More Around Ogallala, Nebraska

   Today, Kay and I were able to get out and drive around the second largest man made US lake, Lake McConaughy,  and visit a Petrified Wood and Art Gallery.  That's right, we're still in Ogallala, Nebraska. 

   Lake McConaughy is huge.  Some 20 miles long and boasts some 105 miles of shoreline.  At its deepest point its some 142 feet deep.  Clear blue waters and a ton of outdoor recreation beaches.  With all the rainfall this year the white beaches are not visible as the lake is some 10ft over its average. 

    Another unique feature of this massive lake area is its large bald eagle population and viewing area.  At its peak, in the winter months, the viewing area boasts over 166 American Bald Eagles.  As fish are abundant year round here its no wonder.

   

 

 

    In addition to the lake drive, we stopped at Ogallala's Petrified Wood Gallery.  This is a jewel in a pretty small town.  A lot of history and some of the areas artisan's wares are displayed.  I took these pictures with my Blackberry.

 

 

This piece took over seven years to complete.

 



    Here are some samples from each western state and region. 


This western town is made from small slivers taken from one piece of wood.

It took over six weeks to make one wing of a butterfly.  These were beautiful.

This piece titled "The Long Trail Home" has been on loan since 2014.  Weighing in at over 1000lbs, its over 6ft long.

 

Ogallala, Nebraska

     It might be a mouthful, but this is a beautiful small city in the panhandle of Nebraska.  This campground is an example of small town USA.  Its called the Country View Campground and has approximately 50 sites.  Some small (tents) and some very large (50 amp, 100 ft long).

Four tent sites in an area 100 ft long

A 100 ft long 50 Amp site next to us.

    Today is pretty special as we get our new refrigerator/freezer installed.  This has only been in theworks since about 10 June.  Now we can buy some frozen foods and store some ice.  Yay!!!

They dropped it off this morning and coming back to install.

    Some other pictures of this small but extremely nice park.

    
    We will leave here on Sunday heading up through Wyoming, Montana, Washington, Oregon, and then home about 1 October for some appointments and family time.

 



Texas and New Digs

    Well, we rolled into Texas in front of snow, wind and rain.  After leaving Santa Fe, we traveled to Roswell, NM for a few days.  We were glad to finally warm up after the snow and sleet.  Our drive was interrupted by a pretty strong crosswind but we found a nice town and got behind a building for about an hour.  After leaving Roswell, we drove into Ft. Stockton and stayed at a really nice campground.  We had planned to get up early and head out on the highway, but found this instead.
    

5 in gash on the inside of the tire.  Whew!





    After calling Good Sam Roadside and paying for a new tire, we were on our way. 

    Found a beautiful park in South Llano. 







    We absolutely fell in love with this little park.  Right on a little river that had about 8 or more deer down there every night. 

    We left here and drove into Kerrville and a pretty upscale kind of place.



 

Terry, Rocky, you guys would have drooled over this smoker.  Texas style!!!



     Stayed here for a couple of days.  Long enough to get a new AC Compressor put on the truck.  (If you know Texas, you don't drive without AC)  Rolled into Conroe, Texas and three weeks of solid non stop rain.  Swollen rivers, creeks, bayous, and back yards.  Folks are still drying out.  Now with the heat and humidity, its pretty rough. 

    While in the Houston area, I started looking at Class A Motorhomes.  Traveled to several places, some two ad three times.  After leaving Houston, we traveled to a dealership just south of Dallas and found "Princess Grace of Monaco."  A 2008 Monaco Camelot.

Needless to say, we are jazzed.

    Now we have a Motorhome and a truck.  Well, that wont work.  Hence, meet "Frog."  A 2015 Ford Focus Hatchback that will tow.

 

    We're currently in Keene, TX getting a couple of items repaired on the Motorhome and Monday I take the "Frog" down to get it set up for towing.  Above all else, we're still having fun.  Will probably head back to Modesto end of September, after Colorado, Utah, and Oregon.