#LBJ Ranch

[deadpresidents]

It's been a tough week to be an American, so here's something to think about for Independence Day.

When Lyndon B. Johnson was President, he was so determined to do as much as possible in the time that he had that, according to Presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin (who was also a personal aide to LBJ in his final years in office and retirement), his swimming pool at the LBJ Ranch in Texas "was strangely equipped with special rafts for a telephone, a notepad, and a pencil; if the President thought of someone he wanted to call or something important he wanted to record, he could float over to the various rafts that held the necessary equipment."

Notice that she used the plural "rafts" -- as in there were more than one of these rafts in the small pool at his ranch in the rural Texas Hill Country. And, while most business obviously wasn't done in the swimming pool, some of it was, and it was part of the way LBJ operated as a political genius. A political genius who helped leave behind the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Head Start and school breakfast programs, Job Corps, PBS, NPR, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for Humanities, Fair Packaging and Labeling for things you shop for and Truth-In-Lending laws, the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (which included the Fair Housing Act, Indian Civil Rights Act, and codified federal hate crime laws), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 (which eliminated racially discriminatory immigration policies), the first Clean Air Act (arguable the most important environmental protection law in American history), and much, much, much more including...oh, what was it? Oh yeah: the Voting Rights Act, Medicare and Medicaid.

[rayeshistoryhouse]

^President Lyndon Johnson and Vice President Hubert Humphrey at LBJ Ranch near Stonewall, Texas

November 1964

rayeshistory.com

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

JANUARY 22 LBJ held his dogs up by their ears because dogs really enjoy that. I know I do. Like Sam Cooke, I don't know much about hi-sto-ry, but if there is one piece of federal civil rights legislation that does not have JOHNSON’s nose prints on it, don't ask me what it is. He was responsible for: the 1964 Civil Rights Act that Senator Rand Paul calls unconstitutional; the 1965 Voting Rights Act that Antonio Scalia declared unnecessary in post-racial America; the 1968 Fair Housing Act that the last republican administration announced would no longer be enforced; Medicaid, for which every republican Governor refuses to accept federal funds, even (especially) to provide food assistance for children; and Medicare, which in 1964 Ronald Reagan described as "a greater threat to America than Communism." I heard Reagan say that with these (I’m pointing at my ears). Convinced that his presidency had been a failure, LBJ repaired to his Texas ranch. When he got older and grew out his hair, many years from then, Lady Bird knitting sweaters by the fireside, Sunday mornings they’d go for a ride. Drinking his whisky, smoking no weed, who could ask for more? The country still needed him, the country would feed him, but he was 64. And on this day in 1973 he finished drinking himself to death and blaming Castro.

[Chris Ellis]

[affordableoutfitter]

How to Plan Cheap Texas Deer Hunts - Trip Guide

Texas is a prime destination for deer hunting enthusiasts, offering vast landscapes and abundant deer populations. However, hunting trips can often be expensive, deterring many from participating in this rewarding outdoor activity. With careful planning and strategic decisions, it is possible to embark on successful deer hunts under $1000. This comprehensive guide will help you plan a cheap Texas deer hunting trip.

Setting Your Budget

Establishing Financial Boundaries

Before diving into the details, set a clear budget. Allocating a specific amount for travel, accommodation, licenses, gear, and food will help you manage expenses effectively. Aim to keep your total costs under $1000, which is achievable with careful planning.

Prioritizing Expenses

Identify the essential components of your hunting trip and prioritize spending on these areas. For instance, investing in a reliable firearm or bow is crucial, while luxury accommodations can be downgraded to camping or budget lodging options.

Timing Your Hunt

Off-Peak Hunting Seasons

Hunting during the peak season, typically November to January, can be costly due to high demand. Consider planning your hunt during the early or late season when prices for accommodations and hunting packages are lower. Additionally, these periods often see less hunting pressure, increasing your chances of a successful hunt.

Weekday vs. Weekend Hunts

Hunting during weekdays can be cheaper than weekends, as many hunters prefer weekends, leading to higher prices and crowded hunting areas. Taking a few days off work to hunt mid-week can save money and offer a more peaceful experience.

Selecting Your Hunting Location

Public Lands

Texas boasts numerous public lands open to hunting, managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). These lands often require only a nominal permit fee, making them a cost-effective option. Some notable public hunting areas include:

Sam Houston National Forest: Offers extensive hunting grounds for whitetail deer.

Angelina National Forest: Known for its diverse wildlife and hunting opportunities.

LBJ National Grasslands: Provides ample space and good deer populations.

Private Lands and Affordable Outfitters

While private lands can be more expensive, many outfitters offer affordable whitetail hunts. These packages often include accommodations, guiding services, and sometimes meals. Look for outfitters specializing in budget-friendly options, and consider hunting on smaller, lesser-known ranches that offer competitive prices.

Meat Hunts

Meat hunts focus on harvesting deer for consumption rather than trophies. These hunts are usually less expensive as they target smaller bucks. Many outfitters and ranches offer meat hunts at lower prices, making them an excellent option for budget-conscious hunters.

read more...

[whereareroo]

DAY OFF EXPLORING

WF UPDATE (5/14/24).

Your legs should be happy today. No biking. It’s raining.

We decided to visit the National Museum of the U. S. Air Force. It’s about 5 miles from our lodging.

Aviation is a big deal in Dayton. The Wright Brothers spent their childhood here. (Orville was born here and Wilbur, born in nearby Indiana, moved here with the family when he was a toddler.) When the Wright Brothers built their aircraft factory in 1903- -the first aircraft factory in history- -they built it in Dayton.

The Air Force museum is next to a big Air Force base. The base is a consolidation of two different airfields. One airfield, called Wright Field, was named after the Wright Brothers. The other field, called Patterson Field, was named after a pilot who was killed during a crash in the area. Today, the big base is called Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

The museum, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, is the oldest military aviation museum in the world. It’s also the largest military aviaton museum in the world. It features more than 360 aircraft and missiles.

Don’t worry. I’m not going to barrage you with a boatload of detailed information. I know my audience. I’ll share 3 highlights:

1. Like most people my age, I have a fascination with JFK. Even though he was assassinated when I was a toddler, the older folks kept talking about JFK. Many American homes, and every Catholic School, featured a photo of JFK.

On the Dallas street where Kennedy was shot, I’ve stood on the “X” that marks the spot where the bullet hit JFK. Above that spot, I’ve stood at the book depository window where the assassin fired the shot. I’ve stood at JFK’s grave.

Today, at the Air Force Museum, I completed the rest of the JFK assassination story. I walked through the plane that carried JFK to Dallas on that fateful day. It’s also the plane that carried Kennedy’s body back to Washington DC. Just before that return trip, LBJ took the oath of office on that plane.

At the time of Kennedy’s assassination, the plane was brand new. It became “Air Force One” in 1962. It remained in service for 36 years. In addition to Kennedy, it was used by Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Bush I, and Clinton. That plane has seen a ton of history. It was unsettling to walk through the plane that brought Kennedy to Dallas and flew his body home.

2. On a lighter note, there’s a small plane right next to JFK’s Air Force One. When LBJ was president, he liked to go to his ranch in Stonewall, Texas. The ranch was about 80 miles from the nearest Air Force Base. The Air Force needed a little plane to fly the Johnson family from the base to the ranch. They bought a little plane and they called it the “Lady Bird Special.”

3. The last vehicle I’ll discuss isn’t a plane. It’s a Ford Mustang. This customized Ford Mustang is called the X-1. It’s named after the first plane that broke the sound barrier. From the outside, it looks like a fancy Mustang. The inside is redesigned to look like the cockpit of a jet fighter. If you saw a photo of the inside, you would think that you were looking at a jet fighter. There are two seats down the centerline of the car, one ejection seat in front and another ejection seat in the back. It’s the set-up for a pilot and co-pilot. The instrument panel looks like the panel from a plane. Like a plane, there’s a small u-shaped steering wheel The stick shift looks like a flight stick. It’s a cool car. For 10 years, the Air Force drove the X-1 all over America as a recruiting tool.

After 3 hours at the museum, we headed off for lunch. I’ll report 3 things from that trip:

1. We drove past a small storefront business that’s obviously owned by some funny guys. It’s called “Free At Last Bail Bonds.” Their slogan is “Call Us And Let Freedom Ring.” Who knew that bail bondsmen were funny?

2. Does anybody remember Erma Bombeck? I do. She was my mother’s favorite writer. She focused on everyday life. She wrote funny books and funny newspaper columns. She was hilarious. Her books included: “I Lost Everything In The Post-Natal Depression,” “The Grass Is Always Greener Over The Septic Tank,” and “If Life Is A Bowl Of Cherries, What Am I Doing In The Pits?” On the way to lunch, we drove on Erma Bombeck Boulevard. It turns out that Erma was raised in Dayton, went to college at the University of Dayton, and is buried in Dayton. Small world.

3. Yes, we finally made it to lunch. Our goal was to try Dayton-style pizza. Until we got here, we didn’t know that Dayton Pizza was a thing. Did you? It has a very thin crust, unsweetened sauce, and it’s sliced in tiny squares. We hit a legendary place called Cassano’s. Yummy. Everyone who visits Dayton should go to Cassano’s.

I hope you enjoyed your day off. We’re back on the bikes tomorrow. We’ll see you on the trail.

[karma-view]

Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, TX

$60/night for the cheap sites plus $2 for internet booking. Staying 2 nights in site #9. It's next to the local airport here in Fredericksburg. LBJ's ranch is about 15 miles east of here. RV camp sites in Fredericksburg and surrounding areas are very expensive. 04/09/24

[kramlabs]

:

:

LBJ and the SR-71:

:

Nixon and the x-15:

<and don’t forget who built the X-15, and who was living with his assistant >

:

George Bush and the TR-3B:

[dankusner]

"LBJ: The EarlyYears"  Randy Quaid 1987 I asked them when they believed their troubles began. 

They said it was in Marfa, Texas, the rural artists’ community where Giant was shot. 

They said they had traveled there in the summer of 2009 to “look at ranches and stuff” and erect a “Randy Quaid museum.” (They’d been fixing up a building in the middle of town—reportedly without the proper permits.)Already, Evi said, “something really weird had started happening with Randy’s mail. His royalty and residual checks weren’t coming. We were really, truly panicked.” 

Adding to their unrest was the recent demise of the actor David Carradine, a friend of Randy’s whose death from apparent auto-erotic asphyxiation in Thailand the Quaids believed to be suspicious.

“They”—the aforementioned Hollywood Star Whackers—“decide, O.K., if we knock off David, then what we can do is simply collect the insurance covering his participation in the television show he was working on overseas,” Evi said. “It’s almost moronic, it’s so simple.”She said she also suspected Jeremy Piven’s falling ill from mercury poisoning was another sign of a dastardly plot by the Broadway producers of Speed-the-Plow to collect insurance money. “It was an orchestrated hit,” she said.

[spacenutspod]

November 1968 proved pivotal to achieving the goal of landing a man on the Moon before the end of the decade. The highly successful Apollo 7 mission that returned American astronauts to space provided the confidence for NASA to decide to send the next flight, Apollo 8, on a trip to orbit the Moon in December. At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida, the Saturn V rocket and the Apollo spacecraft for that mission sat on Launch Pad 39A undergoing tests for its upcoming launch. In the nearby Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), the three stages of the Saturn V for the Apollo 9 mission sat stacked awaiting the addition of its spacecraft undergoing final testing. Also in the VAB, workers had begun stacking the Apollo 10 Saturn V, while the Apollo 10 spacecraft arrived for testing. As the Apollo 8 and 9 crews continued their training, NASA named the crew for Apollo 10 and announced the science experiments that the first Moon landing astronauts would deploy. Left: President Lyndon B. Johnson, second from left, presents Apollo 7 astronauts Walter M. Schirra, left, Donn F. Eisele, and R. Walter Cunningham with Exceptional Service Medals at the LBJ Ranch. Middle: Entertainer Bob Hope, second from right, taped an episode of his show at the Manned Spacecraft Center, now NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, with guests the “Voice of Mission Control” Paul P. Haney, left, Apollo 7 astronauts Schirra, Cunningham, and Eisele, and television star Barbara Eden. Right: The Apollo 7 Command Module on display at the Frontiers of Flight Museum at Dallas Love Field. Following their highly successful flight, Apollo 7 astronauts Walter M. Schirra, Donn F. Eisele, and R. Walter Cunningham returned to Houston’s Ellington Air Force Base on Oct. 26. On Nov. 2, President Lyndon B. Johnson presented the astronauts with Exceptional Service Medals at the LBJ Ranch in Johnson City, Texas. Four days later, comedian Bob Hope filmed an episode of his weekly television variety show in the auditorium of the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC), now the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Hope saluted the Apollo 7 astronauts in a skit that included actress Barbara Eden, star of the television series “I Dream of Jeannie” that featured fictional astronauts. Paul P. Haney, MSC Director of Public Affairs and the “Voice of Mission Control,” also participated in the skit. Following the recovery of Apollo 7, the prime recovery ship U.S.S. Essex sailed for Norfolk Naval Air Station in Virginia, where on Oct. 27 workers offloaded the Command Module (CM), and placed it aboard a cargo plane to fly it to California for return to its manufacturer, North American Rockwell Space Division in Downey, for postflight inspection. On Jan. 20, 1969, the Apollo 7 astronauts as well as their spacecraft took part in President Richard M. Nixon’s first inauguration parade. In 1970, NASA transferred the Apollo 7 spacecraft to the Smithsonian Institution that loaned it to the National Museum of Science and Technology in Ottawa, Canada, for display. Following its return to the United States in 2004, it went on display at the Frontiers of Flight Museum at Love Field in Dallas. Left: The circumlunar trajectory of Apollo 8. Middle: Apollo 8 astronauts William A. Anders, left, James A. Lovell, and Frank Borman during a press conference shortly after the announcement of their mission to orbit the Moon. Right: Anders, left, Lovell, and Borman in the Command Module simulator. On Nov. 12, 1968, NASA Headquarters put out the following statement: “The National Aeronautics and Space Administration today announced that the Apollo 8 mission would be prepared for an orbital flight around the Moon.” That momentous statement ended weeks of intense internal agency deliberations and public speculation about Apollo 8’s targeted mission. The original mission plan called for Apollo 8 to conduct the first test of the Lunar Module (LM) in Earth orbit, but when the LM fell behind schedule, NASA managers in August began contemplating sending the Apollo 8 crew on a lunar orbital test of the Command Module (CM). The decision hinged partly on a successful Apollo 7 mission, and with that milestone passed, NASA Administrator James E. Webb approved the daring plan. On only the second crewed Apollo mission, the first crew to launch on the Saturn V, and only the third launch of the mighty Moon rocket, with the second of those experiencing some serious anomalies, the decision weighed the risks against the benefits of achieving the Moon landing goal before the end of the decade. With the Dec. 21 launch date fast approaching, the Apollo 8 crew of Frank Borman, James A. Lovell, and William A. Anders and their backups Neil A. Armstrong, Edwin E. “Buzz” Aldrin, and Fred W. Haise had begun training for the lunar mission even before the official announcement. During a Nov. 16 press conference, Borman, Lovell, and Anders discussed their preparations for the historic mission. On Nov. 19, at KSC’s Launch Complex 39, engineers completed the Flight Readiness Test to validate the launch vehicle, spacecraft, and ground systems. Left: The Apollo 9 prime crew of James A. McDivitt, left, David R. Scott, and Russell L. Schweickart, not pictured, prepares for an altitude chamber test of their Command Module (CM) in the Manned Spacecraft Operations Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Middle: McDivitt, emerging from the CM, Schweickart, at left in the raft, and Scott complete water egress training in the Gulf of Mexico. Right: The Apollo 9 backup crew of Charles “Pete” Conrad, left, Richard F. Gordon, and Alan L. Bean prepares for their water egress training. The LM formed a critical component to the Moon landing effort. Delays in preparing LM-3 for flight resulted in the crewed test to slip to Apollo 9 in early 1969. The three stages of the Apollo 9 Saturn V stood stacked on Mobile Launcher 2 in High Bay 3 of the VAB. The Apollo 9 spacecraft components, CSM-104 and LM-3, continued testing in the KSC’s Manned Spacecraft Operations Building (MSOB). The prime crew of James A. McDivitt, David R. Scott, and Russell L. Schweickart, as well as their backups Charles “Pete” Conrad, Richard F. Gordon, and Alan L. Bean completed several altitude chamber tests with CSM-104 during the month of November. On Nov. 30, workers placed LM-3 inside its Spacecraft LM Adapter, topping it with CSM-104 to complete the spacecraft for its Dec. 3 rollover to the VAB for mating with the Saturn V. McDivitt, Scott, and Schweickart conducted water egress training in the Gulf of Mexico near Galveston, Texas. On Nov. 25, workers aboard the Motor Vessel M/V Retriever lowered a mockup CM with the crew inside into the water in a nose-down position. Flotation bags inflated to right the spacecraft to a nose-up position. The astronauts then exited the capsule onto life rafts and recovery personnel hoisted them aboard a helicopter. Backups Conrad, Gordon, and Bean completed the test on Dec. 6. Left: The Apollo 10 prime crew of Eugene A. Cernan, left, John W. Young, and Thomas P. Stafford. Right: The Apollo 10 backup crew of L. Gordon Cooper, Edgar D. Mitchell, and Donn F. Eisele. On Nov. 13, NASA announced the crew for the Apollo 10 mission planned for the spring of 1969. The fourth crewed Apollo mission would involve the launch of a CM and LM on a Saturn V rocket. Depending on the success of earlier missions, Apollo 10 planned to test the CM and LM either in Earth orbit or in lunar orbit, the latter a dress rehearsal for the actual Moon landing likely to follow on Apollo 11. NASA designated Thomas P. Stafford, John W. Young, and Eugene A. Cernan as the prime crew, the first all-veteran three person crew. The trio had served as the backup crew on Apollo 7 and had flight experience in the Gemini program. As backups, NASA assigned L. Gordon Cooper, Donn F. Eisele, and Edgar D. Mitchell. Cooper had flown previously on Mercury 9 and Gemini VIII, Eisele had just returned from Apollo 7, while this marked the first crew assignment for Mitchell. As support crew members, NASA named Joe H. Engle, James B. Irwin, and Charles M. Duke. Left: The Apollo 10 Command Module, left, and Service Module arrive at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. Middle: The Apollo 10 S-IC first stage arrives at KSC’s Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Right: Workers in the VAB stack the Apollo 10 first stage on its Mobile Launcher. Flight hardware in support of Apollo 10 continued to arrive at KSC. Following delivery of LM-4 in October, on Nov. 2 workers mated its two stages and placed the vehicle in one of the MSOB’s altitude chambers. Stafford and Cernan carried out a sea level run on Nov. 22. The CM-106 and SM-106 for Apollo 10 arrived at KSC on Nov. 23 and workers trucked them to the MSOB where they mated the two modules three days later. In the VAB, the Saturn V’s S-IC first stage arrived on Nov. 27 and workers erected it on Mobile Launcher 3 in High Bay 2, awaiting the arrival of the upper stages. Left: A mockup of the laser ranging retroreflector (LRRR) experiment. Middle left: A mockup of the passive seismic experiment package (PSEP). Middle right: A mockup of the solar wind composition (SWC) experiment. Right: A suited technician deploys mockups of the Apollo 11 experiments – the SWC, far left, the PSEP, and the LRRR, during a test session. On Nov. 19, NASA announced that when Apollo astronauts first land on the Moon, possibly as early as during the Apollo 11 mission in the summer of 1969, they would deploy three scientific experiments – a passive seismometer experiment package (PSEP), a laser ranging retro-reflector (LRRR), and a solar wind composition (SWC) experiment – during their 2.5-hour excursion on the lunar surface. The PSEP will provide information about the Moon’s interior by recording any seismic activity. The passive LRRR consists of an array of precision optical reflectors that serve as a target for Earth-based lasers for highly precise measurements of the Earth-Moon distance. The SWC consists of a sheet of aluminum foil that the astronauts deploy at the beginning of their spacewalk and retrieve at the end for postflight analysis. During the exposure, the foil traps particles of the solar wind, especially noble gases. Left: The Lunar Module Test Article-8 (LTA-8) inside Chamber B of the Space Environment Simulation Laboratory (SESL) at the Manned Spacecraft Center, now NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. Middle: Astronaut James B. Irwin inside LTA-8 during one of the altitude runs. Right: Workers remove LTA-8 from SESL’s Chamber B at the conclusion of the altitude tests. On Nov. 14, engineers in MSC’s Space Environment Simulation Laboratory (SESL) completed a series of altitude tests with LM Test Article-8 (LTA-8) to certify the vehicle for lunar missions. Astronaut Irwin and Grumman Aircraft Corporation consulting pilot Gerald P. Gibbons completed the final test, the last in a series of five that started on Oct. 14. Grumman pilot Glennon M. Kingsley paired up with Gibbons for three of the tests. During the tests that simulated various portions of the LM’s flight profile, the chamber maintained a vacuum simulating an altitude of about 150 miles and temperatures as low as -300o F. Strip heaters attached to the LTA’s surface provided the simulated solar heat. NASA transferred the LTA-8 to the Smithsonian Institution in 1978 and it is now on public display at Space Center Houston. Depiction of Zond 6’s circumlunar trajectory. Image credit: courtesy RKK Energia. Left: A Proton rocket with a Zond spacecraft on the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Right: Zond 6 photographed the Earth as it looped around the Moon. Image credits: courtesy RKK Energia. Depiction of Zond 6’s skip reentry trajectory flown. Image credit: courtesy RKK Energia. In another reminder that the race to the Moon still existed, on Nov. 10 the Soviet Union launched the Zond 6 spacecraft. Although it launched uncrewed, the Zond spacecraft, essentially a Soyuz without the forward orbital compartment and modified for flights to lunar distances, could carry a crew of two cosmonauts. A cadre of cosmonauts trained for such missions. Similar to the Zond 5 mission in September, Zond 6 entered a trajectory that looped it around the Moon on Nov. 13, passing within 1,500 miles of the lunar surface. The spacecraft took photographs of the Moon’s near and far sides and of the distant Earth. As it neared Earth during its return journey, trouble developed aboard the spacecraft as a faulty hatch seal caused a slow leak and it began to lose atmospheric pressure. Ground controllers initially steadied the pressure loss and performed a final midcourse maneuver that allowed Zond 6 to perform a skip reentry to land in Soviet territory on Nov. 17. However, the spacecraft continued to lose pressure and a buildup of static electricity created a coronal discharge that triggered the spacecraft’s soft landing rockets to fire and cut the parachute lines while it was still descending through 5,300 meters altitude. Although the capsule hit the ground at a high velocity, rescue forces were able to recover the film containers. The Soviets at the time did not reveal either the depressurization or the crash but claimed the flight was a successful circumlunar mission. With two apparently successful uncrewed circumlunar flights and the resumption of crewed missions with Soyuz 3 in October, these Soviet activities perhaps played a part in the decision to send Apollo 8 to the Moon. News from around the world in November 1968: Nov. 5 – Richard M. Nixon elected as the 37th U.S. President. Nov. 5 – Shirley A. Chisolm of Brooklyn, New York, becomes the first African American woman elected to the U.S. Congress. Nov 8 – The United States launches Pioneer 9 into solar orbit to monitor solar storms that could be harmful to Apollo astronauts traveling to the Moon. Nov. 13 – The HL-10 lifting body aircraft with NASA pilot John A. Manke at the controls made its first successful powered flight after being dropped from a B-52 bomber at Edwards Air Force Base in California’s Mojave Desert. Nov. 14 – Yale University announces it is going co-ed beginning in the 1969-1970 academic year. Nov. 22 – The Beatles release the “The Beatles” (better known as the White Album), the band’s only double album. Explore More 12 min read 50 Years Ago: Launch of Skylab 4, The Final Mission to Skylab Article 7 mins ago 7 min read 65 Years Ago: NASA Formally Establishes The Space Task Group Article 1 week ago 3 min read Halloween on the International Space Station Article 2 weeks ago

[things-to-do-sanmarcostx]

Comfortable and Accommodating

Hillside Ranch offers a range of apartment options to suit various needs. From spacious five-bedroom units to cozy one bedroom apartments in San Marcos TX, the community ensures ample living choices. Each residence features essential modern conveniences, including a dishwasher, washer, dryer, heat, air conditioner, and refrigerator. For added comfort, ceiling fans in bedrooms help regulate temperature. Hillside Ranch's commitment to providing well-equipped apartments aligns with residents' comfort and convenience. Whether individuals seek a one-bedroom sanctuary or a larger space for their family, the array of apartments ensures that residents can find a comfortable and accommodating home in this vibrant San Marcos community.

The Livability of San Marcos, Texas

San Marcos, TX, offers a high level of livability with its blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and modern amenities. The presence of Texas State University infuses the city with a youthful energy and diverse culture. The San Marcos River provides opportunities for outdoor recreation like tubing, kayaking, and hiking. The vibrant downtown area features local shops, eateries, and entertainment venues. The cost of living is generally reasonable, bolstered by various housing options. However, rapid growth can pose challenges, such as traffic congestion. The community's commitment to sustainability and preservation enhances the overall quality of life, making San Marcos an appealing choice for those seeking a balanced mix of urban convenience and natural serenity.

Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park

Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park is a thrilling destination that combines natural wonders and family-friendly activities. The centerpiece is the Balcones Fault Line Cave, showcasing stunning geological formations, an earthquake-formed rift, and an underground lake. The Anti-Gravity House amazes visitors with optical illusions, while the Tejas Observation Tower provides panoramic views. The park's attention to education, safety, and entertainment creates an engaging experience for all ages. Guided cave tours delve into the Earth's history, and the adventure park offers zip lines, a petting zoo, and a maze. Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park captures the excitement of exploration while fostering an appreciation for the natural world.

San Marcos Revving Up on Public Transit Plans

Improving public transportation in communities is crucial for numerous reasons. It reduces traffic congestion, alleviating pollution and stress on road infrastructure. Accessible and efficient public transit enhances mobility for all, including those without private vehicles. It lowers carbon emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability. Reliable transit options reduce travel costs for individuals and families, fostering economic equity. Well-connected transportation systems attract businesses and tourists, boosting local economies. Promoting shared mobility can reduce the need for personal car ownership, freeing up parking space and reducing urban sprawl. Moreover, enhanced public transportation supports social inclusion, providing vital connections for seniors, people with disabilities, and those with limited incomes. Click here to read more.

Link to maps

Wonder World Cave & Adventure Park 1000 Prospect St, San Marcos, TX 78666, United States Head northeast on Prospect St toward Quarry St 499 ft Prospect St turns right and becomes Burleson St 0.7 mi Turn left onto Moore St 0.2 mi Turn left onto Smith Ave 0.1 mi Continue onto Old Ranch Rd 12 0.4 mi Turn right onto W Holland St 0.8 mi Turn right onto N LBJ Dr 210 ft Hillside Ranch 1350 N LBJ Dr, San Marcos, TX 78666, United States

[deadpresidents]

On May 8th of each year of Lyndon B. Johnson's Presidency, LBJ made sure that he made a phone call to the house at 219 North Delaware Street in Independence, Missouri, where former President Harry S. Truman was living in retirement and celebrating another birthday. Truman would always insist that President Johnson had far more important things to do with his time than call a retired old Missouri politician, and LBJ would insist that he couldn't think of anything more important to do with his time than take a moment to thank Harry Truman for his service to the country.

Truman celebrated 88 birthdays before he died on December 26, 1972, nearly four years after Johnson had left the White House and retired to his ranch in Texas. At the time of Truman's death, LBJ was also a very sick man, but he refused to listen to doctors who urged him not to make the trip to Truman's funeral in Missouri.

When an ailing Lyndon Johnson bowed his head while paying respect before Truman's casket on December 27, 1972, it was the last time many Americans saw LBJ alive. Lyndon Johnson died less than a month later, on January 22, 1973, and was buried in the family graveyard at the LBJ Ranch in Texas almost one month to the day after he stood next to Harry S. Truman's flag-draped casket in Missouri.

[woodsteingirl]

In the late fall of 1959, JFK dispatched Bobby to LBJ's Texas ranch to sound him out on a number of issues regarding the upcoming presidential election. Why JFK—a U.S. senator—did not directly approach his colleague (indeed, his superior), Johnson, is a question easily asked-and answered. Doing so would place the patrician John F. Kennedy and the corpone Lyndon Johnson on an equal footing, and that would never do.

JFK dispatched RFK, and Lyndon assured Bobby he would not be a presidential candidate, nor would he endorse a candidate, in 1960. Business adjourned, LBJ took RFK deer hunting from the ease and safety of an elevated concrete platform. "This isn't hunting," chided RFK, "it's slaughter." RFK fired. The recoil sent him to the ground.

"Son," LBJ taunted, as he helped Bobby up, "you've got to learn to handle a gun like a man."

the alleged story 🤷

my stupid history teacher always downplays how funny some things are… like why are we talking about mccarthyism and the like and not talking about the 1960 election… the 1960 election was SO funny. to me….. the hunting trip ALLEGEDLY between bobby and lyndon johnson where johnson told him to learn how to use a gun like a man…

[carolynmappleton]

Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park | A wonderful November visit ...

[jacmalloy]

Lost in Texas

[karma-view]

Trip to Johnson City, TX

Driving between Fredericksburg and Johnson City on US-290 are numerous Wineries and a few Breweries. Also President LBJ’s ranch and Texas White House (LBJ State and National Historical Parks near the town of Hye). 03/02 - 03/23

Posted 03/04/23 Fredericksburg

Just west of down town Johnson City is President LBJ’s ancestors land.

In Johnson City is the LBJ Park.

Also a cool little Motorcycle museum.

This Honda CL 175 is a year or two newer than the one I rode from San Diego to Thompson and back in 1978. Crazy things you do when you’re young and don’t have any money. The bike is identical except the gas tank and seat are shaped differently.

Across from the Motorcycle Museum is a business that has a ton of metal work items for sale. All very nicely done. Here’s just a small sample.

[texasarchive]

Throwback Thursday, June 1966: President Lyndon B. Johnson takes a break from meeting with foreign leaders to relax at the LBJ Ranch in Stonewall. After lounging in wildflowers, the Johnsons take a dip in the pool with their beloved beagles, Him and Her.