Last night in Austin I saw the Blues Specialists (best music of the night) at the Continental Club, had a couple great drinks at the San Jose, then hit Stubbs to experience what many say is the best barbecue in Austin (and it was pretty delicious) and The Dead Weather (generally forgettable, but Alison Mosshart's voice sounded great) who were playing there, then headed back to the Continental to catch Those Darlins (if you've never heard them, think 5 year olds who got a hold of their parents pots and pans and are banging on them relentlessly while screaming at the top of their lungs-after four songs my ears were in so much pain I actually had to leave-a first).
Today, I headed out to hill country west of Austin and had the most fun I have had driving this whole trip. The roads just wind up, down and all around like an amazing rollercoaster ride that goes on for as long as you want it to. Also, the roads were lined with an incredible variety of beautiful wildflowers, just a phenomenal driving experience. I hit Salt Lick BBQ in Driftwood for some great barbecue, then made my way up to Fredericksburg (basically a German town just dropped in the middle of Texas) and then hauled as fast as I could to Marathon, so I can head into Big Bend Nat'l Park tomorrow. Highlights of the day: broke 140 5 times, got pulled over doing 110 in an 80 and let off with a warning and met a really nice pack of harley riders who asked me to ride with them and even offered to take me to a great tattoo guy they know where they suggested that I get the image of my Porsche tattooed on my shoulder. Next time . . .
The Salt Lick-famous for a reason
And you're sure it's the "World's Best" . . . because 35 people told you it was . . . over how many years?
A little installation art somewhere in hill country
Wildflowers
Broke 140 four times on this stretch of 290 between Fredericksburg and I-10
Took this somewhere off I-10 while the cop wrote up my warning...don't think the guy using me as a human sacrifice (who was also pulled over) was as lucky. Praise be to Our Lorde JC for my irresistible charm...
Closing in on Marathon (or as Clint Eastwood would say, "company's comin'")
Company's comin' panoramic style.
Sharing this email I got re: this post and my response:
ReplyDeleteHi!
I only recently stumbled upon your blog, but I've become instantly hooked. I freely admit that I'm living vicariously through your words and pictures - the experience sounds amazing. I'm a first year associate at a small firm. I'm pretty much saving as much money as I possibly can so I can buy a Cayman S before I reach mid-life crisis age. I've pretty much been a Porsche/car enthusiast since I was a kid. I'm a bit ashamed to ask since I went to undergrad and law school in Austin, but route did you take on your way out west of Austin? I'm always trying to find beautiful, twisty roads, but I've only ever been able to find short (5 miles or less) stretches. Thanks a ton for the blog and the inspiration. Good luck and happy hunting!
Regards,
Michael
I can't remember the actual #s of the roads I was on (seems like years ago), but if you head out to Salt Lick BBQ, you will be on the "Hill Country Trail" which is a string of gorgeous windy roads and then you can pick up 290 toward Fredericksburg if you want a longer straighter road with lots of fun hills. 290 is where I did my fastest driving this whole trip-great hilly road, no cops, left my stomach behind more times than I could count. Enjoy!