Best Laid Plans

In my last post, we still anticipated RVing to the Gulf coast of Florida.  The best laid plans.....  We did not get there.  In fact, we didn't RV at all this summer.  Instead, we stayed home and finished landscaping our new (although we've owned it 4 years now) house.  After mucho, mucho hard work, gallons of sweat, and becoming 12 lbs. lighter, it is all done.  At least for this go around.  Both front and back yard projects turned out great.  And, my roses and other flowers did really well and we're seeing the natural grasses fill in as the monsoon has been good this year.  As summer winds down, we have enjoyed the fruits of our labor and the pleasant days of the first summer we've actually spent at our 'new' house since owning it. 

  

It's been many months since our last post, but we certainly haven't had moss growing under the RV tires.  We've seen many wonders across this USA including adventures in early 2012 to Big Bend National Park and the Texas and Louisiana Gulf coasts.
 

Summer of 2012 found us exploring the states and shores of the five Great Lakes.

Niagara Falls - Ontario



Soo Locks - Huron/Superior



 

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - Superior

In summer 2013, we logged 9K+ miles exploring the NW US, including Glacier National Park, the awesome Olympic Peninsula of Washington, and the stunningly beautiful Columbia River Valley.



Cape Flattery

 


Rialto Beach

The last two winter seasons, we've snowbirded at Cedar Cove RV Park in Elephant Butte, NM. (http://www.cedarcovervpark.com/).

This 2014 Spring, we're heading out again to the Gulf Coast.  This time, directly to the beauties of the Mississippi and Florida coasts.  Visit back again to follow our next adventures.

Gulf Coast - Rockport / Padre Island NS

Rockport, TX - our base camp to Padre Island National Seashore and this stretch of the Gulf Coast.  This is a vibrant, charming, and very visitor-friendly place. There's plenty to do and explore all up and down this section of the Intracoastal Waterway with every kind of boat you can think of, delicious seafood, abundant wildlife, lots of recreation opportunities, and as much history, culture, markets, and festivals as you want to find. This area is a mecca for 'Seasonal Texans' and outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts. Fond memories almost guarantee a future visit. 


Ibis - Padre Island NS

 
 


Sand Crab - Padre Island NS

      


Whoopers - Aransas NWR







"Big Daddy" - Aransas NWR
13 feet

  



 

"'Big Tree" - Goose Island State Park
circumference 35', age >1000 years

 



Marina Bay - Rockport



Big Bend & Stillwell Ranch

Welcome back to Thibeau Travels.  It's been a while, but now there's no more author lethargy or technical difficulties. We have RV adventures to share!



US / Mexico Border

 February, 2012 - Heading for the warmth of the Gulf Coast, we spent our first week in the Texas/Mexico border country of Big Bend National Park. What vast and dramatic country. We held over at Stillwell Ranch, a still operating cattle ranch, where their annual Cowboy Trail Ride was in full swing. The week was full of not only exploring the wonders of Big Bend and the Rio Grande border with Mexico, but lots of Western fun, such as mesquite campfires, country music and dancing, and delicious Dutch Oven Wally's cowboy cuisine.



Santa Elena Canyon
< Mexico -- US >





Trail Rider Camp at Stillwell Ranch



SW National Parks Tour - Capitol Reef UT

We thoroughly enjoyed Capitol Reef with its spectacular, sheer rock formations right next to the scenic drive and the enjoyable hiking, including one down a sandy, rocky pioneer road to 'The Tanks', large sandstone potholes full of year round rainwater.  The Park gets its name from white "capitol" dome formations and tops of the sandstone buttes evidenced throughout the Park and entire Waterpocket Fold, this geological wonder of southern Utah.

SW National Park Tour - Grand Canyon by Air

When we arrived in Kanab as our southern Utah base, we were surprised to find out that the North Rim of Grand Canyon is not open to vehicles for the season until May 15!  That didn't stop us though.  We took a scenic flight over the Park instead.  It was a blast, and we saw the Canyon from a vantage many do not.  There were times we were below the Canyon rim and just 500 feet off the ground, and then, when we flew over the Colorado River, it was 5000 feet below us.  It was incredible, and fortunately, a beautiful, clear, calm day, making our flight another wonderful memory on our National Park Tour.

SW National Parks Tour - Bryce Canyon UT

Bryce Canyon was stunning and awe inspiring in spite of the cold and 4-5 foot snow pack still in the Park.  The scenic drive and overlooks are kept open all year and our experience was one of the best of our tour.  The mountain ranges, vast canyons, and unequaled natural spectacles are totally captivating.  We were particularly awe-struck and overwhelmed by the natural wonders at Bryce Point.  Everyone should see Bryce.  You will never forget it.