2008JeffJourney

May 12, 2008: The Great Saguaro

 Location: El Paso (Trivia: Our tour guide explained that the city got its name from the Spanish word passé – the pass. It is a natural pass between the mountains from the north that reach into the Rockies and the south that descend into South America.), NM, AZ

Audio Book: The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

Mileage: 2500 miles

Lesson Learned: Survey the map before heading out. Driving extra miles in the dark with tired, hungry children is not fun. – S&C

The morning began early for C as he prepared for a business call on the east coast time. Despite the background noise of wind, traffic from the highway and RV’s pulling out, today’s technology has allowed him to keep in touch with his clients and coworkers. The rest of us were a bit sluggish about getting up and out on the road this morning. After shopping we finally departed about 11 a.m. The high winds made traveling slow. We were entertained by the wind spouts that churned up the red dust into tornado looking structures.  Scenery ranged from flat scrub with mountains in the distance, piles of rocks, abandoned towns, horse farms, "the thing" (o.k we were tempted but not sucked in to paying a $1 to see what it is) and lots of land. We passed over the Continental Divide and finally approached Tucson.

Our first stop was the Saguaro National Park – East to see the great Saguaro. We were thankful a ranger stopped us at the gate and said, “You don’t want to take that bad boy in there.” We unhooked, set out to explore and quickly saw the reason the camper wouldn’t make the quick turns and deep dips.   On a short hike into the Sonoran Desert we saw quail, hares, a kangaroo rat and many kinds of cacti. We made it back to the camper just in time to get out of the gates by sunset. In our haste we learned the “consult the map before you set out” wisdom. We took the scenic route by fields, caves and cows wandering in the street before we arrived at our new home – Beaudry RV Resort and Rally Park in Tucson, AZ.

May 11, 2008: Over the Border

Location: Mission RV, El Paso TX (www.missionrvparklp.com) very friendly and accommodating RV park that includes and RV repair shop. Mexico for the afternoon.

The day is winding down. The kids just came in from a swim and they instantly became glued to the TV showing of Princess Diaries II… in Spanish. It’s the first time the TV has been on all trip so whatever is on they’ll watch J.

At dinner one of the kids exclaimed that it seemed like several days have passed since we woke up.  It began really early for C and I as we were awoke as the wind was attempting to detach our awning from the camper. After we gained our senses we were out in the chilly night air trying to remember how to reign it back in!

Excited to be in a place where we could attend worship, we search out a PCA church and found Christ the King Presbyterian Church (www.ctkpca.org). Reverend Charles Isaac preached on Hebrews 10:1-25 exhorting us not to chase the shadows (our good works) but to pursue and take refuge in the reality (Christ’s work): But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified… then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.” Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin. Hebrews 10:12-14, 17-18 Such a simple concept, but so hard to grasp! The church family was so friendly and we ended up staying around talking for a long time. We had three families talking about joining us on this journey!

When I told several people from the area that we were going into Ciudad Juarez, Mexico for the afternoon, there was concern. One woman told me that the military families are told not to go there. She then said, “Pray for protection. I am sure you will be alright.” Hmmm…. Our tour was booked at the RV Park and we were escorted by two bilingual native guides. We thought for sure they wouldn’t do the tours (esp. for our young children) if it wasn’t safe so over the border we went. The first hour we drove around the city learning about the different areas. I was amazed at the small Rio Grande. I was expecting the river to be, well, Grande. We were told that the river is mostly used for irrigation so it is very small and even dried up in some areas. In the 60’s it was moved into the USA and the land between the old and new rivers was given to Mexico for use as a National Park. Locals gather to play sports where the old river once ran. We saw many families out celebrating Mother’s Day in the park. My tour guide had a real heart for the people in Juarez. He explained their minimum wage is .85/hour and frequently made reference to how that affects the lives of those in the city.

After our tour of the city we were escorted into a courtyard area of a leather factory to begin the several hours of shopping and bartering. The kids enjoyed trying on boots and hats looking like charros (Mexican cowboys). The shop owners encouraged us to take pictures all the while taking every opportunity to explain their wares and encourage us to spend mucho dinero. After purchasing a few leather goods we moved onto a marketplace of over a hundred shops each one containing a shop owner that would follow closely expressing the need for us to buy…. A bracelet for the girl? You like my rug? I sell you 2 guitars for $8. I put name on it for free. You can take pictures. You want to take picture of the Tshirt, No more stinky tacos? That is free… C put his bargaining skills to work and enjoyed the process of helping J buy a belt buckle. The whole experience was quite entertaining and fun. To top it off we made it back to the USA safely.

El Paso has been a fun stop. We found once again grocery stores with fresh produce, did 15 loads of laundry, were encouraged in our pursuit of our holy God and gained more insight into another culture - a memorable Mother’s Day weekend.

***Picture: You need a magnetic bracelet?  It can be a necklace....

May 10, 2008: Eyes Full of Wonder: the Universe, Animals and Civilization

Location: Fort Davis, McDonald Observatory and onto El Paso

Weather: Sunny, Windy on the mountains of the observatory, High 80’s

Audio Book: The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

Mileage: Pass 2000 miles!

We were convinced to go back to the Observatory for the daytime activities. This meant getting up and on the road by 9:30 a.m. We must be getting into the routine of packing up because it seemed like a leisurely morning. D&J went on a hike up onto the mountain that we horseback over the day before. They came back excited about the rock cliffs that they were scaling (hmm…). C and L ventured into town to fill the tank with $3.89/gallon gas.

The daytime activities at the Observatory had us viewing an image of the sun through their telescopes, exploring their exhibits on light, listening to an animated presentation of what the sun is and touring two of the large telescopes on the property. Our knowledge definitely grew by leaps and bounds after all these activities!

After a picnic lunch in the parking lot we were back on the road again traveling over the windy roads of the Davis Mountains and passing the flat dessert landscape on our way to El Paso. The kids were glad for Saturday and a reprieve from car schooling.

***picture: playing in Fort Apache

We pulled into the Cattleman’s Steakhouse (www.cattlemanssteakhouse.com/) at the Indian Cliffs about 4:30 p.m. (gaining our hour back in Mountain Time) and already the parking lots were full! I had read about this renowned restaurant in travel books and thought we’d all enjoy it. Just driving into the driveway the kids eyes widened and exclamations abounded. They were ready to move in. Too bad they don’t offer camping! We put our names in for the hour wait to be seated and were off to explore the grounds. I think that the man who owns the place designed it for all the things that he wanted as a kid. There were animal pens full of animals – buffalo, longhorn cattle, Spanish sheep, rabbits, llama, and even a rattle snake pit! After an incredibly good steak dinner we played around in the Indian Maze (Mom and A had the hardest time getting out) and moved to the Apache Fort (a giant playground). We got several ideas for our yard. Now if we only had the time and money to build them.

Next destination: El Paso and for us – CIVILIZATION. It was amazing to see the city lights as we approached the city. That means that our star gazing will have to be put on hold for our next rural stop, but doing laundry and getting connected to our world seems to be in reach! What joy clean clothes can bring to a family.

May 9, 2008: The Skies Clear!

Location: Fort Davis, Texas: Prude Ranch. We were the only campers and were met with cold showers and no lights in the bathrooms. I guess they figure you’d use the full hook ups at each site and stay in the RV for such things. The family is so friendly and we would recommend staying here to anyone!

Weather: Sunny, 90’s. It is so dry here. The dust floats everywhere.

It was so good to sleep in! This day marks one week of travel. We were so glad to not have to get up and go anywhere. The girls were hoping to horse back ride and the boys just wanted to explore the dessert landscape. We all hung out all morning writing letters, visiting the horses, doing school work, swimming in the pool, biking around the property, finding a target range and collecting used bullets for use in the sling shots, and all getting generally filthy from the dry dusty land.

S, K, E and L joined a very friendly group of 11th and 12th grade Astronmony students from Lubbock, TX  for a 30 minute horseback ride up into the mountains that surround the ranch. This was L’s first trail ride and she loved it. E was the most experienced rider in the group to her delight. The scenery was beautiful from the top of the mountain.  A kind wrangler led Micah around and around the dusty pen for about 15 minutes as he beamed.  He is ready to join us on the next trail ride.

***Riders M, K, E, L & S

*** Over the mountain - notice the thick cloud cover....

By evening, It was time to head to the McDonald Observatory (http://mcdonaldobservatory.org/)for the Star Party. The boys had packed a picnic dinner for us which we ate on the property while watching 5-6 hummingbirds feasting at a feeder. The Observatory is run by the University of Texas and is suppose to be the darkest place in the USA. They give a very informative program. We went to the Twilight Program which did a great job reviewing all that we studied in our astronomy studies this year. That evening we were praying that God would clear up the skies. As when we went out for the star party they were remarking that the cloud cover was quite thick. We thought we’d do the inside activities but after a few minutes decided to go back outside. We were met with clear skies! Telescopes were set up all around the outside area focused on the moon, star clusters and the planet Saturn. The staff did a great job explaining what we were looking at and sharing their passion for astronomy.

The Star Party lasted till 11:30 but we just couldn’t make it. Wearily we made it back “home” and made a beeline for our beds.

May 8, 2008: Back to Texas

Location: NM, Carlsbad Caverns, TX: Prude Ranch in the Davis Mountains

Weather: Always a constant 56 degrees in the cave, 90’s and Sunny as we approached TX

Mileage: 1700 miles

Due to the time change (Mountain Time) we were up with the sun. D&J disappeared and came back with a dead bird that D shot with his sling shot. There was deep disappointment on his face when his dad said, “No. We are not going to skin and eat it!”

On that note we headed back to Carlsbad Caverns to descend 750 thigh-strengthening feet into the Natural Entrance. The large colony of swallowtails was as much fun to watch as the bats the night before. There were nests up in the rock ledges where we watched them feeding their babies. We wandered the steep, dark paths down into the enormous Big Room with incredible formations that will spark anyone’s imagination. The Jr. Ranger Badge Booklets led us on a scavenger hunt of the cave formations and unique characteristics of this cave. Into mile 2 enthusiasm began to wane. L, especially, became a droopy soul leaning on every railing and complaining of being hungry and cold. We were all happy to see the sun as we took the elevators to the top.

Now to dash to get the Jr. Ranger Badges and get our camper off the site in 20 minutes! Divvying up the responsibilities in the car made breaking down camp possible in 30 minutes. We didn't make it, but we were only 30 minutes late getting off the site. Since we didn’t get lunch we decided to eat at the local greasy spoon, Jack’s Saloon. It lived up to its name. Sometimes a little grease can make you happy. The kids couldn’t resist running up a hill to explore a little house that looked like a sand castle. Though disappointed that it was surrounded by a fence, they still were enthusiastic in their descriptions of what they imagined life in a house like that would be like.

The Guadalupe Mountains was on the hope list to explore but we didn’t have time. We decided to still drive through. Little did we know how difficult it would be to keep the camper on the road due to the wind. We guessed this was the usual since there were signs warning of high winds and the road stop picnic tables were surrounded by two walls. We passed by the highest point in Texas. It is 4,000 ft taller than Brasstown Bald (GA’s highest point that we climbed last fall.) There was no temptation to climb this record breaking height.

Once more we targeted a small town, Van Horn, to find a grocery store to hopefully get some fresh fruit and vegetables.  While K and I shopped Craig took the kids to the Dairy Queen to get ice cream. They quickly made friends with local twins who lead them in a wild chasing game on the playground. Full and exercised they were willing to get back in the car for the hour and half drive through the west TX wilderness to Prude Ranch. Excitement grew in the car as we sighted for the first time mule deer, javelina and a roadrunner. We were amused by the sign, “Loose Livestock” and even more amused to drive through towns with cows wandering everywhere.

It was dark as we set up camp at Prude Ranch (www.prude-ranch.com). According to the website Grandma Prude came to the west on a covered wagon. After marrying Andrew Prude, the couple established a homestead in 1900. In 1921 they began the guest ranch to share the beauty of the ranch and cool summer months with city dwellers. At this late hour (losing an hour crossing back to Central Time) we looked forward to exploring in the morning.

May 7, 2008: Into the Wind

Location: TX, NM, White’s City RV Park. They say it is a resort. We are sitting in the middle of a desert landscape in a parking lot with other RVs within arm’s reach. But we have full hook ups, we made personal pizzas in our little oven and are cozily in our RV with the AC running. Who could ask for more?

Audio Books: Finished Four Story Mistake, Read more of More Valley, One More Hill, The Story of Aunt Clara Brown and listened to Shel Silverstein’s Runny Babbit: A Billy Sook.

Weather: WINDY! Warm (high 80’s, cooling off at night)

Begging to stay longer in Abilene the kids reluctantly loaded up for a day of viewing the flat desert landscape of west Texas. We saw many oil pumps, passed by Midland (President Bush’s hometown), and made a stop at Odessa Meteor Crater at lunch. The crater, though not too impressive of a size now due to erosion, is the second largest crater in the USA. It was created by metallic meteors that hit with such an impact that it made a crater 550 feet in diameter and 100 feet deep. Our picnic was made memorable by the wind that we thought was going to rip the door off the camper. We ended up eating in the car!

*** Picture: D leans into the wind.

We got off I-20 in Pecos, TX and were intrigued by the charm of the Wild West town. It is odd coming from the relatively new Atlanta area to see places so rural. After miles of what seemed to be nothing we came upon the town of White’s City. It is definitely not what I had envisioned (like maybe it would be a place we could conquer some of these mounds of laundry or get some groceries...). The town looks like something out of a western movie. We quickly readjusted our thinking and have enjoyed being in a place so different.

The itinerary begged us into Carlsbad Caverns for the nightly flight of the Mexican Free Tailed Bats. We made our way up the windy mountain road (thankfully we didn’t have to haul the camper up there.) The ranger talked to us for about 45 minutes about the bats and the caves. The bats migrate to the area so she wasn’t sure what the show would include tonight. About 7:50 p.m. (MT) they began to swarm out of the cave. There were 100’s tonight instead of the 100,000’s that there are in the summer. As the sun set they swooped out of the cave and came right over our heads as they headed out in search of moths and water. We enjoyed watching the few that we saw; I am sure the summer exodus must be very impressive. While watching the cave entrance we saw a ring tailed cat weaving in and out of the rock structures. That was just as about as exciting as the bats.

Back at the campsite we see the Creator in everything. We are impressed with the amount of stars that we can see. We see his handiwork in our lives as well. Though we are traveling through all these places, so much is still the same. A is smiling and eating again after battling a pretty bad cold, L entertained herself in the camper by creating dances to some classical music, D&J jump out at every stop armed with their sling shots looking for targets, M is content and happy to go wherever we are, E loves to keep track of where we are going next, S is continually thinking about what the next meal will be, K is always there seeing how she can help and C continues to make himself (and us) laugh with his own humor. We keep on moving as a unit, enjoying the uniqueness of each one.

May 6, 2008: Abilene

Location: Abilene State Park, Tuscola, TX The kids are ready to move in. The campsites are big and wooded and D finds the trees interesting (a prerequisite for a good campground.) Only 1200 miles from home but they want to make it the next destination of our GA camping friends.

Weather: The sun is coming out after a stormy night. The day was sunny and warm. E says, “It was perfect weather today.”

We enjoyed having a morning where we didn’t have to get up and get out. After much prodding we were able to coax the kids into the car for a day of exploring Abilene. C found a hotel room to work from while the kids and I went to the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature (www.nccil.org) to check out David Macaulay’s exhibit of his new book, The Way We Work, due to be released this fall. It is fascinating to see the process of an illustrator’s mind as he works through what will go on each page. The staff at the museum gave us an introduction to his work and told us some of his stories as to why he illustrated the parts of the body the way he did. We also heard the story of why the museum got its start in Abilene and read the picture book that went with the story.

(L reads a book at the NCCIL.)

After lunch in the park we made our way over to the Frontier Texas Museum (www.frontiertexas.com). I told J that I thought someone like him designed the museum. It was very interactive and interesting to hear the story of the area through firsthand accounts of settlers, Comanche, soldiers and cattle drivers. Although the kids said they wanted to be at the campground fishing, they didn’t complain after we got to the museum.

(Kids in a stagecoach at the Frontier Texas museum.)

To cap off the day we got back to the campground before sunset so J took a crew down to Buffalo Wallow to fish and frog hunt. E and I got in a scenic bike ride. We came right up on an armadillo who seemed only mildly annoyed that we were in its space. He waddled slowly away allowing us to get a good look at him. The campfire was full of entertainment tonight as L&M worked on some original skits, the B1 bombers made their practice runs over our heads and another installment of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy was watched.

(http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/abilene/ this website has more details about the park and a little video clip showing what it is like.)

May 5, 2008: Texas!

Long Car Ride Activities: the dreaded school

Audio Book: Mom reads, One More Valley, One More Hill, The Story of Aunt Clara Brown. (Yes Denise, it is inspiring and a tear jerker. What a testimony this woman has!)

5:15 a.m. came all too early. In anticipation of a 12-14 hour day we bleary eyed packed up the camper, urged the kids to the car carrying a juice bottle and pillow and actually pulled out of the campsite by 6:30 a.m. Who would have thought it could be done!

“I like this place,” was the comment from the back seat as we surveyed the flat landscape of Abilene surrounded by low mountains in the distance. It is different than anything like we’ve seen before, but reminds us of “the woods” where we spent many a Thanksgiving in FL. We surprised ourselves by arriving at Abilene at 4 p.m. and decided to take the AAA guide’s suggestion of eating where the locals favor – Lytle Land and Cattle Co. Everyone was pleased, esp. J who ordered a steak from the adult menu for the first time (steak order from the adult menu that is- c).

Stuffed we drove through the quaint and very eclectic town of Buffalo Gap and found our way to Abilene State Park. Already there is much pleading to bag the museum trips planned for the morning and just explore the campground. There is much fuel for the imagination here and many trails for the bikes. But Daddy must find internet and work tomorrow and we must stick to the curriculum. Tonight we close another day with a campfire and s’mores.

***Picture: In the town of Buffalo Gap