Texas - Monahans Sandhills State Park

As we traveled from the hill country we came upon mile after mile of high wire fences.  It was puzzling until we started seeing exotic animals and one sign that said Ranch and Wildlife Specialists.  Unfortunately the road was so narrow we couldn't stop and take any pictures but did learn that this area is known for raising exotic game for zoos and wildlife farms.
From the hill country we entered east Texas, flat scrub land as far as the eye could see.  Then we started coming into more rolling hills with scrub brush and cactus to higher hills, long grades and more rock and finally before we reached Fort Stockton once again to flat scrub land.  We did see a lot of oil activity and sometimes smelled it.
We also saw a high electric line going in.  The lineman were suspended from the wires by gondola like baskets and that is also a picture I would like to have had but not when you're on a busy four land highway.  It's not easy to backtrack with this rig!
Our stay in Fort Stockton was a 'one nighter'.  What a passel of noise compared to the State Parks.  Dogs barking, highway noise, motorcycles roaring and cars with loud mufflers.  We were glad to get out and head northward even though it meant traveling on a holiday Sunday.
We passed through Monahans and headed east to the Park entrance.  This is the most impressive entry sign to any of the parks we had visited.

After registering and finding our spot we headed back into Monahans for lunch at a steakhouse.  It is one of the few times I have complained about a meal but my steak was cold.  They did replace our steaks but they wound up warm at best.  And I even saw the gal flipping them on the grill and the flames rising.
Back at the park we stayed inside with the east windows open to catch the southeast breeze and we listened to the kids and adults on the dunes.  They were laughing and sliding down the dunes on discs and boards just as if it was snow but without the heavy coats.


a view from our living room window





kids and parents having fun on the sand dunes



each campsite has a picnic table but you share a shade

About 5 o'clock we ventured out onto the sand dunes.  The temperature was down to 73F and with the breeze from the southeast it was nice to be out. 

climbing the dunes is hard because you sink into the sand
but once on top the sand is harder and walking is a lot easier





these dunes stretch into New Mexico

my tracks and my bare feet!



finally a great sunset



loved the pink being thrown into the clouds

 Second day at the dunes.  We went up to the Visitor Center and walked a trail with trees and cactus.



tumbleweed impaled on a cactus

There were several songbirds in the area but very elusive.

There were a couple of other creatures out and we were fortunate to cross their paths.


Black Beetle the size of a quarter

this little guy is only about 5 inches long