Waco, Texas

As a fan of the HGTV hit show, Fixer Upper, you have to visit Magnolia Market Silos when you are only forty minutes from Waco.  Mike and I enjoyed a cupcake and a chocolate chip cookie from the bakery as our first stop, since the line was short.  Then into the store we went.  I am happy to say I didn’t buy it out even though I was tempted.  They have food trucks, picnic tables, swings, lawn, stage, lawn games and a garden to make it an “experience”.  

We took a shuttle that gave us a history tour of downtown Waco.  Mike and I stopped at the suspension bridge to take a stroll and pictures.  At the market they also have a shuttle that will take you to Magnolia Tables.  We decided to save that for our next visit with my Mother and Aunt.  On our way back to camp we decided to stop at Harp Design Company store and the original Magnolia store on Bosque.  If you are in Waco, a must stop to enjoy.

Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum

Mike and I visited the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.  The OKC Memorial and Museum honors those that were killed and survivors of the federal building bombing in April of 1995.  It cost us $15 each for the museum.  You will experience the moments leading up to the bombing, see artifacts from the bombing, listen to survivors and family that lost love ones and see the evidence that lead to the arrest of those involved.

Outside the museum, you will see the memorial… the survival tree, the gates, reflection pool, the field of chairs and the fence of memorial.  Worth the trip! 

Thank you and God bless our first responders.

Moab, Utah

In early November we visited Moab for five days.  November is off-season for Moab, so it was less crowded and the weather was cool but pleasant.  We stayed at OK RV Park about 10 minutes south of town.   We were able to use the Passport America discount since it was off-season and had full hook-ups (50 amp, water and sewer).

I recommend visiting Canyonlands Needles, south of Moab first.  Be sure to fuel up and have plenty of water, since it is far outside town.  This was a half day trip for us.  On the way to Needles, stop and visit Newspaper Rock.  Newspaper Rock is covered by hundreds of petroglyphs—one of the largest, best preserved and easily accessed groups in the Southwest.  Canyonlands Needles has some gravel roads, so drive with care.  Please go to the visiting center first to discuss your plans with a ranger so they can advise on the best views for your level of adventure.  We enjoyed our hike and climb to the Cave Spring.  Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the paths, so Abby was able to enjoy the car ride and air conditioned car for our short adventures/hikes. 

Then be sure to visit Dead Horse Point on your way to Canyonlands Island in the Sky.  This was $20 entry per car and Abby was able to hike with us.  Dead Horse Point is a state park and has more hiking and biking trails than our current experience.  Island in the Sky is wonderful, be sure to stop at the visiting center to pick-up a map and be advised by the ranger on what to see based on your time and expertise.  Mike and I visited Mesa Arch, Buck Canyon Overlook, and Grand View Point Overlook. 

For a grand finally of your visit, I highly recommend Arches National Park.  Abby stayed home since she was not allowed on hikes and this park was highly populated with visitors.  The round trip through Arches will take you most of the day and cost you $30 per car.  Get there early and pack a picnic lunch, plenty of water and fuel up.  As always, we recommend visiting the visitors center and coordinate plan with a ranger.  Be sure to check out Balancing Rock, Window Arches, Delicate Arch, and Landscape Arch as we did this trip.

We plan to return next year to experience sunset through Delicate Arch, to step our feet in a Dinosaur Track hike, and a fiery furnace hike at Arches National Park; maybe a jeep off-road adventure.

Enjoy your visit to Moab and God bless!