We did hit some rolling hills and these always feel worse with a loaded bike.  We have covered 1600 miles and we are halfway on the Southern Tier.

This was a surprise.  I knew we were coming up to Johnson City, but I did not make a connection. I have visited several childhood homes of US Presidents and I wanted to take the time to see this one. 

The Pedernales River runs 106 miles in central Texas flowing west to east. It is a tributary of the Colorado River. This part of the river is calm.  North of here is the Pedernales Falls State Park.  It is too far out of our way.  We are anxious to get to Austin.

Austin is not as big as Phoenix, but as we got closer the roads get busier and have more debris in the shoulder.  There are places where the shoulder disappears.  Traveling along sidewalks can be sketchy because do not look for bikes there.  I always try to take the road and pull over on the cautious side.  These segments are much slower and I get more anxious.

I wondered about this river.  I found out that this river is the 18th longest in the US and runs for 862 miles in Texas.. The map below shows its flow.  Colorado is Spanish for reddish river.. This is not the same river as another Colorado River.

The forest areas near here supplied the cities of Austin and San Antonio in the early days of development of these cities.

This area economy includes mining, quarrying, and oil /gas extraction.  The train stop helped to grow the town of Giddings.  Now a town of 5000 and at 505'

Time and health keep me from doing some tours.  I am still glad to be able to ride daily.  During the colder weather I am riding on my tour bike on the trainer.  The Southern Tier is shortest of the coast to coast bike routes.  I started this tour on October 9, 2022 and I have covered over 1500 miles.

 This day was more hilly than some of the recent days.  The Nueces and Frio Rivers have helped to carve this hilly section. Some hills were so long that I would stop to catch my breath and sometimes I walked the hill. The hills are hard, but I love the downhill coasting.  A loaded bike adds to your momentum.  If you take the gray route it will take you toward Garner State Park.  This is a popular area and you will find camping.  ​https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garner_State_Park

It is good to ask the locals about what lies ahead.  We may be accustomed to gas stations which will provide snacks and beverage.  The probably will have some canned food or a dairy case. Most town can support a bar or restaurant.  Today we learned that Vanderpool, our destination, did not have many services.

Frio means cold in Spanish.  This river runs just in Texas for 200 miles.  It is a favorite source of recreation.  

How do you like your pecans.  I will take them in a salad and pie.  I will cut them up and put in my morning steel cut oats to get me out of the camp until I find a breakfast spot.

https://lonestarmotorcyclemuseum.com/history  There are 60 classic motorcycles on display.

Just 5 miles north of Vanderpool is the Lost Maples State Park. There are close to 3000 acres of hills and canyons along the Sabinal River in the Edwards Plateau. 

Taking shadow photos are not as easy as you think; try it the next time you are on a bumpy road with a loaded bike.  It is easier when you are on a level and straight road.  You can see by the elevation profile above that we started with a very steep incline.  This was another time to walk the bike. When I am going that slow, I can enjoy my surroundings by walking.  It is easy to stop to catch my breath.

We followed this river and crossed it several times.  The elevation profile does not show the short steep climbs that result as the road descends and rises from river crossings.  I ended walking some of these that work for a car, but not me on a bike  I try to keep from pedaling in zone 4 or 5.  I need to make it too my destination.

Kerrville is referred to as the capitol of the Texas Hill Country.  The city  boasts a population of over 24,000.  A wonderful spot to recharge and resupply.

I enjoy see local spots of interest.  I am not just about the miles. I like to see what might interest me when I go through a place.   This museum following the styles of Remington and Russell with primarily painting and sculture.

Texas is so big and this map helps me to better understand the location.  I still have a ways to go before I get to the next state,  Fredericksburg was started by Germans and that influence can still be seen today.  The city has over 11,000 people.  1693' elevation.  Today it is 46 degrees.

This is a statue of Admiral Nimitz, who was the commander of the Pacific during World War II.  He was born in the town and that is the reason for the museum.  I enjoyed the exhibits.  This town was very interesting and  good break in the riding routine.  I am re-energized.