G'Day Again from Laredo, Texas,
Well here we are again in Laredo. Since all of you have written telling us that summer so far in Nelson rather sucks, we thought we'd tell you that winter here in the US Midwest is rather pleasant (sorry). We've seen a wee dusting of snow in Indiana on some ranch homes (very Christmas-ey), experienced just a wee bit of sleet on the way back here from Indiana, and there's been some rain just occasionally, but for the most part the weather has been mild and sunny. As a matter of fact, in Dallas for several weeks just before the Holidays they had record high winter temperatures of around 29 degrees! I considered sunbathing, but didn't.
So, so far we've been back and forth quite a bit to Little Rock and Dallas and Laredo (went to Indiana the other day though). When we arrived back here in Laredo yesterday we met up with quite a number of very nice and very interesting folks. We met one couple who have been living in their truck traveling for the past 11 years. Interestingly enough, the wife is the truckie and the husband is the navigator. They have everything worked out so that they have the lifestyle they want. They are a very nice, attractive couple. So we hope we run into them more often.
We also met the couple you can see in our photos. His nick name is "Snake Monster". He and his wife Susie are great fun, excellent truckies (they drive as a team) and are real characters. As you can see, their truck is significantly customized. Some of the graphics won't show up in the photos such as the murals on either side done by their son saying on the right side: "Good news travels fast" and on the left: "Bad news travels fast". On the back it says: "Department of Road Rage and Anger Management". On the front right grill it says "Hers" and on the left: "Hiss" (reference to "Snake" obviously implied.) And by the doors, it says: "Caution Snake inside". Where it should read the truck manufacturer's name of "Freightliner" they have put: "Frightliner". It goes on and on. They are clearly having a good time. Might be a bit over the top though.
To reply to some of the questions and comments we have received so far; no, our truck does not have a name and we do not have any intentions at this time of naming it but we'll keep you all informed should we change our minds (Murray says, if it breaks down then he'd have some very specific names for it!!) With regards to additional interior embellishments, we appreciated the suggestions of camouflage pillows, mosquito netting and the double sash large windows for either side of the bed, and once again, we'll keep these in mind and get back to you. With regards to shopping at Walmart, it's the only store anywhere near some of the more remote locations where we often end up. When we are able to get into the cities, we shop at more local stores - which are great fun. Most of those are very Hispanic in Texas. But Texas itself and the entire Southwest of the US is becoming very Hispanic these days. Everything is in both English and Spanish. I find it quite fun. Most Americans resent what they consider to be an intrusion.
We now are well set up with a little 12 volt crock pot, refrigerator, kettle, hair dryer, and a 12 volt inverter for everything else like the computer. We also are equipped with Microsoft's "Streets and Trips with GPS". Oh what fun this toy is! We enter our route into the program, it gives us directions, MPH, altitude, mile to go, etc, etc, and then we watch ourselves traveling along our routes on the computer screen! There is even a voice that tells us when and where to turn - what a hoot!
So we are now waiting for another trip assignment. We've had some time off and are ready to go again. We'll write again soon - hopefully from another location. Hope everything is going well for all of you. Especially that weather thing - hope summer has finally arrived in NZ!
Warmly, Margot and Murray
|
Non club trips 
