New Braunfels. San Antonio. Austin. It’s truly a homecoming, if ever there was one.
Day 29 – August 7
There’s little more comforting than awakening to the sounds of the country. Chickens clucking about. Sputters of trucks passing by on the nearby two-lane highway. The sights don’t hurt either.
Finding ourselves both headed in the same direction for our day’s adventures, Erik and I made our way to nearby historic New Braunfels. Settled in the middle of the I-35 pathway from San Antonio to Austin, New Braunfels is a wonderful spot for river floating (“toobing” for some of us), solid German cuisine, and a charming downtown.
We stop by our favorite local haunt, The Phoenix Saloon, a great place known for their live music and chili. It’s a truly Texan institution. The beer selection is S-O-L-I-D and many local microbreweries are represented. Play a game of pool downstairs or check out a concert if you’re ever in town.
Nearby, you’ll find a few great antique malls, bakeries, and pubs. Erik is usually able to instantly spot a classic car nearby and tell you about it.
We say our goodbyes and part ways. I begin the drive south down 35 to reach home: good ol’ San Anton’.
The rest of the day is spent oh-so-well with my family,. I won’t go on about it too much, but it was so wonderful to be back, even if just for a little while. We stay in and watch a movie. It is truly a quiet night for the Finches and I don’t complain one bit.
Miles traveled: — 100
Miles traveled so far: 6,058
States visited:
- Texas
Day 30 – August 8
Every road trip comes with wear, but as you just read, I had crossed 6,000 miles on my beloved Pleiades in a month. In light of this, I took my Subaru in for a quick oil change and check-up (the doc said she’s good to go). I don’t know why I got giddy and took a picture of this St. Arnold’s Brewery-adorned Forester at the dealership, but I did, so you get to see it here.
Lunchtime at el casa de Finch brought in my grandmother, godmother, and some of my other beloved extended relatives for a wonderful lunch. It is delightful to spend time with everyone.
That evening, I call up my good friends Conner and Steven, both of whom carry the distinction of knowing me since high school and not losing touch. Forget reunions, I know who I still want to talk to. We agree to meet up at one of our favorite beer and burger joints, The Bombay Bicycle Club.
The Scotch eggs are divine (and rightly served with pickled jalapenos…because Texas), the bean burger topped with Fritos is phenomenal (and not vegetarian whatsoever), and the beer is served in the frostiest mugs (not my preference, but a distinction nonetheless).
We stay for a few beers and play some pool, but, alas, it is a Monday night and the lads have work in the morning. Curse them for being responsible adults. It was truly a night well spent.
Miles traveled: — 32
Miles traveled so far: 6,090
States visited:
- Texas
Day 31 – August 9
One of the joys of my childhood that has continued into adulthood is San Antonio’s Witte Museum. Established in 1926, the Witte has been a mainstay for fantastically executed exhibits focused mostly on Texas history from pre-historic to modern times. My youngest brother, Nick, and I visited to see their featured exhibit on the long-gone Mayan civilization. Y’all, it was absolutely fantastic.
The Witte was in the middle of an incredible expansion and renovation, so many of the exhibits were not open yet, but by the looks of things, the final product will be amazing and a great field trip mainstay for years to come.
Leaving the museum, I cannot help but notice it’s lunchtime and the Smoke Shack, a solid BBQ establishment located conveniently across the street from the museum, smells heavenly. We drop in for some brisket. I cannot resist the fried okra and creamed corn. It is most excellent. It is good to have adventures with your brother, especially when BBQ is involved.
In the early afternoon, I dropped Nick back off at home and made my way north, to Austin. Even though I’d only be in for the evening, I couldn’t help but stop in and have some drinks with friends.
I arrived before anyone was off work, so you know I walked around downtown Austin. When in Austin, you’ve gotta pay a little reverence to the Willie Nelson statue outside the new Austin City Limits concert venue. It made for a sweet addition to a Willie nice day.
The heat quickly diminishes my energy and I could use a wee snack, so I drop in to the trendy hot dog establishment known as Frank, who serve a mean sausage (and host a surprisingly good Sunday brunch). I always dig their design aesthetic and public wall art.
I drop in for a couple of Texas brews (including the always amazing Argus Ciderkin) and a side of a really tasty potato salad made with vinaigrette as opposed to mayo.
More street art abound, I make my way around town for one more lap before I reach my destination: The Ginger Man.
I met up with my friends Kate and Kate (who date) and Quily for a round of evening drinks. The beer is cold and the bar boasts more than 50 taps, so making a decision is anything but easy. The camaraderie is solid and so, so appreciated. I miss these folks often.
Alas, these good times cannot last forever, and knowing it is Tuesday (and folks have work in the morning), I depart Austin for San Antonio once more. I get to bed at a reasonable hour for in the morn, I would depart westward once more.
Miles traveled: — 180
Miles traveled so far: 6,270
States visited:
- Texas
Two Month Weekend 