Once again, Jan (and Dean) did an incredible amount of preparation and planning so that we would all enjoy ourselves and experience as much as possible of Texas' Hill Country. This is where the Sandmires live and they were not only wonderful hosts but also happen to love where they live and wanted to share everything about their home area.
At check-in, we were given totes with all sorts of goodies: a folder with the schedule, maps, and detailed information about things to do and see in the immediate vicinity; information brochures for attractions nearby; a welcome goodie bag filled with made-in-Texas gifts like sausage, candy, coffee, bottle of hot sauce, cream soda, and a candle. This happened to also be New Braunfels' Wurstfest celebration week so the sausage was very timely and appropriate.
As with all rallies, there were times we were all together and times we were free to choose activities on our own to explore the area. Folks often choose to go off in small groups together or plan to meet up along the way.
Every morning we had a planned breakfast, and being the consummate hostess she is, Jan planned different breakfasts with a Texan and German theme. We met in the social hall for Kaffeeklatsch (informal gathering for coffee and conversation) which included donuts and pastries, sausage kolaches, breakfast burritos, and a catered eggs and bacon breakfast. It was a wonderful start to each day!
We had a catered TexMex dinner on arrival day (always welcome because arrival day is the time we meet and greet friends and meet new folks too), a dinner outing to Tejas Steak and Rodeo, and and a Texas-style catered barbecue dinner our last evening.
One day the ladies were treated to a delicious catered luncheon and time to exhibit their talents and passions at a show-and-tell (and there are talented ladies in our group who quilt and knit, make hats, create jewelry, and do stained glass). The men shared their talents and passions at a gearhead session and enjoyed a sack lunch. Except for the association meeting after breakfast one morning, the rest of our time was free to fill in any way we wished. Jan's detailed folder of local attractions made it hard to choose. We would have to stay at least a month to see and do it all!
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| lederhosen and funny hats seemed to be the outfit of choice for Wurstfest |
The one difference I noticed is that this event was very family oriented and even the rides were primarily for little ones.
This was a well-attended event with food, beer of course, dancing in the main hall, five separate stages featuring over 40 bands, and many booths selling German nick-nacks and other products.
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| dancing in the main hall |
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| folks lining up at food booths |
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| Turkey legs and Pizza have been added to the German menu here in Texas |
We made our way around the grounds, listened to a couple of bands with their accordions, and met up with a few Alpine folks also at the festival. As the sun set we noticed a bright, full moon shining over the Wurstfest celebrations.
Here is a link to more information about New Braunfels: New Braunfels
And what are the origins of Wurstfest? What began as a one-day sausage contest in 1961 ended up into an annual town fall festival drawing thousands of visitors that you can read all about here: Origins of Wurstfest
Our evening at Tejas Steak and Rodeo was another fun-filled event that left me with a different perspective on small town rodeos. Our group first gathered for dinner and stayed on for the pro rodeo which began later in the evening.
At this pro rodeo there was also bull-riding, calf-roping and barrel racing. But the unexpected was the sheep riding competition for the little children. It was quite a surprise to see little ones holding hands and being led into the arena. Then one at a time, each child was helped onto the back of a large, woolly sheep, and held on for dear life as the sheep was let out of the pen. They call it "mutton busting." Just like with bull riding, the contestants are awarded points for how long they can hold on before falling off. The youngest contestant was 4 years old! The oldest in the group was 10. I couldn't help but laugh in sheer disbelief at what was going on before my very large and surprised eyes!
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| the quality isn't too great but you get the idea what sheep riding looks like |
Later that evening there was yet another surprise when all the children 12 and under in the audience were invited into the arena. They rushed from the bleachers, including one tiny toddler who could barely walk! An event coordinator together with the rodeo clowns had the kids go through some warm-up exercises which included lying down on the dirt floor. The next thing, young bull calves were let into the arena and I watched in complete fascination as the herd of kids chased the animals, trying to grab at the ribbons on their tails. The kids had a grand time, though I am not so sure the calves knew what to make of dozens of small two-legged creatures chasing them. Even the little toddler got into the action though I think we were all concerned he would be trodden by exuberant waves of calf chasers. Eventually a clown swooped up the little guy and walked around the arena until he was reunited with his mother. Evidently, folks here feel it's safe enough to let their kids out of sight and trust they will be protected.
Obviously this was a very family-oriented rodeo, and one that included events for the kids. Not that I would particularly choose this type of activity for my kids....unless of course I had married a ranching Texan. And then chaps and cowboy hats would be the choice instead of pointe shoes and tutus!
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| Gruene Hall, maintaining the tradition of a venue for music and gatherings |
German immigrant, Ernst Gruene, and his two sons purchased land just down river from New Braunfels as land was becoming scarce in the newly established city of New Braunfels by the time he and his new bride arrived in 1845. His son, Henry, planted cotton and soon the cotton business brought 20 to 30 families to Gruene's lands. Gruene's cotton industry brought prosperity to the area until the cotton gin burned, the boll weevil, and finally the Depression ended the family's good fortune. In 1974-75 after much of the Gruene estate was sold, and Gruene was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, tourists became drawn to this quaint town.
The venue has since become a major music venue for up-and-coming musicians and songwriters. We arrived at Gruene Hall to meet the rest of the group who were listening to the current band on stage.
The music was deafeningly loud for me, so Sue and I crossed the street to check out the General Store, one of the original buildings remaining from Gruene's heyday. It was fun looking at the merchandise, a lot of it geared to tourists. Back in the late 1870's, Gruene Mercantile provided food, clothing, household goods and farm implements for the community, and also served as a stage stop and post office. It was also used as a distribution point for Gruene's Distillery, selling his Green River brand whiskey.
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| inside Gruene's General Store |
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| the natural bridge at the entrance to the caverns |
The weather during our stay was hot and very muggy. After the dry heat in west Texas in the desert, it was a surprise to feel the energy-sapping humidity just a matter of 350-miles away as the crow flies. What struck me was the grey overhead skies each morning and often into late afternoon. Seattle skies are reputed to be grey (and depressing). Hill Country skies seemed not much different to me.
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| the campground is situated along the Guadalupe River |
It was deer mating season, so the dear were everywhere. Literally. I went for a walk one morning and I seemed to scare them at every footstep! Unfortunately there are also a lot of deer casualties alongside the roadways. It was sad to see.
Mention of roadways reminded me that we were puzzled by the way the smaller side-roads are named: FM 708, FM 169 etc. Ginnie our Garmin helped us put two and two together: FM stands for Farm to Market, so here in Texas the roads through the countryside are Farm to Market roads.
Tomorrow after last goodbyes, we continue eastbound as we move on with another group heading to New Orleans.