Cruise Texas in 2009

[Nancy24]

For anyone who hasn't made plans to attend, you may want to do so as this is one party you won't want to miss. There is so much to do in this area, I really don't think a week is enough time to do it all. Boyce and I came back down to Kerrville on Wed for his birthday. We've been very busy scouting out roads and party areas for the rally. We found some AWESOME roads with more twists, turns and hills than a rollercoaster! We were on the HD and had an absolute blast. I've ridden and driven some great roads, but these were phenomenal! There is little traffic, the scenery is beautiful, the people are so friendly everywhere you stop, and the shopping is really quaint and fun. We went to Boene, 30 mi from Kerrville, yesterday and for anyone that wants to go antiqueing, here's the place. Almost every other store has some incredible finds in them.

Last nite an old friend that lives here in Kerrville took us to Bandera to a couple of bars, one owned by Brian Black (Clint Black's brother and he looks just like Clint) whom we got to meet. There was a KICK A** band playing whom we also got to meet. These guys used to back up Gary Stewart for about 10 years and are now out on their own. They play everything from 70's rock (AC/DC to ZZ Top) to today's country and have a really great stage presence. I talked to them about playing for our rally and they are very excited about it. I think they will have something in the repetoire for everyone.

Brent (Boyce's friend) is a singer songwriter and knows everybody in the music business down here and introduced us to all of them. They all live here in the area and are just every day people down here. I sat and talked to a lady that is also a singer songwriter and owns one of the shops in Bandera about our rally next year and she was very excited about it. She can't wait til we are here to see all of our trucks.

We are going riding again today, only this time I'm going to have the camera out so I can take pictures to post. If you haven't been to Texas, the 2009 rally is going to give you a taste of Texas and if you haven't been to the Hill Country and the Kerrville area, you are in for a real treat. I love living in Texas, but this area is incredible. I'm ready to start looking for a home here in the area and figure out how I can move my business or run it long distance! Machell, you think I can hire Juan to fly me back and forth to Dallas???

[woohoo]

Sounds like someone is having a really cool birthday celebration....... Glad you are doing some more scouting on the rally also. Can't wait to hear this band. YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!! Have a great time and get those pics posted.

[wildcat66]

can't wait to see pictures

[Nancy24]

just got back from today's run - I'm pooped! It been 4 hectic days of fun. I think the camera was a little pooped too as the battery went dead before we got back, but here are the pics I got today.

a couple of the nice sweeping turns in the road
a couple views of the Guadalupe River beside the road
the river road

[Nancy24]

Here's a rather unique watering hole - Dave's Place on the River. Dave and Sherry his wife have an incredible greenhouse and aviary. They have various types of chickens, pigeons, maccaws and peacocks mixed amongst the hot tub, 2 bed & breakfast rooms and a pottery shop. They had it all covered plus tons of stories to tell.

the last 2 pictures are of an old railroad bridge built in 1883. It's no longer used but is a beauty to see. Very elegant

[Nancy24]

here is the view from under the bridge and Boyce standing in the middle of the Guadalupe River

the bat tunnel - the 920 ft tunnel was built in the early 1900 thru solid rock to shorten the run between Kerrville and Fredericksburg. It was used until 1943 when the line was shut down. Now the bats have taken it over. It's pretty impressive to see the tunnel and to know that it is in solid rock. We didn't stay to see the bats leave tonite, have to do that on another trip.

We also went to the Ingram loop today which is a 3-4 block stretch of artisans and antique shops. We met the world renowned leathersmith, Don Atkinson. Don Atkinson Leather Shop What a sweet man! He must have talked with Boyce and I for 30 minutes about some of the boots and saddles that he has made in his lifetime. He had a pair of handmade boots sitting there, a mere $3,000. The craftsmanship was truly exquisite.

We also stopped in a shop called the Copper Cactus. Home Copper Cactus 3 incredible artisans and very friendly. They offered Boyce a job, but he was going to have to pay a $200 initiation fee, pay them $10 /hour and only had to pay them 1/2 of whatever he sold I found an incredible deal on some 1950's native american made turquoise rings. The turquoise, mother of pearl, and tiger's eyes were from mines that were long ago mined out and their color and translucency were so different from anything you see today.

I can't wait til our next scouting trip here in the area. I'm still trying to figure out a way to work from here so we can move here permanently.

[woohoo]

The Copper Catus looks very interesting. I saw some things on the website that need to be at my house. I'm afraid "Betsy" is gonna be way overloaded on the trip home next June.

[wildcat66]

awesome, Of course I have been sold on this area, and can't wait to move there

The bat cave looks beautiful. so much to do, so little time.

[Red Cat]

Great pictures. It looks like a fun time. I can't wait until next year.