Deep in the Heart of Texas

Texas, with is welcoming people and wide open spaces has been unexpectedly beautiful and green. Many times we have driven through and endured the vast expanse of Texas but this year we had time to slow down and enjoy all the diversity the Lone Star State has to offer. 

Pictured is downtown Austin in the early morning right after a thunder shower. We are driving over the Congress Bridge which crosses the Colorado River. Every evening people gather on this bridge to watch a spectacular dark swarm consisting of thousands of bats fly out from under the bridge. 

Austin is the capital of Texas

Leaving the city we drove west through the green Hill Country. It's the Napa Valley of Texas with winding roads dotted with many vineyards and wineries.

We were in search of a town called Driftwood where a well known BBQ, The Salt Lick, is located. 

What an impressive place it turned out to be! This was no ordinary bbq restaurant. The grounds were beautifully landscaped with multiple eating areas able to accommodate hundreds of people and parties. Even their boots were Texan sized, just right to fit Tom. 

The star of the show was the mouth watering BBQ meat selection. We sampled the ribs, sausage and brisket and then headed back in to buy as much as our frig could hold. Yes, it was that good!

Here are a couple of satisfied customers. 

               Leaving the hill country we headed into the open plains where "the prairie is wide and high, clap, clap, clap, clap, deep in the heart of Texas". 

        

             The sage in bloom, is like perfume, clap, clap, clap, clap, deep in the heart of Texas. 

        

Watch out for the giant roadrunner!

Tom found some locals to kick up his heels with "out in the West Texas town of El Paso", 

Marty Robbins style. 

Thank you Lord for your beautiful finishing touch on this fun day.