Eight days on the road with Patrick. We left Austin on Christmas Eve and headed for Balmorhea, TX. A small town in west Texas with natural hot springs. It was a short and desolate drive. Every store and restaurant was closed, and the traffic was sparse. Well on our way to our next destination, the evening hunger set in. With our food rations to low to curb our appetite we searched. In the town of Junction, TX we found the best bar-b-que in texas. Maybe it wasn't the best, but it was the best thing we could have wished for on Christmas Eve when everything else was closed. We had our feast and pressed on.
Balmorhea was cold. Snow was on the ground. Patrick slept in a down jacket in a down sleeping bag and was still cold. As much as we wanted to have Christmas Day our day off from driving, there just wasn't reason to stay. As it turned out, the springs that we were hoping to soak in were not all that hot. In fact, they stay at a fairly consistant 72 degrees. 72 seems nice compared to the 19 degrees in the sun, but by the time my body was submerged in a lukewarm bath I new it wasn't warm enough. Good thing the park had hot showers.
From Balmorhea to Tucson. It's great to travel across the country and be greeted by the loving arms of family. Our Aunt Ruthie and her man Rodger took us in for an amazing Christmas dinner. A home cooked meal!? The last time I had a home cooked meal was in Brooklyn! Oh it was delicious. We ate and shared stories. I had a blast, didn't want to leave, but Patrick noticed my allergies that I had tried to ignore. It was unfortunate we couldn't stay longer. To Phoenix we drove!
Down time to the max! We slept in and did little all day. We wondered the streets, enjoying the first good weather all trip, soaking in the sun on the fine 60 degree day, and admiring the view of the mountains agains the blue skies. To wrap up the night, we sipped tea and shared to each other the secrets of the universe.
Next stop, Los Angeles.
Sean,
ReplyDeleteso good to see your post on your blog! There are some great pics on the Tumblr blog but I'm glad you didn't forget about this one!! I love your chonichles of this trip and the most eloquent writing! Also, so glad you are where is it warm for a change!
Love you!
Mom XXOO
Hi kids, mom finally helped me find your blog so ignore what's on there. I saw the picture of you guys and Robbie. Say hi if you are still there. You are all so darling and handsome. I'll watch to see how you are doing. Love you bunches. I am sure Roger would say hi. He almost fell asleep when I was trying to learn how to find you guys, and he was imitating Dustin Hoffman from Rainman counting the toothpicks. Too funny! I am using my new iPad. Saweeeeeet! Love, favorite Aunty Ru
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