Problems in Texas

We’ve been in state parks with either no internet or very slow internet. So, I’m going to be posting for several weeks at once.

OK, these are all “third-world” problems. Problems that you’d like to have. I’m not sure if I’m whining or bragging but it’s probably both.

-- It is too hot. Yes, there are blizzards in parts of the country but here in the south part of Texas we’re getting record highs in the 80’s. Our windows are open at night and the air conditioner is running during the day. Flowers are blooming everywhere. Hiking in the morning is best versus the hotter afternoon, though I did go on an afternoon ranger hike called “Surviving Zombies” (it was on general survival – food, water, shelter).

 --The parks are full. It’s spring break in Texas so the parks are full. We had plans (but not reservations) to visit Big Bend National Park. Before we started the drive (it’s about 4 hours from the nearest town), we checked and realized that there were no reserved spots open. I called and found that the “first-come-first-serve” spots were full too. We ended up staying a few extra days at an RV park and got reservations at other Texas state parks for the next few weeks.

--  No connections. At Seminole Canyon State Park you are on the edge of the country. There is no Verizon cell phone service anywhere in the park (there are rumors that there is limited connection on one of the others). We can get 3 TV channels; 2 Spanish and a kids channel. There is internet in the campground but it is so slow that it literally takes 30 minutes to open an email. Luckily we bought a set of DVD’s of “The Hobbit” with lots of extras. You know those extras you plan see when you have time? We had time.

--   Javelinas and even deer are scary. I was walking along and suddenly saw a large javelina not very far away. We stared at each other, considering our options. He made a large grunt, at which point I jumped a foot into the air at the same time he turned and ran away. Even deer are scary when they suddenly break through the brush and run away.

OK, I’m done whining / bragging.