In the outskirts of Texas is a retired couple in Elgin that started their own olive ranch. These are the kind of olives strictly for olive oil. They grow two kinds – one has a buttery flavor, the other more pepper-like. (The man use to be a chef so he has the “taste” for these things.:-)
This was our 4th Harvest Host and although the surroundings weren’t as beautiful as some of our other stays, the tour of the how the ranch worked was one of the better tours. Frank & Renee have 1100 trees and when they do their annual harvest they only get about 35 galloons of olive oil each time they take them to press. We bought a couple small glass bottless -because that’s what you do at Harvest Hosts. I had planned for this and bought bakery bread at WalMart so we were ready to chow down! The olive oil was indeed buttery and peppery – a perfect combination!
One of those MUST STOPS we were told was Buccee’s gas station. It reminds me of my favorite gas station at home, Kwik Trip, but on steroids!
Our first stop in Austin was Mt. Bonnell. This is the highest point and gives an excellent view of the city and the river.
A quick dip in Barton Springs was refreshing and had a wonderful view of Austin’s city skyline.
The painted murals throughout downtown are not always easy to stop at but worth the trouble.
A picnic and walk around Ladybird Lake on a beautiful and sunny Sunday was perfect.
