All--Aboard! Riding the Rails with the BSW DayTrippers

All--Aboard!  Posing with the Train Conductor

Hill Country Flyer at the Cedar Park Depot

Along the Train Tracks

Depot Time at Cedar Park

Excursion Coach on the Buckeye Trail

Souvenir and Snack Car

Thumbs up to our Train Ride!

All Smiles on the Hill Country Flyer

Arriving in Burnet

Betty and Jean

  

DAYTRIPPERS

Sherry and Steve

Marilyn, Kevin, and Paul

Teresa and Bill

Wildflowers along the Tracks

Round the Bend on the Way to Burnet

Landscape from the Train

Giant Bluebonnets in Burnet

Colorful Burnet Shop

Downtown Burnet, Texas

Duck Trio at Hamilton Creek

Blue Bench at the Park

Duck Friends at the Park

Reflections along the Creek in Burnet

Cruising the Creek

Hamilton Creek Park

Two Turtles

Big Sky on the Return Trip

Marilyn and Floyd at Cedar Park

  

Blue Skies for Everyone!



Riding the Rails~~Past and Present
by Cindy Morawski

Wearing my Sunday best, I remember boarding the train to Pittsburgh with my Mom and brother when I was a child.  We caught the train from Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and then rode into downtown Pittsburgh's commuter's depot.  Every year at Christmas time, we'd go on this excursion so we could do some Christmas shopping and enjoy the wonderful holiday window displays, complete with animation, lights, and winter and holiday themes.  Christmas music filled the air along the department stores' sidewalks to get you in just the right mood.  The crisp, cold northern air helped redden our cheeks and brighten our spirits.  

Childhood memories of riding the rails also came in a train trip to Penn State to visit my cousins, Warren and David, when school was officially out for the summer.   Eating in the dining car with white tablecloths and shiny dinnerware made it seem so grown-up to a girl of ten.  I remember the food tasting delicious and meeting people from all over the place.  Settling down into my coach seat and watching out the window as the landscape whizzed by placed me into a happy trance-like space.  Farms, fields, and small towns waltzed by my window.  This seemed way better than TV!

Riding along in the family car as a kid, I also remember getting stopped at our small town's railroad crossing when the red lights came flashing on and the white gates lowered.  I'd wonder where all those passengers were going to.  The coach cars' lights illuminated the people as they rocked on by as the engine's whistle filled my ears.  The engineer in the red caboose would wave back at me as my mother would sigh in relief at the long wait and delay for our trip along the way.   The magic of train travel was never lost on me.  

Switching to adulthood, I had a chance at traveling by train one July with my summer vacation and time-off as a teacher.  I took an Amtrak trip from Denver to Seattle.  The scenery, fellow travelers, and reminders of childhood train trips helped put me into a full-circle moment.   During that particular train ride, I woke up and it was jet-black in the middle of the night.  The gentle swaying and rocking motion of the train had stopped.  We were sitting still.  The railroad crew was removing something from the tracks so that we could continue safely on down the ties.   Train travel is not meant for folks in a hurry.  Although, the restful nature of being passenger instead of driver, getting to walk around when restless, and seeing the sights of endless landscapes offers a round of rewards to those who prefer a journey of a different travel nature.  

This past Saturday, I listened for an "all aboard" at the Cedar Park depot outside Austin, Texas.  With my DayTripper friends in tow, I stepped right back into the past as I climbed the steps of the Hill Country Flyer to Burnet.  The conductor greeted us as we prepared to ride the train.  We rode on the excursion coach of the Buckeye Trail.  It had air conditioning, a restroom, and a nearby souvenir and snack car.  Comfortable royal blue seats with upper storage racks sat  on both sides of the aisle.  Paul and I sat facing our friends Marilyn and Floyd.  The seating arrangement encouraged friendliness and fun conversation.  A quick announcement was made over the PA system and then we were off.  The train chugged and slowly pulled out of the station.  And, I watched out the window, feeling like a girl again.  The magic had just begun.  

When we arrived in Burnet about an hour later, we had time for lunch, shopping, or a walk in the park.  Our group had reservations at Jardin Corona on South West Street.  Our table overlooked Hamilton Creek, a beautiful city park, complete with ducks floating by our view.  The Mexican food was especially delicious.  I had vegetarian enchiladas, and they were some of the best I've ever eaten.  Overall, our restaurant choice had a relaxing atmosphere with excellent service.  Everyone split up after lunch to pursue their own interests.  Paul and I took a leisurely stroll through the park then headed back for our return trip home.  Some of our fellow passengers also witnessed a staged western gun fight at the depot at 1:30 p.m.  This western battle included the good guy sheriff, the bad guy robbers, and of course, some colorful saloon girls.  One of the saloon gals was recruited from the train passenger list.  I remember the sheriff asking for volunteers when we arrived in Burnet earlier.  

The trip back went quickly.  Before I knew it, we were back in Cedar Park.  The day went by so fast.  I regretted that it hadn't been a longer train ride.  Oh well, Paul and I will just have to plan for another ride on the rails in the future.  Maybe a journey across Canada . . . 

HAPPY DISCOVERIES!

www.CindyMorawski.com

PS:  If you're looking for more information about this train trip, please check it out online at www.AustinSteamTrain.org.  Here's the address:  401 E. Whitestone Blvd., Cedar Park, TX  78613.

Wilkome to a Glimpse into the Past~~Photos and Narrative of Castroville, Texas

Medina River from the Bridge in Castroville

Glenn Nuyttens, Landmark Inn's Tour Guide, explaining about the Founding of Castroville

Allie, the Rickshaw Man, setting a World Record and stopping for a Chat

The Steinbach House, Museum at 100 Karm Street

DayTrippers, group photo at the Landmark Inn~~Say~~Alsatian!

Feline Wilkome, along with assistant Maria, to the Albro's Garden Shop on Fiorella Street

Medina River's December Reflections along Hwy 90

Historic Moye Center and Retreat

Picket Fence Leading to an Historic Home

Facing Houston Square, a Glimpse into the Past

Cheri Hoog, Castroville Resident, embracing Alsatian History

Travels to Castroville, Past and Present

by Cindy Morawski

Where can you find Texas History, natural beauty, fine dining, and more?  Hint:  It's only a day away by horse and wagon or by car it's only about a half an hour from San Antonio.  The historic town of Castroville, founded in 1844 by Frenchman Henri Castro, is a worthwhile stop for travelers and visitors alike. 

Traveling by present-day car, I joined my BSW DayTripper friends and headed to Castroville on December 1, 2011.  Our first stop landed us at the Landmark Inn, a state Historic Site, where we learned about the commercial side of this once-bustling city from tour guide Glenn Nuyttens.  Castroville's growing influence in early Texas started with having roots in mills of various types~~a cotton gin, a lumber mill, and a grist mill, all located on the Medina River.  Attracting commerce and colonists, this made it one of the largest towns in Texas in the 1800's. 

Surprises galore!  While making discoveries about Castroville's past, we presently came upon an ex-Marine named Allie and his loyal dog Roxy.  Allie's Rickshaw Trek, starting in California, will set a new Guiness World Record.  He's bound for Miami and then onto Washington, DC, to be met by the president.  He has a dream, and he's proving that America is still a great country.  He told us that he has met gracious and generous people along the way in his travels.  We had the pleasure of hearing some of his stories along the Medina River last Thursday.  If you want to learn more about his adventures, check out his website:  www.rickshawroadtrip.com.  Best of Luck to you, Allie and Roxy!

While continuing our walking tour with Castroville resident, Cheri Hoog, we enjoyed more colorful stops along the way.  Across the bridge from the Landmark Inn, we found the Steinbach House.  This present-day museum was originally built in Wahlbach, France, between 1618 and 1648.  It was relocated to Castroville in 1998.  Now it's open for tours Monday through Friday from 9 to 5. 

Another noteworthy stop included the St. Louis Catholic Church, at 610 Madrid Street.  Built between 1868 and 1870 under the organization of Father Peter Richard, it looks out on Houston Square.  Its chapel near the Moye Retreat Center has even an earlier building date of 1844.  If you get a chance to go inside the St. Louis Church, you won't be disappointed.  Beautiful stained glass windows and statues await you!

Moving along to some of the shops of the city, our touring group came upon Albro's House and Garden on Fiorella Street.  Owned by Ward and Tot Albro, it originally was an old saloon, relocated to its present-day site.  From 1920 until 1994, it had been a blacksmith shop.  The outhouse in the back, surrounded by lavendar, also has an historic note.  It was built by the WPA in 1930.  Look for Manchita, Spanish for Little Patches, the calico cat in the shop.  Maria and Tot will also be glad to help you find what you're looking for. 

All that walking gave us an appetite.  We were happy to dine at the Castroville Cafe at high noon.  This 1884 Victorian house is located on September Square which is the original location of the Henri Castro Homestead.  Serving delicious sandwiches, soups, salads, and more, you can enjoy your meal while surrounded by fine art in this lovely restaurant.   It's open from 11 to 2, and it's located at 309 Lafayette with both an outdoor porch and an inviting garden patio for lunch seating as well. 

All in all, a day out in Castroville, gave me a chance to connect to both past and present.  What a beautiful place to visit!  And, only a short drive from San Antonio . . . hope you'll make your own discoveries!



~~Cindy

www.cindymorawski.com

PS:   If you're looking for a unique gift this Christmas, consider a calendar.  I have two to choose from:  Seasons~~ 2012 Art Calendar, New Landscape Paintings, and Photography of Ghost Ranch, New Mexico, another Art Calendar for 2012.  Just email or call me for more details.  I can mail it, deliver it in person, or you can come by my studio to pick it up.    cski02@sbcglobal.net   or  studio:  210.522.0706.





Photo Essay~~June 2011~~Road Trip Travels and Inspiration ~~ Mackinac Island

Rocky Island Coastline

Off the Bike Path

Clouds and Sky on our Road Trip

Lake Michigan Lighthouse

Arch Rock, 146 Feet above the water

Patriotic and Colorful Waterfront Home

No Cars Allowed!

Light and Shadow

Lovely Lilacs, Lilac Festival 2011

View of the Bay

Red Geraniums on a Victorian Porch

Shoreline Landscape

Mackinac's Garden Flowers

Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, City Park

Seagull Friend at First Rest Stop

British Landing on Mackinac Island

Tall Towering Trees on the Island

Coastline's Wild Flowers

Quaint Mackinac Home on Shoreline Blvd.

Inviting Rest Stop

Trinity Church

Tulips along the way . . .

Starline Ferry--Jet Power!

A View of Fort Street

Checking Out the Fort

Dave and Karen

Uncle Arthur and Aunt Nancy

Paul and Cindy

Say Cheese!

Grand Hotel

Smilin' Saber

Waiting for the Ferry

Wisconsin Countryside

Red Barns of Wisconsin

Photo Inspiration and Essay, My Summer Happiness Project 2011

 by Cindy Morawski

Every now and then I get lucky.  This past trip to Wisconsin and Michigan made me feel that way.  I took my camera with me in the hope that I'd capture some of the countryside and landscapes along the journey.  I hoped too that I'd gain some inspiration for my pastel paintings later on as well.  When I first arrived in Wisconsin, the intensity of all those rain-fed greens almost made my eyes hurt.  I had been used to seeing mostly browns in San Antonio due to the third biggest drought in Texan history this past year.  However, I knew a 'Kodac Moment' when I saw one.  Paul and I started out the first day in Wisconsin by hiking through a city park that borders my aunt and uncle's place.  The light and shadows, wildflowers, grass pathways, and wildlife all contributed to a win-win walk through an outdoor wonderland.  We even saw a napping muskrat along the bank of the local creek.  Other sitings included a groundhog, butterflies, a squirrel, chipmunks, and a variety of birds. 

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After a visit in Marinette in Northern Wisconsin at my Cousin David and his wife Karen's lovely home, we took to the road once more and traveled North onto the Upper Peninsula in Michigan.  Lake Michigan was on our right as we advanced toward our goal-- Mackinac Island, another four hours away.  When we arrived,  we hopped a ferry and then 20 minutes later we stepped foot onto Mackinac.  Horse-drawn carriages, fudge shops galore, and Victorian homes lined Shoreline Boulevard as we made our way toward our hotel, the Harbor View Inn, in order to check in and freshen up.  After that, some of us rented bicycles and then we toured around the island, stopping for views and picture taking.  The bicycling trip was definitely one of my personal highlights.  The island's fresh air and great views along with our group's spirited energy all combined to make it seem like a perfect moment in time! 

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Day two led us to Fort Mackinac and some fascinating living history.  We all toured the fort and then extended our history trip by walking and visiting the historic places along Market Street, site for the early fur trading in Mackinac's resourceful past.  Our final stop before we caught the 3 o'clock ferry back to the mainland was the Grand Hotel.  Several pictures later, we walked back to Main Street and the nearby visitor's center and ferry boat dock.  Rechecking to make sure we had all our luggage and bags, we made our way onto the ferry, looking back one more time to say good-bye to the island paradise known as Mackinac.