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.