We were able to snag a cheap hook-up site at the casino for the week. It came with some pretty cool morning entertainment:
We were a little unsure about camping all week in a parking lot, but since the girls and I had plans to visit with our friends Jake and Melissa all week, we decided it would be ok.
On Tuesday, the wind came in and blew the dust around so that the sky turned grey and the scenic views disappeared. I was glad we weren’t driving the RV.
Jake ended up on Army duty all week and Jon had an extra busy work week as well. So, this became the girls’ week! We did some errands and shopping with Melissa and Kaine. Natalie got a fresh new ‘do:
Melissa and Kaine joined us in the RV a few times so the girls could hang out.
We took a picnic lunch and field trip to Hueco Tanks State Park.
There were great climbing rocks:
My girls loved helping Kaine climb and hike.
Afterwards, we stopped here for some treats and found a great source for homemade tortillas and chips.
The girls couldn’t resist the pretty cookies.
We also took a field trip to Chamizal National Monument and learned about a 100 year border dispute between the US and Mexico that was finally resolved by Presidents Kennedy and Johnson. Here are the girls at a border marker from the 1860’s. The current border is further south at the Rio Grande River. It is a little more heavily fortified these days.
I often check for running clubs wherever we are, but many meet in the evenings or weekends (which is when we typically travel). I was excited to find this group of early risers. It was wonderful to have company during a long run and to get the local scoop on the good things do in Texas. Thanks so much El Paso Runners!
All week, Jon had been looking longingly up at Mount Cristo Rey from the casino parking lot, so that is what he wanted to do on Saturday. It was a 2 mile climb up to the top, but it didn’t look nearly that far.
The trail zig-zagged up the mountain, making it an easier climb:
…but a longer hike:
We took a few shortcuts:
At the top we found this large, Rio-like monument. Ah, perspective…it didn’t look nearly this big from the bottom.
At the top you could see Texas, New Mexico, and Juarez, Mexico. Left of the long fence is Mexico and on the right is the US. You could see the Border Patrol SUVs stationed at various places along the fence. We noticed, however, that the fence stops at the hills and the hills didn’t appear that challenging to cross.
Jon wanted to see the fence up close. We were quickly approached and questioned by Border Patrol, but they were friendly and helpful. They warned us about the kids who come to the fence asking for money or worse, hurling rocks. These kids were interested in dollars and candy. I wished we had some candy for them.
Natalie wanted to do a little cowgirl shopping:
On Friday, Jake and Melissa gave us a tour of Ft. Bliss, the base where Jake is currently stationed:
We got to see the stryker vehicles that Jake works with:
Inside a stryker, the girls check out the safety equipment.
Emily aiming the big guns (at my head!):
We had a great week visiting with the Jake, Melissa and Kaine, and seeing El Paso. A big thank you to them for showing us around, sharing their home and laundry facilities. Sunday we made the long trek to be near Austin, where Jon will be attending SXSW on Friday.
It was the longest drive we have made since the beginning of the trip: 545 miles in 11 hours, stopping only once for gas. We have much to look forward to this coming week, as my parents are flying into Austin on Saturday. I can’t wait to see them!
