After visiting friends in Arizona, we started making our way back to Texas to catch the eclipse. When we attempted to make camping reservations, every place that was in the Path of Totality was completely full. We wound up booking a campsite at the state park in Abilene, Texas, thinking that we could make a daytrip on April 8, to get a better view of the full eclipse.

Enroute, we camped at several spots in Arizona, including Homolovi in Winslow, and Fool Hollow in Show Low. Both great campgrounds.

In Grants, NM, west of Albuquerque, we spent the night at a Harvest Host location: Junkyard Brewery on 66.

This brewery is indeed in a former junkyard. For 35 years, the junkyard was run by a fellow named Oscar. Today, the brewery is run by Air Force Veteran Henry Lackey. The day we visited, Henry was greeting customers, serving as bartender, cooking and serving barbecue. A one man show – busy guy who also makes great beer.

Inside, the furnishings and decor are from retired vehicles. The tables are car hoods, the high-tops in the bar are tailgates. The bar was once a truck. It’s a well-carried out theme, complete with beers like Rack and Pinon and Piston Colada.

We had a few beverages, and then fixed some dinner in our van. The wind was picking up and the temperature was dropping. We slept well and woke to a surprise: snow! Luckily, the sun popped out and the melt began quickly. Good news for travelers who don’t have a snow brush!

We continued to Nogales and camped at Oasis State Park. We met up with our brother-in-law Steve while here. He was heading west, we were heading east. It was fun to catch up over brews and a pizza in Nogales.

Upon our arrival at Abilene State Park, we were greeted by a sign: “Welcome to Abilene State Park…where the sun don’t shine!” We found out that folks at this location would see 97% of the eclipse. Sounded good to us. Rumors of clouds, crowds, and traffic jams made staying put a very reasonable choice.

We relaxed at our campsite and watched as the eclipse approached and passed. Kind of expected a little more drama, (didn’t see anyone pulled skyward in the Rapture) but what we saw was fun and a special opportunity.

John rigged up a lens covering for his phone camera and took some super photos.

We left Abilene and headed to Inks Lake State Park in Burnet (pronounced burn’-it) Texas. Managed to meet up with Cindy and Bill, fellow Habitat volunteers and van travelers whom we met in Dade City, Florida.

We had such a nice time! We met for a lunch, and the next day we had a pot luck dinner in camp. In between, we did some hiking (oodles of wildflowers!) and lots of conversing and laughing. They’re super folks and we hope our paths cross again.

So, here we are, packed up and ready to move on. More adventures await!

Ps. We still have eclipse glasses. Let us know if you need some. Happy to share.