are not welcome. Usually gives a good idea of what the campground is like and how much it costs to stay there. Also those off the beaten path.
Hope some Grandma or friend will be able to put all the cute little Tshirts that your children wear into a quilt one day. Tshirt quilts save special memories and are usable!
Your RV is beautiful…so is your family! We spent 18 months on the road and never heard of a 10 year rule…but we stayed at corp of engineer parks, state or national parks and military fam camps…also BLM in the west. Love your blog btw. Happy travels and memory making!
Cathy
Corrected the blog address…sorry
Your kids are so beautiful. Great to see them having so much fun! 😉
And people wonder why RV parks are closing or complaining about people spending nights in Walmart or cracker barrel parking lots.
How about: “That won’t be a problem, our RV was renovated in 2014 so it is like new.” 😀 Like others, I can understand the need for the rule, I just wish the intent of the rule would allow for some reason in the application of the rule.
Good luck.
Brandon
The picture of you, Lowe, and the bird is adorable. That was a really small bird.
Lark Sparrow
I LOVE your photos! The one of the open highway took me right back to childhood in Texas. Thanks for the time travel.