December 2021…

As we entered December 2021, we were leaving Arizona and headed to New Mexico! We arrived at a Harvest Location called Smugglers’ Roost. The website states “A pioneering community which serves as a hub for exploration, creativity and trade, but above all…the passionate celebration of life!” This place was unique. Pretty much in the middle of nowhere but amazing views. The most spectacular part was when the owner brought out his telescope and we were able to view Jupiter and Saturn! It was so amazing! Pretty cool! Just a quick one night stay and then we were off to Leasburg Dam State Park! What a great place! We enjoyed awesome hikes and wonderful views.

Next up was a visit to White Sands National Park!!! On the way there, we stopped at the Missile Museum. BUT, it was closed to visitors! Bummer! Looked quite exciting. We continued on our way to White Sands. White Sands…WOW!! What a cool place! We purchased a “used” sled and took off. We hiked up to a great hill and enjoyed being kids! As we were going back to the truck, I blacked out! Apparently, it happens quite frequently to visitors. I had no idea! Kind of scary. Got some some to drink and hit the road to head back to Leasburg.

The next day we drove to Carlsbad! What a drive…long, boring, hilly and finally dark! We arrived after dark (big mistake!). We were super frustrated and exhausted. Finally found our campsite (White City RV Park)…we do NOT recommend!! Set up camp and went to bed angry that we got there so late. It was all good because tomorrow we were going to Carlsbad Caverns!

Carlsbad Caverns!!!! WOW! What a treat!!! Literally an awesome place! Unlike any others we’ve been to! Highly, highly recommend! I love that it’s self guided! We were in the caverns for about 3 hours! We easily could have stayed even longer! Absolutely wonderful!

Onward we go! Good bye New Mexico-Texas-here we come!!! The first night we stayed in Andrews and stayed at a sweet couples’ property. They turned their property into an RV camp after COVID hit and so many people were losing their homes since they couldn’t work. They were the sweetest people ever!

Next stop-Abilene! We stayed at Whistle Stop RV Resort! Awesome campground. We enjoyed goofing around, playing corn hole, horse shoes, swings, tetherball, and an amazing steak dinner and beer in town! Simply a wonderful day enjoying this crazy journey.

Travel day to Waco, TX. It was such a beautiful drive. It was long but gorgeous! Arrived at Flat Creek Farms RV Resort. Very pretty but I was feeling kind of blue. I was missing home and super grumpy! The next day, I wanted to visit Magnolia Silos. It was very nice but not really my thing! I was kind of disappointed. I did enjoy exploring Waco and we found so many cool little boutique shops some that were even breweries! Back at the RV park, we enjoyed the creek, the lake, the sheep!!! While taking a selfie for Haley to see my cute new shirt, I stepped on an ant hill! Was the first time for this California girl but not the last! Ouch! Lots of little bites all over my foot!

Georgetown, Texas here we come! What a beautiful town!!! We stayed at Cedar Breaks Park. Nice park. We cruised around town stopping at a cute brewery downtown. On Saturday, we met up with the Sarah & Grant from back home!!! What a gift! I cried seeing someone from back home. I sure miss home. We had breakfast for 2 hours at a cute little restaurant, Sweet Lemon Kitchen! What a joy! I loved chatting with them and learning all they had to share about making an out of state move and the challenges and joys. This was a great day! After our breakfast, we took off to visit the town of Taylor. Using our Harvest Host we stayed at The Texas Beer Company. We got a cool tour of the brewery. Super fun! Great people! Cute town.

After our quick visit to Georgetown and Taylor, we headed to Belton Lakeview Park. Nice place to stay the night. Enjoyed the lake views.

Travel day to Fort Worth. Stopped on the way to mail gifts back home! Then stopped in Eddy for wine! Super fun. Arrived at Holiday Campground outside of Fort Worth. One of my favorite places! We were lake front and it was beautiful!!

The next day we visited the Stockyards. Had a blast exploring and shopping!! Came back with lots of goodies including new Boots!

Rodeo tonight in the Stockyards! We parked the RV in the Stockyards parking lot and enjoyed a great day eating BBQ, drinking beer, and having a blast. It was great seeing all the contestants rolling into the lot with their horses and getting ready for the evening. The rodeo was AMAZING! Absolutely so much fun!!!

We made a quick to Greenville to visit Uncle Tony! Such a blessing! He was so excited to see us and we enjoyed listening to his stories. Left in the late afternoon and stayed a Greenville RV Park. Just an RV park…..

Hooray! We were finally on our way to Livingston to pick up mail! Oh and the mail…..yes! I got 21 packages!!!! Kind of fun! We spent two nights at Lake Livingston!

After Livingston, we headed to Humble to see more Schricks! We’d be spending a few days with them. While in Humble, Haley flew into Houston on her way to the east coast! Hooray for me as I get to see her and pick up her little Remy! Haley’s layover was a little longer than expected so we took her out to lunch! The gifts kept coming in! After we returned Haley to the airport, we head back to Uncle Chuck’s. Uncle Chuck and Aunt Peggy spoiled us with fun and food! We were so blessed to be there. Christmas Eve was with our Schrick family in Texas and we loved every moment.