PARK ROAD 4

     Well, you might be wondering what's Park Road 4, and why would anyone blog about a road ... I kinda wondered that myself until Friday when I was driving home from Marble Falls.  You see, Park Road 4 is so many things, it's a roller coaster, lots of curves, beautiful scenery and above all, for some reason when driving the stretch from FM2342 to Marble Falls a sense of peace comes over me, except for the few times when I feel like Dancia Patrick and wonder if I indeed had another life (excuse me Shirley McLain).
     Returning from MF the road is rather flat, then without much warning you observe the "steep hill" designation, and you think, can't be too bad ... NOT!  When Carin and Melisa were small Don loved to tell them "oh no, the bridge is out", at about that time you take your foot off the gas, and brake, and it is just like a roller coaster.  Of course to get the full effect and sensation, your arms must be waving in the air and you must scream, that's the fun of it!  Okay, from that point and after your stomach has removed itself from your mouth, the road begins to curve and there are other steep portions, but nothing like the first hill! 
    My next favorite site on Park Road 4 is the beautiful Highland Lakes Memorial Cemetery.  It too sits on a flat, but rather high point on the road.  Toward the east end of the cemetery is an enormous white cross, it is beautiful.  Last year when our lives presented challenge after challenge and we never thought we'd return to normal, I'd drive through the cemetery and sit at the base of the cross.  It brought much peace to my soul and gave me strength!
     The next few curves and hills are filled with beautiful countryside, the "show goat and show lamb" ranch, then you approach Longhorn Caverns.  They're a must see at least once, so much fun on the guided tour.  Passing the entrance and around the next curve you enter into a flat area of terrain, and then on the horizon you see it ... the Castle ... it's beautiful, and you know when you're following a first-timer on Park Road 4, they come to a halt and pull over to view this majestic home in all of its beauty.  Yes, an architect and his wife built the Castle in the early 2000's after they'd seen a castle on a European vacation, it's our understanding they still live there with a 360 degree view of Burnet County.
     My next favorite spot is the scenic overview, just past the entrance to the Castle.  It too is a quiet place with a beautiful view of Kingsland and Llano County.  And yes, there were a few times I stopped there to reflect on our lives!  You can see forever, the hills, the water in the distance, the sunset, all beautiful even in the grayness of a winter day!
     Once you leave the scenic overview, it's down the winding road until you reach Hoover's Valley!  Don always wanted to retire in this area, he never thought I would because I loved all that Houston offers, what he didn't realize ... I truly love the peace and quiet of this beautiful countryside ... so my friends, take time to enjoy the surroundings of the Texas Hill Country, it's beautiful and peaceful!Until next time ....