Kiwi’s can fly. The road trip thread

[Marine Corps Air]

Driving in Houston was always a thrill, just like going to a proctologist. Rush hour traffic was "THE best"! Wall-to-wall traffic, all lanes, and no forward movement.

I never knew that people in Houston could buy cars with no turn signals, or if they do have them, they don't use them.

I have always liked the Texas road system structure with the far left "turnaround lane". Make a mistake taking an exit? No problem. Stay in the far left lane and you can do a "180", or in my case, a full "360". You'll also see drivers going down the access roads to avoid the traffic jam-parking lots.

I see that you went to NASA. IIRC, the space shuttle always had to be moved using the "747" It has no internal power. It comes down from orbits and either utilizes "hands off" (computer guided) for a landing, or the command pilot flies it in for the landing.

Welcome to America! We all hope that you'll really enjoy your visit!


Bill

[Kiwi cop]

Originally Posted by g-dad

Looks like you're having a great time. I must say it's about time to see a pic or 2 of your traveling companion. Hint, Hint.

You got a little sideways on us again!

Karen is a little camera shy but ...

[Onomea]

This is a lot of fun following along on your long planned trip, KiwiCop. Have fun and be safe!

[bigwheelzip]

Originally Posted by Kiwi cop

Karen is a little camera shy but ...

Sure she is, if you're going to drop her on her head in those photos. All fixed.


Congratulations to Kiwi cop's kindred companion Karen. We've been rooting for you to gain the strength for this strenuous trip.

[Texas Star]

Originally Posted by bigwheelzip

Sure she is, if you're going to drop her on her head in those photos. All fixed.


Congratulations to Kiwi cop's kindred companion Karen. We've been rooting for you to gain the strength for this strenuous trip.

Are the pens in your pocket Parker T-Ball Jotters? Do you get those in New Zealand, too?

I have ten around my desk and office. Very good basic ball pens.

[two-bit cowboy]

Originally Posted by Kiwi cop

Tomorrow we go to San Antonio.

Ah, the river walk. Lots of great culture (and food). A fair bit less congested than Houston, too.

Enjoy!

[Kiwi cop]

Originally Posted by Texas Star

Are the pens in your pocket Parker T-Ball Jotters? Do you get those in New Zealand, too?

I have ten around my desk and office. Very good basic ball pens.

Yeah, they are.

My step son gave me one for Christmas many years ago. When I lost it I’d go get a replacement one. Then I lost two in a week. Turned out they kept getting pulled out of my shirt pocket by seat belts in cars, one a patrol car and the second my own. I found the one in my car on the floor in the back a few days later, and someone using the patrol car after me recognised it as mine and returned it to my paper tray, so now I have three.

I keep one in my uniform and the other two at home.

[Kiwi cop]

Originally Posted by garystl

Soundsike you're having a great time so far.

Interstate Hiway exit tip: there are exit numbers at the top of the sign. If the number is on the right side, that's where the exit will be. If it's on the left top, it'll be on that side.

Great tip, thanks.

Now another driving question. I know the rules about yellow lane lines (we have them in Kiwiland) but what are the rules about solid white lane lines?

I presumed they were “do not cross over into the next lane here” as they are usually on the approach to freeway entry/exits, but I see drivers crossing them all the time ( usually to take the exit at the last moment).

And what’s with the overtaking just to cross in front to exit? (I simply hang back a bit. The 5 seconds saved does not seem worth the risk).

[garystl]

Don't cross solid white or yellow lines. On the interstate Hiway, solid white marks the division between pavement and shoulder while solid yellow marks the division between pavement and median. If you get on the interstate and the yellow is on your right, you are headed the wrong way into oncoming traffic.

As for darting across several lanes to take an exit? People are stupid around the world.

[Golddollar]

Originally Posted by Kiwi cop

Great tip, thanks.

Now another driving question. I know the rules about yellow lane lines (we have them in Kiwiland) but what are the rules about solid white lane lines?

I presumed they were “do not cross over into the next lane here” as they are usually on the approach to freeway entry/exits, but I see drivers crossing them all the time ( usually to take the exit at the last moment).

And what’s with the overtaking just to cross in front to exit? (I simply hang back a bit. The 5 seconds saved does not seem worth the risk).

Solid white lines mean what you just said and also mean "No Passing" from the lane it is closest to. I agree with you about passing just to get to an exit ramp. I always wonder what people who cut me off at an exit ramp think they are accomplishing.

[garystl]

They're ahead of you!

[Kiwi cop]

Originally Posted by Golddollar

Solid white lines mean what you just said and also mean "No Passing" from the lane it is closest to. I agree with you about passing just to get to an exit ramp. I always wonder what people who cut me off at an exit ramp think they are accomplishing.

That’s what I thought. As my brother says, you can never legislate against stupidity.

I didn’ Know about the not passing though. Makes sense in that it allows two lines to merge like a ziplock as we say in Kiwiland.

[WR Moore]

Watch yourself in Texas on Fridays and Saturdays into early Sunday morning. I pulled a load of horses out of Dallas/Fort Worth one Sunday morning as was amazed at the number of vehicles parked on verges, in the median and in other normally inappropriate places. Some on all 4 wheels, some on 2 wheels, some on the their sides and roofs.

[rwsmith]

We rented a T-Bird for our southwest tour. It was fun getting our kicks on Route 66.

One evening was so surreal. We were in a storm and aside from the lightning, it was so black it was like we were flying off into space, with no stars.

Speaking of flying Kiwis, we saw a roadrunner when out there. It did run the road, but we were disappointed that it didn't go 'Beep Beep' nor was it being chased by a coyote.

[Kurusu]

Originally Posted by Texas Star

Are the pens in your pocket Parker T-Ball Jotters? Do you get those in New Zealand, too?

I have ten around my desk and office. Very good basic ball pens.

I think you can get Parker Jotters all over the World.

I must have some 10 in between house, cars and work.

[Kurusu]

Originally Posted by rwsmith

We rented a T-Bird for our southwest tour. It was fun getting our kicks on Route 66.

One evening was so surreal. We were in a storm and aside from the lightning, it was so black it was like we were flying off into space, with no stars.

Speaking of flying Kiwis, we saw a roadrunner when out there. It did run the road, but we were disappointed that it didn't go 'Beep Beep' nor was it being chased by a coyote.

The coyote was already far ahead. They are faster than roadrunners.

[Kiwi cop]

Yesterday was Houston to San Antonio. We started out meeting a forum member to pick up some items I’d bought from him for a mate. Swapping highways in Houston I took the wrong lane and got “bushed” again. Apple Maps kept telling me to “keep to the left lane and take the left turn” sending me back onto the wrong highway ramp. The second time it happened I figured out what was going on. The system was not reading the highway onramp as a left turn. Once I sorted that out we kept to the back streets for about 10 minutes on the “shortest” route to where we needed to be.

Some of those back roads in Houston were badly surfaced and the road works we encountered at one point were diabolical. We were a few minutes late meeting up (sorry again Bill. Hope your range session went well) but we got there, then it was interstate all the way to San Antonio. The six or more lanes out of Houston were a awesome except for those big rigs driving two and three abreast, keeping pace

Once out of Houston we settled in to two lanes. The drivers I encountered fell into two groups, those travelling 5 mph under the speed limit and those doing at least 10 mph over. And when there was a gap in the left lane to pull into in lines of faster drivers, they seemed reluctant to let you pull in.

Made San Antonio just after 1pm after a stop in Weimar for a short break. Karen chose the local donut shop for a coffee. Coffee, iced tea and a huge custard filled chocolate eclair for $4.80 (NZ $7.10). We’d pay more than that for the coffee and eclair back home.

After checking into the motel Karen wanted to go find some face cream she’d seen on Facebook, so we followed the motel handout directions to Walgreen and Walmart, then I found the local guitar store for a pic and signature on the guitar only to find I had bought a whiteboard marker, not a permanent one, with me and the signature from Houston had rubbed off The staff at Sam Ash Music San Antonio we’re gteat and gave me a new sharpie to take with me.

Later we headed for a Hawaiian place for dinner, which was in a little strip mall a bit out of the way but the food was pretty good. Some of the roads on the way gave the Houston back roads a run for the money. There was live music (Hawaiian band) out back. We had picked the last of the Friday evening Summer entertainement shows. What I loved was that the main performer was using a headset mic, something I often do too

As we were leaving I noticed a gun store at the other end of the strip mall. It was almost 6:30 pm by then and they were shut so I didn’t get to look around

Today it’s The Alamo, the river walk, perhaps a river cruise and meeting another forum member for lunch.

[Kurusu]

Hey! Kiwi C!

Found any "spooky banjo players" yet?

[Kiwi cop]

Originally Posted by Kurusu

Hey! Kiwi C!

Found any "spooky banjo players" yet?

Does the fact that I have my grandfathers old tenor banjo in the back of the wardrobe at home count?

Actually I’m still waiting to see my first cowboy or open carry

[garystl]

If you don't find any open carry folks before we meet up on the 29th I'll open carry. What caliber do you prefer? 9mm to 45 are possible.

[Kurusu]

Originally Posted by garystl

If you don't find any open carry folks before we meet up on the 29th I'll open carry. What caliber do you prefer? 9mm to 45 are possible.

It's the US of A. You should carry a .45.Especially for a visitor from abroad.

Just sayin'.

[garystl]

Well, I'll certainly do that then. But now the question is which one? The Para LTC or the Para CCO with the LDA trigger.

Maybe both?

[THE PILGRIM]

Plenty of Cowboys in Texas -
You need to get out of the big cities, off of the Interstates-
On to the two Lane roads, into the Boondocks-
If you happen to see a Cattle Auction Barn with a bunch of Pickups with Trailers in the parking lot-
Stop and go in.
You’ll see enough Cowboys to make a John Wayne Movie!

[Kurusu]

Originally Posted by garystl

Well, I'll certainly do that then. But now the question is which one? The Para LTC or the Para CCO with the LDA trigger.

Maybe both?

My preference goes to the LTC. But it's really Kiwi Cop's party. Whatever he prefers I'm good with it.

[Kiwi cop]

Originally Posted by Kurusu

My preference goes to the LTC. But it's really Kiwi Cop's party. Whatever he prefers I'm good with it.

It’s gotta be a .45

[Kiwi cop]

So this morning we had a visit to The Alamo. But not before discovering that listening to a home radio station on my phone uses up a whole lot of data. Luckily I bought multiple weekly packs before leaving home, and was able to buy an addittional data pack as well.

Walking across to breakfast we saw it had rained overnight. There were a couple of showers and one downpour throughout the day, but we managed to stay dry.

What a lot of history in The Alamo. Inside the church was the “roll of honour” and to see the building and grounds where the battle took place was amazing. The Long Barracks were pretty crowded so Karen went back outside (she has no immunity from infection so has to avoid crowds). I did get to see one sword from the Phill Collins collection. Having read about it in his autobiography I was looking for more of his collection (donated to The Alamo some years ago now) but there were too many people to see properly let alone photo. Then it was off to the river walk for a wander and some more retail therapy for Karen.

With that out of the way we made our way to the oldest saloon in the city (Texas???) The Buckhorn. We had a bit of time before a Spook76 and his family met us for lunch so I went through the museum. While I wasn’t too interested in the taxidermy I did get to see some great old Colt Single Action’s, 1911’s and S&W .357 revolvers plus Winchester’s and leather. I was facinated though by the Bison horn chairs, and I can’t help wondering how comfortable they are to actually sit in.

We were joined by Spook76, his wife and son, and had a great meal with conversation that ranged all over the place. And Karen learnt a few things that never made the news back home.

Leaving The Buckhorn I used the “My Parked Car” function in my phone to get back to where I had parked the car. While it took s to the right address the car park was at the rear of a
restaurant and accessed from the next block over while Maps took us to the front door. Needless to say as I had left the receipt on the dashboard it took us a while to find it again.

Oh well, the joys of travelling.

[garystl]

Sounds like a great time so far. Do you find folks friendly to "furriners"? I think you will do so. My club had the international Benchrest competition 3 years ago and I found the Kiwis, Aussies, and South African teams to be great fun.

[Kiwi cop]

Originally Posted by garystl

Sounds like a great time so far. Do you find folks friendly to "furriners"? I think you will do so. My club had the international Benchrest competition 3 years ago and I found the Kiwis, Aussies, and South African teams to be great fun.

Although I know that every society has its share of grumpy, angry and sometimes nasty people, we have met no one but nice ones (so far ). And we even met some fellow kiwis at the Space Center from way up north of NZ.

[max]

I believe the Buckhorn Saloon, taxidermy and chair you mentioned use to be in the Lone Star Brewery. If so, I have seen it also on several occasions when I was stationed in San Antonio.

[Spook76]

Originally Posted by Kiwi cop

Actually I’m still waiting to see my first cowboy or open carry

Did you see the one in full "costume" at the Buckhorn? He was hanging around near the front, likely for photos. I didn't chat with that one, but others I've seen in that area carry real Colt SAAs/clones, so he might qualify as your first open-carrying cowboy.

Originally Posted by Kiwi cop

We were joined by Spook76, his wife and son, and had a great meal with conversation that ranged all over the place. And Karen learnt a few things that never made the news back home.

A great meet and eat, indeed! I look forward to us doing it again, sometime, here or in NZ.

Originally Posted by Kiwi cop

Although I know that every society has its share of grumpy, angry and sometimes nasty people, we have met no one but nice ones (so far ). And we even met some fellow kiwis at the Space Center from way up north of NZ.

Hey, now...I'm only slightly grumpy! Oh, you didn't mean me. More seriously, we wish Y'all the best in your continued journey, and truly enjoyed meeting you both!

[garystl]

You're making lifetime memories, and we get to enjoy them too.

[Texas Star]

Small world: Spook 76 is my son! Talking to him about his visit with Brent, on the phone now.

[Kiwi cop]

Originally Posted by max

I believe the Buckhorn Saloon, taxidermy and chair you mentioned use to be in the Lone Star Brewery. If so, I have seen it also on several occasions when I was stationed in San Antonio.

There are two whole rows of Bison chairs in the museum, at least a dozen and maybe more.

[Kiwi cop]

Originally Posted by Spook76

Did you see the one in full "costume" at the Buckhorn? He was hanging around near the front, likely for photos. I didn't chat with that one, but others I've seen in that area carry real Colt SAAs/clones, so he might qualify as your first open-carrying cowboy.



A great meet and eat, indeed! I look forward to us doing it again, sometime, here or in NZ.



Hey, now...I'm only slightly grumpy! Oh, you didn't mean me. More seriously, we wish Y'all the best in your continued journey, and truly enjoyed meeting you both!

I saw the ‘cowboy’ at the front. His “Colt” looked about as authentic as his plastic cigar

And remember, Karen’s invitation to stay if you ever get to NZ was genuine.

[Kiwi cop]

This morning we left San Antonio and got “off the beaten path” a bit for the 1 1/4 hr drive to Lukenbach. Firstly though, it was time to fuel up the car. After driving from Houston and two days in and around San Antonio it cost all of $22 to fill the tank. Currently I’m getting 32-40 mpg out of the rental.

Along the way we passed the little settlement of Sisterdale, and I thought for a minute we’d hit R66 early. It looked just like some of the pics in the guidebooks. I almost laughed when I saw the “dancehall and opera house” sign. Culture in rural US. I wouldn’t mind seeing the opera show there.

Luckenbach is a few buildings and a campground set back from the road. Pretty laid back considering how famous it is around the world. Going through the entry I was surprised at the “no guns allowed” notices. What the heck? The “good ol’ boys” being against guns on the premises? What happened to the “outlaw” country music genre?

When we arrived the church service was just finishing up in the dancehall. We had a look around and took a few pics, including me with my guitar outside the old post office. When I saw the stage out back of the bar my first impulse was to get the guitar out again and get a photo on that stage, but prudence said that’d be rude so I just satisfied myself with a pic of the empty stage. (When we left and I told Karen what I had thought of doing she told me it was just as well I hadn’t )

After Luckenbach we made our way to Austin, passing through Johnson City. I had seen the Lyndon B Johnson Ranch entrance but still hadn’t put the two together until I saw the “birthplace of..” sign.

With a population under 1800 and a single traffic light in the middle of town Johnson City is no bigger than my home town in Taranaki (Patea, look it up, it has a world famous Māori performance group). I took some video then on to Austin.

No offence to anyone from Austin, or Texas in particular, but I found Austin several times worse than Auckland for traffic. And Auckland is horrific! 11 am on a Sunday and traffic was so heavy that speed was down to more than 20 mph below the speed limit, and often more, nearly half an hour before we hit the city center. Twice in the City Center we were stationary in long queues of traffic waiting to turn right when drivers came up as far as they could in the inside lane, stopped blocking everything and forced their way into the right turn lane as soon as it moved.

I found that the setting of the stop lines behind pedestrian crossings on Constitution Ave plus, trees and building lines made it difficult to see if the road was clear on right turns. And the road marking were also not as clear as in Houston and San Antonio to someone from the other side of the world and driving on the “wrong” side of the road. For the first time since my first day driving here I felt nervous.

Originally we had planned an overnight stop in Austin, but when we needed to find another night before Las Vegas we deleted it in favour of Waco and the Texas Rangers Museum. We had planned several hours sightseeing but gave the idea away and left early. Traffic out of the city just after lunch was worse than coming in. I did get to visit South Austin Guitars and get a pic with Joe, so the visit wasn’t all wasted

We made Waco, found our motel and I went off to get fuel for tomorrow and stock up on snacks. All that driving for under $19. Then I hit the Guitar Center for another photo.

Dinner was at Buzzard Billy’s. Going in I got a photo standing alongside the old gas pump by the front door. Dinner was deep fried catfish, shrimp and oysters for me and chicken for Karen. The only complaint is the only “veggies” was a small tub of coleslaw on each plate. It was delicious and I could have eaten several of them. As for the platter, my first taste of catfish and it was delicious. We finished with a shared chocolate brownie Sunday which we couldn’t finish (plus a doggie bag of catfish, oysters and chicken which will end up being lunch tomorrow I guess).

In the morning it’s a visit to the Rangers Museum then the town of Abbot, Tx, birthplace of Willie Nelson, before making our way to Stevenville to meet Bro.Dave and his wife.

[Kiwi cop]

More photos

[g-dad]

Awesome. What a great time ya'll are having. Thank you for sharing your trip with us!!!

My small contribution.

[bill2000]

Enjoying your posts! Here's a little Texas road music for you.

YouTube

[cndrdk]

M wife and I just got back to Ft. Worth area from our annual trip to Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico. On way up and back we stayed at an older refurbished Route 66 motel in Tucumcari, NM, the Roadrunner Lodge. Great place, clean affordable rooms and great people. Were really like staying there and was talking to one of the employees out in the parking lot, he said he knew we were in town as he recognized our car. Apparently we stay there quite often!

[hsguy]

Brent, sounds like you and Karen are having a great trip. I enjoy the pictures of you with your guitar but need a video of you playing with some local musicians. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

[Kiwi cop]

Originally Posted by hsguy

Brent, sounds like you and Karen are having a great trip. I enjoy the pictures of you with your guitar but need a video of you playing with some local musicians. Enjoy the rest of your trip!

Actually I need to find 5 minutes to get the thing in tune. Flying does funny things to guitar strings. But if the chance arises I will play.

[Kiwi cop]

So today started off cold and raining. First stop was the Texas Rangers museum where I got to feel the weight of a Colt Walker pistol, just under 5 Ib. After wanderin* around for an hour or so we made our way 20 miles north to the town of Abbott, birthplace of Willie Nelson.

I was wanting to get a photo under the street sign for Willie Nelson Rd, but turns out the road is a narrow gravel (shell rock?.) is rough condition and I couldn’t find the sign. There was a pole without a street sign but that was all I could find, so I took a pic outside the town post office.

Next we headed across to Stevenville where Bro.Dave had invited us to have a meal with him and his wife. I had enough time to find the local guitar shop, a real old time music store. I really hope I can find some more like this one.

Bro.Dave came b6 to guide us to his house and we had a really great time with him and his wife. I also got to see (and handle) a few guns I had never seen before. Colt and Sig 1911’s, a Luger, Browning Hightower’s, and a lot of S&W pistols and revolvers plus a few Colts. Karen and I spent an really great evening with a wonderful home cooked meal. We only left when Karen needed to get back to the motel to take her medications which are on a strict 12 hour schedule.

Tomorrow,we have the long drive to El Paso and on Wednesday we leave Texas.

[leswad]

You will be cursing this drive! Stop at Monahans S.P. and stretch your legs

[Bro. Dave]

I had to confess to Kiwi Cop and his sweet wife that they would be traveling through some country the good Lord made just to hold the rest of it together. The quality of the people in West Texas makes up for the scenery.

[Texas Star]

Be sure to carry plenty of water and some provisions on those long trips, especially if you'll go offroad into the desert.

In El Paso, see if the zoo re-opened after the cougar visit in that topic here. It's probably a pretty good zoo.

We have excellent zoos in Dallas and Ft. Worth, too. And in San Antonio. A pity you missed those, if you like zoos.

In west TX and in New Mexico, shake out your shoes every morning, to avoid scorpions. And if you leave the road and get out of the car, look for rattlesnakes.

I think you're going to find Texas a bigger place than expected. And the same applies to the entire USA.
Keep the car's gas tank filled when you can. Might be a long way to the next station.

In New Mexico, don't let them sell you any genuine Indian moccasins that turn out to be made in China.

I think Santa Fe still features tours of the old Spanish governor's palace. And it's known for its many artists and an author or two. You can probably find a lot of turquoise and silver jewelry made by local Indians. Be careful if you visit their pueblos: they often charge money to take pictures there.

[g-dad]

Kiwi cop, be sure you sample some great Texas brisket. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Safe travels to you and Karen!! And here's your pics!

[nachogrande]

I'm thinking a re-do of your marriage vows at a Vegas wedding chapel by an Elvis impersonator then a visit to the more natural beauty of Zion/Bryce canyon/Arches/the grand canyon. A pic of you in an Elvis outfit might be a big hit. Don't be cruel, make an Elvis music video for us.

[Golddollar]

Originally Posted by nachogrande

I'm thinking a re-do of your marriage vows at a Vegas wedding chapel by an Elvis impersonator then a visit to the more natural beauty of Zion/Bryce canyon/Arches/the grand canyon. A pic of you in an Elvis outfit might be a big hit. Don't be cruel, make an Elvis music video for us.

And when the ceremony is done give the officiant his fee and say "Thankyou, thankyou verymuch."

[two-bit cowboy]

You're heading toward my old stomping grounds -- the Air Force thought I loved the desert southwest -- a total of 16 years in New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada.

White Sands National Monument (just west of Alamogordo) is stunning, and Old Mesilla (a wee bit southwest of Las Cruces) is a wonderful historic place. If you travel north on I-25, stop at the Owl Inn in San Antonio (NM) for a green chili cheeseburger.

Enjoy!

[nachogrande]

Originally Posted by Golddollar

And when the ceremony is done give the officiant his fee and say "Thankyou, thankyou verymuch."

"LADIES AND GENTLEMAN, THE KIWI HAS LEFT THE BUILDING".