Days 31-35 into Austin

We have had very spotty internet service, combined with long tiring days which is why we are behind with our posts.

We have been traversing west Texas, through the Hill Country, which has some very steep ascents and descents and beautiful vistas.

On the way to Big Oak Campground we met Renee and her father. Renee is a teacher and her father is an 83 year old, retired after working for Marathon oil for 40 years. They told us how the cattle ranches have been very hard hit by the 6 year drought and many ranchers have sold off their cattle and the ranches have been bought and converted into hunting lodges. They have imported animals from Asia and Africa, including Zebra and giraffe. The terrain looked a lot like the Kruger Park!

Isabel, Joe's friend and fellow ACA tour leader met us in Lost Maples with a delicious dinner of BBQ brisket, beans, potato salad and home made chocolate chip cookies. This was really enjoyed by all. The BBQ smokey brisket of Texas cuisine is particularly delicious (especially when really hungry).

We have seen a display of beautiful wild flowers along the roadside. These are part of Lady Bird Johnson's effort to beautify the Texas highways.

The terrain has been changing, from mountains to hills. To quote the bike mechanic in Marathon we have done the misery mountains and are now going through the heartbreak hills.

After Kerrville we went through some quaint Texas towns, often eating a second breakfast (a biker tradition) or stopping for drinks.

Ed (64) a retired engineer from Lockheed Martin shared some of his exercise thoughts with us. He needs a goal to motivate him to exercise, such as this cross country ride. He has also walked the Appalachian Trail - in 2008 - which took him 6 months. This is quite some accomplishment. He experiences an endorphin rush from exercise. He struggles with his weight, losing it with these long expeditions. He is otherwise healthy.

We are now enjoying a luxurious layover day at the Hyatt in Austin. We had great food (gluten free, organic, indie, Austin cuisine) last night at the Snack Bar, where we ran into fellow riders, Berit and John. By the way John is from Traverse City, MI.

A professional picture added today was taken outside Fort Davis. Note the leader of the peloton.