Not impressed with last years Little Vineyard RV resort, a wider search spans revealed several viable options. Since Passport America came through the previous night, Theresa looked at those first. One was called LoW-HI RV park, which in further research was the Loners on Wheels - Headquarters International (a singles membership club). Maybe that was not quite suitable for the couple of almost 40 years. Yet another intriguing park, Hidden Valley Ranch, boasted it was 10 min off 1-10 but well worth it. Hummm ... sounds good so Theresa called to see if they had any openings. She was informed yes they had openings and did indeed take Passport America making the full hook (50amp) up rate $12.81. WOW that is the lowest rate to date for full hook up, could it be too good to be true? Theresa then asked for directions and was informed of a right turn off of a hwy and there would be a sign followed by a short gravel road with road signs every mile(humm how many miles). She also was assured that the roads were smooth and suitable for the big rig with a toad. With that reassurance the hook was set for this slight deviation from the safety of I-10.
The exit was made off I-10 with a left turn heading north from Deming. The first sign for the park was a slight right off hwy 180. The next sign was after a cattle crossing and said 7 miles to HVR and it promised it would be worth it... Within feet the road turned to gravel. Kevin's throat tightened up a bit as the road was just wide enough for the RV, there were no places to make a U-turn and there is no backing up with the toad attached. There were one or 2 oncoming trucks that would slow to pass as the drivers gave a farewell wave. Kevin could not go over 15mph on the washboard surface to keep the gravel from pelting the RV and the Toad. It felt like entering a remote dessert zone that even Walter White would think was too remote to set up his mobile lab.
The dead cow in the field seemed to be the first omen of doom. It was soon confirmed by a 'Open Range' sign that looked like the Mafia had done target practice on it in prep for the Valentines day massacre.
With every mile marker it seemed to be another chapter right out of a Stephen King novel, where strange and bizarre things happen to folks venturing out in scarcely populated spaces and encounter a different bread of humanity or odd phenomena.
The mile markers counted down as a Red roof was finally spotted with a entry arch marking the entrance to Hidden Valley Ranch (it does exist!). Next the arch was a grave with boots sticking up to welcome those that pass.
Kevin was warn to a frazzle, so Theresa went to the office to check in. The Passport price was indeed a whopping $12.81, with another $2 for internet (there was no Verizon service).ATT service was non-existent as well so this was truly 'off the grid'.
The wind made the 45 degree temp feel like 32 so the hatches were battened down with plans for the furnace and movies via DVDs tonight.
With weather conditions constantly evolving in Texas and beyond, Kevin turned the Satellite antenna on to let it begin the search process in an effort to get a weather channel. Surely in this wide open space it will find a signal in the sky. Kevin looked at the advanced settings and entered the current Zipcode. Then he unplugged the satellite receiver let it sit for 20-30 min, then plugged it all back in. To his delight service was found! He had been battling this all last year and has had unhelpful guidance from both Direct TV and Wineguard technicians, so after much experimenting the past year he is now confident he has found the correct procedures when in transit.
Kevin braved the cold to plug in the engine heater late in the evening so that there would be no delay in the start tomorrow. As he looked up, he so impressed with how bright and distinct all the stars were that he went in to pry Theresa from the warmth of the coach to share the night sky. Orion (and all his belt) as well as the Big Dipper were well defined with the absence of any city lights for 100's of miles. It was spectacular!
Anticipating at least 1.5 hours to get back onto I-10 (vs the advertised 10 min), it will be an early start tomorrow with a destination of Balmorea State Park in TX.
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