26 June 10 - Aquarena Springs Ride  to San Marcos

Hey, what a great turnout Saturday morning for our breakfast ride.  I was a little

skeptical about the acceptance of change, but my fears were put to rest when Ako and I

pulled into the parking lot at the Red Rooster Cafe.  There were already four trikes and a

bike gleaming in the early morning sun.  Court Van Sickler greeted us and said all were

inside cooling off........after all, even though it was early, it was warm and humid.  When

we entered, Brad and Jill Severe, Bill Chavez, Diane Van Sickler, Steve and Donna

Van Gilder, and Ken and Connie Jordan were browsing the store for possible

treasures to buy.  We greeted everyone and got a waitress to seat us. The

staff made us comfortable at a large table (we told them more folks may arrive) and we

got our drink orders in to get things started.  You can order from the menu or chose from

a sumptuous and hearty buffet line.  Many of us headed for the buffet, but others could

not resist the Rooster's blueberry pancakes.......they are awesome.  Shortly after our

orders were placed, Archie and Sharon Haley arrived followed thereafter by Jack

Dowda.  We enjoyed a delicious meal together and the banter about the table was

lively and fun. 

Now I was curious to see how many would be interested in a short ride.  Two

couples opted out, Court and Diane & Steve and Donna had other business that

needed tending to, but the rest of us saddled up for a ride to Wimberley and the

Jade Gardens.  We took the scenic route, up River Rd to Sattler, around Canyon

Lake to 32 and onto RR 12.  The Jade Gardens (Central Texas Bonsai Exhibit) is

on RR12 before you get into Wimberley.  I have been by there a dozen times or more

and finally had to check it out.  I have always been amazed and interested in bonsai

since I was stationed in Japan.  Chuck, the owner and operator of the garden, greeted

us and gave us a quick indoctronation on bonsai, which means tree in a pot.  He was

helpful and answered all our questions, even the stupid ones.  Those were mine.  We

spent a good forty-five minutes wondering through this wonderful exhibit.  Chuck has

160 species of trees, many of which are native to Texas;and , close to one

thousand trees in pots.  They range in size from quit small and easliy handled to needing

a fork truck to lift and move.........a very impressive display.  And it's all free of charge.

Stop in if you are ever up that way.  I think you will enjoy the experience.  We did.

Having filled ourselves on bonsai info, we agreed to head into Wimberley and

fill up with something cool.  That's right, DQ.  Brad and Jill baled when we got to

town, but the remainder continued on.  We chilled and chatted for a bit and all

decided to stop at I35 North to pick up some things we needed before heading

home.  We ran into Guy Custer who was also picking up something he could

not do without.  He said he had to work and had to miss the ride.  Maybe next

time Guy.  We kicked around the store for awhile, purchased what we needed,

said our goodbyes and made a beeline for our homesteads.  All in all a very nice,

 P.S. Sorry there are no pictures.  We all forgot our cameras, except Brad, who took

a picture at the cafe.  Thanks, Brad

Mike & Ako Mills


 

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