Yesterday, we went exploring in a new area of the desert that covers the east side and discovered everything from state land to open range.

The desert grew thick with cholla and brush, orange wildflowers and some saguaro. We saw a few boondockers on the state property where you must obtain a permit, and a couple on the “open range” area. Before long, we came upon a small mountain where some people were target shooting at the base of the hill. We turned around, not knowing what direction others might be shooting since we were unfamiliar to the area. I snapped a few photos of the cactus, and showing the fork in the road we made the decision to go left before taking a right out of that area.

So many cholla!

When I say the trains are long here, I mean it. Miles long!!

We sat for longer than five minutes waiting for the end of the train, and it had already been running a while when we pulled up. We saw two engines in the middle, but we’ve seenu up to six engines on a train before out here!! They carry necessities across the country, which seems to be more dependable than cargo ships who have to “park” in the ocean at times waiting to get to their destinations.

The desert is a mystery to me at times, (where are the snakes, when do the cactus bloom, what comes out at night that we still haven’t seen) but I’ve so enjoyed our time here. I’m anxious to see family, and get to the next place in our journey, a place we know and love…Port Aransas. It will be different to be there in a motor home, but we will be in a park, which is the only difference. Just like if we stayed in a condo or beach house, we’ll use the Jeep to get around or maybe rent a bike or a golf cart, depending on the financial situation. First, however, will be the month we spend in Alvarado which is where we will be this time next week!

After we got back from our desert wandering, I went to visit neighbor Darcy, and we talked for over an hour. Before I left, after a tiny fashion show, I snapped this pic of Girlie Girl, his chihuahua wearing her Easter outfit (part of it).