Relatively Austin

After going, going, and going like the Energizer Bunny since we had arrived in Fredericksburg a few days ago, we finally had an easy day.

Yes, we did start out earlier than usual because at 10am we had a brunch date with Marianne's older sister, Chris's youngest child, Adam Garland, who just gotten married in Guanajuato, Mexico last month to his lovely bride, Diana. We met the couple at their cute condo about 10 miles from our RV site. Although we had met Diana previously, this was the first time we officially had an opportunity to welcome her into the family. In a week we'll all be together in Montgomery, Alabama for the big Till family reunion. 

This should prove to be the definitive year of weddings for Till grandchildren: first Adam, then in October, Maggie, the only child of Marianne's middle sister, Janet, then Laura, the daughter of Marianne's youngest sibling, her brother Peter, and finally our daughter Nikki. These weddings are also all spread out: Adam's was in Mexico, Maggie's will be in South Carolina, Laura's in Montgomery, and Nikki's in Southern California (site still to be determined....).

A few minutes later, Adam's oldest sister, Rebecca, who also lives in Austin, showed up with her new boyfriend, Kevin. Since everyone was very hungry, we piled into two cars, once of which was Rebecca's new car, a Mazda 6, and headed to downtown Austin to one of the Austinites favorite breakfast restaurants.

With the Austinites: (R-L) Rainer, Adam, Diana, Kevin and Rebecca
click photo to enlarge

Even though it was the Fourth of July and the downtown area was mostly empty, we still couldn't find street parking, so we ended up parking underneath the downtown Hilton in their parking garage. I know parking in these places can be expensive, and while walking on the way out I noticed that it was free for the first 15 minutes, but the next hour was $9.

We walked around the block to their favorite crepe place but it was jam packed with diners, and the waiting list would be about 45 minutes to an hour. Way too long for six starving people.

We debated as to where to go next, and the winning place was a Colombian restaurant just a short drive away.

Back we walked to the parking garage, and when we got to the payment booth, we discovered that we were there 16 minutes, so I was out $9. I paid via credit card and then gave Rebecca my credit card to pay for her car. But Rebecca has never rolled over quite that easily. She put up a fuss, and got out for free! Way to go Reba!

When we entered the Colombian restaurant we were the only ones there, which is a omen which normal scares me about restaurants. But we were escorted to our table and quickly ordered some fruit mimosas which came back as giant smoothies. Delicious!

We all ordered what we wanted, and since Marianne and I don't normally eat at a Colombian restaurant it was a stab in the dark. But I was enlighten when appetizers appeared, they were delicious. And when the plates of food came out, I just discovered my new favorite restaurant in Austin! This was the best food I've had on the trip. The meals a lovingly home-cooked and a tasty as tasty can be.

After brunch we parted ways, since Rebecca and Kevin were heading to Lake Austin to go boating with friends. We went back the Adam and Diana's condo to pick up some things we forgot there, and then we got into our truck to head back to the RV site.

Yesterday when I took one of these same roads coming back from San Antonio, I drove past a Shell station heralding their $3.559 price for a gallon of diesel fuel. When I drove by it today, it still had the same price posted, so I quickly made a U-turn and filled up with the cheapest price that I've ever paid for diesel in the 14 months I've owned this truck! Yes! Thank you Texas!

Back at the campground we lounged around, debating whether or not to wash our clothes (the nays won, two to none). As we relaxed in air-conditioned comfort we finally noticed how full the campground had become. It was almost totally full. It had only been about 20% occupied when we showed up. Now kids were riding their bikes, skateboards, and scooters, parties where happening all over under the awnings and canopies of the various RV's, music playing and an occasional fireworks pop.

But come sunset, we watched four different fireworks shows within a mile or two from the park. We strolled through the park taking in all the sights and sounds of the Fourth of July in Austin, Texas.

Life was good.

Miles driven: 22

Maximum temperature: 99°