Vermont Birder

After five days of grey skies and cold temperatures, the Christmas-like scenery outside is getting a bit old and our thoughts are turning more and more to the Southwest. I have planned out the trip as far as Mission, Texas and in talking to a guy today about reservations, I decided not to ask him the temperature.  I knew from checking weather reports, that it was about fifty degrees higher than here.

As I planned the trip through Houston down to Rockport, I smiled as I thought of one of our favorite gas stops — Buc-ees in Wharton, Texas. Mary jots down some of their signs that line the highway as we approach — thus the title of this post.  Another one she noted was “‘Restrooms that make Mom smile.”

The store’s bathrooms have nice accoutrements, such as spacious closets instead of tiny stalls and art on the inside walls, as well as state-of-the-art, motion-activated sinks, toilets and hand-dryers. And they are very clean. photo courtesy of Buc-ees.

Buc-ees does not provide services or parking for 18-wheelers so there is a more family-friendly feel to the large convenience stores. They sell everything from outdoor clothing, souvenirs, and all sorts of road gear but you don’t go there for an organic low cal lunch. I swear I gain a couple of pounds just walking in the door past the assortment of comfort food — Texas-style.  Here’s a section of their online recipe book as an example.

I’m glad that my cardiologist doesn’t read my blog.

Here are some of the neat signs that this great chain is known for.

Gas stops can be quite depressing — but I must say that we always leave Buc-ees with a “what a place!” feeling. There are always people cleaning, walking around picking up trash, just paying attention to detail.  It’s a great success story in South Texas and safe enough if you sneak past the culinary temptations that abound.  (Caramel and butter-glazed corn puffs known as “Beaver Nuggets” is Buc-ee’s #1 branded product.)

As I plan our fifth Airstream trip to the Southwest, I again have been fretting about the first three legs, when the trailer is winterized and when few RV parks or state parks are open. The first leg usually involves a very early launch from an icy driveway, a very long drive into Pennsylvania, and a cold night in a Walmart parking lot.

Here we are at the Walmart in Hazleton, PA after a surprise snowstorm a few years ago.

You can imagine an aluminum trailer hauled through below-freezing temperatures at highway speeds, is a bit cold when we stop. Sure, we have heat but it is a labor just to get the interior comfortable and there’s little insulation – it’s an ice box. I installed a propane heater in the front – and the dog loves that, but the rear of the rig is igloo-cozy.

The next night, usually in Virginia, is a little better but with no water in the trailer, it’s a little more “roughing it” than we need at age 74. The third night, often in Tennessee, is borderline but doable in the Airstream.

The other night I had what is really an obvious idea:  “Why don’t we see about staying a few nights in motels?”   So I’ve been spending a lot of time looking a motel web sites, finding out that “pet friendly” usually means dogs no bigger than 25 pounds (Penny is more like 60), and that there’s always an extra charge.

Now, we have some options for places to stay, where there might even be warm rooms and showers, and likely will be adjusting our plans accordingly. Once we get into Mississippi, we can find parks with power and water and get into our regular routine.

Already, the apprehension that I always have for weeks before departure has dissipated and I think we’ll wonder why we never considered “abandoning ship” on chilly nights before. I’ll let you know how it goes.