Welcome to Texas!

June 2, 2017

START:      Madisonville, LA                  TODAY:       386   Miles

END:          San Felipe, TX                      TOTAL:     1,108  Miles
CAMPGROUND:  Steven F. Austin State Park 

This morning we had coffee riverside, listening to the song birds and the slap of the water as the mullet jumped.






We discovered The Swamp Trail and headed off for a morning walk along this elevated boardwalk that threaded through the cypress trees.   Back at the trailer, breakfast consisted of a protein strawberry smoothie with a chaser of coffee.

With camper-life routine well established, we prepared to get on the road.  Ron unhooked from water and electric while I washed dishes, filled the water bottles for the car, returned the awning and slide to travel position and stowed away loose items. 

Leaving Madisonville we crossed a small bayou and we were reminded that we were in Cajun Country, which to us meant oysters and crawfish for lunch!   Seeing Lake Pontchartrain  on the map, Ron reminded me that our sailboat, Latitude Adjustment, was purchased by a family who lives on the lake.  We had thought about a visit when we planned this trip, but decided against it – if they changed her name, I don’t want to know.
At 9:30 we crossed the Mississippi, flowing strong and the color of latte we agreed it lived up to its moniker, The Big Muddy.  I-10 was an elevated highway for 50 miles, as we crossed swamp land and small rivers that were well past flood stage.

 Enticed by highway bill boards that advertised “the best seafood in town” we chose one for an early lunch in Lake Charles.   The etoufee Ron had was really good, although on the boarder of being too spicy.  My oysters were okay, but too breaded and cooked beyond perfection.

At 1:00, with Jean at the wheel, we crossed the state line into the great state of Texas.    The drive was pleasant until we hit the big slowdown of Houston’s 12-lane, multi-level roadway system.  The map app indicated the shortest route was straight through on I-10 instead of the bypass so that is what we did at an average rate of about 10 mph.  The 2 hour twenty-minute drive turned into 4 hours.  Once the decision was made to get to the west side of Houston, there was no turning back.

It was almost five o’clock by the time we set up camp in the Stephen F. Austin State Park.  We were in the car too long today, tired and hot.  The only salvation was the beauty of this state park, lots of room between rigs with big trees.   The trail walk to Brazos River helped our dispositions, but the muggy heat made us appreciate the camper which was nice and cool.