Navasota, TX - Rest Day

Just about nine miles outside of Navasota is one of Texas' most significant historical place, Washington-on-the-Brazos. It is the birthplace of Texas. It is at this location where the declaration of independence from Mexico was signed and the government of the Republic of Texas was created.

Some went to visit this place and it's museum. I went to the local Wal-Mart.

LaGrange to Navasota, TX - 69 miles

Today can be best described as what bicycling is all about. In the morning we had cool weather, nice roads, nice landscape, and gentle breezes to make me feel happy to be riding my bike. Plus the fact that we are out of Texas Hill Country finally makes me even more happy. Today I have climbed my last hill (I hope).

Bastrop to LaGrange, TX - 41 miles

The first part of today's ride was thru Bastrop State Park...a beautiful ride with some very, very steep rollers. The remaining part of the ride was over some lush green country side with more and more wildflowers in bloom. I guess we can thank Lady Bird Johnson for all the colorful flowers along the road. I don't know much about LaGrange except that the movie "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" was filmed here.

Blanco to Bastrop, TX - 94 miles

I guess everyone heads for the hills on weekends because it's a great place to be and away from the hustle and bustle of the city. We are on the outskirts of Austin. I guess this is going to be the closest I get to the famous city. I was hoping that Lance might show up and ride with us. I am sure he knows better since the traffic was heavy today. So busy that I couldn't stop for photos. Well, there is always tomorrow. We have a couple more days of hill country.

Kerrville to Blanco, TX - 64 miles, plus 4

Ride today was relaxing and scenic. The weather was perfect and the roads were near perfect for a while. The afternoon got a bit warm....somewhere in the 80's. We passed thru some cute little towns like Waring, Sisterdale, and Comfort. We also passed by many vineyards and wineries. Sure was tempted to go wine tasting but had to refrain since I had many more miles of this Texas Hill Country before reaching my destination. I missed one of my turn-off and therefore added a few bonus miles before getting back on track. I couldn't even blame it on the wine. Blanco is the Lavender capital of Texas. We are starting to see many wildflowers in bloom. I will take a photo when I see more.

Kerrville, TX - Rest Day

Took this day to rest my poor old body. I did manage to clean the Diva who has performed magnificantly. She is truly a wonderful bicycle. I am so proud of her. I don't know I could have done this trip without her.

Also, I would like to acknowledge some dear friends who have also made it possible to do this trip: Patty and Sandy who have taken care of Miss Kitty and my five goldfish, watered my plants and taken in the mail. I would like to thank my husband Rick for all his support and advise before and during this trip. Thanks Ya'All as they say here in Texas.

Vanderpool to Kerrville, TX - 51 miles

Today was windy and cloudy with some drizzle but the scenery was beautiful. One of the gals described the trees as looking like big broccoli. We are also starting to see more ranches with cattle, horses, sheep and goats. About half way to Kerville we stopped in Medina this morning for it's famous apple pie. Yummmmy.

I'm never going to lose weight on this trip. We stop too many times to check out the local restaurants.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 2008
Camp Wood to Vanderpool, TX - 39 miles
The population of Vanderpool is 20. Today, it was 52 with the group from Woman Tours in town. However, we did have very nice lodging for the night at Foxfire Cabins. An ideal place for peace and quiet in a mountain setting.

I saw a red cardinal for the first time in my life! That was exciting.

TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2008
Bracketville to Camp Wood - 49 miles
We are now in Texas Hill Country and landscape has changed tremendously! There are green trees and rivers with water in them (above photo) and wild flowers. I stayed in a lovely decorated c0ttage filled with quilts! The population of Camp Wood is 822.