Plan: LAREDO to MARFA with a 3-Year-Old . . . and a small ANGEL CAKE

 START:  FUN in LAREDO

Kepler was really excited when he saw a blowup of an alligator suspended from the ceiling in the Lamar Bruni Science Center.  Then, when we got to the three real ones, it seemed as though he would stay there forever yelling, “Alligator, wake up.”   Suddenly, a fourth one cruised in.  Perfect!

We finally got him away by telling him about the deer he could pet, but we never got there.  

Kepler wanted to climb into the huge pond area to get to the turtles and the turtles tried to climb up to see us.

A guy passing by asked if Kepler would like to feed the turtles!

It was hot outside but the canopy kept the whole area pleasant, and I loved sitting back and watching while Kepler got acquainted with some long-nosed fish.  One fish planted its nose against the glass right in front of Kepler’s face . . . uhhhhhhh . . .  okay, kiss time!

Day 2:  Laredo to Del Rio:  290 km: 3 hours

Day 3:  Del Rio to Marathon:  280 km: 2.75 hrs

Day 4:  Marathon to Chinati Hot Springs:  170 km: 3.25 hrs (mountain

road)

Day 5:  Chinati Hot Springs to Shafter to Fort Davis: 200 km: 3 hrs

Day 6:  Fort Davis to Marfa: 34 km: 20 min

Day 7:  Marfa

Day 8:  Marfa to Del Rio:  370 km:  3.6 hrs.

Day 9:  Del Rio to Laredo

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Small ANGEL CAKE

from JOY of COOKING

Preheat oven to 350.

Sift together ½ cup flour, ¼ tsp salt,  and ¼ cup sugar.

Whip until foamy 6 egg whites with 1 tbsp water.

Add ½ tsp cream of tartar.

Whip egg whites until stiff but not dry.

Gradually beat in ½ cup sugar (one tablespoon at a time).

Fold  in ¼ tsp vanilla and ¼ tsp almond extract.

Gently fold in some of the flour mixture.  Continue until all the flour is folded in.

Turn into a tube pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes.

Invert to cool for one and a half hours.

Serve with chopped strawberries and sweetened whipped cream.