AZ Day 9 - Hill Country Rain

"Cause I got a feeling
Something that I can't explain
It's like dancing naked
In that high hill country rain"

-Hill Country Rain by Jerry Jeff Walker

I didn't dance naked (this trip) nor did it rain (thank God) but I did get a real taste of the Texas Hill Country today and I'm happy to report the Hill Country lived up to my expectations, even surpassed them in some ways. The countryside was lush and green with water everywhere, two of my favorite subjects, and the roads were more twisty than I had anticipated. And anyone who knows my riding preferences knows that means I liked the roads.

After a sumptuous breakfast my riding buddy, JD, and I loaded our bikes and headed to the hills, literally. Leaving Kerrville I was shocked to see how quickly the countryside changed from a nice, medium sized city with good infrastructure to rolling hills along a river (the Guadalupe) with ranches and summer camps bordering the city.

The bridge above is used to connect guests at a lodge with the resort's private dock on the Guadalupe River.

The river runs through the middle of town from it's source northwest of the city. Our ride took us along the river for several miles.

We saw numerous houses perched atop the limestone cliff's around Kerrville.

Close to Kerrville the road was tree lined.

But it soon turned into open riding terrain.

We rode through several small Texas towns day. Our first was Hunt, TX.

We were a little late for peak spring wildflowers but there were still some in bloom.

We took a quick break for some Gatorade as the day began to warm. The hottest I saw was 93 degrees but for the most part the temperatures were in the 80's.

The Hill Country is MY kinda country!

I guess it's true that every thing is bigger in Texas. Even the "hills" look like mountains!

The countryside holds another interesting view at every turn. Ranches abound as well as water features.

The Frio River was along our path as well.

JD mentioned that it was mainly German and Czech immigrants who settled this region. The land was cheap because all the rocks in the soil made it hard to clear for agriculture purposes.

I had hoped I was done with dirt roads on this trip but a four mile section of one farm road was being entirely reconstructed, right down to the soil and clay road bed.

Today's roadkill count was relatively low...one less butterfly in the Hill Country thanks to yours truly.

I even had a chance to play around with photography.

Even the trash in Texas is quite valuable...apparently.

I previously mentioned to some of you that I was staying at a VERY nice resort just south of Kerrsville. As you can see, it is WAY above my standard. Indeed, I hear the property value plummeted as they saw JD and I ride up to the office.

I hate this crossing:

I nearly dropped my Wing the day I first arrived. Did I mention I hate dirt roads? Well, I do.

The staff at the hotel have been good to us. However, they did fire the chef this morning and used a friend to cook our meals.

My room is just to the left of the foreground.

And this room was by far one of the nicest I've stayed in for a motorcycle trip.

I can't wait until my next trip to the Hill Country! Beyond the fantastic riding and scenery our accommodations were excellent. Thanks again, JD!