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Borrego Springs, CA

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Wahoo! I finally made it.

IMG_0259The winds changed overnight, and this morning were out of the northwest as I headed out of Corsicana, TX.  That meant a nice tail wind for a good share of my journey.  :)  Once I got close to Houston, however, the gulf wind prevailed and was really blasting me from the side.  One of the things I like about traveling around Houston is that they paint the road with pictures of what lane is for what highway.  I really appreciate that in addition to the road signs.

After about 260 miles, I pulled into the volunteer village at Anahuac NWR.  What a relief that was!  After a month, I had finally made it here.  Of course, I’ve learned to not expect everything to go smoothly, and I wasn’t disappointed.  :(  After corresponding with Stephanie, the volunteer coordinator, I knew that I had a choice of two sites, and because I’ve been here three times before, I knew which site I wanted.  Well, there was a refuge vehicle with a fire crew trailer attached to it in the site I planned to move into.  Okay, so I checked out the other site (on foot).  First of all, it had a picnic table that I couldn’t hope to move in the middle of it, and secondly, there was a tree that leaned over the rear of the site which meant I couldn’t fit into it.   Ack!!

I knew everyone was on a field trip today, so no one would be around.  I unhooked the toad, and Emma and I sat out at the picnic table in the 90* heat to wait for everyone to return.  In about an hour, Stephanie and all the volunteers returned.  Since I was parked smack dab in the middle of the entrance road, it was immediately obvious that there was a problem.  After another hour or so, a key for the truck was tracked down, and it was moved out of the site so I could move in. 

A couple of the male volunteers helped me get set up, which I really appreciated since I was feeling pretty wilted at the time.  :)  Once the basics were done, I turned on the AC and sat inside for a while until I stopped sweating.  Then I tackled the DISH set up.  I dragged all the equipment out of the trunk of the car, made some adjustments, and using a compass made my first guess of where to point it.  For the first time in over four years, I was right on the satellites without having to do any searching!   I always make a bet with myself about how long it will take me to find both satellites, but today, all bets were off.  I did a little happy dance and went back into the AC.

I’ve been in the high desert for quite a few months, so it will take a little time to adjust to the heat and humidity of the coast!  I was also reminded I was in a marshy area this evening when I took Emma out.  I had three mosquito bites in no time at all.   Ah, I’m just happy to finally be here.  :)

Thanks for stopping by….talk to you later,  Judy 

26 comments:

  1. I can imagine how relieved you are to finally be where you want to be. I still would like to have a bit of your surplus heat!!!

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  2. glad you are safe and sound, Judy..just watching our local news and they are talking about the wild weather in the USA

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  3. I'm so glad you made it safely, I was worried about you. Glad you got the site you wanted! Onward and upward. :)
    Barbara

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  4. Ya just can't stop a good woman! You made it, and it's much to your credit and perseverance. Now try to keep the mosquitos from eating you alive.

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  5. I admire your attitude and "can do" spirit. Getting the satellite working quickly is no small feat either!

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  6. Glad you made it safely. I am sure this is a trip you will not want to repeat anytime soon.

    Enjoy your stay!

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  7. Another YEA from me. Get out that bug spray - the Avon stuff and use it. I'm not a good one around bugs - they just love the way I taste.

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  8. Yay!

    May I recommend the purchase of lemon eucalyptus oil to ward off mosquitoes? It's DEET-free, smells nice and WORKS!

    Looking forward to reading (and viewing photos of) your adventures in and around Anahuac this winter! Have tons of fun.

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  9. I know that great feeling of hitting the satellite first time out. It's only happened to me a couple times & it's always a bonus when it does. Good luck with the mosquitos........

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  10. Doing a happy dance around our rig for you!!! Yeaaaa. So glad you are finally there and safe. Heck with having to get used to the humidity again! We're just glad you are ok. (sigh)

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  11. Congratulations, Judy, on making it to Anahuac. Now maybe things will go a bit smoother for you.

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  12. Oh Happy Day you finally made it! Now sit back and enjoy.

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  13. "Since I was parked smack dab in the middle of the entrance road,"

    I can just imagine you waiting after all the #&*@ you have been thru in the last month.

    Bet it feel like home!

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  14. Good Job Judy, I'll bet Emma helped with pointing the dish in the right direction, I'll bet it will even warn you of inbound enemy planes.Glad to see you are bedded down and ready for your new assignment. Bring the pictures on. Be safe out there. Sam & Donna.

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  15. New follower here, found a link off of Cave Dwellings which we follow daily and heard about winds in Texas. I had to come check it out.

    Incredible pictures. We had winds at 39 yesterday here at the coast and this morning everything is calm with about a 90% humidity. Tonight a wonderful cool front will blow through and end this humidity finally.

    We love Corcicana/Richland Chambers Lake area.

    Connie

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  16. And you didn't bring any of those hedge apples when you had the chance.

    Mac & Dianna

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  17. Glad you made it safely. The humidity has been a terrible here the last couple of weeks.

    Travel Safe

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  18. I have been following along with your windy ways and glad you made it. I look forward to hopefully meeting up wile you are in the area. Does Emma have a favorite dog treat?

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  19. Glad you reached your destination. Keep Emma safe from those mosquitoes. It was nice that you had some help getting set up in the heat. Enjoy your stay

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  20. Hallelujah! Amen! Mosquito bites and all!!!

    Have a total and complete blast during your stay!!! You most surely deserve it!

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  21. I think Avon skin-so-soft works well for skeeters too. Looking forward to some of your great wildlife pictures. Glad you finally made it. Thanks for sharing.

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  22. I have heard Listerine will work sprayed on you and around your campsite. Any flavor. Glad you are HOME.

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  23. So nice those guys helped you set up! In that heat, you gotta take it easy--- be careful!

    ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
    Karen and Steve
    (Our Blog) RVing: Small House... BIG Backyard
    http://kareninthewoods-kareninthewoods.blogspot.com/

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