Monday, August 6 – We left California a week ago and landed in west Texas today. Muleshoe, Texas to be exact. Only Mad Dogs and Englishmen travel across Texas in the summer heat, so we must be mad. It's 100 outside, so a/c is a must. We were headed to a free city park, the Waylon Jennings Memorial RV park in Littlefield, about 40 miles down the road from here. We pulled over to change drivers and I saw a sign across the street about the Ray and Donna West Free RV Park. So I pulled in and saw paved pads with gravel and green grass between the sites. And FULL hookups.
While Muleshoe, Texas is not a destination, it sure is a good place to over night when transitioning from I40 to the more southern I20. There are many small towns in central and west Texas that offer free or low cost parking to travelers. I guess it just part of the wonderful hospitality of Texans. [Yes, I lived there 40 years ago]
After we parked, volunteers came to cut and water the grass. I went to chat with one of them and learned he was the county commissioner. He told me about the folks that contributed the money and how the city and county worked together to get it built. He said he could not get much work done on the roads here because it was so dry, so "his boys" built the park this year instead.
California is one of the most scenic states in the country. Sadly, the state is headed into economic ruin. We saw state parks there that were in rough shape and were charging $50 for hookups and $35 for dry parking. Texas does not have the scenery of California, but they have vibrant economy and lots for free overnight parking.
Tuesday, August 7 – Stayed at Abilene SP and ate prime rib at Perini’s Ranch in Buffalo Gap, which has the best steaks we have ever had. Happy Birthday to Dorothy!
Wednesday, August 8 – Stayed at the COE Holiday Park, south of Ft. Worth. Rain storm.
Thursday, August 9 – Planned to stay at Lake Bistineau SP, but after driving 10 miles off the interstate to it, we found the CG was closed for tree cutting. We stopped at the first CG we found, Bonnie and Clyde’s. A step above a dump. $24. Rained overnight.
Friday, August 10 – Stayed at Roosevelt SP east of Jackson. A place we have been many times. $13.
Saturday, August 11 – Home. Gas is $3.35, a dime more than when we left. Highest paid $3.89, average 3.56.
Stats: Miles driven: 15,200 total
KoKo: 9,400 - ending odometer 58,963
Pelli: 5,800 - ending odometer 43,122
Nights on road: 210
Average daily camping fees: $14.21 – almost double our usual
Gasoline cost [KoKo only]: $4,275 [1,200 gallons, 7.8 mpg]
Meals out: 29, $1,160
Jumps to get home: 12
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