Jan 17 - Day 58, and we're still in Texas. Sunny, but only 30F when we woke up. Will go to the high 50s later today, and a little warmer tomorrow. Not bad. Beats snow squalls and tornados.

Before leaving San Antonio yesterday, we saw the skies clear, after ominous morning clouds, so decided to ride the northern part of the River Trail. It was completely different, as it was urban as opposed to rural, with narrow paths and a lot of people. But amazing to see what has been done to make this city so appealing to the locals and visitors. There is artwork along the route, places to sit out, parks the trail runs through, and lots of info boards to explain what you see. We did about 7 miles, and although it was busy, which required passing people carefully so as not to fall into the river, it was very enjoyable.

We started our ride at the Breakenridge Park golf club which is now the home of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame. There they have created a  Walk of Fame, which has been established outside the clubhouse, and consists of a series of mounted stone placards listing the names of those inducted, one for each year since it was started in 1978. Ben Hogan, Babe  Zaharias, Lee Trevino, Byron Nelson, Jimmy Demaret, Lanny Wadkins, Tom Kite, and so many others have been honored with membership. The odd thing is that the Hall has been moved twice, and for several years was defunct until revived by interested golfers. There have been so many greats out of this state. Hopefully it will now have a permanent home.

Up interstate 35, a tight and very busy 6 lane route that joins San Antonio and the state capital, Austin. We were headed for San Marcos, midway betwixt. Our new site is very near the San Marcos River, which became rather famous last year when flooding hit this part of Texas. We got an impression of the extent of the flooding when we walked over to the river, and saw huge trees that had been uprooted, presumably as a result of the flood. Some research on the internet revealed the extent of the flooding, and our r.v. park shows some of the results as well, although it's been pretty much restored.

Turns out San Marcos is the fastest growing city in the U.S., three years in a row. And this whole area, including San Antonio, 7th largest city in the U.S., depends on a huge aquifer that lies underground over several hundred square miles. This aquifer is supplied principally by run-off, so if there is good rainfall, it can maintain its capacity. But watch out if there's a serious drought.  With the expansion of population in the last number  of years, there are strong concerns about the potential of the aquifer to supply the needs of these communities. Sounds like California. Yet still they build, and still they come.

Finally, our busy day of discovery was capped off with a concert. As mentioned in the previous blog, we had learned that Guy Forsyth would be in San Marcos to do an acoustic concert. We bought tickets online, figured out where to go, and were all set. When we got there, up in the higher reaches of residential San Marcos, we arrived in front of a large house, with people chatting out on the balcony. This concert was in a house, not a concert hall or a club, owned by the musician who was opening the show, a guitarist-singer-songwriter. It was like a large house party. Food and drinks were included, and were abundant. Lots of delicious finger foods, and drinks, including a jug of Moscow Mule, which was quite tasty . We were welcomed by a young woman who happened to be Canadian, from Ottawa, a friend of the host couple, and soon encountered an older woman from northern Ontario who now lives in Austin, who had a great chat with Gail during the course of the evening. Most of the people there were friends of the host couple. This type of concert is something they organize periodically, so that the host can perform, and share the talents of a regular professional they invite to perform. Musicians love the format, being so close to the audience.

The music was in the living room, where folding chairs had been set up to add to the regular seating arrangement. About 40 people were in attendance. And the music was great. Guy Forsyth in particular was very strong: voice, guitar, ukelele, harmonica  and even singing saw, which he learned to play while busking in Holland. He can do it all. He has a blues band which has a very busy schedule, and will be in Scandinavia soon for a one month tour. And here he was, a few feet away doing his thing. Intense, strong energy, and a good variety of music, not all blues by any means.

We spoke to him afterwards, to tell him how we happened to be there, and he was very appreciative that we'd made the effort. Have to say, it wasn't something you do every day. A neat experience.