Farm To Market Road Etiquette and other Texas Manners

Once, when I had a journalist with me from a big city in another state, (that will remain unnamed), we were traveling down Farm to Market (FM)  Road 1863 on our way to Natural Bridge Caverns and Wildlife Ranch.  All of a sudden everyone going both directions pulled over to the shoulder and stopped, seconds later a saddled horse with no rider shot down the road.  By this time everyone was out of their vehicles trying to stop the horse.  Following the horse was the rider running down the middle of FM 1863.  Now, this group was a typical Texas cooperative: ranchers, business folks, moms, dads, utility workers, road crews, young adults, retirees, etc...

My passengers reaction summed up the spirit of Texas for me.  "Don't all these people have somewhere to be, how did they know what to do, and why would they all uniformly pull over?"

I thought to myself - you mean this doesn't happen everywhere?  Then I began to explain what appears to be innate to Texans.  People are valuable - a saddled horse without rider meant someone might be hurt.  Animals are valuable and are someones pride and joy.  Not to mention that this animal could cause serious damage and injury to those traveling down the road. Concern for animal, rider, and drivers took priority to other individual needs of the day.

Now, I am sure other States have similar characteristics - but that is not where I am from.  I am from Texas, with no apologies for that.   

Well, we stopped the horse. The rider was unharmed and grateful; as this was a prize winning barrel horse.  Then silently we all got back in our vehicles and pulled back onto FM 1863 going about our day.  Of course, the steering wheel wave was exchanged by all to acknowledge the collective effort that everyone exhibited.

Still mesmerized by this event, we were silent the rest of the way until we parked at our destination and then she asked, "did you guys all know each other?"  When I explained we didn't.  Silence filled the vehicle again.

Then my only response was that as Texans we take pride in where we are, definitely where we live, but being Texan is a state of mind.  You take it with you everywhere.  Respect, concern, camaraderie, and being a good neighbor are ingrained in our psyche. 

When Texans travel that persona goes with them.  I have been fortunate to have traveled extensively.    As I think about all those trips to far off places with folks from all over the world, I realize without actually knowing it - that persona went with me.  I made friends with strangers, soaked up the all the cultural differences, and unknowingly imparted Tex-isms wherever I went.

So, try imparting a random act of Tex-ism this week.... it is fun, makes you feel good, and really freaks people out that there are folks in the world that can pay it forward.   Adopt a "non" Texan and bring them into the fold....  

Nesting Season

New Braunfels, Texas makes the perfect hub for all your Hill Country travels.
With gas prices rising, a world of experiences are within 90 minutes of New Braunfels. 

Below is just one way to spoke out from your New Braunfels hub. 




Photo from Cottonwood Photography http://www.cottonwoodphotography.com/

 In late winter of 2009 my family and I ventured up to the Llano area to check out some Texas Bald Eagles. 

Yes, Bald Eagles, nest in the Texas Hill Country and why wouldn't they?!  We have great weather, warm water, plenty of nesting materials, and great fishing.  Wait, aren't those some of the reasons we live here?

Anyway, we are scouting out our next eagle sighting trip.  You see, the nest is just off the road (SH29).  Now, this isn't your average run of the mill bird's nest.  This is a NEST!  It is huge, actually it could probably house a small hot tub.  You really can't understand the complex construction and scale until you see it up close and personal.    

According to Cottonwood Photography the Eagles hatched at the end of 2010 between Dec. 21 and the beginning of January 4th.  Now comes the fun part; the Eagles catching food and bringing it back to the nest to feed the Eaglets.  Teaching them how to fly.  Moving forward with the finer aspects of flying, soaring, diving, and hunting. 

When we were there in late February one year we got to see them soaring and then the adults teaching them how to dive.  It was spectacular.  We took binoculars and a spotting scope and the views were outstanding. 

After a morning of viewing we rewarded ourselves with a picnic lunch and wine tasting at the Fall Creek Vineyards in Tow.

Hawk cruising over the Guadalupe River

This is an easy day trip from New Braunfels and there is a great scenic loop drive that takes you there and back.    Locally you can check out Ravenstar Outdoors for birding information.  I am looking forward to the Spring migratory season.  We usually have flocks of waxwings and other colorful visitors that grace our feeders.  Not to mention the stopovers that take place annually in Landa Park.   

A new year's resolution that you could easily achieve would be to see Texas first! 

Roo in Downtown New Braunfels

So if you get out and about in New Braunfels, Texas, keep your eyes open.
You never know what you will find.
Yes, this is a little joey that was following
a guest in the parking lot behind Huisache.
The guest raises them and was even carrying his
pouch that the little roo sleeps in...

Pretty funny. Really cute.


You can see wallabies close to home
at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch.

" Mom since it is going to freeze, can we go swimming?"

You know you have raised your kid right when she asks, " Mom, since it is going to freeze tomorrow... can we go swimming?"  That's right, make momma proud.  If the water in the Comal River is 73 degrees year round, that makes it Texas largest natural hot tub.  My family has always swam either on New Year's Day or in January to "wash" last year away and usher in a "clean" slate.  My mom is the die hard. (So don't wimp out and let the Octogenarian show you up!)  You may see us in Robes, toboggan hats, snow boots, with the car running, dash down to the river and make our annual pilgrimage.  It is much easier than any resolution follow through and those are one of a kind family memories.   

A trip to the Caverns is a great winter activity - it is 70 plus degrees in there as well.  Make sure you branch out and take the Jeremy Room tour.  There are one of kind formations there.   The one I remember best are the cave turnips. 

Speaking of food, get it - turnips?  Did you know that Dry Comal Creek Winery does wine pairing with soup one Saturday in January, February, and March?  Make your reservations early. 

For those more adventurous souls there is the Texas Ski Ranch Freeze Ride in February. Will we see the daring and talented local wake boarder, Mr. Shepherd, take on the challenge?   Although you won't see us in the water, you can catch the action upstairs at the Coconut having great snacks and beverages from the deck that overlooks the brave. 

Another great adventure is a stroll through Landa Park with the "smoke on the water" spiraling around you.  I wonder what the Native Americans, explorers, and early founding fathers thought that first winter they encountered the steam coming off the river?  Would have been worth seeing the looks on their faces.

There are great fireplace dining options at Huisache, Gruene River Grill, and Gristmill.  Great old cast iron stove Gemütlichkeit can be found in Gruene Hall and the Bar at the Gristmill.  Don't forget the home of Gebhardt Chili Powder - the Phoenix Saloon , they serve up - what I am told - is killer Chili.  Maybe my New Year's resolution will be to try every chili and local soup nosh in New Braunfels!  Now, that is one I might actually keep.

Don't let the cold weather give you cabin fever - get out - soak up New Braunfels with a little steam!

    

New Year, Vintage Memories, Travel Calls

It is another "smoke on the water" morning in New Braunfels, Texas.  As I drove to work this morning I was greeted by a vintage Volkswagen "pop up" van.  I flashed back to my Dad's love of our own VW camper.  He proudly drove us all over the country in that "statement" vehicle. Coupled with my mom's amazing ability to feed everyone for pennies and her warm smile that enabled the ability for the thriftiest of trips to seem like a luxury cruise.  Her amazing knack for having everything needed in that van or in her purse.   You know she really is a combination of Mary Poppins, Hints from Heloise, and Florence Nightingale.   (She also taught me, don't be afraid to wear neon green after Labor Day and/or when you are approaching 80.) 

My Mom and Dad worked very hard all their lives.  They lived through the depression, several wars, served in the military,  and served our country, each in their own way.  They treasured every moment they could by taking us on the road as much as they could possibly afford.  Now, we didn't stay in hotels or eat out much.  There were no spas or fancy restaurants on our "trip tik".  There were picnics at roadside parks, swimming at the KOA campgrounds, and sweating/freezing in that old Volkswagen camper at night - sometimes while the wind threatened to overturn us.  My brothers fondly remember a huge station wagon and camping prior to the "pop up" advancement.

Here are few of my parents Travel Tips: 

Don't be afraid to wear matching outfits.

Be sure to always wear embarrassing hats. 

Always bring your own Toilet Paper.

Pantyhose can sub for a fan belt in a pinch.

CB radios still work.

Feed anyone that shows up at your campsite.
Always stop to help a lady stranded on the road.
Festival food is a special food group.

Duct Tape, Pepto, Zip Locks, WD 40. (nuff said)
Boy Scout/Girl Scout/Sporting events count as vacation.
Garage Sales can be considered an attraction.
                                                                        
As I watch the gas prices steadily increase, I want to remind everyone that Texas is a BIG state.  Remember we have been around a long time and can secede if we want.   We have our own natural wonders, State Parks, oldest, biggest, and weirdest attractions/festivals.  This year think about seeing Texas first!  We have warm water, cold water, fast rivers, slow rivers, great beaches, beautiful lakes, amazing geological formations, wildlife, wildflowers, and locally grown produce;  that all depend on Texas waterways to flourish.   If you really want to explore on a budget, start in your own backyard.  This summer we found arrowheads in Landa Park, looked up ancestors at the Sophienburg Museum, Caught the ledge at Warnecke's, shot pool at Gruene Hall, hung out on River Road, fed Zebras at the Wildlife Ranch,  viewed cave turnips at Natural Bridge Caverns, dared to fly on the Skycoaster at the Bahn, identified over 30 birds in the Park, and fished our Boston Terrier out of the river while she was perusing the ducks.  This summer - maybe we will learn how to wake board without a boat?  Right here in New Braunfels, Texas.

Vintage 1980's photo from our annual family reunion week at Potter's Creek at Canyon Lake and yes, we - the "Griswalds"  -- kept this old boat in our backyard! 

Get in your car and GO! Your kids don't care how or where - they will learn more than any classroom; especially if your Dad makes you stop at every historical marker to listen to him read it to you and asks questions about it the rest of the trip.

TRAVEL - the only education that connects people and builds family memories to last a lifetime!

I'll see you on the road in 2011 --- Look for the "Griswalds" and  remember the steering wheel wave!