Sun Mar 2-Tues Mar 4- Austin and Mardi-Gras

Sun Mar 2-Tues Mar 4- Austin and Mardi-Gras
On Sunday we stayed at the RV park as it was pouring with rain. Mychael and Breila decided that they would like to go to a shooting range... because they could. Here in Texas you can rent an AK47 or a hand gun or a rifle for as long as you like with live ammo and shoot away in an indoor range. No background checks... no age limits etc. Tiina took them there and they had a great time, although it can get a little expensive after you rent the guns, the shooting lane and buy the ammunition. (somewhere close to $100 for two people for an hour). Derek and I stayed at the 'condo' and cooked up a couple of large shepherd's pies for everyone and they came over for supper when they got back from shooting. Derek and Mychael jammed a bit on the guitar and we had a lovely visit with them. It is so nice to have friends here to stay. Just wish the weather would cooperate, but it looks like it will be colder than usual for the next few days. 
 

The gang at Stubb's BBQ

A bar, and a bar, and a bar, and a bar, and a bar!

On Monday, we all took off in the truck to investigate the city of Austin. Breila and Mychael like 'weird' things so they went to a 'weird things' museum and then we all went to some eclectic stores in the downtown area and in the South Congress area. We had wanted see the bats fly out from the congress bridge at dusk (you can see this phenomenon on you-tube), but it is too cold for them to come out, so we will have to come back another day later this week to see them. Lunch was at Stubbs BBQ downtown It is a famous BBQ, and was good, but not as good as others we have been to. After some shopping and searching for a 'taxi-dermied' Armadillo, that Briela wants to acquire (we did find one but it was a bit pricey, so we left it in the store), we had a quick drink before heading back to the RV park. Derek and I watched '12 years a slave' and thought it was excellent. (should have won more awards at the Oscars!!!)

Changeable weather - so I'll wear shorts and sheepskin jacket!! 

Armadillos don't come cheap... but they are kind cute!!

Allen's Boots where they sell.... uhhh...!!!!

BIG cacti and old truck!

Tuesday Freezing overnight, no mains water available, but our on-board tank is full. Our friends went out for the afternoon to some caverns on the road toward San Antonio.  It was a day for Derek and Janice to catch up on admin and then join in the Mardi-Gras Parade. We rode on the large wagon, which also held a small live band. Others rode golfcarts, walked the route with their dogs, or rode their bikes.. of course all decorated in Mardi-Gras colours of Yellow, Purple and Green. We toured the RV park  jamming to the music and throwing beads out to all and sundry along the way... including a few dogs, much to their surprise and delight. The parade was followed by drinks, snacks and music in the pavilion. We stayed for a while and then headed back to the RV to do some computer research and emails etc. 

Handle on the condo!! - Staying in today!!!

Table cloth froze solid! (on the patio)

YeeHaa!! Mardi Gras!!!

Mardi-Gras Cakes