Today our traveling companions are dear friends, Bob and Nona, whose home is in Michigan. We met Bob and Nona when camping in Kerrville, TX two winters ago and have been close friends ever since that time. Bob and Chris are golfing buddies and today are off to check out the Llano golf course while Nona and I check out the historic area of Llano.
We drop off the guys for a few hours of golf. The pic on the right shows the Llano River as well as part of the golf course. The man pictured is David. David had a stroke a couple of years ago and uses golf as therapy to regain strength and mobility. Today he is playing alongside Bob and Chris.
Nona and I are on a mission. Nona needs a particular color of fabric for a quilt that she is working on and there are two quilt shops in town. Off we go! I've never been interested in antiques, but there are several shops on our route where others are browsing. I've never been a seamstress, but for some reason enjoy looking at fabric. After checking out several fabric, gift, and "what not" shops, we are ready for something to drink and a place to relax. Found it! The Fuel is the name of the coffee house where we decide on a latte and small chicken salad sandwich. Both were excellent. Several customers here had their laptops out and were working diligently on something. Others, like us, were just enjoying their day. One side of the coffee house had a stage. Tonight is open mic night! Everywhere we went the folks were extremely friendly!
On the left is the Llano County courthouse, built in 1893.
On the right are several small shops on Main Street across from the courthouse in Llano's historic square. Most were open and we enjoyed looking around.
More shops on Main Street |
The first two stories of this building were built in 1880. In 1883 the third story was added. This building was used as a hotel and stagecoach stop. Standing outside I imagined horses tied up where cars are now parked. Look carefully and a stagecoach can be seen coming up the dusty road. Men and women walk out of the hotel carrying a bag with everything they need for the trip. Does family await? A sweetheart? A new job?
Llano is the "Deer Capital of Texas" and there are deer everywhere around town! Not real ones, but ones like this big guy! Got a pic of this one because of what was stenciled on him. "Hook 'em Horns!"
You hear that a lot in Texas.
Found this "Patti Wagon" parked on a side street |
The guys call to let us know they are on 18. That is our signal to make our way back to the golf course. Anyone hungry for an early supper? All four of us had very small, snack-sized lunches. Right? Shhh. Don't tell the guys about chicken salad at The Fuel. Those sandwiches were miniature. Really, they were tiny.
Barbecue? Of course we're hungry! We cannot leave Llano without a stop at Cooper's Pit Bar-B-Que. They are famous in these parts for their outdoor grills and pit BBQ. On the left is a pic of their meat selection which is located just outside their front door. Selections are ordered by the pound. Then we walk inside and pick out some sides, and drinks if desired. The pinto beans are on the house! I ordered two of the juiciest, most tender, flavor-packed pork ribs that I have ever had! My, oh my! Can you smell the smokiness? See how tender they are? Am I making you hungry? Put some tasty pinto beans alongside! How about a little jalapeno in with those beans? I hope there is a Cooper's in heaven. There really should be.