Lynette Loves Johnny or Wonder why it’s called the Red River

by Dennis · Published April 5, 2019 · Updated April 5, 2019

Late last year I was scheduled to attend a photography workshop in Big Bend National Park but had to pass at the last minute. Totally unexpected on my part the workshop leader offered to let me attend the spring version of the workshop instead. So, I find myself headed down I-44 into an area of the country that I had never driven before. It felt a little strange not to be pulling the small house behind the truck but the gas mileage was nice and the average speed was about 25 mph faster through most of the drive.The Princess is sitting this one out, which will result in this post having less factual content and more whining than usual on my part.

The first stop was in Great Plains State Park, OK. (https://www.travelok.com/state-parks/3201) this is a very nice place primarily set up for family recreation centered around crappie fishing and mountain bike trails. Not the usual combination but it seems to be working. It has been several years since I pitched a tent, but it has to be like riding a bike. Right? There was a little bit of wind that fought my efforts at every step of the way. Eventually, it came together. Air mattress filled, sleeping bag unfurled. Next up dinner.

Small camp stoves I now recall do not fare well in high winds. No problem I’ll build a wind break out of the food and supply boxes. Boil some water and cook some scrumptious noodles with mystery seasoning. Just like backpacking 35 years ago. I’m really loving this back to nature thing. Only wish my friend Guenter could be here. I know he would enjoy this.

If there are any Boy Scouts out there you may recognize the cook kit. Have been using it for decades.

Checked the weather report before turning in, just a 12% chance of rain. I should have purchased lottery tickets. I hit the jackpot waking up to a slow steady pour. Boy, do I like camping in a tent. I know this ground cloth came out of this bag just a few hours ago. Must have expanded in the water.

Drove about an hour on a two-lane blacktop before crossing the Texas state line. Separating Texas and Oklahoma is the Red River. It was easy to see that it was probably named after a lonesome cowboy named “Red” or it could be something else.

This is where I came across the timeless declaration of love between Lynette and Johnny. I’m guessing she was from Texas and he was from Oklahoma. I hope everything worked out well for them.

The next stop along the way is Monahans Sandhills State Park, TX. (https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/monahans-sandhills). A very small camping area and a very popular place. The dunes were tall which allowed kids to ride saucers like what happens in my neighborhood when we get a rare snowfall.

Not sure why but I was surprised to see that the dunes have taken over parts of the road and quite a few campsites. I also learned that I don’t appreciate sand. Didn’t work out well with the wet tent from the last stop.

One last stop before entering the park was a small, really small town of Marathon. It did have a good coffee shop, the V6 Coffee Bar and a very interesting hotel, the Gage.