Pink Flamingo GTG - 4th Day - Enchanted Rock & the Last Happy Hour

Our next stop for the day was Enchanted Rock.  Carolyn and Diana had a climbing adventure in mind.  The rest of us just wanted a better view.

Enchanted Rock is a 1643 acre Texas State Natural Area north of Fredricksburg on the Gillespie and Llano County border.  It was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1970.  The state acquired it in from the Nature Conservancy of Texas, Inc,. in 1984, added facilities, and reopened the park but people have been coming here for over 11,000 years.  It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places that same year.  The Rock is a huge, pink granite exfoliation dome rising 425 feet above ground.  It covers 640 acres and sits 1825 feet above sea level.  As one of the largest batholiths (underground rock formations uncovered by erosion) in the United States, it is not exactly a mountain but it is pretty spectacular.

 We left Carolyn and Diana to their adventure, one group headed back to the RV park, and another headed north on Hwy 16 to Llano to pick up some of Cooper's famous barbeque for tonight's potluck.  Although I can't share them with you since we were traveling down the highway, the wildflowers were spectacular along the sides of the road most of the way to Llano.  This is always a scenic drive across the escarpment but the blankets of color along the road made it breathtaking this trip.

Back at the park during Happy Hour, Carolyn was telling Vickie, Vickie, and Sue about her climb.  The main climb does not require climbing equipment but it is a lot higher up there than you would think when you are climbing across that smooth granite.  

Diana and Loretta were relaxed and enjoying the company.

I think Sharon, Margarita, and Carolyn were already thinking about this being the last night together.  You can see Vickie and Karen plotting in the background.  What are they up to?

Karen wanted to learn how to fly-fish and Vickie is an expert so, yes, they were out in the road practicing the art.

Vickie is demonstrating the finer points while Karen looks a little doubtful.

A last visit for Sharon, Margarita, Birdie, Carolyn, and all the rest of us.  It was a fantastic GTG.  Everyone had a great time and we are already thinking about our next GTG 31 October.