Hill Country Christmas

When in Texas hill country we always look forward to the fantastic Christmas light displays.  One of our favorites is the lighted trees in Johnson City.  This year they had some done in blue!

This is the lighted forest display on the grounds of the Pedernales Electric Company.  It is a sight to behold!

We wondered how they wrap the trees, and got a chance to see one being redone.  Check out the tightly wound strings of lights on the ground.  There was a guy climbing around in the tree branches.  We're told that when it comes time to remove the lights that they are cut away.

A small park in Johnson City always puts on a super display! 

The Christmas displays are so prevalent and beautiful that real snow couldn't add anything more.  This was enough snow for us!

Decorating the community courthouses with lights is a Texas hill country tradition.  The Johnson City courthouse was playing Christmas music outdoors and had a craft show on the weekends indoors.

The Johnson City courthouse square businesses were lighted beautifully, too!

The community of Blanco decorates their courthouse with lights and a small park near the courthouse square has a nice display.  I always enjoy the Blanco County Cat Coalition display!

Displays with a Texas flair are always fun to see!

This year we attended Marble Fall's "Walkway of Lights" along the Colorado River.

Santa's team of reindeer in lights!

 

A pretty Christmas tree with lights shining on the river behind it!

Santa on a wave runner with a skiing reindeer seemed very appropriate near the river!

I loved the old time feel of a horse pulling a Christmas tree home on a sled!

Miller Creek RV Park puts on a superb Christmas!  This is the Christmas caroling ride around the park prior to the gift exchange!

 

Here is a glimpse of the fun gift exchange in the rec. hall!  That's Roy up front opening his gift.

There are always great hors d'oeuvres at events!

 

Desserts are always in abundance, too!  Aren't these special!  Plan a trip to Miller RV Resort in Johnson City, Texas for Christmas.  Better yet, come for their wonderful Thanksgiving and stay through Christmas!  You'll be glad you did!

 

Blanco Market Days

We had nice weather for checking out the crafts at the November Blanco Market Days.  Every third weekend local crafters set-up tents on the courthouse square to sell their goods.  It's a fun event held by many communities on various weekends.  One more will be held in December and then not again until March. 

These bowls and baskets are carved from the roots of Chinese Fir Trees!  I think they are quite interesting and beautiful!  The lady selling them orders them online.  I never thought of that, as a way of making money at craft fairs!   

Here is some intricate scroll work!  There were several woodworking booths at this month's Market Days. 

John Hobson of Spring Branch, Texas does amazing cutting boards, as well as, other wood pieces.  When asked about the technique to create these beauties, he graciously shared his time to explain how they are done.  The colors are not produced with stains, but are the natural woods! 

Here are some more examples of his work.  His card didn't show a web address, but his phone number is 830-228-5054.

These rolling horses exude superior quality!  They are produced by Ray and Carol Bates of Decatur, Texas.  Each toy horse is individually registered!

Here is a closer look.  The horses without wheels are boxes to store things in.  Check out their website:  www.soyawannabeacowboy.com.  There is always something new and interesting to enjoy at Blanco Market Days! 

The Exotic Zoo Resort Revisited

The last time we stayed in the Johnson City, Texas area we visited the Exotic Zoo Resort located on Highway 281 between Johnson City and Marble Falls.  Since visiting the first time we've wanted to visit again!  

We did this tour with a group from Miller Creek RV Resort.  Pictured are our friends Fran and Ron.  That's Roy in back.  Fran and this camel seemed to have a special relationship!  Maybe the nearly full bucket of feed and generous handouts had something to do with it! 

The Exotic Zoo Resort is 137 acres and is reported to have around 500 animals!  If you'd like to stay awhile amongst the animals, the resort has nice cabin rentals.  Free trolley rides through the property go with the cabin rentals! 

I find the ostriches to be beautiful, obviously strong, and a bird to be wary of at close range! 

These are very handsome creatures!  They appear to be some type of bighorn sheep.

Here is Roy about to feed the Buffalo.  With the buffalo's long tongue wiggling about wanting to gather food, it's best just to pour some in his open mouth!  Fran is next to Roy and Ron is at the end of the trolley.  A great time was had by all!  The Exotic Zoo Resort is a great place to visit!  Check out their website:   http://www.zooexotics.com/