Texas - part one

Time continues to fly in my never ending hunt for elusive cryptozoological creatures. I last left off our adventure at a state park in Texas. I have since been in an RV park that I have previously stayed at. This time I will be in the hill country for two months. 

Last morning at Purtis Creek State Park. The hunting hounds loved scaring the deer every morning. 

On my way to the hill country, I stopped at the same brewery I stayed at last year and on the same exact date. It felt appropriate. I was able to have the fun new experience of changing a trailer tire on the side of the road as cars buzzed passed at 70 MPH. Truly a once in a lifetime experience and I would like to keep it to that once. I have had the tire patched up since then and I reinstalled it so it is all back to normal. I have also repaired some other minor outdoor plastic trim that had broken over the many miles. Thankfully nothing major has gone wrong yet and I am not wishing for it either.

Brazos Valley Brewing. The nicest part of staying at a Harvest Host location is that there is no driving after having a few. This allows one to have a few more. Really it all about supporting our local small businesses which makes me a hero and not an alcoholic. 

After arriving at the RV park, I settled down and started planning the search. Since I have stayed in the area before, I made sure to check some of the same locations to determine if Big Foot had made a recent visit. As usual I have found some indications that there had been a visit but alas I missed Big Foot by this much.  

Andalusia Whiskey. This is their library room in the back, Just chilling with a tasty old fashioned. I ended up on the phone with M who visited in Kentucky with P. The important thing to remember is that I was enjoying a drink in Texas and he was busy doing crap in Wisconsin. At least that was the part I recall from the conversation.

I have tried to break up visits to Big Foot hangouts with visits to the state parks in the area. I have been to a number of them before but I love a nice hike in the woods and some are close enough to walk to traditional Big Foot habitats.

Blanco State Park. I love this tree so I felt like taking a picture. It reminds me of the tree on my tattoo.

While in Blanco, I made sure to revisit an old favorite and some new places. Once again, I have found plenty of evidence that I'm on the right track. 

Texas Canon Brewing. It's odd that I manage to capture pictures of full beers while I am obviously only drinking water. 

I also tried went to Tenuta Bianco in Blanco. It has Italian and Texas wines along with some groceries and a back room that has Texas beers on tap. 

Wine area of Tenuta Bianco. It is decorated in a spaghetti western motif. A clever idea, but there is also a series of couches and chairs so you can relax in your style. Plus they regularly have music and a really great social vibe. Probably too much fun for me  but if you are in the area, be sure to visit.

Back room at Tenuta Bianco. Darker and more relaxing in the back. 

I also made a visit to Dripping Springs and Acopon Brewing.  Stellar beers and they had some hand pumped barrel ales that were delightful. I enjoyed my visit thoroughly but as Big Foot wasn't there that day, I knew I had to move on. I did pick up some good recommendations from other patrons for places closer to Austin but I decided to head back to take care of the hunting hounds. I did make a quick stop at Real Ale but didn't take any pictures. The beer is good there, but for some reason I just hate the vibe. I can't identify the issue but it is clear that Big Foot wouldn't hang out there so I won't be back.

For those with stellar eyesight, the beers with the British flag are the hand pumped ones. I had the barghest and it was a delightful porter. I have used that word twice in describing their beers and it applies.

After a hike we went to 12 Fox Brewing. Ozzy decided he was tired and wanted to sit at the picnic table. Outdoor area was nice and a great play area for those burdened with tiny humans. 

                                                
I took many breaks from my hunting of Big Foot and enjoyed a number of hikes at the state parks. I have decided to just do a photo dump of some of the images. Some hikes were with the hunting hounds and some were just by myself. It all depended upon my mood and their mood. Lucy made me promise not to post any pictures of her being carried so you won't see those but know that she was carried. Often.

I love the way the trees make this look like a tunnel. 

This is the dry part of the river crossing of the Pedernales River. The trail got very wet after this. Ozzy walked it the first time but was carried the second time since the water was to his chin (and would have floated Lucy away).. Obviously there are no pictures as I was watching my footing. The wet shoes didn't really bother me as it was New Year's Eve and 72 degrees. No complaints on those days.

View of the hill country from Pedernales Falls State Park.

Proof that  both of the hunting hounds walk, The hike on New Year's Eve ended up being over 7 miles. Ozzy walked it all and Lucy was able to do about 4 of that. Pretty impressive for those tiny legs.

I have continued exploring other local shops and eateries in my endless quest. I have once again been forgetful to capture images but as you know, this is a free blog and well worth the cost.  I actually went also to other parks for hikes but have not bothered including those pictures as I think it is redundant. I mean, how many pictures of me enjoying myself does one need to see?

As far as the search for a new adventure platform, I am making progress. Assuming I go down that path I have narrowed my requirements and have identified multiple options. At this point, I am waiting for the right price as I have to sell my current trailer and truck to make this happen. If I can't make the numbers work I then have several options. One is to keep what I have and delay a decision until later. Another option is far worse and may involve working (remember I am on a sabbatical and not retired) for money again. Finally I could rearrange my money and find a way to make it work. It will all come down to how badly do I want to change adventure platforms. I know the idea of working again is nauseating so let's hope it doesn't come to that. Of course, I could also buy a house and switch to part time travel too. Options and more options. 

On a very personal note, this last New Year's Eve marked what would have been Amy and my 30th wedding anniversary. It is hard to believe it has been that long but time does fly and we married very young. Within the last few days, it also marked the 7th anniversary of her passing. Life is better today than it was in the time after her passing and I remain hopeful for the future. I remind you of these two anniversaries so you perhaps take this into account in your own decision making. Life has highs and lows but the one certainty we have is that it is not forever. Make sure you enjoy whatever time you have and the best way to do that is being kind and loving. Enjoy your adventure.

A few years ago.

As always, 

Thor

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