Today, 15 February, we are in Laredo, Texas in a motel whose main attractions are showers, heat, happy hour and a guest laundry. After camping for several days, we are desparately in need of all of the above. Tomorrow we hope to finish up the paperwork (insurance and visas) and cross over into Mexico from here, rather than going on to Brownsville.

Big Bend (both the state parkand the national parks) was terrific! We drove through the state park, starting from the western edge, and ending up in Terlinga for the night. We had hoped to camp in Lajitas, but the campsite discussed in the brochure could not be found (even the Town Hall had not heard of it, and, with no cell phone coverage in the area, we couldn't call). Actually, to digress a bit: brochure writing seems to be a booming business down this way. The brochures are great; the actuality hasn't matched in quite a few instances. Very curious.

From Terlinga, we headed east into Big Bend National Park, heading toward Rio Grande Village with stops at Chisos Basin (overwhelmingly beautiful) and Boquillas Canyon. We chose to camp at Rio Grande Village, because snow was expected at Chisos Basin (no thank you!). The wind had dropped from the previous night, and we were able to get the grill going for dinner.

On Valentines Day we drove to Del Rio via Marathon. Sorry to report, Wilson, the Marathon Cafe is no more. We did stop in Marathon at small cafe for coffee, beer, and internet, but "bar bars" seem to have vanished in the parts of Texas we have travelled.

Speaking of things vanished: where have all the "Drive Friendly" signs gone? We have seen ONE so far. We should note, though, that driving here in Texas is generally much, much better than in California so maybe the signs aren't needed.

The drive to Del Rio was on Highway 90, a red road, which was terrific: in great shape, no traffic, and great scenery. We camped at Amistad National Recreation Area, right on the reservoir, and cooked a terrific steak and asparagus dinner. Sometime in the middle of the night, the temperature dropped to almost freezing and we woke up very, very cold.

Today we drove to Laredo, stopping along the way to have the oil changed in the van. We are glad to be warm, and sure enjoyed the happy hour!