Hi Y'all,

The Hill Country has almost made West Texas worth it. We need a few more days here to put west of the Pecos behind us. We left Camp Wood and spent the day climbing hundreds of feet only to drop back down hundreds of feet. A big difference was the wind. We actually didn't need to peddle down hill! The scenery is spectacular: lots of oaks in grassland, a multitude of wild flowers in yellows, pinks, purples, white, and this is with a backdrop of hills. I can't say enough of the flowers, they cover huge fields and border every road. The cedar tree is every where. With fire surpression and loss of the buffalo, the cedar has been creeping into the oak woodlands.

Stopped in Leakey, pronounced Lakey, for lunch. It is a vibrant little community. This whole area is hugely popular with the motorcycle croud. I'm sure that they provide a good source of income. There is even a motor cycle museum outside of Leakey. Sadly it was closed when we rode by.

Jerry had a political conversation with a rancher at the store in Vanderpool. He wanted to know if California would support Obama. He was disappointed to hear that California will go Blue.

Camped at Lost Maples State Reserve. Beautiful spot with the only naturally occuring stand of maples. The camp sites were lovely and we had hot showers. Feasted on hot dogs, saukraut, and hash. Andrew made pancakes this morning...very yummy. We supplemented them with instant grits.

Left the reserve to an immediated climb with an 11% grade. A cruel way to start the day! But that is the last of the big climbs if we are to believe the maps. We did rolling hills with those gorgeous vistas and wild flowers for half the day. Picniced along the Guadalupe River. The rest of the ride was FLAT. The river is a resort mecca. There seems to be a building code requiring all houses to be built with limestone. Quite attractive. A very funday. As more and more days seem to do, it ended at the DQ while we figured out our plan in Kerrville. Kerrville is a hopping town of 22,000.

Off to ind the perfect chicken fried steak.