Monahans, TX (12-9-10)

     The small town of Monahans TX,  population about 7,000 has a different problem than most towns and cities in this country right about now.  There are plenty of jobs here, but not enough housing. Jobs go unfilled because there are no available houses and apartments.  In fact, we checked, and there are only 3 houses for sale in this town.  I am not sure why no one builds more houses, but I guess there must be a reason.

    We are staying at Monahans Sandhills State Park, which has amazing sand dunes.  We have seen the most amazing sunsets the last two nights.  In fact, I heard that photographers come here from all over to photograph the sunset and I can see why. 
    This afternoon we went for a walk on the sand dunes.  Walking in sand is very tiring but fun, especially since the weather was perfect for it.  The Visitors Center has snow saucers that you can rent to go "sledding" down the slopes, but we didn't do it because the weather has been too dry lately, and the sand is not as hard packed as  you would need for a fast run.  It's similar to snow- if its soft and fluffy, you sink into it ( Paul's foot disappeared at one point!) but you'll fly down the hill fast if it's hard packed.

Internet- or lack thereof...



Sunset at Monahans Sandhills State Park, TX



Well, it took me about 15 minutes to upload this one picture, but I thought it was worth it. It hasn't been altered~ that's the sunset that we saw last night.  We have moved further across Texas and are at Monahans Sandhills State Park.  There isn't much in the way of hiking trails here, the ranger said, "Yeah, just climb as many sand dunes as you want."  We are going to head out and go for a walk in a bit.  The cat has been going a little crazy with all this sand around.  He keeps thinking he sees something moving- sometimes its the sand, sometimes its his shadow,so he has been chasing ghosts in the sand.  I got some cute video of him doing that and I might try to post it when we get better internet.

In the meantime, I did have some pictures to post, but those will have to wait, as well.



    While we were in Jacksboro, Paul and I went into the town of Loving Texas, population 300.  Its where his dad was born and part of the reason we came this way was so that Paul could visit the cemetary, where several of his relatives are buried.  The last time he was here was about 40 years ago and his great uncle had a store here.  The store is gone now, as is his great grandfather's house, so that was a little disappointing.