Community

 

Two weeks ago we departed Lake Hills Texas with no real set destination in mind other than it needed to be west and perhaps north. 2400 miles later we've paused in our travels at Sunset Bay, the same park we were hosting at back in November. The reason for our return and yes, the “theme” of this blog entry is the same – the RV community.

 

This wonderful community we have become members in can best be described as like small town America was and while we don't have a main street per se, each campground, park, boondock turnout or any other place that can accomodate 2 or more RV's can quickly become like the old center-of-town bandstand where folks check in with people they know, meet new folks to the neighborhood and swap stories of the places they've been and the things they've seen. It surprises those not familiar with the community that despite the vast differences we have, one commonality will bring us together; some with bonds that are just as close as family.

This commanality is a love for the rigs we own and the places we've been. It is the freedom of being able to pick up and leave when we want to where we want. It is the routing of the trip and the anticipation of renewing friendships. It is the desire to explore and see with one's own eyes the things others have described and to describe those places others might yet discover.

It never ceases to amaze; the formation of such friendships founded on a simple “Where are you headed?” or “Where have you been?” usually followed by “What route?”. Of course these two questions can and very often do inspire a group discussion lasting several hours.

We all know it will end all too soon with each of us going our separate ways yet the difference in the goodbyes is that a promise to email is kept and we do keep the others in our thoughts.

Which leads me back to the beginning. We had been meandering westbound for some time when word had gone round there were Oregon state parks needing hosts. We learned about it from a couple we had met at Lake Hills who emailed us. Since we were in Sacremento California anyway (we stopped to enjoy the miles of orchard blossoms), we decided to head north and see if Sunset Bay was one of the parks in need and indeed it was. Stephanie was manning the booth when we pulled in and her grin on our arrival lit up the day.

We are home. Yes, it may be temporary but for this month we are with “old” friends, making new friends and yes, comparing notes on where we've been and where we're headed.

Adieu Lakehills

The title reflects what little french I know and is there to honor the nice couple we met in a Walmart parking lot yesterday. They were in a smaller class C motorhome and were able to snag one of the few parking slots remaining.  I think they were sympathizing with us at not being able to fit if the nods, smiles and waves were any indication. Of course it could have also been the french version of  "better you than me".

The Thousand Trails park at Medina lake was more like a wild game park with the deer, rabbits, and birds - including turkeys. While they are accustomed to people and rigs moving about, they are definitely not  tame and will move off if approached. 

We've really enjoyed it here and figure this can be a very nice place to spend the winter.

This sunseet shot became the newest desktop picture.

We are westbound. After three weeks in Lakehills we've pretty much finalized the places we'll camp host in 2016. That leaves us with roughly 6 months for grandkid spoiling, maintenance on the motorhome and just plain acting like the tourist. This last bit we figure we'll learn how to do in about 20 years or so.

The current plan is, as I mentioned, westbound with a big of north thrown in as we very slowly make our way back up to the Pacific Northwest. Yesterday we made it west to Fort Stockton after a typical Texas breezy day where we bucked a headwind that pushed all over the road. 

We lost out on our initial plan of staying in the Walmart parking lot as it was full and our backup plan at the Flying J truck stop also fell through with no parking available. All was not lost though, we found a space in an RV park that caters to oil field workers.

Today we'll travel almost due north to hunt for UFOs in Roswell and then continuee on to our weekend destination in Alamogordo and the White Sands National Monument.

Lakehills Texas

A week has gone by since the debacle of Goose Island. Chris and I have settled into our digs at Medina Lake rather well and frankly, have enjoyed the non-hosting aspect of campground life.

 According to our address we're in Lakehills but after a week of exploring we have yet to find that town. We have managed to locate Pipe Creek but I should note it was pure luck we spotted one building that said Pipe Creek Post Office. Things are just a bit spread out.

Medina Lake is a recovering lake; still well below full but getting there after dam repairs and a drought had rendered lake all but bone dry. One of the locals I talked to recalls seeing weeds growing in the lake bed just last year. It is probably because of this we have seen very little of waterfowl and only the occasional boater. Regardless, the lake is back to supporting the surrounding wildlife and this off-season campground seems to be the place for them to congregate.

We pass this meadow on our daily walks and I had thought I had been admiring the care the groundskeeper had taken to even mow out into the meadow. It wasn't until we changed up and walked in the evening that we spotted the real groundskeepers.

As I mentioned, it is still the off season here so the campground is pretty much empty. There are some, like us, who are what is known as "winter Texans" who are braving the low temperatures of 40 degrees or so and having to put on sunscreen to avoid sunburn. Shoot, I'm inside today because there was actually frost on the car this morning! Makes for cold toes in the flip flops as I can surely attest.

Seriously, the campground has a huge activity center and there is usually something to do on the weekends such as weenie roasts, ice cream socials, games for the kids along with the normal mini putt golf, swimming and hot tubbing; just to name a few.

This weekend will of course be the Super Bowl and next weekend we've reserved our places for the Valentine's dinner and dance.

Even though the park is in the off-season, there are still those who have come here to present learning experiences. These spontaneous educational moments are priceless! For instance, yesterday our guest instructor demonstrated why it is best to not only check if your camping space is wide enough but also if it is high enough - especially so as to not scrape off your brand new satellite dish that you bought just for the big game. The poor guy must have spent a half hour making sure his travel trailer would fit and the slides would go out. It wasn't until he backed in fully that he discovered the new dish on the front was a good bit higher than the other stuff on his roof. No worries though, the RV Repair guy came out on a Saturday (I think that is triple time?) and had him all fixed up for the game today. I was disappointed there were no new additions to the vocabulary but I  did  hear a sound similar to a sob coming from the site a couple of times.

Safe travels to those who are, a warm week to those who aren't.