West Texas Trip

We just got back from our trip. Things that are a must see are the museum at Alpine, the fort restoration at Fort Davis and the McDonalds Observatory. We did the tour and the star party. We will be going back when we have longer to stay. We put in 14 to 18 hr days with both day and night activities. Did meteor watching every night. Highly recommend this trip to anyone, it was awesome.

I live 120 miles from Amarillo and Palo Duro. I would recommend tthat you stay in Palo Duro park. The pagent is excellant. If you atay there get reservations. At times during the winter we take rv to Amarillo. Have stayed at Oasis. Its way west of Amarillo. I wont go back as its very hot or very cold. Nothing to stop the wind. We stay at Fort Amarillo. Very nics people. Have fun.

I live just north of I-10 in Orange and we always take the route through Bridge City and by-pass Beaumont. Headed to Kerrville Monday for a week, then Austin and then we don't know. Will probably spend a few days in Galveston.

Charlie D. wrote:
Must be Retiredphoneman.

Family reunion today.Baby Back Ribs and Jambalaya.

Dag Nab-it you had to mention Nicks. Been to Port Arthur twice in the past month and was so busy we never got to Nicks. Going to Houston next month for a wedding and this time we WILL stop at Nicks. We just take 73 from Winnie and puts us right there. All our trips out west have been right after Labor Day. Parks are still open, kids in school and a little cooler.

Jim :S

Going to the Hill Country, Kerrville and Austin area for 3-4 weeks beginning Monday. Convinced wife that it is too hot for the rest of the trip. Friends from Baton Rouge will go with us next Spring. Thanks to everyone and I will keep these posts for reference

Charlie I am a lover of the Big Bend area. I visit the National Park twice a year. Usually Feb. and Oct. Rio Grand village is a nice campground with trees,and water is available to fill your tank. They have a generator area, but they can only be run from 8 am - 8pm. Probably be a bit hot this time of year. In the Chisos basin campground in the park, it will be much cooler , but it is limited to trailers 24' or less. If you go through Marathon, I suggest eating at a café called Marathon Coffee. It is owned by 2 ladies that really know how to cook. The prices are fair as well. Not as fancy as the Gage hotel, but probably half the price. Be sure and visit the Terlingua ghost town, and cemetery. Gas and diesel are available in the park. Hope this helps

Can't comment coming from the east. However, I strongly suggest Lajitas rather staying in Terlingua. A little further from Big Bend but SO MUCH nicer. Make sure you are fully provisioned before heading into the Big Bend area or you will pay dearly in Terlingua. Make sure you have drinking water or a softener 'cause in that part of world you can chew the water!

Ft. Davis State Park is one of the most beautiful state parks we've ever seen. You just don't think Texas could look like that. The observatory is a don't miss side trip as is Ft. Davis National Historic Site is unbelievably wonderful.

I never was really impressed with Palo Duro. Just my personal opinion. However, I've heard the pageant is good. There again, the water in the area is really not good for drinking, coffee or ice tea. Guess I'm just particular.

Must be Retiredphoneman.

Family reunion today.Baby Back Ribs and Jambalaya.

No Charlie, don't have any relatives in Port Arthur. Lots of friends and a few relatives in Houston. If I hadn't retired when I did, would probably have retired there. Not much oil patch ops. left in the N.O. area.
Warned someone recently on here about the Hill Country as it can be addictive. Since we have good friends just south of Fredericksburg with 2 FHU sites sure makes it convenient. Of course we have to load the fridge with seafood, andouille sausage, Richard's sausage tasso and Camellia brand red beans when we go that way. They've come this way enough to learn what it takes to make a Cajun meal but can't get those fixins there.

Dave

Tmoore2-Thanks I already have the book. We are at the Texas state line and I visited the tourist bureau. So much information that I am overwhelmed with information

Dave, Know the Hill Country well and can not get enough of it. Missed the Bluebonnets this year. We've been the I-10 route twice to Phoenix and on to Camp Pendleton. We have only been out a week so far this year and wife is ready for the road. I have convinced her that it is going to be hot this time of the year so we have decided to forgo the long trip and spend a couple of weeks in the Hill Country. 10 days in early August to Baton Rouge/Gonzales will satisfy her until early Sept. when we drive by car to witness the birth of our second grandchild and 1st grandson in Delaware. Friends from Baton Rouge will make the W, Texas trip with us in early spring next year.

Stopped at Nick's last week and got some Boudin.:B I believe you have relatives in Pt. Arthur? Cooked a crawfish casserole last night with crawfish from Louisiana. Sure miss our friends and food from Gonzales.