Day 7 - Austin, TX

Barb and Bruce Stevenson had planned tours of the Austin area and included some experiences you can't get anywhere else. We'll try to describe the adventures as they occur over the next few days.

Wednesday was an easy travel day ... just 126 miles from West, TX to Austin. The exit sign at the KOA park offered four important reminders:

1. antenna down?
2. step up?
3. sewer cap on?
4. wife in car?

Dick got 100% on the test. However, #4 should be for extra credit.

We got a casual start and arrived at 1pm. Bruce came to meet us and guide us to their home. We certainly would have needed a "rescue" without his help.

Bruce fixed a delightful dinner of shepherd's pie (he is a skilled chef).

We left at 8:15pm to enjoy some Austin night life. Donn's Depot is an unassuming little bar full of surprizes. First, it's constructed from part of an old train depot and two passenger cars. Almost everyone that entered was greeted by name. They came in cars, trucks and on motorcycles. The music was GREAT. It was easy country/French. Chris Gage and Christine Albert sang and performed on guitar, electric keyboard and accordian for 2 hours with no break. FYI - Chris played piano backup for Roy Clark. He is an extrordinary musician ... the instruments seemed like a natural extension of his finger tips.

Chris invited another performer, Cowboy Johnson, to join in the fun. He sang and played guitar for about four songs.

We left Donn's at the 11pm break. It was a great experience and great fun.

Barbara then took us on a tour of the downtown action. We saw the state capital (built 1 foot higher than any other state or federal capital building ... they builld things big down here). We also saw the historic Driscoll Hotel.