The Space between Waco and Abilene, Texas

On May 17, 2018May 11, 2018 By LToddIn RV Travel, States, Texas, Travel2 Comments

The Space between Waco and Abilene, Texas

A gothic building rose out of the landscape as we headed northwest from Waco to Abilene on Highway 6. Was it someone’s mansion? A government building? Or the façade of a movie set? We had to investigate.

Bosque County Courthouse

We wound our way through the streets of Meridian, Texas, to the building’s location. It wasn’t hard. No other buildings were close to its height. The downtown area was quiet and offered plenty of parking on Monday, March 12, 2018.

Not satisfied with clicking one photo of the building and moving on, I had to walk around the structure to catch its image from as many sides as possible given the position of the sun.

Oh, and I couldn’t forget to pick up the detail in the clocktower.

Now, we had to see the inside. We entered the Bosque County Courthouse from a back door expecting to see bailiffs staffing a security checkpoint complete with a scanning machine, the usual protocol for government buildings since 9/11.

Creeping along the dark hallway was like entering the early 1900s. The ceiling towered above us, wainscot the color of chocolate milk covered the lower part of the walls, pumpkin-colored paint on the upper portion. An ornate iron staircase loomed ahead. We turned a corner and finally arrived at a desk in the middle of the first floor.

“May I help you?” the bailiff asked. After explaining what we were doing there, the uniformed man proceeded to tell us the history of the building, told us to go see the courtroom upstairs, and gave us a little tour downstairs.

I commented on the security difference from what we were used to seeing. He pointed to the four monitors at his desk where he watches people coming and going. He had seen us enter the back door. “It’s usually pretty quiet around here, not like in the larger counties,” he said.

The town of Meridian has a population of less than 1,500 and less than 20,000 people call the agricultural county home.

Bosque County would be a great place to get away from congestion and crowds. Visitors can roam around the little country towns exploring museums, galleries, and historic buildings, or enjoy the fishing and other water activities at the Bosque or Brazos rivers, or Lake Whitney.

Building Facts

Source: The Texas Historic Commission

Designed by Ft. Worth architect J.J. Kane
Oldest Texas courthouse building in continuous use
Three-story limestone in the Victorian Gothic Revival style
Two major renovations:
- The 1934 WPA project replaced the entire roof structure with a flat concrete roof. The clock tower was removed replaced with a single clock face, and steel windows replaced the wood ones. Within the forty years after the WPA project, additional work had lowered ceilings to hide mechanical and electrical installations.
- The rededication of the building on September 22, 2007, showcased the 2005-2007 restoration, which included reconstruction of the original clock tower and the four corner roof turrets, replacement of windows and doors with historic wood reproductions, restoring the ceilings to their original height in the courtroom, halls, and public spaces, and the reconstruction of wood wainscot paneling.

Dublin, Texas

It’s always serendipitous when we find a town with the same name as one in California. It turned out that our stomachs were growling when we arrived at the city limits of Dublin, Texas. We live near Dublin, California. Finding a spot to park posed no problem. The library was closed on Mondays.

The W.M. Wright Historical Park across the street provided a place to take a walk after lunch.

William T. Miller Gristmill Originally Built in 1882

Rear of Gristmill Originally Powered by Steam then Converted by Crude Oil Engine

Grass Always Tastes Better on the Other Side of the Fence

Spring break must have cleared most everyone out of town. There wasn’t much activity in the business district during the hour we were there.

Dublin Rodeo Heritage Museum and Dublin Historical Museum

I wish we hadn’t been anxious to continue on to the RV park in Abilene. It would have been nice to visit the Dublin Bottling Works that has been in business since 1891. They still bottle sodas made with pure cane sugar. No high fructose corn syrup for them. Poking around in the three museums—Ben Hogan (the golfer), Dublin Historical, and Dublin Rodeo Heritage—also would have been interesting.

RV Trouble

We arrived in Abilene around 4:00 p.m. and commenced our set up routine. After Jon had hooked up the sewer, water, and electricity, it was time to extend the living area slide. I heard a whirring sound, but the slide did not move. Uh-oh!

The good folks in the Whistle Stop RV Park office gave me a card for Young’s RV and Trailer Repair. Jon called at about 4:50 p.m. Yes, Rick could come out in about an hour. “Tomorrow morning would be okay.” “No, I’ll be there,” Rick said. Fortunately, it was a quick fix. A bolt had wiggled loose, which prevented the gear from engaging. Rick found the bolt, put it back in with some bailing wire so it wouldn’t back out again, and we had a freshly lubed and working slide. Thanks go out to Young’s RV and Trailer Repair in Abilene, Texas, for the best service ever. Find them on Facebook at Young’s RV Repair.

Next up we visit Buffalo Gap Historic Village, Abilene State Park, and the 12th Armored Division Memorial Museum.

Safe Travels

Waco, Texas – Part II

On May 3, 2018May 1, 2018 By LToddIn Photography, RV Travel, States, Texas, Travel2 Comments

Dr Pepper Museum

We are always ready to take a behind the scenes tour and the Dr Pepper Museum did not disappoint.

View of the Silos and Roof of First Baptist Church of Waco (above Dr Pepper sign) From Dr Pepper Building

Dr Pepper, created, manufactured, and sold in Waco, Texas, beginning in 1885, is considered the oldest soft drink of all America major brands. The soda flavor originated at Morrison’s Old Corner Drugstore.

Unfortunately, the name Dr Pepper is lost to history, although the museum does have a collection of over a dozen different origin stories. Demand for the drink grew until in 1891 the Artesian Mfg. & Bottling Company was formed in Waco. The company later became the Dr Pepper Company and moved to Dallas in 1923.

Artesian Well Once Used in Bottling Dr Pepper

The museum includes collections of the soft drink industry as well as Dr Pepper memorabilia, giving visitors a more complete history of the industry.

We stopped in the theater expecting an informational movie. Instead, we found a montage of historic television ads running on a loop. It was still fun to recall the various campaigns and slogans through the years. Remember, “I’m a Pepper, he’s a Pepper, she’s a Pepper, we’re a Pepper. Wouldn’t you like to be a Pepper too?” Sorry, for the earworm. I couldn’t resist.

I’m a Pepper Ad Campaign

Memorabilia From Squirt, RC Cola, Nehi, and Crush

Dr Pepper Signs

Circle A Soda Water Wagon

Delivery Truck

I don’t drink much soda now, but visiting the museum brought back memories of drinking hot Dr Pepper and eating popcorn while watching scary movies on late night television. The cold war may have been looming outdoors, but I was warm and safe in my house.

The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for seniors and military personnel, $6.00 for students and children over 5 years.

Homestead Heritage

Homestead Heritage, an agrarian- and craft-based intentional Christian community, was located a short distance from the RV park where we stayed in Waco.

Visitors won’t want to miss the Craft Village where gifts and handcrafted items are available to purchase along with heirloom furniture; organic grains, flour and baking mixes; groceries, meat and produce; and gardening and homesteading supplies.

Homestead Organic Market and General Store

Take a self-guided tour through the various buildings and watch a basket maker or potter at work, a loom in operation, the gristmill grinding, and feel the heat from the forge. The smell of fresh sawdust in the woodworking building reminded me of my grandfather’s carpentry workshop.

Homestead Gristmill at the Craft Village

Walk through the gardens, rest in the shade, and get up close to the sheep grazing in the pasture.

Interested in learning the skills to create traditional crafts? Visit The Ploughshare website for hands-on workshops, classes, and DVD courses. There are also free video courses.

It was a good thing the storage in our fifth wheel is limited. Otherwise, I would have broken our budget by buying up pottery, baskets, and a few scarves. We did buy a package of Cowboy Cookie Mix from the Gristmill and they were delicious.

Magnolia Market at the Silos

Fans of the Fixer Upper show on HGTV flock to Magnolia Market at the Silos on foot and by trolley, bike, and vehicle. We parked the truck near a trolley stop and hopped aboard. The trolley takes passengers on a 15-minute route through downtown Waco picking up and dropping off passengers along the way. Our driver pointed out popular restaurants, historical sites, and of course places to shop.

We got off at Magnolia Market just because we had to see what all the fuss was about. A line wrapped around the corner bakery with hopeful guests dreaming of the fresh pastries, breads, and sweets that waited inside for them to buy.

We didn’t stand in line to see if it was worth the wait. Instead, we headed into the market, squeezing past customers gawking at the products for sale. Many of the items looked like props used to decorate the homes renovated on the Fixer Upper television show. Don’t expect antique, reclaimed, or locally handcrafted items. Made in India or China tags reveal an item’s origin.

The store was filled with decorator items such as greenery and flowers for arrangements in vases and pots, table items including centerpieces, placemats, table runners, chargers, flatware, and dishware. Clocks and other wall hangings decorate the walls. Chip’s Corner includes T-shirts, baseball caps, hammers, and other tools and books. Prices appeared reasonable when compared to other home décor stores.

Outside visitors will find a large sitting and play area complete with lawn games to play on the artificial grass, picnic tables under shade structures, planters, and food trucks in case the munchies attack.

The Silos Play Area. No Dogs Allowed on the Artificial Grass.

Grab Lunch and a Drink at the Food Trucks

In a back corner is the Magnolia Seed & Supply with raised gardens filled with herbs and leafy greens. I wish our garden looked like this. Of course, that would mean we would have to stay home and tend to it. Maybe when we’re done traveling.

Magnolia Market at the Silos is a great place for couples or families looking for a place to relax, grab a bite to eat, play a few rounds of cornhole, or watch the people walk by. Oh, and don’t forget the shopping. Storage constraints saved my pocketbook again. I could have easily spent a hundred dollars or more.

It looks like the Dr Pepper Museum, traditional handicrafts, and home décor is all I can fit into this post. Next week I’ll finish up our time in Waco by featuring a couple of restaurants we tried in town and our visit to the George W. Bush Library and Museum in Dallas.

Safe Travels

Waco, Texas – Part I

On April 26, 2018April 26, 2018 By LToddIn Photography, RV Travel, States, Texas, TravelLeave a comment

Waco, Texas, Home of Baylor University, had more to see than what we thought at first. Tourists can gawk at a preserved mammoth dig, learn about the Texas Rangers, watch artisans at work, shop for decorative household items, grab a soda at the Dr. Pepper Museum, and enjoy one of the restaurants in town.

Waco Suspension Bridge Originally Built in 1870

We kept busy during our five-night stay at Post Oak RV Park and Cabins in Waco, Texas. We even managed to fit in a drive to Dallas to see the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

American-Amicable Life Insurance Company (ALICO) 22-story Steel and Concrete Building Completed in 1911 – Waco Landmark

All of these locations are too much for one post, so this week we’ll take a look at the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame and Museum and the Waco Mammoth National Park and leave the rest for next week.

Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum

The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is located across the parking lot from the Waco Visitor Center where tourists will find friendly helpful staff who possess a wealth of information and are eager to assist travelers.

Texas Ranger Statue in Front of Hall of Fame and Museum

Although the Texas Rangers weren’t officially recognized in legislation until 1874, several iterations of rangers date back to 1823 when Stephen F. Austin formed a militia to protect settlements against Indian raids. Early rangers were required to supply their own horses and equipment and often worked as volunteers because the government did not always pay them for their services.

We started our tour of the museum by watching the movie that told of the ranger history. The movie didn’t shy away from dishing out stories about the bad rangers along with the stories of the men who are regarded as heroes.

The museum is filled with displays of guns, hats, and boots. What impressed me the most about the museum was the workmanship that went into engraving the barrels and handgrips on the weapons. Unfortunately, the lighting was not ideal for taking photos.

As I walked around reading the various bios of the rangers, one of them caught my attention when I noticed a connection to the San Francisco Bay Area and Apache Pass. The San Francisco Bay Area is where we call home and we had recently hiked at Apache Pass to get to the Fort Bowie National Park in Arizona. I had to learn more.

John Coffee Hays began work as an assistant to a land surveyor at the age of 15 after his parents died. Drawn to Texas in 1836 after the territory declared independence from Mexico, he joined the Texas Rangers and continued working as a surveyor for the next 13 years. During that time, Texas became a state (December 29, 1845), war with Mexico broke out (April 25, 1846 – February 2, 1848), and John Hays was elected as the county surveyor and promoted to the rank of major. He encountered many skirmishes with Mexicans and Native Americans alike while conducting surveys or working with the Rangers.

HOF-Hays-e1501782402246 — John Coffee Hays*

Like many men throughout the United States during 1849, gold fever attracted Mr. Hays to California. Appointed as US Indian Agent for the Gila River country in New Mexico and Arizona, he led a wagon train of forty-niners to California from Texas, blazing a shortcut between Tucson and Mesilla by traveling through Apache Pass. When he arrived in San Francisco, his reputation had preceded him and residents drafted Hays to run for the newly authorized sheriff position. He won the election handily, but his term as sheriff was not without difficulty. He had to contend with a group of vigilantes and hold prisoners in a makeshift jail. He resigned shortly after his second term began and, with his deputy, purchased real estate across the bay, eventually becoming one of the founders of the City of Oakland.

Some of the stories of Ranger Hays’s exploits read more like a dime novel than a fact-based portrayal. Was it possible for 12 rangers to fight off an attack by 200 Mexican guerillas with no loss of life? Or, was the report of the incident riddled with hyperbole? Either way, John Coffee Hays impressed me with all he accomplished during his life. It seems he earned and deserved all the respect people had for him.

Visit the museum any day from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Entrance fee is $8.00 for adults with a $1.00 discount for seniors 60 or over and military with an ID. The fee for children 6 – 12 is $4.00.

Waco Mammoth National Monument

Now let’s travel back in time 65,000 to 100,000 years ago to the Ice Age when Columbian mammoths roamed North America as far south as Costa Rica. The beasts, standing 13 feet (4 m) at the shoulders and weighing 22,000 pounds (10 tonnes), would barely fit under a typical freeway overpass of today, which stands at 17 feet.

Trail from Visitor Center to Mammoth Dig Site

It is hard to imagine that a flash flood could be responsible for the demise of a group of female and juvenile mammoths, but that is what archaeologists believe could have caused their deaths. Did the water rush in undercutting the soil where the mammoths stood and then they sank? Was the water more powerful than the 22,000-pound Columbian mammoths? I wonder if it felt like when I stand at the edge of the beach and let the sand give way under my feet when waves rush in and out.

Back to modern times, imagine stomping around the banks of the Bosque River and stumbling over a mammoth bone. That’s what happened when two men searching for arrowheads and fossils discovered a large bone at the location in 1978.

Tusks and Bones Lay in Place Where Unearthed by Archeologists

From 1978 to 1990 the Strecker Museum at Baylor University discovered 16 mammoths (a nursery herd that died together in a single event). Between 1990 and 1997 where a large male, two female, two juveniles and a camel were located.

The site was opened to the public in 2009 when a climate-controlled shelter was erected to protect the bones and allow the general public to view the site.

When President Obama designated the site as a National Monument in 2015, the city deeded the 5-acre dig site to the federal government but retained 100 acres around it for future park-related development.

A depiction of a Columbia Mammoth Noted by its Top Knot

The City of Waco, Baylor University, and the National Park Service operate the site in partnership, which is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. except major federal holidays. The guided tour fee ranges from free to $5.00 depending on grade level, age, or use of available discounts.

That concludes the first installment of Waco, Texas. We’ll be back next week with more sights to see.

Safe Travels

*Permission for photo use granted by Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum Source: http://www.texasranger.org/texas-ranger-museum/hall-of-fame/john-coffee-jack-hays/

The Hill Country and Spicewood, Texas

On April 19, 2018 By LToddIn California, Photography, RV Maintenance, RV Travel, Travel4 Comments

On Thursday, February 28, 2018, we set the GPS to route our drive to Hill Country Lakes RV Resort in Briarcliff, Texas. I was sad to leave behind the waddling Muscovy ducks, but more so the grackle blackbirds. I got used to the bird’s whistles and how they sounded like they were playing scales on an otamatone, and of course, their grackles, which brought to mind a toy machine gun. I never knew a bird could have so many different sounds.

As we started to pull out of our site, the lady from the office came up to Jon and handed him $85.00. Apparently, she had charged us the summer rate rather than the winter rate. They could have easily kept our extra payment without us knowing the difference. I’m so glad they were honest and refunded our money.

With all the construction on the major highways, we didn’t relish our drive through Houston. We lucked out, though, breezing along without too much traffic to navigate.

East of Houston, we saw this new Amazon fulfillment center nearing completion, which will house more than 400 employees.

We stopped in La Grange, Texas, for lunch at the Back Porch BBQ & Grill. I’m a sucker for a pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw and an Arnold Palmer was the perfect drink to wash it down.

Back Porch BBQ

Walking back to the truck, however, Jon noticed something weird with the sewer connection. On further inspection, he realized the cap was missing and the piece of double elbow pipe was barely hanging on, yanked from its connection. Darn, Jon rolled over that old alligator (tire tread) after all. Thank goodness, the damage did not extend to or beyond the valve.

We settled in at Hill Country Lakes RV in Spicewood, Texas, with the sewer repair the first task on our agenda.

RV Spots at Hill Country Lakes RV are Tucked in Among the Trees

RV Sewer Repair

The park hosts directed us to Hill Country RV, Inc. in Marble Falls for the parts needed to fix the sewer. We drove there early the next day and ordered a reducer to go from 3” to 1-1/2” pipe. They promised it would arrive around 2:00 p.m. the next day. Jon picked up a 3” double elbow from a plumbing supply warehouse. At Home Depot, he bought ABS cement, lengths of 3” and 1-1/2” PVC pipe, and a hacksaw. Jon fixed what he could without the missing piece, then waited until the next day to complete the repair. After letting it sit overnight, the repair passed the tests with no leaks. Hooray, we had our sewer back.

Population Growth

Driving north out of Austin on our way to Spicewood, we had noticed a mass of growth from houses to townhouses, condos, and apartments and shopping centers where all the national restaurant and retail chains had set up shop. Our drive to Lakeway to visit with our friends was more of the same.

World Population Review lists Austin as the 11th largest city in the United States and the 3rd largest state capital. Austin’s metropolitan area’s population is forecasted to reach 3.2 million by 2030. No wonder it felt like the city was taking the country out of The Hill Country. The hills, once graced with greenery are now taken over with housing and shopping centers with more construction on the way. I guess that’s the price of progress and growth, but in some respects, it makes me sad. Where will people go to get their nature fix?

Pace Bend County Park

A drive through Pace Bend County Park brought us back to nature. The park has 20 improved and 400 primitive campsites. All of the 20 water and electric sites were reserved for the weekend, but it looked like they might have been open during the week.

: Campsite or Picnic Area Near the Lake

Launch a boat and fish, take a hike, or sit under a tree and read a book. This little slice of nature is going to become more precious as the growth continues.

Reimers Ranch County Park

Reimers Ranch County Park was another place to get back to nature. We packed a lunch and drove out to the park. The four-mile hike along the river and through the bluff in the warm humid weather made me thankful that property like this has been set aside for future generations to experience the outdoors.

Rain Drops Appear to Float Above the Ground

River Wasn’t Deep Enough to Put in a Kayak

Family Business Beer Company

We had seen Family Business Beer Company on our way to Reimers Ranch and decided to check it out on our way back. This was a nice place to enjoy a cold flight of beers and bag of chips after our hike.

The grounds are set up for bean bag toss games to keep patrons busy, and a children’s playground to conquer the little one’s boredom while parents taste the beer. Plenty of seating is provided, or bring your own.

Picnic Tables and Bean Bag Toss Games For Guests

For a bite to eat a food trailer serves a variety of treats.

Inside, larger groups will find the long bistro tables accommodating.

Of our flight, only one suited our taste, the Haulin Oats. Jon and I prefer amber and wheat beer over IPAs, which are more popular here.

From Left to Right: Fox, King Biscuit, Haulin Oats, and Grackle

Mansfield Dam

Along the Texas Colorado River stands Mansfield Dam. Completed in 1941, the dam rises 278 feet high, is 7,089 feet long, and 213 feet thick at the base. Named for U.S. Representative J.J. Mansfield, Lake Travis can store up to 369 billion US gallons of water.

This Used to be the Road Across the Mansfield Hydroelectric Dam

The hydroelectric power plant generates up to 108 megawatts of electricity.

A Four Lane Highway Replaced the Dam Road

A Couple More Restaurants

We had the occasion to visit a couple of restaurants during our visit. While in Marble Falls, we stopped in at Blue Bonnet Café for their “pie happy hour.” The meringue on the lemon pie was the fluffiest we’d ever seen and not overly sweet.

Sevens Out BBQ, the restaurant next to our RV park, invited the guests to a BBQ giveaway to celebrate their grand opening. We managed to get a sample tray with brisket, sausage and ribs, potato salad, coleslaw, and what I think was bread pudding. Everything was delicious, even the bread pudding, which usually is not my favorite.

I wouldn’t mind coming back to Spicewood someday for the peace and quiet away from the city growth and the great BBQ.

Next up we head to Waco, Texas.

The Traveling Todds

Category: RV Travel

The Space between Waco and Abilene, Texas

Waco, Texas – Part II

Waco, Texas – Part I

The Hill Country and Spicewood, Texas

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