Tuesday, October 9, 2012, Austin, TX

Tuesday, October 9, 2012, Austin, TX
I didn't sleep well last night, some pain and discomfort in my leg and some apprehension of the move and drive to Austin. My leg is better after several days of rest, but I haven't driven for a week.

At Herb and Jo Nell's

We got up in time to get the coach ready to move before going in the house for breakfast. We had a big breakfast with Herb and Jo Nell, Scrambled eggs, biscuits with gravy, sausage, bacon and cantaloupe. Before backing out of Herb's yard I had to top off the air up five of the tires, I went ahead and checked the rest. By the time we hooked up the Jeep and left it was 9:45. 

Interesting picture?  What we are doing is airing up the tires

 I had no trouble driving either the coach or Jeep during the maneuvers of getting out of the yard and hooking up the Jeep.  To leave their yard I had to turn and back along a fence that is just out of the foreground of the picture and the through the driveway opening.  I always dread the maneuver, but it's not to hard with Herb guiding me.

We had a great visit with Herb and Jo Nell, longer than we had planned and we played a lot of dominoes.

Mexican Train at the Perleys

Our route to the Austin area was pretty straight forward; US 84 west to Palestine, US 79 southwest to Texas SR-620 to the road that goes to the park. The La Hacienda RV Resort has at least tripled in size and the entrance moved, www.lahaciendarvpark.com.  It was nice about six years ago but now has even more amenities. We drove a total of 254.4 miles in about six hours; we stopped for fuel one time. For at least two thirds of the way we had a strong cross wind angling from the front of the coach, so I assume out fuel consumption was higher than normal. We didn't travel the Interstate Highways, but much of the way was four lane divided highway, we did go through several small towns. Maybe bucolic isn't the right word for these towns, but to those of us that live in or near big cities they seem restful and reassuring that mid-America is alive, even if not doing well.
When I parked for registration I spotted our friend Carl Wolf at the office. Carl is a worker/camper here. We got registered and were escorted to our site a large pull through with a gravel drive and grass on both sides. Very nice but it could be more level. Our right front tire is barely on the ground and even with my portable step, It is a stretch to the first step into the coach. Joyce, Carl's wife came by and welcomed us. Turns out she isn't working at the park this year but does walk dogs for some other residents of the park. We made plans for them to come by after Carl finishes work and go to supper.

   

http://fms.ws/9-7IU/30.41698N/97.93115W

Since we hadn't been hooked up to water and sewer for a week, my first order of business was to hook up to power and water and then drain the holding tanks. I love the RV life, but holding tanks are an unpleasant aspect of that life, oh well a little rain must fall in every life. I interrupted my work long enough to meet our neighbors on the right, they have a 2005 Revolution. Gerri came and found me and got me back on track.

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Boathouse.

Carl and Joyce came and picked us up at about 6:30 and we went to the Boathouse for supper. The Boathouse is a rustic restaurant featuring catfish. No table service, you place your order and pick it up when your name is called. We all had some kind of catfish plate and green fried tomatoes for a side dish or appetizer. All very good, but I ate all of mine. Half would have been plenty.
Before supper I got a call from our minister, Randy Mabe. He had been at a Gospel Meeting in Ashland, OR and called to see how my leg was doing. Another purpose of his call was to let us know that a dear friend and member of our congregation, Pete West was now in Hospice care as of today. He and his family need our prayers for comfort.
I think the full day took its toll, I went to bed at about 10:30 and had a hard time getting comfortable.