The party that didn't happen

.....in Davis Mountains.

The weather was perfect when we arrived at Davis Mountain State Park in Texas on Sunday. After setting up camp, we drove into Marfa to see the famous, mysterious Marfa Lights. For many years, these lights have flashed off and on (kind of like flashlights) in the West Texas desert along Hwy. 66. There have been a number of theories on their existence but to date, none have been conclusive. They remain a mystery that draws many to view them at dusk.

Monday, again was pleasant; with temperatures in the 60s perfect for a hike up a mountain (okay maybe it was just a large hill) that overlooked our campground.

It was very windy!

That was after a big breakfast at the Ft. Davis hotel/soda fountain/drugstore/pharmacy/gift shop.

The party was to happen on Tuesday evening at the McDonald’s Observatory. Originally there were eight of us with reservations to the Star Party. Sam and Dave had to cancel the trip and the party; Rex and Anna were to meet us at Davis Mountain State Park on Sunday. At the advice of a park ranger at South Llano River State Park, due to possible inclement weather, they turned around and went home. Tuesday Lisa was a bit under the weather, so that left her and Scott out. Tuesday evening the temperatures plummeted to the 20s and the sky was overcast, so we too bailed on the Star Party.

Tuesday and Wednesday it was just too cold to enjoy the outdoors so we stayed in The Wanderer, drinking hot chocolate, eating chili, reading, drawing, and watching episode after episode of MASH and NCIS. (And we watched the A&M/Ole Miss basketball game; the Aggies won for a change!) Note, we don’t mention surfing the internet? That is because we could not get internet or cell service in the park. Two years ago when staying in Davis Mountains State Park, we drove into Ft. Davis and used the internet at the library. This trip we found the hotel/soda fountain/drugstore/pharmacy/gift shop had free and very fast internet, 

so each day we drove into town, parked in front of the store to check emails, text messages and download our hometown newspaper.

Thursday evening we said “good-bye” to Lisa and Scott and to our new friends, Lucy and George from Upstate New York

Big Bend Brewery, Alpine, Texas

We couldn’t leave West Texas without stopping to visit our good friends, Wendy and Steve, in Andrews.

Lucky for us, George W. Bush’s Portraits of Courage exhibit had just opened at the Museum of the Southwest, a short distance away in Midland. While reminding us of the wounds our Nation’s veterans incurred to keep us safe and to protect our freedom, the former President empowers the veterans to wear their wounds as badges of courage.

We all were humbled and left with feelings of gratitude.

While in Midland we took the opportunity to visit the PetroleumMuseum

where we learned a little history, were introduced to some new drilling technology, saw some amazing paintings by Tom Lovell and played with admired the famous Chaparral race cars.

When we started exploring our country three years ago, we discussed visiting local churches to broaden our faith experiences. However, we found that we were often traveling on Sundays. This trip we did a better job of planning and were able to attend the First Methodist Church of Midland with Steve and Wendy. They gave us the choice of attending the traditional or modern; we chose modern (remember, we are looking for new experiences.) With a 6-piece praise band, casual dress (like jeans and t-shirts,) refreshments in the atrium (also a permitted in the worship service) it was much different than our Presbyterian Church at home. What we liked best was seeing so many families and young folks worshipping and participating in the service.

After much reminiscing, catching up on industry news and mutual friends, discussing grandchildren, and watching the football playoffs, we said good-bye.

We have spent the past month in Texas. Tonight we are in a Walmart parking lot in El Paso; tomorrow we will begin our stay in New Mexico. 

Tip for fellow RVers; if ever you are traveling through Andrews, Texas (probably will not happen unless you have friends or family living there,) the Chamber of Commerce has five RV sites with water and electricity, plus a dump station behind their building on Broadway. It is free but accepts donations. 

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