Make the best of it

The weather has been bad for outdoor activities for a while, I did ride 60 miles on the bicycle Saturday but I had on 4 layers. The forecast for Monday called for a one day respite with a high of 70 with sunshine and light winds, not enough wind to sail but I wanted to get out on the water.
A couple of weeks ago one of Michele's cycling friends Marla asked if she could store her Kayak at our house, since we have tons of storage and I had always wanted to try out a kayak, you bet. The removable ladder rack went back on the truck and the kayak fit like a glove, soon we were off on our maiden voyage at white rock lake.

After unloading the yak I climbed in, adjusted the foot rest and played with the rudder. This model of the Dagger has a rudder to help steer and move straight in a cross wind.

I chose White Rock Lake because of the many piers and protected coves where I could get in and out hopefully without getting wet. This was a lot of fun and a good upper body workout and I did not get wet. What a nice day to learn, now I plan on trying to fish out of it but will first need more time to develop balance and become more comfortable with the small low sitting craft.

Are you ready for Christmas?

Dennis

Enchanted Rock and Cross Moutain

The week of Thanksgiving was a busy one for me, I had another chance to go sailing with Bobby and David and we had a romping day with 20+ winds and large rolling waves. We exceeded hull speed a spent a lot of time dodging spray and trying to get each other wet.

After a great Thanksgiving Day of food and family at my brother Bart's, Michele and I headed for the Hill Country and Fredericksburg.We spent some time shopping in the Historic part of town and I got a nice gift for Michele for Christmas, It was busy as it was the weekend of the Lighting of the courthouse.

On Saturday we went to Enchanted rock and climbed to the top as well as hiked the perimeter loop trail. Enchanted Rock is a giant granite rock about 400 feet tall and was a sacred place for the American Indians.

A distant look at the granite monolith.

At the top Michele, Sprocket and me left a long shadow on the windy barren top.

We then went to a winery near comfort Texas and drove through open range land with loose cattle, herds of deer and beautiful fall color to sample a nice estate grown Merlot on the deck behind the Winery. I highly recommend the Singing Waters Winery, great people and good Texas wines.
On Sunday we found that the local walking club has a walk box at a local hotel where you can get maps for some local walks. We chose the Cross Mountain Walk and set off through a neighborhood for a mile or so and got this glimpse of the small mountain.

We continued our walk to the top of the mountain and the base of the cross, the story is a man purchased this land in the 1840's and while exploring the mountain he found an old cross probably left by early Spanish explorers. He put up another cross and had Easter Services there for many years and the cross was eventually replaced with this current one. We had a true moment of thanksgiving while here for how blessed we have been, and I finally realized that I can stop looking for the place where the grass is greener because I AM STANDING IN THE GREENEST GRASS THERE IS.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and holiday season.

Dennis