Arriving in Austin (not in an Austin)

Our journey today took us from Navasota to Austin Texas. On the way...
gently undulating farmland.

Mel's Diner had everyone in town there, young and old.

New housing developments.

We were welcomed enthusiastically by John and Judi, whom we had met 4 years ago at the Shindig in Connecticut. We arrived early in the afternoon and spent some time chatting about the best places to go when we leave Austin. We have heard mixed opinions as to whether or not it is safe to visit Big Bend National Park, which is just across the Rio Grande from Mexico.

At dinner time John patiently taught Wanda the fine art of making salsa, guacamala and tacos. She is enthusiastic to try these recipes on people back home. It has such a fresh taste.

Judi is a keen cyclist. She had to go to a meeting of the mountain bike club of which she is president, so we had dinner with John.
 
 When Judi got home she rushed down her dinner,

 and we all headed off to the Broken Spoke, a famous Austin night club. Thursdays was dance night and we both got in some practice at two steppin'.

The Broken Spoke

 

John and Judi float around the dance floor.

John

 

Sally, their friend, is not only a great dancer but is enthusiastic about everything she does.

 

Judi, John and Sally.

 

Chris and Wanda stretched muscles they hadn't used for a long time.

The evening ended early at midnight, which was probably for the best. We were tired. On the way back we were driven around Austin. It's a beautiful city without signs of the recession. Everything is beautifully maintained. If you come at dusk you would probably see the colony of bats fly out for the night. They nest under one of the main bridges of the town. Judi and John live near the centre of the city with every convenience within walking distance. A great location.