Grand Canyon with Mom Day #5

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

What can I say about today? Mom got to visit the Grand Canyon, and upon listening to her first comment upon seeing it, it made the whole trip worthwhile. We left the motel around 7:00 am to get some breakfast. We ate in Williams at the Jessica's Family Restaurant, and it was by far the best breakfast we have had on the trip.

After eating, we headed to the train depot. We arrived in time to watch some lame outdoor old west show, but at least it killed time while waiting to board the train. Promptly at 9:15 the call to board the train was made. We found our seats and as promised the train departed the depot at 9:30.

The train ride was very enjoyable. Nothing like sitting back in a First Class Seat sipping on a Bloody Mary watching the desert go by. We arrived at the canyon at 11:45, and as soon as we got off the train we were herded to some tour buses. After the bus was loaded, we were taken to a buffet lunch at one of the lodges. The lunch was pretty decent, but you didn't have a lot of time to eat.

After lunch we got back on the bus and headed to the rim. Our bus driver was pretty lame. He talked about everything except the Grand Canyon. I call tell you his life story, but if I did you would be as bored as I was. The highlight is when we arrived at the first scenic view. This was Mom's first time seeing the canyon. Her expressions made the whole trip worthwhile. The view was excellent, and we took a lot of pictures.

The bus made a couple more stops, and we of course took some more pictures. We then headed to the train depot to catch the train back to Williams. Once back at the depot, we had to wait about an hour to board the train. Once on the train, we sat back in our FIRST CLASS CHAIRS and sipped on a couple of alcoholic beverages while the countryside went by. Yes this included Mom. She had not one, but two drinks that contained alcohol. I though I might have to carry her off the train when we arrive at the depot.

We arrived back in Williams at 5:45 and after purchasing some post cards and magnets we headed back to the motel. We decided not to stop and eat since we were not hungry. We still have a bunch of sandwich stuff back at the room that we can snack on.

The day was very enjoyable, but I thought the bus tour was a bit lame, so in the morning I decided to go back and drive the South Rim. We then plan to head to Four Corners.

Grand Canyon with Mom Day #4

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Today was a really early start. The time change has the both of us really messed up. Of course my sleep schedule is screwed up anyway from all the years of shift work, but with Arizona not honoring Day Light Savings time, it means we gained two hours on Monday. By the time we arrived at the motel in Alpine we were both pretty tired so we went to bed early. Going to bed early meant we were up early. For me that was about 2:00 am local time, for Mom she was up and down, but by 4:00 am local time she was up.

We just hung around and watched TV, but by about 6:00 am we were ready to go, so we loaded up and left. We headed to Saint Johns, AZ to eat breakfast at a restaurant that I had eaten at years ago. We found the restaurant, but it was so full of locals drinking coffee there was not a table to be had, so we moved on.

We ended up stopping for breakfast in Holbrook, AZ where we found an old Highway 66 Cafe. Mom and I both forgot to write the name of the restaurant down, but it was pretty good. While we were there they had a tourist brochure display and I found a brochure for the train that goes from Williams to the Grand Canyon. While we ate breakfast we looked and discussed the various packages and schedules. Well, when you travel with Mom you go first class, that's what we made reservations for at least. Two First Class tickets with scenic bus tour, and Buffet for the both of us. The bottom line is I never thought I would spend $400.00 to see a big hole in the ground. We made our reservations before leaving the cafe, so all we had to do at Williams is pick up the tickets.

After breakfast we headed west on I-40 to Williams. I wanted to stop at Meteor Crater to check out where some meteor has hit some 50,000 years ago. I have always wanted to stop here on my travels, but never had the time. This trip we had the time.

Now the problem. Passing through Winslow, AZ Mom spotted a WalMart, so of course we had to stop. I was able to get on the internet for a bit last night and check out the prices of my travel computer, and WalMart was right in line with them, so she decided she wanted a travel computer. We stopped and they did have the computer, so out comes the credit card. Then comes the declining of the credit card. Seems Mom has not used the credit card in so long they denied the charge. Of course, we didn't know the reason the credit card was declined until later, so Mom was embarrassed and she had to use another card.

After we got in the truck we called the credit card company and found out why it was declined and got it all worked out. All is well now, but Mom is still embarrassed about the clerk, who we will never see again, thinks she is some low life.

We did stop at the Meteor Crater, and after paying $29.00 went in to see the big hole. We lucked out on our timing, we just arrived at the start of a tour and movie about the history of the crater. It was very interesting, and I am glad we stopped. As we were leaving, Mom asked me how I liked it. I told her it was neat, but $29.00 to visit a hole was a bit steep, but after thinking about it, we just made reservations to see a bigger hole for $400.00, so I guess it was a good deal.

We arrived at Williams around noon local time. A quick trip to the train depot to pick up some tickets and then we drove through the town looking for a motel. We selected a motel for the next couple of days and checked in. We unloaded the truck and I started setting up Mom's new computer. Later we out for lunch and ate at the Route 66 Diner. We then returned to the room for a much needed nap.

Later we got up and I worked on the blog while Mom played games on her new computer. Tomorrow we visit the big hole in the ground.

Grand Canyon with Mom Day #3

Monday, April 26, 2009

Today we got and early start. We were packed up and pulling out of the motel around 6:00 am. Heading for breakfast. We decided to eat in Van Horn at the Sands Restaurant. This is another restaurant I have eaten at before. It was a good breakfast and better yet had some excellent prices es. After we finished breakfast we headed west for El Paso.

While driving Mom decided to read a Texas Tour Book she picked up in Langtry. The book mentioned something about some cactus with flowers on FM 1111 that heads north out of Sierra Blanca. A quick decision was made to go and check out these cactus with flowers. Well we found the cactus, but we were a bit late for the flowers. Didn't matter, the drive was a lot more scenic than running down I-10. FM 1111 dead ended at US Hwy. 180 so we turned left and headed to El Paso.

We made it through El Paso without incident and made a quick stop at the New Mexico Information Center. Mom picked up another tour book for New Mexico. From there we stayed on the interstate to Demmings, where we turned north to Silver City. After arriving at Silver City a WalMart was spotted and of course we had to stop. We picked up some essentials and then went to the local Pizza Hut for lunch. After lunch we continued on US 180 to NM 78 where we headed for Mule Creek and Clifton, AZ.

We stopped at a scenic overlook on NM 78, and of course we took a couple of pictures.

We then hooked up with US 191 and headed up the Devils Highway. We stopped at an open pit strip mine so Mom could take a look, and then into the twisties we went. On the first climb, the drop off was on Mom's side and I don't think she was at first impressed. She just kept saying that it was a long ways down there, and it would be all right for me to stay on the other side of the yellow line as much as possible. The farther we went she started getting used to it, so she was able to take a look a some of the scenery. To say the least she was impressed. We arrived at the Mountain Hi Lodge in Alpine, AZ around 4:00 pm local time. We checked in and called it a day.

Tomorrow we head to Williams to check out the train schedule for the Grand Canyon. We plan on getting there early so we will have plenty of time to make arrangements.

Grand Canyon with Mom Day #2

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Mom and I were both up pretty early this morning, so we figured to get an early start. That was until Mom got hooked on a movie, so that blew our early start. After the movie was over we loaded up and headed to the local (only) restaurant in town to have breakfast. The name of the restaurant is the Roundhouse Cafe. The meal was fairly good except our waitress couldn't quite get the order right. Hard to believe since we were the only customers there.

After breakfast we headed west towards Big Bend National Park. Of course we had to stop for the obligatory picture at the entrance.



We then headed into the park, but not before a bird decided to commit suicide. As usual I can't take a trip without killing something. I guess this bird was tired of living so he decided to end it on my windshield.

We had a nice drive through the park stopping several times to take pictures. Mom was really impressed with the park, and we have already made some plans to come back. We headed to Study Butte and then took FM 170, also known as the River Road to Presidio. Mom really liked this scenic road. At times I think she was more impressed with the curves and dips.

We stopped at a very scenic spot that I have been going to for years and snapped a couple of pictures.



We stopped for lunch in Presidio. We tried a restaurant I have never eaten at before, and I tell you what, it was probably the best meal I have had in West Texas in years. It was a bit pricey, but the portions were hugh and the food was excellent. The name of the restaurant is La Pasadita.

After lunch we decided it was just about time to call it a day, so we drove to Van Horn and checked into the Econo Lodge. The room price was right, and the air conditioning is excellent.

Tomorrow we head for Alpine, AZ via the Devils Highway.

Mom has been so impressed with my travel computer she has decided that she wants one. While on the road were going to check out some places and if the price is right she just may get one.

Grand Canyon with Mom Day #1

Saturday, April 25, 2009, Mom and I departed on our epic journey to the Grand Canyon. For those of you that are geographically challenged, the Grand Canyon is in Arizona. We left the house bright eyed and bushy tailed at 5:50 am. The plan for the day was simple, just take it easy and head west.

I decided to take US Hwy 90-A out towards Sequin and then jump up on I-10 to get through San Antonio, where we would pick up US Hwy. 90 and continue heading west.

Our first stop was the Bellaire Restaurant in Hallettsville, TX where we stopped for breakfast. I had the normal eggs, sausage, and hash browns, while mom had the biscuit and gravey and a side of bacon. I have eaten at this restaurant before so there was nothing unexpected. The meal was decent and it served our purpose and filled our stomachs.

After breakfast we continued heading west on 90-A until we reached Sequin. We then jumped up to I-10 and headed for San Antonio. Mom then informed me it was time to make a pit stop. A short stop was made and then we continued on.

We drove through San Antonio and hooked up with US Hwy. 90. We just puttered along until making a short stop at one of the rest areas. When we arrived a Uvalde we stopped at the local HEB market and purchased some lunch meat and chips, along with a few other things. Our plan was to have lunch at the Pecos River Bridge.

After we left Uvalde I noticed the wind was picking up pretty good. I was a bit concerned this may effect our plans for our picnic lunch, but we would just have to wait and see.

The drive to the Pecos River was uneventful. When we arrived my concerns were justified because the wind were way too strong for us to sit outside and eat. We did stop so mom could see the sights, and boy was she impressed. Of course we took a couple of pictures.





After we left the river, we drove the 20 miles to the infamous former home of Judge Roy Bean, The Law West of the Pecos. We took a look around and of course I couldn't keep mom out of the bar. Don't believe me? I have proof.



I think she looks a little too natural there, don't you think?

After we left Roy's place we decided it was about time to call it a day. We drove to Sanderson, TX where we checked into a motel I have stayed at several times before. As soon as we unloaded the truck we tore into the cooler and made some sandwiches. Since we had such a late lunch neither of us wanted to go out later and eat again.

Mom has been so impress with this area, that I decided I am going to take her down into Big Bend National Park tomorrow. I hadn't planned on this, but I think she would really enjoy the views. No big deal were not in a hurry anyway.

Grand Canyon with MOM

Mom arrived today without incident. Quick trip to the house, and it didn't take long for me to get into that good ole Tennessee BBQ she brought for me.

Today we head to the bakery to get some bread that we both like, and run a couple of errands before we leave on the trip tomorrow.

We plan to get a early start on Saturday, but the rest of the trip we will get started when we get started.

Fred

Grand Canyon with MOM

Plans are to depart on Saturday (April 25, 2009) for the Grand Canyon and beyond. This trip I will be traveling with my mom in a vehicle rather than a motorcycle. I'm not quite sure she would want to do a 5000 mile trip by motorcycle.

Have no real plans, just drive until we get tired of driving, and then stop. I have a general route in mind, but that may change as we go. My only intent will be to stay off the Interstate as much as possible.

Will try to keep up with the Blog as we go, but there may be times where we do not have Internet access.

Big Bend 50th Birthday Ride

Day 1

I woke up and looked at the clock and it showed it was 4:50 am, Oh Crap, we are suppose to be on the road by 5:15. It is rare that I oversleep but on occasion it does happen. I woke Liz up and told her that she has about 15 minutes to get it together and be on the bike ready to go.

Fortunately every thing was packed, and all we had to do was load the trailer. We managed to pull out of the driveway by 5:15, so getting up late or not, we were still on time.We arrived at the Chevron station at approximately 5:40 am, where we were to meet the rest of the group.

This is my 50th Birthday ride so I decided to head to Big Bend National Park with some close friends who decided celebrate my birthday with me. The line up is as follows; My wife (Liz) and I on a Gl1800 Goldwing Trike, John and Lydia same thing but a newer version, Dan on a Gl1800 two wheel version, and later we would meet up with Dick who will be riding a FJR1300.

By the time we arrived at the Chevron station John, Lydia and Dan were there. After getting some drinks we loaded up and headed out. Being semi retired, John has been on me the last several months to slow down and smell the roses. I usually run a pretty fast pace, but this trip I decided to run in retirement mode and take it easy. I set the cruise on about 60 and headed to Columbus , TX where we were to meet Dick at breakfast.

Breakfast in Columbus was at Schobles Restaurant, where as usual the breakfast was excellent. Dick arrived soon afterward and after some good conversations and with full stomachs we headed out. The plan was simple for the day. We are to ride I-10 to San Antonio and then pick up US 90 and head west until our planned overnight stop in Sanderson, TX.By the time we left the restaurant the day was overcast with a bit of high fog. The temperature was a bit cool, but not to cool. The ride to San Antonio was uneventful, but we did stop and take a break a the new Rest Stop located just east of San Antonio.

The weather changed quickly and by the time we hit San Antonio a light rain started.We were caught between a rock and a hard place. We were riding through the middle of San Antonio when the rain started and there is no convenient place to stop. It was a light rain so I decided to keep going and at least get to the west side of San Antonio where it would be more convenient to pull over. The light rain continued until Castroville where it started to pick up a bit. We pulled into the local Shell Station where we topped off the tanks and put on our rain suits.While at the Shell Station we heard from at least two other people that there had been softball size hail in the direction we were going. My thoughts were hopefully it would be gone by the time we get there.

As soon as we pulled out of Shell Station it really started to rain. We basically rode in the rain until Uvalde where it pretty much ended. The sun came out and the temperature rose, and it turned into a beautiful day.We made a short stop in Del Rio at Wall Mart to pick up some items for a picnic lunch at the Pecos River Overlook. As usual we bought more than we needed.

Stocked up and ready to ride we continued west on US 90 arriving at the Pecos River Overlook about 45 minutes later. When had a lengthy lunch and some good conversation. We then decided to hit the road for Sanderson. We only had about 70 miles to go and I think all of us were ready to call it a day.We arrived in Sanderson at approximately 5:00 pm and checked into the Outback Osias Motel.

This is an old motel that has large rooms that are really clean. The price isn’t bad for $60.50 including tax. It turned out Lydia really liked this motel. After checking in and unloading the bikes it was time for out evening toddies. With drinks in hand and chairs set up in the shade it led to some great conversation.I had to do some checking on the bike because our electric clothing wasn’t getting power. John and I checked the fuses and connection and all had power except the plugs. My suspicions is that the relay stuck or went bad. I don’t think it was going to get cold enough for me to need the gear, but I knew Liz would need it, so Dan came to the rescue with an extra power cord that I hooked directly up to the battery. We already have an on-off switch, so Liz was good to go.

Dinner was burgers from the local Town and Country Truck Stop located across the street. The burgers are pretty tasty despite the location. After we ate, we sat outside socializing until about 9:30 when we all decided to call it a night. In spite of the rain it was a great day to ride.

Day 2

Day two of the ride started around 8:00 am when we pulled out of the motel parking lot and across the street to fill up out tanks. After filling up we drove a short distance down the street to the only open restaurant in town to have breakfast. Breakfast was excellent except the portions were a bit small, and the prices were a bit high. Other than that is was a good meal.

The plan for the day was another simple ride. We planned to head west on 90 to US 385, turn south and head into Big Bend National Park. We planned to have lunch in the Basin and then head out and visit Sainta Elena Canyon. We will then head to our motel which is located 13 mile north of Study Butte.

We ended up heading west around 9:00 am. Did I mention that it was windy? Are you sure that I didn’t mention that it was windy? Let me tell you the wind was blowing just a bit. As we were heading out of town the wind was blowing so hard it actually blew me into the oncoming lane. Part of this I was not used to driving the trike in high winds, the other reason was it was blowing really really really hard. I even gave some thought to turning around, but since turning around is not my style, I decided to keep on going.

We had a strong cross wind until we reached Marathon. We then turned south on US 385 which put the wind to our backs, and ride suddenly turned very pleasant. About 10 miles south of Marathon on 385 there is a fairly scenic picnic area. We stopped and took a short break along with the obligatory pictures. We then continued south to the park entrance where we took some more obligatory pictures.

With that all done we headed into the park at a blazing 45 miles per hour to Panther Junction. By the time we arrived in Panther Junction the temperature has risen significantly. We stopped at the Visitors Center where we shed some clothing and a couple got their National Park Passport stamped. We then headed to the Basin where we were to have lunch. Lunch at the Basin, let me say this, go there for the scenery not the food. John and others tried to order Chicken Fried Steak, but was informed they were out, we all ended up getting hamburgers, except for Dick who elected to go with the Chile. The food was ok, and as usual for what you got the prices were high, but the scenery was great. Need I say more?

After lunch we headed out for Santa Elena Canyon. The ride to the canyon is one of the most scenic rides in Texas. It is a must if you are a motorcyclist. The canyon is at the dead end of one of three park roads. It is about a three quarter of a mile hike to the canyon. Since I have bad legs, and having seen the canyon a number of times I elected to stay with the bikes while the others went sight seeing. Lydia also decided to stay since she was just getting over a sprained ankle.

The fearsome four took off, and then one by one they started to return. John first because he met the steps of doom, and then Dan, well, no reason for Dan, he just decided to turn around. Dick and Liz kept on and as it turned out they made it to the end.

After the stroll to the canyon, it was then time to head out for the motel. We were to stay at the Longhorn Ranch Motel located about 13 miles north of Study Butte on Highway 118. We arrived at the motel around 4:30 pm. I have never stayed in this motel, but after reading about it in a couple of ride magazines, I decided to give it a shot since it was the most inexpensive motel I could find in the area.

After checking in we drove to our room, and Liz and I both became concerned when we saw the doors labeled shower and restroom at the end of the building. I never asked but by any chance are there not bathrooms in each room. Not much we can do about it now, but I headed straight for the room and to my relief it did have a bathroom. I have no idea who uses the outdoor restroom and shower. There didn’t appear to be a campground on site, so who knows.

My next concern was after getting all our stuff unloaded Liz noticed a large sign by the sink that stated not to drink the water. The sign stated the water is not potable. This could be an issue for Liz and John, but after talking to the owner it turns out the water is drinkable, it just taste bad. The owner stated she sends in a sample every month and they are always up to standards. I guess they do not want to invest in a water filtering system.

We decided to eat at the restaurant on site, since the next closest place was 13 miles away. It turns out there was another group of motorcyclist staying at the motel and when we arrived at the restaurant we got the last table. After taking a peek at the menu we all could see this was going to be an expensive meal.

John, Lydia and Liz decided to get the Chicken Fried Steak. The waiter told them it would be a long wait because they do not deep fry the steak, instead they do it the traditional way by pan frying. I ordered the beef enchiladas and Dick and Dan ordered burgers. The waiter was right, it was a long wait, it took over an hour for our order to arrive. John and the rest said the CFS was good, but I got the impression that it wasn’t worth the wait. My enchiladas were ok, but they were so salty I couldn’t eat them all. I never did hear Dan or Dick make a comment about the burgers.

After dinner we returned and sat outside our rooms drinking some toddies and having some great conversation. We all eventually retired to our room respective rooms around 9:00 pm.

Day 3

We are now on day 3. The ride so far has been great. Sure we hit a little rain and had to endure some slight windy conditions, but in all we couldn’t ask for a more perfect ride.Day three started around 8:00 am, when we pulled out of the motel parking lot. We decided not to chance the motel’s restaurant, but instead go into Study Butte and see if we can find an open restaurant.

We found the Chile Pepper Restaurant just off 118 near the intersection of 170. It’s a small place, but after receiving our food we knew we made the right choice. A tasty mean at a somewhat reasonable price. After breakfast we headed west on 170, the famous River Road. There is no describing the River Road. As far as I am concerned it is the best motorcyclist road in Texas. The scenery is unbelievable and the twisty road is fantastic for motorcycling. We made one stop on the road at the scenic overlook at the top of a large hill. As usual the view was great and the weather was perfect except for it being a bit cool.

We eventually arrived in Presidio where we stopped at the local grocery store to pick up some lunch supplies. We planned to have lunch at a picnic area on the Davis Mountain Loop. The ride up to Marfa was great weather perfect, scenery perfect, and road perfect. After a short gas stop in Marfa we headed to the Loop.

As we headed out of Marfa I noticed the wind was starting to pick up again. I also noticed it was starting to get a bit cooler. When we arrived at the picnic area located on 166 just west of Highway 17 it was a bit windy and cool, but the sun was shining so we decided to give it a go for lunch.

It was a windy lunch. John and Liz looked like they were on an Artic Tour by the amount of coats they had on. Liz was trying to figure out how to run the wires from the bike to the picnic table to use here heated jacket. All in all it was a pleasant lunch, but it would have been better with less wind and warmer temperatures.

After lunch we continued on the loop taking in the scenery eventually ending up in Fort Davis. After a short stop in Fort Davis for Dan to get his park passport stamped, we headed for the motel in Alpine. We arrived at the motel around 3:30 pm.

We checked into the Antelope Lodge located on Highway 90 on the west side of town. The rooms are duplex cottages, and each have a small kitchenette. You can tell the motel is old, but it is well kept and the rooms are very clean.

After some late afternoon toddies we decided to walk to dinner at a nearby restaurant. Did I say nearby? NO IT WASN'T! The walk was probably three quarters of a mile, but with my bad legs it seem like ten miles. I did make it there and back to my surprise. Dinner was pretty good most ordered the Chicken Fried Chicken or Steak. I didn’t hear anyone complain.

Being the last to arrive at the motel, my honey seeing that I was about to collapse fixed me a toddie. After the refreshing drink, my mood was better, and we all sat out in front of the room for some time socializing. Eventually one by one the group headed off to bed. First Liz, then Dick, Dan and Lydia. John and I stayed out a bit longer discussing our planned Alaska trip this summer, but it was really getting cool so we eventually retired to our rooms.

Day 4

I woke up this morning and didn’t even realize it was my birthday. When Liz woke up she started singing happy birthday to me and I suddenly realized that this is the day I become a half a century old. Funny thing is I don’t feel any different than yesterday.

Today we start to head back towards home, so it begins on a bit of a downer. After seeing so much pretty country in the last couple of days, I already know there is no way today can top them.

Were in Alpine, Texas and we are all up and packed by 7:30 am. We head to the Shell Station just down the street and top off the tanks to the bikes. Were not sure where we are going to eat, but while on the way to our fall back plan to the local McDonalds we see an open restaurant. I don’t remember the name of the restaurant, but that’s not important because it’s not worth mentioning. The only thing you could get was a small buffet, and for the most part it wouldn’t have been bad if the food would had been a bit warmer. Everything was luke warm at best. If they would turn up the burners a bit, it probably wouldn’t have been a bad meal. Of course it was over prices as most meals in this part of Texas.

We hit the road around 9:00 am heading east on US 90. Our plan for the day was to run 90 to Del Rio, then turn north on US 277 to 377 to Rocksprings. At Rocksprings we would take Highway 55 south to Camp Wood where we would stay the night. All in all it would be a short day.

Our first stop was in Sanderson to take a break and let a couple of the bikes top off their tanks. We then continued east (into the sun) to Del Rio. We took another short break at Langtry where we watched a couple of bus loads of kids pull into the Judge Roy Bean Visitors Center. Turns out they were on a week long adventure to Big Bend. Watching all those kids makes me happy my children are now adults.

After the break we made another stop just west of Del Rio to fill our tanks again which included a quick stop at Amistad Reservoir where Dan and Lydia obtained another stamp for their park passports. We then continued on to Rocksprings where we stopped for lunch. I really need to put a little note pad on the bike so I can write down some of the names of the places we stop at. Blogging is new to me, so I guess as time goes I will get a little better at documenting the names of the restaurants we stop at.

We stopped at a restaurant where a couple of years ago a friend and I stopped for lunch. I remember the restaurant having blue plate specials, and I remember it being really good. When I pulled up to the restaurant I suddenly realized that it might be a bit different this time. The building had really changed and it didn’t look like anything it did before. We decided to give it a go and see what happens. That was a good decision, to date on this trip that has to be the best meal we have had so far.

After lunch we headed to Camp Wood where we checked into our motel. John has been on me to test ride his trike since he has done some suspension modifications. I decided to give it a go this afternoon, and Dick decided to ride with me on my trike since he has never driven one before. Well, thanks John for making me spend another couple of thousand for some upgrades. The modifications he had done results in a better ride and steering. It will be in my future plans.

For the next couple of hours we sat around and had some toddies while talking about the world in general. Liz and John decided to take a short nap, not together of course, before dinner. Around 6:00 pm we decided to walk down to the local restaurant for dinner. Chicken Fried Steak was on the menu, and that is what most of us had. Everyone enjoyed their dinner.

After dinner John and Lydia presented me with a birthday card that included a gift certificate to Wings and Things. This is Johns and my favorite lunch spot, so I know it will be put to good use. Thanks John and Lydia.

After a short social hour we decided to call it a day. All in all it was a great days ride. The weather was perfect except for a bit of wind. Sometimes it just doesn’t get any better than this.

Day 5

We woke up and remembered this is the final day of our journey. We had breakfast across the street from the motel, and soon afterwards we headed for home.

Dick departed us at Bandera and we continued south until we picked up Hwy 90. We then continued on 90 to San Antonio until we dropped down onto 90A.We had a pleasant lunch in Shiner, and then it was just a short ride home.

We arrived at the house around 4:00 pm. It was a great ride, and Liz and I have decided to make this an annual trip for us.