Greetings from the oasis of Van Horn, Texas. And I mean that literally, but more on that later. First, a little update on our arrival in Baton Rouge (a city I have fond memories of, as I went there often when I was stationed at Ft. Polk after getting drafted. Boy, that's another story in itself). Anyway, after another hard day of driving over a rebuilt Roman road they now call I-10 Louisiana, we arrived at another pet-friendly La Quinta. This one was sandwiched alongside the interstate. Convenient, but not exactly a place to walk your dog. Poor Tuck. His walk consisted of a 3' grass median that ran along the frontage road. What a sweetheart, he just looked up at us as we walked him with an expression that was somewhere between "you actually expect me to poop here" and "please put me up for adoption". Since we arrived late and nothing was open, our dinner was once again....turkey sandwiches, chips and wine. Reminds me of college. The good news is that the La Quinta was newly renovated, having just been rebuilt after the flooding there last Fall. If you're traveling, with or without a pet, check them out. Very impressive for the price.
The following morning, we packed the wagon train and headed for San Antonio. I was hoping the roads would improve. They didn't. It was another really long day. Claudia was amazing through it all. I couldn't catch her out on the open road. She's a natural at this truck-driving stuff. Give her some snacks to munch on and a diet coke and she is gone! Tuck, bless his heart, just curled up in his sleeper sofa back seat and slept.
San Antonio was a frustrating stop for us. The city has a lot going on, but it was super crowded even on a Sunday afternoon. Perhaps it was the record-breaking heat (86) that drew everyone to the downtown area? Traffic was terrible. There was nowhere to park and even if you found an open lot, our truck was too big to fit. What's up with that San Antonio...does your city planners all driveMini's? So, even though we got lots of great recommendations on places to visit located on the Riverwalk, we found that that once we got there, it was too hectic to really enjoy. Perhaps another time?
To finish up for the night, we had a great drive today from San Antonio to Van Horn, Texas. Without a doubt, our best drive day yet. I-10 was flat and smooth and I could actually keep up with Claudia. I rarely bounced out of the seat. It was, however, a bleak drive. Let me just say this...I have a hugely renewed respect for the brave souls who crossed this great country in wagon trains. Are you kidding me...how did they did they do it? We drove for 9 hours on I-10 (with rest stops) and we passed maybe two very small towns, one gas station/truck stop (Love's Truck Stops). They sell everything, including their own brand of jerky. We passed. This is one drive I would absolutely not make at night, although lots of people do, because the speed limit is 80. What a tease, I couldn't get to 80 down a ski slope with a tailwind.
And then....as if by magic...up on the horizon is the little town of Van Horn. The oasis I mentioned earlier. We had reservations at the Hampton Inn, so we weren't worried about our room, but were amazed to find a new Red Roof Inn and a half dozen other really nice motels. Way out here in the middle of nowhere. It turns out that Van Horn is about halfway between San Antonio and a lot of popular towns in Arizona. Tourists, the RV crowd and motel developers figured it out. It also has a Chuy's Tex-Mex restaurant. Score. Great food and super reasonable.
Before I sign off, a comment about the weather. We left San Antonio this morning and the temperature was about 80. We unpacked the truck tonight in a light rain, with a blowing wind and the temp was 39. Yikes...that's a helluva drop since we left Punta Gorda. We are now layering our clothes, which is a nice way of saying we are putting on everything we own.
Tomorrow, we head for Tucson. Cheers!