Heading into the wind

We were going to stay another night in the Comanche National Grasslands, but a weather report changed that.

The report was for winds that could reach 60 mph, and possible showers in the evening.  Showers are a problem when you are two miles up a dirt road.

And winds that large can create a lot of problems for a pickup camper. 

First, when driving, the winds buffet you and make you feel like you are going to lose control.  When you are heading into the wind your gas mileage plummets. It is tense driving, and we don't enjoy it.

Second, when stationary, winds above 20 mph rock the camper so much that sometimes it is difficult to sleep.  

So we decided that we needed to get off of our dirt road before any storms hit, and find a spot where we could sit out the storm. 

Vicky, master navigator, found a National Grasslands several miles south, in Texas--the Rita Blanca National Grasslands.  We saw there was a picnic area there, and hoped we might be allowed to stay a night there, or at least close to it.

Success!  The picnic area allows overnight camping.

 

The advantage of this spot is that we have room to maneuver our camper so that it is facing the wind.  When it is stationary and facing the wind, even strong gusts don't rock it.  The winds were predicted to change from being from the south west, to the west, and then to the north west.  Every few hours I went out and moved it a bit to face a different direction. 

The picnic area also is on a good gravel road a short distance from a highway.  So we are not worried about getting out in the morning.

And there are bathrooms (pit toilets, but that's good enough for us)!  And trash cans!   And, not to our surprise, no one else there so it was quiet.  It was actually kind of cozy.

So bright and early this morning we head toward Arizona where we will stock up on needed supplies. Then we begin the second half of Road Trip 6 ,which will be in the southwest deserts.  We have really enjoyed our time in the midwest National Grasslands, but winter is coming and it will soon be too cold to enjoy them.

We will be back next year.  On to the desert!