Tue - Apr 17/12

Departed Sunset Point on Lake LBJ RV Park at 11 am.

We decided to avoid the construction we knew awaited if we took the normal way to our destination as we had been on SR-71 previously when we went to Austin, TX. The mapping program indicated a section of I-10 was also under construction.

We decided to map a route avoiding these areas us the Ranch Roads. Road 1431 goes right by the access road to the park. We decided to stay on it for a good distance east. Unlike the previous Ranch Roads which were straight for miles this section was more suited to the Honda Del Sol (Sportscar) than the Bounder (Motorhome). This section of road was good; but with lots of ups and downs and twists and turns. The speed limit was 55 mph for the most part; however that was virtually never a reality as there were a continuous assortment of "Curve" signs (on uphills or downhills) with lower speed limit warnings.

We needed to fuel up before the end of our trip. I found a gas/convenience store that I could pull into in Lago Vista, TX. It was an older station with pumps parallel to (rather than) facing the store. The older pump was also not as high pressure as the newer types. I was actually able to fill using the automatic nozzle stop rather than holding the pump barely on. Pumps at most newer stations continuously click off and have to be restarted due to the tight filler neck in the motorhome which causes the fuel to foam.

We continued on - enjoying the scenery and the slower pace. We left FM-1431 and took I-35 near Round Rock for a few miles south to connect with US-79 through Taylor to Milano where we then connected with SR-36 to Brenham. Eventually I was able to also find a restaurant (like the gas station) that I could pull in to and park. This was Chili's in Brenham, TX. After a good meal we were back on the road (switching from SR-36 to US-290). As we approached the Greater Houston area we switched to FM-1960 to bring us across the top (North) side of Houston.

This is when everything went "South" even though we were travelling in a Easterly direction. All the previous RR (Ranch Road) or FM (Farm to Market) roads we were on leaned towards be good rural roads with light traffic. FM-1960 for the most part was heavy urban (mostly 6 lanes) stoplight to stoplight traffic. Charlotte was a great help watching the stoplight status ahead. She hasn't said "Red Light - Green Light" this often since she was a kid!

This part of the drive would not have been fun in a car, let alone in a 60 foot long Motorhome/Tow Car combination! Having to negotiate thick traffic at speed limits of up to 60 mph - with stoplights - was challenging. Every time I would leave a safe stopping distance in front of the motorhome a car would cut in and fill in the gap. What I thought would have been a leisurely hour long drive along FM-1960 to our final destination took almost triple that time. I thought Phoenix was a ridiculous with 45 mph speed limits and stoplights - this was even more insane.

Somehow we made it into the park without incident - although we did see close calls and a few accidents along the way. Thank you, Chris! (grin) I still have faith in my St. Christopher medal.

Similar to the park we just left - this RV park (San Jacinto in Highlands, TX) is on the water and rates equally as highly (Rating 29.5 out of a possible 30). I had the RV all set up in about half and hour and settled in to do the blog as I watch (really listened) to the NHL Phoenix/Chicago game. Go Phoenix! (We have a connection - staying in the area for 3 months each winter).

Bonus: The Wi-Fi works well here!

No idea yet as to what we will be doing tomorrow - time will tell!