Early in the day I woke Joan for a short “goodby – be safe” and departed with Winnie (our travel trailer) for the Austin area. Later in the day, John Denver sang, “My Bags are Packed and I’m Ready to Go.”
Wednesday, 7/17/2024
The first day was uneventful except for several traffic delays due to accidents and what appeared to be two cars falling off a car carrier. More of a gaper stop than a real accident.
Dinner was a navigation accomplishment. As planned, I parked in a large lot at The Catfish House in Milton, not far from Splash. The catfish was crispy and flavorful, as was the cole slaw. Unfortunately, the hush puppies didn’t meet my standard of hot. While tasty, they had sat too long under the warmer.
Apparently, this is a common overnight RV stop. They let me stay in the parking lot with Winnie. It was very quiet and level. People parking nearby didn’t seem at all surprised to see an RV with the air conditioner and generator parked in a corner of the lot. Slept comfortably.
Thursday, 7/18
Another uneventful travel day until I neared Houston and was in several extended traffic jams. While stopped (forever) in a 5:30pm jam, I asked Google Maps for an “RV Campground” and found Danny S RV Park and Resort in Houston.
They provided a quiet, good-size concrete pad with electric, water, and sewage for $50 – just off the highway and just before the next entrance. With Winnie settled it, full water and empty holding tanks, sleep came about 8 p.m. The resort consisted of 30 or so paved sites surrounded by a 15′ high concrete wall with a large hole for retaining the flood water dropped by the recent Hurricane Beryl.
Nothing to see but dreams.
Busy morning cleaning Winnie, washing and waxing and some more gluing of the bed back together. I think I managed to vacuum all the staples since none are imbedded in feet, arms or legs.
Friday, 7/19 – Blue Willow Cafe in Burton, TX – nearing Sunrise Lake
With a late start and only about 200 miles to go, I stopped for brunch at the Blue Willow Cafe in Burton, TX. Blue Willow is a lovely name for a lovely, peaceful haven in a harried world.
Owner Tammie Mills bakes a fresh selection of bread, muffins, and treats each morning. The smell of baking and the feeling of the love that goes into fresh baked goods greeted me even before I opened the door.
It is hard to capture the taste and flavor of a fresh cooked breakfast. The sausage has a spicy taste, the eggs were perfectly medium over, and the potatoes were crispy. The best part, however, was the french toast with the warm syrup.
I hope I can return for another brunch on the way East.
Friday evening, I arrived at the Roman’s Lake House, with Miguel busy working by the water and Rebecca not yet arrived. Soon after Rebecca and the kids arrived, we set off on an adventure in their new Bayliner Element E18, the big sister of Stuart’s new Element E16.
Dinner at Boat Town was preceded by some time on the water swing set with Sierra and Dylan on the swings and Stu playing grandfather, pushing the two kids.
Eventually I tired out and convinced the kids to find Rebecca and Miguel for some dinner. Nice place, cool and breezy with a good view of the lake and lots of people spread out enough to enjoy the Buzz but still able to talk at our table.
Saturday, 7/20 – Sunrise, Tubing and Sailing
Saturday started with a sunrise looking out the canal toward Lake LBJ. The sun rose along the lake as the clouds cleared to start the day. Every day starts with a perfect sunrise looking out from the porch for a beautiful view.
Shortly after sunrise the kids began to stir and the lake house became alive with the sounds of happy activity.
Dylan was eager to be the family Waffle chef! Sierra mixed waffle mix and got the various toppings, sprinkles, bacon and whip cream, ready for the perfect waffle. Dylan was in charge of artistic decorating and outdid himself with a perfect Picasso masterpiece.
Sierra especially helped with the Adult waffle sandwich. We made one waffle with a few pieces of bacon instead of sprinkles on top. Then we made a second waffle with a whole egg on the waffle grill like a sunny side up – and put three small pieces of bacon on top. The result was an open faced bacon and egg sandwich. They were as tasty as they were cute.
A full day of adventure on the water. Miguel took the family to a sandbar about 10 miles from the new lake house. Sierra immediately jumped in the tube and bounced along behind as Miguel gently drove to the bar. It was interesting to watch her master the tube and smile at the same time.
Sierra quickly went from just holding on to steering the tube by leaning to the side.
Sunday, July 21 – 27: More Tubing and Sailing and Dairy Queen
A week in Paradise, or as the lucky locals say, Sunrise, TX
Miguel took to the helm of North Star for his first at-the-helm sailing experience. We pulled the strings, adjusted the sails and did everything but have good wind. No problem, we had enough fun, Miguel started the reliable motor and we went back to the slip.
Dylan continued to practice his waffle making skills until everyone ate all they wanted. We finished up with waffle shaped sunny side eggs served to the adults in a waffle sandwich. He even helped clean up!
Sierra bravely tested the riding tube that came with Miguel’s new boat during a ride to a beach island and our favorite dinner stop at the Boat House.
We upgraded the tube with an AirHead big enough for the entire family. After a few test rides, Sierra deemed it safe enough for “Papa Stu” and welcomed me aboard for my first ride in 25 years.
I tempted fate and stepped on the new AirHead. Sierra held my hand, assured me it was OK, and off we went. Her calm assurance kept me from being scared until she gave the thumbs up for more speed. First time for me in 25 years or so. Amazing to share it with a grandchild.
Sierra and I deemed it safe enough for Rebecca to try, followed immediately by Rebecca, Sierra and Dylan – with Miguel at the wheel making everything smooth at first until the kids started yelling, in unison, “FASTER.”
I had a lovely Friday night dinner with Joshua and Justin at Casino el Camino, an unlikely name for a burger bar. Lovely burgers and I had a truly superior chicken sandwich.
Sunday, July 28
Justin came out to Miguel and Rebecca’s lake house for a lovely visit with sailing, tubing and eating – the perfect day. Rebecca snapped the selfie below as Justin ad I departed for a sailing adventure that had too much wind and not enough navigation.
With Justin at the helm, we tacked and jibed back and forth across LBJ until I just got warn out handling the sails. Justin perfectly handled the helm, apparently inheriting Shirley’s instinct for managing the boat. Had I had been stronger, we could have sailed all day.
When we took in the sails and started back, we were both “sure” of the right cove as we entered a wrong dead end. Fortunately, Miguel rescued us and sent us in the direction of home.
We started out on the second half of our adventure, an AirHead trip to the sandbar with Justin, Sierra, and Dylan. By this time, Dylan and Sierra were experts and even beginning to steer the AirHead. Justin enjoyed the ride and the kids’ attention. We tubed to the Boat House for another nice evening on the water.
Tuesday, July 30: Grandmother Sally and Matt visiting
Sally and Matthew flew into Austin for a few days for a lovely visit to Miguel and Rebecca’s lake house.