Off to Hunt (England?)...
The ride scheduled today was to go northwest to Hunt, TX to see a
two-thirds size replica of Stonehenge in England. Brad and I had tried to
make this ride before and always managed to have something come up or to be
out of town. I was happy to see the weather forecast was somewhat cloudy in
the morning and 89 degrees in the afternoon as it sure seems that the hot
weather has come upon us all of a sudden and I don't feel ready for blistering
hot riding weather yet!
We had a nice crowd gather at the Chapter U meeting point in the Walmart
parking lot. Court Van Sickler took a much needed "Wing" break from a hectic
work schedule. Regular riders and co-riders, Kenny and Connie Jordan, and
Duke and Chela Thompson. One GoldWing even came by, introduced himself, and
left his card to receive future chapter emails. He was off to ride with the
Patriot Guard.
Stonehenge parking area
We headed off in good spirits to pick up Olin and Martha Gover were joined
by fairly new Chapter U members Mike and Ako Mills at the 46 and 281 pick up
point. Welcome Mike and Ako! Five bikes (one with a trailer) and two trikes
then headed cross country to Kerrville, enjoying much milder weather than the
last time we passed through Sisterdale, and counting our fortunes that the
creeks on our route all seemed to be contained in their creekbeds after last
weekend's flooding conditions. It is so nice to ride the Hill Country when
the grass is green, the wildflowers are out, and the watering holes have water
in them! "Winging" our way northwest, with a pit stop in Kerrville, we
arrived in good spirits at Stonehenge II set in a wide open field with a
replica of an Easter Island Head on either side.
I'm not sure what the builders of Stonehenge II were thinking about when
they built it, but it sure did turn out to be fun for Chapter U, providing
many photo opportunities for chapter members. Some of those great Chapter
Knit Shirts were out and about (look for them in the pictures!) Some clouds
were still with us, keeping the temperature down, and we enjoyed wandering
around gazing at another special something that can be found in the great
State of Texas! For those of us not native Texans, we sure feel lucky to have
the opportunity to ride here! Chapter U then headed back into Kerrville,
linking up with Ron and Maria DeLaughter who had overcome a flat tire to join
up with us in Kerrville. We pulled into the Mamacita's parking lot ahead of
the lunchtime crowd, devouring at least 6 baskets of tortilla chips (but who
is counting) prior to slowing down to munch our way through a variety of
delectable offerings!
Deciding NOT to take the direct route home, we headed towards Bandera,
enjoying more beautiful hill country vistas. Ken & Connie dropped off at the
state park on 173 to check on one of their kids. Duke and Chela turned off to
stop at their home in Bandera while Olin and Martha headed towards Hondo and
the air show. The rest of us headed down Highway 16 and across on FM 46
towards home.
It was a great day to ride a GoldWing with Chapter U. Thanks to Duke and
Chela for bringing plenty of cold water to share with everyone on the ride.
Thanks to Olin who brought a tripod so we could take a group photo at
Stonehenge II. Thanks to everyone who was willing to make pit stops and ride
the pace that everyone was comfortable with! My trike, Black Pearl, and I
traveled all sorts of new roads today, saw some new countryside, saw a
memorable sight, had fun with friends, and when I pulled into our garage, I
thought, how lucky I am to be a part of Chapter U! We hope to see you on a
future ride with Chapter U!Jill Severe
