Day 30: To San Antonio

The day started early with a continental breakfast at the hotel. The crew then loaded the bus and waved farewell to the Mexican border as we headed to central Texas. Our journey took us across the Northwest plains of Texas which are flat and dusty. In the distance we could see some mountains rising through the dust. Small green bushes and the occasional green field spotted the land. 

Lunch was on our own in Fort Stockton, TX. A lot of the crew cooled down from the Texas heat with McDonald's Mcflurries. The rest of the trip was through the hill country of Texas. Slowly rolling hills surrounded the road and the terrain got greener the closer we got to San Antonio. We checked in to the Historic Menger Hotel where the students this were set free for time in small groups. As we checked rooms tonight the group seemed excited to be in the beautiful city of San Antonio. They went to bed excited for the next day on the Riverwalk. 

(Photo booth fun during free time)

(Ghost hunting in the Menger Hotel)

(Libby had to leave us tonight for a soccer tournament. We are sad to see her go as she has been a fun member of the crew. Good luck Libby!)
 

 
 

 

Day 29: Tucson to El Paso

It was another blazing hot morning in Tucson, but lucky enough, the crew got to sleep in and enjoy a few more hours at the luxurious Omni Tucson National Golf Resort and Spa. We loaded the bus around 9:30 and headed towards New Mexico then onward to Texas. 

Down the road a couple hours, we stopped for lunch in Wilcox, Arizona. Much of the group went to Pizza Hut, Carl's Jr.  or McDonald's. Around this time the temperature outside was a staggering 104 degrees! Luckily, Arizona does not have the humidity like North Carolina. We also have an awesome bus driver who always keeps the bus cool and comfortable for our arrival. Thanks Clarence!

(Lunch stop in Wilcox, AZ)

(Enjoying a cookie pizza from Pizza Hut)

Later in the day, we stopped at a rest area in Las Cruces, New Mexico, near the Texas border. It had a beautiful view of the city and surrounding hills. The group tried their best to seek shade from the blistering sun while simultaneously taking in the great scenery. 

As we approached El Paso, we could clearly see the US-Mexico border. The border is separated by the Rio Grande River and a rust colored metal fence. As we drove parallel to the city of Juarez, the students were amazed by the difference in infrastructure from one country to the next. It's amazing how two countries can be so close, but have very different cultures and architecture.

After checking in to the Quality Inn and Suites, the crew had a little free time to get dressed up for dinner. Tonight we ate at a delicious Mexican restaurant called Carlos and Mickey's. We chowed down on chips and spicy salsa for starters, then went through a buffet of beef tacos, cheese enchiladas, chicken flautas, rice and refried beans. The crew also enjoyed the authentic atmosphere and the background music of a live band.

For dessert, we were served sweet sopapillas covered in brown sugar and honey. We also sang a special Happy Birthday song to Amber!

Tomorrow we will continue traveling east through Texas and on to San Antonio. Stay tuned! 

Day 28: Tucson, AZ

A leisurely morning at the resort allowed for the crew to get breakfast on their own before heading to the bus. We ventured to the Desert Museum and Saguaro National Park. The museum is a mainly outdoor collection of animal and plant exhibits that winds through the giant Saguaro Cactus plants. There is a reptile and amphibian house, mountain lion and bear enclosures, as well as river otter and ground squirrel viewing windows. We got there as close to opening as possible as the temperature was already 96 degrees at 9am (by noon it was 108 degrees)! 

We got back to the hotel around noon and for the rest of the afternoon the kids got free time. Many enjoyed time at the pool. Some played sand volleyball or tennis. And a brave few dedicated guys took on a round of golf at the PGA tour quality course. It was nice for us all to have time to relax and unwind from the many early mornings and busy days we have had recently.

Everyone got dressed up for dinner at the resort tonight. We dined on salad, lasagna (meat and veggie), garlic bread, and ice cream sundaes. We had another compliment from the wait staff on how polite and well behaved our group was. We were reminded once again of just how blessed we are to have spent the summer with some wonderful kids. As the sun set the crew finished up dinner and returned to some free time on the resort. Many kids played tennis which then turned into a dance party on the court. The night ended with more pool time for those who wanted to stay up late.