Day 9 – August 30, 2004

{Photos}                    Ride from Austin, Texas to Denison, Texas                 {Home}

 

            Today was one of those days that is a ride, but not really. I mean we rode about 300 miles, but it was all on the freeway. On top of this the speed limit was 55 to 60 in most places yet though we rode 70-75 we were almost always riding with very large trucks in the rear view getting closer every minute. Diamond rode very well most of the time, but she was not very happy about it and I think I still have claw marks in my leg.  I think I know why Texans think this state is so big. I mean besides the fact that it is, you can see so far that it seems bigger than most places we’ve been. We saw a brush fire and kept seeing it for about 15 or 20 minutes even though it was about the size of a camp fire. And the trucks keep getting closer… The roadside parks are still a great place for a short respite from the stress of the highway, but the noise is just as bad and sooner or later you got to get back on and go again. I should have my head examined for taking this route, but time seems to get us all. We stopped for breakfast at a Denny’s and they were kind enough to let us park in the shade even though there were no spaces there. Diamond should have been grateful, but like yesterday, she tried to chew through her leash. This time we had two leashes on her and we checked on her sooner and stopped it.  There were some interesting places that I wish we had had time to check out, The Texas Ranger Museum, Waco Lake, Gainesville, Texas, just to name a few, but maybe next time. Dallas is an interesting place. The buildings are unique and the freeways are worse than LA. I think I would rather drink a Drano Smoothie than drive again through downtown Dallas.  Anyway we finally got off the main drag and headed of to visit with a friend that also moved from California to Dennison, Texas. For those of you who remember “Clint’s Eye for Detail” and wonder where he went, he is here in Dennison. He is in the process of restoring the Travelers Inn an historic 4 story Hotel that was built in 1893. I was more surprised by the marble floor than the woodwork, but that is also very impressive. The hand carved wooden fans that hang in the great room were a marvel to behold. The bookshelves, window frames, stairwells and ceiling beams must have taken some carpenters very long hours to install and Clint many more to restore. The stone stairway in the rear leading to the second story has since been enclosed and the walls to the wine cellar are still there and add to the old western flavor of the front bench and pillars. The front entrance reminds me of an old west jail or post office, or maybe a bank. Once they finish the restore, this is going to be one beautiful Bed and Breakfast and a great place to stay for a few days. You might be one up to drop Clint a line and get your place in line cause I have a feeling there will be a long waiting list. We are going to spend the night here, so if there are any ghosts, I’ll let you know tomorrow. Till the next time, I’ll see you on the byways…