Deep In The Heart Of Texas

Hi y’all, hope yer mighty fine – enough of that accent already. Only made 280 of the 580 miles today. The motel we were in didn’t have anyone to check us out till gone 10am, so we did an oil change whilst waiting. Then we dawdled a little as we moseyd down the old highway.

Following the Texas Fort trail so there’s a lot of tempting stops. Arrived in this little town at about 5pm, walked into a huge, real old place – sort of cafe-come local meeting place. J fell in love with the dame at the bar (coffee), I fell in love with the decor and photo ops – so we’re staying the night.

One stop this afternoon, a little man with a big hat asked about the bike. On hearing J’s accent he said, ‘Hey, y’all aint frem around here, are ya?’ ‘No, Christine’s from England, I’m from Denmark’

‘Denmark, that’s near New York, ain’t it?’ I had to bite my cheeks so as to not offend him

As we ride further west, the temperature is soaring – around 100 F today. The green grass of western Texas close to the Gulf, is disappearing rapidly. There’s lots of scrub and cactus and every creek we’ve seen this afternoon has been bone dry.

Treat the earth well,

It was not given to you by your parents,

It was loaned to you by your children.

American Indian Proverb

Made a stop at Buchanan Dam and was able to walk on ground normally deep underwater. Imagine, there was a lighthouse – deep in the heart of Texas – most unexpected. Was so lovely, I actually got my Nikon out and suffered the scorching heat to go get photos. Normally, I have the little Sony NEX around my neck so I can keep it around my neck and take pics while on the bike. Most of the photos on here are from the Sony. They’re OK, but not brilliant; so it’s wonderful to bring out the big Daddy:D

No photos on this post as I haven’t emptied my camera yet. Also, have to come to the motel reception to get wi-fi.

Tomorrow, we should make it into New Mexico and may be camping at the Carlsbad Caverns.

Meanwhile, I’m off back into town to take some photos. Regards all, Christine

From http://www.texasescapes.com/TexasHillCountryTowns/MasonTexas/MasonTx.htm

History in a Pecan Shell

One of the first settlers in the area was Wm. S. Gamel in 1846. Fort Mason was established in 1851 and settlers were attracted by the protection that the fort provided from Indians. Germans moved into the area from Fredericksburg and even soldiers settled the town after their discharge. In 1858 the town received mail as well as the fort’s supplies from San Antonio. The post office opened in town and the name was changed from Fort Mason to Mason that same year.

Fort Mason: The fort played no part in the Civil War other than being surrendered to Confederate forces in 1861. The Confederates didn’t need it and the townsfolk appropriated much of the abandoned fort and equipment. It was reestablished in 1866 and then abandoned for good in 1868.

In the 1870’s Mason County was the scene of a violent feud between German settlers and Anglo ranchers. Known as the “Hoo-Doo” War or the Mason County War – it was a nasty business of many killings with no one ever standing trial.

Mason became a stage stop after the war and it never did get a railroad – usually an very important milestone to a developing town. In 1923 Mason was the largest “city” in Texas without a railroad.