Sunday morning drives are my favorite way of relaxation no matter where I am. My husband and I load the dog and head out. We check the map and decide or choose our route somewhere along the way. I'm going to post about these drives each week. I have photos and catching up to do but after that it will be weekly. I hope they interest you enough to try some exploring on your own. Get a good map and don't be afraid to turn off the main road. You'll be amazed at what you see.
One of my favorite places really close by is Hwy 29, east of Llano Texas (about 1.5 hours from Austin, Texas). Along the side of the road is an eagles' nest that has been in the same tree for nearly 10 years. Every year, the same eagle couple winter there, hatch eggs, get the eaglets ready to fly and then head north. It's an awesome sight to see.
On down 29, you have a choice of direction. At Fuzzy's Corner, where Sam's Dam Ranch is located (nice plants), you can go to the left past Lake Buchanan (pronounced Buck-an-un) to the tiny community of Tow (pronounced the same as Cow). From there, you can go to Fall Creek Vineyards located on the banks of the Colorado River where it meets the lake. They have some nice wines, a picnic area and kids play area. It's a nice stopping spot.
If you decide to continue on, you'll cross the Buchanan Dam over the Colorado where Lake Buchanan ends and Inks Lake begins. Inks Lake is a great place to swim and boat. Lake Buchanan is better for fishing. Inks Lake State Park, located on Inks Lake is a popular family camping spot. Up the park road, you'll see Falkenstein Castle, a real castle and private residence. It is available for weddings and there are a few spots you can take pictures of it along the park road. On past the castle, is Longhorn Caverns State Park. A nice place to tour on a hot day. They also have Sunday brunches, reservation encouraged, as well as concerts in the caverns.
Usually by then we circle back home to get chores done and think about where we want to go next Sunday.
