November, 2005

In early November we finished our visit to North Carolina and began our trek to Texas. Traveling South from Brevard on Hwy 276 is a bit of a challenge, but we made the trip down the mountain in the car and figured we would be alright since the really tight turns going down the mountain had wide shoulders - it went just fine.

Our route took us through Atlanta, and then West on I-20. We had hoped to take a Southern route near I-10, but our contacts assured us that things were still a mess there from the hurricanes. Our first stop was in Lincoln, AL at an okay RV park that honored our Passport America membership.

Next day we took off and intended to stay in Vicksburg, MS for the night. We saw billboards for a casino campground and decided to stay there. Well, their signs suck, and we suddenly found ourselves in one of those point of no return situations heading down a STEEP drive to the casino - not the campground. We were the only motor home in the parking lot, and we were really wondering if we could make it back up the hill. We waited until there was no traffic, gunned the engine, ran the stop sign at the bottom of the driveway, and just made it to the top. If it was a hundred feet farther we might still be there. So, being ticked off at the casino and in foul humor, I trucked on another 75 miles and landed in a Super Walmart parking lot for the night in Monroe, LA.

After a lovely night at Walmart, it was on the road (I-20) again heading West. We prefer to drive on 'Red Roads' to see more of the country - but on this leg of our trip we were just interested in making some miles. Our destination was the Rainbows End Escapees Park in Livingston, Texas. This is the home park of the Escapees organization, and the place we wanted to visit in order to become Texas residents. Livingston, Texas is now our home town. The Escapees have information on how to become a Texas resident. I'm not sure if their brochure has been updated or not, but this sequence of events must be followed. First, get your vehicle(s) inspected - there are several inspection agencies in Livingston. Second, pay your vehicle taxes/fees. Third, get your drivers license. Do it in this order or you'll be running around a lot.

After departing Livingston we motored over to Sun City in Austin Texas to visit some dear friends who recently bought a home there. Joseph and Vicky sure have a nice place and a beautiful community - too bad they are not golfers! The course we played on there is beautiful. A couple days there and we set sail for Pharr, TX for a four month stay at Tip 'O Texas RV Resort. This park has darn near everything - if you get bored here - heaven help you.

This will be our home until mid-March. We love the Rio Grande Valley, and it is close to where MJ's parents live. We'll have Christmas with them - their first holiday guests in 8 years. We are happy to be able to share the season with them.