Galina YoungIt is so very early morning for us because we have arrived in the middle of the night and I have meetings first thing in the morning. We are now on mountain time which means my day starts an hour earlier. While I am on my first meeting Sol has to turn our rig around and move it because when we arrived in pitch dark in the middle of the night we parked backwards in the spot that was not ours.
Shortly after my first meeting I go to check out the surroundings. It was dark when the landscape changed on us from green lush of Arkansas to stark desert of central Texas. The change is drastic in flora, fauna and air. It’s hard to believe that it was all in days’ drive.
The campground is located on the rim of Palo Duro canyon, and great views lie just outside of the door of our rig. The site is pretty meh otherwise but offers full hookup (electric, water, and sewer!). I shower twice then .. because I can!
We take the rest of the day easy. Sol goes to explore the surroundings with the girls while I attempt to work at the outdoor table. I migrate indoors pretty quickly after my hotspot almost melts. It is hot. I work at our dinette with the AC on for the rest of the day.
Sol and girls return soon. They have checked out the canyon and surroundings but it is too hot for a hike. Doggo stretches out on the floor of the rig in AC and is not moving. Sol makes lunch and they attempt a nap while I work.
In the evening, after the scorching hotness of the day goes down, we return to the canyon to hike its rugged red terrain. Views are gorgeous as sun sets and girls and a pup climb to their hearts’ desire. We have to climb after them as Sol is attached to one and I follow girls.
The park is empty and we feel like we own the place. We run all the trails, explore a cave and chase local lizards.
Pup is not used to new flora and walks straight into a prickly pear plant. He picks up a few needles and we notice that his paws are bleeding a little bit. The girls declare that he is in dire need of a treatment by a cold footsie bath and get busy with that upon our return to the camp. They methodically stick each of his four legs in the pot with cold water. He is surprised but plays along.
After the girls are in bed me and Sol hang out under the starry night outside of the rig catching up on some writing. There is a full moon and it looks gorgeous hanging over the canyon.
Today is a milestone of sorts. One full week of Youngs living and working on the road.
About parking in the dark, I remember our cross-country trip.
Once we arrived in city Aralsk on the Aral Sea (not exist anymore) in the middle of the night and parked, as we thought, on some secluded spot. Can you imagine how we were surprised in the morning when found that we parked in the middle of Main Square of this city surrounded by locals and camels .😂
Yes! I have been telling this story a lot lately. 🙂