Killeen, TX (USA)

Up very early (0600) so I could check out of my room (IHG Army Hotels on Fort Hood) and get breakfast as soon as it was available. After getting some gas for the rental car (0730), I got on the road. Had a chance to see Killeen by day - I had been in the area (airplanes) over the years but never left the base... The town sure has a lot of stuff for the military families! It took some time to get back to I-35 - and then I had to get gas in Temple (0750). After that, made good time as I continued north on the Interstate. Indulging myself one more time on this trip, I stopped in the town of West to get some kolaches. I'd seen the sign for the Czech bakery there several times but never stopped. When one of the ladies at the Spoetzel Brewery (yesterday) told me how good they were, I decided to buy some to take home to Nicky and the kids. And, boy, were they popular!!! The line was out the door - everyone wanted some of these pastries (which contain fillings like fruits, cheeses or meats inside a bread roll). I waited patiently and was rewarded with some tasty loot.  After this, I got back in the car and headed to Fort Worth. This time, I encountered several serious examples of road-rage. It is pretty unusual, I think, for Texas. First, I was cautious while driving on the frontage road - in West, it was two way, with the right of way for the people getting on the Interstate. Well, anyway, I made one of the locals really mad when I slowed down to make sure I didn't get into an accident - his gestures were very clear... Later, as I approached the I-35 split (to W & E), I nearly got run off the interstate by a large pick-up - full of a family, no less. I long ago determined that it is best not to mess with pick-ups in Texas - but when they just come over into your lane with no warning, you have to hope for LUCK alone... I don't know what it was - early morning on a Saturday after the Rangers lost two to San Francisco? I was relieved to make it back to the Enterprise Rental Car office in North Richland Hills (0900) - they didn't have to charge me for an extra day because I arrived in time.  Still, I felt even happier when I finally got all the way home (1045).  Interesting trip!

Shiner, TX (USA)

Checked out of my hotel (NAS Corpus Christi Navy Gateway Inn) before class began at 0800. The training was supposed to run from 0800 to 1600, but the instructor told us we would be finished by 1300! That was a nice surprise... We ended up getting everything (including coursework, all certificates and additional items) completed before lunch. Before I drove out of town, I spent a little extra time with Tito - I wanted to get some additional guidance since I probably won't be back in the area again for a long time... After filling up my gas tank (1205) and picking up some food for the road, I left Corpus Christi (via TX-358 and I-37). Later, got off on US-77 and drove north. Things were going well until I got to Sinton - there was a major railroad back-up (last cars parked across the road...). I managed to get around it after a while and then changed to US-183 at Refugio (home of Nolan Ryan). Drive was pleasant - and folks were very nice to drive in the breakdown lane so cars could pass (I haven't seen that since JUL/AUG 1990, in Canada). My first goal was to get to Goliad, a historical town in the area. It is less famous than the Alamo (outside of Texas, anyway), but it is related to the same revolution - and the defenders of the town were massacred after the battle too. I found a monument with all their names on it ("Fannin Memorial") and, nearby, a statue to the "Angel of Goliad" (she was a Mexican lady who helped spare the lives of soldiers scheduled for execution after the battle). Her descendants, along with some descendants of the men she saved, had also left some stones in her memory. I looked around the grounds of the Presidio La Bahia (fort defending the nearby mission) and stumbled across another statue - this one to General Zaragosa. He was born in Goliad but later moved with his family to Mexico, where he fought against Santa Anna and the French invaders. His victory over the latter (in 1862) is the one celebrated on Cinco de Mayo. Afterwards, I got back in the car and drove a short distance to Goliad State Historical Park. The prominent feature was a restored Spanish mission - prettier than the ones I had seen in San Antonio. It turns out that most of the missions along the San Antonio River were relocated (priests only - not the buildings) from other places. Hence the name "La Bahia" (from it's original oceanfront location)... I struck up an interesting conversation with the volunteers in the park - they were Navy retirees from the Brunswick (Maine) area who spent their time driving around the country, volunteering at parks like Goliad. After walking around the grounds for about an hour, I headed out of town (1530L). Took I-183 and Alt-US-77 all the way to Yoakum, then TX-95 into Shiner. It took awhile - lots of backtracking - to find the Spoetzel Brewery, but I eventually did. Unfortunately, the tours were over already - but they had a hospitality room. I spent over an hour sampling the different beers they make (most, I've already tried). The best one was called "101" (for their 101st year) - it was a Czech-style pilsner. The most interesting thing about the visit was that all the folks in the room with me were actually employees of the brewery! They were very proud of their product and they talked especially fondly of Kosmos Spoetzel, who put the town (and beer) on the map. I was sad to have to leave - for more reasons than one - but ended up driving out of town around 1645 (westbound). My original plan was to use Alt-US-90 back to Gonzales - which I hoped to learn more about (history). It didn't turn out to have that much (although there was a living history museum on the north side of town). I turned towards Luling on US-183 and planned to use it all the way to Austin. Instead, I somehow got off the track and ended up on US-90 (the sun was a dead giveaway). No worries, though, and I took it until switching to TX-123 in Seguin. Made it to I-35 (San Marcos) with nearly no trouble. Drive to Austin worked out OK, actually - mostly because I was running so late by this point... Got through the Capital but ended up slowing down on the north side of town. Decided to stop at Fuddruckers (first time - a burger joint) for dinner. Afterwards (2030), had lots of trouble getting back on the highway (#$#^! frontage roads!!!). Rest of the drive to Fort Hood was pretty easy - but I was surprised at how far Killeen was from I-35 (on US-190)... Without a local map, I had some trouble finding my accommodations (IHG Army Hotels on Post) but eventually stumbled across it (2200). A little tired after such a long day - so I just watched TV before going to bed (2330).

Corpus Christi, TX (USA)

Woke up this morning (0600) to the sound of a heavy breeze - which was odd, since all my windows and door were closed. It was only then that I realized the door to my room was OPEN!!! It had somehow blown ajar during the night - fortunately, I had the privacy lock engaged and it didn't swing all the way open. Still, the whole thing got me wide awake... Spent the next hour working on emails. Seminar began around 0800 and had a good break for lunch. I took the opportunity to enjoy a meal at Bustillo's BBQ restaurant. It was run by an older couple and they treated me very well. I had enchiladas (mmm...) and then headed back for several more hours of class. We actually didn't get to do everything that was planned because most of the folks disappeared after lunch (?). Ended up back in my room around 1600 and found the front door open - this time all the way! Obviously, there is something wrong with it... Changed and then drove over to Corpus Christi (using Ennis Joslin and Ocean Drive). There were a lot of one-way streets, so I was glad to have a map. Found several pretty parks and old churches. I saw signs about Selena (pop singer who was killed here a few years back). I drove all the way into the city but got hung up with a big traffic jam that was trying to cross Nueces Bay on US-181. So, I gave up and headed back South to have dinner. I had originally hoped to find the first Whataburger restaurant but it turns out it was demolished several years ago. Instead, I settled for a waterfront view at Restaurant #313 (two stories with a balcony - fancy!). I ate dinner while overlooking the harbor. It was VERY windy again, so I took advantage of the seating inside (big window views). Afterwards, I walked around the area and saw some monuments to the first Spanish settlers, a replica of a Spanish ship and a cool Joe's Crab Shack along the water. I walked back to my car and suddenly noticed a billboard with a unique but familiar surname on it - had to be one of my friend's relatives! I actually called Brett to ask and he said it was his uncle... Drove back to my hotel (NAS Corpus Christi Navy Gateway Inn) after 2000. Packed and watched a movie until around 2230L. Made sure door was closed TIGHTLY before turning out the lights...

Mustang Island, TX (USA)

More class today - though not as early or as long (finished at 1545). I was able to drive around during the (longer) lunch break today - found some places I'd like to visit before I head back... After class was over, I headed back to Padre Island again - but this time I turned on TX-361 and drove over to Mustang Island. I was planning to stop at the State Park (I do have a pass, after all...) but it didn't look like it had more than a beach, so I drove farther north to Port Aransas. Along the way, I saw tons of available condos and homes - mostly in unfinished neighborhoods. It would be a nice place to have a summer place or vacation home... I was tempted to take the (free) ferry across to the mainland, but I decided against it (since I didn't know the hours). Instead, I looked around town and discovered the University of Texas Marine Science Institute and lots of boats for deep-sea fishing and dolphin watching. At around 1745, decided to get something to eat. I settled on Fins restaurant, which overlooks the marina and the ferry. It turned out to be a great choice - not only because of the food, but because it was located in the hub of activity for this town, apparently. I saw returning fishermen (including large boats with lots of tourists) bringing their catches to be cooked along the dock. The ferry was a non-stop enterprise (waiter told me it runs 24/7/365). Pelicans and sea gulls roamed around the harbor and made a racket (that's OK). My dinner included some shrimp gumbo and a grilled mahi po-boy. Shiner beer helped digest the dinner... The style of po-boy was much different than Salvo's (see DEC 2008) but it was good. I chatted with the waiter for awhile and then walked along the marina. After awhile, I drove back towards my hotel, stopping for souvenirs before leaving Port Aransas. As the dun was beginning to set, I walked along the beach at the State Park. The sand had completely covered the parking lot and beach access roads... Reached my room at NAS Corpus Christi (Navy Gateway Inn) before 2030. Watched some TV for a few hours before going to bed.

Padre Island, TX (USA)

Up at 0615 - had class today. The seminar lasted until after 1600 (with a short break for lunch). That was alright - the training was worth it... I even had enough time to drive over to Padre Island National Seashore before the visitor's center closed. What a place! It reminded me of some other beaches I've found over the years, but there was NO ONE there at all! It was even warm enough for swimming. I spent about an hour walking on the beach, enjoying the stiff breeze and the quiet... Later, I drove around on the paved roads nearby - exploring beach access points and local establishments. I recently read a story in "American Way" (American Airlines magazine) about how vacations in South Texas were better than Florida - and I can believe it! Saw very little wildlife - except for birds (including a hawk, perched on a power pole) but I learned a lot about the annual turtle hatching season (would be worth it to return for that!). Later discovered a few hole-in-the-wall restaurants and bars - mostly closed for the season. Dinner was at Bangkok Star, a Thai restaurant. Food was very good - and people were friendly (although it turned out they originally mistook me for a frequent guest). Drove back to my hotel (NAS Corpus Christi Navy Gateway Inn) at around 2000. More emails and "homework" before bed.

San Antonio, TX (USA)

Had to drive to Corpus Christi today for work. My unit let me get a rental car, which will help keep the miles off my own car. The Enterprise Branch in North Richland Hills picked me up and, after getting the keys to my vehicle (0905), I got on the road. The traffic actually wasn't bad at all - surprisingly - and I was able to get through Fort Worth on I-35W rather quickly. As usual, Enterprise gave me a nearly empty gas tank, so I had to stop for fuel in Grandview (1000). Continued south on I-35 for several more hours without stopping (I'd brought my lunch) and had no trouble with the traffic in Austin or northern San Antonio. Took I-410 around the city and began looking for signs for the local National Park (missions). It wasn't hard to find the signs, but there was some construction and blocked roads (flooding on the San Antonio River) and I had to make several backtracks before I finally found the visitor's center. I've been to the Alamo (see NOV 1999 and NOV 2009) but these other missions are far more interesting, since they are not in a tourist area. The history of the Spanish missionary work in the area is impressive - and the condition of the buildings was too. I spent several hours walking the grounds - the weather was great. Finished up around 1530 and headed back to the interstate. Took I-410 over to I-37 and drove towards Corpus Christi. Stopped in Mathis for gas and McDonalds (1620). The rest of the drive was pretty easy - not much traffic at all. That changed when I arrived in Corpus and exited onto TX-358. Still, I made it to my hotel (NAS Corpus Christi Navy Gateway Inn) at around 1800. This is the first time I've spent the night in this part of Texas - even though I've visited several times - since 1994. The sea breezes made for a pleasant evening. I spent the rest of the night taking care of emails from work.

Austin, TX (USA)

Everyone was awake by 0900. We ate breakfast at the hotel and headed out of town (I-10 to I-410 to I-35) around 1000. Major rain had been forecasted, so I was particularly interested in getting home before it hit I-35. Mollie was navigator at the beginning - and she looked around at the many signs and buildings with a great deal of interest. She likes being up front as much as Brenna... It occurred to me suddenly that Austin traffic might be horrible (where the Longhorns at home this week?). I scanned the radio stations all the way into the city and couldn't figure out where the game was until Erin suddenly called out that she could see a field of burnt orange in the stadium - it was a home game! Luckily, the game had already begun and only stragglers made up the little traffic we encountered. The girls wanted to know what the score was - and we learned that Texas was losing (everyone was sad). We made very good time after that and stayed ahead of the weather. We checked out one of the Safety Rest Areas south of Temple (first time we've stopped at one). It was nice - tornado shelters, bathrooms and a playground. On our way again, the kids ate a late lunch in the car (we brought food). As we passed Waco, the National Weather Service announcements began on the radio. I got a little nervous as they listed off towns just north of our home - but it wasn't raining on our car until around the time we hit Fort Worth (1430). We arrived home in time to empty the car before a huge downpour began. Everyone was in good spirits from the trip, though - Mollie was oblivious to the rain as she played with her new beluga, Luna...

San Antonio, TX (USA)

We got up around 0800 so we could have breakfast at the hotel. I had discovered that there was a shrine to St. Therese of Liseaux in the city and, since Mollie and Erin were doing projects on her, I decided we should go check it out. On the way, we passed USAA Headquarters - I should have recognized Fredericksburg Road... It wasn't hard to find the Shrine and we spent some quiet time there to give the girls a chance to explore the artwork, gardens and school (across the street). We then turned west and drove over to Sea World. From our previous experience, I thought they might open the park early (see NOV 2009). Unfortunately, that wasn't the case - and we ended up standing in line until noon. I guess some local schools were out this week too - there were plenty of kids. However, it wasn't nearly as busy as our last visit. We were able to get good seats for every show and ride on roller coasters as fast as we could get back to the gate (no wait). There was a new show - "Azul" - that was definitely one of our favorites we have ever seen at Sea World. It featured a clown who got everyone in the crowd wet and performed amazing stunts with brightly costumed water performers (jumps, flips, high-dives). The show also had plenty of birds, Pacific White-sided Dolphins and Belugas. We really enjoyed it. Afterwards, we split up - Brenna, Mollie and I checked out some educational shows (the Sea Lion story, the Shamu story and the Beluga Story) that told us how the park is able to train the animals from a young age. Brenna and Mollie sat in the "splash zone" at the Shamu story and got to watch a funny three-year-old orca through the glass - he smiled at them and did funny tricks on his own (under the watchful eye of his mother). Later, the older orcas fin-splashed Brenna (and several unsuspecting park guests). I remembered that you could get wet in the splash zone, but this was the first time in a while that I saw people get SOAKED!!! After several shows, we met up with Nicky to let her take Mollie trick-or-treating with furry friends in the Fantasea. When we visited last year, the same area was full of Christmas characters. Brenna and I rode on the Steel Eel and Great White roller coasters - several times. We explored around the Howl-o-Scream area, too. That is, after all, why we came down here in October! We remember how much fun we had at the same event at Busch Gardens (see SEP/OCT 2005). Before the festivities opened, we were able to see where the "scare zones" were. We all had dinner at Mango Joe's (near the Alligator Alley). We got free Halloween items (I guess they weren't selling well). As it got dark, we ventured into the Scare Zone where the spooky clowns were - so we could visit the Penguin House and home for rescued animals (including pythons, tarantulas and lizards). The clowns saw that Mollie was scared and were nice to her. We did see them chase several other people around the park, though! Around 1900 we were over at the dolphin feeding area and saw Nicky and Erin feeding the dolphins. By this point, Mollie had her fill of the park and was getting nervous about running into scary creatures in the dark. So, we spent a little while looking for a good souvenir - and found some. Nicky took Erin and Mollie back to the car while I took Brenna - who said she wasn't scared - to the zombie part of the Scare Zone. We sat on a bench and watched the undead wander around near us - Brenna had her fill pretty quickly. I wanted to take her farther in, but when she heard about the wherewolves there she said she was ready to go. My legs were thoroughly exhausted by the time we got to the park exit (2230). We saw a (real) skunk on the path back to the car - luckily he ran off... Drive back to the hotel went OK (took TX-1604 to I-10). In the room, I thought everyone would doze off immediately - but the Texas Rangers were three outs from putting the Yankees out of the playoffs. So we watched that and cheered when our hometown ball-team won their first pennant. The World Series is coming to DFW!!!

Gruene, TX (USA)

The kids had some time off from school (sort of a Fall Break), so I took vacation time and we headed off towards San Antonio. We really enjoyed our trip there last year (see NOV 2009) - and we wanted to visit Sea World one more time. Weather was great - not hot at all. Since we left around 1100, we were able to get through Fort Worth on I-35 without any trouble. We made it past Waco around 1300 and had lunch (we brought with us) at one of the many picnic areas along the highway. We got through Austin before 1500 and then took our time the rest of the way. I'd wanted to investigate the New Braunfels area - it has a great reputation for summer (water) fun. I got tricked by a sign on the interstate - it mentioned water recreation areas. That actually meant river tubing. I was actually looking for signs to Schlitterbahn, the premier water park in the heart of Texas. Eventually, after some wrong turns, Nicky spotted a sign and we found the town of New Braunfels. It was quaint and quiet - at least now that the summer season has ended. There was evidence of a vacation infrastructure - huge parking lots, parks and traffic control signs. We saw lots of signs for the upcoming Wurstfest (sort of like Oktoberfest). The signs in town confused us again and it wasn't until we finally arrived at Schlitterbahn that I understood that there are TWO separate parts of the park. We checked out the resort - natural river tubing and other water sports - and made plans for a possible return. We did find one place that was open: a Christmas store outside the park. The nice ladies there told us about the park and town and suggested some places to eat. After picking up some more ornaments and decorations, we drove out of New Braunfels towards Gruene (pronounced Greene). I really liked that little place - even more than the apparent "tourist trap" of it's larger neighbor. Gruene was "founded" by a German immigrant family who built nearly all of the buildings there. Most have been converted into other things (bed & breakfasts, stores, restaurants) but one place was still hopping: Gruene Hall (a "honky-tonk"). Apparently, many Texas country-western singers got their start at the establishment. We ate on a pretty balcony over the Guadalupe River at the Gristmill River Restaurant (1700). Several slightly spicy appetizers, catfish and sausages later, we saw the sun set in the distance (1845). We spent another hour walking around in the pleasant night air. One lady spotted my shirt - from Mount Evans (see JUN 2010) - and got excited that I too must have climbed one of the famous 14s. When I told her I drove up, she got really disappointed and hinted that I really hadn't experienced the mountain until I had hiked it. I promised I would - at my earliest opportunity - and walked on, feeling like she put me in my place... We drove back to I-35 after that and made good time to I-410 and our hotel (near the Medical Center off I-10). Everyone was happy to get to San Antonio and quickly got ready for bed so the next day would come sooner!

Waco, TX (USA)

Got to fly today - a nice, unexpected treat. Rode as "crew chief" (AKA "wrench") for the first 2/3. Did a lot of work near Fort Worth and then finished up down in Waco (TSTC). Weather was great - which meant a lot of "bug smashers" were out, too. We barely missed a couple in the pattern (stiff crosswind). Flight home provided great views of the metroplex again.

Newhalem, WA (USA)

This morning, after checking out of the Navy Lodge, I met with my team for breakfast at Frank's Place in Oak Harbor (they had great food). Once at the hangar, we wrapped up our inspection before 0900.  Seemed like a lot of traveling to be able to finish everything so quickly...  Afterwards, I parted ways with the rest of the group (they had to go to Bellingham for their flight to SEA-TAC). Meanwhile, I had some free time before my own flight left and decided to do some sightseeing.  Leaving NAS Whidbey Island, I drove (via WA-20) all the way into the mountains on the east side of I-5. I didn't have enough time to truly enjoy the drive - there was always the impending "deadline" of needing to be at the airport. In any case, I saw some great sights: bald eagles, pretty fall foliage (yellow) and great views of Mount Baker. The highway paralleled the Skagit River and the evidence of salmon running (fishermen, splashes) was everywhere. I was able to get into the heart of the North Cascades National Park (and Ross Lake Recreation Area) and truly enjoyed the experience. It would definitely be worth returning to the area (and, there is a KOA?). The air was crisp and cool, with faint scents of the evergreens and a hint of the approaching cold weather. It was all very refreshing! Before I drove out of the mountains, I watched the salmon up close: they were sunning along the edge of the river. Wish I could stay... Backtracked to I-5 (took some time because of traffic and lights in a few little towns). My drive to the south went alright (pretty quick, actually) until I reached Everett - then it was slow nearly all the way into the city. I did make it to SEA-TAC by around 1330 but then it took me some time to get gas for the rental car. Things still looked good as I turned in my rental car (1405) and I walked into a nearly empty terminal. Unfortunately, things then got interesting - I still had over an hour, but something was very wrong with my ticket (likely due to the cancelation of the Bellingham legs)... Fortunately, the nice lady at the American Airlines counter took care of the problem.  She said it wasn't difficult because the flight to Texas wasn't very full.  After this delay, though, I only had about 45 minutes to get to the gate.  Luckily, TSA screening was quick and I even had time to pick up souvenirs. The flight home (departed Seattle area at 1530) was OK (especially since I brought plenty of reading materials and didn't have anyone in my row) and we arrived at DFW at 2100L. It took a bit of effort to get back to my car in the extended parking lot: first, I had to wait for shuttle, the driver then took the long way around the parking lot.  In the end, I ended up getting out and walking because it was quicker.  The decision to bring only carry-on bags turned out to be the best decision of the whole trip - at least that didn't add delay in my leaving the airport...  I was on the road to Fort Worth by 2125 and was sitting in my own driveway by 2215.  What an amazing month of travel!  The kids and Nicky seem to be glad that I should be home for a bit - I am too!