Back in The Republic

So there we were, barreling down the interstate, worrying about how dry things are and all the resulting fire hazard. We were barely across the NM/TX border when the clear blue sky suddenly filled with dark thunderheads.  A few miles into Texas, as we passed through the check-point, we saw lightening strikes arc from the clouds to the ground, and a few drops of rain bounce on the windshield. The few drops quickly turned to huge bullet-size dollops that pounded on the roof and bounced on the asphalt. Ah, false hope, the rain soon stopped, though we continued to see lightening, and hear it as static on the radio. Rain is what this state needs most, and we definitely do not need dry lightening. The drought monitor map illustrates the conditions here. Though the drought is not yet a record, it's heading that way.

We were heading for Balmorhea (pronounced Bal-more-A) State Park, where we stayed back in December - a chilly time of year! (see that post for more on the park). It seems funny now to look at the photos from that trip, when we were wearing fleece and gloves, and none of the trees had leaves. It was in the low 90's when we arrived this time, and everything is green, with a few black-eyed Susan's blooming here and there, and ducks happily paddling  among the green reeds in the pond.

It was sunny when we arrived in the park, but there was a storm building to the south and soon the indigo clouds moved in to fill the sky, promising rain but delivering only shade, and a little wind. As the sun began to set a rainbow appeared off in the distance, where someone else was getting a little moisture. 

After dinner we took our usual walk around the campground, stopping to talk with a couple whose rig seemed to have sprung a giant leak.

Water was gushing out of one of their storage compartments, while the owner crawled around on his back under the torrent looking for the cause. Steve jumped in to help with diagnosing the problem. After extensive examination of pipes and joints it was determined that the problem was a hose clamp that had broke loose. Once the clamp was replaced the problem was solved, except for a very wet storage compartment. Only time cures some problems!

sunset at Balmorhae

The repair job was completed well after dark. And just in time, as we hustled back to our campsite a brief but icy shower dampened the area.

The wind that brought it in had completely died down by the time we went to bed and there was hardly a breeze at all. Talk about variety in the weather!

We pulled up stakes early in the morning and arrived back here at the ranch by late afternoon. It had rained here too! Our. little weather station indicated about an inch and a half. Not enough to declare an end to the drought, but enough to dampen the dust.
Now begins the work of unloading and refurbishing the RV, planting the fall garden, and reconnecting with friends and neighbors.

As much as we love being on the road, it's nice to be home too. We'll be taking short trips in the area, and reporting on the antics of wildlife in the hill country, so stay tuned!