Hill Country

 After leaving White Sands, we  headed toward the Texas Hill Country. We stopped overnight in Ft. Stockton before arriving at Ft. Sam Houston RV Park in San Antonio. 

Harold had never seen either the Riverwalk or the Alamo. I had had my sights set on seeing the Christmas lights along the Riverwalk after visiting Opryland last year. We enjoyed our walk, ate at a biergarten restaurant and took the narrated  35-minute boat ride at night. I have to say Opryland has far more lights. 

The Alamo

Riverwalk

From San Antonio we headed to La Hacienda RV Resort in Austin. Harold has been itching to go to Franklin's BBQ since...well, for quite some time. With Covid restrictions, we had to preorder our barbecue and arrive at a scheduled pick up time. Harold was wanting the full experience and was somewhat disappointed that he didn't have to go stand in line at 6:00 a.m. I was fine with the preorder process. 

Bring on the brisket

We also drove out to Lexington for Snow's BBQ. Harold had called, and they said they were open. So we drove the hour and a half to get there, arriving at an oddly empty premises. We wandered around, used the thankfully unlocked bathrooms, and finally spotted the closed sign. We're not sure who Harold called, but it wasn't Snow's. As we were headed to the car, Mr. Bexley came out. He was probably wondering what we were doing. The next thing I know, we're headed to the storage area and Harold is shelling out money for a vacuum-packed brisket. 

Brisket without the wait

Dad thought we ought to go to Fredericksburg and Luckenbach, and he mentioned the Cowboy Church on Sundays. Well, wouldn't you know it, Austin was under a winter weather advisory the Sunday we were there. So we opted to worship online with my brother-in-law, Allen Lenker, of Summerdean Church of the Brethren. 

Sunday snowfall

We did head out to Luckenbach and Fredericksburg on Monday after the weather cleared up. Luckenbach was pretty quiet - and muddy. It looked like it would be a fun place to hang out on a summer day. 

They'll let anyone on stage

In Fredericksburg we were delighted to see a giant Christmas pyramid. I had brought a pyramid back from Germany for my parents years ago. I like them.  There was plenty of shopping in town if one so desired. Some of the buildings displayed neat architecture.

Unbeknownst to us, Fredericksburg is right in the middle of Texas wine country. We were astonished at the number of wineries. We also noted the occasional brewery or distillery along with a peach stand or two. Our wine-drinking friends could probably spend a couple of months in the area and still not hit all the wineries. 

The hill country area is pretty, but we'll be glad to escape to less crowded roadways. There are a lot of Texans, and they drive fast. You got to watch for those toll roads too. 

Meep Meep!

WhizMer

Harold had a little bit of work to do at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) south of Albuquerque.  He had told me that there was a small campground on base. I wasn't quite sure what I expected, but I was very pleasantly surprised. The eight campsites (first come, first serve) face the mountains for gorgeous views. They are full hookups at only $10/night. Count me in. I was wishing we had more time there. I liked the quiet. 

White Sands Missile Range Campsites

Once Harold finished his work, we took a day trip over to White Sands National Park. A guy leaving the park gifted us two sand sleds. That kind gesture saved a minimum of $20.  Off we went to find the dunes. We spent the next hour and a half sliding down the sand dunes. What fun! We paid it forward and handed the sleds to a family who only had one sled. 

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee

WOOO HOOOO!!!

SOOOO worth it

When WSMR is active, the National Park is closed.

A stop at Pistachioland in Alamogordo yielded a photo with the world's largest pistachio and a variety of flavored pistachios, including green chile flavor. 

Back on base, we toured the missile park. It's one of the few places you can see the German V-2 (Vengeance Weapon - 2) missile from WWII. According to exhibit information, Germany focused on missile development after WWI since missiles were not covered by the Versailles Treaty.  

We were surprised by the Darth Vader Helmet on display. LucasFilms had donated it to WSMR as a token of gratitude for allowing them to capture some great sound effects.

Luke, I am your Father

V-2 Cutaway

Missile Park

Las Cruces yielded another Muffler Man photo. He was within walking distance of a big bull. So, we got a photo of the bull too. 

The armless husband and Muffler Man

El Toro, and some bull.

Harold had told me about the Double Eagle, one of his work team's favorite eating spots. The Double Eagle claims to have the world's largest green chile cheeseburger. Regrettably, it was not on the Covid-19 shortened menu, and I had to settle for a regular-sized one. Harold delighted in his dry-aged steak. Maybe we'll be able to order the world's largest green chile cheeseburger on another trip. I know I wouldn't mind another trip to WhizMer. That's a hint for any of Harold's team who reads this.  ; )

Super meals!!!!!!