A quick trip across the South
After our test camping trip to visit Weber
in December, it was time for a longer trip. Our destination
was a series of National Parks in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.
And yes, this was in February when these parks are not crowded
and also when it would be cold. We were prepared with both a propane
heater and an electric heater for the van to make it more comfortable
when we were stopped at a campsite. We had many layers of clothing
to wear as well. Sometimes it seemed like we wore them all at
the same time. The first three days were long ones to get us out
west quickly.
 
As is our normal routine, we were on the road early and saw the
sunrise in our rearview mirror. By midday we had reached Pensacola
where the rest area on I-10 has this Blue Angel display, since
the nearby Eglin Air Force base is the home of the Blue Angels.
Our first stop was a county-run campground and park in Opelousas,
LA. It was pretty informal and there were not many campers, but
there were lots of locals using the park for games, picnics, and
walking.
We joined the evening strollers and caught the setting sun behind
the local water tower.
The next stop was a park in Childress, TX, which had a similar
situation, but we did not take any photos.
As we crossed North Texas, there were thousands of wind turbines.
Impressive!
As we traveled further west in Texas, the topography suddenly
changed from flat plains to rocky outcroppings.
Bluewater Lake State Park
We turned off the main road to head toward our destination, Bluewater
Lake State Park in Prewitt, NM.
We stopped on the road to the park to take in the vista.
Not many campers... and snow on the ground.
We headed down from our campsite to see the lake. Cholla cactus
(Cylindropuntia spp.) dot the landscape.
It's a dammed lake and was frozen along the edges.
Looking back up from the lake shore, a park building looks a bit
like a Frank Lloyd Wright design.
|
