Day 3 – Fredericksberg
Before we left for the day, Nancy & I heard from Kim who heard from Mary that there was an amazing little nature path that we really needed to take. So of course we headed off immediately. They were not wrong. The Wildlife was truly amazing back there. First we saw what appeared to be an African deer. A little further in was some kind or moose or elk. And then, wait for it, a huge giraffe. Definitely a worthwhile jaunt.
After our safari we climbed in the cars and headed to Fredericksberg. Mary & Stew, and Rod & Kimberly both had pull-behinds, so they could unhook and drive their cars for our adventures. Mark & Nancy ended up leaving their camper at home and renting a cabin at our RV Park, so they also were kind enough to chauffeur us around.
Our first stop was the Enchanted Rock which I must say was a bit of a surprise. I assumed it would be a big boulder because seriously who would stop to see a little rock? But actually Enchanted Rock was a huge pink granite mountain. It was called Enchanted Rock because indians used to hide up there from settlers passing by. They were invisible to the settlers, but their fires could be seen. So naturally the settlers thought the mountain was magic. They also heard creaking and groaning coming from the mountain, caused by the cooling of the rock which had been heated in the daytime sun. The early settlers thought it was ghosts. We could see people hiking up the side of it, but we all decided we had gotten our fill yesterday and would save our steps for Fredericksberg.
I had not realized that Fredericksberg had German roots until I saw the names of lots of the shops, which of course I can’t remember now. Also didn’t know that this was wine country. We passed winery after winery on our way here. And looks like they are doing quite well. Most had big beautiful buildings with restaurants or tasting rooms attached. This has been an educational day already!
I had barely gotten out of the car when I was approached by a guy handing out samples of skin cream. He took one look at my face and beckoned me into his salon for some eye cream. I think I’m offended! But hey, who would turn down an offer for eye cream? He put some below my right eye. The stuff was normally $500 for a tube, but today I could get it for $299 and they would throw in the face cream. If he would have moved the decimal over one space to the left, I might have bought a tube or 2. Bruce had come in by this time and he is convinced all skin care products are placebos. So needless to say we walked away. Normally I can never tell any difference, but I swear the bags looked better right away. And then when I was taking off my make-up I noticed that it still looked better. Maybe I should go back.
A few shops down we came upon a window with a dancing pig wearing a sheriff’s suit. Again, how could we walk on by? We went in and discovered a universe of tasting. Rows of flavored peanut butter like Chocolate Raspberry and Banana Cinnamon. All kinds of unusual jellies and dips and mustards and spreads. Bruce and I are easily entertained. Between the two of us, I think we tried it all.
Next we followed our noses into a leather shop. Mmm. I love the smell of leather. And I am always drawn to leather westerny purses. I have not owned one in years, but I keep looking. Some day I will find the perfect purse and grab it. And pay for it of course, not just grab it and run.
We caught up with our gang in a shop featuring the work of some local artists. I loved the work, but unfortunately my taste and my art budget don’t see eye to eye. I need to find a shop of the new artists, just starting out who are still selling their stuff dirt cheap.
We popped in to a local winery where Mary and Kimberly were doing a wine tasting. I wish I loved or even liked wine, but I just don’t. Bruce and I moved on to a silver jewelry store called the Texas Silver Rush. Right inside the door was a cool signed guitar which Bruce felt the need to pick up. The owner kindly asked him to refrain from touching it. It had been given to Bob, the owner, when he handed out an award at the CMA Awards a few years ago. He had lots of music connections. Mark & Nancy were with us, so Mark and Bruce talked music people (that I had never heard of) with Bob. It always amazes me all the knowledge in my husband’s brain. I can barely remember the names of groups I liked in high school, much less the band member’s names and history. We continued talking with him for quite a while and I guess he liked us because he pulled out a pair of earrings and gave a pair to me and one for Nancy. He said that they were like the ones that had been in the gift bag at the CMAs. So yeah, me and Carrie Underwood might show up some place wearing the same earrings.
We had lunch at Mamasita’s Mexican Restaurant, which Nancy had been told actually means “Sexy Little Mama”. Bruce got Enchiladas as always. I ordered a chalupa combo which came out looking like a tostada. It seems like the food on my plate often comes out completely different than what I thought I ordered. I definitely had order envy over Mary’s taco salad. As we were leaving, Bruce bought a hat since he had forgotten one.
Our final stop was at a flower place that was supposedly having a big festival. We found the flower place but didn’t see any festival. Never did find out where it was. It was a great flower shop, but we were kinda shopped out so headed home.
We chilled a while and then all gathered in Harvey and swapped stories. I now have some great stories on these guys, but you’ll have to ask them yourself.
