FREDERICKSBURG - DAY 2

Variety -- sums up my second day in Fredericksburg! 

Rode my bike into town from campground (about 1.5 miles).

Pacific Combat Zone

One weekend each month, the Pacific Combat Zone offers a 90-minute reenactment of the Allied arms attack on the Japanese that includes the sights/sounds of a tank, Jeeps, and a working flamethrower.

During battle reenactment - note Japanese flag behind flames

American flag is raised after battle

WWII veteran is honored (as were other veterans)

Decided on a Reuben sandwich for lunch and found the perfect restaurant, The Auslander.

Reuben sandwich with a draft beer -- YES!

My decision to see a professional variety live-music matinee at the Rockbox, ended up being a fantastic idea.  Not only was the music GREAT, but the interjection of humor made for a lovely two hours.  

Rockbox Theatre is downtown

A nice surprise was seeing these bluebonnets on my ride back to Fredericksburg campground.  Residents have stated bluebonnets are not plentiful this season.

Texas bluebonnets growing along highway 

FREDERICKSBURG - DAY 1

My first day in Fredericksburg was spent out and about in 888.  First, I experienced Trade Days -- which occurs the third weekend of each month.

This poppy is so striking!

Trade Days parking: 888 is parked third from left

At 9 a.m., the temperatures were in the 60s with a hefty wind. However, this was perfect for leaving Mac in 888 without worrying about him getting too hot.  I enjoyed the variety of vendors within "barns" and set up outside. 
I searched for metal meshy containers I could put apples, oranges, and grapefruit in that would keep them them secure yet allow air circulation. I found two unique metal containers -- my mission accomplished.

We...wanted the LBJ Ranch to be our home for the remaining years left to us, and then to be open for all who wished to visit.--Lady Bird Johnson, 1999

My second stop was the LBJ Ranch and Texas White House in Stonewall. I learned a great deal about LBJ and was impressed with what I learned. LBJ and Mrs. Johnson donated a portion of the Ranch to the National Park Service in 1972 with the stipulation that it remain a working ranch. It has grown from 269 acres to 700 acres.

That's what I love about traveling --it broadens my understanding of people, things, and events.

LBJ - 1973; Mrs. Johnson 2007

Toured inside this Texas White House 

Johnson air field with small USA plane -- 888 on right

 I'd recommend visiting the LBJ National Historical Park.

After visiting the Park, I visited the Becker Vineyards because they also have a lavender farm. I was tempted to participate in their wine tasting, BUT ...

Seen at Wildseed Farms

Poppy, Cosmos, Gloriosa Daisy-also seen at Wildseed Farm

White Laura Bush Petunias and Bluebells

I now know why so many people rave about their visit to Fredericksburg -- I haven't even been downtown yet and I'm loving this area...

AUSTIN - DAY 3

Austin Java was located next to my RV Park -- I had the most delicious French toast with cinnamon butter and bacon for breakfast my last morning in Austin.  I'm still amazed that my RV Park exists in this sought after area of Austin.

AUSTIN JAVA cafe/bar is BUSY and has GREAT food

That's what I call Texas style French toast

Vintage camper and car at Pecan Grove RV Park

To the right of this condo complex is my RV Park; to the left is Austin Java restaurant

Austin is a progressive and fun city

On my last full day in Austin, I visited the South Congress area referred to as So Co.  It's on the opposite end of downtown Austin.  Reminded me of Chicago's West Loop -- an area of the city that is being revitalized with shops carrying vintage and unique items and a huge variety of restaurants and food wagons. It was a fun way to end my Austin visit.

"Sorry We're Open" a sign in the SoCo shopping area

AUSTIN - DAY 2

Another wonderful day in Austin -- experienced history, art, bats, and music

Bob Bullock (Democratic politician from Texas, whose career spanned four decades)
His state-of-the-art museum has the "Star of Destiny" presentation of Texas' history that includes 3-D images, special lighting, sound effects, and shaking seats -- totally entertaining and effective.

Museum has interactive exhibits tracing Texas' history. Also viewed the iMax film "Flight of the Butterflies" - a true and compelling search for monarch butterflies -- outstanding!!!!

Arnold Newman’s exhibit at the Ransom Center was so informative. By having his subjects pictured within their personal surroundings, he captured a personal side of more than 200 influential innovators, celebrities, and cultural figures of the 20^th century.

Doesn't the Frost Bank Tower, third tallest building in Austin, look like an owl?

Skyline includes Congress Bridge above Lady Bird Lake

People gather on Congress Bridge at sunset to view bats

Yes, those are some of the bats leaving the undercover of Bridge at sunset. They search the countryside for food -- it's estimated the bats consume from 10,000 - 30,000 pounds of insects.

Underside of bridge where bats settle in during daylight.

Austin skyline at night

 Austin is known as the city of music -- my campground is located a block from Flipnotics, so I dropped in at 9 p.m. and relaxed to Erik's fiiddle and guitar.  Great way to end a great day.

Erik Hokkanen at Flipnotics coffeespace

AUSTIN - DAY 1

My first day in Austin: "Austin in 90 minutes" narrated tour and a visit to the Capitol

Mac hops up on table and checks out the view at Pecan Grove campground

Yes, Austin is in Hill Country

Bremond Victorian House (1886-87)
first home in Austin with indoor toilet

Moonlight Tower -  street lighting system began  in 1895-only U.S. city with system intact

Largest in gross square footage of all state capitols 

Top of capitol

Memorial within walkway entrance to Capitol

House of Representatives 

 

I observed Senate in session

Senate ceiling light fixtures were first electrical lights in Austin

Door hinge -- example of hardware throughout Capital

CARAVAN TO SAN ANTONIO

Sue and Steve's new RV parked alongside 888 at Traveler's World

Mac doesn't seem interested in my conversation with Sue

Steve and Sue in front of the Alamo

 After seeing the iMax movie of the Alamo at the Rivercenter mall, we walked over to the Alamo mission located in the middle of the city.

On the delightful River Cruise alongside the River Walk

Bronze statue of St. Anthony- for whom the city and river were named.