Texas was a great trip “ya’ll”

SOMEWHERE IN TEXAS — I’ve done a fair bit of traveling in my years, but Texas had not been a destination that I had previously chosen.

I had heard plenty of stories about Texas. That everything is bigger in Texas. After nearly 10 days down yonder, I can tell you, many of the stories turned out to be true. However, gasoline prices were not among the “big” items.

My wife and I flew to Texas on a trip that had been discussed with varying levels of sincerity for some time.

San Antonio, San Angelo, Midland, Dallas/Fort Worth, Waco and many towns in between. We traveled in and through them all, to the tune of around 1,600 miles with an awesome rental car (Jeep Grand Cherokee).

The plus was getting to see and spend time with three of my siblings. It was the first time we had been together since our parents passed away from COVID (eight days apart) four years ago.

“Don’t forget The Alamo” has always been the cry, and we didn’t. We took a quick tour there, along with a trip up to the top of the Tower of America and visited The Riverwalk more than once, while staying in San Antonio.

By far, The Riverwalk was hands down the best stop (aside from seeing family).

We also made it a point to see where it all happens for Chip and Joanna in Waco, seeing the silos and numerous “Magnolia” shops, along with driving by Baylor University, walking a suspension bridge and visiting “Our Breakfast Place” more than once before starting our days.

San Antonio featured a stay in the Drury Inn & Suites, right on The Riverwalk. What a gorgeous place that treated you like royalty.

Not to mention breathtaking views from the 23rd floor overlooking downtown San Antonio.

We visited some dandy longhorn cattle with horns over five feet wide, while stopped at a Farmer’s Market.

And, of course, no trip to The Riverwalk is complete without a ride on the boat that gives a uniquely different and beautiful view of downtown San Antonio.

Out in San Angelo, it was quality time with a brother and sister who live there, along with another sister who flew in from Florida. We all had a great time, ate too much and enjoyed sitting around and catching up.

Then, there was the trip to Cavendars’ in San Angelo. I was pretty proud of myself for having not spent too much money on the trip. That is, until my brother took me to an authentic boot store. Uh oh….

After scanning shelves and shelves of cowboy boots of all shapes and sizes, there they were!

A pair of 15 EE boots made of imitation alligator skin and leather uppers that had my name all over them. They slipped right on with ease and I was sold.

After playing the mind game of I don’t really need these, I don’t need to spend that much money on them, I pulled the trigger and bought them and had them shipped home.

I hope they really make it. I can’t wait to wear them. Of course, my wife just smiled and said they were nice and was glad I liked them.

After that excitement, we headed to Midland, Texas, about two hours from San Angelo, to see my niece, her husband and their two kids. We went to dinner at a buffet pizza place called “Double Dave’s” – how appropriate!

We finished our time back in San Angelo, before the four hour trip to Dallas/Fort Worth to catch a plane home.

A lot of miles driven on roads that were nothing like Michigan roads. Not a crack or pot hole to be found anywhere and speed limits of 70 or higher for most of the roads, once out of town.

While it was great to see family and some sights, I returned home convinced I am not a big city guy that enjoys driving in crazy heavy traffic, especially in Austin during rush hour.

The only transportation thing I would have liked to bring back to Michigan is the $2.37 per gallon gasoline.

I’m glad to be back in the saddle, working and living in our small communities of The Thumb area. But, I could do without all the bumpy roads and potholes.

Thanks for a great time Texas!

Contact Dave at editor@pageone-inc.com