Texas road trip !

[Southwest Dave]

As Judy says, planning is a great part of the 'whole journey'.

Originally posted by Steve_USA
Plus, not only that, i want to look into attractions that we might closely pass by without realising it. Ghost towns for example!

That's exactly how we planned our trip, and when you're "driving through" as opposed to having a base to explore from, there are no second chances.
I do believe it's been quoted on these forums as "informed spontaneity" , it leaves you the choice to change things and get off schedule/route as and when you want, but you can put that time to the best possible use.

As a wise old man once said ; " Knowledge is not a burden to carry" ;-)

Have a great trip!!!

[Wake Bandits]

May I add:
This is the Grandaddy of all travel guides:
Just fantastic and full of great places to see along your way, and the price is right, free.

Worth reading even for those not considering a trip to Texas.

It's a beautiful state with wonderfull people everyplace you go.
It has deserts, and the romantic prariee, and East-Meets-West character in the big cities.

[Steve_USA]

hey thanks guys : )

We've recently all had a chat and decided to fly to San Antonio direct now (rather than Houston). This changes things only slightly, but I've made some progress with out notes here. (wow is it often hard finding info on many of these small towns in the west!)

I won't bore you with the entire notes I've made this time for each town/area ; ) But here's a quick run down with estimated nights stay in brackets: San Antonio(3), Castroville(1), Quihi, backtrack to Dunlay, Hondo, D'Hanis(2), old US Hwy 90 to Sabinal, scenic route to Concan, Uvalde, Brackettville(1), Del Rio / Amistad (3), Comstock, Eagles Nest Creek, Langtry, Pumpville. This is the part that is set in stone, some interesting places and sights to see (for us).

Continue on the Hwy90 and there are some amazing places like Marathon, Alpine, Marfa & Van Horn. But I've not (yet) researched all this area properly. (I'll start after sending this reply!) Here we want to travel the Fort Davis area, history, scenic routes, etc. But we also might need to "pop in" and visit Big Bend. No problem, time for both! It would be a huge shame to be in West Texas and not do as much as possible! God only knows how long it'll be until we can afford an American vacation again <gulp>

As I said above, I've yet to properly research, but I'm picturing us traveling to Marathon, heading south into Big Bend. Anyone stopped here for a short visit? We'd like to do some walking here, but I'm getting some impressions from people that this is the kinda area you visit for at least a week!!?

Anyhow, I would like us to spend some time here (~3 nights). We love fell walking here in the UK but we don't want to spend "too long" doing the one thing. There's so much to Texas - it's a big place! lol

Then it's north onto Alpine/Fort Davis/Marfa triangle! The Marfa lights looks interesting. . . Finally onto Van Horn. I picture a night in each town too.

BTW, one of our books came today from Amazon. I've not had chance to read through it yet but it does look interesting. Salt Flats approaching El Paso... hmm I wasn't considering this far western area until I saw this little piece...

Time to Google . . . thanks again everybody :-)
Steve.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Steve,

Check out this blog and navigate down to the July 18th entry -- where there is a brief discussion about Aaron's last trip to this region.

Other articles we have published about the greater Big Bend area (some were written for the RV perspective, but the tips apply to all)

Big Bend NP -- by Jaimie Hall Bruesnak

Chinati Hot Springs

Mark

[Steve_USA]

brilliant Mark - thanks so much. You've given me a couple of ideas..

(since the last posting, things have changed to the plan - slightly! I'll post more next time)

Thanks again!!
Steve.

ps,
i did not like the part about tarantulas! Sometimes perhaps it is best living in England ; )))

[Mark Sedenquist]

Tarantulas are actually pretty cute and friendly compared to scorpions and some of the other very territorial critters of the southwest!

Mark

[Steve_USA]

Hmm well I'll have to take your word on that! Spiders just ain't my bag, baby... ahem... ; )

[nate007]

If you are willing to travel a bit out of your way, there are several really nice state parks around san antonio. Pedernales falls and Lost Maples (or los maples). Its nicer in the fall with the leave changes but still a wonderful area to visit anytime of year. Even more impressive than those two parks is Enchanted Rock. You can search all these on the Texas parks and wildlife website.
Nate

[Steve_USA]

hey Nate. Thanks for the reply, but i left that part of the vacation to my better half and she's sorting out the San Antonio start to the road trip. She's been before you see. . . (with her Ex! Arghhh)

To all - I've made some fantastic progress with the plan. We'll be seeing some incredible places and i'll probably have a good detail of this in around a couple of weeks time.

I've done so much research lately and spent so much time looking into the different towns, places, scenic routes and history that I feel I've already been there! lol

Steve.

[Steve_USA]

hey everybody, i'm looking to see if people have stayed in this motel near to Comstock:

Lakeview Inn
Diablo East

11704
W Highway 90

Del Rio, TX 78840
phone: 
(830) 775-9521

It's about 4 miles east of Comstock itself, found it using Google Earth!

I cannot see any other motels or Inns after Del Rio, on the Hwy90, heading towards Sanderson.

TIA :)