Monday, February 25, 2019

One Happy Camper....Vintage 2019

Me and My Buddy...the Casita...Tetons in the Fall
The day has arrived.....all systems are go...only open item is a set of new tires and I'm getting those put on as I begin my adventure.   Don't know where I'm going to land the first night. Somewhere between Del Rio and Langtry Texas... and then on to  Big Bend...I've got four primitive campsites picked, so we'll see whats available....and doable considering washouts and other hazards of the back country.

I am looking forward to this trip, not so much for photo-ops, but more so for "relaxing-ops"...if a photo happens to present itself, so be it....but its not going to get in the way having a "cowboy breakfast" or an afternoon nap......or spending an evening watching a shooting star while sipping some Makers Mark.....Yup, that's what this trip is about... no agenda, no decisions and definitely no expectations!

I'll keep this short as I still have a few things left to do ......I'll post when the mood strikes and if/when I have internet coverage ....Take care...Happy trails....Horst sends


I always enjoy listening to Guy Clark



Monday, February 18, 2019

If Opportunity doesn’t Knock, Build a Door..... Milton Berle

I thought I would do a post to update those interested as to  my happenings and plans for the near future.
Guadalupe Mts, Texas..(c) 2016Horst Kelly photographer

Originally I had thought if all the stars lined up and the Brides Medical Team felt that she was at or near 100 percent, and more importantly she felt secure and had no anxiety...that I might take a trip in the Jan/Feb. time frame to Alabama Hills in Ca. with a couple of side trips to include Death Valley. It would be the first extended trip since early 2017.
Though I don't have a "Bucket List", Alabama Hills is a place I have wanted to go to for quite some time..and what made it even more special this time is that Jerry and Wanda of Eggrolling had decided they were going to go there this year, and there could be a chance of finally  meeting up and sharing a campfire or two...maybe even a flatiron steak and a Moose Drool.  :))...but the opportunity did not present itself..  My Sister passed in January, in addition, we also needed to go to Kansas City....
On the way to Big Bend Tx 2011. (c)2011Horst Kelly Photographer

Since there is a window of opportunity in the next two weeks, I talked to the Bride about going to Big Bend and to Monahans Sandhills State Park, Texas. She was quite happy that my first outing since her illness will be short and in Texas....So this all works out for the best. If there is a "hiccup" at the Home Front, I can be back in short order vs. roaming around somewhere in the Southwest . It will also provide a good marker to see if there is any anxiety....and if all goes well, Alabama Hills this Fall will become a reality....and I get to test how the Ram handles the Casita....I won't use the weight distribution hitch, though I will put on a sway bar.

Now its off to do the million and one things prior to the trip.I want to get a new set of tires for the Casita. Though they haven't gotten that many miles under their belt,  they have been sitting in the Texas heat. Also want to build a primitive slide for the bed of the pickup....plus, food, camera stuff, test the propane lines for leaks...test the heater, AC, generator, solar, battery, etc.....all the fun stuff I have missed doing the past couple years.
Piney Woods area, Tx...Solitude at its best!

.....And then its off to find my little slice of Texas Heaven....More to follow! Thanks for stopping by. Horst sends