First stop in Carlsbad was the local BLM office.  BLM is the Bureau of Land Management.  They are a federal department that manages a bunch of the public land in the US, especially out west.  We wanted to get some more info about the local camping options and a friendly woman at the office gave us a map, brochures and advice.  For the federal government naysayers…helpful and knowledgeable employees do exist!

Not sure many people realize that you can camp anywhere for free on BLM land with 1 minor restriction of keeping a 300 foot buffer from waterways.

Headed back south towards the Carlsbad Caverns to a place nearby just off the highway which was recommended as a good spot and close to the park.

A truly amazing amount of deserted land out west

Level on the first try!

Off for a sunset bike ride tonight, then off to the caverns tomorrow!

Made it to New Mexico! Carlsbad Caverns here we come!!

Spent the night at an I10 rest area near kerrville, tx. Cooked up a tasty combination of tomato basil soup with a grilled cheese made with provolone, tomato, jalapenos on texas toast. Great for a chilly evening.

Planning to cover bunch of miles today to get into carlsbad, NM later this afternoon. Most folks said there isn’t much else worth seeing this direction in Texas. Time to put our new honda generator to work as we stay off the grid and boondock (camping in the middle of nowhere).

Our outdoor winery host

Hitting up a couple wineries today in the hill country of Texas near Fredericksburg. First stop was William Chris.

LBJ's ranch is a drive-thru national park

Nice ride between Texas and DC

Next winery was called Grape Creek. Found a few tasty varietals which we purchased to enjoy with dinner in the trailer.

Continued our drive to fredericksburg then north thru a scenic drive for about 15 miles.

Enchanted rock, second largest granite outcropping in the US

Meat sweats ahead

Hopefully Jalapeño will share with us

Stopped at the city market bbq joint in Lulling, TX on a recommendation from my uncle…smells awesome!

P.S. The ribs and beef were great! Couldn’t keep the cat from drooling and trying to eat all of Cindy’s.

We enjoyed a great weekend with relatives in Houston. 

Things started off great on Thursday evening with a delicious grilled fish dinner.  My uncle, Cindy and I proceeded to continue drinking while enjoying some hot tub warmth.  A very long evening of deep discussion and bottle of bourbon ended about 430 in the morning.. 

My Friday wasn’t very eventful as I nursed a severe hangover. 

Back in action on Saturday!  Started with a bike ride around the greenbelt trails of the Kingwood neighborhood.  Enjoyed another great BBQ with some neighbors, co-workers of my uncle and a cousin I had never met.

Canasta and Mojitos on a warm afternoon

Pet rabbit hanging outside

On Sunday we joined my aunt, uncle,  cousin and her boyfriend on a trip to Kemah.  Its a nice but touristy boardwalk on the gulf coast.

Interesting restaurant name

Lunch location

Started with a rollcoaster ride!

Cousins are growing up fast

Another great family visit

Prom 2013

Enjoyed a good night sleep.  Pulled off I10 at a welcome center in louisiana last night around 10.  A LONG day of driving on Wednesday, covering about 450 miles.  Try to limit those types of days the rest of this trip.  Showered up in the trailer for the first time, which worked quite well. 

Just barely fit!

Not a pretty location, but free!

First stop was the Blue Dog Cafe in Lafayette, LA.  Had read good reviews about this town and its Cajun cuisine.  It was great!  We each had a cup of soup and split the crawfish enchilada.

Yum!

Decided to check out Lake Martin after lunch.  A very peaceful nature preserve just east of town.  Saw some nice wildlife, but no gators.

Next stop was Avery Island for a scenic drive near the Tabasco factory.  Turned out to be a bust..  $8/person to drive into their jungle garden, not worth it.  Turned back around to make our way further west.  Cool to see the flooded crawfish farms along the back roads before returning to I10.

Next stop is my aunt and uncle’s place near Houston.

Cindy got to learn how to empty the waste tanks today.  Gotta entertain herself while she waits for it to empty.