We finally got everything packed and were able to get on the road close to our departure time goal of 9:30.  We chose this time which would let us get to Houston about 10:30 or 11:00 and avoid the early morning traffic.

The weather turned a bit cooler and we're glad we packed sweaters and jackets. The forecast is  cool for the next few days and hopefully it will be warmer after we cross the border on Sunday.

Our normal first day stop is at Wharton, Tx where there's a WalMart with an easy off and on from the highway.  Other businesses are opening close by including a new Motel being built.  In front of the WalMart parking lot there's a strip mall that had several vacancies when we stopped last year but today we found a new and very good Mexican restaurant there.

The Dutch Star is running good and the pups have settled down and seem to be enjoying the trip so far.

Although Wharton is only about 130 miles from home, its a good distance for the first day to make sure we have no problems that would affect the rest of the trip.  Tomorrow should find us at Casa Blanca Texas State Park in Laredo where we'll spend the last night in Texas before crossing the border.

          Are we there yet says Hayley

      This house is rolling says Bonnie

      Bonnie looking out the windshield

      Walmart in Wharton Texas