It was a cloudy day with light rain showers from about 11am to 4pm. Temperatures started in the low 70’s and the high was about 80.
Day’s distance: 257 miles
Total trip distance: 4,614 miles
I left Texas Hill Country today, bound for the Gulf Coast. I found the Hill Country scenic, the Ranch Roads fun, and the people friendly. I’m certain I’ll be back to ride more of the area’s roads.
Note: The photo below was taken yesterday, but I forgot to include it in the blog until now.
I didn’t leave the Peach Tree Inn until 10am, having to finish the prior day’s blog entry. As you can see from the photo below, the day began cloudy but dry.
Accuweather.com was predicting thunderstorms in both Fredericksburg and Austin, and I was excited to get to the Gulf Coast so I changed my plans and headed to Corpus Christi where the weather was predicted to be better.
Before leaving Fredericksburg, I wanted to grab a latte. I stopped at Austin Street Java and Muffin House. Inside, I met fellow rider Lynda as well as Judy and the owner Binky. We talked about my trip, some of Judy’s trips, and other topics while I drank my latte and ate a really good muffin. Recommended if you’re in the area.
I left the city and headed south. One of the roads I used was Ranch Road 1376. It would take me out of the hill country, so I took one last photo before the landscape flattened again.
I stopped at a taco trailer in Boerne for lunch. I had a couple of tacos that were messy to eat but yummy.
I was back on the road in just about 20 minutes. A definite advantage when traveling is getting good, locally distinct food fast 🙂 On my way to the islands off Corpus Christi, I stopped at Alamo BMW to get a spare quart of oil for keeping with me on the road.
Close readers of the blog may remember I stopped at an auto parts store when I was in Las Cruces. I couldn’t find the correct oil, but wanted something if needed. Turns out I could have waited but I wanted to err on the safe side.
I arrived in Corpus Christi just before 5pm. Traffic was a little heavy but I made it out to Padre Island and then Mustang Island before 6pm. I looked at the Mustang Island State Park as a possible place to camp. They had a primitive area (for tents) right on the beach as well as campsites with electricity further away but it was too windy to camp in either spot.
While I was checking out the primitive camp area, I took a photo of the bike on the beach.
Texans drive on the beaches here, though not within 50 feet of the waters edge, according to a sign I read. The sand at this spot was well packed, but I still needed to put down the kickstand pad I carry with me to prevent the bike from falling over.
Instead of trying to camp on the beach, I found a older (and less expensive) motel right on the beach in Port Aransas. It’s a bit rundown and not for princesses, but I could deal with the shortcomings.
After dinner at Kody’s Restaurant and Bar, I walked along the beach a bit. It was still balmy even though it was after 9pm.
A good day, I say. 🙂
I must say you sound very relaxed traveling through Texas. I’ve been enjoying see some of the places I’ve known friends to live but never been to, such as Kerrville and Austin. I heard of Corpus Christi but had no idea it was on the Gulf. I’m on a jet trip to Louisville tomorrow. I have two nights there and head to Cincinnati for Mom’s 90th. After a few more days I’ll fly to Atlanta and spend a few days in the Tennessee mountains unwinding. I’ll be following along on your travels as I go. Enjoy!