America again!

Easy journey courtesy of BA business class again. Great value the round the world ticket. Left Heathrow just before midday and in Dallas at 9.30pm UK 3.30 US Only had to queue 45 mins at US customs and actually interrogated by an officer who smiled! Airport hotel, diner meal - tried fried pickles a once in a lifetime experience - then a good 12 hour sleep. Up early Thursday 14th October and collect the car from Herz. Upgrade and satnav due to gold membership and on our way to Austin, the state capital. A 12 lane freeway to negotiate out of Dallas so not a relaxing drive. Like the M25 with cars overtaking in any lane and all nose to tail, the satnav is essential for planning ahead for the turnoff which can be to the right or left. 200 mile drive and arrived at lunchtime. Nice holiday inn on club points and room with view over the lake which is part of the Colorado River. Set off to explore city on foot. Walk song lakeside to Congress bridge and up congress drive to the Capitol building. Lots of flags with every stars and stripes matched by an equal sized lone star flag. Lovely day and a sparkling city with smiling, friendly people. Lots of sculptures and trees. Iced tea for the heat then a walk round 6th street district with wacky bars all with loud, live music coming out! End up back on lake to have superb sundown margarita. Sit on lakeside platform with feet dangling over the water, or in it for Vincent, with terrapins surfacing around us. Joined by dozens of other people as the sun goes down to watch about a million Mexican free tailored bats leave their roost from under the bridge. The sunset is black streaked with them! An amazing sight ending our first day.