The first night sleeping on the ground on a trip like this is always somewhat restless but soon morning rolled around and we were on the road to our new home for the night, a private campground located just outside of Big Bend National Park, the Stillman Ranch . . .

. . . but not before passing this US Border Patrol station. Only the traffic going the other way had to stop at this one. Not a National Guard troop to be seen  . . . yet!!!!

Texas road side stops are minimally equipped (ie no water or bathroom) but do usually have an awning to get out of the sun . . .

. . . here the G and I met Raymond, a Canadian who had just become an American citizen 10 years ago, He came to the US many years ago to enlist in the Army. I didn’t know you could not be an American and yet served in our Armed Forces! He was an Army Ranger and shared several of his experiences with us, including  HAL0. Very interesting discussion!!!

Rolling towards Big Bend National park . . .

First of many elaborate roadside memorials we would ride by during the trip. This one, as many, were located on a straight, flat section of road out in the middle of nowhere!!!

There would be a scattering of roadside historical markers along the way during the trip . . .

. . . telling tales of native american and early settlement lives. Looking across the barren desert landscape it is not hard to imagine what happened. The landscape has not changed here for eons!!!

Hard to believe sometimes, but the desert is full of life. The many forms of cacti were just starting to come into bloom . . .

. . . and the bees were/are busy!!!!

. . . it was along stretch today with no services so about half way there was the van with water and goodies!!!

. . . and a few rollers began to appear.

Soon we arrived at the gravel pit that was the Stillman RV Park and Campground. Most of these types of affairs in the west are set up for RV’s.

A cement pad, water, electric, sewer and internet hookups all available as additional ‘addons’. A feeble attempt is made to accommodate tenters and this place was no exception. If you were car camping, you would not even slow down to look at a place like this. BUT . . . when on a bike, and it is another 30 miles to the next campground, you set up your tent and call it home!!! (You can sleep anywhere for just one night . . . except Howard’s Hotel in Louisiana, on the Southern Tier, where we had BEDBUGS!!!)

We did have a great Mexican dinner . . . and soon with full tummies . .

. . . we drifted off to sleep !!!