Parks, Swimming, Wine, and BBQ

Beth and I went on a Sunday adventure, started off with Pedernales Falls State Park.

We started in the swimming area and had a 1/4 mile to go through the river to get to the trail.

I want to bring the Surfriders back here, looks paddle friendly.

We finally got to our 4 mile loop hike.

The clouds were moving fast that day.

Time to go eat.

Woops, we forgot to see the falls, which aren't really falling.

We had lunch at Blanco State Park, more of a swimming place in the river with some camping.  Again, paddling would work here.  Forgot to take pictures.

And then, the drive through Devil's Backbone.

We hit up 3 wineries outside Wimberley.

Bella Vista Ranch had Wine and Oil.

The olive oil made from the olives at the ranch was interesting, had a grassy taste.  The oil from California just tasted like flavored oil.  Although, I did like the fig balsamic oil, yum.

For wine, they are pretty new and importing grapes for all the wines.  The Syrah was great, I also enjoyed the Blackberry wine from Oregon Blackberries. 

Driftwood Estates was beautiful.

1. The 2011 Cuvee Blanc was refreshing in the heat.
2. The 2011 Muscat Canelli would be good with hot food, was sweet not over sweet, but too sweet alone.
3. The Lone Star Cab was good, but the Newsom Vineyards Cab was better.
4. The Syrah was good.
5. The Port was average.

Off to the Salt Lick Cellars

We pretty much had the whole menu.  They had some very interesting whites (Viogner and Kine), but the reds, especially from Duchman Family Wine were great.  It looks like they have more selections at Duchman, need to find my way there.  This tasting room was the best stop of all 3 wineries, the hostess elevated it to the next level.

Rogness Brewing Company

Spent an afternoon at the Rogness Brewing Company's grand opening.  This was a great event that included a beer glass, and six large tastings.  Met some artists who have great taste in wine, beer and cheese - need to connect.  The highlight of the event turned out to be a deconstructed ice cream cookie with half chocolate, half chocolate chip, and salted caramel ice cream!  Beer thoughts to follow:

Vinton (Blonde Ale): This ale was not as blonde as I expected.  It had some hops to it, but they were not astringent at all, it was kind of smooth floral hops.  It tasted like a very very pale ale, not so much a blonde.  I ended up drinking this one the most.
 

Rattler (Pale Ale): Now this tasted like a pale ale, the hops had a little bit more bite than the Vinton, yet they were not overly hoppy like an IPA.

Rook (Scotch Ale): Its been awhile since I've had a good scottish ale, so did not have a taste to remember and compare to.  Beth thought this ale tasted a little bit like medicine, I can see where she was coming from and it was not worth a second pour.

Beardy Guard (Biere de Garde): I'm not too into Saison style, so one sip and I was done.

Yogi (Chai Amber):  Wow, lots of flavor, lots of Chai.  This beer needs food, this beer needs dessert.  A few sips and I moved on but it inspired me to end with a dessert.

Ost (Porter): Tasted like a good porter.  I'm not too into porter, except when I can mix with a cider and use as a dessert.  They are coming out with a cider soon, so I expect to be back to try this combination.

Mellow Yellow

I have been searching for the perfect car to

1. Improve gas mileage
2. Fit my dogs and luggage
3. Get surf boards around
4. Enjoy driving

All signs led to a mini, and I have been debating the Mini Clubman and the Mini Countryman.  We test drove a number of Mini's and the Clubman it is, the Countryman just doesn't look right.

Unfortunately, they stopped making my favorite color, yellow, in 2009.  I had searched around Austin and found a decent compromise color, hot chocolate.  This car was at a Mercedes dealer but they could not get to the price I wanted, so I kept searching and found my Mellow Yellow up in Dallas at Westwood Motorcars.  Igor owns Westwood Motorcars and recently moved from California to escape ever growing taxes.  He specializes in BMW and Mercedes, so Mini is on the lot.  We completed the negotiation over the phone, which was super conveniant, and I drove up to Dallas to pick her up.

I've never had such an easy drive back from Dallas then in this car, so much fun to drive, I even caught a lady taking a picture of us while waiting in traffic.  Got back home late and let the dogs out, unfortunately, they knocked down the gate again and went on an adventure.  Isis brought them back, after I spent an hour running around the neighborhood.  Now to name the car, Makai = to the water/sea/ocean.  What I bought her to do