Crossing Texas in February

[maroth]

So I live just off I-10 west (north actually) of San Antonio TX, in Boerne (pronounced Bur-nee) in the TX Hill Country. As many have said, I-10 is a bit tough in Louisiana. My I-10 concerns start at the Louisiana/TX border heading west. Plenty of construction starting there and lasting through Houston. Try to miss Houston anywhere from 7am-9am, then again 3pm-7pm else you're going to need some meds to make it through. West of Houston things open up great, and good roads/stops etc the remaining 600miles of Texas I-10. San Antonio is 250 miles west of Houston give or take. Boerne, Kerrville, Fredricksburg TX are all great places to visit as you're looking at San Antonio in your rear view. Safe Travels!

[aswell]

A lot of helpful info posted here, even for someone from Texas. However, if you do plan to take back roads thru Texas, one word of caution.

Be extra alert in the early hours and at sunset, as the deer are very active at that time, especially in the Hill Country. Made the trip from East Texas to California last week, and while on TX29 between Llano and Mason, near sunset, we had to slow down quickly a few times as deer crossed the road. If there is one, there are usually more not far behind...

We have a Texas ranch truck as a tow vehicle, which the original owner equipped with an extra heavy duty brush guard. So, if we were to hit a deer it would be a bad day for the deer, but a trip to the car wash and we would be back in business. However, we quickly re-routed to Hwy 10 for the remainder of the evening.

Also, as others have mentioned, the wind can be very intense. We were being blown all over the road while in route from Fort Stockton to El Paso, and pretty much all the way to Tucson. After multiple adjustments, we finished the trip with our sway bar totally bottomed out, which still wasn't quite enough during high gusts and while next to semi trucks, who were often swaying worse than us.

There is an app called Windy (also windy.com) which came in handy on this trip, and also helps alert us to pull in the awnings before leaving camp...

Happy Travels!

[Ridge1960]

Originally Posted by rowiebowie

Safe travels Ridge1960. Enjoy!

Great pic by the way. Where was it taken?

.

Sorry for the delay, RowieBowie. That pic was taken on the Lost Mine Trail in Big Bend...a 5 mile hike (up and back down). Great meal afterwards at the nearby Chisos Mountain Lodge. Every day here has been magical.

[Moodywelman]

I remember one. Trip San Antonio to Brownsville where I never got above 2d gear the entire way. 4 MPG,

[rowiebowie]

Originally Posted by Moodywelman

I remember one. Trip San Antonio to Brownsville where I never got above 2d gear the entire way. 4 MPG,

I will translate for those who may not know South Texas. Moody's gas mileage drop was due to headwinds, as the land is flat as a pancake between San Antonio & Brownsville.

Headwinds affect my class "b" by 2-3 MPG. Otherwise mountains, elevation, etc. seem to have little or no effect.
.

[AgBullet]

If you do take I10, consider stopping at Fredericksburg, TX, north of San Antonio. Besides the wineries mentioned, it is home to the National Museum of the Pacific War, and the boyhood home of Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz. The museum is a world-class experience...you could easily spend an entire day there.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by AgBullet

If you do take I10, consider stopping at Fredericksburg, TX, north of San Antonio. Besides the wineries mentioned, it is home to the National Museum of the Pacific War, and the boyhood home of Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz. The museum is a world-class experience...you could easily spend an entire day there.

Ditto that suggestion...Nimitz Museum is deceiving in size- there are a few buildings and actually another site down the road, but the main site in town is filled with war memorabilia including audio descriptions at each display...easily can spend a day there...I spent 4 hours and was never bored... But, Fredricksburg offers so much more than a museum...the food and shopping for first timers is excellent...German heritage mixed with Texas Hill Country hospitality and local wines= a great Texas Hill Country experience for a couple days and nights...Wild flowers and Blue Bonnets starting to pop up...

[MandDinSpgTX]

10 & 20 are both suitable. Have taken the 27 FC down both of them now numerous times. Not a problem. As with all major metropolitan areas, timing and traffic are everything. Time is right, and no big deal. Both offer cool scenery. That considered, I-10 (to us) west of SA, is the best and most scenic you can get before NM. I-20 is oil, oil, oil, gas......lol. Have also taken the AS down 10 and 20 in LA, and the road is better on 10 than 20. 20 is in bad shape around Shreveport. Again, time your major cities. and 84 as one person wrote is nice, but only if you have time and like to stop alot. Alot of small towns. Have taken literally every road in my line of work all over the South. Timing. Plan it.