reality sets in

I’m going to share a bunch of sweet pictures of our stay at Garner State Park because it’s BEAUTIFUL.  but honestly, this park was mostly where the reality of this whole thing set in.  

the first week on the road felt like vacation.  the second week I freaked out.  luckily, now, it feels reaaallllll gooooood. 

but in Garner our days were full of questions (and some grief on my part for what I was missing and will miss)…

what are we doing? what do we want to see? how often do we want to stop?  how often do we want to move?  where is our sweet spot between remote scenic locations and coffee shops and grocery stores? 

without realizing it, we left McAllen, TX with a route/plan to head west that would take us through ZERO big cities for shopping or stocking up… including 5 full days at Garner State Park with ZERO cell reception and very, very limited park provided wifi. 

we’ve hardly been on the road 3 weeks, but we’ve learned so much about how to do this and how WE want to do this. 

I’ve come to terms with the fact that I really like cell service and wifi.  not EVERY day, but within range of where we are.  Garner State Park was 30 miles from cell service, groceries and people.  campground was quiet (it is off-season) and the other people that were there weren’t out walking and connecting.  it was lonely.  we want to find more kids for playing too.

I love gorgeous remote camping areas.  AND I love people, culture, internet and shopping.  [this has further changed our plans after Balmorhea State Park as well, with El Paso being the closest thing to decent grocery stores and camping gear.]

also, a quick note on grocery stores.  I NEVER KNEW WHAT I HAD IN AUSTIN.  food is a big deal to me.  as it should be.  it makes up a lot of who I am and how my days look and how I love my family.  I’m also a creature of habit and I tend to buy the same foods and brands I know and love. I want to be more flexible about this but have come to realize that if it’s important to me, I have to PLAN WAY BETTER….and it still might not always work.  

AND in the middle of the messiness (as always) there is also great beauty.  we saw ducks, wild turkeys, kayaked and roasted marshmallows and read books. xo