Anybody who has driven across Texas knows, it's a big commitment. Mrs. TWM and I have come to learn not to even try to do it in one go, anymore. We have learned that we are better off limiting our driving to 8 hours before finding a place to spend the night. Then we can pick it up fresh the next day to get out of Texas.
We start our travel from the bottom tip of Texas. Therefore, any other state we visit is a day long commitment if we try to drive it all at once.
Texas Trivia
West Texas is closer to the Pacific coast than it is to the East side of Texas. East Texas is closer to the Atlantic coast than it is to the West side of Texas.
Entering West Texas
On our way to New Mexico, we are spending the night in Fort Stockton, Texas. As far as West Texas towns go, it's about as good as it gets, except for El Paso. I think Pecos is nearby. Perhaps the only drawback to staying in Fort Stockton is that the hotels are fully aware that there is nowhere else to stay for hours in any direction. Thus, you can expect to pay a little more for lodging than you would in other, more populated, areas. But, at least you don't lose out on quality. Some of the more recognized brands of hotels are available for weary travelers.
We went to dine at "Mi Casita" restaurant in the evening. It's a small restaurant that I think is representative of West Texas communities. It's good comfort food. They surprised me with their low carb beef fajita plate with jalapenos. I must have it again.
What is particularly nice is to see that the staff and the diners know each other. There is mutual support and affection visible. This isn't something I see in larger towns. There is something real and grounding about getting away from the hustle and bustle of highly populated areas. Mrs. TWM and I don't live in a metropolis. However, there are enough of us that we don't all know each other. It's easy to not feel connected. In smaller communities, on the other hand, there is an ease and unpretentious manner people have that is pleasing, even as a stranger.