yeehaw! Texas

Texas is really big but so far a lot of fun. On Wednesday did not drive too far and ended up in Village Creek State Park near Beaumont. Nice place, great beach on a creek (go figure) and quiet. Went for a hike in the morning and saw the snake sign. Thursday we drove further than expected and made it to Austin. Found a campground that was actually in the city and close to downtown so we caught a bus and went downtown. Great city (they bill themselves as Live Music Capital of America) with a few entertainment districts. We went to 6th Street, 4 blocks of bars, restaurants and shops. Saw a few bands, stayed longest at Nuno's and saw a decent blues act. Some wings and fries and then back to campground it was a nice night. Next day went back downtown and strolled around. Saw the SRV memorial statue (see pic). Lots of green space and lots of people out running/biking/hiking. Grabbed some lunch and then back on the road. Stopped at Cabelo's, which is, I think, the redneck capital of the world. It is a huge 2 story outdoors store - kind of like MEC but with a couple of thousand guns, bows and fishing rods thrown in. They even have their own mountain complete with stuffed animals. Then to outlet mall heaven (or hell depending on point of view). Ended up, after some getting lost and touring blindly, at a Walmart parking lot in the outskirts of San Antonio where we spent Friday night. Saturday was into downtown. San Antonio is a really interesting city with a "Riverwalk" all through downtown (see pic). It is 1 level below the streets and they have paths all along beside a small river with (you guessed it) more bars and restaurants. We could not pass up having lunch at Dick's Last Resort. There was a small street festival near the Alamo as well, with live music (country), food, market booths, beer and wine. it was a pleasant surprise. We had hoped to go hashing there but the "Kiss My Hash House" harriers website and phone hotline were both out of date. Oh well, guess you can't do everything...

we are now on our way across west Texas. I think it is 500 miles of nothingness so anything good will be a surprise.

hope everyone is doing well!!!