On to Texas

On  January 11 we headed north to go south.  The  storms had rumbled through Texas and Oklahoma and we deemed it safe to travel to the southwest.  We left our temporary home in Hollister mid-morning and headed north to Springfield where we caught I44 west towards Tulsa.  We passed through Joplin where a tornado leveled the city in May, 2011.  Little damage was evident from the highway but for tree damage.  Two years can make a remarkable change in the landscape.

We then veered south from Big Cabin, Oklahoma, taking US69 to Sherman, Texas.  Here we decided to stop for the evening at a campground, Lazy L RV Park.  Arriving at 5:30, we found the office still open for business.  Upon registration, I remarked that the park looked very busy.  Sure enough, the manger stated that many sites are taken by construction workers toiling on a new power plant as well as a pipe line.  The construction was expected to last for several years, and, therefore, it was "good business" for them.  Standing water was evidence of recent storms which we were determined to miss. 

On Saturday morning, January 12, we hitched  up and travelled further south.  Coming from Sherman, two obstacles were in our way:  Dallas and Austin.  So we drove a short way south to McKinney and veered west to Decatur on US highway 380.  This stretch of road is four lanes, dotted with commercial developments and several stop lights.  Traffic was moderate until we reached Denton.  After which, traffic was light and stoplights were few. 

At Decatur we again headed south on US51 and I20 until we reached US281.  These roads had somewhat peculiar speed limits.  Part of the way was a two lane country road without shoulders though posted at 70 mph.  Part of the way was four lanes separated north and south only by a yellow paint line.  Again 70 mph.  On the interstate 20 with limited access and a wide grassy median, the posted limit was 65.  Logic apparently is not found in Texas traffic policies.

Highway 281 took us through "the Hill Country" as Texas likes to refer to the region that has hills.  The hills are not as prominent as those in Missouri, but Missouri does not label that area as their "hill country."  Only in Texas where egos are as large as Missouri hills.  The road did take us through Johnson City (yes, LBJ slept there) and other small towns.  The drive was scenic and traffic was light.  We ended our journey taking US 46 west to Boerne, our destination.  We arrived at the Alamo Fiesta Resort in Boerne, Texas,  about 3:30 PM and set up camp.  This is our third visit to this campground chosen because of the proximity  to Donna's sister, Judy, in San Antonio.

We initially thought we would stay here in Boerne for only two weeks.  Yet the monthly rate was cheaper than staying for two weeks.  Therefore, we opted for a month.  This area just north of San Antonio has been hit hard by drought.  Water restrictions are in effect in the area.  Other than not being able to wash our vehicle and RV, we are relatively unaffected by it. 

At least I have a good excuse not to clean the trailer!