May 6-8, 2013
Spring Creek Park
Tomball, Texas
For the second year in a row, we have been lucky enough to get one of the free sites at Spring Creek Park in Tomball, Texas, about a half hour north of Houston (if there is little traffic). This county park is simply lovely and they offer eight free sites that have concrete pads with full hook-ups including 50 amp! They even take reservations, but there is a seven night limit within 30 days. I tried to see if there was a place to donate for the use of the campsite, but they are not set up to take donations.
Even luckier for us, Vic’s college roommate and fraternity brother from the University of Idaho lives only about fifteen miles from this park. Vic reunited with him last year for the first time in almost forty years and now we wouldn’t think of passing through Texas without stopping to visit with Jim and his delightful wife Simora.
When you stop to visit Jim and Simora, they make it clear you are welcome guests not only in their home, but in their city! In other words, they plied us with wine and cheese, delicious meals, and even gifts for the road. What fun to feel spoiled.
One of the things I had wanted to do in Houston was visit the Texas Junk Company, a large thrift store that carries used Western wear. (Thank you Marsha of Where’s Weaver for this tip.) Sadly, we learned that it is only open Fridays and Saturdays as the other days the owner is out finding treasures. In lieu of finding myself a new-to-me pair of cowboy boots, Simora, knowing I was disappointed about the store being closed, presented me with a Texas cowgirl wine glass, two other white wine glasses that unbreakable glass, and Texas wine to fill it. Too fun.
We had only intended to stay overnight in Houston two days, but a major front with severe thunderstorm warnings, hail, and high wind was reaching down into San Antonio, our next destination. As a result, we chose to stay another night (and had no problem extending at the park since it was a week day). This extra day gave Vic and Jim the opportunity to go on an adventure on their own to the Houston Museum of Natural Science while Simora and I spent a long afternoon having lunch and shopping. No photos from either day trip but we all enjoyed a great day that ended on their patio with more wine and cheese!
Stopping in Houston to see them was a great reminder of the value of taking time to reach out to those who have influenced our life journey along the way.
Next stop: another reunion with friends in Albuquerque. . . .
