Just getting started - Camp Fannin complete
by RotoTiller » 03 Jun 2011 22:03 Trip report - just getting started...
One down, six to go. Completed a run to east Texas today and made it to the Camp Fannin Memorial in Tyler, TX. Took the back roads through the piney woods and cruised along some really cool trails with many scenic vistas. I forget how many hills and valleys there are in east Texas until I make run like today’s ride. Left home about 8:30am and headed east. Crossed over Richland Chambers Lake on Hyw287 at 10:00am and was making good time. The morning sky was bright and cloudless. A few twisty roads later we headed north on Hyw155 and crossed over Lake Palestine. The waters of Lake Palestine were a deep blue color in the late morning sun. Made it into Tyler, TX and stopped for lunch at the bonus stop, Stanley’s Pit BBQ. There are several websites out there that recommend Stanley's as an excellent place to eat. And, they're all right on the money. It’s worth it to plan a stop at Stanley's Pit BBQ. This is a recommended place to eat with great service, atmosphere, and outstanding food. You won't be disappointed. But, get there early, when they run out of BBQ, the lights go out and the closed sign is hung on the door. After lunch, I was ready to find a shade tree and take a nap. I know better than to take on a big lunch while on a long ride. But, it was good! Anyway, left Stanley's and headed for the Camp Fannin Memorial site. Upon arrival, I was surprised by construction around the site. A new wing of the The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler is under construction next to the Camp Fannin Memorial site. And the construction made access difficult. At first, I thought it was completely blocked off. But, after a bit of riding around the hospital parking lots, and, around the construction area I noticed an opening through the construction area with one access point to the memorial. Rode up to the site and took a couple of pictures. Success!!! After spending a few moments at the memorial to take in the site, it was time to migrate in a westerly direction toward home. It was getting into the heat of the day and the heat factor was bearing down at the mid-afternoon hour. The temp today was 100 degrees with 80% humidity. Those temps are usually in the months of July and August, but here it is June 3rd. I believe we’re in for a hot, dry summer this year. Headed west along a bit more of a northern route from the morning run and cruised through the middle of Gun Barrel City, TX. I like the name of that town. The name itself has a lot of character. Gun Barrel City is located on the east shore of Cedar Creek Lake. The lake was busy on this Friday afternoon. Fishermen were out on the lake trolling for a big bass, and, folks were taking a dip along the beach. There were some ski boats dragging people around on tubes and a couple of sailboats were sailing against the wind. I thought for a moment, "Does anyone work on Friday?" But, I quickly dismissed that thought, because I wasn't even working on this Friday
It was a hot ride home this afternoon but a lot of fun. See the link below for the route taken today. The odometer on my OldWing says 362 miles. My GPS says it was 347 miles. I think OldWing odometers tick a little faster than newer Wings. I'm looking forward completing another run along the Tour of Honor in Texas soon. Next run will be to the San Jacinto Monument near Houston. Stay tuned! More to come!
One down, six to go. Completed a run to east Texas today and made it to the Camp Fannin Memorial in Tyler, TX. Took the back roads through the piney woods and cruised along some really cool trails with many scenic vistas. I forget how many hills and valleys there are in east Texas until I make run like today’s ride. Left home about 8:30am and headed east. Crossed over Richland Chambers Lake on Hyw287 at 10:00am and was making good time. The morning sky was bright and cloudless. A few twisty roads later we headed north on Hyw155 and crossed over Lake Palestine. The waters of Lake Palestine were a deep blue color in the late morning sun. Made it into Tyler, TX and stopped for lunch at the bonus stop, Stanley’s Pit BBQ. There are several websites out there that recommend Stanley's as an excellent place to eat. And, they're all right on the money. It’s worth it to plan a stop at Stanley's Pit BBQ. This is a recommended place to eat with great service, atmosphere, and outstanding food. You won't be disappointed. But, get there early, when they run out of BBQ, the lights go out and the closed sign is hung on the door. After lunch, I was ready to find a shade tree and take a nap. I know better than to take on a big lunch while on a long ride. But, it was good! Anyway, left Stanley's and headed for the Camp Fannin Memorial site. Upon arrival, I was surprised by construction around the site. A new wing of the The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler is under construction next to the Camp Fannin Memorial site. And the construction made access difficult. At first, I thought it was completely blocked off. But, after a bit of riding around the hospital parking lots, and, around the construction area I noticed an opening through the construction area with one access point to the memorial. Rode up to the site and took a couple of pictures. Success!!! After spending a few moments at the memorial to take in the site, it was time to migrate in a westerly direction toward home. It was getting into the heat of the day and the heat factor was bearing down at the mid-afternoon hour. The temp today was 100 degrees with 80% humidity. Those temps are usually in the months of July and August, but here it is June 3rd. I believe we’re in for a hot, dry summer this year. Headed west along a bit more of a northern route from the morning run and cruised through the middle of Gun Barrel City, TX. I like the name of that town. The name itself has a lot of character. Gun Barrel City is located on the east shore of Cedar Creek Lake. The lake was busy on this Friday afternoon. Fishermen were out on the lake trolling for a big bass, and, folks were taking a dip along the beach. There were some ski boats dragging people around on tubes and a couple of sailboats were sailing against the wind. I thought for a moment, "Does anyone work on Friday?" But, I quickly dismissed that thought, because I wasn't even working on this Friday
It was a hot ride home this afternoon but a lot of fun. See the link below for the route taken today. The odometer on my OldWing says 362 miles. My GPS says it was 347 miles. I think OldWing odometers tick a little faster than newer Wings. I'm looking forward completing another run along the Tour of Honor in Texas soon. Next run will be to the San Jacinto Monument near Houston. Stay tuned! More to come!
Tour of Honor link:
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