Fredericksburg

Got away from freeways and into the real Texas. Gentle rolling hills and grassland, ranch entrances with the brand mark in wrought iron on the huge gates and big blue sky! Hamilton Pool state park first stop. Clamber down limestone trail to an emerald green pool under a cliff overhang with the water dripping from the stalagtites above. It looks more like a film set. We walk right under cliff and around the pool before heading down along the river. So peaceful with fish in the clear water, birds darting around and lovely trees along the bank. Drive along empty roads, more like Norfolk, to The Johnson Ranch, another state park, the home of the former president. Tour a former German farmstead worked by voluteers in period costume. All very tidy and reminded how to make junket and cheese. Drive around the huge ranch and the Texas white house as it was called. On to our beget motel in Fredericksburg which had to exceed our low expectation. We read the awful reviews after booking it for 2 nights! Unchanged since it was built in 70's but comfortable, wifi, coffee and pastries in reception for breakfast and good value. Town is a delight. Centre of German settlement in 19th century with main street lined with historic buildings, now either gift shops or restaurants. Avoid the bierkellars and have a good meal with enough in the doggy bag for lunch tomorrow. Tackle the huge walmart to buy a cell phone. 2 hors later leave with a phone and rummikub, lemons, wine and bananas. Took all that time for service, we were not browsing! How do they keep in business?