FIRST STOP MCKINNEY FALLS, AUSTIN TEXAS

 

We took Sea-Enna on a walk to the upper falls yesterday.  We were shocked at all the damage done by a flood that apparently occurred here in October of 2013. 

 

 

It didn't affect the campsites, but a lot of park buildings and trails appear to have been damaged. 

Dan cooked Smokies on the campfire last night while I cooked the last of our home make perogies.  Then we left the campfire to slowly burn out. 

 

 

 

SO, THAT'S IT FOR MCKINNEY FALLS.  TODAY IT'S ON TO LAKE THUNDERBIRD STATE PARK, OKLAHOMA

 

 

ALL CLOSED AND SEALED UP - AND AWAY WE GO

Yesterday, we had our trailer sprayed for insects to keep the bugs way while we are up north.  We have never done this before and have never had any problems, but for some reason, this year we have been seeing a lot of ants around, so we thought we better not take any chances. 

 

Then last night we went out for a farewell dinner with Lois and Larry.  We went to our favourite Chinese Buffet, "The China Sea".  It was delicious as usual. 

 

 

Then closed up the big trailer, pulled in the slides and locked it down.  Thanks for the help Larry. 

We also did as much preparation, to the trailer we are travelling in, as we could before bed, so that this mornings departure would be quick and easy. 

 

 

Now we are ready to roll. 

 

 

We made it to McKinney Falls State Park.

 

 

 

We are going to stay here two nights, then we are off to Lake Thunderbird State Park in Oklahoma

 

 

 

Here's the two of us idiots trying to take a "Selfie".  We are obviously going to have to work on that. 

 

 

 

And here is Dan explaining to Sea-Enna that she must stay close to the trailer and not wander off of the campsite or she will have to be kept on a leash. 

 

 

 

 

SO THAT'S GOODBYE TO PARADISE PARK FOR ANOTHER SEASON. 

 

 

 

 

 

AHH, AN EVENING SWIM

There is nothing I love more than an evening swim. mmmmmm  ...........  Let me re-phrase that, I love going for a swim, especially in the evening. 
 

In the evening the water is so warm.  If we go late enough there are very few people around. Sometimes we have to pool and hot tub completely to ourselves. It is very relaxing.
 

 

It cools me off after a hot day, and helps me to sleep really well even on a hot evening. 

AND THAT'S WHAT I LIKE ABOUT TEXAS

 

OUR LAST SATURDAY NIGHT DANCE

Last night we went to our last Saturday Night Dance for this season. 

 

 

Claudine and Robert took us to see "Diego", whom we had heard of but had not seen. 

 

 

 

I swear Claudine was not drunk, I just caught her when she blinked in this picture.  You'd think I would learn, I should always snap two. 

 

 

 

Oh, well, we all had a very good time, Diego was great and we are looking forward to more of this when we return. 

 

 

 

BUT THAT'S IT UNTIL NEXT FALL

 

 

 

 

 

 

LESS THAN A WEEK TILL WE HIT THE ROAD AND HEAD NORTH

We've got a lot to do to get ready to go.  It's time to start making my lists.   

First off, I have picked out  a few campgrounds along our return route all spaced out around 300 to 400 miles apart.  We don't like to bite off more than that when we are hauling the trailer. 

By the time we get breakfast over, get packed up, put in 300 to 400 miles then set up camp again and get supper made that is a long enough day for us, and Sea-Enna.  We have purchased a "Thundershirt" for her, for the trip home.  They have been recommended by a number of dog owners in the park. 

They are supposed to calm nervous dogs and that is what we think she suffers from when we travel, so we figured it was worth a try.  We'll see. 

 

Next I have to make my packing lists.  What am I taking home and what am I leaving here.  Then transfer what we are taking home into the small trailer.  Including food and other supplies. 

 

Then we need the to-do list for closing up the Texas trailer for the Summer.  Putting reflective insulation in all the windows stowing things safely for the summer heat etc.

 

I also have to document our purchases and make a declaration document for the items I have to declare at the border. 

 

So there is lots to think of and do in the next week. 

MAKING MY LISTS AND CHECKING THEM TWICE

 

 

 

DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE

They have a great campaign down here in McAllen Texas, against drunk driving.  And a great visual to promote it. 

 

 

Choose Your Ride

 

 

 

 

It really is your Choice.

 

 

They move this vehicle around and park it at busy intersections as a reminder. 
 

It certainly caught my eye a number of times. 

 

 

 

VERY EFFECTIVE. 

 

 

 

 

DIY - OUR NEW STEPS ARE BOLTED DOWN AND CLOSED IN

Once we got the new trailer stabilized, Dan bought a new better set of steps.  They are much larger, have a proper landing at the top and are not cantilevered out of the side of the trailer.

 

 

Now that our company and entertaining is done, Dan got busy and bolted the new stairs down to the concrete, and bolted the hand rail to the trailer. 

 

 

He also closed in the sides of the staircase with the same lattice work that we have enclosed the trailer with. 

 

 

All we have to do now is to close in the fronts of the risers. 

 

 

 

ANOTHER JOB WELL DONE