diff --git a/travel/oad_trip.md b/travel/oad_trip.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..17a4f74 --- /dev/null +++ b/travel/oad_trip.md @@ -0,0 +1,62 @@ +**14-day small motorhome trip** with a focus on: +**1. Minimal driving** (max 2-3 hrs between stops, with exceptions). +**2. Scenic, relaxing overnights** (prioritizing campsites with natural beauty/hot springs). +**3. A balance of activity and rest** (hikes/swims by day, chill evenings). + +--- + +### **🏆 Top 3 Itinerary Options (Ranked by Your Priorities)** +*(Each is a complete 14-day loop from Austin.)* + +--- + +### **1. "Desert & Hot Springs Retreat"** +**Best for:** Soaking in natural springs, stargazing, and desert landscapes. +**Route:** +- **Hill Country** (3 nights) → **Big Bend/Terlingua** (4 nights) → **Chinati Hot Springs** (2 nights) → **Davis Mountains** (3 nights) → **Fredericksburg** (2 nights). +**Why?** +- **Hot Springs:** Soak at **Chinati** (private, rustic) and **Big Bend’s Hot Springs Historic District** (free, riverside). +- **Low Driving:** Only two longer drives (4 hrs to Big Bend, 3 hrs to Chinati). +- **Stargazing:** Terlingua and Davis Mountains are **International Dark Sky areas**. + +--- + +### **2. "Hill Country & Rivers Flow"** +**Best for:** Swimming, lazy rivers, and small-town charm. +**Route:** +- **Wimberley** (3 nights) → **Garner State Park** (4 nights) → **Bandera** (3 nights) → **Fredericksburg** (4 nights). +**Why?** +- **Water Focus:** Swim at **Blue Hole**, float the **Frio River**, and tube the **Medina River**. +- **Zero Rush:** All drives under 2 hrs. +- **Culture:** Wine in Fredericksburg, cowboy honky-tonks in Bandera. + +--- + +### **3. "West Texas Epic Landscapes"** +**Best for:** Hiking, desert solitude, and iconic parks. +**Route:** +- **Big Bend** (5 nights) → **Guadalupe Mountains NP** (3 nights) → **Davis Mountains** (3 nights) → **Balmorhea** (3 nights). +**Why?** +- **Hiker’s Paradise:** **Santa Elena Canyon**, **Guadalupe Peak** (TX’s highest point), and **McDonald Observatory**. +- **Hot/Cold Springs:** **Big Bend’s hot springs** + **Balmorhea’s giant cool pool**. +- **Solitude:** Few crowds outside Big Bend. + +--- + +### **⚖️ How to Choose?** +- **Pick #1** if hot springs and stargazing are your top priorities. +- **Pick #2** if you want to swim, float, and avoid long drives. +- **Pick #3** if you crave epic hikes and desert silence. + +--- + +### **📍 Honorable Mentions (Add-Ons)** +- **Marfa, TX:** Quirky art town (add 2 nights between Big Bend and Davis Mountains). +- **Truth or Consequences, NM:** If you’re willing to drive 5 hrs from Big Bend for more hot springs. + +--- + +### **🚐 Pro Tips for All Trips** +- **Book Early:** Garner SP, Big Bend, and Balmorhea fill up. +- **Pack:** Swim gear, hiking sandals, and a **portable fire pit** (some parks restrict fires). +- **Flex Days:** Add extra nights where you love the vibe (Terlingua, Fredericksburg). \ No newline at end of file