Inaugural Retirement trip – Part 4
We had a relaxed morning after the races, and left Austin headed south for some serious 5th-wheel toy hauler shopping at Explore USA in Kyle. We looked at the Cyclone and Voltage models, and found a couple we liked quite a bit, but we weren’t completely convinced. You do give up precious living space for that hallowed garage. Decisions, decisions…
We had planned a route into the hill country, but we missed our intended turn and in a fortunate mistake, rode Hwy 80 from San Marcos to Hwy 12 to Wimberley, which is part of the Texas Hill Country trail.
We stopped for lunch and a few pictures in quaint Wimberley. Many years ago, this was a place I would visit regularly during our hill country rambles (in a car!) with a dear friend when I lived in San Antonio. It was tiny then and has changed and grown, but still keeps its charm.
We were amazed at how green and lush the hill country was this spring. The last time we were in the hill country, in 2011, there was a serious drought and everything was dry and brown, even in spring, and there were very few bluebonnets. After a very wet winter, this year was a wonderful treat for the eyes and camera!
Our wonderful route through this lovely scenery took us right to FM 1376 and Luckenbach, of Willie and Waylon fame. In Luckenbach, we stopped for a beer and listened to a couple of guys jam for awhile in the beautiful, breezy shade of live oaks. This place is so simple but has so much character…
Jerry’s mini-me, living in Luckenbach?
Shaded, motorcycle-only parking
It was now late afternoon, and despite the fact there was a band scheduled, we finally tore ourselves away to go check into Angel’s Lodge Above the Creek, in Fredericksburg. We have stayed at this quaint Inn before, and loved it, so I just have to share the beautiful pictures of our two story suite. Unfortunately, no hotel freebies here, but no upgrades required either! 😉
The downstairs living area
The stairs leading up to the bed and bath
Coffee/Wine bar, fridge, and microwave
Door to balcony on left, King log bed and fireplace
Giant soaking tub
Antique bath vanity
Lovely light fixture in stairwell
Once we finished taking pictures, unpacking and relaxing a bit, we walked a few blocks to dinner at our local favorite for homemade Italian food, Pasta Bella.
On the way to dinner, this bronze of “Little Sure Shot”, Annie Oakley, and her dog was highlighted by the gorgeous bluebonnets
At Pasta Bella, we shared a scrumptious salad and a totally amazing ravioli dish!
Bustling restaurant scene
Pop art leaning tower
We strolled Main Street after dinner, stopping to listen to a rocking live music group on the patio of a garden-style restaurant and bar. Once back at the Lodge, the bathroom and soaking tub were so inviting, we luxuriated in the jacuzzi with a glass of wine, and then snuggled into the super comfortable giant King bed!! Another lovely day comes to an end.
If you are ready to continue on our hill country adventure, you can see the next post here.
curvyroads 
[…] All in all, a great time in Austin and at COTA, for our first MotoGP race! Thanks for following along. You can go straight to the next chapter in our Texas adventures here. […]
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True story. When John’s parents were first married, they had a side car.
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I love that, Shelley! What an awesome way to start married life! I want one, one day. 😀
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Let it be so.
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Great pix – and when you look at Rv’s remember that you spend time either on the road sleeping or outside. Helps with decision. You’ve seen how small ours is – we spent 3 weeks together (me with a broken foot) and it worked out just fine (with some rainy weather). This July we’re heading west for a couple of months. Gasp I know. LOL.
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Thank you, Lynn! I think about you every time I see a Sprinter Chassis RV. And we see so many of them, it really makes us think because they are so maneuverable and can go most anywhere. Honestly, though I am not sure how you do it! We have been in them, and maybe we are just bigger people, but we feel like we can’t both be in the living space at the same time. 🙂
This Wednesday we pick up the beast (38′) for a week rental. Hopefully, that will give us a really good idea how much we really need. We are towing the bikes so we plan to be riding everyday, and the campsite is really nice with a stone fireplace, so I do expect we will be outside most of the time. I will report back, for sure!
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What’s with all the enormous boots? I love them!
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Claire, there are a lot of areas around the US where they choose something that is meaningful to that area (TX = cowboy boots) then they ask local artists to create decorated or painted examples. We have also seen bears, chickens, eggs, horses and fish on our travels. 😉
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How bonkers and brilliant!
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I know, I love it too! I will be sure to talk about that when we next capture a series of them.
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This post is just what a this Canadian boy needed on a cold winter’s day!
Thanks!
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You are a wonderful blog friend to go back and read this old stuff. I was just pondering why I don’t feel called to write anything anymore. No answers, just pondering. PS, it’s cold and snowy here in Georgia too!
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I hear you!
You can’t force yourself to write. Trust me, it will happen if you feel the call.
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I hope it does…cheers!
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