Tag Archives: trail

Our Inks Lake Getaway

Teardrop Trail Log: August 4, 2017

We met the folks from Southwest Teardrops and Vintage Trailer group at Krause Springs in May of 2016 and attended one of their gatherings at Lake Bob Sandlin last September. I had signed us up for another gathering with the group at Inks Lake State Park beginning August 3. Sadly, we had broken a leaf spring on our trailer on our last trip so we were a day late arriving due to the search for replacements for a broken leaf spring.

Welcome to Inks Lake!

Inks Lake State Park is considered one of the gems of the Texas Hill Country, near Austin. About 8,000 years ago, prehistoric peoples lived and worked along the banks of the Colorado River. The Apache and Comanche later ranged through the Hill Country. After Texas became a state, German and other Anglo settlers farmed and raised livestock here. The area was used for cattle ranching since the mid-1800s and it remained a part of various ranches until the state acquired the land. Culverts and roads in the park were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps stationed at Longhorn Caverns in the 1930s.

Our Neighbors

The 1,201-acre State Park was created from privately owned and Lower Colorado River Authority land in 1940, and is located next to Inks Lake on the Colorado River in Burnet County. Inks Lake is named for Roy B. Inks, one of the original board members of the Lower Colorado River Authority. It is the 2nd lake in the seven Highland Lakes chain. The water level of Inks Lake is usually unaffected by drought and is maintained at a normal level most of the time. The park opened to the public in 1950.

The Gang at Devil’s Watering Hole

The entrance is off Park Road 4 and after checking in we saw Roger, one of the members of our group. Armed with the park map, we found our campsite on a lovely inlet and proceeded to establish camp. Members of our group were scattered about the campground. Our routine is to walk through the campground visiting with friends and stopping to check out other folks’ rigs, a great way of making new friends.

SWTVT Potluck

One of the unique aspects of the park is Devil’s Watering Hole, one of the favorite swimming holes in the Texas Hill Country. It is an inlet off of Ink’s Lake, bordered by rock outcroppings. We watched as members of our group paddled, swam and even jumped from the cliff. Later that evening, we joined the traditional pot luck dinner, where everyone tries to outdo each other in quantity and variety of food.

Another Fine Day

On to Weston Bend State Park

Teardrop Trail Log: June 19, 2017

As we departed Pella, our route took us along Lake Red Rock toward Knoxville, Iowa. The railroads and coal mining had provided growth during the 19th century. My grandmother had been a teacher in a rural one-room school in Marion County near Knoxville. It was so long ago since I had visited her that I only had a few memories from her recollections of her time in rural Iowa.

Lewis and Clark Expedition Map

Our destination was Weston Bend State Park on the bluffs of the Missouri River. Sarah Tucker, the editor of Cool Tears magazine had recommended the Weston area for its scenic beauty overlooking the Missouri River. The river and the region’s rich soil attracted many Native American tribes including the Iowa, Kansa and Fox. On their expedition to explore the West, Lewis and Clark reached the Weston area in 1804. Their journals detail a Kansa village on the river. Upon their return visit two years later, they described the many fur traders traveling up the river.

The tobacco industry had flourished in the area in the mid-19th century and five tobacco barns are located within the park. The McCormick Distillery that began operations in 1858 east of Weston claims to be the oldest continuously operating distillery in the country.

Camp Weston Bend

Weston Bend is little gem of a park, on 1,133 acres with only 37 campsites. We found the campground host and checked in. I have always liked meeting the hosts at each of the campgrounds and have fanaticized about trying the host’s role in the future.

As in many of our camping experiences, we met the neighbors, Steve and Chris Hutoron of Phoenix from the site next door and enjoyed several conversations. As we hiked on one of the many trails, we met other hikers Tony & Maggie with Yadi and Chenielle and their friendly dogs. The highlight of the hike was when we caught a glimpse of the Missouri River at the scenic overlook where Lewis & Clark had seen it.

The next morning, we would set out to explore the historic village of Weston, Missouri.

Historic Missouri River Overlook

Meet Shelley Tumino – Southwest Teardrops and Vintage Trailers

Teardrop Trail Log: September 23, 2016

As Jim and I discussed the possibility of getting a teardrop trailer in 2014, I started to explore Social Media sites to learn a bit more about not only them but the people and communities that form around these amazing trailers. We acquired our teardrop, The Ambassador, in June of 2014 and I continued to visit teardrop-themed Facebook pages.

Roger Evartt and Michael Mallette founded a Facebook group, Southwest Teardrops and Vintage trailers for like-minded people to share building information and go camping in October of 2014. Shelley Tumino along with along with Jim Roy and Tony McKinney were added as members in November. Mike, Shelley, Tony, and Roger were building teardrops at the same time, not having actually met in person. They used the Facebook group to share their progress. Within six months of founding the Facebook group, they scheduled the first gathering in March 2015 at Tyler State Park. There were 14 trailers in attendance, nine home-build teardrops, along with two veteran tear-droppers and three vintage trailers.

In May of 2016, I joined Southwest Teardrops and Vintage trailers and saw the announcement of the spring gathering on May 20 at Krause Springs, in Spicewood, Texas located near our home in Dripping Springs. I reached out to Shelley to see if we could join the group for the day. Jim and I attached the Ambassador and headed to the scenic springs resort. It was an amazing afternoon, meeting other tear-droppers and seeing their trailers as well as some vintage trailers.

We made plans to attend the September Gathering at Lake Bob Sandlin State Park. It was great to see everyone we met at Krause Springs and make new friends. We also found time to interview Shelley Tumino about her love of teardrop trailers.

Taliesin

Teardrop Trail Log: June 21

We left Governor Dodge State Park and headed to Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and architectural school located in the rolling hills near Spring Green. Visiting Taliesin had been on my bucket list after knowing several friends in Arizona who had attended Taliesin West. The name, Taliesin meaning shining brow, is a nod to Wright’s Welsh heritage. The Visitors Center was originally built as the Riverview Terrace Restaurant in 1953 where we met our tour guide as well as the rest of the folks on the house tour. We drove past the waterfall at the dammed stream and up the winding road of the 490-acre estate. Our knowledgeable tour guide introduced us to the court yard, studio and living quarters. She shared the history and important aspects of his architecture, interior design, furniture and light fixtures. She also discussed the challenge of maintaining the various aspects of the architecture as it was in Wright’s time. He was fond of Asian designs and collected artifacts. But he also collaborated with sculptor Richard Bock on other sculptures. Wright was not a very tall man and he had a fondness for lower ceilings and passage ways that challenged a member of the tour who was seven feet tall.

Wright loved music and felt that music and architecture were closely related. The tour explored the famed living room, complete with the Steinway Art Grand Piano and the unique music stand he designed for a quartet. It had been the scene of nightly concerts. Wright was an accomplished pianist. In addition to the works of many composers, he performed works by his father, William Carey Wright who was a composer, music teacher and itinerant Protestant minister. Please enjoy his 1851 composition, L’ Agréable Réverie, played by Jim for this post.

Stories about the people who had lived in Taliesin were an important part of the tour. From his mother to Mamah Cheney – his mistress, the two later wives, his children, the community of students and clients, the property was the setting of a tempestuous domestic life complete with scandals, murders, fires and other dramas.

After the tour, we returned to the Visitors Center and enjoyed a wonderful lunch in
the Riverview Terrace Café, complete with an awe-inspiring view and equally inspiring meal of local food and beverages.

Taliesen

Learn more about Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and listen to his father’s music:

Building Taliesin: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Home of Love and Loss

The Music of William C. Wright: Solo Piano and Vocal Works 1847-1893

1936 Farmall F-12 Restoration in Three Days

Teardrop Trail Log: June 18, 2016

One surprising highlight of this year’s Red Power Roundup was the “flash” restoration of an old Farmall tractor in just three days. Originally the brainchild of Howard Raymond of Wellfleet, Nebraska, the idea had its roots in another restoration completed by volunteers in Madison, Wisconsin in 2009. Deciding on a Farmall F-12 that was stored in a warehouse, the process of gathering volunteers and sponsors took a couple of years, and the unrestored tractor was displayed at the 2015 Red Power in Sedalia, Missouri to encourage participation.

Everything was ready to go on Thursday, June 16th, with 40 volunteers and an unrestored tractor. In the space of three days, it was disassembled, sandblasted, the motor overhauled, new brakes and clutch, the magneto and carburetor overhauled, re-assembled and painted. By Saturday, it was showing off around the ‘Roundup. The restored tractor then was presented to Case/IH for inclusion in their Farmall Collection.

Information regarding the planning process and a picture of the original unrestored tractor is available on the 2016 Red Power Roundup site. What a remarkable effort!

Photo of Volunteers "flash" rebuilding the Farmall F-12

Volunteers “flash” rebuild the Farmall F-12

International Auto Buggy Rides

Teardrop Trail Log: June 17, 2016

After breakfast, Marilyn went to her first book signing event, and I was free to explore Red Power. I see new things each time, and this year was no different. Walking into a shed at the far end of the fairgrounds, I was transported back to yesteryear — A line of International Auto Buggys from the turn of the 20th century. We had seen Auto Wagons — the farm truck version from the same time period — at the Sedalia Red Power, but here was a line of several motorized carriages that were more elegant and clearly intended for passengers. Best of all, they were in running condition and the owners were giving rides!

International Auto Buggy

The Auto Buggy was a 2-cylinder, air-cooled motor car produced between 1907 and 1916. An immediate success, it marked International’s first foray into the world of motorized vehicles. Octane Press has an excellent article about the vehicle and a sales catalog is also available to scratch that curiosity itch.

Some started easier than others and I watched one owner struggle with the buggy, while his colleagues were driving away. Patience paid off though, and he was finally successful. It was such fun to see passengers load up — especially one gentleman who appeared old enough to have ridden in one of these wagons the first time around. It was clear he relished the opportunity.

International Logo from early sales catalog

Fort Davis National Historic Site

Teardrop Trail Log: March 28, 2016

We left the county seat, Fort Davis. Debating whether to stop by the McDonald Observatory or not, and saw a sign announcing the Fort Davis National Historic Site. With plenty of time for the hour or so trip to Balmorhea, we decided to stop.

I wasn’t prepared for what we discovered. The site is far enough away from the road that we didn’t see it’s expanse. Billed as the largest partially restored historic fort in the United States, it is immense with a variety of historic buildings in various states of preservation. We stopped in the visitor’s center and spent a few minutes looking through the exhibit. With a nice overview, and interest whetted, we went on to the main event.

Founded in 1854 by Lieut. Col. Washington Seawell, six companies of the eighth U.S. Infantry, and named for the then Secretary of War, Jefferson Davis, it was abandoned by federal troops in April 1861 at the outset of the Civil War. It was one of many posts along the San Antonio to El Paso Road, a 600-mile journey along the southern route to California. It helped bring peaceful settlement of the region between it’s reoccupation in 1867 and it’s deactivation in 1891. One surprising fact: Except for a mainly white officer corps, the post was largely manned after 1870 by buffalo soldiers.

First stop, a restored enlisted barracks where we met one of the site volunteers. This was fortunate, since the restored interiors are normally viewed from glassed off entrances. He offered to show us around the barracks. What an amazing step back in time. The building had been carefully restored, complete with period furnishings, weaponry and personal effects. The buildings take advantage of cooling afforded by the adobe brick construction and natural ventilation. Uniforms were a mix of the practical and fanciful. The parade dress uniform was patterned after european models and worn regularly — even in the heat of summer. More practical uniforms were worn for the more mundane work details including the construction of 91 miles of telegraph line west from the fort.

The Commissary served as the local grocery and general store. Supplies for the 500 or so military and their families, as well as other nearby military posts had to be freighted by wagon train from San Antonio. The 400-mile trip took between five and six weeks, so careful planning was essential for the post’s safety and effectiveness. The commissary has been partially restored with example goods lining the shelves, and first-person descriptions of daily fare.

Several interesting exhibits are in the Post Hospital where care for sick and injured soldiers and family members was provided. The building has been partially restored, with examples of the ongoing archeological work visible within. Behind the post hospital, foundations from the original, 1854-1861 fort are visible. It was more modest in scope, and dwarfed by the later version.

Officers and their families were housed in a variety of single and shared quarters along Officers’ Row. One shared quarters building has been stabilized with a restored wooden porch — from there it is possible to peer into the unrestored interior. A couple of single family officer’s quarters have been fully restored with furnishings and personal effects similar to the enlisted men’s quarters mention earlier.

In total, Marilyn and I spent several hours touring the grounds and enjoying the exhibits. The frontier and late nineteenth century and very real here. In the gallery below, I’ve included several of the exhibit signs — they recount the history better than I can. If you’re in West Texas near Marfa, Fort Davis or Balmorhea, this is a worthwhile stop.

: Supporting the Army

: Parade Grounds

: Partially restored enlisted men’s quarters

: A gattling gun

: Restored enlisted men’s quarters

: Typical Uniform Elements

: Commissary (partially restored)

: Post Commissary

: Commissary Interior

: Supplying the Garrison

: The San Antonio — El Paso Road

: Freight wagon

: Unrestored enlised men’s quarters foundation

: Shared Officers’ Quarters

: Post hospital

: Post hospital ward

: in the shadow of the mountain

: What fell through the cracks?

: Artifacts

: Surgeon’s Office

: Unrestored post hospital ward

: Officers’ Row

: Officer’s Quarters Kitchen

: Perfectly lined up

: Apache Wikiup

Married officer’s quarters interior

Bachelor officer’s quarters interior

Civilan contractors

Hiking in the Chisos

The Window

Teardrop Trail Log: March 25, 2016

The Chisos Mountains form the core of Big Bend National Park, and have some of the most striking scenery. After driving in the day before and stopping briefly at the Park Headquarters near the Chisos, we decided to start by exploring them. It was about a 45 minute drive from our Study Butte campground, and we arrived in the late morning.

Photo of Chisos Mountains Visitors Center

The Visitors Center

There is a Visitors Center and a small store, along with a restaurant and guest housing located at the end of the road, and a 15-minute walk previews the main attraction: The Window. This geographic feature is formed by a gap between two of the mountains, and looks out over the western part of the park.

The short walk was a great tease, and after having a bite of lunch, we got some last-minute advice in the Visitors Center, filled our water bottles, and headed out on the Chisos Basin Loop — a little less than a two mile hike. We figured it would take about 2 hours.

The Chisos Basin Loop Trail

Listed as “moderate” difficulty, it was more of a challenge than we expected. There is quite a bit of vertical variation on the trail, and with the roughly 5000 foot elevation, I was noticing my lack of conditioning. Never mind — it’s a great hike.

The Window comes in and out of view on the trail, and you also get to see the back side of another feature: Casa Grande. I had a lot of fun taking pictures, and we both got some great images. We got back to the Visitors Center about 4.

Photo of Casa Grande in the Chisos Mountains

Casa Grande from the Chisos Basin Loop Trail

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