posted 05-25-2013 11:48 PM                  

Maybe, a close group would be a better choice of words. Anyway, since John Collins is the photographer, his pictures are much better than mine. But I will share some so that others can see a little of what they missed out on. It will take me a couple of days or so to post them so please be patient.

Some arrived on Friday, some on Saturday, and others on Sunday, the official start of the event.

Some of us that arrived on Sat evening and spent a little time that evening together.

Then on Sunday, some of us went to Fredericksburg. We wanted to meet up with a new West Texas member, but unfortuately he had to leave early so we missed him. So we went by a car show that was in the area. That had some beauties there but actually our cars drew as much of a crowd as the real show cars.

posted 05-26-2013 12:12 AM                  

After that, we were off to a winery. Jim was the leader, took us on a circuitous, scenic route. Including a short 20 foot section of gravel road that one of us wouldn't go on. But I won't mention any names (DAN). Apparently he is "On a Mission" not to get his car dirty or a drop of water on it.

In the parking lot of the winery

Then back to the hotel

for the "official" opening ceremonies.

posted 05-26-2013 12:40 AM                  

You will see a lot of eating pictures. Apparently this group likes to eat!

Mr. Foshee even brought this beauty with him. Interestingly, in addition to his 3 vipers, prowler, and numerous other cars, he also has a tank! Yes, you read that right, a TANK! Apparently he is not invited to the pro gun control conventions.

Then it was back to the parking lot.

Sorry, it is a little blurry, as are a few of my pictures. Remember, I told you John Collins is the photographer, and I am no John Collins.

As I am sure most of you know by now, John had terrible luck with his prowler. He left it in Abilene, yet rented this car and came anyway. What true dedication! I had the pleasure of riding with him for a couple of days, what a terrific guy, a true honor. And he taught me a few things about cameras. But as you can tell, I am a SLOW learner. But anyway, that is John like a knight in white shining armor. He was literally a streak of lightening in that thing, a blur on a Texas radar!
To be continued...

posted 05-26-2013 02:08 PM                  

We left off in the parking lot the first night.

While most were sociable, either A) a woman's work is never done, B) some of us are a wee bit more anal than others, or C) not all of us play well with others. You can decide.

Obviously some play very well with others.

But this is a G rated post so, on to the next morning. We went to the Spanish Mission. It gives a good comparison for the original size of the Alamo. For those that have never been to the Alamo, it is about the size of a convenience store. You are surprised at its "smallness". But it is only one building left, originally it was about the same size as the Spanish Mission. In the parking lot of the Mission

Then into the mission itself.

posted 05-26-2013 02:25 PM                  

The mission itself was quite beautiful.

The chappel outside

And inside

Then the areas people lived

posted 05-26-2013 02:56 PM                  

George Johnson announcing to San Antonio that the "Limited Edition" had arrived.

John has already posted a few pics of us in front of the Alamo, but he took a couple for me also.

Then it was over to the River Walk for dinner.

I've already told you this group likes to eat!

After dinner a few of us went on a boat cruise of the River Walk. But first we had to buy tickets. Apparently John heard that white was a cooling color. He must have been the coldest person down there. I think a couple of people even asked him if he had any ice cream left on his ice cream truck!

posted 05-26-2013 03:48 PM                  

Next morning we had a pep rally to discuss the days events.

It was to be the twisted sisters run (twisty, hilly route) then Leakey for lunch, then Bandera, the cowboy capital of Texas. We first stopped at Leakey for bathroom break. Either someone was a little confused by the plans, or wanted to be sociable, or is comfortable with sharing EVERYTHING, or didn't bring his good glasses. Not sure.

John rode with me so he did the pics on the twisted sisters run. He may post some. But unfortunately, not everyone took the same route. There was a slight hiccup at the start and one car didn't make the first turn. Unfortunately, it had Jesse from Colorado and Suzy, John's wife. Needless to say, John was in the dog house.

I think that day, or the day before, he also found out that his car's transmission was toast. And the cost for repair was huge. Bummer. That REALLY sucked!

Thanks to Sugar for providing that visual!

Anyway, back to twisted susters. Even the intial group got separated, and some of us took a different way back (I think that would be me for leading that second group, or rather not leading very well...Sorry Suzy, and to those behind me). But we made it back to Leakey for lunch eventually. Had a great lunch at the Bent Rim restaurant.

posted 05-26-2013 06:42 PM                  

This one I took showing the weather report for Kerrville... (Kerrville is notably located in the picture - by the moon.) Partly cloudy, but clear in Kerrville. (I also thought MAYBE it would make a neat shot for the hotel lobby.)

cropped and enhanced for better clarity

posted 05-26-2013 09:30 PM                  

Mickey, don't mind at all.

Ok, back to the pictures. If anyone would like less commentary, please let me know. The posting would go much faster. Just say so (anyone except Sugar, because she probably has a lot of commentary for me). Hopefully they will load a little faster now.

Anyway, we were finishing up lunch

and if you will indulge me, I did take a couple of pictures of my own car, one of which did not come out too bad

and then it was off to Bandera. When we arrived, Marty had arranged to have the local Plymouth group meet us and park with us. Well it was Tuesday afternoon, and most people work but one diehard met us there. We parked in front of the courthouse on the main drag.

Then it was off to the OST (Old Spanish Trail) diner for dinner.

posted 05-26-2013 09:57 PM                  

Then it was time to walk back to the the cars.

Along the way, I walked by a door sign. My guess is Obama didn't carry this town (or any of Texas for that matter)

Fairly late when we got back so many turned in a little early. Next day was an on your own day. So some of us decided to go to Wimberly (shopping for the ladies), then Luckenbach (for the Willie Nelson fans). Marty had grown a little weary leading this group

so since it was an off day, I drew the short straw and got to lead. But thank God I had a great co-pilot, Saint Larry (Sugar's husband). Very nice ride there. Then, you guessed it again, time to eat!

posted 05-26-2013 10:03 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by Marty Usher:
Do you think any of the three of them knew they were sitting backwards in the saddles?

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posted 05-26-2013 10:20 PM                  

of course, I guess it depends on who you ask

After a couple of hours shopping, we headed to Luckenbach. Not exactly a large metropolis for those who have never been there before.

(now I ask you, does he not look like he belongs there?)

We pulled up on the lone dusty road and parked.

But by God, we were here!

posted 05-26-2013 10:37 PM                  

Mickey wanted to make sure he was remembered here.

So you ask yourself, where do these people sitting around having a cold one

go to the facilities?

posted 05-26-2013 11:11 PM                  

But if you are interested, this is the schedule.

You can't go somewhere without having a group photo taken.

(that looks like a postcard picture)

So, back to the cars for the drive back to the hotel

Finally, another brave soul took the lead for the trip back. Imagine, a couple from Illinois knew the most remote, scenic route back to the hotel. Made us Texas boys sit up and take lessons. It was a twisty, hilly road, loads of fun. But the best part of all was this short little one lane segment by this tiny cemetery. There was a sheep that ran out in the road after the first 3 cars, and wouldn't move. Hilarious. One sheep stopped 8 prowlers dead in the road. Finally he would move few steps, then stop again. Eventually he did finally move to the side, but not before leaving a present on one of our cars.

and yes, even on the door

Apparently, purple is not his favorite color. Made it back to the hotel, Mickey cleaned his car off, then went to a local Mexican restaurant for food and drink. Had a great day.

posted 05-26-2013 11:30 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by Marty Usher:
I liked the "Luckenbach Texas Population 3" sign

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