RV Trips: W15 Days 23-27

Day 23 March 8

Time changed this morning, so we were up “early” to head to South Llano River.

We had a nice Y’all visit with Border Patrol during the drizzly and chilly (48F) drive north. Speaking of driving, I DROVE!!!! Okay, it WAS only an hour, but it WAS on the windy-est and curvey-est road in Texas (it IS Hill Country, you know).

We got to the park and booked two nights ($20/night W/E). It’s very busy since it’s Spring Break and the park is full of families.

We walked to two blinds and didn’t see many birds. It’s a little early in the migration schedule, and it’s been cold for the little Warblers, so nothing like last year. But there’s always a bird or two to be seen, including our first Pine Siskin of the trip:

Here’s our backyard view from my chair:

Day 24 March 9

Cool and drizzly again! But up early and to the two blinds since they were feeding. I got a “howdy” and a “yonder” from Wild Bill on a Bike. I said that his ride didn’t look like a horse and he said he’d been thrown by more horses than bicycles!

After lunch, we rode (8.5 miles) to two more blinds and finally saw a Magnolia Warbler:

…then the Turkey Roosting area (they do a big hunt, and the area is protected and closed after 3:00 PM. The riding trails within the area are great):

We do see more than birds from time to time:

…even some Exotic Wildlife:

Another good day, but we REALLY want some sun.

Day 25 March 10

Time to move on. We decided to head further in to Hill Country. This is real cowboy country: hunting-oriented businesses, “Wild Ride Ministries” , goats/sheep/some cattle grazing and it’s very green! So far, small “creeks” in Texas are called any of these: Arroyo, Branch, Draw.

As we approached Fredericksburg, the German influence began with Lutheran Churches and German names on Ranches, businesses and “strasses”.

There was

an RV Park with Deer Processing!
Yee Haw Ranch
Tuscany in Texas (there were wineries everywhere)
the “Stonewall Community Cemetery” sign pointing to an RV Park
real Buffalo at the LBJ Ranch

We got to the Pedernales Falls State Park and got the last site for one night ($20 W/E).

LOTS of Texas families camping here. We rode our bikes (4.5 miles) to the main attraction, the Pedernales Falls:

Sadly, swimming has been prohibited since 1977 (likely a fool or two drowned?), because it would be a great place to paddle.

Busy spot. But Mandy seemed happy to be here:

Here’s the view from my chair of our very big backyard:

Day 26 March 11

Time to move on. But first, a stop at their beautiful bird blind and tonnes of Cardinals, and, finally, a Western Scrub-Jay:

it was time to head to a big city! Here we come, San Antonio. The drive offered these observations:

“Wildlife Management Area” with a real Safari Jeep on the road
Texas Tuscan Castles on every hill we could see (wine and views)
a real Texaco station in Blanco
goats grazing on an old soccer field and tennis court
Cowboy Church and Arena
a Hair Saloon

Just before we got to the RV Park, we got a windshield chip, on a PAVED road! Rats. But we got to Travellers World (Site 3, $37.50 a night. FHU) safely.

We set up, had lunch, and headed south on the Riverwalk Biking and Hiking Trail (10.3 miles) we had not know about last time here. It’s beautiful:

…and led us to some strange:

…and unknown birds:

…and Mission San Jose (and new stamps for my National Parks Passport!):

…and Mission San Juan:

It was a great day, topped off with Mexican takeout (food shot for Heather!):

Here’s the view of our tiny, busy, site:

Day 27 March 12

Oh my God, it’s sunny and warm in the morning. We can’t believe it (was it the visits to the Missions yesterday?). Last time, we took the city bus to downtown San Antonio, but this time, we decided to ride the bikes (15 miles) to enjoy the day and the trail.

This was a great day! Here are some views of our route: