SUMMER FUN From AUSTIN MONTHLY May, 2004
AUSTIN HISTORY CENTER
It could be called Austin’s Attic. The vintage 1930’s library at ninth and Guadalupe is home to the Austin History Center. A name that demands high standards, but the collection and staff are up to the task.
Want to know about the 1922 tornado? Your Civil War ancestors? Photographs of famous, not famous and infamous Austinites? There is the Police file from the 1966 UT Tower shootings. City directories, high school yearbooks and local newspaper microfilms await the historian in us all. The center has complete collections of long forgotten local publications, annual reports from defunct local corporations and cemetery records from long dead Austinites. But a lively staff who seems generally interested in what you are researching and seems to know where to find everything is perhaps the center’s best asset. [ At Guadalupe and West 9th. Monday trough Wednesday 10 AM to 9 PM, Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM Sunday 12 PM to Closed Thursday and Friday. 974-7480. www.ci.austin.tx.us/library/ahc/ ]
BRIGHTLEAF STATE NATURAL AREA
There are one hundred twenty State Parks and State Historic Sites in Texas. Only eight of these have been designated “State Natural Areas” by the Texas Parks and Wildlife department. To visit one, drive out to the outskirts of Fredricksburg, Spring Branch, Vanderpool or just stay in Austin.
The two hundred sixteen acres of nature lie in the Texas Hill Country just north of Mount Bonnell. Georgia Lucas started purchased plots of land in the area of her home from 1946 to 1966. She saw development near her “country” home was on the horizon, so she wanted to keep her Hill Country solitude. Lucas had no children but did have forty cats. When Lucas died in 1994, she deeded the land to the state for use as a state natural area. The deed stated, according to park docent Ann Syptak, there were to be no dogs allowed, nor bikes or picnicking and all hikes were to be guided hikes with a trained guide leading the walk. If the state does not meet the terms and conditions, the land will be donated to someone who will meet them, Syptak said.
This is one of the reasons the park remains a seldom visited spot. Unlike other state natural areas like Enchanted Rock and Lost Maples, a person can not just go over there and hike at all hours. “It’s an age old conflict,” Docent Michael Mcclendon said to a Sunday morning hike, “I’m sure she wanted people to enjoy, but too many people destroy it,” he said. Since there is no visitor’s center, the docents are available by appointment and on every other Sunday at 9 am. But visitors can get an opportunity to see hills, fossils and a creek. It is a forest of ashe juniper and oaks. Wildlife includes deer and coyote. The view from some hills along with the hum of traffic from Mopac and FM 2222, reminds the visitor he or she is in the middle of a major metro area, but in other spots it feels more like the country that attracted Lucas to the area. [Location: take Bull Creek to near Mesa. Head South on Creek Mountain. there are no signs saying Bright Leaf, but a couple of small official looking signs saying it is a state park.459-7269]
CAMERA COOP
Digital is all the rage in photography. Ten years ago it was starting for the news media, five years ago, still a little whisper among the public. Now it is everywhere.
But with all movements their are contrarians and Camera Coop is the place. The latest digital equipment is there but overshadowed by older equipment built to last.
There is the 8mm move camera mom and dad used to document Christmas, 1971. There are Speed Graphic press cameras like you see in the old movies where reporters have press cards in their hats. Old Leicas from back to the thirties are for sale but the stereo viewers from the late 19th century are for display only. Will the latest digital camera work as well in sixty years?
“It goes back to the art form of how photography started,” said manager Tiffany Mason. “A big part of creativity is taking out the digital.” [ 1718 South Congress, Monday through Friday 10 to 7, Saturday 10 to 6 and Sunday 1 to 5. 804-2667 ]
COMMEMORATIVE AIRFORCE
The Commemorative (formerly Confederate) Airforce, based in Midland, Texas was founded to keep the warbirds of World Wars I and II still flying, or at least still in existence. Since 1974, the Central Texas wing of the Airforce is located at San Marcos Municipal Airport and is part of that mission. In a World War II hangar at the airport the Airforce includes the world’s only flying Bell P39Q “Aircobra.” Also included are the P 30 “Warhawk” and the largest, the B 25 bomber dubbed “The Yellow Rose” with the nose art of a scantily clad blond in a hat and cowboy boots on the nose. (She was wearing less until a wife complained. ) Other vintage warbirds include a jet from the Korean War and three A6 “Texans” on display. Two of the A6’s have been modified into Japanese “Zeros” and used in the movies “Tora Tora Tora” and “Pearl Harbor.” A museum is also dedicated to the era and especially James Doolittle’s Raiders, who flew the first bombing raids over Japan. Hank Potter, Doolittle’s navigator, was a resident of San Marcos and the Doolittle room is named in his honor. A library and gift shop is also included for aviation enthusiasts.
The airport itself is part of World War II History. Shortly after the US was thrown into the conflict, the airport was built to train pilots who in an instant went from farms and factories to the skies of Europe and the Pacific. An old abandoned control tower still looks over the airport. The hanger where the planes are located is vintage W.W.II as well.
The weekend before Veteran’s Day, “The Gathering of Memories Air show and Swing Dance” is held in the hangar as big band music provides a soundtrack for an era when the US and its allies joined forces to fight two military powers. On the other days the sounds of planes taking off and landing are just as fitting a soundtrack. [Location at San Marcos Airport, the last hangar on the service road. http://www.realtime.net/centex ]
COMMUNITY SERVICE
“...that service to humanity is the best work of life,” has long been part of the Jaycee’s Creed and many of those who volunteer their time or who benefit from volunteers (which is all of us) will probably agree.
Several local non profits need your help and whatever the skills, or lack of skills there is a place where someone can make a difference and perhaps make new friends with similar interests such as mentoring, religion and the outdoors. Where to start? Several organizations work as clearing houses for charitable causes that need help from outdoors to the arts and from special projects for just one day to a few days to regular volunteer positions. A recent visit to volunteersolutions.org, a website from the United Way, lists 331 agencies who need people. The Catholic Charities of the Austin Diocese has several community and faith outreach activities. Single volunteers match community minded singles together [www.volunteersolutions.org, www.volunteermatch.orgwww.austindiocese.org/cctx/jobdescriptions.htm and www.singlevolunteers.org]
COMEDY
[[Laugh Out Loud]]
It has always been an amazing talent to get in front of an audience and make people laugh. But the most amazing think is how easy they make it look!!
In Austin several places are here for just that purpose. Esther’s Follies has shows and sketch comedy. CapCity Comedy and the Velveeta Room have standup comedians and the Alamo Drafthouse has Mister Sinus Theater 3000, live comedians hosting movies. [ Esther’s Follies, 525 East 6th. www.esthersfollies.com, 320-0553 . Cap City Comedy, 8120 Research, www.capcitycomedy.com, 467-2333. Velveeta Room, 521 East 6th, www.thevelveetaroom.com, 469-9116.]
DANSKIN TRIATHLON
[[Challenge Yourself]]
“When was the last time you did something for the first time?” A poster for the Danskin
Women’s triathlon reads. Up to 2,500 women will swim 1/2 half mile, bike for 12 miles and cap it of with a 3.1 mile run at Walter E Long Park June 13. The race challenges all age groups from preteens to seniors and all levels of skill from Olympic athletes to women who walk the run portion. The national triathlon includes Austin as one of the cities and starts at 7 am so the heat is not at its most intense. Another thing said about the race is the woman who starts the race is not the woman who finishes the race. Women have looked to it as a source of inspiration to get off the couch and get fit. Some cancer survivors have taken the race a challenge to put the disease in its place. Not a few men find it a remarkable spectator sport, too. [www.danskin.com/triathlon, at the Park on Decker Lake Road]
DAUGHTERS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS
[[Visit Some Neglected Daughters]]
The oldest museum in Austin is also one of the least visited. An average day’s attendance at The Story of Texas museum is more than a year’s attendance at The Daughters of the Republic of Texas (DRT) museum.
Since 1891, DRT has operated a museum to show off the state and its history. First the Capitol held their collection, then at the current Capitol Visitor’s Center and in 1992 the latest incarnation -in a former branch bank on Research just west of I 35- opened with paintings, artifacts, weapons give a view of Texas from before 1900. There are several exhibits such is a hands on section for children with a covered wagon, “A Day in the Life of Your Great Grandmother,” and dioramas depicting scenes from Texas history. “Those are the only surviving dioramas from the Texas Centennial in 1936,” said Linda Ho, exhibit and education coordinator of the museum. [the museum is at 510 East Anderson. Admission is $2 for adults $1.50 for seniors and $1 for students, teachers and DRT members. 339-1997 ]
EAST TRAVIS AND WILLIAMSON COUNTY
[[Visit the Prairie]]
So the Hill Country in the Western half of the metro area is what people think of when they talk about the beauty of the area, but Eastern Travis and Williamson has a beauty all of it’s own.
Take a drive out East, or better still, a bike ride. Fields of corn and wheat grow tall in the summer. Gently rolling topography makes the Blackland Prairrie just as great for bikers as for farmers. Little towns like Weir, Taylor, Manor and others dot the prarrie and have a special charm that embody the term ‘farming community.’ Granger Lake, Bastrop State Park and famous Elgin Sausage is further to the East. But one of the most memorable times can be had sitting on a gentle rise of land when an afternoon thunderstorm starts forming. Just be ready to leave before the lightning arrives.
FLAGS OF TEXAS
[[Salute the Flags]]
These flags are no longer waving, the colors are fading, but the stories are the true beauty.
Texas Flags 1836 to 1945 will be the featured exhibit of The Story of Texas Museum. See the flag that flew over Sam Houston and his men at the battle of San Jacinto. You can see the flags of Mexican armies who were defeated at the battle. Flags from the Civil War, the buffalo soldiers in West Texas and many others show the colors that led men to battle, were saluted by scouts and provided comfort during times of national crises.
One interesting flag was from 1845 to 1846. The twenty-eight star flag is flew after the twenty eighth state, Texas joined the United States but before number twenty nine, Iowa, was added. [ [The Story of Texas Museum is at Martin Luther King and Congress. Exhibit only is $6.50 for adults, free for 18 and under. Hours are 9 to 6 Monday through Saturday 12 to 6 Sunday www.thestoryoftexas.com ]
FLIGHT TRAINING
[[Fulfill a Dream]]
Now that it has been one hundred years since Orville and Wilbur Wright took to the North Carolina skies, it means a century of people with a fascination of leaving the ground. Be it the space shuttle or a Cessna, the dream is the same.
Locations in Austin Georgetown and San Marcos have flight schools to that teach the difference between a pitot tube and an aileron, how to takeoff, how to land, flying in normal situations and what to do when something goes wrong. It is a different feeling in a little box away from everyone knowing responsibility for the flight starts and ends with you. Even an introductory “freedom flight” is a memory that will last forever.
Lisa Micheletti of Pilots choice offers a Piper Tomahawk 2 seat plane, fuel and an instructor for $94 and hour and $92 per hour if paid in advance. The FAA requires 40 hours to earn a private pilot’s license, but 50 to 55 hours is a bit more typical. [Adventure Aviation, Georgetown, Austin and San Marcos Airports, 930-4143. Wright Aviation, Georgetown Airport 930-7577. Austin Academy of Aviation, Austin 4309 General Aviation, Austin 385-2880. Pilots Choice, Georgetown Airport 869-1759.]
GEOCACHING
[[Treasure Hunt]]
Treasure hunts, the high tech way. In every county in the Austin area hidden containers with items lie in wait for discovery. 273 are in Travis County alone, according to Austinexplorer.com. No, gold, silver or jewelry are not in the containers, but this is about the thrill and challenge of discovery, not getting rich.
First start with a GPS device. They start at around $100 at outdoor and electronic stores. Then plug in coordinates which are in the form of latitude and longitude, and are available at different sites on the Internet. You will find cute names too like “unreasonable search’ to identify. The coordinates lead to a site with more coordinates, eventually directing to the cache’. You can take things from the box but proper form says you should leave something if you do. [www.austinexplorer.com]
GHOST TOURS
[[Find Some Ghosts]]
She is a cross between your coolest history professor and Agent Fox Mulder. If you love local history or the paranormal or both, Jeannine Plummer and her Austin Ghost Tour is a must see.
In addition to the Ghost Tour, she also explorers cemeteries and the serial killings of 1884 and 1885. For one year in Austin seven women and one man were killed by an ax murderer, dubbed the Servant Girl Annihilator. He was never caught.
Throughout her ninety minute walking tour (wear comfortable shoes) she and her associates show off the city and some of its many haunted, or supposedly haunted sites. And no, this is not the haunted hayride, no one will jump out to scare you. [ $15 per person, www.austinghosttours.com, tours leave from The Hideout at 617 Congress Avenue. Reservations at 443-3688]
GOODWATER TRAIL
[[Take a LONG hike]]
More than twice as long as the Barton Creek Greenbelt is a trail near Georgetown that provides 16.6 miles of hiking (one way!) through some Hill Country scenery. An outdoors challenge right in the Austin metro area is longer than even the famous Southeast Rim Trail of Big Bend National Park.
The Good water trail starts at Cedar Breaks Park near the Dam. Fossilized seashells are along the artifical lake, created in the late 1970’s, a reminder of the days the Austin area was covered by a shallow sea. Backpacking is available at primitive campsites at no charge. The walk goes through all but one park at the lake then ends at Russell Park. There are not a lot of hikers on the trail so it is especially important to watch yourself. A visit last May revealed three snakes in different locations the last of which had rattles on its tail.
GUADALUPE ARTS
[[Go to the “Other” First Thursday]]
The Guadalupe Arts Center leases studio space to a variety of artists from sculptures to painters to jewelry designers and photographers. Artists share the space or some have smaller studios exclusively for one.
On the first Thursday of the month, the artists open the building to show off and sell their works and seem more than eager to chat with visitors. Or just keep walking and listening and you will soon find a conversation without much effort. Contrast the more intimate setting of this first Thursday with the crowds of the South Congress first Thursday events and depending on your mood this is may be the choice when feeling claustrophobic. Drinks and snacks are available. [1705 Guadalupe on the first Thursday of the month from 6 to 9 PM www.guadalupearts.org ]
ICON
[[Believe in a Miracle]]
A woman has brought pilgrims to an Orthodox Monastery in the Hill Country of Blanco County for the last nineteen years. Her name is Mary.
Since May 7 1985, an icon of Saint Mary and the baby Jesus at Christ of the Hills Monastery has reportedly been shedding tears of myrrh, a fragrant liquid. The monks of the community believe it is a call to action for the worlds people to pray, fast and repent. Pilgrims show up to ask for special help from trying times, spiritual guidance and some are just curious. [ Take US 290 west to US 281. Head North a few feet to County Road 102, then head 2.5 miles to the gates of Clear Spring Ranch and follow the ranch road for 2.5 miles. Hours 10 am to 6 PM seven days a week. No shorts and women are to wear skirts or dresses.]
INFORMAL CLASSES
[[Broaden Your Mind]]
UT Informal Classes have been held since 1971 and giving a different look at higher learning.
First anyone can attend the classes. Forget what you know how selective the admissions process is to become a UT Austin student.
Second are those classes that tend to run the gamut. “Beginning Conversational Spanish” to “Working with your Spirit Guides.’ many classes are held online, others in classrooms and on location (in the air for “Skydiving Basics” underground for “ Cave Exploring” and on the water in “Touring Kayaking”). There are no prerequisites for classes, after all, what courses can prepare you for Section 3230.601, “Menhdi Tattooing?” Perhaps best of all there are no grades so don’t worry about coming home with a D- in “Beginning Merengue.” And you can be a teacher, too. Contact the school for teaching opportunities. [registration and catalogs are available at the UT Student Union building, or online at www.informalclasses.org or at 232-5277 ]
IRISH MUSIC
[[ Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, this Summer]]
Several Irish music players meet together and play together on Sunday nights. Not a concert, just a group of about ten who are just enjoying themselves. The best part is we get to enjoy them when they do.
The varying group of singers, fiddlers, flautists and guitarists have an unorganized (in a good way) jam session while the friendly, neighborhood pub over Guinness and and fish and chips.
[ WITH B.D. Riley’s is at 204 East 6th Street. The Jam session is around 7 to 10 PM (remember, this is unorganized) on Sunday nights. 494-1335 ]
MOVIE EXTRAS
[[Be a star (sort of)]]
Imagine a sports movie where the underdog team/athlete that everyone loves comes from behind to defeat the rival and win the championship/ gold medal/ admiration ect amongst the sounds of hundreds of screaming fans.
Well who are those screaming fans? Or the people walking down the busy street so the street will be, well, busy? Or the throngs of reporters trying to talk to that rebel cop who defied his superiors and killed the arch villain after the dramatic chase and explosion ?
Extras make the movie more believable wether the setting is the Civil War or the distant future, movies almost always need extras. And with lots of films being done in the area, have a photo with your name and phone number ready to send in for casting calls ... and be prepared for a long day and or night. [to find movies looking for people, go to www.governnor.state.tx.us/divisions/film/hotline]
NEW SWEDEN CHURCH
[[Visit the sacred, simple and beautiful]]
It is elegant and unique and simple all at the same time. Perhaps that its appeal. Photographers love it and some of the congregation has been coming Sunday mornings for generations. It is even visible in the Nanci Griffith music video “Speed of the Sound of Loneliness.”
The area adds to the church’s beauty. It would not be the same in Central Austin. Out on the rolling farmland of Eastern Travis County North of Manor it spires up from the country known as “the World’s Breadbasket.” A few farm houses, some occupied and maintained, some abandoned and fields of corn and wheat make this area pure Americana. And the story of the area is pure Americana too.
Swedes began moving into the area in the 1870’s. Like many immigrant communities before and since they came to the US because things were not going well at home. The first church was built in 1874 at FM 973 where the New Sweden Cemetery is located. The current church was built about a mile east in 1922. In 1930 Clarence Blomberg was born. When his ancestor’s farm in Sweden were not making ends meet “they had to bail out and paddle there boats somewhere else,” he said. .[On New Sweden Road, a mile east of FM 973, five miles north of Manor]
PALMETTO STATE PARK
[[See the Tropics]]
Southeast of Austin is a place that is out of place.
Warm springs gurgle from under the earth creating a collection of palmetto plants, just outside of Lulling in Palmetto State Park. The Palmettos, or small palms, grow thick in the park where the springs keep the soil and water below it in a near constant state of summer. The most interesting area is the 1/3 mile palmetto trail.
Camping and hiking are also available at the small park on the San Marcos River.
[Head South on US 183 from Austin to Lulling. Then Continue on 183 about 6.3 miles southeast to Park Road 11]
ROCK WALLS OF BARTON CREEK
[[Visit a mystery]]
A mysterious network of rock walls zig zags, bends, circles and occasionally even travels in a straight line. But no one is sure when they were put there. Well, maybe a few of the big live oaks nearby, but they aren’t talking.
On the Barton Creek Greenbelt west of Mopac is the first wall. It heads northwest for about 1/10th a mile down a hill towards a creek. Further down the trail at about a quarter mile down the trail, is the much larger network of walls.
Some historians believe this is the mission that moved from East Texas in 1730 then relocated to San Antonio later that year. A historic marker was erected at Barton Springs, but no permanent structures were ever found. Speculation was it was the foundation for what would be an established mission similar to what is now on the Mission trail National Park in San Antonio, or perhaps they were used for small livestock.
Other historians believe the walls were built by the Cox family who owned the land from 1873 to 1887. At the western wall pieces of scrap metal from the twentieth century were visible on the ground and artifacts from indigenous tribes have been found in the area.
[the easternmost wall is 3/4th of a mile west from the Mopac trailhead on top of a hill. Nearby some transient camps appeared to be occupied. The larger network of walls can be seen from the trail in a forested area one mile from the trailhead. A small rock cairn shows a small trail that leads about 200 feet to the walls.]
[[Find love FAST]]
At a restaurant bar downtown, an observer would think he or she came upon a job fair.
A woman in her twenties is taking notes talking to a hopeful-looking man. But neither was dressed in business wear and no one was carrying business cards.
Instead they were looking for Mr. or Ms Right or Mr. and Ms Right Now. Someone to be a friend or a spouse. Radio station KHFI holds Kiss Konnection Speed Dating. Where couples for a few minutes at a time get to ask key questions and try for that elusive thing called “rapport” that everyone has trouble defining. Another company that does similar events is called 8 minute dating and posts events four weeks in advance. At $37 an event, Pre-dating.com arranges more specified get togethers with events for athletic singles, gay/lesbian matches, vegetarians, interracial, tall people, younger men and older women and older women and younger men.[www.khfi.com, www.8minutedating.com and www.pre-dating.com]
SODA FOUNTAIN
[[ Have Lunch Back in Time]]
It used to be standard that every drug store had a lunch counter that served sandwiches, burgers and Coke floats that were pure self indulgence. But like telegrams, paper boys and phone booths, they kind of faded away without anyone taking notice.
But Nau’s Pharmacy still has not gotten the message. With the older decor, the sound of burgers on the grill along with pink, gray and beige wallpaper that looks like it came from the 1960’s, this is no Walgreen’s.
A recent Saturday visit had mostly families at the noon hour filling the counters, booths and tables. It is right in the middle of Clarksville just West of Downtown. $5.75 bought a hamburger and Coke float and yes, it was pure indulgence. [1115 West Lynn Monday through Friday 7:30- 9 PM, Saturday 8-8, Sunday 10- 4:45]
TEXAS HILL COUNTRY RIVER REGION
[[See Five Rivers]]
You have tubed the Guadalupe, climbed Enchanted Rock, camped in Pedernales State Park and enjoyed the small town charm of Fredricksburg and been awed by the drive to Wimberly. But arguably you have not seen the most beautiful section of the Hill Country until you drive out towards Uvalde County.
With five rivers, The Frio, Dry Frio, Nueces, Leona and the Sabinal, swimmers, tubers and kayakers can discover a lesser explored area. Each river has its own look from the almost desert view of the Nueces to the much greener Frio and Sabinal.
Garner State Park has Bald Mountain and a steep trail to reach the top. The park is developed with a dance hall, miniature golf and even a hay ride with a resident singing cowboy who gives a cultural and historical view of the area. Nearby is Lost Maples State Natural Area, and the Hill Country State Natural Areas which give a more rustic outdoor experience.
Kayak, nature and the Frio Bat Caves tours are offered by reservation through Hill Country Adventures.
Perhaps one of the most scenic drives in Texas is State Highway 337 from Medina to Leakey on the way to Uvalde County. Neal’s, restaurant in Concan has a great view that has been enjoyed since the 1920’s. It’s a long day trip with lots to do, so you might want to consider staying overnight. [Accommodations and activities can be found at www.thcrr.com or 800-210-0380. www.hillcountryadventures.com, 830-966-2320 ]
TEXAS MEMORIAL MUSEUM
[[Revisit an Old Friend]]
A lot of people remembered elementary school field trips to the Texas Memorial Museum, the 1937 limestone building at UT Austin.
But a lot of those people thought it was a little too much like the museum they remembered visiting during elementary school. A few changes over the years, but this January the old friend had opened with a new look, emphasizing biology, geology and paleontology and no longer the exhibits from history. By emphasizing the natural sciences, the museum seems to offer more. Be sure to watch the paleontologist at work on the first floor. Prehistory actually seems alive. [ 2400 Trinity, Monday to Friday 9 to 5, Saturday 10 to 5, Sunday 1 to 5. www.tmm.utexas.edu. 471-1604. Free Admission]
VELOWAY
[[Avoid Cars and Runners]]
Bikers and skaters are a somewhat oppressed group. Too slow for cars, they are scorned on the roads by motorists and blamed for traffic tie ups. Plus cars can prove deadly. Too fast for hikers and joggers they are loathed even more on trails as arrogant speed-demons. But in Southwest Austin, they are the kings of the road.
A 3.17 mile winding road, the veloway rolls up and down near Circle C across the street from The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Hills, trees, dry creeks and native plants are natures decorations. Each bend is something different. Just don’t look for cars and joggers. [On La Crosse Ave., East off Mopac South of Slaughter]
WEST 6th STREET ARTS DISTRICT
[[ Appreciate Austin’s Arts District]]
On West 6th between Baylor and Pressler, art galleries await discovery.
In just a few blocks, seven galleries all offer art for sale but there resemblance ends there. Austin Galleries at 1219 West 6th has the largest collection of paintings and sculptures -four thousand according to Angela Attal, daughter of owner George Attal. F8 Galleries offers both painting and photography while Art Works emphasizes object oriented art. Lotus has works from Asia going back to the Neolithic period. [ on West 6th and West 5th , all are closed on Sunday and half are closed on Monday ]
WILLOW CITY LOOP
[[ Take the Loop ]]
Next time going to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, take the scenic route.
Gillespie County is blessed with the Willow City Loop.
Looking out of place, the granite hills grow out of the land and creeks and cattle crossings cut across the scenic drive. It is a drive that has to be seen to be believed. the drive has been a journey for bicyclists, wildflower lovers and just folks who love beautiful scenery.
[ Take 290 West towards the Johnson City, Past Johnson City 2.6 miles north to County road 1323, then west 24 miles to Willow City then head North]
Return to www.devingreaney.com