2019 Road Trip: Day 3

Day 3: Austin, Texas to Big Bend National Park

Luckily, my Uncle John gave me an alternate route to Big Bend that would be more scenic than what I had already planned. I took I35 to San Antonio, then 90 through Del Rio to Alpine, Texas. There were a million places I wanted to pull over and take pictures, but I had a long day of driving ahead of myself. I did stop at a bridge to take a few photographs and take a break from driving.

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I finally reached Alpine, TX and text my parents that they may no hear from me until the next day because where I was staying did not have service. Big Bend’s campgrounds do not have reservations and are first come, first serve. Knowing I would be getting into the park a little late in the day, I planned ahead and found this CUTE and FUN place called Tin Valley Retro Rentals. They have campers, boats, and even a car that have all been turned into little, simple “glamping” sites right outside of Big Bend National Park. Just look at the picture below, how stinking cute is this place!?

I get to the campsite after a long and slow drive down a dirt road and I am in love. It has the most gorgeous backdrop and is so perfect….until I step out of my car and it is 102 degrees. Yes, you read that correctly, 102 degrees. I walk inside the camper and it has two super comfortable cots and a little sitting area. I knew when I booked this camper that there was no air conditioning. I did not, however, know that it would be 102 and the low over night only be mid 80s. I got my battery powered fan and sat on the cot and realized…I couldn’t do it. Imagine sitting in your car with your windows cracked with no A.C. and it is 102 degrees outside, that is how hot is was inside the camper. As much as I hated myself for doing it, I had to drive back to Alpine (1 hour and 27 minutes) and get a motel. Before I go any further, let me say, I was BUMMED! I have been looking forward to staying in this cozy cactus camper forever. I also want to say I have NOTHING negative to say about Tin Valley Retro Rentals. If it wasn’t so hot, I would have stayed and I for sure want to come back during the spring or fall.

As I got to Alpine and had service, I found a promising looking motel, Antelope Lodge. When I pulled up, it wasn’t your typical L-Shaped, one building motel. This motel is from the 1950’s and looks more like little cottages spread about around a darling little courtyard. (They honestly could have turned this into an awesome Hostel, but that is just my opinion and it works as a motel as well). Y’all, this place is CUTE. Whoever is renovating this place needs their own T.V. show on HGTV. WATCH OUT CHIP AND JOANNA. I want to live here. Each room is a little different but has a bathroom, super comfortable bed, a TV, and a little kitchenette! The main office has an awesome open and welcoming vibe as well as a lounge room with couches and chairs. The courtyard has over-hanging lights and fire pits. This place is AMAZING!

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All in all, everything works out for the best and sometimes you have to shove your anxiety down and accept that you can’t plan or control everything. And hey, you may find a cute, fun new motel along the way to share with people! Isn’t that the whole point of blogging?

37 days remaining!

Peace.