AUSTIN, TEXAS

     We visited Frank's cousin Rich Gizzie in Austin, Texas on January 6th & 7th.  Shortly after our arrival we headed up the road for a quick stop at what I believe was the 'Austin 360 Cliff', a quick 5-minute hike up to an overlook above Lake Austin.  It was beautiful and people sit 'on the edge' to take in the sites.  We then headed over to 'The Oasis' restaurant and bar for some Tex-Mex appetizers, dinner and a Marguerita - just in time to catch a beautiful sunset.  Thanks Rich for picking up the dinner tab and letting us do some laundry!

     Frank and I camped in the RV in front of Rich's house and headed out the next morning for downtown Austin.  We parked near the Capital Building and spent quite a bit of time at the Visitor Center looking through the displays, and acquiring some Texas State traveling literature from the very helpful and friendly staff.  We walked around the Capitol Building grounds, and made a quick video for the grandkids to let them know Grandpa and Rene were in the land of pioneers, cowboys and ranchers.

     After leaving the Capitol Building we wandered through the central downtown area.  It was a wonderful mix of old and new, the restoration and utilization of some of the old buildings was great.  There appears to be a great music scene if you are close by and want to spend the night out on the town.  We then walked down to the South Congress area to check out the Food Cart scene that we had seen featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.  Many of the carts were not open but they each had their own unique style.  My favorite was the Cupcake Cart.  Along this route there were some eclectic shops that may just have that obscure item you have been looking for.

     We returned in time to share our crock-pot meal with Rich and his room mate Holland. The evening was spent watching football while Rich and Frank reminisced about family history and updates on siblings and other family members.  Frank and I headed out the next morning with thoughts we would like to come back to see more of this town, the nearby Hill Country, and the historical New Braunfels German town area.

     Thanks Cousin Rich for the warm Texas hospitality.

RG & FP