62 lines
2.8 KiB
Markdown
62 lines
2.8 KiB
Markdown
**14-day small motorhome trip** with a focus on:
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**1. Minimal driving** (max 2-3 hrs between stops, with exceptions).
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**2. Scenic, relaxing overnights** (prioritizing campsites with natural beauty/hot springs).
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**3. A balance of activity and rest** (hikes/swims by day, chill evenings).
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---
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### **🏆 Top 3 Itinerary Options (Ranked by Your Priorities)**
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*(Each is a complete 14-day loop from Austin.)*
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---
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### **1. "Desert & Hot Springs Retreat"**
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**Best for:** Soaking in natural springs, stargazing, and desert landscapes.
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**Route:**
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- **Hill Country** (3 nights) → **Big Bend/Terlingua** (4 nights) → **Chinati Hot Springs** (2 nights) → **Davis Mountains** (3 nights) → **Fredericksburg** (2 nights).
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**Why?**
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- **Hot Springs:** Soak at **Chinati** (private, rustic) and **Big Bend’s Hot Springs Historic District** (free, riverside).
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- **Low Driving:** Only two longer drives (4 hrs to Big Bend, 3 hrs to Chinati).
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- **Stargazing:** Terlingua and Davis Mountains are **International Dark Sky areas**.
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---
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### **2. "Hill Country & Rivers Flow"**
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**Best for:** Swimming, lazy rivers, and small-town charm.
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**Route:**
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- **Wimberley** (3 nights) → **Garner State Park** (4 nights) → **Bandera** (3 nights) → **Fredericksburg** (4 nights).
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**Why?**
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- **Water Focus:** Swim at **Blue Hole**, float the **Frio River**, and tube the **Medina River**.
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- **Zero Rush:** All drives under 2 hrs.
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- **Culture:** Wine in Fredericksburg, cowboy honky-tonks in Bandera.
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---
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### **3. "West Texas Epic Landscapes"**
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**Best for:** Hiking, desert solitude, and iconic parks.
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**Route:**
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- **Big Bend** (5 nights) → **Guadalupe Mountains NP** (3 nights) → **Davis Mountains** (3 nights) → **Balmorhea** (3 nights).
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**Why?**
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- **Hiker’s Paradise:** **Santa Elena Canyon**, **Guadalupe Peak** (TX’s highest point), and **McDonald Observatory**.
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- **Hot/Cold Springs:** **Big Bend’s hot springs** + **Balmorhea’s giant cool pool**.
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- **Solitude:** Few crowds outside Big Bend.
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---
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### **⚖️ How to Choose?**
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- **Pick #1** if hot springs and stargazing are your top priorities.
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- **Pick #2** if you want to swim, float, and avoid long drives.
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- **Pick #3** if you crave epic hikes and desert silence.
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---
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### **📍 Honorable Mentions (Add-Ons)**
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- **Marfa, TX:** Quirky art town (add 2 nights between Big Bend and Davis Mountains).
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- **Truth or Consequences, NM:** If you’re willing to drive 5 hrs from Big Bend for more hot springs.
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---
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### **🚐 Pro Tips for All Trips**
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- **Book Early:** Garner SP, Big Bend, and Balmorhea fill up.
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- **Pack:** Swim gear, hiking sandals, and a **portable fire pit** (some parks restrict fires).
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- **Flex Days:** Add extra nights where you love the vibe (Terlingua, Fredericksburg). |