Year End Lists – Dickinson, TX

At the end of each year, there are always “best” and “worst” lists for movies, books, etc. So, now 3 ½ years into this adventure we have decided to do our own lists. People keep asking us - Are we looking for a place to settle? How long will we keep traveling? Etc. etc. etc. We are still seeing America or as we say “eating our way across America”. We haven’t been looking for an area to land on but enjoying the adventure day by day!

Back to our “best” and “worst” lists which may provide insight as to our preferences. Who knows it may be how we finally decide on a place to “land”.

BEST
Drivers-Michigan
Weather–Oregon coast/Oceano, CA
RV Park–Santee, CA/Foley, AL
Dog Daycare–McHenry, IL
RV Dog Park–Baton Rouge, LA
RV Bike Riding–Santee, CA
Dog Off Leash Park–Fresno, CA
Restaurant Options–Foley & Gulf Shores, AL

WORST
Drivers–Minneapolis, MN
Weather–San Marcos, TX/Damariscotta, ME
RV Park–Kettleman City, CA/Hammond, LA
RV Park–Minneapolis, MN
RV Dog Park–San Marcos, TX
RV Bike Riding–St Paul, MN/Littleton, MA
Dog Off Leash Park–La Mesa, Ca
Restaurant Options–Two Rivers, WI/Quartzsite, AZ

And other categories:
SMALLEST RV Park–Two Rivers,WI
LARGEST RV Park–Mesa, AZ
HOTTEST RV Park–Tapo Canyon, CA
COLDEST RV Park–Quartzsite, AZ
MOST Scenic Drive–Hwy 101 in CA, OR, WA/Hwy 90 in MS/LA
WORST Scenic Drive–Highway 99 in CA

Comments - Dickinson, TX

On the drive to this RV Park, we crossed a “golden” bridge over one of the many bays, bayous, inlets, etc. in this Gulf Coast area. The support cables were encased in yellow tubing with the sun’s reflection it really looked “golden”!

Something we have noticed here in the Houston area is the abundance of donut shops. Few franchises (like Krispy Kremes) but a lot of local shops specializing in donuts! A real booming business here!!

"Winter" - Dickinson, TX

We thought yesterday was “Winter”. The temperatures were in the mid to low 50’s and of course the constant Texan wind was whipping around our legs, bodies, arms and heads. So, who knows what the wind chill was. Boots was in long pants but still in flip flops. Ruthi, the winter hold out with her head in the sand, was still in her shorts and shivering. Ruthi believes that if she has to resort to wearing her long pants it is truly Winter – no matter the temperatures or location!

Today, the temperature at 9am was 42⁰. That’s right 42⁰ with the ever present wind. It’s very cloudy so the hope for some sunlight to warm us is gone. Boots is using the stove to prepare dinner early. She was hoping the extra warmth would fool us into thinking we were really in Gulf Coast Texas. Climate Change is not doing so well for our retirement. We have even heard from friends in San Diego (where we were the last 3 winters) that it has been chilly there, too. So far, our experiment of trying Texas for the Winter is not going as well as we had hoped!

We know we can’t drive to Hawaii but how about Costa Rica???? Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.