Day 24: 137 Miles
Starting location: Cottonwood Campground, Big Bend National Park – 38 degrees
Ending location: Davis Mountain State Park, Fort Davis, Texas – 50 degrees
Major Stops: Laundromat, Grocery Store, RV Park for Propane Fill…Chore day!
Weather: SunnyDay 25: Zero Day
Hikes: Skyline Drive Trail – 4.9 miles
Reading along on the blog, I know this sometimes looks like a fantasy world of nothing but fun. Unfortunately, after being gone for 23 days, we needed to take care of some chores. Many of my clothes were stuffed in a laundry bag, we needed propane (again) as it had been so cold at night, and this was our day to hit a grocery store since we were going to be in a remote area again. So, I had planned in all these stops in Alpine Texas. (And to be perfectly honest, so far this life is mostly a blast! 😘 Attitude matters when chores are involved.)
Now I have not been in a laundromat for about 35 years. They are actually pretty clean places, or at least this one was. My memories are not quite as nice. My sister suggested that I could just throw away my clothes and buy new ones. I think she was kidding? Since it only cost $24 to wash and dry all the laundry including bedding and dog bed, I economically came out ahead. I even made a couple of acquaintances and had a lovely chat. I had planned to read, but I was too engrossed in the conversations. And the whole experience, including folding and putting away, only took about 1.5 hours which was surprising, too!
Propane Again!
Next we were off to get the propane. So, off I went to Tractor Supply only to find out that their propane fill was not working on RV’s. So, they sent me to the RV park called the Lost Alaskan just past the laundromat a couple of miles. The friendly lady sent me back to the propane area; and, lo and behold, the truck was there filling their tank. So, I waited for him to finish, and then I waited and waited some more. Finally, I called the office. Apparently, the guy had not heard the walkie-talkie call as he came shortly thereafter and filled the tank. Ironically, I passed the laundromat heading now to the grocery store. I had driven back and forth across town!
Wine and Dog Food
Leaving Dottie in the RV, I went into the grocery store called Porters. There are only eleven of these grocery stores in the whole wide world. They are pretty nice, if small. And, gratefully, they had my box wine! (Please don’t squinch your nose….it’s convenient and fits perfectly in a class B cabinet lying down. And, it’s reasonable wine, too.) I bought two of them!
Groceries put away, there was one last stop to find Dottie her food. She eats Hill’s Science Diet. I bet you will never guess who carries it? I certainly did not. It was the Tractor Supply store! Yep, they were the only place in town that carried it. She got the little bites this time, but she won’t starve. Tractor Supply has become one of my best friends out here! So, that was chore day!
We passed the laundromat again on our way to the campground! I drove past it three different times! Not the best routing plan, but I now know Alpine Texas pretty well. The laundromat is central to the town!
Davis Mountains State Park
Our site at the park had water and electric! We had our very own spigot and plug in! Woo Hoo! Since it was going to be very cold, we were able to run the furnace on a blend of electric and propane to conserve our propane. I even splurged and watched a NetFlix movie since we had electric AND cell coverage, too!
The next day, Dottie and I hiked the Skyline Drive Trail up to the top of Davis Mountain. Dottie was thrilled! She was so happy to be out of the National Parks so she could hike! Here are some pictures from our hike.
Karen, just started reading all this late last night after getting an email via Tory. I was telling Denise about your trip this morning. I am so enjoying your posts and travels. You definitely have some advantages with the small motorhome as to where you can go that we could not with our 30 foot. Would love to see your motorhome and you when you get back! So glad you have a dog with you for safety and want to hear more about your temp monitoring & satellite devices! Your amazing! Looking forward to more adventure posts!
Thank you, Cindy! I’m having a blast! Can’t wait to see your motorhome, too!
I did have to do some research on the pet monitoring. Solving that was the biggest challenge technologically, and it’s still not perfect. I need a cell signal where the RV is sitting but can get the message on my satellite system anywhere.
Karen, just an fyi, while traveling KOA parks have full & partial hookup sites with laundry on site.
Thanks, Cindy! Water is my biggest limitation so I will keep KOA in mind.
Oh to have your courage…I love traveling, but roughing it alone is scary to me….but I guess I can expereince it through you…Loved your entry and the photos are awesome!
Oh Shirley! I have always thought you had great courage! I don’t feel alone really. I’ve met some pretty neat people and I can be an introvert, too.
I’m sure you would enjoy it. I recommend starting out slowly with a weekend here and there. You have many beautiful places nearby your home. If you stay in the parks you would be pretty safe. I haven’t gotten the courage to boondock remotely yet, but that’s coming. 😘 One step at a time. This is the lady that got me started with her blog: http://rvsueandcrew.net/ I think you may enjoy it, too. Hugs, my friend!
We enjoyed our chore day, too :). Love the pics!!
Thanks, Jaq! I appreciate the kind words.
Your pictures are so beautiful Karen!! Yes I love TSC too!
LOL…I am just learning about it’s benefits!