December update

I do not know where the time has gone since my last post, as most know I headed down to South Padre Island for some warmer weather, along the way I stopped at the Elks Lodge. Too much eating and drinking! I met a great guy, "Clyde" from Missouri, who comes down here every year. He has a great sense of humor. He says he can play golf. But he has yet to get a round in since arriving. He lent me movies from his collection and went to the other Lodge to sample their fried fish. I was able to obtain the title and tag for my scooter. I love that it only cost 4.00 to fill up and I can go 130 miles between fill ups.

The weather has not been very good for the month of December. Very wet and and cold, like most of the country. I was expecting more like south Florida, but the locals say this is very unusual. I headed over to the Island on the 4th and was invited out on a boat to join in the parade of lights. (left camera)

My campsite offers a great view of all the marine traffic going into and out of the bay. It has been great watching the shrimp boats going in and out of the bay.

I had to replace the refrigerator on the roof. The old one had become very brittle and the top was falling off

I have since been working on making the rv solar project. This will allow me to camp for a couple of weeks without having to plug in somewhere to charge up the batteries.

I have three of these 230 watt panels along with some new batteries to install. They just arrived today. I have already made the mounts for the panels so up they go.

I have not been out to eat at a restaurant since leaving the Elks earlier in the month. I started making everything from scratch. Pizza crust, spring rolls (raw), burritos. Made fresh daily. Learned to work the convection oven. The best pizza's come from it. No more burned crust! That brings this part of the month to close. I will continue to work on the solar project for the next week. I plan on going a little bit further south in the coming weeks in search of better weather. My job search with the BLM is on going, posting my resume and applying online for openings in the high desert, or something with trails. That's about all for now, I have to stow the dish before it goes flying off, the wind is blowing about 35 knots today.

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Smithville, TX

I left Rockyhill Ranch driving into the town of Smithville. Spending the night on the square, stealing electricity from the lighted Gingerbread cutout. One of the first people I was introduced to was Rob Remlinger. He is a cyclist and owner of the best restraunt around these parts. Backdoor Cafe has fresh salads and seafood. He closes down during the summer months and goes to Northern CA to run a place during the Texas hot weather. I have only been out to dinner one time other then tonight. His number one, is a very nice gentleman named Izzy. He has a fetish for all bikes. Also, the only bike mechanic in these parts. I really can stumble into the best situations.

I had a great time at the Ranch and met some great people. None better then R.B. and his wife Karen(pictured). We had some nice evenings in the saloon, where they showed me the finer points about saloon running. LOL. R. B. just got back a clean bill of health. He won a long battle for his life. Karma paying him back! I wish them all the best in the comming years. Also the owners of the ranch and their kids. Grey, Pam, Rebecca and Trey. They were all terrific, Grey can cook some mean greens! And a big shout out to Oscar who provided the firewood. Thanks everyone!

I did get a extra project done right before I left. The bike wash needed to be upgraded, found some extra wood and a pole. 2 bags of concrete. What a sight! The reroute never got finished, but something to look forward to someday. Replaced the battery isolator again!! Think it is right now. Pulling the trigger on solar panels next week. My friend Garry is a great teacher. He has already been through it, why reinvent the wheel.

Leaving in the morning and driving to Harlengen, TX. Staying at the Elks club. $8.00 nightly, down by South Padre Island.

Austin City Limits

Drove into Austin today, camping out behind the whole foods, which will get all my money before I leave. the fish tacos are great here.

Going to see Guy Clark and Elizabeth Cook tonight at the Union Theater. the weather is terrible. I left my scooter out at the ranch, so little sightseeing on this trip. Just getting my bearings. My first impression is a cool city. very hip. I plan on staying sat and walking around if it clears up.

Lance trails

Great day, Paul with his daughter and son, picked me up. Both those kids are nationally ranked racers. His son has been to Italy, France, Austrialia racing and his daughter is on her way. She is only 16.

The weather was perfect around 70 and sunny. We arrived and took right off. the trail is an open 7.5 miles around the property, 500 acres. currently listed for a small 13.5mil.

The trail was in great shape with very fun elevation changes and trail features that kept you laughing and in awe the whole way around. The picture of the house with a barn off to the side holds some 50 bikes for his use.

Funny as hell when we almost ran him over, leaving the property!

Trail work at Rockyhill Ranch

Mike started construction of the bridge last week, before I arrived. He is an emergency room surgeon. I can assure you, the way he built this bridge, I want him to put things back together on me. He is a skilled carpenter. We spent a nice day out in the woods finishing the ramps up and down. The race was going to be held in 2 days and it needed to get done. I dragged a part of the old bridge and attached it to his new bridge. OLD meets NEW. It is a thing of beauty!

The next project I want to get done is a reroute on "Longhorn Loop".