Day 5 Monday

We took our time in the morning leaving the Hotel after having the usual hotel breakfast which was good enough. Left around 8:45AM. Got gas nearby for $1.45.

Learned that our decision to get by the construction on Sunday was a good one. Traffic on the Interstate, no problem at all. Surprisingly all the way past Waco and before Austin, the traffic was no problem. We got onto highway 130 which is the Toll Road that goes around Austin. They never charge us the toll because they never mail an invoice. The speed limit is 80mph and later changes to 85mph. There is virtually no traffic, so it is a very relaxing drive.

There is an option to leave the Toll Road at Buda so one can get to the massive number of factory outlet stores at San Marcos which is about 20 miles from San Antonio, but we have been there and done that and with the dollar being like it is, there are likely no bargains.

So we keep driving and leave the Toll Road at Seguin. Normally our Gps takes us to Interstate 10, then to the San Antonio bypass, and then continuing south on Interstate 37. There is always a lot of traffic on Interstate 10 and the bypass.

This time it took us through Seguin a small town, and told us we were going down highway 123 south. We said why not...and continued on. Two lane highway of course, but 65mph and 70 mph speed limit in spots. Nice long passing lanes every 6 or 8 miles. Very little traffic, and going through farmland and oil fields.

It was very relaxing. We got $1.35 gas at a large convenience store just outside Kenedy. This is an expanding town with all the amenities. It is obviously booming because of the oil industry, and the signs of this with trucks, temporary lodging buildings are all over.

After leaving Kenedy, we were on the final leg of our journey with little traffic again, and intersecting with highway 281 which is divided and will be the future Interstate 69 some day.

We arrived in Pharr at 4PM, and went to HEB the major food store to get some groceries.

Our mobile home is just down the street aways....stopped in for a moment to see our friends Al and Bonnie, and then down the street to our place.

Great day driving, and so glad to be in our place.

The good folks from Carmen Manitoba that have rented from us for January and February for the past three years, are contemplating doing something different for next year. As a result, we will be looking for someone new to rent our place for any months except for March when we come down.

and so ends another great day on the way to and arriving in the Valley.

more later...