32- Rest day in Austin

 Great nights sleep at a very quiet Super 8 motel. This neighborhood is mixed, residential and commercial, and includes Franklin’s Barbecue which apparently is a very famous and popular place to eat. The Texas music museum is also here.

Sue and I got up early. She is my roommate for this rest day as Ann is off with her husband and friends. We rode to CycleEast, a bike store nearby. I needed a new tire and Sue needed her derailleur adjusted. We enjoyed talking with Hannah the bike mechanic who was very generous with her knowledge. Another plus was the coffee shop that shared the same space as the bike shop. Lattes and bike talk — nothing better! And, as a bonus, I was able to swap the tire out when I got back with a minimum of help from anybody else.

Ankur and Tammi prepared us a delicious brunch in the parking lot and shortly after that Sue Grant’s friend Arlene showed up with a care package for me. It contains treats and snacks and chamois butter. Thanks Sue! You are the best!

Now it was time for some exploration. I headed to the capital building and grounds. There are wonderful gardens outside as well as many sculptures around the building. The capital was built in the same style as the US capital, with a large rotunda and much marble. Even the water fountains were marble.

I was struck by the stone 10 Commandments tablets outside the building. I know this was an issue in Oklahoma and they were removed under cover of darkness. I don’t remember hearing anything about this in Texas.

There was also an interesting inscription on a memorial for those that died “for states rights guaranteed under the constitution.” Texas left the union at the Time of the Civil War against the wishes of Governor Sam Houston. The plaque says the north resorted to coercion. I’m not sure what this means, but will be finding it out.

All this left me hungry and I walked a bunch of blocks to find a Gyro food truck. Worth. Every. Step. I love food truck food.

After lunch I wandered the city, focusing on sixth Street which is full of live music, bars, and art stores. After a few hours of exploration I met up with the crew at the moonlight Grill. More great food and fun – and a leisurely walk back to the hotel.

Things I learned today:

• Texas had a governor who got impeached, so he supported his wife my Ferguson, for governor. Their slogan? “Two governors for the price of one.”
• When it’s sunny on a rest day, it’s hard to rest.