Pharr-away: The journey begins...

Mac and I began 1500 mile drive in 888 on October 24 for my first workamper position in Pharr, Texas. Boondocked first night at WaMart in Marion, Illinois.

October 25, Searcy, Arkansas; arrived at 3:45 p.m. Had requested brakes be ordered in advance of my arrival; however, they were not ordered. Brakes would not be inhouse until October 27 at 10 a.m.; I should be able to leave by noon. Mac rolled in the grass yesterday and today -- so glad Mac is relaxing -- he's adapting to a hectic few days.

Brakes did not arrive at 10 a.m. on the 27^th -- I announced at 1:15 p.m. that I was leaving at 3:30 p.m. with or without brake replacement. Brakes arrived and were installed. I left at 3:30 p.m. and drove 4 lane highway around Little Rock – with rush hour traffic, light rain, ambulance beeping behind me—boondocked at WalMart in Arkidelphia. Slept with rain coming down, but Mac and I were high and dry and on our way again.

Made extra miles on October 28th – boondocked at WalMart outside of Waco, Texas. It has gotten in the 30s at night in Arkansas and in Waco, Texas -- sure glad I had a generator to get heat inside 888 in the morning.

October 29 – decided to book a campground in San Antonio -- first time I've had electric and running water in five days. Showered, got electronic devices charged, wrote email. I started to "relax" and mentally get ready for my arrival in Pharr tomorrow. Decided I’d like to re-visit San Antonio in the future – they have a River Walk and bus service from the campground.

As I started my five hour drove toward Pharr on October 30, I noted the town of Alice (where I had planned on spending a night) was really small and rustic – glad I took the advice of a truck driver in Searcy to drive directly to Pharr once I started on highway 281.

Mac hasn't rolled in grass since day two, but he's drinking his water and eating his broccoli and carrots so he continues to adapt to more hectic days.

Arrived at Tip O’Texas at 2 p.m. on October 30 – settled into campsite #72. Met my neighbors – from Rockford – joined them for happy hour at 4:30 p.m. On October 31, I did laundry, took a shower, organized 888, walked over to office to meet manager and co-workers but won’t start work until November 1 at 8 a.m.

I'm doing laundry and sitting by the beautiful pool. The temperatures are lovely and the wind isn't crazy like it's been most of the time since I've arrived.

This “ponderosa” lemon (on left) was given to me by a guest. A fruit/vegetable fellow comes every Tuesday morning to campground -- he grows fruits and vegetables at his farm so everything is fresh and nicely priced.

My campsite (Lot 72) is away from the main buildings which allows me to keep my window blinds open (when the west sun isn't hot) so I get to see (and hear) the palm trees while I'm relaxing in 888. I have three sets of Midwest neighbors (social but also private).

Learning a new job is always challenging -- one Monday I came back to 888 and basically slept from 6 p.m. - 6:30 a.m. -- kept falling asleep sitting up so finally went to bed. That Tuesday, I came to work mentally ready for more challenges. Everyone is helpful so it’s practice makes perfect.

Mac rolled in grass two times during morning walk on November 20; he has spotted one squirrel and one rabbit in campground (RV resort) since our arrival. Will soon locate state parks that have trails that allow dogs.

Tip O’Texas residents invited me to join them for Thanksgiving dinner. I also volunteered to help Salvation Army prepare/organize meals. So on Thanksgiving morning I drove to Salvation Army but found I wasn’t needed because of the many high school students eagerly doing everything needed. Came back to Tip O’Texas and enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving early dinner. This is the first time I wasn’t “home” for Thanksgiving.

November was a busy month: learnng a new job, finding food markets, drug stores, banks, bike repair shop, researching “things to do” as a “winter Texan.”

Now it's December and I have time/energy to enjoy being a Winter Texan.

Joined Bike Club for a morning ride to San Juan for breakfast.

Checked out beautiful Quinta Mazatian--the largest adobe structure in Texas – 10,000 sq. ft. From there a bus took us to McAllen Nature Park for a two hour nature walk.