Our journey from Texas to Tucson introduced us to four vineyards and a truly unique state park. We experienced the beauty of the sun setting on the Sacramento Mountains in New Mexico and the tenacious and varied vegetation of the Chihuahuan high desert. Here’s the map of our travel from the RV Trip Wizard app I use (sort of a modern AAA triptik for those who remember triptiks!).
After our encounter with an angel in Kansas (see our most recent blog post), we arrived in Plano, Texas, last Monday night. We reveled in two days of time with my cousin, Nan, and her husband Chris. Exhausted from our stressful travel day, we were thrilled when Chris grilled up some Texas ribeye. Texas beef really is the best! We laughed and shared memories. On our second evening together, I introduced Nan to an instant pot as we made white chicken chili together. Best of all, we introduced Nan and Chris to Pegs and Jokers. Nan’s been like a big sister to me all my life so I cherished this opportunity. What a perfect family visit!
Thankfully, our rig weathered the past two and a half months in Texas very well. After going through our checklists, adding water to our tank, and dispensing with the evidence and remains of one mouse, we hit the road!
Each of the four Harvest Host vineyards we’ve visited on this journey has been a unique experience. Our first night’s host was the Horseshoe Bend Winery and Vineyard (circle H above), a small, family vineyard just south of Wichita Falls, TX. Several rows of vines graced the property in front of their stately home. We sampled some of their wines. We especially enjoyed their unique chocolate sauces!
Brownfield, TX, was the location for our second night of travel at another Harvest Host. The Reddy Winery and Vineyard (circle R above) is a large commercial vineyard. Eric, the Chief Operating Officer spent more than an hour giving us an in-depth tour of the operation, showing us the harvester, sorter, crusher, oak storage barrels, and mobile bottling station. We learned so much about wine making! Reddy is the largest vineyard in Texas, spanning 400 acres. Texas is now the fourth largest state producer of wines, trailing California, Washington, and New York.
The Bottomless Lakes State Park near Roswell, New Mexico, offered a quiet respite for our third night on the road (green ^ circle). Turns out the five lakes that dot the salt fields of the park aren’t really lakes; they are deep sinkholes. The depth of these holes creates crystal clear, deep blue waters that reflect the surrounding rock formations.
On our fourth evening of travel, three other Harvest Host members joined us in the parking lot of the Tularosa Vineyard (circle T above) just north of Alamagorda, New Mexico. The sunset cast the most beautiful colors upon the mountains we could see from our rig! I used my new Moment telephoto lens that attaches to my iPhone. Thanks for that idea, Blake!
Our final vineyard, the D.H. Lescombe Winery and Vineyard (circle D above), hosted ten RV’s just east of Deming, NM. States from all over the country were represented.
Tomorrow, we arrive in Tucson (circle 3 above). We’re going to bask in warmer, sunnier weather for three days at an RV resort while exploring Tucson a bit before we begin our SOWER service at the Pusch Ridge Christian Academy. More adventures to follow!
Great adventures! Thank you so much for sharing. You look JUST like Nan, Anne! She easily would pass as your big sis. And your names rhyme, as well! Thx for the idea of the telephoto lens – will certainly investigate. Thx, Blake! Where to get??
Moment lenses are available online. They are great! We’ve been using them for a few years and are very pleased.
You and Nan look so similar……you could pass for beautiful sisters! Sounds like a great adventure. Thank you for sharing 🙂
And yes, I DO remember TripTiks! Glad they have updated. Will need to learn more.
You do look just like Nan!!
Depending which campus of the school you’re at, you may be right across the street from our favorite grocery store ever — AJs, which is a “gourmet” grocery with the most interesting vegetables and fruits! Oh my. We tried what to us were the “strangest” things and had so much fun.
Also, the Tucson Farmers’ Market, on Saturdays at the Race Track — the roasted veggies — wish we were there.
Thanks for the great suggestions, Barbara. We’ll be sure to check them out! Wish you were here, too. I was hoping we might connect.
I assumed the sunset mountain picture was a professional postcard!! Wow.
You can add “photographer” to you life long resume Anne. 🌷
Thanks, Lynn!
Interesting that Texas is becoming a wine destination! And what a lovely way to enjoy family. You and your cousin could certainly pass for sisters!
Having lived in Texas, I second the notion that Texas beef is top notch!
It was such fun being with you and Skip at our home. I am so glad we got to share some beef, because being from a third generation ranching family that is one of the meals we love to share. Your family shared some of the best food I will ever have while I was living with you near Paris, France when I was 13. We are so glad you are enjoying your travels. Your photo of the mountain sunset is amazing.
I loved seeing the photo of you and Nan! How fun for you to have had her in your life! We all need a big sister, (or a little sister) in our lives! Beautiful pictures. I’m loving it all!
Wow! What an incredible trip. You must be in heaven. You and your cousin look like sisters. I love being able to vicariously enjoy your journey with you! Thank you for the amazing updates! With love and blessings your way, Gary
Emmett and I just learned “Pegs and Jokers” this past weekend! We were blessed to be invited to Melody and John Anderson’s beautiful lake home near Aitkin, MN for a couple nights, and they introduced us to the game. We are hooked and plan to purchase one for our home! It’s a great group game. You’ll have to come over to our place once you return from your trip and play it with us! Blessings to you as you travel and serve.