Day 243. April 6, 2014. Zig-zagging Texas

LOCATION:  to San Angelo, in west central Texas

WEATHER:  Some rain.  Cooler. Highs in 50s

The forecast was rain, so we packed up in Abilene State Park and drove about 75 miles south to San Angelo.  We are zig-zagging around Texas to see different areas, and taking our time before we head north.  

We plan to stay here for 3 days, and then will go farther south to an Airstream rally.  

We took a hike around the campground.  This state park,  like others in Texas, is on a lake with lots of water amenities like a boat ramp, fishing barge, swimming area.  Unfortunately, this lake is completely dry.  Not a speck of water.   It is so scary to see the effects of this drought.    

DINNER:  Tuna in chipotle sauce with veggies.  Side dish was steamed broccoli.  Usually, I add a little cheddar for a sauce.  This time, I used blue cheese instead.  Delicious!

After dinner, it rained a bit, and then the sunset created a beautiful rainbow.

Day 242. April 5, 2014. Abilene area happenings

LOCATION:  Abilene State Park, in west central Texas

WEATHER:  Cooler. Highs around 60

The state park is busy....a father/daughter camp out, a YMCA youth group, a wedding, and the park's Heritage Days.  We hiked and biked around to watch the activities.  There are tame deer all around.

One of the most famous steakhouses in Texas just happens to be close to our campground.  It is called Perini's.  We stopped by to make reservations.  They have this huge armadillo sculpture in front.

It is so popular that the only seatings  available were 4:00 or 9:00.  We were on a waiting list for a better time, but didn't get called.  We went through a historic 1893 village, which was interesting.  

We went to a micro-brewery in town that just opened last month.  They released their latest beer.....jalapeño porter called Powderburn.  George liked it.  The owner's and brewery's name is Kahl.  It is pronounced Kale, my maiden name.  

We picked up some smoked brisket at a nearby Buffalo Gap BBQ restaurant and ate it back in the Airstream.  

Day 241. April 4, 2014. Cardinal vs mirror

LOCATION: State park near Abilene, TX, in west central Texas

WEATHER:  Perfect.....low in 40s for great sleeping.  High in upper 60s

We went on a nature hike around the campground, then drove into town to get windshield replaced.  

George was sitting in the car the other day when this cardinal started challenging the mirror.

While in town, we did grocery shopping and bought some hiking boots.

DINNER:  Salad to start.  Then stir-fried rice with the leftover steak from Outback Steakhouse.  Pretty good.  

Day 240. April 3, 2014. Windshield repairs

LOCATION: Abilene, TX, in west central Texas

WEATHER: Sunny and hot; high around 80

George took the car into the shop to get the windshield repaired.  

Unfortunately, a part was missing, so we have to delay it one day.  We checked out of the motel and now are at Abilene State Park, about 15 miles from town.  We will stay here for the weekend, and were glad to get the last site.

This park is very nice.  It is the first time in about a month where we have trees and shade.  This park is also on a lake.  As with other Texas lakes, the drought has about dried it up.  We learned that it is at 4% of its normal level.  

We explored the park on our bikes, and "chilled" inside with the A/C in the hot PM.  

DINNER:  There is still a burn ban, so no campfire to cook food.  Instead, I made pasta with tomatoes, onions, chicken sausage, all over the remaining pappardelle.  Tasty!

Day 239. April 2, 2014. To town

LOCATION:  Abilene, TX...In west central Texas

WEATHER:  Sunny and hot; high around 85

We loaded up from the campground and drove east about 70 miles to Abilene.  George took this photo of a cardinal curious about the mirror.

We have an appointment tomorrow to get the car windshield replaced.  A few weeks ago, a piece of gravel hit the windshield and created a starburst.  It then started a crack all across the glass.  Our insurance company referred us to a place here in Abilene.

We had lunch in a brewpub downtown, then went to our motel.  We were looking forward to relaxing next to the pool, but it was closed.  (They said it isn't hot enough yet!). We did a little shopping at the mall across the street.  For dinner, we used a gift card I had for Outback Steakhouse.  George had steak; I had ahi tuna.  Everything was good.

Day 238. April 1, 2014. Quiet day

LOCATION:  Near Abilene, TX in central Texas

WEATHER:  Hot and sunny.  High around 85

As I said yesterday, it is strange that we have the campground to ourselves.  It obviously used to be visited much more, with 200+ sites, 200+ picnic spaces, recreation hall, swimming area, fishing barge, boat ramp, and overflow parking. Due to the very low water level, it has lost its attraction.  Even with that, we were puzzled why there weren't more campers.  We decided to drive into the town, and realized that were locked into the campground!   Assuming that they are trying to cut back on costs, they lock the gates and don't allow new campers in 2 days a week.

We got the padlock combination, and opened the gate

The nearby town is pretty desolate.  Sad.  It does gave this interesting mural, with coe branding iron symbols.

I have a little cold, so took it easy all day.

DINNER:  I found this recipe online to use some quinoa I had bought while at Whole Foods last month. I sautéed a bunch of vegetables ...red pepper, onion, garlic, mushrooms, jalapeño, along with the remaining grilled chicken.  At the end, I added herbs and chopped tomato.  Meanwhile, I prepared the quinoa with chicken broth I had made yesterday.  I served the chick/veg over the quinoa and topped it with a little Parmesan.  Very tasty!

Day 237. March 31, 2014. Dangerous territory!

LOCATION:  State Park 50 miles west of Abilene, TX

WEATHER:  Hot; high 85

We hiked around the lake.  I got super hot, so was thankful for the A/C when we got back to the Airstream.  We did computer work while it was hot.....we registered to attend an Airstream rally in central Texas in mid-April.  George also made the arrangements to get a new windshield later this week.  

This campground is full of dangers:  We came across a diamond-back rattlesnake on our hike.  Then, George found a scorpion in the men's restroom.  Even worse are the sand spurs that are everywhere.  We take off our shoes in the Airstream, but somehow they get in.  It is so painful to step on them.

We are the only campers in this 200+ site campground.  Kind of weird.

DINNER:  Using some of the leftover grilled chicken and veggies, I made an oriental stir-fry.   

NOTE to Jenny and Tony.....yes, it would be great to see you in western Canada this summer!