But clearing to establish cultivation is formidable and expensive task. Here the Trail highway parallels Southern Pacific s main cross-country line, the route of Amtrak s Sunset Limited between New Orleans and Los Angeles. These first segments have sampled some typical aspects of broad coastal plains below the Edwards Plateau, but the lure of the hills invite a right-angle turn on Texas 173. On Texas 173 below the hills, geologists recognize dozens of fractures in the Balcones Fault Zone where the mass broke. The highway begins to roll.
Blue hills draw closer, growing in majesty as they are approached.
Exposed in this and many road cuts throughout the Hill Country are flint nodules that were formed in the limestone. It was a basic tool material of Indians who long inhabited the area. Trail drivers may see some big, strong Texas longhorns grazing in roadside pastures. Highway signs of guest ranches soon appear, because Bandera is Texas foremost dude ranch center.