Day 30, TX, Kerrville to Fredericksburg

It was hard to leave the comfort and kindness of Fred and Janice's place in Kerrville. They sent us off with pancakes as fuel and we needed it to battle the wind and temperature. It started out at 41 degrees when we got up but once again got colder as the day progressed and the north wind kicked in. 

Once we cleared Kerrville we climbed up a little used ranch road. The hill was not too long but was the steepest we've seen yet. Once on top it was a beautiful one lane road that looked like a private driveway that would end at the next farmhouse. It kept going on rolling hills past cows, sheep, and some exotic animals. To be honest it wasn't easy to take in the scenery with the bitter headwind pushing the 34 degree mist (and briefly sleet) in our face. 

I mentioned to Jim that I should take a picture though I didn't want to take my gloves off to do it. 

Buzzards marking another road kill. We've see countless deer carcasses since hitting the Texas country and the buzzards are the beneficiaries. 

As the ranch road neared Fredericksburg the houses became mansions but there some old abandoned structures that were interesting. I could fill a large photo album with pictures of abandoned or crumbling structures on this trip but can't stop that often. 

Just outside of Fredericksburg we had lunch at Hilda's Mexican Restaurant. We were wet from exertion underneath our rain jackets and it was hard to stay warm even inside. Then we had to go back out straight into the wind for 3 miles. Motel rooms have never been so welcome as it was today. Did I mention it was cold?

I'm definitely fighing a virus that has sapped my energy. Too many nights in cold camps caught up with me. We are taking a full day of rest tomorrow to let the nasty weather pass and some recovery for me. 

36 miles today (but felt like twice that).