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Frascone Winery Harvest Host Anahuac, Texas
This Harvest Host is 15 miles off of I-10. The sites have full hookups for only $15/night. The view of bay can be seen from the sites. Jim is the proprietor of the winery and makes his wine from the teachings of his grandfather. We met other Harvest Host members in the bistro. The red and white checker tablecloths are reminiscent of those spotted in many little Italian cafés. His wines are unique and he even makes mead wine. The elderberry mead goes down smoothly and I couldn’t resist taking a bottle to go.
We enjoy conversing with people and always find something interesting at the end of our meetings. Jim was no exception and had many stories to tell. One which we found extremely interesting happened in September 2008 when Hurricane Ike decided to wreak havoc as a Category 4 hurricane. The wind speeds were 143 mph and 195 people lost their lives. It was the sixth-costliest hurricane causing $38 billion in damages.
Unfortunately, Jim was affected. Five of his homes and all of the winery was completely leveled. Upon his return, he can see his wine bottles strewn throughout the vicinity. He lost his livelihood and was devasted. He moved into an RV near his daughter’s home. Around that time, Neil Diamond had a concert in Houston and wanted to visit the area where Ike hit. Being a compassionate man, he decided to rebuild the homes of 15 selected families. Jim was one of the lucky ones. He has since built up his winery and is currently erecting an event hall. We were happy to hear his story had a happy ending. If you are ever in the area, go see Jim http://www.frasconewinery.com and enjoy his wine tasting and friendly conversation.
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McKinney Falls State Park & Mystery Stop-Austin, Texas
This state park had it all. Trails, amphitheater, spacious sites nestled among the trees and waterfalls. I imagine the falls would have been better viewed in the spring or summer, but by the time we got there not much of the water was free-flowing. Regardless, being in nature is always rewarding even if not at its optimal peak time.
When we first arrived at our site two deer were munching on the grass. They didn’t seem fazed by our presence as they continued their lunch. It always amazes me the sounds one hears when surrounded by Mother Nature. The rustling of trees, the soft breeze passing through, and at night the song of the crickets make me want to stay and never leave.
Lady Bird Lake provided a wonderful afternoon bike ride. The Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike trail is 10 miles long and meanders along the river-like reservoir on the Colorado River. The water view is filled with kayaks, canoes, and rowers from the universities as they practice for upcoming competitions. This area is the hub for many residents and was alive with activity.
Austin is the capital of Texas and our daughter always takes us to the out of the box places. She took us to a speakeasy. There are several around the city and all have secret codes to enter. If I was walking the city streets, I would have continued walking as the entrance was a nondescript gate with a keypad to enter the code. As you walk down the alley, one wonders if this is the right place. At the end of the alley, a man with a headset greets you and asks the party’s name. As you descend the stairs you begin to wonder, what this place is and, is it safe. The answer is waiting at the bottom of the steps with a cordial glass of champagne and you are escorted to a comfortable seating area. The drinks are none you ever heard of and come with a hefty price tag. The drinks were delicious and after 45 minutes you are asked to leave as the next party is waiting. This was an experience I wouldn’t have wanted to miss. Our quandary became which of the many fabulous restaurants we should have dinner at. Eddie V was the winner and the food was excellent.
