January 9-12th 2013 - Wine Country/relaxin'

January 12th 2013

Colorado river from the Mansfield Dam.

Another warm day at 22c degrees, but cloudy and threatening rain all day. We had a slow morning, reading outside and catching up on some internet research for future travel. Short shopping trip for supplies and then embarked on our first bike ride. Only an hour, but the hills here are pretty challenging and we felt very self righteous when we got back. Made some hummus in my new mini-cuisinart to take as a snack tonight to 'Karaoke Night' in the pavilion. We join in these events, even though it would not normally be something we would go to, but all the events are a sort of party atmosphere and the networking is great to find out more about the area and places to see etc.  Also, this is what this road trip is all about, experiencing everything we can while we travel along and meeting people from all areas of the States and all walks of life. (and we always have fun!!). So off we go to the Karaoke party.



January 11th 2013

LOVE IT!!

Zippadeedoodah!!!   A lovely sunny warm day... mid seventies. We decided to take full advantage and sit outside reading, walking round the site and an hour workout in the gym followed by lounging in the whirlpool and a swim in the pool.... what a lovely day. Happy birthday to cousin Gill .. great skype visit.

Nice Rocks!!

Eat your heart out Ontario

January 10th 2013
Up early and out to explore the Texas wine region.... Yes ... there is a booming Texas wine industry... so we just had to investigate.   ARRGGHH !! forgot my camera, but did take a few pictures with my Iphone that I can post.
Stopped in Dripping Springs for info, then headed through Johnson City, passed the L.B.J Ranch and into Fredericksburg, a small town in the middle of the wine district. Sat outside at a local eatery/pub and had Margarita/beer and Reuben sandwiches  in the sun, a bit cool but the outdoor propane heater kept us snug.

Howdy Y'all

Mushroom head!!!! (Antenna??)

Walked through town then headed out to a winery. Stopped at a pecan store for fresh local pecans.... OH MAN!!!!!  Had no idea how many different types of Pecan trees there are, all different tasting pecans. So of course we tasted them all before choosing a big bag of the ones we liked best. Nothing like fresh local pecans!! Heaven!!

More Wine Please

Headed to Becker Winery... award winning winery and some pretty decent wines, but expensive compared to what we can get in the local liquor store ... but we had a great tasting (9 wines) and were very impressed with the overall quality... especially the Cabernet. On to the Texas Hills Vineyard and winery. Not as impressed with the wines but the place was lovely and a great spot to go for a picnic and a nice glass of wine.
Our journey home took us through the most beautiful areas... we took the back-roads and ended up on top of ridges with panoramic views all round. Texas Hill Country is very beautiful, definitely NOT flat, and very worth a visit.

 Janice "Do I look fat in this?"
 Derek "Do I look stupid?"