From: tmurphy@convex.com (Tom Murphy)
Newsgroups: austin.forsale,austin.general,tx.general,convex.general
Subject: Bluebonnet Trails & Shops (wrng-includes sales pitch!:-))
Keywords: bluebonnet pictures jewelry
Date: 6 Apr 92 16:04:30 GMT
Distribution: tx
Organization: CONVEX Computer Corporation, Richardson, Tx., USA
X-Disclaimer: This message was written by a user at CONVEX Computer
              Corp. The opinions expressed are those of the user and
              not necessarily those of CONVEX.

If you're into seeing the Bluebonnet trails you might try the following
one.  The Austin-American also had a list of "wild flower" trails
a week or so ago.

The following trail are more in the hill country and the flowers depend
on the conditions.  I have not been over these roads this year but they
usually prove great "wild flower" trails and views of the hill country.
I welcome others to make their suggestions for good trails around
Austin.

This trip will take all day.  So, take some drinks and snacks, but
find local BBQ or something for lunch and supper.  I would suggest
leaving Austin by 9AM and expecting to return around 8PM, but that
totally depends on how long you gaze at the vistas.

1) Leave from MoPac and FM/RR 2222 heading west.  Take a left on
   Mount Bonnell Rd to Mt. Bonnell Lookout if you have and hour to
   spare, nah do this some early morning at sunrise or sunset.
2) Turn left (south) on Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Hwy).
3) Cross the lake and take a right on Bee Caves Rd.
4) Turn right on Hwy 71 to (past Hwy 281) FM/RR 2900.
5) Take 2900 into Kingsland.  May be a few shops around town to peek
   in if you like crafts and paintings.
6) Turn right on FM/RR 1431 (towards Marble Falls) check out the
   overlook just outside of town, continue on to Marble Falls.
   If you're adventurous, you can turn left at Granite Mountain and
   take that road north to the first dirt road that heads east
   (to the right).  Follow that road to the next road and take a right.
   This road will take you to Hwy 281.  Turn Left. Go to 4).
7) In Marble Falls turn left on Hwy 281 towards Burnet.  You can make
   a shopping day in Marble Falls.  So take a break but if you want,
   but see the rest of the trail head out by 1:00.
8) Stop at the picnic area on the left about 5 miles out of town (1 mile
   for the adventurers) and look over the back side (you'll have to get
   out of your car!).
9) Continue north on Hwy 281 to Park Road 4.  Turn left on PR 4.
10) Stop in at Longhorn caverns and find your way to the back south west
    corner of the complex (in your car).  Look for the rock building.
    It is an old lookout tower.  Climb to the top and take in a great
    view of the Highland Lakes area.
11) Continue west on Park Road 4 and stop at the next rest area on the
    left (I think. If you go down the big hill you missed it!)  Another
    stop to stretch your legs.
12) Continue on Park Road 4.  There are several pull-outs along the way.
    A fish hatchery, Inks Dam (over a hill top from the road), Inks Lake
    State Park, Devils Water Hole (worth stopping for in the summer).
13) Take a right on Hwy 29. Head towards Burnet and take a left on FM/RR
    2341.
14) Follow this road to the end (about 15 miles).  More pull-outs and
    great views of lake Buchannan.  There are stores at the end of the
    road.
15) Return to Hwy 29 and take a left into Burnet.

    WARNING: Sales Pitch Follows!

    If you're into bluebonnet paintings (hill country art) stop in
    Burnet on the square.  Go to the first street past Hwy 281 traffic
    light, turn right, stop in at the shops before the stop sign.  My
    parents own "Frames and Needlecraft" which actually sells pictures
    and jewelry.  Beware of proprietors! They'll talk your ear off and
    for you're own sake don't mention politics!  Remember, this is
    small town Texas! 

16) Continue on Hwy 29 to Bertram.
    AND I WARNED YOU ABOUT THOSE SHOP PROPRIETORS!!!
    For the adventurous you can either take FM/RR 963 to 1174 on the
    North side or take the old Bertram Road to Bertram. Ask the old
    man in the Frames and Needlecraft store for directions.
    Tell him you want to go to Oatmeal.  If you take 1174 route
    you'll have to switch back to 243 at Bertram.
17) Now that you're in Bertram take FM/RR 243 south (turn by the
    Presbyterian Church).  This will run into 1174 south.
    If you took the Old Bertram road hang a right on 243.
18) Now pay attention and when you get close to going over a pretty
    good size hill, turn left.  This is cow creak road.  It will take
    you to FM/RR 1431.
19) Once on 1431 head east towards Leander/Cedar Park.
20) Turn right on Hwy 183 towards Austin.  Hope you enjoy the trip.

If you're confused or have questions give me a ring at work.  I'll
try to confuse you even more!

Thanks,
Robert Felps
(512) 873-9060 H
(512) 838-3935 W
felps@cactus.org

--
================================================================================
Tom Murphy - tmurphy@convex.com    |  I love my job, Happily married,
CONVEX Technical Assistance Center |  Three wonderful children :
Product Specialist                 |  Two out of three ain't bad :-)