Last night while we slept, another Southern storm crept upon our camp ground, and at 3 in the morning, we woke to the loudest, most violent thunderstorm either of us had ever witnessed. 

As the tent shuddered and shook, we watched each other through ceaseless lightening that pounded overhead. It took over an hour and a half  for the storm to pass, and in the morning, we spent our time collecting the goods we had left out that were blown throughout the park.

Tired and ready to put some asphalt behind us, we looked towards Texas and jammed the car into drive. After a few hours of driving, a stop for lunch was in demand. This was found in a small town diner that quickly solidified the typical Texan stereotype. 

There were maps that showed the Texas border stretching to Canada, the Pacific Ocean, and the Appalachian mountains. Bush 2000 and 2004 posters were posted on every wall, and the restauraunt even went so far as to have a "Condoleezza Rice for President, 2008" poster - I'm keeping my political views to myself - but even this was a bit over the top.

None the less, we carried on and before we set up camp, we stopped at Big G’s – a classic Texas style Bar-B-Que joint in the tiny town of Tuscola. The cups were the size of rolls of paper towels, the ribs were bigger than the plate, and the sides were enough to fill a second plate – it easily could be the best meal of the trip so far. 

The entire staff rallied around us to watch us stuff our faces as we explained to them about the trip  and what we still had left to do. The owner, Big – G, was so enthralled with us, he decided to give us extra helpings for free, along with a  tour of his kitchen and grill. 

And let it be known:  Bread Pudding, however disgusting it sounds, is easily one of the best desserts I’ve had in a long time.

Driving down the road to a local campground, we crawled into the tent and quickly fell asleep. Texas – whatever the stereotypes, your food and your people are well respected with us.