After a good night at the edge of the swamp, we did the swamp tour. Zack explained us a lot on the nature & wildlife. An amazing nature, for us unique, and we were able to spot several birds, tortures and alligators.
Avoiding all natural showers, we toured through the nice southern landscape. During a break at a gas station in Abbeville, we met an unique & very friendly personality who was trying to start a new life with his daughter in Louisiana. We ended the day at Palmetto Island State Park were Veerle received a warning from the State Park Police for not using the blinker…. We had a great evening at the campfire with TJ and Kayla, some local people.
When we started an ‘unexpected long daytrip’ we met the 86yr old Mr. Mouton, at the General Dollar Store. He spoke perfectly French, because his grandparents came originally from France (Bordeaux & Marseille). He did spent also some time in Nancy during his military career. Via a scenic way along the Gulf of Mexico we entered Texas. The first views of Texas were the offshore oilrigs and the oil refinery. Finding a campspot was really hard since we were not driving an RV. After the ‘hell’ (end of spring break in TX) in Galveston we pitched our tent in Galveston State Island Park. The day after was a short ride and a well-deserved lazy Sunday (laundry day) at Lake Texana. Be aware, swimming in the lake was at your own risk due to the alligators!
To start the week well, we drove via Yoakum to the BBQ city, Lockhart, where we enjoyed a beef brisket and some pork spare ribs with sweet potatoes and pickles at the Black’s (the oldest single family owned BBQ restaurant in Texas). Outside the resto we received some valuable tips for nice roads (Twin Sisters) in the Hill Country. We were surprised to know a new couple named Skip and Karen ! Also bikers! To the digest the meat we ended up in the Lockhart State Park.
Today, Jaak achieved his 100000kms, time for celebration, which we did at Bandera. The cowboy capital of Texas. The celebration took place at the Silver Dollar (the oldest bar in Texas) together with Brian Lee Johnson – 956-739-3320 -. A retired border patrol agent who’s now a leather craftsman (western holsters & knife sheaths). He gave us a great souvenir (a knife & sheath). This will always remind us to Texas. Via the first curved roads (337) in the Hill Country we ended our day at the Lost Maple Tree Park. Tomorrow, the Twin Sisters are at our menu!
