Kerrville, Bandera, Hunt & Ingram: TexasApril 18 - 22, 2007. We are staying in the Kerrville Schreiner City Park in Kerrville. A few years ago this was Kerrville Schreiner State Park. It is located on the Guadalupe River in the city limits of Kerrville on SR-173 one of the two highways between Kerrville and Bandera. Our site is FHU costing $15 per-night plus a $5 entrance fee (annual fee is only $25) so is insignificant if spending more than a few days. Kerrville Schreiner City Park is one of our favorite Hill Country places because of the wildlife, deer in particular.
Deer in Kerrville Schreiner City Park in Kerrville, Texas
Pictures like these can be taken from your dining room table or from your picnic table if you wish while staying at Kerrville Schreiner City Park in Kerrville.
Deer in Kerrville Schreiner City Park in Kerrville, Texas
Rabbit in Kerrville Schreiner City Park in Kerrville, Texas
Jack rabbits, like this one, come out in the evening to eat the lush grass. We seldom see jack rabbits when visiting in the area but seem to always be able to see them in Kerrville Schreiner City Park in Kerrville.
Bandera Pass in the Hill Country of Texas
Bandera Pass is located between Kerrville and Bandera on SR-173 near Camp Verde. In the old days this pass was a well know spot, however, with modern highways making things so easy it is something that could easily be passed without much note. After stopping to read this Texas roadside history marker we realized the significance of Bandera Pass. It was at this point that Joyce took the picture to commemorate crossing Bandera Pass.
Bandera Pass between Kerrville & Bandera, Texas
We note with interest that the United States Army followed this route through the "mountains" that are today referred to as "hills" as in the Hill Country of Texas.
Bandera Pass on the "Great Western Trail"
Bandera Pass was a pass on the "Great Western Trail". In Bandera there is a Restaurant named the OST for Old Spanish Trail Restaurant. We were familiar with the OST but this is the first time I can recall mention of a "Great Western Trail". I am going to have to research the Great Western Trail and see what it connected and what role it played in history. Anyone want to help with my education? VBG
Male black buck fighting over female
We spotted these two male black buck fighting for the "favor" of a female antelope running and jumping around the two males who were expending a tremendous amount of energy pushing each other around.
Male black buck fighting over female
Male black buck fighting over female
They were serious about this activity.
Male black buck fighting over female
I would suspect that the darker black buck is the more mature of the two. I think it takes a few years for the black buck males to turn that dark. The lighter colored black buck may be testing this older buck for supremacy.
Emu & buffalo on Hill Country Ranch
These are buffalo with an emu in the background on a ranch outside of Bandera, Texas.
Buffalo on a Texas Hill Country Ranch
Old Camp Verde Ruins
Camp Verde is a very small place located SR-173 between Kerrville and Bandera. Camp Verde is remembered as the Army Post that experimented with camels. As you can see from this historical marker the experiment did not prove successful.
Camp Verde General Store
If in the area the Camp Verde General Store is worth a stop. Not only is it historically significant there is a nice restaurant inside as well as a gift shop.
Camp Verde General Store
Not far away in the larger city of Bandera we noticed this law office with a unique sign next to the front door. Look at the picture carefully and see if it strikes you as funny as it did me.
No Solicitation Except for Tamales
Some people will not see the humor that I saw in this "Tamale" sign next to the front door of a lawyers office in Bandera. This No Solicitation sign was for real! It was a very professional stainless steel plaque. This lawyer likes Tamales wouldn't you say. I love it. This made my day.
No Solicitation Except for Tamales
Joyce likes to remind me that it doesn't take much to entertain me. This tamale sign did the trick.
Cypress trees lining the Guadalupe River near Hunt, Texas
Cypress trees lining the rivers around Kerrville. The large cypress tree on the right is located west of Hunt on the Guadalupe River. That is one impressive cypress tree.
Large Cypress Tree on the Guadalupe River west of Hunt, Texas
Apple Barn in Medina, Texas
The Apple Barn in Medina is a favorite stop for everyone not on a diet. We used to stop here for the apple slushies. However, the slushy machine had broken and someone working in the place indicated it would not be replaced.
Adam's Apples at the Apple Barn in Medina, Texas
We had our hearts and minds set on one of those simply awesome apple slushies. Nothing else would do not even a slice of apple pie. Check out the prices on those pies. They do a landslide business mailing those pies around the country. If you are in this area you simply must stop by and try one of their apple pastries.
Guadalupe River west of Hunt, Texas
This is the Guadalupe River 10-miles or more west of Hunt. It is a dry river bed in this picture. However, it is easy to see that during a rain water flows through here with a vengeance.
Guadalupe River west of Hunt, Texas
A few short miles away we begin to see water in the Guadalupe. However, we do not see flowing water. This appears to be held in place by a small dam. I suspect that this portion is dry much of the time especially in the dry part of the summer.
Hunt, Texas
We have to stop by the Hunt Store when we are in the area. The architecture and ambiance draw us.
Hunt Store: Hunt, Texas
Cypress furniture in Hunt Store: Hunt, Texas
Part of the ambiance in the Hunt Store, for me anyway, is the cypress furniture. I like the way some artist has created these cypress tables and chairs. It is a good place to stop for a hamburger and drink. Joyce and I like the cokes while the bikers stop for a long-neck. Whichever, it is a cool stop.
Cypress furniture in Hunt Store: Hunt, Texas
Cold drinks at Hunt Store: Hunt, Texas
For the off moment when cypress tables do not satisfy my ambiance needs this old tub filled with ice and soft drinks does. Don't you just love it!
Hunt, Texas version of Stone Hinge
This unusual sight is the Hunt, Texas version of Stone Hinge. If you are not sure about Stone Hinge just "Google it". Someone in Hunt decided to create their own version of Stone Hinge and have it on display in a large pasture.
Hunt, Texas version of Stone Hinge
If you are in Hunt and want to find "Stone Hinge" take FM-1340. You will see Stone Hinge within two miles of town.
Hunt, Texas version of Stone Hinge
There are several of these pieces, are they statutes? Whatever, that accompany Stone Hinge.
Hunt, Texas version of Stone Hinge
More Stone Hinge art. What more can I say?
Hunt, Texas Rodeo and Dance
This inconspicuous place is in Hunt, Texas and can be a lively place on Friday night during the summer months. The fenced in area is where a dance is held each Friday night after the rodeo. The rodeo, staged next door, also takes place every Friday night. What you can't see is a stage for the live band that plays. Seating takes place under that big oak tree. The whole area is concrete and couples use the entire place for one big dance floor. Picnic tables are to the left in the picture. Young and old alike gather on Friday nights for these dances. I am not sure but I think the name of the place is Crider's or something like that.
During summer months the counselors (college students out for the summer) at the myriad summer camps and dude ranches in the area congregate here as do the owners of those ranches. Between the rodeo and the dance afterward there is all the entertainment necessary for an entire weekend. Ask how we know. VBG
Limestone cliff cut & exposed by the Guadalupe River near Hunt, Texas
Limestone cliff cut by the Guadalupe River.
Limestone cliff cut & exposed by the Guadalupe River near Hunt, Texas
This might look like a road cut but it is a river cut. I think it was made by the Guadalupe River somewhere west of Hunt on SR-39.
Roadcut on FM 337e between Medina & Vanderpool, Texas
This roadcut is on FM 337e between Medina and Vanderpool, one of the more scenic drives in the Hill Country.
Cedar Brake Ranch on SR-16 between Kerrville & Medina, Texas
Joyce and I love this Ranch sign. For it to have meaning you have to know where it is located. This sign is located on SR-16 between Kerrville and Medina, Texas. To be more specific it is located at the summit of a pass on that highway that is NOT recommended for trucks or RV's. SR-16 up that grade is not only steep but has more sharp turns than a coil spring. Then at the summit is this ranch sign.
If you enjoyed this Travel Adventure you might like some of these: Texas Hill Country Fences & Gates Willow Loop Scenic Drive north of Fredericksburg Kerrville, Bandera, Hunt & Ingram; Texas Wildlife of the Texas Hill Country
Click here for more Texas Travel Adventures
Until next time remember how good life is. Mike & Joyce Hendrix
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