Bob & Cindy's 2015 Travel Web Site
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2015 Spring Trip
First stop ... Alpine, Texas
We left Spicewood in late February to start out on our spring trip to California. Initially, we wanted to go to the Indian Wells Tennis Tournament (offically called BNP Paribas Open) which is just one step below the major 4 worldwide tournaments and features most of the top players in the world, both men and women along with doubles matches. It's held in the Palm Springs, California area. Somehow, we got roped into attending a Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Alpine, Texas to start our trip. I say "roped" only because we had no idea what to expect but we knew we'd have a good time with friends regardless of what transpired at "The Gathering". Turns out we not only enjoyed the fellowship with friends, we also thoroughly enjoyed listening to cowboy poetry (actually a mix of poetry and story telling) as well as some pretty good entertainment with songwriters and singers. In short, we already have plans to come back next year and look forward to it. That wasn't the only surprise though, we also had freezing weather most of the time we were in Alpine (very unusual) and freezing fog. Pictures below ....
Not only is Cowboy Poetry Gathering a common once a year event in Alpine, it also happens in many other areas of the country.
On the way to Alpine, we spent the night at South Llano River State Park, outside of Junction, TX.
Usually we see wild turkeys this time of the year but it was too cold for the turkeys and we settled for watching an armadillo root for grubs.
The Gathering takes place for two full days on the Sul Ross State University campus, perched up on hill overlooking Alpine.
One of the entertainers, Kristyn Harris
Freezing fog left the Alpine area in winter wonderland setting.
Unique ice crystals formed on wire fences, pine tree needles, cactus pods, etc. This stayed for almost two days.
Our group of cowboy poetry enthusiasts after a pot luck dinner! Lot's of food, drink, and laughter ... good times.
