Texas 2015 Day One. Part One

And the adventures keep pouring in. Made Austin, and because the flight was nearly full I had taken Delta up on the complementary baggage check in. Unlike Hartsfield/Jackson which never closes Austin–Bergstrom will roll in the sidewalk at that time of night. I do like the layout with the terminals basically behind the ticket counters but my terminal was at one end of the airport and the only way open out was all the way at the other end. Then once I get down to the other end and out from the terminal area and down to baggage claim, our shoot was way back at the other end. It would have been a short walk when every thing was open but I'm glad I wore my hiking shoes. 

After claiming my bag, I had to go up a level and then find out where the rental cars are. Nope, not in the terminal. One has to go outside, cross the parking deck and then get to where the rental cars were. Yes, Virginia; I got my 10,000 steps in just by running around the Austin-Bergstrom Airport.

I don't know what it is about Enterprise Rent-a-Car in Texas but seems that every time I use them, or try to use them, in Texas I tend to get less than optimal service. Unlike the outstanding service I have gotten from them everywhere else, (the Slyacauga business unit coming and finding me in the woods, to bring me into the office last spring comes to mind). When I got to Enterprise counter it was closed. I wasn't the only one that had a reservation with then because several others from my flight came up to the counter and stared at it in disbelief for a moment or two before continuing on.

I ended up going next door to Avis and told them what's up. I had reserved a Kia Rio from Enterprise, and Avis honored, as best they could, the original agreement. For the economy rate I got a Ford Escape, (an upgrade since they had no economy cars at that moment). For the same length of time though I am paying $50 more. The counter person offered to hold that proposition while I checked some of the other opened counters to see if I could get something cheaper. I was too tired and took their offer.

Made the contract and found the car then it was about another 1/2 an hour while I sit trying to figure out what all was going on with it. Way too many bells and whistles. 

By now I was getting so stupid from self induced insomnia that I was having problem getting the Mighty Google Maps to save my position so I can find the air-port on the first. Finally, got a saved, check out with the car and away I go.

Auntie Marie gave me the phone number to Matt, who lives in Austin and was going to put me up for the night. I hope he didn't wait up for my call but by this time it was sooo late I wasn't going to bebop in on anyone. I stopped at a motel, and text Matt because of the late hour I was getting a room and I thanked him for the offer.

Well, I can't remember which roach-motel I stopped at. But the roaches were aligned up on the counter and waved at me as I entered. The person behind the counter gave me a rate of $150 plus tax. The roaches were complementary. I declined and did a hasty retreat before any of the roaches decided to hitch a ride with me.

I stopped at a Circle K, got their strongest coffee, infused it, and then I headed toward Wimberley Tx, which isn't far from Austin. The flooding they had last spring was bad. Uncle heard that the town was whipped out. I want to find the Adair Ranch and check on the grave sites of my grandfather, grandmother, and two uncles that reside there. I made Wimberly and parked in the Welcome Center parking lot. Laid the seat back and slept.

By the way, Wimberly still stands, I'm eating breakfast at the Wimberley Cafe, which use to be the old blacksmith shop. And in a few I'm off to find the Adair ranch.

Later I'll post the adventures I've had with the deer in this area. They have an attitude and are a "trip".