Texas Hill Country 2024 / April 22 - 26

[Lee]

Tracy from the Vaquero Motel called to confirm our reservation today. She has 3 cabins left and plans to open them for anyone later today.
She mentioned Bandera did not get hammered with tourist for the eclipse like they were warned.
Same thing for Kerrville. Good crowds but not overwhelmed.

[955i]

Confirmed via text just now. We were in S.E. Oklahoma woods on an Eclipse Weekend with my adult children and their kids. Great time. Same in Broken Bow, as in Kerrville and Bandera - pretty busy weekend, but not mad, and not greater than maybe a summer Federal holiday weekend.

Nonetheless . . I found it awesome. The difference between experiencing the totality and even 97% is amazing. It is surprising how much light even a sliver of our Sun produces.

[Susan]

We got an email confirmation January 2nd but Tim just called to verify. BTW, we be in cabin 11.

[Capnrip]

Cabin 11 was our favorite.

[955i]

BTW, This trip I'm definitely getting an old-fashioned schnitzel from a place Gary recommended in Fredricksburg.

[cabnfvr]

Blackened Redfish at the Brewery in Fredericksburg is awesome as well!

[Lee]

I'm ready for a Alamo Springs Cafe burger

[955i]

Cathy loves loves loves that Alamo Springs burger place.

[Lee]

Has anyone heard from Mike and Renee? It had been mentioned that he was having some health issues.

We called Pretty Boy Mike today to check on him. I asked about Mike and Renee. He called them today and this is what he said.

"Talked to Mike and Renee, they are ok living in Henderson TX. He will be at the shipyard in Houston on the 22nd. He works for a crane company and they are fixing one of their cranes that week. It's a big one and he does the computer stuff on it. They said Hi to all and maybe some day they will meet back up down the line. Mike is doing ok with his health, still feels weak and tires easily but otherwise ok"

[Lee]

It was a nervous winter wondering if Debbie's hand would allow her to ride this spring.
We went around the block a few times today and she feels she'll be ok riding to Texas.
We'll do it in 5 short days to make it easier.
Like last year I'll avoid larger towns with a lot of stop lights or stop signs and other situations requiring much clutch use.

[955i]

What about a dual-clutch Honda? They have put those on bikes smaller than the Goldwing and many riders seem to like them. Debbie could still go fast whenever she wanted, but just be clutchless.

[Lee]

What about a dual-clutch Honda? They have put those on bikes smaller than the Goldwing and many riders seem to like them. Debbie could still go fast whenever she wanted, but just be clutchless.

Maybe a African Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT? If she loses too much control of her left hand any bike will be out.
We need to see if we can handle riding two up. I think the BMW semi will be in Des Moines this year. If it is we can try a GS.
Hauling a bike and just doing day rides could be a option.
If she can't ride her own bike she thinks it will be best to give up riding.

[Capnrip]

Lee, I hope Debbie's hand is great and she can ride forever, but I thought two up riding with Elizabeth would be more different than it is. Only time I really notice it is at stops and gas stations, etc. My little 800 Triumph is very comfortable riding two up, more so than the K13. The only problems with the K13 is braking downhill, want's to slide Elizabeth forward which in itself isn't a big deal, it's just the resulting gonads into the tank that's an issue.

[955i]

Cap'n, if you'll take a half a tab of Viagra before the ride, maybe it will keep your nads father from the tank on those downhills.

[Lee]

We're in Clinton, Mo. Got up to 86 yesterday. That's a record high for us on the first day heading to THCR.
Eureka Springs tonight. Might stay there 2 nights and Trolley around town.

[Susan]

We've noticed that the Ozark in Jasper has added grilled food and baked pies to their menu. A step up from their fried pies and "if it died, it's fried" items.

[Lee]

I used to get grilled catfish or grilled chicken there

[cabnfvr]

We're headed out Friday. Forecast is a mix, but we'll hope for blue sky.

[Lee]

Shell Knob, Mo on Table Rock Lake. Hwy 39 is a good road.


Butt break at Berryville, AR.


Took 221 and Rockhound Road to Eureka.
87 today.
My pictures look fuzzy??

[Lee]

Is this better?

[Lee]

Rain does not look like a problem today but we still decided to stay in Eureka another night.
Tomorrow we'll go to Atoka, ok. 270 miles.

[955i]

Tushkahoma is the official Capital of the Choctaw Nation even though our administrative centers are in Durant. Tushkahoma is not far out of your way to Atoka. The 1880's Capitol is refurbished and in use today for at least one Governmental session each year. There is a small but nice gift store and museum.

My grandmother Nona went to the boarding school for Choctaw Girls at Tushkahoma and would sit on the capitol steps as the Chief's wife would tell them stories of the old days. The Chief's family lived on the upper floor of the building. The roads there are interesting - slightly curvy, but not as smooth as Arkansas.

[Lee]

We'll probably go there Tyson.

[955i]

Poteau has the "Worid's Highest Hill." It's called Cavanal Hill.

Heavener has ancient "viking Runes" carved into the "Rune-stone" in a park high above the town.

[955i]

I don't know what old Highway 2 is like between Clayton and Antlers. It could be interesting, varying to sketchy. I drove from Clayton to Daisy last week on Highway 43. A few nice curves and decent scenery. It's generally a serviceable transportation road that goes from point A to Point B. I'm sure it's the same on in to Atoka.

[Lee]

Went through Poteau 6 or 7 years ago. Can't remember it
If we have time after Tuskahoma, hwy 2 is a option. If not we'll take 43 to Stringtown, passing by the Cock farm.

[Lee]

[Lee]

[955i]

The "Cock Farm?" Really?

[justjoe]

I would expect nothing less from Lee.

[Doctor350]

Lee sounds like he would fit in OK over here

[Capnrip]

Just don't eat at the restaurant there.