Thursday, March 26, 2015

Finally to Austin.  The trek from Johnson City to Austin was good and also challenging.  The flat tire that I changed there was the beginning of a flat tire saga.  In two and a half days I had 4 flat tires.  It was getting frustrating.  Today I stopped in a Bike shop in Austin ( Mellow Johnny's - which is supposedly still owned by Lance Armstrong).  They worked on my tire - put in some new rim tape, sold me 4 spare tubes, and sent me on my way.  They feel like my flat problems will be behind me.  They were very nice, and didn't charge me an arm and a leg.  It was interesting this morning trying to get there.  My tube( the last one) was gradually losing air, so I had to stop periodically and fill er up.  The map people did a pretty good job of getting me through Austin, but there are still a LOT of cars here.  I'm looking forward to getting into more rural areas again.  

Getting to Austin I had to cross another one of those ' beware of water on the road' places.  This time it had a bunch of water in it.  Probably about 3 inches, which may not seem like a lot in a car, but I got plenty wet.  Saw some real live 'longhorns'. There were olive orchards, vinyards, and lots of goats.  For some reason the goats are afraid of my bike.  Every time I get close to a herd of goats they freak out and head for the hills.  We were speculating last night that maybe I get too close to them without making any noise and then they get real excited when they finally see me.

Spent a great night with Robert and his two daughters, Arwyn and Julia.  They were wonderful hosts. It was nice to have a piece of real life instead of the usual life on the road.  I was also able to touch base with a long time family friend.  Caroline was actually my babysitter once upon a time. I'm surprised she doesn't hold that against me.  I had a little sparkle in my eye when I was little. 

Tonight I am camping in McKinney Falls State Park.  Just on the other side of Austin.  I was planning on going farther, but got lost once and decided it was just as good to stay here.  

All in all doing well.  Til later.