Day 2: Texas Road Trip

I slept well.  I was worried that the highway would be loud and keep me awake but guess I was just that tired.  It was an early wake up as I wanted to beat the heat and crowds to another state park.  I have had Pedernales Falls State Park on my list for a long time and today is finally the day!  I was looking forward to getting outside for a little hiking.  Sadly, I am so out of shape but here I go . . . 

I only met one person on the trail which was shocking.  However, when I checked in at the entry gate the lady told me there was a school group on the way so I quickly got moving!

It was beautiful and I could not wait to get to the bottom to explore more!

I'm not going to lie the hike back to the top was uphill and a killer, but I did it!  I felt good.  I really need to get out more and get moving!  Back in the car to my next stop, Boyhood Home of LBJ which is managed by the National Park Service.  My timing was good as a tour was starting shortly after I arrived.   

It was lunch time, and I was hungry.  I followed the cars to Pecan Street Brewing.  The sweet honey and pecan butter sauce on this fried chicken was amazing . . . like lick the plate yummy!

Now I really need to get outside and walk!  I stopped at The Johnson Settlement and walked the trail.  

It is still winterly looking outside even though we are on Spring Break.  You just never know with the Texas weather if Spring Break will be hot or cold.  The trees are starting to bloom so hopefully the Texas winter is over!  And by Texas winter . . . I mean ice.  Yet again this year school was closed for a week due to icy conditions.  Thankfully, not as bad as the last two years but still not great.  Next on my list is the LBJ Ranch District.  The area is a joint effort as a state park and national park service historic site too.  It is a driving tour with stops along the way and transitions from state park to national park along the drive.  The beginning is the state park that has a nice walking trail to the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm.

I am always open to see some free range animals with old barns.

Back on the road and I am now in the LBJ National Historic Site.  There were stops along the way and a few mile driving tour to drive the ranch.  At the end is the family home, closed for renovations, that had a short but very informative ranger led tour.

As our tour was ending, the ranger pointed out that the President's grandson was about to take off on the private landing strip.  Isn't that cool!  As I neared the exit, I found it ironic that on one side of the road was the birthplace and the other the final resting place of LBJ.

These guys bid me safe travels . . .