We got packed up and headed for the gate but I want to ask the park staff about which highway to use to get around San Antonio. Good thing I asked one of the super nice staff at the gate. The route that I had set in the GPS was definitely a little shorter and would be scenic but the lady told me that they haul gravel on that road and it is super rough and full of potholes. Thank you so much!
In Three Rivers; so cliche with beer, ammo & bait lol.
Lots of overpasses and many lanes.
Not so bad now but plenty of traffic when you're towing.
So cool the way they cut through the limestone for the highway.
We set the GPS to take us through San Antonio on highway 37 and then connect to I-10 west. As expected it was a ton more traffic and there is a large section of road construction but we made it through and stopped in the town of Junction for a few supplies before the state park.
Our turn.
The east end of Junction.
The trails map we used. I jogged fawn trail and back on
access trail while Leslie did Overlook trail.
Armadillo close up. Leslie wants one to keep!
Well marked trails.
Leslie's view on her walk.
Made it! The view from the overlook.
Jan 4 - It got down to freezing point last night but the sun is out and warming up quickly. We made a big breakfast and then got a pack ready to go for a trail walk with Margaret. I can carry her in the pack when she tires out. She usually tuckers out after a couple miles so we're ready. We used the map and picked a walk past Buck Lake (a muddy pond) which connects to the South Llano River trail and then back around to the park office. This area is only open from 10 - 3pm so that the wild turkeys can roost there. We didn't see any turkeys on our walk at all, disappointing. I carried Margaret in the pack for about half of our walk so it was a good idea to have the pack.
Our rig at our site #45. Beautiful place.
Trails are very easy to walk and well marked.
Buck Lake?
Would look so much different with leaves.
A small channel of South Llano River.
Walked far enough, time for a ride.
Leslie is getting closer to the Armadillo.
Doesn't look like much but it's good food.
We bought a small pack of firewood on the way back to our site and had a fire for happy hour then made supper and prepped some snacks for the road tomorrow. We both agreed we wished we could stay here for longer. What a great spot. So quiet and the trails are fantastic. Would stop again in a heartbeat. Sadly we leave Texas tomorrow but we will soon be seeing friends and family in Arizona so it's all good.
Huge sites and very quiet. Enjoying a small fire.
Happy hour! I checked her for smuggled armadillos.
Jan 5 - We were up fairly early and getting things ready to roll for today's long drive. There was still frost on the truck window when we were ready to roll. Our goal for today is just north of El Paso to a place called Anthony, Texas.
Leaving South Llano River State Park, awesome place!
More Texas highway hills, a beautiful day.
Margaret enjoying the front seat with Les in the back.
One of the rest stops in New Mexico. Nice shade and tables.
Our spot at the visitors center. Not very busy as you can see.
A beautiful sunset on our last night in Texas.
Vending machines and washrooms at a free stop.
Jan 6 - We actually got to see the sunrise! We are not usually up that early but we are today. We both woke up at 3:30 but managed to fall back asleep until 5:45 and then up just after 6:00. There is a Loves Truck stop not far away on the highway so we'll stop there for a McDonalds breakfast and coffee.
Crossed into New Mexico within minutes of getting on the road.
Sunrise!! We have evidence of actually seeing one lol.
We really didn't get to enjoy New Mexico this trip. We talked about going to City of Rocks again but elevation and temperature is making us push further west. We didn't even get pics to share because Leslie is laying down in the back seat.
Leslie sat up and shot this from the back seat. Nice.
I-10 outside of Tucson, the rocks are massive.
They seem out of place in this area.
Picacho Peak. Steve and I were up there last year!
We're here!
The other side of Picacho Peak.
Our site B19 a nice long pull thru with power.
Much different than Texas. Pics from our walk.
Spectacular sunset. Good shot Les!
We'll post this and start new from High Chaparral RV. It's going to be a busy time catching up with our Arizona friends but we are happy to be amongst friends again. Texas was fantastic and we both enjoyed it but we are excited to catch up with everyone here!
Cheers everyone.