Fredericksburg, Texas

The sun is at last returning to east Texas where we are continuing to "hang out". Today we left San Marcos after some inadvertent power shopping at the famous Outlet Malls just outside the town. Then we headed a few hours northwest to Fredericksburg with the aim of hiking the Enchanted Rock here. The small town of Fredericksburg is one of the many areas in east Texas that was settled by Germans (and sometimes, Czechs). While it exudes the classic Texas small town charm it has retained it's German heritage. The main street has tons of restaurants as well as bakeries and candle shops (not sure if this is particularly German or just a local thing). There are also a handful of breweries, pubs and wineries -- with European-style outdoor seating. With the sun warming the pavement and Spring Break (school holidays) in full flight there was much activity in the town. A music festival seems to be drawing in many. Arriving in the late afternoon, we were content to settle for sharing a sweet German pretzel and large slice of Apple Strudel before heading back to our campsite. Tomorrow we tackle the Enchanted Rock hike (and perhaps sample another bakery or two).