Getting out and about
It's a good thing that we are staying in Texas longer than usual (3 months) for appointments and other things. As we continue to check off on our to do list, we have time to do a little siteseeing.
Pedernales Falls State Park
Pedernales Falls State Park is a 20 minute drive where part of the Pedernales River runs over massive slabs of limestone creating the appearance of several falls and pools of fresh clear waters.
We ventured down to the falls and hiked around these huge limestone slabs arriving early to avoid the crowds. Most people head straight to the falls and few are seen on the trails. Many of the trails aren't too technical for mountain biking but also are great hikes on days we want to get away for a few hours.
It would be a great place to swim and tube during the warm summer months. The campground was also quite appealing.
Texas State Parks are trying to care for the land and make a better experience for visitors by limiting people entering each day and doing a good job of managing their resources. Many high capacity days require reservations or are closed once they reach capacity. They post on Facebook once the park closes.
Unfortunately, the state we loved (Colorado) was poorly managed and overtourism was allowed to flourish. Breckenridge was under managed and over built which is one reason we are forgoing skiing there for now. The skiing experience has changed dramatically with too many people on the mountain making the experience less enjoyable with increased chance of injury. Overtourism seems to be changing many outdoor experiences.
New Braunfels, TX
The bike riding is pretty limited in Fredericksburg due to the traffic. We have found a couple of low traffic routes with good climbs to keep our legs from getting too soft. But I found a route on River Road in New Braunfels outside of San Antonio that I wanted to ride running along the Guadalupe River.
It is a beautiful ride over rolling hills even in the winter. It has to be even more beautiful in the spring with the wild flowers or the fall with the trees changing. As we pedaled along the river there was a constant flow of other cyclists and those on motorcycles passing by. But not too fast.
I bet it is a crazy place along the river in the summer with all of the tubing rentals, vacation homes, restaurants and bars that we passed on the way to Canyon Lake.
Maybe we will get to do it all again before we leave Stonewall.
Gruene, TX
The historic town of Gruene, pronounced “Green”, is located right outside of New Braunfels and 25 miles north of San Antonio. The town is known for the great history and is home to Gruene hall (the oldest dance hall in Texas). Several famous country singers and legends have performed at Gruene Hall. Some of these singers include Willie Nelson, George Strait, and Lyle Lovett.
We stopped into Gruene Hall to listen to the local musicians from Austin and do a little dancing. They have free music almost daily and ticketed performers on Saturdays. We are finding the music here amazing.
Before heading out of town, we stopped at the outdoor Gruene Grove for BBQ and more music. We could have spent much more time in this great area but our drive home was calling after a day of cycling and dancing. Yes, we did change our bike clothes before heading to the bar. This is Texas after all.
