A Hilltop to Ourselves

[Whizzo]

When it's 104 F, it's the low season in Texas' Trans-Pecos desert. We could only manage a long weekend, so we headed out for some archeology and astronomy. And as hoped the historic cave art is well-preserved, and the stars are bright.

We're in Seminole Canyon, a Texas State Park system facility, at the well-named Desert Vista campgound. We're on a promontory, with sage and hills to the horizons. And there's one other RV in the whole place. Have never had an empty campground, ever, in 5 years of Airstream ownership.

But the heat makes me feel like the Sport is a baked potato wrapped in tinfoil, even though the Carrier rooftop is working well.

Keep cool and safe, everyone who's feeling this summer bake!

[Melody Ranch]

I lived in that area for several years. Arrowheads and fire pits everywhere. Best exploring is along the railroad where Chinese labor camps were....many forget that part of history. Actually the BEST exploring is in the small creek inlets into the river....from the Mexican side. You better leave that to local experience only. Go to Camp Hudson too. A best kept secret.

[Frank&Mike]

We very much want to visit this state park. A couple questions:

1. How many hours from San Antonio (should be similar from Austin)?
2. How were the highways in route?
3. Feel safe there with so few people (we probably will go during a holiday in hopes of a few more people there)?

[65CV]

We've been to Seminole Canyon twice on trips from Connecticut and loved it. We felt very safe after seeing the number of Border Patrols. We felt especially safe after hiking to the Rio Grande, about 3 miles from the campground. The cliffs were well over 100' and are absolutely impossible to scale.

Our favorite part was the sky. I've seen the Milky Way twice in my life in full glory. Once on a winter camping trip in Vermont where the temperature was -20 and there was nothing in the air to interfere. The second time was at Seminole Canyon.

I don't recall the travel time, but 90 was an excellent road. I think we made it from Austin in a day, but that was about 4 years ago.

I can't imagine your temps in southern Texas right now. It's hot in New England... and VERY humid.

[Frank&Mike]

Originally Posted by 65CV

We've been to Seminole Canyon twice on trips from Connecticut and loved it. We felt very safe after seeing the number of Border Patrols. We felt especially safe after hiking to the Rio Grande, about 3 miles from the campground. The cliffs were well over 100' and are absolutely impossible to scale.

Our favorite part was the sky. I've seen the Milky Way twice in my life in full glory. Once on a winter camping trip in Vermont where the temperature was -20 and there was nothing in the air to interfere. The second time was at Seminole Canyon.

I don't recall the travel time, but 90 was an excellent road. I think we made it from Austin in a day, but that was about 4 years ago.

I can't imagine your temps in southern Texas right now. It's hot in New England... and VERY humid.

Thank you for the information. I think we may try to go over the Labor Day holiday. Temps in south Texas right now? We were at our little place about 1.5 hours from Mexico (near Laredo) this past weekend and I think the highest temps we experienced were around 109. The air conditioner did ok with two fans going as well.

[BAB]

Spent a wonderful 5 days in So. Texas....the Pecos Trail is amazing, though right now with the incredibly high temps I'm not sure I'd be doing much hiking. If you have a chance be sure and visit Fort Davis.

[Whizzo]

I made it from San Antonio in about 3.5 hours, averaging just over 60 MPH.

As 65CV notes, it is a straight shot on US Hwy 90, which is two lanes much of the way, but with passing lanes. The road was well-maintained, with no rough sections or potholes. You can also take I-10, and drop south on Hwy 277 through Del Rio. If you need any "civilized" amenties, you must make the 45 minute drive from the park to Del Rio. The town of Comstock has little but fuel (diesel and gas) and a small convenience store.

We did feel a little strange being so remote, but that was mostly the exhilaration of having the whole hilltop to ourselves! As for safety, if you or your partner are ninjas, you'll be fine <joke!> There are park staff nearby, and the Border Patrol does regular patrols and spot checks in the campgrounds. I saw them at least twice daily.

I wouldn't be overly concerned about being too far out! Have a great trip.

JW

Originally Posted by Frank&Mike

1. How many hours from San Antonio (should be similar from Austin)?
2. How were the highways in route?
3. Feel safe there with so few people (we probably will go during a holiday in hopes of a few more people there)?

[Olie]

I see you have your antenna up. Any reception out there?

We wont to visit the park but will wait till November or December when it's a little cooler.

Enjoy your stay.

[Whizzo]

Originally Posted by Olie

I see you have your antenna up. Any reception out there?

Only five analog TV stations from across the border. Just thought I'd see how the new TV worked. My Spanish isn't good enough to make it fun to watch.