Marathon, Texas ---- there's more!

Our visit to Marathon and the Big Bend area of Texas continued with a visit to the Big Bend Museum on the campus of Sol Ross University in Alpine, Texas, a short drive from our campground. 

Rose and Tex admire a replica of a carreta, the first wheeled vehicle to enter
what is now  the United States, in 1590.

Tex decided that he should experience the ride of a first class, beautifully made-in-Texas saddle.  He's still  trying to round up the $14,000 needed to buy such a saddle. 

Our view as our bus neared the McDonald Observatory, built in the 1930s,
to study everything from asteroids and planets n our solar system.

After a presentation about the sun, our guide took us to  view one of the huge telescopes.
The  observatory is  part of the Dept. of Astronomy at University of Texas at Austin. 

Jane is at the controls, positioning the telescope with a simple toggle .

Then we were off to the Fort Davis Drug Store for lunch…a really good lunch
and lots of interesting shopping.

But what was all the interest in the restrooms?
The decor was a one-of-a-kind and this sink was the focal point!

Viola was good natured when the broom-maker continued to hit on her. 

Fortunately, his brooms were better than his pick-up lines. 

With such a beautiful setting at our Marathon campground,
it was time for a social hour…or two!

Len and Ron give pie-iron fruit pies a try…and another try…and another! 

Tailgunner Rick helps Hollis create his pie iron pizza. 

The evening did not end with the margaritas and pie iron treats.  When the sky became dark, we learned why Marathon is one of the best sky-gazing locations in North America.  Danny, our campground owner, shared his telescopes and knowledge of the night sky with all who could stay up past dark.  Seeing the four moons of Jupiter was the highlight of our night-time adventure.  And though there was much more to see, we all knew that we would have an early wake up for the 300 mile trek to Abilene the next day. 

Day 26, 27, 28 & 29 April 4 - 7 Marathon, Texas

The drive from Del Rio to Marathon, Texas took our Adventure Caravan about 170 miles through sparsely populated desert land and increased from an elevation of 1120' to 4100' above sea level.  

An optional enroute side trip, the very small town of Langtry was once the home of the eccentric saloon-keeper and justice of the peace, Judge Roy Bean.  His reputation claims that he held court in his saloon and was quick to hang the accused.  

The Judge Roy Bean visitor center includes a large cactus garden, with many varieties of cactus. 

Danny and Mindy, campground owners in Marathon, hosted a welcome party
in their beautiful shaded courtyard. 

The RV view en route to Big Bend National Park. 

Darren, our guide for Big Bend National Park and Terlingua, shared his considerable knowledge of Big Bend geology and plant life, and told stories of his animal encounters within the park.  

Our lunch view from Chisos Mountain Lodge at Bib Bend N.P. 

Our day would not have been complete without the chance to dip our toes
into the famous Rio Grand River.  At the mouth of the Santa Elena Canyon, the river is narrow enough that we could toss a stone into Mexico.

The dusty desert town of Terlingua is reported to be a ghost town today,
but we found drinks and dinner at the Starlight Theatre bar and restaurant. 

Days 23, 24, & 25 Del Rio, Texas

Though many of us fell in love with Fredericksburg, it was time to move the caravan about 170 miles south and west, down the road, to the small border town of Del Rio. 

On the road again, each at our own pace, enjoying the scenery. 

When we arrived at the Broke Mill RV park, we were pleased to find a swimming pool, a sparkling clean laundromat, and the best Texas barbecue dinner ever!  Where was my camera?! Following the dinner that was cooked right there at the park,  RV park owner Mike and his friends played a couple of sets of wonderful country music that brought some of our group to the dance floor, as others listened and relaxed. 

Tex gets acquainted with the band. 

The next morning, we visited the Laughlin Heritage Foundation --- a small museum honoring the individuals and the projects of the nearby Laughlin Air Force Base.  No photos were permitted. 

Our next stop was the Whitehead Memorial Museum --- a city and county museum capturing the history of the area.  

Tex and Sharon spent some time in Judge Roy Bean's jailhouse.
Let's hope the Judge is kind, this time! 

The curator told us that the school children enjoy getting the parrots to talk…
so does Phyllis! 

So Tex and Jerusha want to know what happens on a birthing stool, anyway. 

Our final visit of the morning was the Val Verde Winery, a fourth generation winery right in a Del Rio residential neighborhood. 

After a brief tour, we gladly gathered in the yard for wine tasting and wine shopping. 

We had one more day in Del Rio --- a free day.  A day for resting, exploring or taking care of laundry and shopping.  Some of the group attended Cowboy Church, a Texas tradition, where the preacher wears a cowboy hat and the hospitality is right - neighborly.  Others took a drive out to Lake Amistad National Recreation Area. And all made preparations for the next day's drive to Marathon.  

Day 20, 21, & 22 Fredericksburg --- A German Village with American History

The Caravan has arrived at Fredericksburg after a short drive from Austin. This is a nice little town that is growing fast. It is a refreshing stop after so many big city venues. Vineyards seem to be springing up everywhere. Our tour here includes the Nation Museum of the Pacific, LBJ’s ranch, local German food, a bourbon distillery and Luckenbach, TX.  Everyone seems to be relaxing and enjoying the old town areas in this village settled by German immigrants while Texas was still a republic. It's nice laid-back country atmosphere was enjoyed by all our folks.

One of the locals near LBJ's ranch was eager to greet us. 

Tex is the President and Stu is Richard Nixon, at the LBJ ranch. 

The Texas White House. LBJ spent 1/4 of his presidency here.   

Preparing for a great German schnitzel lunch. 

After a huge lunch, our group pays raft attention to the guide at the bourbon distillery. 

Relaxing on the grounds of the Garrison Distillery. 

More relaxing in the shade. 

Do you think they are serious?  

Notice the population of Luckenbach.  This is the exciting and dynamic entertainment.

Our crack staff hard at work.

The Wildseed Farm was a popular attraction on our "day off."

Who can visit Fredericksburg without having pie?  Peach or  pecan?

Today's contributors:  Wagonmasters Stu and Susan Flood 

Days 17, 18, & 19 Austin - the capital of Texas

After all the fun in San Antonio, our Waltz Across Texas continued to Austin, the capital of Texas.  We arrived safely at our campground, which was not far from the city.

The civil engineers must have stayed up all night designing
these multi-layered bridges to accommodate Austin's traffic!

After getting settled at the RV park, Esther's Follies provided a vaudeville show
featuring the comedy of today's politics.  No matter your party, there was plenty to laugh about! 

An evening boat ride gave a nice view of downtown Austin. 

Our boat cruise intended to show us the million bats
leaving this bridge every evening…every evening except when there's an east wind.

While the bats were a no-show, the city lights were a treat.

Grillmasters Don and John finally let Guy toast the buns. 

Gourmet hot dogs, corn on the cob, salads, and a few stories! 

Our Austin city tour included a visit to the very beautiful capitol rotunda. 

Gathering in the shade outside the Bob Bullock Texas Museum. 

Jane took Tex into the museum and together they learned
about how the French explorers came to Texas.

At the LBJ library and museum, we entered into a nearly full size
replica of the LBJ Oval Office. 

Tex enjoyed the spring flowers at Lady Bird's Wildflower Center. 

Since every museum or visitor center includes a gift shop,
Tex has learned to have a little fun!