Riding the Texas Hill Country Part Two

When we last met, I had over-eaten at the bar-b-que stand in Llano, Texas. My sarcastic motorcycle groaned excessively as I threw my leg over the seat and fired it up. At least I think it was the motorcycle. As I turned onto the main highway, I noticed the local icehouse. Apparently, Blue Duck owns and operates the icehouse. If you are a fan of the Lonesome Dove stories, I am sure you will be happy to know Blue Duck finally went straight. I mean law-abiding. Funny how the meaning of words change over time.

The trip from Llano to Fredericksburg is pleasant enough. Oh sure, I took a soaking in another blinding storm, but it lasted only five miles or so. In the grand scope of things, it is hardly worth mention. Besides, I was fortunate to be wearing rainproof clothing purpose built for this sort of contingency. High tech, it funnels the icy rain down the back of your neck, keeping the wearer constantly refreshed.  After 40 miles, I arrived in Fredericksburg. I roamed the streets for a while, allowing an opportunity for the line of storms to pass beyond my exact route.

Fredericksburg is home to beds and breakfast, teahouses, galleries and many other attractions of a civilized nature. It is impossible not to get into the spirit of the town when confronting so many quaint shops and so much meticulously preserved architecture. I felt positively cultured. On my way out of town, I spied Lady Bird Johnson Park. The reunion with my former classmate and the group would take place there later that evening. I cruised in. The Ranger provided directions to the historic house where the festivities and the reunion would take place. I checked it out and hit the highway once more. It was not actually raining, so I relaxed and enjoyed the scenery during the 20-mile jaunt to Kerrville, my headquarters for the next day.
Kerrville bills itself as "The Heart of the Hill Country." They might be right. Almost any road out of town, particularly those leading west and south, take you directly into seriously beautiful scenery.

My next stop was the YO Resort Hotel. I tossed my gear into the room. The same family owns and operates the hotel and the historic 40,000 acre YO Ranch, west of Kerrville. Guests can stay at the ranch, too. I hear they have exotic animals and spa-like amenities for their guests. Sounds interesting and a tad pricey.  The hotel is fine by me.

My stay at the YO Hotel was comfortable and reasonably priced. There is a well-stocked bar and the restaurant enjoys a good reputation among the locals. I did not eat there this trip, but it was due to my schedule, not the establishment. I will check it out for you on my next visit in October, I hope. The hotel is one of several worthy establishments in Kerrville. I make many sacrifices for my readers.  I even visited the replica of Stonehenge on the outskirts of town.  Far out, eh?


I grabbed a quick power nap and organized my gear before heading out to the reunion. I admit to being a little nervous. I learned only at the last minute that I would not know anyone there except my high school sweetie.

Eventually, I saddled up and returned North along my original track to the Lady Bird Park in Fredericksburg. I found a parking place next to the ancient house and dismounted. I walked slowly, wondering what awaited me inside. Swallowing hard, I opened the door and stepped in. “Do you know me?” I asked the woman inside. I smiled disarmingly. Then, she began to cry.

“Awww, man,” I thought, “I guess this means she finally got that eye operation she needed.”



That is all for today.  Next time, I'll tie up the loose ends.  Stay tuned.