The d’Entremonts

P5080139.JPG, originally uploaded by dentre.

Finally got to Port Aurthur, TX-worth the trip. Had a great time visiting Janis. I left singing.

They call them the “Twisted Sisters” also. They are 3 “hills”-steep, with curves and no shoulders. We left the Hog Pen where we had lunch and started up the 1st. Walked a little bit (probably the BBQ weighing us down) but was able to ride over the top. The second was just as steep and long and at the top I really enjoyed the Sam Adams I had brought along (photo to follow). The 3rd sister was quite cruel-long and steep. The ride down her was the best, so quick and exciting at 40 mph!

Texas may call itself the Lone Star State, but The Wildflower State fits also. I have seen so many beautiful flowers along the way (and took photos of most). Engelmann Daisy and Engelmann cactus, wine cups, antelope horns, obedient plant, blanket flower, rainlily and Bullnettle/Mala Mujer (”bad woman”- for the beautiful smell but hurtful sting!). Mexican Hat, skyrocket gilia, trailing ratany, catclaw sensative briar and showy primrose. The list goes on, and it has been amazing. The roadsides have been adrift with these and I’ve so enjoyed seeing them all.  Lady Bird Johnson’s efforts to  beautify America has paid off in Texas.

Today was our last day on the bike.  We rode to Huntsville on Saturday and over to College Station today, Sunday.  Both days were pleasant rides although riding into each city was not exactly easy, but we’ve had worse.

Wind has been a major factor almost every day in Texas.  It’s usually a cross wind or headwind with occasional tailwinds.  Humidity too.  Nothing stays dry for long.

Drivers - they’re not too bad in Texas, although they’re worse around cities.  Texans take the prize for worse use of turn signals and they don’t have daytime driving lights turned on.  That’s a problem when you’re trying to see oncoming traffic in either bright sunlight or overcast conditions.  The absent turn signals are particularly aggravating though. You have some bozo coming up behind you but you don’t know what they’re going to do.  This happens all the time when there’s some kind of on-ramp.  But enough complaining.

We traveled 1821 miles, averaged 10 miles per hour, had zero flat tires.  The only mechanical problem was a bad front wheel which was replaced.  The trip was pretty mud free too.  The bike seldom got dirty and needed washing only a couple of times. 

Texas and the western part of the country is hilly.  Forget that stuff about the climbs being nice and gradual.  Up is up and a lot of it is up and down and up and down and on and on for mile after mile.  Couple that with headwinds and there aren’t any cushy days.  There are steeper hills out there in other parts of the country, I know, but I can say that Maine, known for its hills, has nothing on Texas Hill Country.

Texas Bluebonnets, originally uploaded by dentre.

One of the fabulous roadside wildflowers we have seen in Texas.

Austin from the Colorado River, originally uploaded by dentre.

A nice path along the river. We also saw the bats emerge from under the bridge. Dinner at Threadgills and a show at Antone’s!

Antone’s on Willie Nelson’s Birthday, originally uploaded by dentre.

Willie didn’t play but this band was great.