Day 30 - Monday, April 7

Lost Maples State Natural Area, TX to Kerrville, TX - 53 miles - 1610 total

It's official; we're now halfway across the country. Around noon today, we rode through the village of Hunt, which marks the mid-point of the tour. Paul had driven ahead, and arranged with the local cafe to give us a cinnamon bun in celebration. Unfortunately, some of the group missed the sign for the celebratory buns. In fact, one of the lead riders claims he didn't see the triangle or celebratory sign, yet took a picture of it. Go figure. We're going out to eat tonight to mark the occasion 

Great ride today. Saw some interesting sights, such as Boot Hill, which is a stretch of road lined on both sides by fence posts topped with used boots. Then there were the exotic game ranches that allow well-heeled hunters to bag their prey in a fenced-in area. Sounds exciting, doesn't it. 

I spotted  a couple of antelope-type animals, but who knows what they were. Did see a couple of dead wild pigs beside the road, as well as what looked like a flattened coral snake, so we are getting a higher class of road kill at least. 

Part of the ride was along the Guadeloupe River, which seems to turn upon itself as we crossed it a number of times. The area abounds with resort cabins and canoe/paddleboat rental shops, interspersed with stately country estates all built with locally-quarried brownish-beige limestone. Very impressive. 

Flash floods, or torrential rains must be a real danger around here. At many of the dips in the road, in what appears a dry area, there is a flood gauge, indicating depths of up to 5 feet. We have thunderstorms forecast overnight. If they do occur, tomorrow's ride could be interesting. 

More bluebells. 

Boot Hill

Post-ride relaxation.