#24. Watch the stars, satellites and a great meteor shower under the dark skies of the Texas Hill Country

The Hill Country is filled with miles and miles of areas where you can escape the glow of city lights and enjoy a dark sky. Dark skies at night provide excellent stellar viewing opportunities. Find a hilltop on a county road away from town where you have a good view of the horizons around you and you’re in for a treat! Share the experience with kids or turn it into an evening with that special someone (in my case, that’d be my yellow Lab dog Honey! Oh well!!).


The moon will not be visible at night on August 10, 2010. And it won’t be visible for much of the night during the 3-4 days on either side of the 10th. If you are in a dark spot out in the country and “if” we don’t have clouds, the stars and satellites should be great for viewing that night. You can monitor the time that the moon rises and sets for any day of the year at http://www.usno.navy.mil/USNO/astronomical-applications/data-services/rs-one-year-us . There you will find that the moon will set at 8:44 PM on the 10th, at 9:21 PM on the 11th, and at 9:58 PM on the 12th.

The planets Mercury, Venus, Saturn and Mars will be setting on the western horizon near 10PM on August 10th-12th . Scorpio and the Big Dipper will also be visible at this time. Jupiter will rise above the eastern horizon around 11 PM.

There’s a great website that can be used to show you in advance what the skies will hold on any given night, at any given time and at any give location. Type in your location and it does can provide you with a map of what the skies will show that evening. It will even show you exactly when and where that satellites will pass over! Find this website at http://www.heavens-above.com/ . See the photo above from this website which features the night sky on August 10 at 10 PM.

And to top it off, the annual Perseids meteor shower peaks on the night of August 12 and the dawn of August 13 (but be seen to a lesser degree on the 3-4 nights either side of the 12th). Most of the meteor action will be seen during the hours of 1 AM to 6 AM on the 13th. You can expect to see 25-50 or so meteors per hour as they shoot across the northeastern sky. We’re lucky this year in that the moon will not be up during prime viewing times. In 2009, the moonlight spoiled the whole show! Jupitor will be overhead most of the dark early morning hours on the 13th.

The meteors are certainly bright, but they are actually only tiny objects, usually no more than a grain of sand. They travel at mind-blowing speeds of 71 kilometers per second which helps these small particles put on such a brilliant show year after year.

For photographing the meteors, a digital camera mounted on a tripod helps to steady the images that race across the sky. A quick trigger finger also helps. Even random clicks during the height of Perseid "prime-time" will guarantee that you'll catch something! Be sure to have the camera focused on infinity and, if your camera permits, leave the shutter open for several minutes for the most spectacular photographic effects.

Pack comfortable chairs, bug spray, food and drinks, blankets, plus a red-filtered flashlight for reading maps and charts without ruining your night vision. Binoculars are not necessary. Your eyes will do just fine.

Now let’s just hope for “no clouds” on the nights of the August 10-12!

–Don Gray

#23. Junction, TX and the South Llano River State Park should be on your summer list

Another great Hill Country place to enjoy is Junction, TX. Junction accurately bills itself as the “Land of the Living Waters”. You will find the South Llano River State park on the southern edge of town. Floating the clear South Llano River is the main draw here (except for deer hunting in season). Summer visitors enjoy swimming, tubing, kayaking, canoeing and fishing the river as it winds its way for two miles through the park, beneath beautiful limestone bluffs and past ranchlands. It’s a relatively small (524 acres) and quiet park.


Campers can choose from water-and-electric sites and 30-amp service or 6 walk-in campsites with picnic tables and fire rings for those seeking more solitude. Most sites are shaded by mesquite and oak trees or have shade shelters.

Next door you will find the 2,200 acre Walter Buck Wildlife Management area which is also operated by the State. Walter Buck is open to the public and features over 20 miles of hike and bike trails.

South Llano River State Park is good for either short or long floats. Most "toobers" put in just above the low-water crossing at the park entrance and enjoy short floats to downriver gravel shoals and banks. For those seeking a longer tubing experience, the park recommends floating more than a mile to a designated takeout point. You can rent tubes at the park's visitor center for $5 a day. In addition, several Junction area outfitters offer canoe and kayak rentals for daylong trips or shorter treks. For a longer float, you can float all the way into Junction (the “City Park”).

Suggested tubing trips are:

• between the first and second crossings on the South Llano River (approximately 15 miles from Junction on Highway 377 south)

• within the boundaries of South Llano River State Park (park fees apply)

• beginning at Flat Rock Crossing (near Texas Tech Center) and finishing at the two privately owned campgrounds or the City Park.

Rio Grande turkeys are seen most every day strutting through the campground, river bottoms and woodlands throughout the park. From October through March, turkeys roost inside the park, restricting visitor access to much of the park during the six-month season. You will also see white-tailed deer and axis deer that roam the park.

Bird watchers love the park too! Four wildlife observation blinds equipped with benches afford a close-up view through large windows that looks out on a water feature, brush piles and feeding stations. Painted bunting, pyrrhuloxia, black-capped vireo, Eastern bluebird, house finch and other colorful species are frequently seen, especially in spring. Occasionally, birders spot the endangered black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler. All three kingfisher species, too, can be spotted at South Llano.

South Llano River State Park is located in Kimble County five miles south of Junction on U. S. 377

The park website is found at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/south_llano_river/

Time your trip to enjoy Junction’s Summer Classic Rodeo held on August 13-14, 2010.

-Don Gray

(This posting was suggested by Cindy Ivy, a true HC girl)

#22. It’s time to pick apples in Medina, TX (north of Bandera)

Gather up the family and head to Love Creek Orchards in Medina, TX to pick fresh ripe apples straight from the trees (north of Bandera). Love Creek Orchards opens seasonally for you to pick various types of fruit. May and June typically offer with fresh blackberries. In July you can pick fresh tree-ripened apples and in August they offer some of the sweetest figs in Texas. As with all fresh fruit, this is dependent on Mother Nature. The best time to pick is when fruit is at their peak of ripeness. Love Creek posts picking times on their web site or you can call the orchard at 830-589-2588.
When you come to pick, Love Creek provides the containers for picking. Prices are generally based on current market prices at the time of picking. They have a shaded picnic area near the orchard for you to enjoy a picnic lunch if you want to bring one or visit the Apple Store just up the road from the orchard and eat at the Patio Café. Get the hot apple pie! The Patio Café was listed among the Top 40 best Small Town Restaurants in Texas by Texas Monthly Magazine.

Love Creek Orchards became pioneers of the Texas Apple Industry when Baxter and Carol Adams planted their first experimental apple orchards in 1981. Little did they know that their experiment would not only produce such wonderful sweet apples, but would also start a new industry for the state of Texas.

Baxter and Carol expanded their operation in 1988 when they opened The Cider Mill and Country Store in downtown Medina. At the Cider Mill, Love Creek lovingly produces over fifty different products made from sweet Texas Apples. Their apple butters, jams and jellies, baked goods and specialty items have become famous for their homemade goodness and attention to detail. Each item produced is handmade and packaged by the Adams Family and friends. In 2007 Baxter and Carol retired from the Cider Mill and Country Store and sold it to Bryan and Stacie Hutzler. The store name changed to “The Apple Store” simply because that is what all of the locals and tourist called it. Bryan and Stacie have worked hard to maintain the quality of apple goodies produced at the store and continue to sell the apple that Baxter produces in the orchards. Tours of Love Creek Orchards and The Apple Store are offered April through October. The Apple Store is open seven days a week and there is always fresh apple pie cooking.

The orchard and the store are located on main street in Medina, TX (Highway 16 North). You can’t miss them. The orchard is open daily, except Sundays, 9:30 to 3:30 during the picking season.

http://www.lovecreekorchards.com/

Don’t forget to wade the lovely Medina River while there! Clear water over a slab rock bottom. Fantastic! Enter the river at the crossings on Highway 470 or Highway 337, just to the west of Highway 16 North. Stay in the river to avoid trespassing on private property.

Have fun! -Don Gray

#21. Beat the heat at Krause Springs near Spicewood, TX (west of Austin)

Krause Springs is one of the best places in Texas. Bar none. It is a wonderful clear water swimming hole in Cypress Creek. They also feature a seperate spring water swimming pool, a butterfly garden and camping (tent and RV). The 115 acre property has more than 30 springs and lots of enormous cypress trees. There are also camp sites and 24 RV sites with electricity.

To get to Krause Springs, take Texas 71 W from Austin. Go about 18 miles past the intersection of 620 and 71 in Bee Cave and take a right on County Road 191 at the Exxon on the corner. Just a bit down 191 and you will see the sign for Krause Springs. Turn right on CR 404 and follow the signs.

General Provisions:

Open Year Round

No dogs allowed

No glass containers

Credit cards not accepted

Admission Prices:

Day Guests

$5 per Adult (12 years and older)

$4 per Child (4 - 11 years)

FREE for Children under 4

Camping Per Day

$10 per Adult

$5 per Child

$10 per RV camp site

Krause Springs is open year round and the pools are open daily from 9 AM til sun down.

Check out their photos at http://www.krausesprings.net/index.html

-Have fun, -Don Gray

#20. Dance at the Quihi Gun Club & Dance Hall in Quihi, TX (near Castroville and Hondo)

This is the only place I ever got kicked out of (back in the 70’s). But I still love to return (using an alias of course).

Two German men met under an oak tree on Quihi Creek in 1890 to organize the Quihi Schuetzen (shooting) Verein (club). Now called the Quihi Gun Club, it is one of the oldest social clubs in the country with over 600 members. Having been built on the Quihi Creek, the club's building had been washed away 3 times before the building that stands today was built.

Dances are still held every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month! Visitors of all ages from all over the world enjoy dancing on one of the best wooden dance floors ever. You can bring your own bottle. Beer, water, soft drinks and set-ups are provided. Traditional “Texas CW” dancing at its best.

From Boerne

Take Hwy 46 West going towards Bandera-go right on Hwy 16 North

then at Hwy 173 Intersection go South going to Hondo. Turn left on

FM 2676 and go 6 miles. Look for the Quihi Gun Club sign and turn

right. Follow this road to the Quihi Gun Club and Dance Hall.

From San Antonio

Travel to Hwy 90 going towards Del Rio, exit in Hondo at Hwy 173 and

go North towards Bandera. Turn right on FM 2676 and go 6 miles.

Look for the Quihi Gun Club sign and turn right. Follow this road to

the Quihi Gun Club and Dance Hall.

From Devine

Travel on Hwy 173 North and go towards Hondo. Go past Hondo

2 miles and turn right on FM 2676 and go 6 miles.

Look for the Quihi Gun Club sign and turn right. Follow this road to

the Quihi Gun Club and Dance Hall.

-Don Gray

#19. Do some boot scootin’ at the Twin Sisters Dance Hall, south of Blanco, TX

Twin Sisters Dance Hall, built in 1870, still has dances held the first Saturday of each month from 9PM to 1 AM. On August 7 you can dance to the Mike Cowen Band. The Hall is an old wooden structure and features a large wooden dance floor. Folks of all ages dance here.

Although Gruene Hall in nearby Gruene boasts that it’s the oldest dance hall in Texas, the real honor goes to the Twin Sisters Dance Hall.

You can bring finger foods and BYOB and/or champagne. You cannot bring beer, water or soda water, as these are sold on site.

For additional information and renting Twin Sisters Hall for private parties, contact Karen Jones at 830/833-5773.

The historic hall is located approximately 7 miles south of Blanco on Highway 281, just north of the intersection of 281 and 473. It is not visible from 281, but the entrance is on the west side of 281.

-Have fun , Don Gray

#18. “Chili & Chillin” this Saturday at 9 wineries located near Fburg

Nine wineries located near and around Stonewall and Fredericksburg will be serving perfectly paired chilies and chilled wines this Saturday, July 24. Enjoy music, fun, and great food from area restaurants. There is no cost to participate in the pairing and there are no tickets. Usual tasting fees apply at each winery for regular wine tastings. Check with each participating winery for hours.

Becker Vineyards: http://www.beckervineyards.com/

Chisholm Trail Winery: http://www.chisholmtrailwinery.com/

Fredericksburg Winery: http://www.fbgwinery.com/


Grape Creek Vineyards: http://www.grapecreek.com/

Pedernales Cellars: http://www.pedernalescellars.com/

Rancho Ponte Vineyard: http://www.ranchoponte.com/

Texas Hills Vineyard: http://www.texashillsvineyard.com/

Torre di Pietra: http://www.texashillcountrywine.com/

Woodrose Winery: http://www.woodrosewinery.com/

-Don Gray

#17. Peaches!!

I love a juicy Hill Country peach. And this year's crop is super tasty!!


If you travel the Hill County near Stonewall, JC and Fburg, you will see roadside peach stands galore. I'd love to meet that lady "Peaches", her chain of fruit and veggie stands are everywhere. Don't really understand her business plan, as sometimes she has stands right next door to each other! Just kidding about "Peaches" and her business plan, as there is not really a woman named Peaches that owns the stands! They are simply seperate seasonal busiess ventures each advertising their fresh picked peaches! Whether you buy them from a stand or pick them in one of the many orchards along Highway 290, you are bound to find some really tasty peaches this season. Be quick, the season closes soon!



-Don Gray

#16. Enjoy a “Limo” Tour of Hill Country Wineries

The Hill Country is now home to at least 25 wineries that are open for the public to enjoy. The best way to visit several in a day and to take full advantage of the "wine tastings" is to arrange for a limo tour of several wineries. This way you leave the driving to your tour guide and will be able to fully enjoy the tastings at each winery. You can put together your own group of friends to share the experience with, or join in on a regularly scheduled limo tour and make new wine friends. You can even arrange for the limo to pick up and return you at a central location of your choice (like your driveway!). The tour operators feature luxurious busses and limos for your comfort.


This is a great way to enjoy a birthday or anniversary with friends.

Web links to two tour transportation operators are found below…



Bluebonnet Wine Tours: http://www.bluebonnetwinetours.com/

Texas Wine Tours: http://www.texas-wine-tours.com/



-Don Gray

#15. Tour “Cave Without A Name”

I think that “Cave Without a Name” is the prettiest cave in Texas. The stairwell into the cave has 126 steps descending to approximately 90 feet below the surface. You’ll even find a large flowing stream in the cave. It’s a constant 66 degrees, so it is a great place to spend a hot afternoon. It features 6 large rooms full of interesting things to see.


The cave is located 12 miles northeast of Boerne, TX. Map it at “325 Kreutzberg Rd., Boerne, TX 78006”. It is open 9 AM to 6 PM from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and from 10AM to 5 PM the rest of the year (except closed Labor Day until Memorial Day)

To get there from San Antonio, head west on Interstate 10, go about 18 miles, take the first exit for Boerne (Highway 87), and follow the road into town. When you reach the fourth traffic light turn right onto 474. Follow the road out of town for 6 miles, turn right onto Kreutzberg Road, and then follow the signs for 5.3 miles to the cave

Check out the cave’s website for admission fees and some really great photos.

http://www.cavewithoutaname.com/

-Don Gray

Just exactly where is the Texas Hill Country?

According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the following 25 counties comprise the Texas Hill Country:


• Bandera

• Bell

• Blanco

• Burnet

• Comal

• Coryell

• Crockett

• Edwards

• Gillespie

• Hays

• Kendall

• Kerr

• Kimble

• Lampasas

• Llano

• Mason

• McCullouch

• Menard

• Real

• San Saba

• Schleicher

• Sutton

• Travis

• Val Verde

• Williamson

#14. Coopers BBQ in Mason, TX (not the ones in Llano or New Bruanfels)

The Hill Country is blessed with several open pit style BBQ places named “Coopers”. But the original Coopers is located in Mason, TX and it is in no way associated with the other Coopers. Coopers in Mason was established in 1953 by the late George Cooper, later purchased by Duard Dockal in 1983. When Duard (pronounced doo-erd) took over the business, he decided to make the business more family friendly, and the rest is history. They’ve been using the same delicious recipe for over 50 years now, and over the years they’vde become an institution. Mr. Dockal and his great staff serve visitors from all over the world, and people routinely drive hundreds of miles out of their way just to have lunch in Mason. Drop by and try their unique ‘homemade’ barbecue sauces.

In 2003, when Texas Monthly did its statewide review of the 50 best barbecue restaurants, Cooper’s in Mason was among the top five, while other imitators ranked 39th at best. Cooper’s Mason brisket was also ranked the best in Texas in Delta’s Sky magazine. With numerous write-ups in newspapers all over Texas and the rest of the country, the original Cooper’s Pit Bar-B-Q is without a doubt one of the best places to visit if you enjoy excellent barbecue.

Cooper’s Mason serves beef brisket, chicken, pork chops, sausage, cabrito, pork ribs, beef ribs, sirloin steaks and pork loins. And great pinto beans! First you visit the pit and tell the pit master what piece you want. Then, the meat is carried inside where it is cut to your liking. You can take it with you or eat it in their air-conditioned dining room.
If you’re out of state, and would like Cooper’s to ship an order to you, call and they’ll figure out a price for you. They’ll send their famous barbecue to you anywhere in the country.

Cooper’s Mason is located at 502 San Antonio Street (Hwy 87 South, next to the Super Grocery Store). Their phone # is (325) 347-6897. Hours 8 to 5:30 (or earlier if they sell out), daily.

Post a comment with your thoughts about Cooper’s in Mason or about another favorite BBQ place in the Hill Country.

Tell’m “365 TX Hill Country” sent you and maybe I’ll get lucky to have them toss in a free bag of chips with my purchase!

Come hungry!
-Don Gray

#13. Enjoy a spectacular drive through the real “Hill” Country

This route takes you through four beautiful river valleys, with all four spring-fed rivers offering crystal clear water flowing over rock slab bottoms. The first three rivers are lined with cypress trees in many places. From east to west you will cross the Medina River, the Sabinal River, the Frio River, and the Nueces River. Between each river you cross high ridges of limestone “hills” covered with cedar and various types of oaks. These hills offer spectacular views into gorgeous canyons. The eastern end of this route is Medina, TX, located at the intersection of Highway 16 and Highway 337. Heading west on 337, this route takes you through Vanderpool, near Lost Maples State Natural Area, to Leakey (and the nearby Rio Frio/Concan area), and over to Camp Wood on the western end. With no stops, you can make this drive in about 1.5 hours. But that’d be a waste. I’d suggest turning the drive into a weekend or longer!
The small town of Medina began as a saw mill operation in 1865. The town is presently known as the apple capital of Texas and you will see apple orchards consisting of dwarf trees that produce a very sweet apple. It’s only 22 miles from Medina to Vanderpool, but it takes at least 30 minutes to drive it due to the curves and wonderful views. Look for the rare Madrone trees along the right of way and on the hillsides.

After crossing the Sabinal River (Spanish for “cypress” which still line its banks in many places), take a right at the T-intersection and you will soon come to the Lost Maples Store where you can buy a snack and a soda and “sometimes” BBQ is served on weekends. The Vanderpool area was first settled by Anglos in the 1850’s but was abandoned in the 1860’s due to the Comanche indians. The valley was later re-settled in the 1880’s. If time permits you can head north on 187 to quickly reach Lost Maples State Natural Area. Lost Maples is a great place to take a short hike to stretch your legs and enjoy some nice hiking scenery. Yes, you can even see its famed maples trees, a rare sight in Texas. From Vanderpool you can also drive south on 187 and enjoy Utopia, TX. Be sure and visit the park there and maybe take a swim in the small lake on the Sabinal River. Back at the Lost Maples Store, continue west on 337 toward Leakey, a drive of only 15 miles that takes another 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can head west from Utopia on Highway 1050 for 15 miles and reach Garner State Park on the Frio River, then turn north on Highway 83 for 8 miles to reach Leakey. Either route to Leakey is gorgeous.

You will enter Leakey after crossing the Frio River (Spanish for “cold”, as in “water temperature”!). Leakey offers numerous restaurants and small stores. “Leakey” is pronounced as “LAY-key” and is not pronounced like a “leakey” faucet. Leakey was settled by Anglos in 1856 (another saw mill operation) and was named in honor of a settler. The last Indian raid in the area was in 1882. The town is now the county seat of Real County. If time permits you can drop south on Highway 83 to explore the Concan and Rio Frio areas which features several crossings of the famed Frio River and Garner State Park. This is clearly “river tubing” country in the summer!

From Leakey head west on 337 to Camp Wood, Tx. Along the way look for “pinon” pine (pronounced “pin-yun”) trees growing along the right of way and on hillsides. You don’t find these trees in many other places in Texas, especially in the Hill Country. Camp Wood is 21 miles west of Leakey, but once again, the curves in the road make it a 30 minute trip. Camp Wood derives its name from a US military outpost camp located here during 1857-1861. This area was also the site of a Franciscan mission that served Lipan Apaches during 1757-1761. The numerous springs in the area served the mission and later the military camp and still serve as the city’s primary source of water. Young pilot Charles Lindbergh made an unplanned stop here in 1924 when attempting to fly from San Antonio to California. A historical marker tells the story of Lindbergh’s crash here. The Nueces river flows just to the west side of Camp Wood. In Spanish, the word Nueces means “nut”. It is not known whether the nut in reference was the pecan or the nut of the pinion pine. Both are plentiful in the area. Spanish explorers traveled across this area in the first half of the 1500’s, possibly including the famed Cabeza de Vaca (a subject of dispute among historians it seems).

To wrap this trip up, the route to your home destination can be as varied as you like. No need to back track unless you want to see the route in reverse!

Learn More?

Madrone trees: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=arxa80
Pinon pine trees: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=pied and http://www.tpwmagazine.com/archive/2007/may/legend/
Lost Maples State Natural Area: http://tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/lost_maples/
Garner State Park: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/garner/
Leakey, Texas: http://www.traveltex.com/cities-and-regions/cities/leakey
Concan, Texas: http://www.traveltex.com/search?q=concan
Camp Wood, Texas: http://www.traveltex.com/search?q=camp wood

-Don Gray, with help from cousin Steve in Rio Frio, TX

#12. Catch a bunch of Carp!

Carp fishing is a bucket of fun for folks of all ages. They are big, fight hard, can be caught from shore and are found in most every body of water in the Texas Hill Country. And they can be caught 24/7. And due to their great numbers, carp fishing does not require at great deal of patience or fishing skill. Sure, most of us are grossed out by the thought of eating carp, but they are still fun to catch and release (or properly discard of). But the fact is that carp are considered a desirable “eating” fish in many other countries.

Carp are typically bottom feeders. Chumming a fishing area is a good way to increase the chances of catching lots of them. You can chum with canned corn, or with “deer” corn, maize, or range cubes purchased at a feed store. Better yet, several days prior to your carp fishing trip, “sour” some grain for use in chumming. To do this, first find a bucket or can that has an airtight lid. Fill a bucket or can halfway with corn or maize, add a package of yeast or a beer to the grain, then add water until the container is about ¾ filled. Set in the sun for a few days to hasten the “souring” process. Then take the lid off after a few days and if the mixture stinks, you are ready to chum!

Carp find food by smell and taste, not by sight. Bait a hook with a piece of canned corn or bait a small treble hook with “dough” bait. You can easily make your own dough bait with the recipe provided below. Allow your hook to sit on the bottom without a cork or bobber. A bottom covered in sand, mud or gravel and without moss is a good place to fish. Medium weight to heavy weight rods and lines are great for catching carp. Most carp you catch will be in the range of 1 to 2 feet in length.

You can catch carp from most any body of water, day or night, any day of the year. Some of my favorite Hill Country public locations include: Blanco State Park, the Pedernales River lake at Johnson City (below the 281 bridge), the Llano River lake at Llano, the Pedernales River at LBJ State Park, the city park in Utopia, the various LCRA parks along the Colorado River (including the Highland Lakes), Inks Lake State Park, public access points on the Guadalupe, San Marcos, Llano, Pedernales, Frio, Medina, and Sabinal Rivers.

Carp “Dough Bait” Recipe:
1 cup of ground up Wheaties cereal (dry grind in a blender or crush finely by hand), 1.25 cups of “red” soda, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Mix it up and use with a small treble hook. My personal preference is to use the “springed-type” of treble hooks to better hold the dough to the hook. Use Wheaties, no "off-brand".

Please post a comment to suggest your favorite “public” carp fishing location and tips, and post your carp photos here.

Happy carp fishing!

-Don Gray

365 Things To Do In The Texas Hill Country: #10. Wimberley’s famed “Blue Hole”

http://www.vil.wimberley.tx.us/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7BB766306E-4CDF-449D-88C2-3778763E9617%7D

#10. Wimberley’s famed “Blue Hole”

It’s a hot afternoon here and I really should be cooling off at the Blue Hole on spring-fed Cypress Creek in Wimberley, TX! The Blue Hole is one of Texas' most famous and best loved natural swimming holes. It is within 126 acres of natural forests and native grass fields that have remained untouched for decades. The Blue Hole is now owned by the City of Wimberley and operated as a park. Great scenery, crystal clear ice cold water, great swimming and rope swings!

2010 HOURS OF OPERATION

The Blue Hole Regional Park is open for the 2010 Summer Season through Labor Day. The hours of operation are:
Sunday thru Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Holidays 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

DAILY ADMISSION

CHILDREN (0-2) FREE
CHILDREN (3-12) $3.00
ADULTS (13-59) $7.00
SENIORS (60 +) $3.00
SEASON PASS $40

Please be advised the Park is subject to closure due to inclement weather and for special events approved in advance by the City. Therefore, call the City at 512.847.0025 before traveling to the park to make certain that the park is open for public use.

Pets (dogs, etc.) are not allowed in the Park. Also, tree jumping and climbing in the Park are prohibited and children under the age of 13 will not be allowed in the Park unless they are accompanied by an adult.

Blue Hole Park is located just east of the downtown square. From the square, take Old Kyle Road to CR 285, hang a left on CR 285 a short distance to Blue Hole Lane. The park is located at 333 Blue Hole Lane.

The City’s “Blue Hole” website is found at http://www.vil.wimberley.tx.us/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7BB766306E-4CDF-449D-88C2-3778763E9617%7D

#9. Crider’s Rodeo and Dance

Okay, so now you just dropped off your mother and wife to see a performance of Cats at the Point Theatre in Ingram (see Posting #8). You were a good guy and dropped them off at the door and offered to go park the truck while they hold a seat for you. Now what do you do? Simple. Head west down the road 3.5 miles past the Hunt Store in Hunt, Texas and enjoy a Saturday night at Crider’s!

Crider’s has been doing rodeos and dancing forever, something like 85 years now. Crider’s is a Saturday night thing, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The rodeo starts at 8 PM, followed by the dance at 9 PM or so. Yes, the rodeo even includes Mutton Busting for the little cowpokes. The dance is held on a large outdoor patio under the arms of a huge live oak tree. You can buy beer and sodas there, and you can even bring your favorite bottle of spirits. They also serve a good burger. Crider’s is located on the banks of the Guadalupe, just like The Point Theatre (explains why you got lost!).

You can view Crider’s website at http://www.cridersrodeo.com/

After the dance you should return to the Point Theatre to pick up the ladies and explain that you got lost while trying to park the truck and ended “up river a ways”. Keep a straight face and look them in the eye (as best you can).

Don’t blame me for this little excursion of fun! You deserve it!

-Don Gray

#8. Catch a performance of the Broadway play “Cats” on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Ingram, west of Kerrville

For those who need a dose of culture once in a while, one of the best places to get it is Ingram, TX. Ingram is blessed to be the home of the Hill Country Arts Foundation (HCAF). HCAF features an outdoor and indoor theatre on the banks of the Guadalupe River. The outdoor theatre has impressive 722-seats and is known as “The Point”. Operating as the longest running outdoor theatre in Texas, it started in the summer of 1959. The summer season includes a musical and two comedy/dramas which feature talented volunteers. The Point is a true Texas Hill Country gem and a summer tradition for many families.

Right now you can enjoy a performance of “Cats” on the following dates.

Thursday, July 15 at 8:30 p.m.
Friday, July 16 at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 17 at 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 22 at 8:30 p.m.
Friday, July 23 at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 24 at 8:30 p.m.

For more information, visit the HCAF website at http://www.hcaf.com/theatre/shows/shows2010/cats.htm

A little culture never hurt me too much.

-Don Gray

#7. Chow down on “Parisa”!!

When you are visiting Dzuik’s Meat Market in Castroville, be sure and eat some parisa on a saltine cracker. Parisa is a dish that, to my knowledge, can only be purchased around Castroville, Quihi, Hondo and D’Hanis, TX. I was told that it was brought to the area by the Alsatian immigrants in the 1800’s. Most of the parisa made in the 1800’s has already been eaten (ha!), but they are still making fresh batches to this day. Typically only offered for sale on weekends. You will find it in Castroville at Dzuik’s (see Post #6).

Parisa doesn't sound all that good when you describe it, it is basically very lean and very fresh (and by fresh I mean raw and cut fresh) ground steak meat, serranos or jalapenos, onions, lemon juice, and some cheese all mixed together. It’s kind of like paté, but it's not rich. And it’s usually pretty spicy. It is a spread that you put on saltine crackers to watch the ball game with.

Parisa is easy to make at home. But keep things sterile since the beef is raw. Here’s a recipe…

Parisa Recipe

* 14 ounces lean fresh ground beef
* 8 ounces grated Velveeta cheese
* 1 medium onion, minced fine
* 1 or 2 serrano peppers, minced (or jalapeños)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 2-1/2 teaspoons salt
* chili powder to taste
* a pinch of powdered red pepper
* 4 teaspoons coarse-grind black pepper
* Juice of one large or two small lemons

Mix it up and let it chill overnight, then serve on saltine crackers with beer.
Good stuff!

-Don Gray

#6. Dzuik’s Meat Market, Castroville, TX

I swear by this place. Yummy for the tummy!!!

Dzuik’s is a first-class small town meat market, as sterile as a hospital. Dzuik’s is located in the small Alsatian town of Castroville, just 20 minutes west of San Antonio on Highway 90. Like jerky? Dzuik’s is the absolute best for beef jerky (slab style or thin), turkey jerky, dried sausage, salami, and snack sticks. They make REAL jerky, not at all like that sweetened flavored junk you find at convenience stores. And their fresh meat counter is also tops! You can even order stuff on line from their website at http://www.dziuks.com/ .

Hours are 8 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday.

When you are there tell them about “365 Things To Do In the Texas Hill Country” and maybe they will drop an extra ring of dried sausage in my bag next time!

-Don Gray (hungry just thinking about Dzuik’s!)