Boerne, Snook, TX – Oct 2022

Another few weeks of full-time RV fun is now in the books.  I had a wonderful time in Texas, including the great town of Boerne spending time with my friend Brenda and her family.  This also included playing lots of various card games, and as you can see above, I was victorious! (at least on this particular night anyway).  I also spent several days in Snook, which turned out to be a terrific little town with lots of things to see via day trips.  So, all in all, I had a very pleasant time here in central TX.

Boerne, TX

I had been to Boerne back in 2020.  In fact, it was here that I finalized the  purchase of an RV site in Florida so that I can get off the road for a bit due to the Covid pandemic.  Back then, I caught up with a dear old friend who I’d not seen since my Air Force days back in the early 80s.  She was so hospitable and I had such a great time, I figured I’d stop by again during this relaunch.  And I must say, I was not disappointed.  Once again, her and her family welcomed me here, and shared several meals and game nights with me.  Even though I had spent a month here last time, and we did venture out often to see many of the sights in the area, I managed to find several places that I’d not been, so it made for an eventful stay. One of the first things I saw after I arrived was the now completed “She Shed” that was in the process of being built and finalized the last time I was here.  Brenda and her sisters have moved all of their crafting supplies in, and have spent who know how many countless hours out they’re scrapbooking and yakking.  It had so many supplies, it looked like a craft supply store.  But it also had a large screen TV, and even a retro fridge and microwave for comfort and entertainment.  It’s quite the hangout, and they sure seem to be really enjoying it.

As mentioned, I shared several meals and card game nights with Brenda and her family.  Brenda, her sister Judy and brother James are, like me, avid card players.  The last time I was here in 2020, we had several game nights featuring Phase 10 and Uno.  However, I got beat each time and vowed for revenge during a rematch during this visit.  But alas, once again I got beat badly the first night we got together for Phase 10.  Fortunately, either due to my resurgence of card skills, or simply their allowing me to win due to their sheer guilt in my continuous beat downs, I was victorious on our final night of card playing together.  Not only did I win a Phase 10 round, but I also came out ahead in a game of Golf.  So, at least I was able to leave Boerne on a high note.  Brenda and I also took in a play at the local theater.  I really enjoy these local hometown little theaters, and often frequent the one in my own hometown of Lake Wales.  So we caught an afternoon matinee showing of the play Stranger in the Attic.  It was an entertaining murder mystery show, performed by an excellent cast of local thespians.  A truly fun afternoon.  Thanks Brenda and family for yet another wonderful visit with all of you!

Though I had spent a full month here in Boerne back in 2020, I did manage to find several Roadside America sites to visit that I had not seen during my prior visit.  So, I took Brenda on a tour of several Roadside places that she too had never seen.  First up was a visit to the town of Comfort to the Comfort German Cemetery.  What makes this unique is there are several graves decorated with seashells.  Some have just a simple pattern of a few shells, while others are mounds completely covered with shells.  All of these decorated graves date between the mid 1800’s to early 1900’s.   Those decorated include both children and adults.  What makes this a bit more interesting is that no one knows exactly why, or where, this tradition began.  Early settlers in Comfort were of German descent, and most speculate the common explanation for shelled graves is that it was a tradition brought from the old country.  But with the lack of any signage or other indication about the tradition, and the lack of any living descendent who might have knowledge about this odd custom, the true reasons remain lost.  Very interesting!  Next we visited a Hygieostatic Bat Roost.  Malaria outbreaks were a serious issue back in the early 20th century.  Interestingly, bats were a natural warrior in this public health battle as they devour the disease’s main carrier – mosquitoes.  An adult bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in a single evening – making them the perfect weapon to combat the spread of this disease.  Charles A.R. Campbell designed this 30-foot, pyramid-like structure to welcome and house these mosquito eating machines.  Sixteen of these structures were built across the US around 1918 and sadly, this one in Comfort is the only one that remains today.

Next, we drove south to the town of Bandera.  There we found a giant steer skull.  This longhorn had to have been at least 25 feet wide.  Besides being a really interesting piece, what was more interesting is that Brenda had frequented the Antique store upon which this head was mounted, but since it was on the back part of the building, she had never seen it.  I really enjoy introducing unique things to the locals!  Also in Bandera was this little regional Frontier Times Museum.  This eclectic museum was established in 1933, and includes collections drawn from the world over.  Interesting taxidermy, especially this two-faced kid goat, and a shrunken human head, are among the many exhibits to be found here.  They also feature lots of geology, dolls, antique quilts and many other interesting items.  I found this small, yet beefy safe (pictured at right, top right) to be particularly interesting.  It wouldn’t hold much, but man, good luck breaking into this thing!

On our way back from this sightseeing trip, Brenda took me to something she had seen in the past, that was not in any of my usual sources of interesting things to see.  On a rural farm was this cross covered in animal horns (at left, top right).  It stood about 10 feet tall, and was covered in hundreds of horns.  I’ll have to see about submitting this for inclusion to the Roadside America list.  Really cool!

Next, I took a day and spent it chasing Roadside items in and around San Antonio.  There I found the worlds largest Virgin Mary Mosaic.  A replica of a Virgin of Guadalupe candle, this 40 foot art piece covers the entire side of a 4 story building.  It was designed and built by artist Jesse Trevino, and was completed in Dec of 2004.  Next, adorning the entrance to the North Star Mall was a pair of the worlds largest cowboy boots.  Bob Wade was a Texas pioneer of cowboy folk art, and was inspired by giant roadside statues.  In 1979, he was given the opportunity to build something big for a venue in Washington, DC.  After six weeks of building and scavenging junk materials, he created these fake ostrich cowboy boots that stood 35 feet tall and 33 feet long  I guess DC wasn’t really ready for such an iconic pair of boots, as four months later they were sold to the mall in San Antonio where they have since lived.  Next was a visit to Pig Stand, America’s first drive-in eatery.  Established in Dallas in 1921 and expanding to over 100 locations, San Antonio was number 29 and is the last and only surviving location of this franchise.  A woman named Mary Ann was 18 when she started as a waitress here in 1967, and is now its proud owner.

My next stop in San Antonio was to visit the oldest continuously operating Wooden Nickel producer in America, and the worlds largest wooden nickel.  The Old Time Wooden Nickel Co. started business in 1948, and continues its operation today producing over 6 million custom printed wooden nickels each year.  In 1998, a museum was opened adjacent to the factory, which featured the 1.5 million wooden nickels collected by enthusiast Herb Hormung.  Sadly, the museum was closed in 2018.  However, the 13 foot world record nickel was located under cover outside, and remains visible.  But I certainly would have loved to tour the museum.  Next, I visited the grave site of Sandra Ilene West.  Honestly, had I happened to come across this simple grave marker on my own, I would not have even given it a second look or thought.  It was absolutely unremarkable.  But what was remarkable is the story that goes along with it.  Sandra was the young trophy wife of a rich old Texas oil baron, and she sadly died in 1977 from a drug overdose at the tender age of 37.  That too is not necessarily remarkable.  The punchline to this story is that she was buried, dressed in a negligee, sitting in the drivers seat of her favorite prized Ferrari.  You would never know this by visiting the gravesite.  I managed to dig up a couple historical photos that show her with her car, and later showing the massive wooden crate that contained her and the car being lowered into her final resting place.  Now that, as they say, is the rest of the story!

Another Roadside attraction in the San Antonio area was this Nessie creature.  Tom Slick Park is home to this quarry pond, and this multi humped Nessie monster.  The park was named after the son of a Texas oil baron, who travelled the world in search of aliens and monsters.  This was a Roadside entry that had no pictures, so I made it a point to go and visit in order to hopefully get a few to submit to them.  Interestingly, the Roadside write up indicated that Nessie is only visible with the raising and lowering of the water levels.  Sadly, this quarry, like so many other bodies of water here in the west, was severely drought stricken making poor Nessie actually fully exposed without any water.  Good news is I at least got some pics of her.  Next, I visited a non-Alamo.  For this site, Roadside made it a point of stating … “if you want a photo of the Alamo without all the crowds, come here” – referring to this Alamo replica frontage that adorns the Alamo Federal Credit Union built in 1999.  I had been to the actual Alamo on multiple occasions during my Air Force career, so I didn’t see the need to go there again.  But this replica was right up my alley!

On a warm and sunny Boerne day, Brenda, her brother James, and I went to check out a classic car show.  Featuring well over 100 pre-1949 classic rides, there was a lot to see and enjoy.  We spent several hours checking out the original and beautifully restored classic cars.  There was even an old truck with what would now be called a Tiny House onboard.  Roadsters of all makes and models were featured, along with classic vintage luxury rides like this stunning Packard (at right, middle left).

Along with the car show, there was an extensive outdoor market.  Crafts, antiques, and other collectibles were being sold among the 100 or so vendors.  We enjoyed walking through that area as well.  In fact, one of the vendors had a nice collection of metal yard/garden art, and I happened to pickup a piece to bring back with me to Florida.  In fact, I’ve also purchased two other metal art pieces in New Mexico, and a carved wooden piece in Wyoming – which I’ve been carefully transporting in my RV until I get back home.  I’ll share the details of those in a future blog when I get them setup in the yard.

Snook, TX

I’ve honestly never heard of Snook, TX before, but this little town, population 505, turned out to be a wonderful central point from which to explore interesting places in the surrounding area.  Also, it happens to be hometown for an interesting campground.  I follow many full-time RVers in various forms on social media – YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, etc.  One in particular was a family that goes by the name of Rolling By The Dozen.  That name fits, as between mom, dad, and the ten kids, there are literally a dozen of them (family picture from their website at left, top left).  Like many full-timers, they sold their house and moved into an RV to explore all that this country has offer.  This happened in 2019, and after several years of full time traveling, they decided to slow down a bit and purchased a small RV campground in a little town in Texas.  Since I was sort of in the area, I thought I’d go ahead and book a stay here to check out the place, and to possibly meet the crazy folks that took 10 kids out on the road in an RV.  I did get to meet Kristin, the mom, as she checked me in upon arrival, and provided all the info needed for a pleasant stay.  I never did get a change to meet Ryan, the dad, but I did see the kids often playing out on the playground.  They were also very sweet, always having a smile and a wave when I walked or drove by.  It was nice getting a chance to see them in person, and to check out their campground – which was very nice indeed.  I’d definitely stop by again if I’m in the area.  Best wishes to the Rolling by the Dozen family for continued success with the campground, and in their continued RV travel adventures.

I spent my first free day chasing several Roadside interests in towns south of Snook.  First up was a visit to Caldwell, TX where a retired obstetrician began creating abstract art sculptures in his yard back in the 1960’s.  Joseph Carlyle Smith (born 1921) used art creation as a way to relax.  The yard was filled with several different abstract pieces he made over the years.  Besides being a doctor, he was a photographer, a painter, a sculptor, a jewelry maker, a philosopher, and a world traveler.  He passed away in 2016 at the age of 95, but his art continues to entertain.  Next was a visit to Dime Box, TX.  Yes, that’s the real name of this town.  In fact, there is an Old Dime Box, TX – which was the original Dime Box until a railroad line came to town some 3 miles away which caused many of the residents and business to move to be close to the tracks.  Thus, that new location became Dime Box, and the original location was renamed Old Dime Box.  Anyway, a fitting town monument, literally a dime incased in glass box, can be found in the town’s center.  A large wooden piece carved in the form of a Liberty dime, with a date of 1917 – perhaps the year in which the rename took place(?).  Back a couple miles down, back towards the main highway, a giant mailbox is present to get your attention to go and visit Dime Box.

It’s definitely a small sleepy town – population 282.  Across the street from the monument was perhaps a one-time gas station.  Then across the other street from there, were a couple of boarded up buildings, with a central garage safely housing a very old and dusty classic car.  Something you would actually expect to see in an old sleepy town.  Further down the road in the Central Park was an old steel truss bridge.  This is known as the Moses Livestock Bridge, built in 1911, and moved here in 1999 to the park as a tribute to the rancher who built it for the convenience of his livestock and farm vehicles – allowing both safe passage over the railroad tracks. All in all, an interesting little place with an interesting history.

Next was a visit to Giddings, TX, to see their 9/11 memorial.  Located on the grounds of Giddings Fire Station 1, this very nicely done memorial came about due to the efforts of the Giddings VFD.  In 2009, they contacted the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey requesting artifacts from the 9/11 terrorist attack.  The port located pieces matching the request, and completed the process to transfer ownership.  Giddings VFD used the two pieces of matching steel, along with some beautiful stonework, all sitting on a concrete slab in the shape of the Pentagon, to form this memorial.  Nicely done Giddings!  Last up on this day’s adventure was a trip to Brennan, TX and home to Blue Bell Creameries.  I was aware that the visitor section that allows for viewing of the production floor were temporarily closed, but I figured I’d at least be able to get a scoop of ice cream.  Well, guess again – I went on a day that the entire operation was closed!  Geez – I really need to improve my pre-research game.  So my visit was limited to checking out the few bronze statues that were outside, and a pic of the building itself.  Oh well, better luck next time!

Another day, I took a trip to College Station – just about 12 miles north east of Snook.  This was a rip-roaring town with lots of Roadside America sites, not to mention home to Texas A&M University and Aggie’s football.  This is a massive college campus and with just shy of 73,000 enrolled students, is the largest university in the United States.  It was founded in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas (A.M.C), and expanded its size and scope over the following many decades.  In the 60’s, the school desegregated, became coed, and dropped the requirement for participation in the Corps of Cadets.  As a result of all these changes, the Texas Legislature renamed the school to Texas A&M in 1963, keeping its agricultural and mechanical heritage.  The campus spans over 5,500 acres, and offers degrees in over 130 courses of study.  It’s an amazing place, and driving through town all you see are college kids making their way around via walking, biking, or on those electric scooters.  But college football is ever present in town and on campus.  As of 2021, the Aggies football team has won 18 Southwest Conference championships, 3 Big 12 South Division championships,  1 Big 12 championship, and 3 national championships.  They have appeared in 42 bowl games, winning 20 of them.  Since 1904, all home games have been played at Kyle Field (pictured at left), with seating for over 102,000 attendees.  This was quite the place to visit, and clearly a sense of pride among the community.

There is a wealth of history and spirit that lives here at the university.  Many statues and artifacts throughout the town gives ever present reminders to that sprit, while other elements share its history. One tribute in particular that I visited that was especially moving was the Bonfire Memorial (at right, middle and bottom right).  Resembling a somewhat modern Stonehenge,  this piece memorializes the twelve students who were killed in 1999 when the structure they were building for the university’s annual bonfire collapsed.  The bonfires began in 1909, and represented a celebration of the rivalry with the University of Texas.  The fires started relatively small, but continued to grow larger eventually attaining a then world record in 1969 with a height of 109 feet.  Sadly, this tragic event would end the officially sanctioned event.  Residing on the site where the collapse occurred, the memorial has 12 portals, one for each student who died, and contains a 3D bronze of their face on one side, and written information about them on the other.  Further, each portal is oriented in the direction of the deceased’s hometown.  What a wonderfully crafted memorial to remember the 12 students whose lives were tragically lost in this freak incident.

Aggies also are fanatic about their pet mascot – a collie named Reveille.  The first Reveille was an injured stray that was adopted by some cadets back in 1931.  It seems that dog would howl each time the bugler called reveille – hence the chosen name.  This Reveille became the school mascot until her death in 1944.  Subsequent dogs, usually collies, were then chosen to assume the role of school mascot.  Each were reported to be adored and treated with great respect –  said to be the equivalent of a 5-star general.  As each Reveille lived out their mascot role, they would be interred at a special cemetery just outside the north entrance to Kyle stadium.  Eight such Reveille mascots currently occupy the cemetery, the last of which, number VIII, having passed in 2018.  What also makes this area special is that each of the dogs are buried facing a dedicated and special outside electronic scoreboard so that they can keep track of the game.  A central plaque sums it up perfectly reading “Reveille I, and all the Reveilles that follow her, will always have a special place in the Aggie’s heart and symbolize the underlying spirit of Texas A&M.”  Well said!

My last visit in College Station would take me to the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.  Located on the grounds of Texas A&M University, I was surprised to learn that Bush 41’s library was here in College Station.  I knew he was born and raised in New England, graduated from Yale, and called Midland, TX, 400 miles away, his hometown.  So why Texas A&M?  An introductory video at the library answered that question. It was all about spirit and honor for President Bush, and he believed Texas A&M University most represented those attributes.  That, and the heavy lobbying performed by the university and its alumni’s.  But whatever the reason, it’s a wonderful library and museum, situated on 90 acres of Research Park on the western side of the campus.  The museum has a terrific chronology of his life, from his childhood in Greenwich, CT and Kennebunkport, ME, to his enlistment as a naval aviator on his 18th birthday during World War II, through his studies at Yale, to his successful business career as an oilman in Texas, to his eventual role in politics.  His political career would start with a defeat when running for US Senate in 1964, followed by a successful bid to become Texas US Congressman in 1966.  President Nixon appointed him to the role of Ambassador to the United Nations in 1970 where he cut his teeth in foreign policy, and in 1972, was appointed as the chair of the RNC.  Then in 1974, President Ford appointed him to the Liaison Office in the People’s Republic of China, then in 1976, made him Director of the CIA.  All of this diverse experience led him to run for President in 1980.  He faced and lost to Ronald Reagan in the primaries, but was then selected to be Ronald Reagan’s running mate in the generals – which they won by great electoral margins against Jimmy Carter.  He would then serve as Vice President for the next eight years, followed by a successful run for President in which he served the following four years – having lost his re-election bid to Bill Clinton.  There were tons of artifacts in the museum including his actual presidential limo (on loan from the Secret Service), a mock up of his Oval Office setup, and so much more.  Truly an enjoyable trip down Bush lane.

Besides all the artifacts and memorabilia related to Bush 41, the museum also included a nice section representing former First Lady Barbara Bush, detailing many of the accomplishments she achieved in her lifetime.  Besides being the Second Lady then First Lady, and having and raising a family, she was very involved in several civic minded activities.  Most notably, after her son Neil was diagnosed with dyslexia, she took a keen interest in literacy issues, and spent significant time working with various literacy organizations.  This ultimately led to her developing the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy which today remains one of the leading advocate organizations for family literacy.  Not to be left out, even Sully had his own little piece of real estate within the museum for his role with the President.  This Labrador Retriever was trained as a service dog for disabled military veterans, and served with the former President during the last six months of his life until the President’s death on Nov 30, 2018.  A nice tribute to this wonderful service dog.

Also on the grounds of the museum and library is the Barbara Bush Rose Garden, as well as the final resting place of both the President and his wife.  In fact, their daughter Pauline Robinson Bush, or more commonly known as Robin, is also interred here with them.  Born in 1949, she was the second child and eldest daughter to the Bush family.  Sadly, at the age of 3, she was diagnosed with advanced leukemia, and was given very little time to live.  She succumbed to her ailment two months before her fourth birthday.  She was originally burried in Greenwich, CT, but was relocated here in 2000 so that she may someday be back together with her mom and dad.  Her death resulted in the Bush family creating a charity to raise awareness and money for leukemia research called the Bright Star Foundation – which continues to thrive to this day.  The rose garden and gazebo were dedicated in 2005 as a tribute to First Lady Barbara Bush.  Today is serves as a backdrop to countless family and group photos, marriage proposals, and an occasional wedding ceremony.  The large pond at the rear of the complex was a favorite walking and fishing spot for President Bush when he visited College Station.  Apparently, fishing is still allowed in the pond, but is strictly catch and release only.

Final Thoughts

Well, despite there being so many places yet to visit in this country, it would seem my time for this year’s adventure is coming to a close.  Fall is upon us and with winter fast approaching, my sunny Florida retreat is calling and I must answer.  I’ve only got four stops left before arriving back to my home base in Lake Wales, with only one of them being of any significance in terms of things or people to see.  So as I write this, I’ll be home in less than two weeks.  Wow, did that go by fast!  But I’ll have the wonderful memories of time spent with friends and family, along with the many wondrous places I had the opportunity to visit.  And best of all, after I get home, I get to start laying out the plan and route for next year’s adventure.  That will be a ton of fun!  So, till next time, be well and safe travels.

I only show a sampling of my adventure pictures here in the blog, and do so mostly in collage format for brevity and ease of reading. If you want to view an album containing individual full fidelity and hi-res images of all my travel pictures related to this specific blog, click the image below. Enjoy!