Friday - October 20

Rained during the night and usually we sleep like babies when a nice gentle rain comes down on Daisy's roof.    But not the case last night when I could not get back to sleep for 2 hours!!!    UGH!    This morning the fog rolled in around 9, but 1 hour later, all was clear and we were on our way to the McDonald Observatory, 16 miles outside Fort Davis for our 11:00 tour.

What a beautiful drive thru pretty mountains with rugged terrain (some rock formations were not like we've seen before) as we kept climbing higher and higher reaching our altitude of 6,790' (highest point on Texas highways).

The McDonald Observatory is an astronomical observatory as part of the University of Texas, Austin and today, we spent almost 3 hours learning so much about our solar system.   We started with a movie, then a 1-hour presentation with slides explaining about our mammoth sun, planets, galaxies, stars, etc., with main focus on the sun.    Kelly did a great job of explaining and answering questions adding a touch of humor here and there!

We drove to the Harlan J Smith observatory to see this magnificent telescope built and put to use in 1968.   Onto the Hobby-Eberly Telescope which opened in 1998.    Mark guessed correctly (we played "Price is Right" with Kelly) as to the initial cost - $20m, but now undergoing a major renovation costing an additional $42m.

We had wanted to do the twilight and star party which is tonight, but all tickets sold out.    This was truly an interesting and educational day!

Seeing the telescopes from a distance 

 

Along the drive

Kelly - there were 37 in our group

 Harlan J Smith Telescope

Quaint little shop in Fort Davis

 

Courthouse for Jeff Davis County in Fort Davis

We stopped at the Stone Village Market and shared a delicious deli sandwich and potato salad.   I walked around and checked the shops and Mark went back to Daisy.   It was a very pretty day.   I decided to walk back to Daisy - shortly over 1 mile. 



Catci along my walk

Forgot to mention that Fort Davis was designated a historical site by President Kennedy and Lady Bird Johnson attended the official dedication 5 years later in 1966.

Tonight we had one of those special, memorable meals.   Once again, checking with Trip Advisor, we went with The Blue Mountain Bistro and Bar.    Mark and I both had Mountain Trout with rice and sweet baby carrots.   All delicious and then he had creme brulee which he really enjoyed and I  had peach/blueberry cinnamon bread pudding with southern comfort sauce.   Oh my....may be thee best bread pudding ever...

Tomorrow we'll be on our way but sure enjoyed our 2-day stay in Fort Davis.
Thanks Mike and Nadine!!!