January in Mason Texas

Such a neat old town!!  Founded in the 1850’s, it has retained its rich heritage.  Built around the town square, with the courthouse in the middle, is the main little shopping area. No McDonalds/Wendy’s here!!  The jail, the small tall building, is still being used.  Old barn buildings still in use, although not sure about the tractors in front!!  We are staying with friends, camping beside there home.  We wake up to the roosters, letting know morning has arrived. The Odeon theatre, is still in operation—since 1929, making it the oldest continuest running theatre in Texas.  A town that is locked in time!!

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR. -from Texas

Wishing you  a great and healthy2019!   We are staying with a friend near Sonewall Texas, at her hill top home.    360 view of the valleys, lakes and hills around us.  Dawna and Ralph have left us now, and are heading to their park in Florida .   Neil has bought himself a man-toy, so has been out learning to fly it.  He’s doing very well-no crashes!!   —just maybe scaring the deer.   Oh, by the way, made a slight error in my last blog of 100 years!!  The battle of the Alamo was in 1836, not 1936!

December 27th. In San Antonio

The Alamo and the Riverwalk are a must when you visit San Antonio!,  so off we went to join 30 million other people doing the same thing!!  The Alamo is very special to the Texans-a testament to courage—where a blood was shed!  Davey  Crockett and Jim Bowie (famous for his knives), lost their lives here.  We used guided information tapes, so we learned a lot of history.  Then we went to the IMAX to see the movie, pretty violent!  The Riverwalk walk was next, tons of people, but neat to see.  Waited around to see the lights there, then off home, but stopped first in Johnson City to see their lights.  Amazing-every tree branch was covered-right to the end of each little branch.  Great day, but we were all very tired

Big Bend National Park. December 21st-22nd

Oh, Big Bend!!  What a beautiful place.  This is our 3rd visit to Big Bend, and it never seizes to amaze us.  Hiked up Boquillas Canyon, right along the Rio Grande River!  Hot! And sunny!  Then on to the hot spring, there was a resort here in the 1930’s, not much left now, but the springs still pump out hot water, they say around 104 degrees.  Finally sun setting on the mountains on the Mexico side. Great end to a perfect day!

Two fantastic days-December 18 and 19th

Leaving Silver City for the Gila Cliff dwelling, —and once again on a narrow mountain road with switch backs—and snow!!  Roads were snow covered in places—and no guard rails.  A bit nerve racking.  But it was worth it in the end.  The Mogollon peoples populated this area from around 1100 years ago.  About 40 rooms were built inside five natural caves on the cliff sides.  We were able to walk thru the area, it was amazing!!

Then on Wednesday we drove to White Sands National Monument.  This is a huge area of gypsum so big you can see it from space.  It’s tge largest in the world.  Kids were sliding down the dunes on flying saucers

December 18th Silver City New Mexico

just a bit of information on the saguaros.

Sunday December 16th in Apache Junction

Spent Wednesday nite in Cottonwood, then Thursday drove up the mountain to Jerome, a historic gold mining town.  Very touristy with lots of shops, the guys went to visit the old mine, and machinery.  Us gals strolled the streets, I almost got shot but talked my way out of it!!  The views from uptop were breathtaking.  Then we headed for Prescott, once again, very narrow twist road, over the

top of Mindus mountain.  Over 6000ft, and snow along the edge.  Spent a couple of nites in the Prescott area, drove around to see a fabulous display of Christmas lights.  Now in Apache Junction, at a RV Park, last nite we were invited to their Christmas party.  Fun.