explorations, innovations & legends 1500 Interstate 20 West

Midland, Texas 79701

with

West Texas Wanderers March 30, 31 & April 1, 2016

Wednesday, March 30th

Meet at the Petroleum Museum and board the bus – 6:15 AM ….leave the Museum – 6:30 AM

This West Texas Wanderers’ "take-your-breath-away" tour winds through some of the oldest and most unique geology in central Texas. The Hill Country is marked by gentle rolling hills, intermixed with rugged geologic formations. We will start the trip by traveling across landscapes exposing Precambrian, Cretaceous, and Proterozoic – ridges of flat-bedded limestone terrain on the edge of the Edwards Plateau interjected with dark red, bouldery granite hills looking distinctly out of place.

The settlement of Mason grew up around Fort Mason which was established by the United States War Department as a front-line defense against Kiowa, Lipan Apache and Comanche in 1851. The protection and commercial possibilities of the fort drew settlers. The fort was named in honor of George Thomson Mason, a United States Army second lieutenant killed in the Thornton Affair during the Mexican–American War, April 25, 1846. Fort Mason was evacuated by federal troops on March 29, 1861. The United States Army reoccupied the fort on December 24, 1866, under the command of General John Porter Hatch. Fort Mason was abandoned by the military in the 1869 and restored by a group of local citizens in 1975.

Highway 29 – Mason to Llano 10:00 AM This east-west drive traverses the very heart of the Llano uplift, rolling along almost entirely on the billion year old granite, gneiss, and schist complex of rocks that characterize the Llano country. The topography is by no means spectacular, but here and there along the way, low rounded knolls of pink granite, and banded slabs of gneiss form the platform for a clump of trees, almost emulating a small scene from a Japanese garden.

Llano 10:45 AM Llano County was established in compliance with a February 1, 1856, state legislative act. Into the 1870s, the town was little more than a frontier trading center, with a handful of log buildings housing business establishments, a post office, and a few homes.

Farming, ranching, and the granite industry remained the foundations of the town's economy in the 20th century. In the 1920s, Llano was a major shipping point for cattle; the cotton industry flourished in the county through the 1930s, but declined thereafter. Granite quarrying and finishing retained their importance.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away!

--ANONOYMOUS

Cooper’s Bar-B-Q 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM The Wootan Family has provided its World Famous Pit Barbecue to hundreds of thousands of hungry diners over the years at its family-owned and operated restaurant. Now you can get a taste of Texas Hill Country BBQ that restaurant reviewers have raved about.

The Llano Uplift is a roughly circular geologic dome of Precambrian rock, primarily granite, in Central Texas in the United States. It is located in the eastern region of the Edwards Plateau and northern region of the Texas Hill Country. The region is characterized by a central exposure of Precambrian granite (Town Mountain granite), surrounded by a ring of gneiss and schist (Valley Spring gneiss and Packsaddle schist, respectively, also Precambrian), which is in turn surrounded by uplifted lower Paleozoic strata. This area is rimmed by limestone ridges.

The Llano Uplift is best known for its large, protruding rock formations, such as Enchanted Rock. The area includes several major quarries like Granite Mountain that mine the distinctive pink granite. Further, the area contains the only known deposits of llanite.

Willow City Loop 11:45 AM – 1:30 PM

A favorite location for a slow, lingering country drive is the "famous" Willow City Loop! The Texas Bluebonnet is the

"Official Flower of the Lone Star State"! When the Hill Country in and around Fredericksburg, Texas, is blessed with abundant, soaking rains

in the autumn and winter months, the wildflowers come out in force for a #1Texas roadside attraction! Just outside of Fredericksburg coming from Llano, the terrain changes from a dramatic, rugged landscape of deep canyons, sky reaching jagged cliffs, meandering streams and phenomenal panoramic views to gently rolling hills. All year round you'll be

amazed by this spectacular countryside, but during a good Wildflower Season (March -

May), you'll discover "take-your-breath-away" inspirational natural beauty. This is the iconic Texas Hill Country scenic drive! The narrow two-lane Ranch Road winds for 13 miles through some of the most beautiful Texas Hill Country you will ever experience!

Enchanted Rock 1:45 PM – 2:30 PM

Enchanted Rock State Park is a marvelous piece of Texas landscape, where geologic features are clearly laid out in raw-rock profusion, devoid of soil or vegetation-or concrete cover. Most obvious at first view of the park is the dome shape of the rock. However large as it may seem, Enchanted Rock's granitic dome is but a small side piece of a huge, round globe of granite which

rose through the Packsaddle schist like a giant, hot-air balloon about a billion years ago.

Fredericksburg Fredericksburg is the seat of Gillespie County, Texas. Fredericksburg was settled in 1846 by John O. Meuseback and fellow German immigrants and named after Prince Frederick of Prussia. The town is notable as the home of Texas German, a dialect spoken by the first generations of German settlers who initially refused to learn English. Although the settlement was on the Comanche frontier, the Meusebach-Comanche Treaty established lasting peace. Fredericksburg is the birthplace of Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet in World War II.

It is the sister city of Montabaur, Germany. On October 14, 1970, the Fredericksburg Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in Texas.

Peach Tree Inn 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM This family-friendly Fredericksburg motel is within a 10-minute walk of the National Museum of the Pacific War. Along with an outdoor pool, this motel has a fitness center and a spa tub. Free continental breakfast and free WiFi in public areas are also provided.

Wildseed Farm 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Lady Bird Johnson's passion for Texas wildflowers not only lives on in the LBJ Ranch and along Texas highways, but she also sparked off a high public demand for seed. The 200-acre Wildseed Farms was founded in 1983 as a result of that high demand, and produces 88 varieties of wildflower seeds. It is the largest family-owned wildflower seed farm in the United States. It’s a colorful

sanctuary for a variety of fun-filled adventures exploring the farms’ Butterfly Gardens, wildflower fields and Meadows Walking Trail through the Farms’ trial crop area.

Luckenbach, Texas 5:15 PM – 6:00 PM "Everybody's Somebody in Luckenbach"

In 1848, the Texas Legislature formed Gillespie County from Bexar and Travis counties. The site was settled in the late 1840s and early 1850s by German farmers, among them the brothers Jacob Luckenbach and August Luckenbach. Jacob was a veteran of the Texas Revolution. Its oldest building is a combination general store and saloon reputedly opened in 1849 by Minna Engel, whose father was an itinerant minister from Germany. Luckenbach was first established as a community trading post, one of a few that never broke a peace treaty with the Comanche Indians, with whom they

traded. A dance hall, a cotton gin, and a blacksmith shop were in existence by the late 1800s. Citizens of the town claim a resident, Jacob Brodbeck, launched the first airplane some forty years before the Wright Brothers.

Today, Luckenbach maintains a ghost-town feel. One of its two main buildings houses the remnants of a post office, a working saloon, and a general store. The other is the dance hall. The post office was closed on April 30, 1971. The general store remains active as a souvenir shop.

Old Tunnel State Park 6:30 PM – 6:45 PM

The story of the San Antonio, Fredericksburg and Northern Railroad is one of optimism and dogged determination. Citizens in Fredericksburg struggled for twenty-five years to establish a railroad connection to their city, which was located in a geographical area far from ideal for railroad operations. Opened in 1913, it was one of the last lines built in the region. Its construction involved numerous challengers. Twenty-four bridges were built, ranging in size

from twenty five to seven hundred forty three feet. The nine hundred twenty feet long tunnel is one of only six railroad tunnels built in Texas. After almost three decades of only marginal profitability, service ended in 1942. The abandoned railroad tunnel at Old Tunnel State Park is the seasonal home to 3 million Brazilian free-tailed bats and 3,000 cave bats. Between May and October, visitors can view the amazing sight as the bats emerge nightly from the tunnel in a huge fluttering upward spiral just as the sun begins to set.

Alamo Springs Cafe 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Alamo Springs General Store and Cafe is located next to the Old Tunnel Wildlife Management Area.

Enjoy fantastic food, including fabulous, homemade hamburgers, BLT's, portabella mushroom burgers, New Mexico style green chili burgers, goat

cheese w/roasted garlic, handmade fries, onion rings, dinner specials that are out of this world, pot roast, lasagna, strawberry key lime pie... Icy cold beers, and fresh made ice tea and coffee! You can dine inside or out on the deck.

Peach Tree Inn 8:30 PM –

Thursday, March 31st Peach Tree Inn (continental breakfast) 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM

War of the Pacific Museum 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Fredericksburg is the birthplace of Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet during World War II. Dedicated to all those who served in the Pacific Theater battles of World War II. The Admiral Nimitz Museum, George Bush Gallery of the Pacific War, the Plaza of the Presidents, Japanese Garden of Peace, Veteran’s Walk of Honor, and the Pacific Combat Zone are all part of the six-acre campus. The George H.W. Bush Gallery contains artifacts made famous during the Pacific war campaigns, as well as media-rich and interactive elements.

Hye Market & Spirits 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

This place has much to offer, from friendly local staff members who will stop and give you a tour of the historic building, to the great fresh food made to order onsite, and lastly the free tastings of local beer, wines, and food products. The building itself houses the market, café, and local post office which has been in operation since 1886 (the boxes have been in use over 80 years). They have

done a great job maintaining the historical aspects of the building. The majority in the main market space is original.

LBJ Ranch National Historic Park 12:30 PM – 2:45 PM Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park protects the birthplace, home, ranch, and final resting place of Lyndon B. Johnson, 36th President of the United States.

During Johnson's administration, the LBJ Ranch was known as the "Texas White House" because the President spent approximately twenty percent of his

time in office there along the banks of the Pedernales River. Among the sites preserved at the Ranch are the President's first school, birthplace, Texas White House and the Johnson Family Cemetery, where both President and Lady Bird Johnson are buried. The land south of the Pedernales River is operated as Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site.

Hill Country Science Mill 3:15 PM – 4:45 PM The museum is unique as it is primarily geared toward middle & high school aged kids. There is plenty for all ages to do here, however the signature exhibits are complex and made for older kids. When you arrive, each person receives their own Avatar Passport to take around the museum with them. Scan your passport at each exhibit to learn more about it and mark it as a favorite. Once you get home, the learning can continue with your passport via the online learning portal – explorer zone.

You get to run your hands through sand to build up mountains, craters, and more. Put your hand over the formations to create “clouds” and watch the rain create rivers & lakes. An incredible lesson in geology & erosion.

The Benini Sculpture Ranch and Galleries 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM A bigger-than-life stainless and iron longhorn teases visitors at the turn-off to the Benini Sculpture Ranch. If sculpture that good sits on the side of the highway, what waits ahead? Six or so miles later, more sculptures appear alongside the caliche road--sculptures ten feet tall or taller and strong enough to withstand Texas winds. Sheltering in clumps of trees and climbing arid hills, sculptures beckon visitors down a 1 1/2 mile long trail

through hills that were once part of Lyndon Johnson's ranch. It's magic. The sculptures are contemporary, but created in a range of materials. Styles vary from severe to flowing and abstract to representational, something for every viewer. Visitors are free to walk or drive the trail and get out to enjoy 360 views of an art-lovers and photographer's paradise.

Ausländer Restaurant & Biergarten 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Ausländer is the German word for outsider, foreigner, or tourist.

The Ausländer Restaurant and Biergarten has been one of Fredericksburg's most popular eating establishments located in the heart of historic Fredericksburg. The restaurant offers authentic German cuisine, as well as hand-cut steaks, seafood, sandwiches,

and homemade desserts. Patrons relax to the music in the festive, outdoor biergarten with one of the largest beer selections in the Hill Country.

Peach Tree Inn 8:45 PM –

Friday, April 1st Friday Morning: the choice is yours! Peach Tree Inn (continental breakfast) 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Pioneer Museum Complex 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM “Willkommen” to the Pioneer Museum.

Vereins Kirche

The historical society celebrates a unique Texas Hill Country community created by early settlers for future generations. The Pioneer Museum Complex is dedicated to preserving and sharing the German history and settlement of the Fredericksburg area. Here you can immerse yourself in the life of Fredericksburg through exploration of historic structures, objects, photographs, and much more. Walk through "real life" early Texas structures and view exhibits demonstrating early Texas family life, education, professions, and culture. Located on three acres, the complex is landscaped with plants native to the Texas Hill Country.

OR –

Drive to Enchanted Rock 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM

Climb the Rock 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

The massive pink granite dome has drawn people for thousands of years. But there’s more at Enchanted Rock State Natural Area than just the dome. The scenery, rock formations and legends are magical, too! If you’re in the climbing mood, Friday morning has been scheduled for you to hike, birding, and

study nature. The park offers 7 miles of hiking trails, including the popular 6/10 mile Summit Trail which involves a 425-foot elevation gain hike to the top of Enchanted Rock. The view from the summit of Enchanted Rock, elevation 1,825 feet and 445 feet above Sandy Creek, is a gorgeous 360 degree panorama. The 4-mile Loop Trail, a favorite among hikers and backpackers, winds around the base of Enchanted Rock.

Sit & Sip Wine & Spirits Tour Our last afternoon in the Hill Country will be spent visiting wineries and a distillery. Our custom group tour will provide an intimate,

yet social and lighthearted way to see and taste the best that the Texas Hill Country has to offer. The final stop will be the Garrison Brother’s Distillery where the local bourbon and many other choices are available for you to sample.

Grape Creek Vineyard Trattoria 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM Unique Italian fare created to compliment all of Grape Creek Vineyards’ wines. Rejuvenate your soul with the wine tour experience.

Ambassadors guide you with expert knowledge about the winery’s history, production facilities, and, of course, winemaking. Enjoy wine tasting directly from

the barrel and finish in our Tuscan meets modern tasting room.

Garrison Brothers Distillery 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM Garrison Brothers is home of the first and oldest legal whiskey distillery in Texas. The local bourbon and many other choices are available for you to sample. In his 2014 Whisky Bible, Jim Murray -- one of the most respected tasters in the industry – named the Cowboy Bourbon “American Micro Whisky of the Year” and he gave it a 96 score!

Bus Leaves for Midland @ 5:00 PM Stop along the way for snack/dinner

ETA @ the Petroleum Museum 9:30 PM

To make your reservation or for additional information, contact Carey at cbehrends@petroleummuseum.org or call 432-683-4403.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!

Three-Day Two-Night Trip Details: Starting* at $250 for Museum Members $280/Santa Rita Club Members or $315/non-members

*plus choice of hotel accommodations, three meals, beverages, tips & personal incidentals

Quality restaurants have been selected to offer tasty and satisfying meals during the trip. Continental

Breakfast is available at the Peach Tree Inn & Suites.

Reservations (with a $150 deposit of commitment) must be made by January 25. The balance must be in

the Museum’s office before 5 PM on March 18.

Name: __________________________________________

Address:_________________________________________

City: ___________________State: ______ Zip:_________

Phone:__________________________________________

E-Mail: _________________________________________

___I am a Museum Member / $250 $__________

___I am a Santa Rita Club Member / $280 $__________

___I am NOT a Museum Member / $315 $__________

Please check accommodation preference:

Single: King____ Queen____ $200 $__________

Double: King____ Queen____ $100 each $__________

Share room with:________________________________

King Suite w/queen sleeper/sofa (limited number of suites available)

($85 each / 3 or more / up to four people) $__________

(1)__________________________________________________

(2)__________________________________________________

(3)__________________________________________________

(4)__________________________________________________

My choice for Friday morning:

_____Shop Main Street & History of Fredericksburg

_____Climb Enchanted Rock

Total amount due: $__________

Deposit ($150 before January 25) $__________

Balance $__________

All Aboard America! Motorcoach This is a tentative schedule

Wednesday, March 30 Check in at Petroleum Museum 6:15 AM Board Bus / Leave Midland 6:30 AM Mason (Fort Mason) 10:00 AM Llano (lunch @ Cooper’s BBQ - on your own) 10:45 AM 11:30 PM Willow City Loop 11:45 PM 1:30 PM Enchanted Rock 1:45 PM 2:30 PM 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Peach Tree Inn & Suites (check in) 3:00 PM 401 South Washington, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 Board bus in 1 hour to continue afternoon tour 4:00 PM Wildflower Seed Farm 4:15 PM 5:00 PM 100 Legacy Dr, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Luckenbach, Texas 5:15 PM 6:00 PM 412 Luckenbach Town Loop, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624 Old Tunnel State Park / Alamo Springs Café (dinner on your own) 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 10619 Old San Antonio Road, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Peach Tree Inn & Suites 9:00 PM Zzzzzzzzz

401 South Washington, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624

Thursday, March 31 Peach Tree Inn & Suites (continental breakfast) 8:00 AM 8:45 AM 401 South Washington, Fredericksburg, Texas National War of the Pacific Museum 9:00 AM 11:00 AM 340 E Main St, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Hye Market & Spirits (lunch) 11:30 PM 12:15 PM 10261 W. Hwy 290, Hye, TX 78635 LBJ Ranch National Historic Site, Stonewall 12:30 PM 2:45 PM Hill Country Science Mill 3:15 PM 4:45 PM 101 S. Ladybird Lane, Johnson City, Texas 78636 Benini Sculpture Ranch & Galleries 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 377 Shiloh Road, Johnson City, Texas USA 78636 Ausländer Restaurant & Biergarten (dinner on your own) 6:30 PM 8:30 PM 323 E. Main, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Peach Tree Inn & Suites 8:45 PM Zzzzzzzzz 401 South Washington, Fredericksburg, Texas

Friday, April 1 Peach Tree Inn & Suites (continental breakfast & program) 401 South Washington, Fredericksburg, Texas

Choice of two venues History of Fredericksburg Visit downtown shops 8:00 AM 10:00 AM Pioneer Museum Complex 10:00 AM 11:30 PM 325 West Main Street, Fredericksburg, Texas 78624

OR Enchanted Rock State Natural Area 7:30 AM 8:00 AM 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX Climb the rock 8:00 AM 11:00 AM Regroup @ Pioneer Museum Complex 11:30 AM 11:45 AM Sit & Sip Wine & Spirits Tour Stout’s @ Grape Creek Trattoria (lunch & tour) 12:15 PM 3:00 PM 10587 E. US Hwy 290, Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Garrison Brothers Distillery (tour @ 4:00) 3:30 PM 5:00 PM 1827 Hye Albert Rd, Hye, Texas 78635 Bus Leaves for Midland @ 5:00 PM Hill Top Cafe Petroleum Museum ETA - 9:30 PM