#64 Feb 2015 Cowboy Mardi Gras!

As we entered Texas we started to discover the variety of terrain in this very large state. First came the plains with mountains in the distance and increased speed limits. Ralph keeps close to 60 mph and is passed by most of the traffic. We will arrive in our own time using less fuel.

In Texas you can see forever.

Once again the overpasses are very attractive.

There is all kinds of energy production everywhere.

We booked into Kerrville TX intending to explore the history of nearby Fredericksburg. The next morning we looked at each other and said “not this time”. We have learned to recognize when we need time off from travelling and being busy. This was time to do laundry and other chores and just take it easy.

Before we left Surrey we investigated various membership RV/camping groups. Many are only useful in the US and many are too local for the amount of travel we are planning. Coast to Coast seems to fit our travel plans. The program is similar to timeshares but with a much more reasonable entry cost ($500 USD) because we used a reseller who set us up with a home park in the state of Georgia that we will likely never visit.

All of the groups have restrictions about length of stay, time of the week or season and reservations. Keith and Karen are members of Coast to Coast and gave us a better understanding about how to use the program. The parks are across the US with a few in Canada and the cost is $10 or $15 a night. Some parks are not close to points of interest but for the cost we can drive a few miles in the car rather than paying higher park fees to be close to the action. We stayed in Kerrville for 3 nights at $10 each.

Kerrville is a mid size city with grocery shopping and a good BBQ restaurant. We heard about the nearby town of Bandera (population 987), which is dubbed “The Cowboy Capital of the World”. Friday afternoon we wandered the town to see the Mardi Gras preparations. It seems the most popular activities are parades and drinking, all carried on in the streets.

The 11th Street Cowboy Bar is the centre of the action inside and outside.

There are many original buildings still in use.

The stores and restaurants all decorate with the Mardi Gras theme.

Saturday morning we packed up the RV and headed for Bandera's “Cowboy Mardi Gras Parade”. Small town parking was easy.

Many of the audience dress up and the “throwers” on the floats aim for the best dressed.

Throwing beads and treats is a serious endeavor.

Colour is the order of the day. The official colours are purple, green and gold but everything goes.

Floats are packed with throwers.

Modern riders also participate.

And the animals.

The cowboy theme draws lots of attention, after all, this is Texas.

Genuine Indian ponies and riders enjoy the attention.

Ralph was on the street catching beads while I was standing on a retaining wall catching photos.

The party continues all day.