Thursday, November 30, 2017

Fredericksburg, TX

Medina Highpoint Resort
Medina, TX
November, 2017

Hill Country refers to a region of central Texas that includes all or part of 25 counties.  The majority of our time has been spent in the Upper Guadalupe River & Medina River Region visiting state recreation areas and the towns of Kerrville, Comfort, Medina, Bandera, and Boerne.  We did venture out to the Fredericksburg Region with Enchanted Rock State Natural Area and the historic town of Fredericksburg being the big draw.  We made two attempts to visit Enchanted Rock, but construction closings and a trip to the orthodontist for me interfered with us hiking the largest pink granite monadnock (I had to look that word up!) in the United States.  It was designated a Texas Historic Landmark in 1936.

We did, however, visit Fredericksburg to soak in the history and flavor of one of Hill Country's small Texas towns that began in 1846 as a German outpost. 
This 26 foot carousel structure is a Christmas Pyramid and is a traditional German Christmas decoration dating back to the 16th century.


Woodworkers would use their moving art to capture children's attention and teach them Bible stories. The  artisans would create figurines depicting each part of a story and arrange them in order on the tiers of the pyramid.  Typically they tell the Nativity story of the birth of Jesus. 












We enjoyed strolling the sidewalks filled with flowers and benches.  This day, there was lots of excitement in the air as most store fronts were being "dressed" for Christmas.  


Between buildings and behind buildings were quaint and cozy gardens.








And our stop would not be complete without a few cowboys necessities like boots...













spurs, 






a hat, 
Joe is quite a handsome cowboy! 
and a pony ride !

Our grandson Felix gets horse riding lessons from Joe.
Our month at Medina Highpoint Resort has flown by.  We have discovered there is lots to do in Hill Country and we barely scratched the surface.  Fall has certainly been a great time to visit.  






Our adventure on two-lane roads through tiny towns has come to an end.  Tomorrow we travel...onward and southward towards the Florida Gulf.  We will call another RVC Outdoor Destination property home for the month of December.  More on that later.  

Joe and I had a nice surprise yesterday.  Clyde, Joe's friend/boss from his Navy days back in the 60s and his wife Pat pulled in to Medina.  We had a lovely visit with lots of laughs last night and are looking forward to seeing them again tonight.    

Until next time...








Sites like this are common on the winding two-lane roads.

 HAPPY TRAILS ! 

Monday, November 27, 2017

Kerrville, Texas

Medina Highpoint Resort
Medina, TX
November 2017

Anyone who follows this blog knows that breakfast/brunch is my favorite meal to eat out.  On a drizzly, cool day a few weeks ago, Joe and I made the very curvy, hilly, pretty drive from Medina Highpoint Resort to  Kerrville for breakfast.
Our choice of places was a legendary hometown cafe.

The food was good, the service was great, but what I really enjoyed the most was the people...hometown folks coming in for coffee and breakfast calling each other by name and catching up on the weeks news.  People watching  has always been a favorite pastime. 

Hill Country Cafe is located on Main Street in the heart of the downtown historic section of town...a perfect location for a stroll.   

By the time we decided to head home, we were quite impressed with the history and hard working settlers who came to the area back in the day making Kerrville what it is today.
 




























From Water Street we had a nice view of the Guadalupe River which runs through the heart of Kerrville.  








Kerrville-Schreiner Park began as a city park built by the CCC in the 1930s then deeded to the State of Texas and became a State Park.  In 2004, it was transferred back to the city of Kerrville.

Today, the park covers 517 acres which includes walking/biking trails, a butterfly garden, an amphitheater, a water sports area, mini cabins and two RV parks. 

We enjoyed a beautiful day with Joe, Jena and Felix...







































 Until next time...

 HAPPY TRAILS !

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Medina Highpoint Resort

Medina Highpoint Resort
Medina, TX
November 2018


For several years now, I have wanted to visit the Texas Gulf Coast.  Its all about the birds that make the coast their winter home...beautiful birds like Roseate Spoonbills, White Ibises, Whooping Cranes and the list could go on and on.  Unfortunately, Harvey beat us there !

A stop we had planned to make on our way south was Medina Highpoint Resort in the heart of Texas Hill Country.  


Lucky for us, we were  able to reserve the month of November.  Craig Newton, (general manager) and his staff were incredibly welcoming and an important part of helping us feel at home here.
MHR is the fifth different RVC Outdoor Destinations property we have visited.  
This 95 acre plot was added to the Outdoor Destination roster in 2013.  It is a beautiful and natural setting atop the Edwards Plateau.  
I took this photo from the overlook on the Bigfoot Trail (located on MHR property) which winds its way up (and up and up) the hill. 


The Ranch House was built in 1948.  It's limestone exterior along with pecan wood floors, chandeliers, and heavy doors are original to the house.  



Today, it offers suites, a commercial kitchen, and wrap around porch (1,500 ft. covered) for just a few or a large group.



Behind the Ranch House is what is now called The Retreat.  In its day, it was a studio for artists.


 


Joe and I aren't "pool" people, but the infinity pool is certainly inviting even if you don't want to swim.  




The sound of the running water surrounded by huge trees and tropical plants was a very nice surprise.


 And look what I found...




The Bigfoot Trail is a short 2 mile hike if you hike to the end and back.  Don't let the distance fool you, it's quite a workout. 


There are benches along the way and two overlooks at the top.  And yes, a pretty spectacular view too.





Can you see the bridge?


We discovered a cave...











with a bridge.











This little hill is visible from our site and Jack has made himself at home.  He leads us to the grassy field everyday to play ball.





































When you come to explore this beautiful part of our grand country called the Texas Hill Country, there is simply no place more beautiful and inviting than Medina Highpoint Resort to call home.  Fall has been especially pretty !  Just a few more pictures I liked...

Until next time...







HAPPY TRAILS !