2022 Travel Log #7 Texas pt.4

 

Here are our adventures over the past two days in Kerrville, Texas.

Kerrville happens to have a river running through it as well, the Guadalupe River. They have a FANTASTIC outdoor town space with a very long river walk. 

The sun was setting the first day we went so we tried to get in as much as we could. We walked to the small dam and Jackson wanted to explore some places off the path a little. I have always been fascinated with exposed root systems of trees. I am always reminded of Psalms 1 when I take time to look at trees planted by the water.

We even made a discovery while looking around over there. Jackson had a good time trying to identify it.

They have one section of the trail all decorated with lights at night.

The next day, we explored the rest of the trail. The fall colors were still pretty vibrant in this area. I couldn't imagine how good the pictures would have been if the sun had actually been out!

These tress were so beautiful! I wanted to keep taking pictures of them!

Guess what Jackson did?

John found a great place to practice--it had the concrete wall on both sides. He practiced almost 3 hours! Needless to say, we had to do some laundry when we got back to the room!

I thought I might try to take it from him, but he kicked it over my head and got it.

So you know what eventually happened at one point.

Yep--that's the soccer ball and there is 0 wind! Little brother for the win!

Wildlife were abundant here are well. 

I thought the tree we saw in Luckenbach was large...this one was even bigger!

Johnny and I were walking a part of the trail and a squirrel jumped out and acted like it was going to run up my leg. I am so thankful it decided against it.  There were several of these white squirrels.

They blend in with the whiter trees well.

We found rock art at the entrance onto some private property off the trail.

The boys ditched us for soccer and fishing...we got in a few miles and saw lots of beautiful things.

And you will never guess what this little town of Kerrville has...(you can see it in the background)

Yep--Stonehenge II--a complete recreation of Stonehenge that is 90% of the size of the original. I didn't leave John out here, he just chose to stay at the hotel.

On our way out, we checked this prayer sculpture garden out.

The Lion of Judah...

The Coming King

All through the walkway, scripture was in the stone. There were hundreds of verses in the garden.

A Humble Servant

The Great Commission

After leaving Kerrville, we took little detours for a few little towns we saw exits for. We did so not knowing what to expect at any of them.

Junction ended up having an overlook area.

You can see some of the hills of Texas. It is so odd. While the land is relatively flat, it is littered with these random hills all over.

Bordering the overlook property, there was a folk art display with this cross and some other things. It doesn't show up well in this picture, but it was pretty cool looking.

Oh my heart, when I look up and see things like this. As I was getting ready to take it, John Gannon was giving me commentary, telling me I take too long to take a picture. I always fuss at them and tell them every time I am taking a picture from behind them, they change positions. He said I have got to get faster if I am going to capture these natural moments! 

Sorry, we can't seem to get the redneck out of him (and just for the record--we don't try). We love that he has his own interests. And hey, he has put meat in the freezer already for us this year!

Once we left the overlook, guess what we found...Yep...this little small, hole in the wall town of Junction has a river through the town...the South Llano River. We finally got a brief kiss of sunshine. It has been raining/misting the last several days.

Bet you can't guess what Jackson did? Yep--he caught a small perch. Oh--and did you notice that he finally changed to another hoodie (the other one has been washed several times already--just so you know!)

Guess what John did...

This happened to be Thanksgiving day! We ate our turkey between bread :) And the beautiful part, we got to share it with some people we met while there, who were likely fishing in hopes to have some food. What a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving. We stayed most of the day at this park.

Another town we road through was this one. I loved their motto!

As we were passing the last store in this town Johnny asks "Does anyone need to use the bathroom?" Right as we were in front of the store, Jackson responds, "Yes." Johnny kept driving until we get out of town onto a road only we are traveling, and he pulls over. He tells Jackson he can go use the bathroom. Jackson looks at me as Johnny gets out and says, "What? We were just at a store. Why didn't he stop there?" My response..."Welcome to the Wild, Wild West! 

We are now in the part of the West in which towns are often a hundred or more miles apart.

More of that Texas Hill Country!

And we didn't just get off the path to see this town, we actually took a small detour due to the name "Iraan." Turns out it was started by a man and his wife: Ira and Ann, hence the Iraan.

We have landed in Stockton, TX for a few nights. There isn't much to do here, it was just a better price on a hotel with some amenities (hot tub and indoor pool) since we are going to have to stay put for a few days (there is 4 inches of snow predicted today). Update: at 12 today (11/25) the report has shifted saying 1-3 inches from 2-7. Hopefully it will be none!

Here are some sights from Fort Stockton. Prior to getting there, Johnny informed us we would be searching for the giant roadrunner (like we searched for that chicken in Shreveport!)

All the way here, there were oil and natural gas rigs EVERYWHERE. It was discovered and developed by the Yates family. Interesting story.

The town was first established due to the presence of an artesian spring. It was reasoned that the spring could be used for irrigation for hundreds of acres. They named the spring, Comanche Springs

There are remnants of the old fort in the town. It was constructed in 1859 to protect the US mail, travelers, and freighters.

Johnny, trying to see the stone they used to measure and survey out the town. It is either missing or it is a slab...that one is still a mystery. 

This is the neatest looking building in the town.

I thought this mural was odd...they aren't from here. I guess someone just liked them! Maybe they have all just been there before. Another mystery.

It is really, really cold outside today. We got out to go shopping for food and here is what is happening as I type. Johnny is braving the elements and grilling us some chicken and burgers!

Don't feel too sorry for him. He drove the car to the back where the grill is so he can stay warm!

It is likely this will be the last update I make for several days. On Sunday, we will be going to Big Bend for the day and will check into the place we are staying: Ten Bits Ranch (unit #5 Delomonico's Steakhouse). Cell service and wifi are very limited at the park and the place we are staying. We are staying there and exploring Big Bend through Wednesday. So, if you call/text and we don't answer or respond, no need to worry. We should be back to normal on Thursday.