I am writing about ways families may celebrate Christmas in a less commercial way. The State Parks (SP) and State Historic Sites (SHS) are made to order for authentic Christmas experiences.

First Stop : Wyler Tramway SP

Wyler Tramway Gondola

Holidays at the Wyler Tramway State Park

1700 McKinley El Paso, Texas 79930
(915) 562-9899
December 16–18, Noon–5 pm

Ride to the top of Ranger Peak  in a gondola, where Santa Claus awaits your visit. After chatting with Santa and having pictures of the children taken with Santa, do not rush off.  Take time to view the Christmas decorations and to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, apple cider or coffee at the  gift shop. Make sure you look through the gift shop, where you will find  candles, books, apparel, toys and other one-of-a-kind items.

You may notice you are viewing sequential rock layers ranging from ancient volcanic granite to more recently-deposited limestone. The view encompasses 7,000 square miles, 2 countries and 3 states.  If you feel like hiking, follow a two-mile round-trip trail that curls its way around Ranger Peak from the observation deck.  If not, there are accessible ramps and paved grounds leading into an observation deck with an unobstructed view. Try the pay per view high power telescopes.  You are sure to spot birds and wildlife. You are one mile high and the view is fantastic. In the distance, you can see parts of Mexico and New Mexico. The City of El Paso lies at your feet.

Photograph at of El Paso at Dusk by Christopher Rose, The Texas Tribune

Note: You are a mile high, so make sure everyone has jackets and, perhaps, a Santa hat?  Call ahead of time in case of weather or check the NOAA weather site before you set out.

Fees:
$7 for each person 13+ years
$4 for each person 12 years and under

Schedule:
Friday and Saturday: 12-8 pm
Sunday: 10 am-6 pm
Tram closed Monday-Thursday.
Ticket sales end and last gondola starts up one hour before closing.

 Second Stop : Washington-on-the-Brazos SHS

Barrington Living History Farm

Barrington Farm Holidays

(at Washington-on-the-Brazos SHS)

21300 Park Rd. 12
Washington TX 77880
936/878-2214
December 17, 10 am-430 pm

Step back in time and into the lives of the original residents of Barrington Farm. The scene is complete with heritage breeds of livestock.  Interpreters, dressed in period style clothing, help visitors understand what life was like 150 years ago.  Make decorations to decorate your home or toys to give as gifts. Explore and enjoy the simplicity of farm life. Listen to popular music of that time.  Learn  the meaning of “Peace on Earth, Good Will towards all Men.” This is a wonderful trip for youngsters.

Fees:
$5 for adults
$3 for students 7 years and over.

Third Stop : Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery SHS

Kreische House Photo courtesy Barclay Gibson, February 2009

Trail of Lights

414 State Loop 92
La Grange, TX 78945-5733
(979) 968-5658
December 16 and 17,  6–8 pm

I know that Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites do not sound like somewhere you would celebrate Christmas. Take a chance. I know you will enjoy Christmas in early Texas-German style! Enjoy the genuine hospitality of the Friends of Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery, sponsors of the event.

Stroll along a ¼-mile trail and thrill to the thousands of lights decorating Monument Hill and the H.L. Kreische House, which is decorated in the style of Texas-German 1850s-era Christmas. Bring your children; they will want to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus! View the town of La Grange from the trail’s hillside overlook. From the hilltop, you have a beautiful view of the Colorado River. Picnic sites, rest rooms, playgrounds, trail exhibits and scenic overlooks are found in this flat, bluff-top area. The trail is handicapped accessible and provides access to the Kreische House, Monument and Tomb.

Angel Statute on Monument photograph by Texas Escapes

The monument holds the remains of the fallen from two incidents in the Texas War for Independence, the Dawson Massacre and the Black Bean Death Lottery. The remains of the house and brewery are monuments to a German immigrant Heinrich Kreische. He purchased 172 acres on a hilltop, including the tomb. Kreische married and had six children. Built in two stages, the three-story Kreische house commemorates both the growth of the Kreische business and his family. The remains of the brewery remain as a monument to what one man can do with nothing but limestone, knowledge and hard work.

Fees:
$4 for adults
$1 for children 3-12 years ol

Fourth Stop :  Lyndon B. Johnson SP and HS

Interpreter at The Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead. Photo by Jessica Schneider

42nd Annual LBJ Tree Lighting

Stonewall, Texas (from Fredericksburg go east on Highway 290 for 16 miles)
(830) 644-2252
December 18, 6–9 pm

Join in this Texas Hill Country tradition started 42 years ago by President and Mrs. Johnson. Enjoy the tree lighting and an evening of family fun. Step back in time at the Sauer-Beckmann Farmstead, where visitors experience a German Texan farm in the early part of the 20th century. Snack on cookies under glowing lanterns and view the traditional candlelit German Christmas tree.  A night to remember for the entire family, sure to put you in the holiday spirit.

This park on the banks of the Pedernales River is directly across from the LBJ Ranch. This site, and the nearby Lyndon B. Johnson National

Fifth Stop : Longhorn Cavern SP

Longhorn Caverns

Caroling in the Cave

6211 Park Road 4 S.
Burnet, TX 78611 (access PR 4 off HWY 281 between Burnet and Marble Falls or off HWY 29 between Llano and Burnet)
830-598-CAVE
December 17, 5–8 pm

You know how good you sound in the shower?  Image your voice, with others, singing Christmas carols that echo in Longhorn Cavern. There are food and games in the administration building. Different musical artist play each week. Reservations highly recommended. Ask about fees.

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Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish visitors and subscribers to this blog the best in 2012. My health has taken a turn for the worse, so I do not know if I will be able to update this blog as often as I would like. It has been big fun sharing Texas with you and your families. I hope to see you in 2012!

Remember, Jesus is the Reason for the Season.

CyberCelt

Museum Reach

The first portion of the extension of the San Antonio River Walk was completed in 2009.  This extension, called  the urban section of the Museum Reach is over one mile from the original River Walk.  You may now take a river tour or river taxi  to the site of the former Pearl Brewery, which is now an exciting complex of restaurants, shops and the San Antonio Museum of Art.

Intricate bridge railings, paint and multilayered textures on overpasses, an aural delight of the sounds of the river, a grotto worthy of Neptune, the dancing lights reflecting in the current, and a school of fish suspended in air are some of the surprises you will see on the Museum Reach. Probably the most unusual is a lock system that raises and lowers boats nine feet to continue the journey.

Mission Reach

Work on the 8-mile Mission Reach has begun. A system of walkways, paths, footbridges and resting places for observation will encourage visitors to reflect on their place within the ecosystem.

The Alamo is just one of many Spanish missions founded in Texas. The San Antonio Missions National Historical Park was established to preserve and interpret the chain of Spanish Missions that were built along the San Antonio River in the 18th century.

Start your trip at Mission San Jose with a 23-minute film, a ranger guided tour, and a visit to restored Spanish Colonial flour mill. Museums are located at Missions San Jose, San Juan, and Espada. Espada Aqueduct is the only functioning aqueduct from the Spanish Colonial Period in the United States.

Visit the National Park Services website to plan your visit.

Spend the day visiting missions that still serve as parish churches, light candles in dimly lit alcoves that echo with the prayers of centuries, and view some of the most pristine lands remaining on the San Antonio River. Ponder the priests that journeyed from Spain to Mexico to Texas to enslave the native population and build the enduring legacy that surrounds you. It is a breathtaking and a humbling experience.

Below is a plan of the Mission Reach sites.

While much of the beauty of the San Antonio River was sacrificed for flood control in the 1950s, the hope is to restore a more natural setting to the southern portion of the river. The plan is to to develop gathering places for learning, recreational park space, quiet spots, rest stops and river access points, so that the San Antonio River will be a recreati0onal corridor instead of a mud-covered ditch, which is what it had become.

Eagleland Reach

South of downtown, the Eagleland Reach segment of river runs from Guenther Street to Lonestar Boulevard. The King William district is filled with historic homes built by early German settlers and the vibrant art community of the Blue Star Arts Complex will become part of the River Walk.

Driving south from Amarillo for 15 miles and then due east for 10 miles, you journey through flat, dry treeless tableland dotted by ranches and farms. There is little warning before the ground opens up and you are driving down into a glorious canyon.

Palo Duro State Park-Capitol Peak

Photograph by Mike Wilson, Palo Duro Canyon State Park.com

You have arrived at Palo Duro Canyon, the second largest canyon system in the USA.  Called the Grand Canyon of Texas, this canyon was formed by the Prairie Dog Town Fork of the Red River eroding the Caprock Escarpment for one million years.  The geologic formations in the canyon are vibrant red. orange, yellow and purple formations and they expose sedimentary rocks from almost the beginning of time.

The canyon is divided up into ranches, but the 300,000 acre Palo Duro Canyon State Park opens up this colorful canyon to intrepid explorers, whether hikers, bikers, equestrians or birders.  Amenities include cabin rentals, tent sites and RV sites with water & electricity. There are hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trails and a bird blind.  You may see white-tailed and mule deer, bobcats, Aoudad sheep, Palo Duro mice, wild turkeys, roadrunners, Horned lizards, Longhorn cattle, coyotes, beavers, bats, ring-tailed racoons, as well as more wildflowers, insects, snakes and birds than you could possibly remember.

The Lighthouse-Palo Duro Canyon State Park

Back-Packing Sites

Back-pack camping is permitted only in the area south of the turn-around. You must hike into the area for at least 30 minutes. Water is only available at the trail head. Fires are not permitted, although stoves with containerized fuel are permitted. You must carry out all that you carry in. Pets are permitted but must be kept on leash at all times.  FEE: $12 per four people.

Equestrian Primitive Camping Sites (10)

You may camp with your horses in the Equestrian Camping Area. Proof must be provided of Coggins Test within the past 12 months. There is a corral just south of the turn-around with established sites near it with table, fire ring, and water. A total of eight horses/people constitute a site. Restrooms/ showers are available within approximately 1/3 of a mile.  FEE: $12 per site.

Edge of the high plains plateau, Palo Duro Canyon

Photograph by John of American Southwest.net

Primitive Drive Up Tent Camping Sites (25)

There are two camping areas designated “primitive” (Cactus and Fortress Cliff). The areas have designated camping sites. Each has a table, a shade shelter, fire ring and water available in the area. They are no restroom nor shower facilities. You drive (1/2 to 2 miles) to an adjacent camp loop for restroom/shower facilities. A maximum of 8 people are permitted in each site.  FEE: $12 per site.

Electrical Sites

Mesquite and Sagebrush camp loops have a total of 47 sites with water and electricity (50 amp service). Each site has a table (some with shade shelters), fire ring, paved parking area,. There is a restroom with showers in the camping loop. A maximum of 8 people are permitted in each site. There is a maximum of THREE vehicular units permitted per site. FEE: $25 per site includes up to 2 vehicular units. Any 3rd vehicular unit is billed at the additional rate of $2 per day.

Hackberry camp loop has 32 sites with 30 amp electrical service and water. Fee: $22

Spanish Skirts Formation-Timber Creek Canyon

Photograph by Mike Wilson, Palo Duro Canyon State Park.com

Cabins

There are two CCC vintage cabins (Lighthouse and Goodnight) and a more modern cabin (Sorenson), all perched on the canyon rim. Each cabin consists of two rooms plus restroom and shower and have modern heating and cooling. Lighthouse Cabin has a day bed. Goodnight and Sorenson cabins have full size bunk beds. All three cabins have queen size beds. There is a table and charcoal grill located just outside. Cooking inside is not allowed. Bed linens and towels are provided. A maximum of 4 persons are permitted per cabin. No pets are allowed.  Cabins are non smoking. Lighthouse and Goodnight FEE: $110 per night plus tax and entrance fees. Sorenson has a deck from which the canyon may be viewed. FEE: $125 per night plus tax and entrance fees.

There are four Cow Camp Cabins (rustic, basic) with two bunk beds and a table and  chairs. No towels or linens are provided and restroom/showers are across the road). One cabin is wheelchair accessible. FEE: $60

Activities

Palo Duro Canyon State Park Events (check with park ranger when checking in)

• Lunch with the Longhorns Jun 01-Jun 30, 2011 130-2 PM
• Life of a Comanche Woman Jun 10, 2011 8-9 PM
• Bird Walk and Talk Jun 11, 2011 830-10 AM
• Family Nature Hike Jun 15, 2011 930-1030 AM
• Night Hike Jun 16, 2011 830-930 PM

TEXAS! Outdoor Musical Drama, with a cast of more than 60 players, takes place in the outdoor amphitheater every Tuesday through Sunday night from 830 pm to 1030 pm, from June 4 to August 20! Enjoy the show under the stars of the Texas sky. You may also choose to add on a steak dinner. Get information and tickets here.’

Fourth Annual Rider on the Rim Trail Ride and Auction
September 24, 2011