LEAVING FREDERICKSBURG

I couldn’t leave the Fredericksburg area without seeing wildflowers in hill country. Willow Springs features a Willow City Loop drive through 15 miles of private property; the road is narrow without pull over areas. Because I did the drive on Monday morning, I only met two cars the entire drive and was able to stop to take some photos.  On weekends, it’s been reported to be like rush hour traffic—bumper to bumper – another huge plus for being “semi-retired”.

Loose Livestock warning

Yes, livestock are loose

Texas Bluebonnets line the roadway

Golden-Wave Coreops

Texas Bluebonnets

Nice combination of colors

Blanketflowers and yellow?

Love those poppies

888 on Willow City Loop

Before driving back to Fredericksburg, I visited Enchanted Rock which a is pink-toned, naturally occurring solid-granite structure 640 acres and1825 feet in elevation. It’s the second largest granite outcropping in the USA. Native Americans held it in awe and reverence.

Enroute to Enchanted Rock - the wildflowers alongside the road were fabulous

Mac and I checked out the trail

Mac climbs back up the stairs to parking lot

Leaving Enchanted Rock -- will boondock in Ft. Stockton, Texas

FREDERICKSBURG - DAY 3

Sculpture at Herb Farm

I took these three photos at the Herb Farm, outside of town, this morning:

Blue Flax

Hyssop

St. Mary's Catholic Church is a "painted church" 

Locked my bicycle in courthouse parking lot again

Was disappointed to learn that the Pioneer Museum Complex (3.5 acres of early German structures and artifacts) and the Vereins Kirche Museum  (Society's Church) were both closed on Sunday.  What better way to overcome disappointment, then to go to lunch -- I had a a draft beer, a delicious east coast crab cake, and this pecan, cranberry bread pudding dessert; I became a happy tourist again.

Bread pudding with pecans, cranberries and yummy sauce

I'd recommend Buffalo Nickel--my lunch was delicious

National Museum of the Pacific War

National Museum of the Pacific War tickets are valid for 48 hours – because to view/hear the heroic, triumphant, and tragic story of WWII in the Pacific easily takes over 4 hours.  I almost didn't go to the Museum after attending the reenactment yesterday--glad I did.

Two-Thousand-Yard Stare by Tom Lea.
Look at an infantryman's eyes and you can tell how much war he has seen.

Broadcasted propaganda for the Japanese 

Site 18 at Fredericksburg RV Park was convenient.  It had the best shower set up:
six separate rooms each with a toilet, sink, shower, chair, etc. ceramic tiled walls/floor

Tomorrow, decided to check out Enchanted Rock -- the second largest outcropping of granite in USA and do the Willow Loop -- they are both nearby.  I'll then start my drive to Carlsbad Caverns -- so probably won't have WiFi for a few days.  

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...