That dang cat is everywhere!

Mark had planned a morning outing for us all, floating down the Comal River. So after a lovely breakfast compliments of Barb and John, we got ready to go.

When in Texas, everyone must have a hat to wear. Mark had a selection for those who didn't come prepared...

Hola, my numero uno amigo!

Alli...

Mark was proudly sporting yet another black eye (his opposite eye was black when he visited me in June) from a jujutsu encounter. We keep telling he's too old for such nonsense, but he never did listen to me...

Ethan...

Me and Maria (my goodness, Terry...fix that hair! But yes, I did wear a hat too)...

Wyatt. Every time I see him, he looks more and more like a young version of Dad...

Seanna is sure she was born to be a Texan...

Austin and John...

Blaise could not join us on the river as she had a late morning appointment. Behind her on the wall is the photo of her own younger version, little Blaise before she became teenager Blaise. Same gorgeous smile!

Because it's such a popular way to cool off from the intense Texas summer heat, we arrived at Landa Falls Park right when it opened in order to beat the crowd...

...where we checked in...

...and picked up our floaties.

And, as my sister Barb often says, "like a herd of turtles" we were off!

 

The Comal River is one of the shortest rivers in the US. Because it has a rocky bottom, the water is clear and very clean.

We put all of our stuff in this big waterproof duffle bag and tried to somewhat stay together.

Kim, however, prefered to do his own thing and not be tied to us. Such a rebel!

Photo credit to Barb...several of the river photos were taken by her, including this one of Alli and me.

All is well with the House-man...

Maria!

Barb, John, and Austin...

Austin & Wyatt...

About halfway down the river, there are some falls. 

Some of us got out and walked around, but some decided to ride the rapids.

Barb was the volunteer hat-holder...

Seanna...

Maria...

...down the chute...

Woopsie!!!

That is why I opted not to ride the rapids... But Maria is braver and more adventurous (and younger!) than I am!

 

Back in the water...

Some boys never grow up!

Such a fun, relaxing morning...just chillin' in the Comal River.

We even saw some deer on the banks...

When we got to the getting-out spot, we waited for a shuttle bus to take us back to our cars.

Such a fun morning! After all that hard work floating, we needed a nap!

 

That evening we went to the nearby town of Gruene, a charming touristy place with shops, a nice restaurant, and lots of people!

The famous Gruene Dance Hall where country music definitely reigns. The windows are open and the music fills the streets all evening long.

Maria and Seanna...

We, along with everyone else in town, caroused the General Store and antique shops...mostly because they were air-conditioned...while we waited for our table at the Grist Mill Restaurant.

John and Kim were clearly thrilled with the hour-long wait...

 

The Grist Mill waiting area...the place to be on a hot Texas night!

But the wait was worth it! The meal was delicious and the company was the best imaginable. A fine ending to a wonderful day!

Floating the Comal and going Gruene.