Texas, the Lone Star State
Chores
Leaving New Mexico we found West Texas to be a lot of straight roadway through flat terrain with long stretches of road work…we finally arrived in Fort Stockton. We chose to overnight, since it was now mid afternoon. We took care of some laundry (one of many chores along the route) before having a nice southern dinner in the RV Park’s cafe: chicken fried steak, green beans and mashed potatoes!
The next day our travels brought us to Fredericksburg, a quaint town in “the Texas Hill Country.” We camped at the RV Park in Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park, located a short distance from town.
Fredericksburg
This charming town has a distinctively German influence due to its 1846 origin as the settlement of German immigrants. From the homes and churches to the shops of Main Street and the signs in English and German, all tells a tale of the community these immigrants built here.
For a more in depth understanding of the history of this area, we headed to the Pioneer Museum which offered lots of information about this settlement. It also showcased houses and barns that have been relocated to a site on Main Street. Perhaps one of the most 
interesting features of the museum was the description of, and actual house known as a “Sunday House.”These settlers purchased a land grant outside of town to farm, and included in the purchase was a small plot in town on which they could build their Sunday House, a weekend retreat of sorts. They could come to town on Saturday to shop and stay over for Church on Sunday in their own little one room home! After church they would head back to the farm. This was a great way to build and enjoy community life!
Kreuzberg, Cross Mountain Park
Speaking of churches, the area has numerous historical stone churches…and crosses. There are crosses atop steeples, atop hills, and I even found a whole fence decorated with ornate crosses on the top rail!
Our evening sunset hike up Cross Mountain led to a prominent cross and provided 360 degree views of the entire area. The pathway meandered around and up the hill, until we came to the hilltop with the immense cross facing the city.
A number of benches surrounded the edge of the small park, so we sat to enjoy the sunset over the city before we headed down to our truck.
National Museum of the Pacific War
Why is a museum about the war in the Pacific located in Fredericksburg? That was a question I had! Their website provided the following answer:
“The National Museum of the Pacific War originated from the Nimitz Museum which was established in Fredericksburg in honor of the men and women who fought during WWII with Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Fleet, and Fredericksburg native. 
His grandparents owned the Nimitz Steamboat Hotel where Nimitz spent some of his childhood. This iconic structure, with its boat-like exterior, exists today on Main Street. Over time the hotel was converted to the Nimitz Museum where it is now a part of the 6.5-acre National Museum of the Pacific War complex that includes the recently updated George H. W. Bush Gallery.“
The museum is a walk through history, with wall sized photos, artifacts, weapons, planes, Admiral Nimitz’s barge, and the story of World War II with an emphasis on all the battles fought in the Pacific against the Japanese. We spent several hours in the museum and did not even see all there was to see. We did come away with things we learned and a great respect for those who fought or just lived during World War II.
Luckenbach, TX
With a population of merely 3 people–and no, that’s not a typo–Luckenbach, Texas may be the Lone Star state’s tiniest town. Well it’s not officially a town anymore. It’s known as a country music venue where you can hear live music every day…no ticket purchase needed. A food truck outside of the iconic post office, served up great sandwiches.
We took our lunch back behind the general store to picnic tables set under a spreading shade tree. A trio called “Almost Patsy Cline” was setting up on the outdoor stage for what turned out to be their last performance together. Too bad, because they were a talented trio!
Well you have probably heard the expression, “Everything is bigger in Texas!” Well apparently with the exception of the small town of Luckenbach, but what I have found to be true, Texas is certainly a vast state. From here we head to San Antonio, and some other Texas cities, making our way toward Arkansas. 
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