Back in the USA, Texas

  Subject: Back in the U S of A

 Hola once again, opps.....HI - no more Spanish.... 

 Well, today marks two weeks since we crossed the border at Eagle Pass, Texas. Our last night in Mexico was spent at a Pemex (the only fuel stations) about 100 miles south of the border. We were in good company with all the beer trucks parked there!! So, we made it across the border safe and sound. The customs and immigration folks were all grateful that we were alive but since we fully expected to be, it was no big deal to us. They didn't take anything from us or charge us anything so it was a good crossing. Apparently the sniffing dog couldn't smell my mineral facial stuff from Catemaco.....I'm sure they would have taken it. I wonder how I will ever get it to Kauai???? Cross that bridge later...... 

 So..we went to a little town with an RV park about 60 miles from the border and enjoyed shopping in an American grocery story. We bought liverwurst! and sharp cheddar cheese.......both not to be found in Mexico. Then we drove to San Antonio and did a little shopping at Costco and had a fabulous lunch at the Macaroni Grill - it was our first time. Yummmmm. 

 Our friends, Dar and Michael, in Austin were our ultimate destination. We had such a great time with them. Dar is a "cook" to say the very least so eating well was a given....eating very well. They are both dear people and today I just got an email from them saying that they have decided to come visit us in Kauai in March so we will see more of them very soon...and looking forward to it! We got much needed stuff done while visiting at their very cool home and had a good visit. We also went to the Macaroni Grill a second time!! And had a great time at Lake Travis where they met, married and lived years ago. Fun.... 

We had an appointment in San Antonio for our camper to be checked out so we spent a couple nights there. We got a clean bill of health and headed for South Llano River State Park for a couple nights. Then we went to Seminole Canyon State Park. Both very nice and very different. South Llano was near a river and with lots of wildlife - a preserve for deer and wild turkeys. Seminole Canyon is known for the petroglyphs. It's right on the Rio Grande though the campground was a six mile hike from the actual river. We had our first campfire of 2010 there.......more to come but not allowed in Big Bend National Park where we went next. And my pyromaniac husband is just going to have to be patient. There are tons of wildflowers, and the cactus are blooming....Mom, I'll show you all the pictures when we get up there!! Big Bend is beautiful. 

 We first stayed in the mountains at Chisos Canyon. What a wonderful place. We took the hike to the "window" (see photo of Mike and I). It is actually the top of a 200 foot waterfall when the rainy season is on. What a view. And we hiked up the mountain next to the window to see even more. Lots of desert and volcanic peaks. 

 We went down near the Rio Grande in two different locations in the park. Mexico is right across the river - I guess we just can't get away from there!! But there are no border crossings any longer though you used to be able to go over to the other side for lunch. Oh well. 

 We felt that the Santa Elena Canyon was the most spectacular sight. The cliffs on either side of the Rio Grande are 1,500 feet high and the canyon is eight miles long and as little as thirty feet wide in places. We were just at the Easternmost end but it was really something. They have raft trips and I think it would be a super experience. 

 It was super hot in Big Bend. I think as much as 110 degrees when we were there. We drove up today to a little town called Alpine and it's much cooler. So, we're leaving tomorrow for another State Park we heard about and then on to Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas then Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. It's been a long day and I'm tired but wanted to get this out tonight while we have internet. More to come in the months ahead...... 

 Aloha, Gayle and Mike (who has been watching TV, since he can here, and just turned it off so I guess it's time to go to bed!)