HEADING TO WEST TEXAS

With the Hill Country in the rear view mirror, we don our cowboy hats (as you can see) and point the bus toward the West Texas Plains.

The early stretches of US 90 (a favorite cross country southern route that allows us to stay off the Interstates and see more of the country) west of Del Rio are rife with rugged and unforgiving landscape.

After 100 miles or so the landscape takes on a different look, with more vegetation the primary difference.   And lucky us to be traveling late March...re-warded with new green buds.

About 1/2 way to Marathon, our destination this day, we discover we are not the only campers heading West on 90.  These two 5th wheel trailers are part of a 4-some traveling together.

The occasional ranch spread comes into view.. this one is Ranch Guadalupe.  A nice gate entrance for out here in the "middle of nowhere".

After a stop for a lunch break alongside the highway, time to change drivers.   US 90 is a good secondary road with little traffic (unlike the Interstates)...thus presenting a great opportunity for Pam to practice her driving.   She has been learning to drive the new coach and, like on this day, does a great job!

To the right we see Dos Amigos alongside the highway.

As we near Marathon and the road to Big Bend NP we are reminded that this is real Cowboy Country!

The town of Marathon (population about 500) is just over the rise.  It is our base for the next several days until we move on to Big Bend this weekend.

The setting sun is casting a warm "glow" on the back of the coach.  We are all hooked up, leveled and with slides out for a comfortable stay.   Now off with Ali to see the sunset.

Our first West Texas sunset in 2014.   There will be many more to come in "big sky" country......stay tuned.