Weather: low 41 degrees, high 60 degrees, clear skies
Today was a Chamber of Commerce day, with the kind of weather that just makes a person feel good to be out and about. Since we were still a little tired from our long drift of yesterday, we took it easy until about 103 hours, when we had a late breakfast. Then we decided to drive to Johnson City to see where Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president of the United States, was born, grew up, and eventually retired to.
When we arrived in Johnson City, we decided to go on to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park, located about 15 miles west in Stonewall, Texas. LBJ was born on the family ranch in 1908, and lived there until he was five years old. His family moved from Stonewall to Johnson City, where he grew up. The park service will allow the public to go on a self-guided tour, or take a guided tour. We chose to take the self-guided tour.
The tour started from park headquarters as we drove along the Pedernales River for about one mile, where we crossed the river and began the tour.
The first stop was at the school building where LBJ started school. He only attended here for a short time until his family moved to Johnson City. The next stop on the tour was at the Johnson family cemetery, where LBJ is buried, along with many other members of his family. Then we moved on to where a replica of the house that LBJ lived in as a child was rebuilt by him to serve as guest quarters.
In studying the lives of former presidents, I have been struck by how many came from humble beginnings. The ranch was settled and developed by his grandfather in the 1800s. I don't think anyone would say they were wealthy in the traditional sense. 
The next stop was at LBJ's grandparents' home. Again, there was no sense that they would be considered wealthy, but I have a feeling they were happy with their lives. Most of the ranch was donated to the government by LBJ, with the proviso that it remain a working cattle ranch, stocked with Hereford cattle. Regardless of how a person feels about LBJ's politics, I think anyone can appreciate the humble beginnings he had and how high he rose in the world.
When we left the park, we headed back to Johnson City with the intent to see whatever was available. Once we arrived there, we decided to leave that tour for another day, choosing instead to go home early and rest. After the rest was over, I decided to do something productive. In an effort to conjure up some rain for the area, I got everything together and cleaned up the truck, both inside and out. Now, it's wait and see. In the meantime, the truck looks good.
In yesterday's post, I mentioned our visit to Llano. Llano is the county seat of Llano County (wow, that sounds western, doesn't it?). The courthouse is still being used. The town has several old buildings that have been maintained well, and the downtown area was busy when we were there. Everything seems to be centered around the courthouse square. One feature I would like to investigate further is the city owned golf course located on the banks of the Llano River. The golf course offers RV spaces for rent and it looks like a good place to spend some time. In addition, we noticed that there are at least three large bar-b-que restaurants in town, and all of them were busy. Looks like some good eating taking place.I failed to mention in last night's post that we ate supper at The Bluebonnet Cafe. We didn't know what to expect, but soon found that it is a down home type of place, with good food that satisfies, and there's plenty of it. If you want home cooking but don't have the time to prepare it, this is the place to go. I had meatloaf while Carolyn had the chicken fried steak (is that a surprise, Jerry?).
The drifting of the last few days has wore me out.
More later, be safe.
Today's Town - Johnson City, Texas: Home Town Of Lyndon B. Johnson, 36th President Of The United States
Not all who wander are lost.
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