El Paso to Whites City NM, then Fort Stockton, Texas

Was a beautiful easy drive once we got out of El Paso, and on our way east. I put the destination in the GPS and set it to go, and when Polly got in it had to be relocated and the screen went from one to another and then Polly got it back as we were driving. After that I had trouble trusting where it was taking us. Just felt wrong when it was telling us to turn west, when we were going east. After we cleared the city all was good, GPS was right. We skirted the city, but used city roads, with many lights, and turns that are hard to decipher what the GPS want us to do. We are now seeing that in the city is when we have the most tension. I can’t pull over just anywhere, and Polly does feel tense just because the volume of traffic, and I drive more aggressively then she would. Not that I push my way around, just lets go is my motto. Polly on the other-hand would wait longer than I at intersections. We knew this before we started, but never had to deal with it on a somewhat daily basis, and with a 29 foot trailer in tow, so we have some adjusting to do here, and we will get it right as we go. Just setting where we are going helps, but research ahead of the trip that day makes a big difference, and talking about how it went as the easier part of the drive sets in helps. Everyday a new adventure is how this is unfolding, looking forward to today's travels.

As we get close to Whites City we pass a salt flats, then Polly spots a huge mountain start to appear out of the misty sky, Guadalupe Peak, also known as Signal Peak, is the highest natural point in Texas, with an elevation of 8,751 feet above sea level. Polly gets a few pics, here is the best shot. (Had to look that part up)

Pulling up and over the pass was the steepest pull we have had yet, speed went down to 50 mph and our truck was pulling hard, but I kept my foot on it, just not too hard, don’t have to get there too fast, want to get there, not have troubles from over heating, or worse. Made it with no problem, and we continued with no more hills to Whites City where we took a site at White’s City RV. Not the best site, maybe the worst site so far, good we had just one night to stay there. We setup the trailer and unhooked, and set the air conditioner so Bosco would be OK, took him for a walk, made sure he had plenty of water, and had a coat of mine to lay on, then said bye, bye and off we went.

The ride in was about 5 miles, and we went up a small mountain to the top where the visitor centre is.

They gave us the speel, and off we went. Walked down the path to the entrance where we saw a flock of Barn Swallows who were nesting in the entrance swarm around, and the fly off in a flock. Was nice to see this to start our adventure. Well Polly and I couldn’t stop saying “Hey look here, Look here, Wow!” We never saw so many beautiful, and amazing sights in such a short time. Took us about 21/2 hours for the whole self guided tour. The trail in was very good, and the grade was gradual, and good paved coarse pathway so no slipping. There were a few wet spots, not much though, and good solid stainless steel hand rails all the way both sides. We didn’t really have to follow a map, the trail had others passing us as we did take our time and stop for photos, and just look in amazement at what had formed over the years, and how beautiful the shapes were. Here are a few pictures, I have to limit them here, but have posted more on Facebook. The photos, and all we could say will not do what we saw justice. You have to experience there caverns to understand how great they are.

The elevator ride up was good, we found out that it takes 58 seconds to go 700 feet up, and was such a smooth ride, much better than walking, we were tired after we finished.


 On the way back to our trailer we saw a Big Horn Sheep up on his haunches feeding on the cactus, was a nice sight to see on our way out. Polly was quick to get a picture as he stopped at a whistle and looked. Nice Shot Polly...

The RV Park had more campers when we got back, and we talked with a few of them about there experiences, here and other places. We are gaining info as we go about where to stay, what to watch for, and where to stop and look around.

Today we travelled to Carlsbad NM, a fast moving, working town. Farmers and oil field workers. We fuelled up and turned right toward Fort Stockton, Texas. This highway is an oilfield transporter. We saw many big trucks carrying almost everything needed for oil production, oil drill rigs beside the road drilling, and oil being hauled, and piped, and pipelines being built, and pump jacks everywhere. Was quite an education for Polly and I. I had seen some of this before in Alberta, but not so much so fast as this. The road had a few big chuck holes, which I managed to miss, one was lucky to miss as would have been at least on flat over that one.

Up hill to the Hill Top RV Park

Crooked fence on Hill Top RV 

Fort Stockton Welcome across from Hill Top RV

We arrived in Stockton, pulled over at a gas station with lots of room to manoeuvre and after some research we decided to stay close to where we had stopped at the Hill Top RV Park. Good decision, was close, and nicely kept, will stop here again. We were told of this place by another traveller in El Paso, got to pay attention to what is recommended. After we set up, I had a talk with Bob from Northern Ontario, he said he was thinking of doing same as us as house was always pulling them back. Then I went and had a swim in the cold pool, but was nice in the 80 degree sunshine, made for a nice break, stopped earlier today, nice too. Polly came and joined me when I came back for another beer, was nice to have her there dunking in her legs, she was a no swim, but was nice to lounge by the pool. Polly wanted me to mention here that she was asked twice in NM for ID at a store she was buying wine at, she was so happy about this.

A couple from Minnesota came and we talked for quite awhile about our travels, and there's, love how we are learning so much as we go. They told us of a campsite in San Antonio we will head to.

Loving life here in Texas...