I am happy to report, we survived the night in Cedar Hill State Park with the Argentine Ants! We slept so well last night we nearly missed the alarm for Tyler to begin his day. A later start than normal, we left Cedar Hills just after 10 and continued South. I think I need to stop sharing our tentative plans for the following day because they are just that, TENTATIVE. Just when you think you know where we will land, plot twist!
I am really starting to embrace these long days of driving. I enjoy looking out and appreciating the new and changing scenery. I find myself comparing each place to Oregon and find pros and cons along the way. I wasn’t immediately sold on Texas. I feel like a lot of people LOVE Texas, but our travels yesterday didn’t overwhelm me with that same love. Today, however, I started to see some of the beauty of Texas.
There is so much open land in Texas and real estate is cheap. The American flag is flying high along the freeway at countless businesses. The roadways are a little rough and construction is in progress on most of the highways. Since entering Texas a road sign that stood out to us read something to the matter: Don’t hit construction workers, avoid 10k fine! I mean, only 10k?
Along the roadway today, traffic started slowing and as we came up over a small hill the most beautiful sunflower field appeared. Cars were stopped and I told Tyler I wished we could stop. As soon as he said we could, I was pulled off the road and headed for the fields! The kids and I took several pictures and I was able to pry Tyler away from work for a moment to get a quick pic.
Then I saw the signs for Waco! I knew I wanted to stop. I wanted to go there for several years and we were only 30 miles away. Tyler looked up Magnolia for me and we changed our navigation to stop in and check it out. When we arrived, we found parking a few blocks away. Tyler and Ashton stayed back at the trailer while Addi and I went to check out the hype! We made our way to the Magnolia store and into the Silos Baking Co. We even paid a visit to Magnolia Press Coffee Co. There were small lines to enter, but once inside there were few people. In the bakery, they only allowed 2 customers in the store at any one time. The care and safety practices they used were assuring.
When we got back to the pickup, Tyler and Ashton were laughing. Ashton had moved to the front seat while we were away and they people watched. The area seemed a little rough. They said a man on a bike who was “strung out” was really feeling the (nonexistent) music. He was jamming with his air guitar and suddenly would put his head down on his handlebars as if he were falling asleep, but would continue to move as if listening to music. He just couldn’t stop. Ashton said a woman then showed up and he thought nothing of it. He thought she was telling the guy to leave, but then she too started feeling the music and dancing. Tyler thought some sort of proposition went down and then the lady turned towards the pickup (away from the guy) and lifted her dress to expose her rear to the guy. It happened so quickly, Tyler and Ashton didn’t have a chance to look away. The woman wasn’t wearing anything under her dress…Ashton said he is scarred for life. He said he will be having nightmares tonight. Tyler was laughing hours later about the encounter!
As we sat in the pickup at Magnolia and tried to plan our next moves, we learned many of the campsites in and around Austin were full or not accepting reservations. We spent more time than I would like to admit trying to figure it out, but ultimately decided we would trek on and find somewhere further South.
Traveling through Austin seemed familiar. It was rush hour and traffic was bad. The roadways are much like Portland and their growth may have outgrown their highways. It was slow-moving, but looking at the sites around I could see why it was compared to Portland. There were more cranes in their downtown than existing buildings!
Between Austin and San Marcos we saw a Buc-ee’s fuel station. I had heard about it from an influencer on Instagram. Conveniently, we needed fuel so we stopped. It was the most amazing gas station I have ever been to. The store was about the size of a Wal-Mart and it offered something for everyone. The restrooms were super clean and above each stall door was a light illuminating red or green to show if the stall was in use. There was a foam dispenser to clean your toilet seat and another hand sanitizing dispenser all WITHIN the stall. The kids picked up a souvenir and I grabbed some Buc-ee’s jerky for the road. We need more Buc-ee’s in our life!
Tyler would deem the day to be “All About Angela!” First Magnolia…then a Lululemon Outlet. I knew there was an outlet store in San Marcos which is between Austin and San Antonio. I couldn’t pass up on the opportunity so I built it into our plans. We stopped and found adequate parking which is surprising for an outlet mall. We stayed for longer than Tyler or Ashton would have liked, but today, I filled my cup!
Tyler used the time to find the best BBQ in the area. He decided on Kent Black’s BBQ in San Marcos. We ordered an arrangement of smoked meats to share and each picked our own side. I’ve been lucky because Tyler is a grill master and between him and our friend Cody, I am spoiled by good BBQ…but they don’t touch how perfect the Brisket and Beef Ribs were. Our dinner was another highlighted food spot on this adventure that leaves me thinking Oregon needs to get on board!
Another hour or so and we finally made it to our campsite just before dusk. The sunset was incredible, but I was unable to capture the beauty in a photo. Tonight, we are staying at Tejas Valley RV Park in San Antonio, TX. While the address is San Antonio, I am certain we are a good 20 miles outside of the actual city. The park is nice and as luck would have it, we are right next to the bathrooms and a laundry room. I, of course, am currently doing laundry while the kids and Tyler settle in for the night after a long day of driving.
I would tell you where we are going tomorrow, or where we intend on heading, but then we would likely change our plans. I will say, I think we will land in or near New Mexico. It would seem that Texas has been forced to close many of their businesses and state parks. It will be another long day of travels, but we have Buc- ee’s to look forward to!
The Church Hideout 