Late Arrival

Post for October 31, 2013 - Terlingua, Texas.

Due to an array of factors but mainly my bad back I did not make it to the 2013 Terlingua Chili Cook-off until Thursday, October 31st.  I have not arrived this late since I was still working and living in Houston.

The difference then was that I had Terlita (my camping van) and I did not have to bother to set up camp if I did not want to.  I also had that sucker packed and ready to go at least a week in advance. Dad's old car is acting up and almost left us stranded...so I had no choice but to put off loading the Toyota in case we needed it in an emergency.

Believe it or not my friend's friend came through and I got my first night/last night tent since by now there was no way I was going to take my Kodiak Canvas tent.  Don't get me wrong I love my tent but for three nights stay in the desert it is not worth the six hours it takes me to stake it down and set it up. Where was my tall, weathered cowboy with a strong back when I needed him?  :-(

I only took half of the adult beverages I purchased and believe it or not came back with practically all of it....unheard of!!!  That kind of gives you an idea of the level of pain I was in.

Stopped in Alpine to eat and ran into some old campmates, Sandy and Charlie...good to see you guys! Finally after three tries I met long time blogger Tffnguy of Terlingua or Bust fame.  We had a good visit, wish it had been longer.  I also met Bob another gentlemen who reads my blog. Please excuse me as your name escapes me at the moment...you need to leave a comment so I can rectify that situation .

I do not know if it was a combination of lack of sleep, too much coffee or plain stupidity on my part but after I left it hit me that I had forgotten to tip Melinda...a very nice waitress at the American Legion.  Please forgive me, I promise to make it up to you.

Arriving at this late date it was expected that my campsite would be taken and it was...however, either these people were first timers or plain old AH's.  Out of courtesy to others you do not park along the ravine length wise taking up prime real estate and to boot not bother to unhitch your trailer or remove the rails taking up even more space.  Four RV's could have easily fitted here.

When I arrived there were a bunch of cars parked along both sides of the entrance...then it hit me they belonged to the parents of the trick or treaters. Saw a lot more kids than last year.  Ran into Frann for a few seconds later on that night.  She was in costume and a wig and fixing to go trick or treating as well.  Did not have my camera on me though and did not see her again until Friday or was it Saturday?

I considered setting up my camp but decided to wait until morning.  Since I brought half of the stuff I usually bring I had space in the back seat to spend the night.

Good night.  May you all have Terlingua Dreams.