March 27 - Day 11: On to Lafayette

Today is our last day in Texas. Amy rises early, as usual, and heads out to Heights Blvd. to run the trails of the neighborhood. I rise a bit later and get organized for our journey to Louisiana. Amy returns from a good run and we head to breakfast. Miss Jenny cooks me some pancakes as Amy partakes of the ample buffet.

Breakfast done, we return to our room, pack the X3 and drive eastward. Before leaving Houston, however, I want to see BBVA Compass Stadium, where the Dynamo play their home MLS matches.

The Stadium is just across a Freeway from the Downtown area. It should be an easy matter to fly into Houston, stay in a Downtown Hotel, visit the Art Museum we missed this trip and see a match, not to mention visit Julia again.

We get back on the highway and head east. The journey is non-descript. Perfectly straight and flat. A little after noon, we check out our lunch options and decide on Cracker Barrel: we must visit this Southern staple at least once on every journey to this part of the country. Lunch is filling.

Back on the road, we finish the trip to Lafayette at the Mouton Plantation. We check-in to the Empire Loft. Quite cozy! There is a small bit of concern as we ascend the stairs and find a very small double bed, but heave a sigh of relief when we see the larger bed at the other end of the room. This small one is just a day bed, or an extra bed for children. We unpack for our two-night stay and rest up until 4:30, cocktail hour.

The Mouton is refurbished from its hey-day in the 1800's. Our loft is separate from the main building which has the typical plantation facade (stately columns).

Breakfast Room Table

We join the host, a Cajun who plays violin and sings, outside on the patio. The hostess mixes us Mint Juleps. The host is a real character and is very entertaining. After an hour and a half of singing, stories, chatting and good cheer, we head back to the room and change for dinner at Don's Seafood Restaurant in downtown Lafayette. The food is good: Amy has the broiled catfish while I eat the crab-stuffed shrimp. As usual, we eat too much. We head back to the Mouton and retire, stuffed.

March 26 - Day 10: Houston Day 2

A short post for this day - no pictures. It was a memorable day, but I remained mostly in the moment, enjoying the immediacy.

Our first objective was the Johnson Space Center, about 25 miles southeast of Sara's B&B. Only one hitch getting into the visitor's center, causing a 5 mile turn-around do-over. Oh well...

We entered the Center and went immediately to the Tram for the tour of the facility. We lucked out and spent very little time in the line (but be warned, it gets hot out there; one young lady passed out while waiting for the next tram to arrive to be boarded). Besides just driving around the complex, the Tram had three stops:

1. The Mission Control Room for the Apollo Missions and many of the Shuttle missions. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places. It gave me chills to be in this very room.
2. The Astronaut Training Facility, where they have mock-ups of the Shuttle (no longer used), the International Space Station (ISS), and other space-places. It was pretty cool to see these, and
3. An enormous building housing one of the 3 remaining Saturn V Rockets. The thing is just HUUUUUGE.

The tram ride was quite memorable. We debarked and stopped at the zero-G Grill for lunch, then watched a presentation on life on the ISS. We then went to the exhibit above the front of the entrance: an actual shuttle sitting atop the 747 that was used to test-launch the Shuttle to prove it would glide and land, and which was also used to ferry shuttles to various points. The 747 is so very big and the inside of the shuttle is just so small in comparison. This exhibit alone was worth the price of admission. I feel we really got our money's worth on this visit. Just as interesting as our trip to Cape Kennedy a couple of years back.

We then went back to Sara's, but took the opportunity to drive by the Astrodome. It is no longer used for major sports, but being such an historic building, it was cool to drive by.

After a quick rest at Sara's, our last outing of the day was to the legendary Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. We went to the one at the Galleria. The service was impeccable and the New York Steak was sublime. We also shared the house salad, sides of mushrooms and mashed potatoes and topped it off with a slice of key-lime pie. Just as memorable was the drive back to Sara's, as we drove through a very wealthy neighborhood of Houston; lots of very large mansions. This must have been the neighborhood that all the oil-money pours into.

Both the Space Center and Pappas Bros. are worth the going to should you ever find yourself in Houston!

The one bit of bad planning on my part was that the Museum we wanted to visit is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. We must get back to Houston for that, and perhaps for a Sounders match v. Dynamo at BBVA Compass Field?

March 25 - Day 9: On to Houston

As usual, Amy rose early and hit the Riverwalk trail for a run. I rose a bit later and got organized for our departure. Amy returned and we had breakfast. Then we packed our bags and walked to the Parking Garage and to take leave of San Antonio.

Leaving was really easy. Going the intended direction was  not. There are a lot of Freeways in this city and it is very easy to miss a turn, especially if you are looking at the scenery. It only cost us a few minutes taking a 4 mile u-turn to get onto the right road, I-10 East for Houston.

The drive was uneventful. That was especially sad when we got off the Interstate to experience some local color. Nothing to report; it looks like a stretch of I-whatever in any part of the country, without any hills or mountains.

We arrived in Houston before check-in time, so looked for a place to get some lunch near to Sara's B&B, our home for the next two days. We found a Diner: Lola and ordered some food and sat outside. Shade was required, as it was pushing 80 degrees, but the breeze made it pleasant. It was a good lunch. We then drove to Sara's and checked in to our room.

Sara's is lovely little place in a nice neighborhood. The room was a little small, but we had lots to do and see in Houston, so that didn't seem to be a problem. We had contacted Julia, who is a student at Rice University, earlier, and were set to meet up with her at 4:00, so we hit the road again to drive the 5 or 6 miles south.

Rice has a lovely campus. Lots of trees allow pleasant walking all around the campus.

Julia and Amy

Julia was the perfect hostess. Even though she was in the midst of a hectic weekend, she was gracious to show us around the campus. She has a wealth of knowledge about her new "home" and was eager to share. We hope she did well at her interview for an internship in DC the next day!

Art in the Courtyard of Julia's College

A  Building on the Rice Campus

We headed back to the B&B for a rest before dinner. When we got there, we discovered that the AC was not working in our room. We called Taylor, the weekend hostess, and she arrived very quickly and put us in a different room. It was much larger and a very happy fix to the problem. We settled in, then chose a restaurant for dinner: Taqueria Arandas, a mile or so away.

Dinner at the Taqueria was a hoot. The place seems to cater to the Spanish-speaking crowd. The TV's were set to Univision and some sort of Spanish-language Music Video Stream. Very entertaining. The food was very good, as well. Once again, we were both stuffed and ready to call it a night,which we did after the short drive back to Sara's.

March 24, Day 8: San Antonio

The day got off to a good start, but then took a turn to the South. Amy arose and went out to take advantage of the Riverwalk for a pleasant run. I got organized and ready for breakfast. Suffice to say that when Amy returned, we found out through sad experiment that water and iPhone 6's do not mix. I can hardly claim the high ground having smashed a previous iPhone's screen to the point of inoperability. Our next realization was that San Antonio was unlike Seattle: if this had happened downtown at home, we would be a maximum of 8 blocks from a Verizon store to replace the dead machine. In San Antonio, we have to transit at least a mile and a half to get to the nearest store.

We formed our plan: breakfast, then on to Verizon. Back to the garage to redeem the X3, then a quick drive north and a less unpleasant than expected 45 minutes, Amy now has a new device to learn how to use. It's really amusing to watch her try to get the phone to recognize her and unlock itself.

After taking the opportunity to fill the X3's gas tank, we head back to the garage, then to the room and after depositing the bag we picked up from the Phone Store, we head to our first "site" of the day, two blocks north to the Alamo!

This is Texas' biggest icon. It is a symbol for all true patriots of the cause of freedom. The Texans take this place very seriously. It is a shrine to fallen heroes and one must act accordingly. Hats off and no offensive slogans visible on any clothing! Well, it's there monument so they should make the rules.

The Alamo

After visiting the inside of the Mission, then walking around outside and reading many of the historical boards explaining the "six flags", we have a better understanding of Texas' and Mexico's history. Time for Lunch!

We stop in at the County Line restaurant on the Riverwalk for some Barbecue. We share the "5 meat sampler" Platter. Chicken, Pork Rib, Beef Rib, Sausage and Brisket. Very tasty.

We then take another turn around the Riverwalk ending up at the Briscoe Museum to visit the Sculpture Garden. Alas, there is a private function this evening in the garden and they are setting up for it. No Sculptures for us.

We head back to the room to recover from lunch, which is sitting very heavy in my stomach. (I ate way too much of platter...)

Later in the evening, our appetite has returned so we decide to sample "Whataburger". Like lunch, it was tasty, but for a fast-food joint, it was pretty slow. Happily, the people-watching was amusing. Tired from the days activities, we call it a night.

March 23, Day 7: Into the Texas Hill Country

On our second morning at the Hoffmann Haus, we take our morning meal in our room, delivered in picnic baskets. Amy is still on her morning run, so I bring the basket in and look inside. Delicious smells emanate and the food looks really tasty. Amy soon returns and we break our fast.

After breakfast and some organization, we pack the X3 and head out, saying "goodbye" to our B&B. I would stay here again, for sure, were I ever to get close to this nice little city. We strike east towards Johnson City. Our goal is to experience the Texas Hill Country. After a dozen or so miles, it is clear that the highway is very pretty. Thanks, Ladybird Johnson! It is also clear that there is something very yeasty going on in this neck of the Piney Woods. Wineries are virtually everywhere!

We make it to Johnson City, and I can't resist any more; we pull onto a side road and stop at the Texas Hills Winery to taste. Chatting with server, we learn that the climate and soil of this region is similar to central Italy or Spain. We like the reds and the whites that we taste, but they aren't quite as much to my liking as Washington and Oregon wines. Then we taste the Tempranillo (Titled "Toro de Tejas"). Now this is something special that we don't get in our corner of the country. We buy a few bottles and head back on the road, turning toward San Antonio.

After a couple of missed exits and some confusion about where we are supposed to park, we settle the X3 into a garage and find our hotel, the Riverwalk Vista. It's a charming little hotel with something of a view of the Riverwalk (truth in naming). It's an old building with lots of pictures from bygone days. It's about 2 short blocks from the Alamo, which we will visit tomorrow.

It's very late for lunch, so we head to the Riverwalk and find the Rio Rio Restaurant, where we have a lovely Tex-Mex lunch and enjoy the people-watching.

The Riverwalk

After lunch, we take an extended walk south, scoping out pathways for Amy to run on in the morning. Getting outside of the crowded, touristy 8-block area near our hotel, we really enjoy the solitude of the River. after about 4 miles, we find ourselves back at the "Vista" and settle in for a rest.

After a few hours, we venture forth for dinner at the Lone Star Cafe. We sit upstairs in the bar and split a barbecued brisket sandwich. While eating, we enjoy watching the people down on the riverwalk and I occasionally sneak peaks at Michigan having a fine first half of the Sweet Sixteen.

After dinner, we head to an Ice Cream joint and get desert. A great way to finish off the day, we head home for a good night's sleep.

Day 6, March 22: Fredericksburg Texas

Amy wakes up before me and heads out for her first run of the Road Trip. I drag myself out of bed and do some exercises before taking a shower. When she returns, we head to the Great Hall for breakfast.

Breakfast is delightful: a fruit cup, a couple of breakfast sausages, some egg frittata and a biscuit, juice and coffee. After recovering from the long drive, we are ready to head out and explore this town.

As delightful as the breakfast is this B&B we have stumbled onto. Fredericksburg is touted (in "1,000 Places to See in Canada and the USA") as "Bavaria in Texas". Many Germans emigrated to Texas in the 19th century and the story is that many wound up in this town and others nearby (Boerne and New Braunfuls). One claim is that 20% of Texans can claim some direct German ancestry. This town has played on their history; they have several "German" restaurants (Auslander, some Bier Gartens and several Breweries) that serve Beer and traditional German Fare (Schnitzel, et al).

The Hoffmann Haus is a sprawling B&B that has a couple of dozen rooms in reconstructed (or so they appear) 19th century buildings. The "1,000 Places" book gives an entire paragraph to HH, which is why we are staying here. It all fits into the historical setting and German roots of this town.

What I found surprising and more interesting was that this was the boyhood home of Chester W. Nimitz, Fleet Admiral of the Pacific U.S. Navy during World War II. He was an exceptional student and when some soldiers (US Army) came through town on parade, he was impressed to the point of going to West Point. He applied and was qualified, but the quota of cadets was full for that year. He was asked if he would be interested in Annapolis, instead. Having no idea what that was, and being desperate to get out of Fredericksburg and the dull life working at his family's hotel, he jumped at the chance. (And lucky for the USA to have such a leader join the Navy.)

After the war, the town locals wanted to honor their favorite sun, so proposed creating a "Nimitz Museum". Ever the humble leader, he declined to be so honored unless the museum was dedicated to all who served with him. So was born the National Museum of the Pacific War. Quite a place to spend a few hours. In one building, the reconstructed Nimitz Hotel, Chester's ancestry and early life was described. The main building traces the history of the War in the Pacific from its roots in early Qin Dynasty China through to Pearl Harbor and on to the end of the war. (George H. W. Bush's role in the Pacific War is also described, this being Texas.)

Exhausted from the expanse of the museum, we returned back to the hotel to rest. Recovered, we headed out to the Auslander (foreigner, in German) for Beer and Jagerschnitzel. Amy had Iced Tea and Chicken Breast. All very tasty.

Having enjoyed our first true Road Trip/Tourist day, we retired to our room to rest and get some shows cleared off our DVR.

5 Days to Texas: Days 4 & 5

Day 4
We head out from the Little America Hotel to find a Subway (lunch) and Starbuck's (breakfast). We then head east across the Painted Desert and the Petrified Forest. We cross the New Mexico border just before noon, meaning we have managed to be in Arizona for less than 24 hours. We stop to east our sandwiches, then continue on through Albuquerque and then turn southeast toward Roswell. We arrive well before sunset, check into the hotel, then find a grocery store to pack dinner into our room.

No aliens are sighted as we bed down for the night.

Day 5
Same routine this morning: Subway and Starbuck's. We are now officially on two-lane highways until we reach San Antonio in a couple of days. The drive is long, but not stressful. We have crossed another time zone boundary and lost another hour, but we make it to Fredericksburg without incident.

Having travelled 2,547 miles in 5 days, we are done with the hardest part of our Road Trip. We get to spend an entire day without starting the car!

We check into the Hoffmann Haus. (More on that in the next post.) We visit Otto's for dinner, where we sit at the bar next to a local woman who comes here once every week or so. We have a fun conversation with her, as well as a delightful meal. If you have only one night in this town, skip the faux-German spots on the main drag and head to Otto's.

We are all in, so head back to the B&B and call it a night.