April 2008

Great performances at the Old Settler's Music Festival

We enjoyed meeting Marty Stuart after his rousing performance with his band in Driftwood, Texas.
Read about our visit to the Old Settler's Music Festival this year.
Held every year in April, from banjos, to fiddles, guitars, and mandolins, the music is a blend of bluegrass, country, and blues. Here is schedule of events.
Besides the great music, there were games for kids, music lessons, and lots of delicious food. The weather was perfect, with the full moon casting a special aura as musicians delighted the crowds. Located just south of Austin, make your plans to be there next year.

Scenic Drives around Fredericksburg, Texas

One of our popular posts from last year was our trek to Fredericksburg and the surrounding scenic byways to see all the wild flowers. It's still a little early, but since we've seen plenty of bluebonnets appearing, thought I'd post this one again - Scenic Drives around Fredericksburg, Texas

A Reason To Smile On Tax Day

If you are like me, this is the least favorite day of the year. Walgreens is doing their part to help with getting that grimace off your face by offering 15 free prints today online.
So go have some extra prints made of that vacation or weekend getaway you just went on. It sure beats standing in the long lines at the post office or submitting that digital return.

And to not smile...

A friend sent this snippet about this program that you the taxpayer is funding - Providing Job Training and Job Placement for People with Disabilities in Costa Rica
(Yes, you read that correctly Costa Rica). The last time I checked it was a republic and not a U.S. territory. The country also has abolished it's military. Why not, when Uncle Sam is around. What a great Uncle!

Our new office for extended trips

For extended trips, we now have a new office for the road, a Glendale Titanium fifth wheel. After extensively researching we chose this model due to being lightweight, aerodynamic (note the cone shape in front that fits over the cab of our truck when traveling), insulated for weather and sound, roomy (ours has two slideouts), and our F250 being able to easily pull it. Made in Canada, the Glendale Titanium is highly sought after for the above features. For those that travel a lot or are fulltime RVers, fifth wheels are the way to go. This makes our third fifth wheel owned. The other two were Travel Supremes, which are also quality made. Years ago we toured their factory in Indiana and watched Amish workers hard at work making them.
Access to the Internet has certainly changed since we first began RVing. Back then we used the very first wireless cards to share a connection via one dial up connection. As many campgrounds now have wireless as a standard feature, it makes so much easier to work and travel. At our recent stay at the KOA in San Antonio, both our laptops easily connected online for the duration of our stay.

Whittier - Strangest Town in Alaska

 
I recently read The Strangest Town in Alaska, which tells the true story about this frontier town that was built in a remote and beautiful area around Prince William Sound. For those who like the unusual and travel, it's a very enjoyable read. Our trip several years ago to Alaska took us to the town and former military base of Whittier. Situated in Prince William Sound among mountains, the only access for 50 years was by railroad. Automobiles now share the one-way access through the 2.5 mile tunnel through the mountain to get to Whittier. Built during WWII, the town has two of the largest buildings in Alaska, which is intended to house military and civilians for emergencies. Most of the 300 residents live in one of the buildings. Is the only place we've ever seen where people have reindeer as pets. Saw one person that had one on a leash like a dog. We took a couple of glacier tours in the area that took us up close to catch a glimpse of orcas, sea lions, seals, even bald eagles, and also see calving glaciers. This area of Alaska is stark and so beautiful. This photo was taken on the way to Whittier, with a view of fireweed in the foreground, which we make delicious jelly from. Once you start to see the fireweed wane, it's a sign that fall is on it's way with the long winter.

Visit to San Angelo, Texas

Known as the "Shining Star of Texas," we visited San Angelo recently, situated near the middle of the state.
Some noteworthy and unique places to see around town are:
Fort Concho, said to be the most well preserved fort today in Texas and a National Historic Landmark. It was used by buffallo soldiers from 1867 - 1889.

While in town for business, we dropped in to eat at Hudman Drug Store. The sign out front is faded now. To find it you have to look for it along Main Street. The menu is basic fare, we got the grilled ham and cheese. What we came for though was for the great shakes served from the original soda fountain, still made the same way as when it opened at 201 N. Main in 1943. Circular chairs line the fountain, by a vintage Dr. Pepper container. My wife had a chocolate shake, while I had a fresh fruit strawberry shake out of a metal cup, and was barely able to drink it all.

In back, prescriptions are still filled like they always have on a first name basis. We then went to visit Eggemeyer???s General Store, filled with locally made items, vintage signs, and specialty items. The old store wood cabinets, display cases, and counters are a sight to see.

Just down the street is M.L. Leddys, which has made leather boots and saddles since 1922. When I entered their store, the rich smell of leather invited me in. It's the only store I've seen where locally made saddles can still be purchased. The town was larger than we first thought, and has now grown to some 88,439 by last count. If visiting, be sure to stop in the above places and tell them that Southpoint sent you.

Living on the Kentucky River

These brothers live along the Kentucky River playing bluegrass and living simply like the olden days. This is the way to retire.
I'd have to have my high speed Internet though...