Being on the road, knowing it will be 104 degrees today, had a euphoric feeling I have not had since big bend in May. It did not help that I had read a blog yesterday and today about a couple that had purchased and ridden a wee-strom from TX to Alaska & back in just over a month. http://2texans2alaska.blogspot.com/ All of the sudden a summer week in west Texas, although challenging, did not seem too tough.So, I am contemplating a winter trip somewhere, maybe back to big bend during the week between Christmas & new year's day. maybe a trip to do the things I was not able to do in May like the Indian lodge, McDonald, TERLINGUA, etc. The challenges will be different though. First, I have already been there (sort of) and am seeing in my minds eye the conversation with wife & child, me trying to sell them on this instead of being home during the winter break. Second, I will be solo, Lost Rider Highway having sold BOTH of his bikes. Ill show him though, I'll sell my duck boat and retire my dog, then he will be left with nothing but his own two dogs and his dad's new duck boat. Oh well. Finally, this costs money, and being right after Christmas the budget will be very strained.However, the largest problem with BB in December is that accommodations are very hard to find. Camping space is competitive, hotels are spendy and the park will be crowded.
I may be able to compensate for some of this by traveling at a bit more of a brisk pace, thus camping less and consequently saving money. I felt that during the May trip I would have been happier covering 400-ish miles per day rather than the 250-300 we had averaged. we paced out days to kill a week, often determining distance by State Park locations. I have since learned that in west Texas camping is where you can find it. Campers are welcome in the city park at Terlingua, TX. There is no water or facilities but I am sure I can work something out. Also, instead of the Hill Country loop on the return trip, 2 additional days on the road, I will try the US 67 route to Ft Stockton & back. I will avoid most of the major highways and will see virtually none of the same scenery as I did in May.
Enough out of me. Any thoughts? Alternate trips? Since it will be the dead of winter may options seem to be south and southwest. That is like the local music scene here in Gun Barrel City, Country and Western.
UPDATE:
Lone Star Rally is off of the table. Too many people and no one to navigate the madness with. My G-town riding buddy will soon be turning his m/c in a jeep. I envy him a little. I felt the effects of my return trip from the lake in 102-110 degree temps through Saturday. A little cool air blowing in my face from a jeeps a/c would have been nice.
