The REALLY BIG State of Texas

 Days 44-50   2/16-21/2010

Still in Texas -  For Fat Tuesday we headed into the capitol city.  Strangely enough, after all the celebrating we’d run into thus far, we didn’t see much for celebration on the actual day.  However, there were lots of signs in the city promising music and festivity after sunset.  Having not planned ahead, we really weren’t sure what we wanted to do while in Austin but easily filled up a day with interesting endeavors.  First we toured the capitol building – the largest in the US (by square footage) and second tallest in the nation (second only to Louisiana).  We learned lots cool facts about the state - that it's the only state that was once its own republic (which explains the pride they exhibit openly).

They do everything BIG in Texas, right down to their door hinges and chandeliers in the Senate and House chambers.

 Can you see that the light bulbs spell out T-E-X-A-S ?

 

Where Texas law is made

One of the more famous governors of TX.

Every governor has a portrait hanging on the curved walls in the central dome of the capitol building.  Each time a new portrait is hung (after the governor has left office) all of the paintings are moved/rotated toward the top of the dome (like a spiral) to make room for the newest portrait at the bottom. We wondered about who might have that fun job.  There are LOTS of portraits. Yikes, what if you dropped one or got them in the wrong order!


Following up the capitol tour we headed further into the city for a bite to eat, ending up once more at a Mexican restaurant (the Iron Cactus).  After having our fill of enchiladas, tacos, beans, rice and some sort of deep fried avocado/chicken thing that was quite good, we took off for a long walk around Lady Bird Lake, or “Town Lake” as the locals call it, to burn some calories.  We were in good company with hoards of Austiners (and their dogs) who were out walking, biking and running – enjoying the gorgeous day.  Later we ventured to the local Whole Foods Market (one of the largest I’ve seen) to purchase some produce and desserts to share with friends we were meeting up with that evening.  After hoofing a few more blocks in the city, it was time for an early dinner.  So we headed to a local downtown joint– Stubbs, famous for its BBQ. Actually, the pork BBQ was great but none of us, I’m sorry to say, were impressed with the beef BBQ -- too many years of eatin’ good ole’ Virgini’ and North Carolina pork I guess. We finished off the day sharing coffee and dessert with our friends Meagan, Richard and baby Gideon at their beautiful high-rise condo on the edge of downtown --a great way to end the day.

Moving on and heading north, we landed in a very unique location between Dallas and Fort Worth.  The campground is named for the grounds of a very large flea market that runs the length of its southern border –called Traders Village.  Every Saturday and Sunday, on over 100 acres, over 5,000 vendors open there “booths” (basically large storage units) and sell everything from produce and boots to dining room tables and used tools.

The campground itself is nothing to brag about – basically another large concrete parking lot with a few grassy strips separating the sites.  In addition to the shopping bonanza right next door to our campsite, we were also blessed with an airfield also bordering the campground and apparently home to a helicopter building facility that tests their newest item off the production line each weekday morning around 7 a.m.  What we presumed were about 20 copters taking off one after another and then hovering over our camper, we were told was probably just one copter being tested for flight certification over and over again (and probably a military chopper at that).  Nice way to wake up – NOT!

Friday morning we met up with one of Scott's former students and friends, Marion, who is now an associate pastor of a local Presbyterian Church.  After giving us a tour of the beautiful church, Marion drove us down to the Fort Worth Stockyards where we witnessed one of the twice-daily cattle herding that takes place down the center of the street.  We managed to eat yet another Texas BBQ meal (pork this time and very tasty), did a little shopping and tried our first ever fried pickles (something I'd definitely eat again - yum!)

 

Joelle sittin' atop ole' "Pecos Bill" 

Kerby and the Bucking Bronco

 

 Eating Fried Pickles - Yummy!

We ventured over on Saturday morning to see what kind of deals we could score at Traders Village (mostly run and supported by the Hispanic community).  There were some great buys and had we the space we’d have bought a few things.  Joelle scored, what we refer to as, an ear brassiere and a leather wallet while I was suckered into a chopper, mixer, blender, smoothie maker, salad spinner, thing (you know, the ‘as seen on t.v.’ thing) -- made some great coleslaw and salsa while Scott rolled his eyes.

Sunday we headed into Dallas to see the “Grassy Knoll.”  We were pleased to see that the 6th Floor Museum was open (and crowded).  The museum is located in the Book Depository where Oswald fired his fatal shots. We took the self-guided audio tour which walked us all the way through JFK’s life from the time he entered the presidential race until he was tragically assassinated right outside the Book Bindery as the motorcade turned the corner off of Houston St.  The museum is very well done and we all found ourselves teary eyed as we watched the videos of our nation (and others around the world) morning a life that was cut short so early.  Of course we’re all aware of the tragedy that took place that day back in 1963 and we’ve all seen and read bits and pieces of the events but, to get the whole story from beginning to end at one time, complete with video and audio, and stand in the place where the shots were actually fired is an experience I don’t think any of us will soon forget. Unfortunately they don't allow photography in the museum so I don't have any pics to share here.

Doin' it up BIG in Texas

Days 39-42    2/11-14/2010
 
The San Marcos River right behind our camping site 

 

  

We arrived in San Marcos in the midst of a cold, grey and very wet day but the gods must have been smiling down on us since the only pause in the downpour was at the very moment when we arrived at our campground and needed to set up. We decided on this location for 2 simple reasons - we have friends who liver here and because it's equally between San Antonio and Austin. We made good use of remainder of the day by getting the laundry done and allowing the kids to swim in the indoor heated pool – quite a treat when it's so nasty outside.

The campground here (Pecan Park) is great -- one of the nicer ones (as far as amenities go).  It’s located on the San Marcos River and they’ve done a great job of leaving lots of nature intact so it doesn’t have that open parking lot feel that seems indicative of so many of the private campgrounds.  The kids have had fun wading and playing in the creek that runs between our campsite and the river behind us. We thought about canoeing the river (there's an outfitter nearby) until we noticed the aluminum canoe wrapped at a 90 degree angle on a nearby rock.  It's a pretty unruly river with quite a current - plenty of white water. 

On Friday afternoon we met up with our friends Megan and Richard Jones and met their 12 wk. old baby Gideon for the first time – quite the cutie.  Megan gave us a tour of the new McCoy’s Building Supply office headquarters as well as one of the local stores. She even gave the kids a short lesson on lumber basics out in their lumber yard.  It was great to see the impressive operation in person after hearing about it for so long.  Not to our surprise, after speaking with many of their employees, it was obvious that the McCoys are great folks for whom to work.  Later that evening, joined by Megan’s folks, we all had a fabulous steak dinner at a local steak house called Texas Reds and enjoyed catching up with these friends we don’t get to see very often.

 

The San Antonio River Walk

 

Lunch at a local Mexican Cafe overlooking the river

On Saturday we headed into the long awaited city of San Antonio where we spent hours walking along the river walk which -- not only beautiful, but also a great place for shopping, eating and people watching. The gorgeous sunny day brought out tons of locals and tourists alike which made walking the narrow sidewalks a bit treacherous since there are no curbs or railings keeping you out of the river. If you’re walking on the wrong side, one slight bump from a passerby could land you in the San Antonio with a splash and lots of laughs from the on-looking restaurant patrons.  Thankfully, we managed to avoid providing such entertainment but instead had loads of fun eating local foods, shopping, and even watching a Mardi Gras parade floating down the river--our second chance to load up on beads.

 

Mardi Gras floats heading down the river

Kerby and Joelle finding their own kind of fun - the air vents along the sidewalks of San Antonio - whatever blows your skirt up. . . 

And of course we remembered the Alamo-the fort at which 189 Texans including Jim Bowie and David Crockett fought for Texas' independence from Mexico. Most interesting for us was the "History Shop" (a little hole in the wall) where a to-scale model of the fort is on display in the same room as an under-glass archeological dig that's shows many of the weapons and artifacts that were found in that very spot where the battle of the Alamo took place.  We listened to a narration (by none other than Phil Collins) that explained much of the battle. It was quite educational. 

On the way home (the camper is now “home”), we stopped by Cavender’s Boot World at the local outlet mall and Kerby, Joelle and I all left with new western cowboy boots – a pricey endeavor but I had promised the kids (and secretly myself) boots for our birthdays.  Somehow I just couldn’t talk Scott into getting a pair – not the cowboy type (who’d have guessed).

And during the few minutes we've not been running around seeing the sites, I tried my hand at some Origami

Doin' the Bayou

Day  38 -- 2/10/10

Lake Charles - our campsite on the Bayou 

 

 

Having driven from Lake Charles, LA and eating more than our share at a local steakhouse – Texas Land and Cattle (you have to eat a little beef here in cattle country, right?) we’re just settling in for the night.  We don’t eat steak often but I know a good steak when it touches my lips, and that was good steak!  I hate paying good money for mediocre food but I’ll give this restaurant, no doubt a chain here in the State of Texas, 2 thumbs up.  Good service, great food, reasonable prices. 

We’ve checked into a La Quinta for the night (also a 2 thumbs up for a cheap hotel room).  We’re just passing through Houston on our way to San Antonio for a week.  Just after driving through downtown to get to the west side of the city the most notable thing to me was the highway system. They’re quite impressive with their main highways running through town (basically I-10) and the service roads running parallel on both sides allowing access to stores and businesses.  In other words, you can jump right onto the highway at practically any intersection, speed down the highway, avoiding the stoplights and traffic, and jump off right where you need to be or you can mosey along on the service road and take your time.  It seems a very efficient system. Additionally big cast metal stars embedded on all of the bridge and highway supports express the “proud Texan” image.  We even have a choice of Texas-shaped waffles for breakfast in the morning here at the La Quinta!  

I’m liking the Lone Star State thus far.  I’ve heard so much about San Antonio that I’m looking forward to getting there tomorrow and checking it out in person.  My friend Kristi has given us quite a list of “must-dos” so we’ll not be lacking direction.  We also have friends here that we’re looking forward to seeing and spending some quality time with (especially their new baby boy). So, it’s on to more adventure as we make our way west. . .

Pre-Mardi Gras Fun

After an entire day in the camper listening to 30 straight hours of the deluge taking place outside we were all thrilled to get out this morning for another day in the French Quarter.  Today is Friday and I can't tell you how different today was from Wednesday when we were there before.  There  were loads more people and we could definitely see and feel the Mardi Gras energy everywhere.  We stopped on the way into town to goggle at some floats that were gearing up for a parade later tonight -- quite the works of art.  Once in the Quarter, after more beignets, pizza, bread pudding,lots of walking and a carriage tour of the Quarter, we caught up to a parade making its way  through the gridded streets. We enthusiastically weaved in and out of spectators to stand in strategic positions where we might collect some of the beaded necklaces that were being tossed about playfully.  Kerby acquired quite a few.  I guess the paraders just couldn't pass up his winning smile.  It was a blast and a great way for the kids to experience the fun of Mardi Gras (albeit early) without the drunken and lewd acts that typically accompany the annual festivities.

 

 

Tomorrow a.m. we leave the park and make our way toward the western part of the state for a couple of nights before heading for the Lone Star State.  The kids have talked enlessly about going to Texas.  I'm not sure why they're so excited  -- the only thing I can figure is the horseback riding they've been doing recently back home has seeped into their bones and made them long for a taste of cowboy country.  Anyhow, I've promised them each a pair of nice western riding boots, and heck, who wouldn't be excited about that!

City of the Saints - NOT!

We woke this morning in our new home – Bayou Segnette State Park, Westwego, LA.  A much nicer campground than the one we left behind – large sites and actual grass and trees.  Later we took the Algiers Ferry across the Mississippi river to the French Quarter and spent a day indulging the delights of New Orleans.  First stop – Café DuMonde for café au lait, hot chocolate, and beignets – yum!  In and out of shops on St. Peters, Chartres, St. Ann, Decatur, and of course Bourbon streets – what fun and enlightenment (especially for the kids - all the posters and t-shirts-lots of questions being asked!).  Off to another café for Po Boys, Jambalaya and Gumbo – triple yum!. . . more perusing the streets, watching the jazz musicians, drunks, magicians, and other lively sorts. . . into a candy store for pralines and other goodies and back home again on the ferry just in time to escape the rain starting outside.  Another night of being lulled to sleep by the pitter-patter on the “roof.”

 

Crossing the Mississippi by ferry

Cafe du Monde

 

This magician was great and we ended up running into him over and over again.  Kerby and Joelle got a private show while waiting for the return ferry.  He was quite a character.  Kerby said he wished the guy was his brother. I have no doubt we'll see him again tomorrow - I'm looking forward to it.

 

  

  

Smoking Time Jazz Band

(liked them and bought their CD)

Our self-made Marti Gras masks

(I'll go out and get the beads later :-)