Day 17 - Texas - Postcard

Postcard

Day 17

Dear Miss Smith

We went to the Alamo today. It’s chilling to think that men would actually give up their lives for freedom like the men of the Alamo did. Some of them were only in their teens. The Alamo is actually the ground of the Alamo and the Gift shop. It covers 4.2 acres and receives 2.5 million visitors a year. We went through the Shrine, Barracks Museum, and Gift Museum to see artifacts from the Texas revolution. Tomorrow we are going to Corpus Christie to sightsee for a couple days, and then our trip through Texas is almost over.

Regards,

            Joseph

Day 16 & 17 - Texas

Days 16 & 17

October 31

San Antonio, Texas

Howdy Miss Smith!

I believe that is the proper Texas greeting. You know the old saying, when in Texas speak as the Texans do, or nearly that. I am trying to follow that sage advise, but so far have not gotten much beyond the “howdy” and “yep” of it. Now Amy, Joseph and Levi on the other hand sound much like native Texans when they wish to. I imagine that no sooner will I begin to catch the drift of this lingo when off we shall be to another state with a lingo all their own. I have thought, Miss Smith, of starting yet another notebook. This one would be for language. I can speak French, German, Italian and Russian with a smattering of other languages, yet this cowboy talk is confusing. I try to speak it and end up with a French or Italian accent at which everyone laughs.

Main House

We are in San Antonio now and will be heading to the Alamo shortly, so I had best write this letter quickly.

After leaving the Pacific War Museum, we drove to the Dixie Dude Ranch, after stopping by your cousin’s friend’s house to leave the dogs, and, finding the drive shorter than we had thought, we arrived late afternoon. No pets are allowed at the ranch so it was very kind of the Kippentins to keep Timber and Penelope for us. The ranch itself is beautiful! This is a real working ranch, Miss Smith, not just one that plays cowboys. They have longhorn cows, Spanish goats and pigs.

Side Saddle - Our Cabin

We stayed in a cabin that was rustic yet oh so comfortable. The boys had one room and Amy and I shared the other. There was a pool and a hot tub, not that any of us wanted to go swimming in such cool weather. Had we the desire we could have gone fishing, tossed horseshoes and done many other activities. We could have two trail rides a day!

The meals were all home-cooked and so delicious! After eating our own cooked meals for a few days, that was pure delight. With Amy not being able to use her hand much, most of the cooking has fallen upon the boys and myself, except for that one night when Amy directed. Everyone ate in one large dining room and it felt like one large family with cowhands, the hosts and guests all around. We were able to enjoy some time outside late under the stars around the campfire singing songs.

Retiring that night to our cabin, we all went straight to bed and slept soundly. Breakfast was again served in the dining room and what a breakfast it was! Amy and I watched the boys eat and wondered where they put it all. I never have been one for large breakfasts you will remember. Amy remarked that she had always thought the breakfasts they have at her house were large. Now they appear child sized.

The morning was full. We all went for a trail ride; Amy, having been given a very gentle horse because of her wrist, was delighted to be a part of it. I wore my cowboy hat which I had purchased before we visited the ranch in Oklahoma. I am still looking for something to add to my Fifty-States hat, as Amy terms it. Levi suggested a horseshoe, but that would not fit on my hat very well, besides being slightly too heavy. I cannot describe the ride to you, Miss Smith. How does one tell about a trail ride through the seemingly vast wilderness, up hills and down in valleys, crossing small streams and spreading pastures? It would be a waste of paper to attempt it.

One of the Ranch Hands

After our return, one of the cowboys was showing how to do some tricks with a lasso and ended up giving us some lessons in rope throwing. I must admit that of us all, Joseph was the best at it. After I finally was able to get my rope to stay open when I threw it, I managed to rope Levi when I was trying to rope the fence. How they all laughed. I appear to cause much laughter though I assure you I am not doing it intentionally.

After a hearty lunch for which we were all ready (I realized then why they serve such large meals), we took another trail ride. Then we visited the goats and the cows. We had our picture taken with a longhorn cow though I’m not sure why we wanted it done.

Our Friendly Photo Cow -Yes, it's real!

Around the supper table that night we listened to tales of life on a ranch, of rodeos and narrow escapes by the cowboys. It all sounded so much like a western movie that I half expected the lights to go out and the credits to come rolling on the screen or to have someone call my name and find out it was only a western book I had been reading.

I intended to write you last night after we reached our cabin, but within five minutes of arriving, both boys were snoring; yes, Miss Smith, they both snore, and in another minute Amy was sound asleep, though thankfully not snoring, and I could scarcely keep my eyes open long enough to find my bed and turn out the light.

This morning was busy. We managed to fit in one more trail ride before we had to leave. The Conolys were such friendly folks, and I do believe we all hated to leave them. I would like to come stay sometime when I could stay three nights because then one of those nights I could spend out under the stars, having eaten supper around a campfire far from any electric lights. Ah, Miss Smith, shall we come here some time after this trip is over and enjoy a few days? Oh, but what about the dogs? Perhaps Amy could take care of them, or Bekah.

Speaking of dogs, they were so excited to see us once more when we picked them up. I thought Penelope would turn herself inside-out in her excitement. Of course Amy was thrilled to see Timber.

Well, all are at last ready to head over to the Alamo. Farewell, Miss Smith. I do hope things at home are running smoothly.

Much love,

~ Priscilla

1-19-12

Day 15 - Texas

Day 15

October 30

Fredricksburg, Texas

My Dear Miss Smith,

How I’m ever supposed to tell you all about the Pacific War Museum appears to be a mystery. We came here yesterday, and it was a good thing too, for even now I am sitting here in the Peace Garden, my mind full of facts and images, waiting for the boys and Amy to finish before we drive to the Dixie Ranch for the night.

Admiral Chester W. Nimitz

Yesterday, after stopping by Westcave for a visit, of which Levi informed me he wrote you about, we decided to head on over to Fredricksburg. The museum used to be the childhood home of Admiral Chester Nimitz. It was a hotel his mother and uncle-step-father ran after his grandfather died. I know, it is a little confusing, but Mr. Nimitz died before Chester was born and then a few years later, his mother married his father’s younger brother. And you thought your family was confusing!

I don’t know where to begin to tell you about this museum. Perhaps I should start here, in the Japanese Peace Garden. When the Japanese heard that a museum was being built to honor Admiral Nimitz in his home town, they wanted to do something too. Therefore, they sent some of their best architects and built a peace garden for the museum, both in honor and memory of the great admiral as well as a token of peace and friendship with the United States.

Plaza of Presidents

Before coming here I didn’t really know who Admiral Nimitz was, but now I feel honored to know about him. Admiral Nimitz was one of only four five-star admirals during World War II. He is also the admiral who signed the surrender document on behalf of the United States.

The museum is in the heart of downtown Fredricksburg, so seeing the ships, planes and such in the museum came as a bit of a surprise, as did all the outdoor displays, until I learned that there are six acres of campus. The entire museum complex takes up more than a city block. The hotel itself, restored to its 1890 appearance, is in the shape of a steamboat which I found to be quite interesting. It was built like that by Chester Nimitz’s grandfather.

Inside the George H. W. Bush Gallery we found a variety of artifacts, photos, and other intriguing items which tell the story of the Pacific War including Pearl Harbor, Doolittle’s Raid, Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, Okinawa and Final Victory to name but a few.

The Nimitz Education and Research Center was incredible and Bekah should come here when she gets ready to write her book on World War II. It can get overwhelming, Miss Smith, so I was thankful the tickets were good for forty-eight hours. There is still so much to see that I have added this to my “return to” page in my notebook.

We have seen everything from fighter planes to submarines, from clothes and weapons to maps and many, many other fascinating things. This museum is the largest one in the U. S. about the Pacific War. I wish you could see Levi and Joseph. They have been intrigued by everything. Levi has taken numerous pictures which you’ll have to see when he goes home. They have living history re-enactments during the year, but none were going on today much to the boys’ disappointment.

Ah, I see Amy and the boys coming, so I shall go. We must leave and head to the Dixie Dude Ranch. I’m sure we’ll have a wonderful time. And have no fear, I shall do my utmost to ensure that Amy doesn’t injure her wrist again.

With love,

~ Priscilla

Day 14 - Texas - Postcard

Postcard - Day 14

Dear Miss Smith,            

We’ve had a wonderful time in Texas these past days. Today we went to Westcave. Oh, how fun it was to walk the trail when we went to the cave.  We all had a contest to see who could make the biggest echo.  Priscilla won!  I never thought she could yell that loud.  After that, we went to the falls.  It was very beautiful there.  As we started back to the car, I thought of something.  I suggested we have another contest to see who could spot the most birds.  Joseph won!  Good thing I brought my camera.  I have lots of bird pictures.  I’ll write again soon.

Love,

Levi

Day 13 - Texas - Postcard

Postcard - Day 13

Dear Miss Smith, 
    Today we went to a lot of cool places.  First we went to Fort Concho.
It was lots of fun to imagine the barracks filled with soldiers. Then we
drove to the cave.  Wow, the cave we went to was amazing.  My favorite part
of the cave was the tour Joseph and I took that required helmets with
lights.  Finally the day was up and we had to retire to bed.  Priscilla said
there are bed bugs,  hope I don't get bit. Good thing Joseph and I covered
ourselves with  bug spray after Priscilla said that.  Sleep tight.

Love,

Levi

Day 13 - Texas

Day 13

October 29

Burnet, Texas

Good Evening, Miss Smith,

What a busy day this has been. The boys and dogs were awake at six and Amy joined them shortly after. Having stayed up late writing to you last night, I wasn’t looking forward to departing from my warm bed that early; however, since neither lad seems to know how to whisper, it was impossible to return to the land of dreams. Therefore, I did the only thing left to do, I rose and prepared for the day.

Everyone was in such an impatient hurry to visit Fort Concho that we ended up arriving a full twenty minutes before they opened! I sent the boys and dogs out to have a run while we waited.

At last nine o’clock arrived and we were the first and only persons there. The boys voted to tour the place on our own, which we did. That fort reminded me somewhat of Fort Supply. Fort Concho was established in 1867, only two years after the Civil War ended. It had at least forty buildings and covered more than 1600 acres of land. Do you recall my mention of the famous 10th Cavalry in my letter about Fort Supply? Well, I was delighted to learn that those same Buffalo soldiers were stationed here, along with the 4th.

Barracks 6

Oh, Miss Smith, we discovered that, had we wanted to and known about it before, we could have rented and stayed in one of the Officers’ Quarters! Joseph and Levi are already trying to plan a time when they can get a bunch of boys together and stay in Barracks 6. It looks almost as though you stepped back in time with the concrete floor and low ceiling. Only there are no beds there. Levi said they could sleep on the floor. Well, if that would make them comfortable, why not?

The Fort Hospital

Many of the buildings have been restored either as museums or, like the Officers’ Quarters and Barracks 6, are available for renting. They had a gift shop which we visited, but mostly we wandered around the fort all morning. There was so much history there that had we been so inclined and had no other place to go, we could have stayed there all day. Did I mention, Miss Smith, that they have reenactments at the fort? None were going on while we were there, but it would be delightful to see some time.

At last, as everyone’s stomachs were complaining loudly that we had not fed them, we headed back to the RV, prepared sandwiches and the accessories which belong to that meal, and left San Angelo heading for Burnet.

It was a short drive today and we arrived at our destination, Longhorn Cavern State Park, early in the afternoon. The buildings were all built by the Civilian Conservation Corps back in the 1930s of rock and sediment which came out of the cave. The cave itself is the only limestone cave in Texas that they know of.

Main Cave Entrance

All of us were eager to start the tour of the cave and were relieved to find one just about to begin. Oh, Miss Smith, the cave was fascinating! Huge rooms, smaller walkways like halls, all carved by water, left a strange impression that perhaps you were not in a real cave after all. Only a few stalactites are to be found and after much searching our guide finally located a bat for us to see. You know, Miss Smith, that you have always wished for a place that remained the same temperature, well, if you got over your dislike of caves, you could come here because Longhorn Cavern remains at 68 degrees all year long. The tour lasted nearly an hour and a half! After coming out of the cave, the sun was so bright that it made seeing anything difficult for several minutes.

Legend has it that back in the days of the old west, when outlaws and bandits roamed the country seeking to elude the sheriff and his posse, an outlaw by the name of Sam Bass reached the Longhorn Cavern. There, somewhere in its vast depths he hid two million dollars of stolen money. Whether this story is true, no one knows, for the money has not been discovered. You can be sure Joseph and Levi were talking about finding it. They even joined a more rugged tour so that they could search farther. This tour, requiring helmets with lights, knee and elbow pads and much energy, was much too rugged for Amy with her sprained wrist. Therefore, she and I remained above ground and walked the dogs on one of the many trails.

The Queen's Watch Dog

When Joseph and Levi returned, they were grinning and declared they had discovered the treasure! Neither Amy nor I believed them.

“I’m from Missouri, the show-me state,” Amy told them. “Where’s the treasure?”

At that, Levi reached into his pocket and pulled out a dime. “The amount of money that outlaw hid just got exaggerated,” he informed us. 

Speaking of legends, there is another one which says that a young girl, kidnapped by Indians, was held in the cave until she was rescued by some Texas Rangers. That story might be true though there is no way to know for sure. It is fascinating to imagine all the things that might have happened in that cave. How many outlaws found shelter in its dark walls? Did the Indians use it for a secret meeting place? During the Civil War the Confederates used the cave to make gunpowder. Did they also hide there during the day, waiting for darkness to shelter them as they moved the precious gunpowder to where it was most needed? Ah, so many unkowns.

We are parked here at the state park for the night. All is quiet outside, but inside, ah, Miss Smith, this RV is rather small after all when you have three people trying to cook supper together and two dogs eager to clean up any crumb or drop of food that should fall. I am not cooking. Amy is doing what she can with her right hand while giving instructions to Levi and Joseph. I must say that the lads are doing remarkably well. I wonder if they have had practice at home. But, I must end this as supper will be ready in just a few minutes.

Until tomorrow, unless one of the others wants to write,

~ Priscilla

Evening, Day 12 - Texas

Day 12
October 28
Texas

Dear Miss Smith,
    I don’t have much time to write as it is quite late, nearly eleven-thirty, but I wanted to just drop you a few lines in case Levi didn’t tell you everything. He said he told you about the XIT museum so I won’t retell about it. You should see what he got you though. But since it will only be a little over a week before you get it, I will refrain from mentioning what it is.
    The boys are quite delightful travel companions and both dogs have taken to them. I can see the tip of Timber’s tail hanging over the edge of the “upper deck” where the boys are sleeping. Somehow Joseph and Levi managed to fit themselves and both dogs up in that small space for the night. Amy is already in bed and I must join her soon.
    Today was the longest drive we’ve had on this trip so far. It took us over seven hours to drive to San Angelo. We made several stops to stretch our legs and let the dogs out for runs. Since Amy couldn’t drive and neither Joseph nor Levi is old enough for a driver’s license, I was behind the wheel the entire trip. Being that long in the vehicle can cause you to either grow terribly bored and cranky or it can cause you to grow creative. We chose the latter and I was quite amazed with what the boys came up with. Each one had picked up a road map of Texas at one of our stops. (You really should try this game sometime, Miss Smith. Even if you are not on a road trip. Call Bekah and some of her friends over and give it a try.) Each person needs a road map. They must all be of the same state or the game would be as much of a failure as my upside-down-almond-spice-banana-coconut cake was this summer. Along with the road map, each player requires a paper and a pen. The timer is set for sixty seconds and as rapidly as possible each person finds and writes down as many strange town names as they can. When the timer goes off each person takes a turn reading a name off their list. If they are the only one to have that name down, they receive five points. If one other person had it they receive three points and if everyone had it, no points. Oh the laughter this brought us. Even though Amy can’t write with her usual left hand, she did manage to write with her right, so don’t be surprised if you receive a letter from her. There were such a lot of strange names that if I were to attempt to list them all it would take me until daylight. However, of all of them, my favorite was the town of Oatmeal. I wonder, how do towns and cities come up with some of these names?
    The boys also discovered our thirteen knot rope and had great fun with that.

    Oh dear, I simply cannot stop yawning. I must end this. Tomorrow we visit Fort Concho and then head to Longhorn Cavern State Park.

Off to bed,
~ Priscilla