Saturday: Slight rain, on and off, so we decided to head west towards Austen. Most of the way was on secondary highways, so it was nice driving and lots to see. We went through several small towns, like in the old west, with hitchin’ posts in front of the stores. Skies cleared, temperature rose to the high 70’s ( 20’s). Life is good.
Checked into Bastrop State Park just east of Austen. (GPS 30.06527N; 97.16935W) This park has lots of hiking trails, and roadways, and its own golf course. It’s the weekend so we were lucky to get a place. Went for a bike ride around the park. We are now in the hill country, so riding has its walking moments (at least, for me). It took us about an hour, it’s a big park!! Then we went into historic Bastrop. The tourist center is set in an old bank, and when you go in, it is like walking into a bank of the early 1900s. Walked then drove through the historic district. Lots and lots of houses from the 1800 in very good shape.
Sunday: Cloudy and 78 (25). Went golfing first thing, $25 including cart. Then we set off for Austen, the capital of Texas and the capital building. Not much traffic. And Surprise!! It was open and full of tourists. Most of the areas were open for viewing. It is very ornate and elaborate.
Looking up
Looking down.
And on our way back to Bastrop, we discovered the mother of all outfitters stores. It was huge, and had almost anything in it - a large aquarium of fish that the fishers might catch. A massive outdoor-like display of animals the hunters might hunt. Plus a shooting and archery gallery. And everything else.
