Since putting this part of my trip together a lot has happened and I have not taken the time to post it. On this leg of the trip I met with my brother-n-law. We had lunch together in Uvalde, rode together to Leaky and said good-bye. He passed away just a month later. So, this trip is dedicate to my brother-n-law and friend, Keith.

Today was a long day in the saddle. Riding from Del Rio to Burnet (pronounced “Burn-it” for those folks that are not familiar with proper Texas jargon). It is a route that passes by 8 lovely courthouses. So get your maps out if you want to follow along.

Del Rio – Bracketville – Eagle Pass – Uvalde – Leaky – Junction – Mason – Llano – Burnet

275 miles, 30 MPH winds, and beautiful clear Texas blue skies.

We’re still on US90 and Bracketville is the first stop. Bracketville was the setting for the 1960’s movie THE ALAMO staring John Wayne. Sometime around 1989 we took a family vacation to see that movie set. No idea why I thought the kids should see it, but they got the full tour, even a gun fight on the main street of town. Enough memory lane, back to the Courthouse Tour.

Here’s the Kinney County courthouse.

Kinney County Courthouse, Bracketville, Texas

Kinney County History and the National Register

Since the movie set is no longer open, I took off east heading for Eagle Pass to visit the Maverick County Courthouse. It is a bit out of the way, but not knowing when I would be this way again, I took time for the detour.

Once in Eagle Pass finding the courthouse was a bit of a challenge. A local knew exactly where it was located, but did not know the name of the street; “just go down here and turn this way and at the next street turn and it’s right there. You can’t miss it.” Even with those directions I found it, but it was a modern structure with minimal parking. The entrance was open and I decided to take a walking tour. Turns out on the other side of this building was the old courthouse which is now a museum and deserving a photo of its own.

Here’s the new courthouse.

Maverick County Courthouse, Eagle Pass, Texas

…and here’s the Historic Courthouse

Old Maverick County Courthouse

Now it’s off to Uvalde. I was looking forward to meeting my brother-n-law, Kieth, for lunch and a brief visit. We met at the Broadway 830 Grill (now closed) which was right next to the Uvalde County Courthouse; how handy. During lunch he explained the limited parking around the courthouse. I figured getting a picture might take a bit of creativity. As it turn out, there was a wide shoulder across the street from the courthouse.

Uvalde County Courthouse, Uvalde, Texas

For this courthouse I have no historical marker or information, but it is a good looking courthouse.

From Uvalde I was heading to Leaky (pronounced Lake-E) in search of the Real County Courthouse.

The Real County Courthouse is located right on US83, so it was easy to find it. It is not a Real impressive courthouse, but has a rather interesting history, you be the judge.

Real County Courthouse, Leakey, Texas

Here’s a picture that shows the lines in the stone where they took out the doors and installed windows.

Real changes…

Sixty-five mile north on US 83 is Junction, county seat for Kimble County. Before I went looking for the courthouse, I had to stop at the Dairy Queen for an ice cream treat, after all riding for an hour in the Texas heat and gusting cross-winds makes a person ready to take a break and get off the bike. Love riding, but if you ride, you understand…

The courthouse is right downtown Junction, and a pretty nice setting, easy access for taking pictures.

Kimble County Courthouse, Junction, Texas

Kimble county history

Next stop was Mason, Texas. It was difficult for me to take a picture because the courthouse burned in 2021. I don’t like to take pictures that are depressing and it was depressing when I watched the news and saw the fine old structure a blaze. When I got to Mason I was pleased to see that they are rebuilding the original courthouse. It’s a long way from being finished. I really like that they are not knocking down what is left of the original structure to build something that looks like a modern office building. Appears the new courthouse will be similar to early 1900s architecture.

Mason County Courthouse (reconstruction), Mason, Texas

Llano was my next stop. Going to the courthouse I got to ride over the steel bridge over the Llano River going into the downtown area. Steel bridges are cool, strong looking structures that you feel safe riding across. I got to the other side of the river and the courthouse is only a couple of blocks away. But when I got there I discovered there was restaurant-row right across from the courthouse, and everybody from near and far was having dinner (and drinks) and parking their cars and trucks at every available space in the courthouse parking lot. I found a place to park over on the west side of the courthouse and took the best possible shot I could.

Llano County Courthouse, Llano, Texas

So, I walked around to the front and took tis picture showing some of the character of this fine old courthouse.

History Llano County Courthouse

I was getting tired but it’s only 30 more miles to Burnet and the Best Western Post Oak Inn. The sun is still high in the sky and I’m okay – press on.

I’ve stayed at this Best Western before and the folks are very nice and have special rates for Veterans and old motorcycle riders. Got a room and made a plan for tomorrow’s ride.

The Burnet County courthouse was kind of on my way through town. Only a couple of block from the highway. But when I turned onto the street it’s on there were barricades blocking the street. From there the street to the courthouse was a one-way going the wrong way. Took a bit of riding and turning around to actually get to the courthouse, but here is what the Burnet County courthouse looks like from the side parking lot.

Burnet County Courthouse, Burnet, Texas

Here’s what it looks like from the entrance.

… and this explains the hieroglyphics at the entrance.

The wind was still blowing and I have another 4 hours fighting it to get home. On the way I’ll try to decided where my next ride will take me. I’ll let you know.

Later, Bud…

Got a good night’s sleep at the Days Inn in Ft. Stockton. Went to the lobby for breakfast and met a very nice couple from Arizona; on their way to The Woodlands, Texas to see their daughter compete in an Ironman Triathlon. I wished them safe travels and good luck to their daughter. Wonder how she did? Meeting new people is a big plus to motorcycle travel.

After breakfast I was off to the Ft. Stockton downtown area. Found the Pecos County Courthouse right were Google said it would be. I was early enough there wasn’t a lot of cars parked around the courthouse, so I could park as I liked.

The courthouse is right across the street from the Annie Riggs Museum, and the Gray Mule Saloon. I bet you’re wondering who Annie Riggs was? Well, according to the internet, “She was a pioneer woman known for her home-cooked peach cobbler.” And for that she got a museum? Not really, the museum was her hotel and shares the legacy of a woman who bought and ran her own business, controlled cowboys and soldiers, and raised ten children on her own. Quite an accomplishment for a single woman in 1900, in west Texas. I didn’t go in, but found this interesting.

Here’s the Pecos County Courthouse.

Looked around for the historical marker – found nothing. So, I went back to the hotel loaded up the bike and headed for Alpine.

As I was riding into Alpine I saw the sign for Study Butte and Ft. Davis. It was only 27 miles to Ft. Davis which is the county seat for Jeff Davis County. This wasn’t on my scheduled route, but I didn’t have a picture of that courthouse and now I do.

…and the history of the Jeff Davis County Courthouse.

While entering the courthouse square I noticed what appeared to be a antique motorcycle. After shooting the courthouse I walked over to get a better look at the old bike. It was not an antique at all, but a reproduction called a Janus, manufactured in Goshen, Indiana. I thought it was unique enough to take its picture.

The disk brake is a dead give away that it is not vintage. Looks like a great parade bike.

It was still early in the day and rather then go back the way I came, I decided to head south to Marfa. From there continue south to Presidio and have lunch at the El Patio Restaurant for some green chili enchiladas. Yum. Definitely worth the ride.

From Presidio it is about 50 miles to Lajitas on one of the best motorcycle roads in Texas. I’ve ridden it a number of times in the past, but it is always worthy of another ride. Never disappointing.

Got a room at the Big Bend Motor Lodge in Study Butte. They offer big city prices for rooms that have not been updated in over 30 years. That’s all I got to say about that…

Had dinner at the Starlight in Terlingua. It’s just something I have to do when I’m in the area.

Since Bob and I were going to miss each other, I decided to start back east Wednesday morning. Going through the park (Big Bend National Park that is) to Marathon, then onto US90 to Del Rio. This is a long ride with only the west Texas vistas to appreciate.

From Marathon to Sanderson is only 54 miles but it seems much farther. The speed limit is 75 MPH for the most part, and you will get passed if you are running 80.

About 10 mile from Sanderson I saw a small sign on the shoulder of the road that said, “Race Cars Ahead.” I remembered a sports car race that is run between Sanderson and Ft. Stockton on US285, but why would they have a sign on US90? A couple of miles down the road I got my answer. The road was blocked by local law enforcement. I got off the bike and walked up to say hello and find out what was going on. They were just running time trials getting ready for the race. Okay, I’m not in a hurry.

After a brief 20 minute delay (and saw no race cars) they opened the road and I proceeded to Sanderson and the Terrell County Courthouse.

The historical marker was available, but not the usual metal kind mounted on a post. It was built into wall next to the courthouse entrance and set in stone. It is visible in the above picture, just above the flower planter to the right, partly covered by the tree, and still not legible standing in front of it.

Now it is lunch time, and I don’t really care for either of the two choices. Sanderson is not known for its selection of fine dining establishments. So, I decided on the Stripes gas station. Not a healthy choice, but something to eat, and I’m still 120 miles from Del Rio my next stop.

Got into Del Rio mid-afternoon and got a room at the Del Rio Inn, an old hotel/motel that has new owners and going through a complete remodeling. Got a great rate because of the construction. Unloaded the bike and took off in search of the Val Verde County Courthouse.

Found it.

To get that picture I had to stand in the middle of the street, blocking traffic. And at 4:30 in the afternoon, even Del Rio has rush hour traffic. A young man in a multi-colored Mustang (maybe multi-years, too) was kind enough to block the traffic while I got my picture. Sorry it’s a bit blurred, probably from me trying to hurry out of the roadway and shaking.

The history of the courthouse is not real clear or easy to see (we’ll blame that on the shadows from the trees), but here is what it says.

“ Val Verde County’s first, and only, courthouse was built in 1887 in the county seat of Del Rio. The courthouse featured Classical details and was designed by the architectural firm of Larmour and Watson. Jacob Larmour and A. O. Watson, prominent Texas architects during the late 19^th. Their design for Val Verde County included Mansardic roofing and ornamental wrought ironwork, bull’s eye windows containing lone star motifs, octagonal towers, and pedestal-mounted statues of both the Goddess of Justice and the Goddess of Liberty. The structure was constructed of tan-colored limestone thought to have been quarried from a site approximately six miles north of Del Rio in a location that was ultimately submerged by the waters of the Amistad Reservoir. The stonework is believed to have been completed by Native American masons.”

It was time for an adult beverage. So, back to the hotel and the restaurant / bar across the street.

Ya’ll be safe, and stay tuned for last leg of this trip and 8 more courthouses.

Later, Bud…

It’s been 18 months since I took a courthouse picture. Friends ask if I wasn’t doing that anymore. So, like every other person, business, anything else, I blamed my lack of performance on COVID. I’m not going to admit that I’m getting old(er) and my motivator is just not what it used to be. But I had a couple of occurrences that got me moving. First my friend Johnny called and said he was on his way back from Terlingua, taking US190 all the way to Huntsville. He reported seeing some really nice courthouses along the way, and I should consider that same route and actually take some more pictures. Then later that day my friend Bad Bob (remember him from some of my other travels) called and invited me to ride to Big Bend with him and a couple of his friends. I liked the idea, but decided to meet them in Terlingua. It was time for me to take some more courthouse pictures.

My plan was to ride west on US190 from Point Blank to Iraan, and take pictures of every courthouse I passed. Spend a couple of days in and around Big Bend National Park, then take US90 east for a while. Visiting some out-of-the-way counties.

As it turned out Bob and I miss-communicated and missed each other, but I had a good trip (except for the wind, six days and it never let up) and got some nice picture to share. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did taking them. I will break-up the pictures and store to reduce the volume and spread the stores out.

Also, for this trip I choose my 2018 Triumph Bonneville T120. Its never been on a road trip, but it was the only bike out of six that was registered, serviced and ready to go (I am so far behind with the things I need to be doing). So, here we go.

Easter Sunday morning I took off on US190 with an overnight stop at our other home in Temple. Got a good night’s rest and a good healthy breakfast before hitting the long road west.

04/18/22 – Four more Courthouses and a very long day.

Monday morning my first stop was San Saba, Texas and the San Saba County Courthouse.

I didn’t find a historical marker; however, saw this one and learned the gangs haven’t changed much over the years.

Back on the Bonneville and a short distance on US190 I came to Brady, Texas the county seat for McCulloch County. The wind was kicking up and required complete concentration: however, traffic is light and I’m making good time. Here’s the McCulloch County Courthouse.

I went looking for a courthouse marque. Didn’t find one, but did find a great granite sculpture of the State of Texas that identified Brady as the Heart of Texas. I was not aware of that fact. You can learn a lot of valuable knowledge traveling through Texas.

I asked a local lady/woman walking toward the courthouse entrance for a recommendation for lunch. Usually locals know the good places. She suggested Sandy’s Kitchen and Catering which was right on my way out of town. Well, I road right past it (didn’t see the sign) and stopped at Down Home Country Cooking. I ate a big unhealthy lunch, which came with chocolate cake for desert. Why is this one of the only meals I remember from this trip?

Oh well, now it’s west on US190 to Menard, Texas.

I really enjoy seeing the different architectures of the Texas courthouses, but many have become inaccessible for my purposes of taking a good clean picture of my motorcycle posing in front of the marvelous buildings. Trees that were planted 50 or 100 years ago cover the view, or public parking takes up the perfect spot for my bike to set for the picture. As I’m looking for that perfect setting in Menard, I find they have built a city park and swimming pool between the parking and the front of the courthouse. The courthouse is so far back you can barely see it (not really), but it does present some challenges for my desired photo setting.

Here’s the marque telling about the courthouse.

The courthouse is behind the marque.

Here’s the courthouse.

It’s really a beautiful ol’ courthouse.

So, I’m off to Eldorado, Texas and the Schleicher County Courthouse. On the map it shows to be 51 miles ( I like using paper maps, and find them to be a bit more reliable than Google Maps or some of the other Web based stuff). My motorcycle seat is telling me it must be more than 51 miles, but I still have about 150 miles to get to Ft. Stockton today. It’s only 3:00 PM so lots of daylight left.

Got to Eldorado and found an okay parking spot. Some of the locals were visiting in the parking lot, and I guess they were interested in why someone would want to take pictures of their courthouse. They sent a delegate over to check me and the Bonneville out. Guess he was okay with what I was doing, told me to “have a good day and ride safe”, then went back to his friends on the other side of the parking lot. They all waved as I rode away.

Here’s the history.

It is kind of hard to read. I took these picture with a point-n-shoot instead of my nice big camera. Had to use the cheap camera ’cause I didn’t have room for the big one.

Waved good-bye to the parking lot crowd and proceeded west on US190 to Iraan (pronounced Ira Ann). It is where US190 ties into I-10 about 60 from Ft. Stockton. I was beat by the time I got to Ft. Stockton, so found a room, had dinner at K-Bob’s, and went to bed early.

Tomorrow I need to find the Pecos County Courthouse, and report my adventures. Ya’ll be safe.

Later, Bud…

Today was a beautiful Texas day for a bike ride. So, I got out the Big Bike, packed a cooler, and headed north. Since I last featured the Big Bike I made a few change to it. You know personalizing them is part of motorcycle ownership and I was growing tire of its showroom appearance. I took off the tour pack and the exhaust that looks like every one else’s and put on fishtails. Baggers are supposed to have fishtails (at least my baggers are). Also added chrome rails atop the saddlebags. Oh, and a Bad Lander seat that I’ve had on the shelf for about 8 years. You’ll see it in the pictures.

After my last outing and missing the old courthouse in Shelby County, I decided to ride through there and get that picture. After all it right on the way to Carthage, Texas and the Panola County Courthouse.

The town square in Center, Texas is under construction. But the old courthouse is a real classic.

Here’s a little history about it. Hope you can read it. The courthouse appears to be in much better condition than the marque.

Glad I got that information in this blog. Now on to Carthage, Texas and the Panola County Courthouse.

Panola County is home to a couple of ol’ western singers some of you might remember; Ray Price and Tex Ritter. Tex Ritter made the song “Tenaha, Timpson, Bobo, and Blair” popular. My wife breaks into song when we travel through this area. It’s a shame she does know more of the words. Google the lyrics for a trip down memory lane (if your that old).

The Panola County Courthouse is rather new compared to the history of the area. There was no historical marker, but here is the picture.

…and here’s another.

I know what your thinking, “What a great looking bike!”

It’s was getting late and I still have to get to Henderson to photograph the Rusk County Courthouse. It’s about 30 miles southeast of Carthage.

There is a large statue right in front of the Rusk County Courthouse of the county’s namesake; Thomas Jefferson Rusk. Very impressive, but it blocked the view of a lovely old courthouse. I didn’t let that stop me though, and here’s the picture.

It was getting late and I’m still 130 mile from home. Took the highway back. 320 miles +/- for the day and that new seat is not nearly as comfortable as the couch cushion it replaced. But the weather tomorrow is supposed to be just as nice and I’m already looking forward to riding.

Only 211 courthouses left to visit.

Later, Bud…

I was talking with my wife the other day and she asked, “How long has it been since you took a picture of a courthouse?”  My immediate response was, “A long time.”  Actually, 4 months.  Then I decided to make this weekend a priority and go courthouse hunting.

I knew this weekend was forecast for Heat Advisories and riding in that heat would be brutal.  So, a well thought out, well planned trip was a first step.  As old as I am and as much traveling as I’ve done, I learned something recently.  That the little blue dots on a Texas paper map mean Picnic Area.  Picnic Areas never played a large part in my travel in the past, but with social distancing and COVID stuff they are very attractive places to stop and get out of the heat and away from the crowds.  Looked at my paper map and decided to photograph the courthouses in Nacogdoches and Center, Texas.  Straight up US 59 to Nacogdoches, then East on Texas 7 to Center.  Should make for about a 4 – 5 hour ride and add two more courthouses to my list.

A little blue dot appeared about halfway between Nacogdoches and Center on Texas Highway 7, and with proper planning could make for a good lunch stop.  So, I got my soft-cooler (the one that fits real nice in the side case of the BMW), made a sandwich, packaged some watermelon, and a couple of bottles of water.  And I’m in the wind.

First stop was the Nacogdoches County Courthouse in Nacogdoches, Texas.  Rode right up US 59 through Lufkin and to downtown Nacogdoches.  The courthouse is right there on Business 59.  When I say on Business 59 there is nothing between the curb and courthouse but the sidewalk.  No place to park, no place to get a good picture of my bike in front of the courthouse.  This calls for some adjustment, but I’m not sure just what to adjust at this point.  I rode around to the back of the courthouse to the designated parking area and a good view of the loading dock, air conditioning units, and dumpster.  Not the photo moment I was hoping for.  I did get some pictures and I’ll explain as good as I can.

Nacogdoches County Courthouse – Nacogdoches, Texas

They did not display the expected Historical Marker, and I got this bit of information from Google.  Not much to contribute…

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY
Created in 1826 as a municipality of Mexico.
Organized as a county in 1837. The city of  Nacogdoches is the county seat.
Both city and county were named after the Nacogdoches Indians.

Nacogdoches County Courthouse:  Date Built – 1958
Replaced the the old courthouse that was built in 1911.
Architect – J. N. McCammon
Style – modern style
Location – Corner of Hwy 21 and US 59

… and here is the expected picture with the motorcycle.

Next stop for a photo is Center, Texas and the Shelby County Courthouse.  I took Texas Hwy 7 which is a straight shot east.  That is if you can find Hwy 7 in downtown Nacogdoches.  It is not very clearly marked and you get to go right through ‘Ol Town’ brick streets and all, except the sign that states, “Texas 7 East”.

But I found it and about 10 miles out of town was the blue dot Scenic Overlook.

Great parking place.  Got out my cooler and had a nice lunch and cold drink before going on to Center.

Shelby County also has one of the newer courthouses, but it did offer me a place to park  right in front.

Shelby County Courthouse – Center, Texas

This was another one missing the Historical Marker, so I missed a huge piece of courthouse history.  Apparently, Shelby County and the City of Center had enough foresight not to tear down their old historic Courthouse when they build the new one pictured above.  If I would have ridden two more blocks east on Texas 7, I would have come upon Shelby County Courthouse Square.  Here the courthouse that was built in 1885 still sets.  I missed the good shot by two blocks.  You can see the old courthouse and find out more about it here: Shelby County’s Historic Courthouse

On that note, I think I’ll just post this and start planning my next Courthouse Adventure.

Keep cool, Keep your distance, Wash your hands, and where a mask.

Later, Bud…

The forecast for today was sunny and 70 degrees. I did not get to take any courthouse pictures during February, and figured today was a good day to get back in the swing of things. Looked at my map and Caldwell did not have a circle around it. I have a map with all the county seats highlighted in “pink” and as I travel there and get pictures of the courthouse I put a circle around it. Caldwell is about 100 miles from Coldspring, so it was my destination for today.

When I started this project I wanted to ride as many of my bikes and have them as part of the tour pictured in front of the courthouses. That has worked out pretty well, but I have two bikes that have not had their time in the spotlight. One is a 1978 Honda CB750F Super Sport and the other is a 2013 H-D Heritage Softail. The ol’ Honda has a very cold-naturevery and is temperamental, so I opted for the Heritage. 103 cubic inches of smooth V-twin power. I sound like a dang commercial – so on with the ride.

That is a great looking bike, if I do say so myself !

Getting to Caldwell is pretty uneventful. I have a couple of ways to go and both are just riding through the countryside. I chose Coldspring to Point Blank to Huntsville to Bryan to Caldwell, and came back in the reverse order.

I’ve been through Caldwell many times, but had never been to the town center which sets back from the major highways – Texas 21 and Texas 36. It’s pretty nice and has that small town feeling when standing in front of the courthouse on the town square. The courthouse is representative of the courthouses being built in the early 1920s, and with all the leaves off the trees, I could get a pretty good view of the building itself. Here it is.

Burleson County Courthouse, Caldwell, Texas

I was standing in front of the courthouse looking up and thought this was a nice shot.

And here is some history about the county. Appears this courthouse was #4.

So, maybe we’ll have some more nice weekend weather and I can add more courthouses to my blog, and more circles on my map. Might even get the old Hondas out more just to show them off.

Later, Bud…

Hope you all had a very safe and Happy New Year. I did, but with it coming in the middle of the week seems that nothing got done. Okay, so I should be well rested and ready for a good 2020 start on my Courthouse Tour. Today looked like the perfect day to do that, 70 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. I checked my map (I like using paper maps) and Hemphill, Texas would be my destination. San Augustine is just up the road and if time permits I’ll ride on over there.

I rolled the Big Bike (H-D Ultra) out of the garage, did a pre-flight on it, and we were ready to go. Rode over to Point Blank and had a breakfast taco at the Bullet Grill House. If you’ve never been there I suggest you put it on your places to go for good food, cold beer, good service, and fair prices. From there I got on US-190 for 80 miles, going through Livingston, Woodville, and Jasper. In Jasper turned left onto US-96 to FM-83 to beautiful downtown Hemphill. It’s a cool looking small town with the Sabine County Courthouse setting right in the middle of the town square.

Sabine County Courthouse, Hemphill, Texas

I love it when the county has posted a marque that actually explains the history of their fine courthouse.

Okay, it says, “Hemphill” but read the middle paragraph.

So, it’s three o’clock and it’s still warm, and the San Augustine County Courthouse is only 25 miles away. Got there as they were taking down the Christmas decorations, but the workers stayed out of my pictures. San Augustine is another nice older Texas town. A bit rustic, but I like it that way.

San Augustine County Courthouse, San Augustine, Texas

Now the sun was starting a fast-path to setting, so I had to park the bike a little off-center to the entrance. As it turned out I was right in front of the courthouse historical marker.

Here’s what it had to say.

As I mentioned, the sun was now becoming a riding obstacle being so low in the western sky, and it was also loosing it’s warming affects. Time to head for the house.

I don’t like to take the same way home when I travel. Going back I cut over to Lufkin, then straight down US-59 to Livingston. From there the back roads to Coldspring. Not a bad 297 miles and two very cool ol’ Texas Courthouses.

Hope to get some more pictures soon – Only 216 left.

Later, Bud…

I wanted to get one more courthouse picture before the end of the year, and today was the last Sunday to get that done. Looked at my map and Bryan was the most logical destination for a Sunday ride. I travel through (or around) Bryan often when going between Coldspring and Temple, but never go downtown where the courthouse is located. Thinking back I could not remember ever seeing the courthouse. I was in for a bit of a disappointment.

The ride to Bryan can be just about as boring as any route I’ve ridden. Make two right turns, two left turns and the road goes through Huntsville to Bryan. All of 95 miles. Well, I am familiar enough with the area to know there is a couple of other ways to get to Bryan. It’s a bit farther, but it’s Sunday, the sun is shinning and it’s not too cold (hovering right around 60 F all day). The part that was not fun was the wind, and if you’ve followed any of my travel reports, you know I don’t like fighting the wind. So, the flags I saw along the way were all starched standing straight out from the wind coming straight out of the north. Decided to ride the KLR. The ol’ Girl has not been on a picture ride for quite some time. Taking the KLR turned out to be a good decision when I came upon the “road closed” signs on the OSR.

The route I chose was to go to Huntsville and take FM 247 to Midway. From Midway take OSR (Old San Antonio Road) to Normangee, then Texas 39 to North Zulch, turn right on Texas 21 to Bryan, go downtown on William J Bryan St. and the courthouse is on your left. But for the life of me I could not find the courthouse. Rode right past it twice. First, it does not look like a TEXAS Courthouse. It looks like a modern office building. Secondly, the front is on the opposite side from WJ Bryan Street. So, I get the bike in position, get the camera out, click, one a little closer click. Now to find the marque; found nothing about the courthouse, mostly stuff about William Bryan and his contributions finding Texas A&M. This was the only marque I wanted to take a picture of, an NoClick, the camera battery was dead.

Over all it was a nice adventure, and a good way to spend a Sunday.

Here’s the only picture I got.

Brazos County Courthouse, Bryan, Texas

Hope ya’ll have a Happy and Prosperous New Year. More picture to come in 2020.

Later, Bud…

I am late making this post. I think I have good reasons for my lack of timeliness, you might not agree, but I’ve been busy.  I took these pictures while making my annual trek to The Big Bend of Texas. I love this part of the World. This part of Texas is what those folks in NYC think all of Texas looks like. Let’s don’t tell ’em different. Here’s what took place.

October 23^rd I picked up my toy hauler from the storage lot in Coldspring, brought it to the house and proceeded to load up for 8 days in the desert; Terlingua, Big Bend National Park, and The CASI Chili Cookoff.  CASI is the Chili Appreciation Society International. Here’s the link https://www.casichili.net/ if you would like more information.  I always take a motorcycle to ride, and this year I took my KLR Sidecar rig.

October 25^th all is loaded and off I go to west Texas and the Big Bend. Arrived at our campsite at Rancho CASI de los Chisos on Saturday at noon, after spending the night in Ft. Stockton. Got set up, but had trouble unloading the sidecar. The ramp tailgate was at such a high angle when I started backing the rig down, the weight of the sidecar caused the rig to pull hard to the right, and I was stuck crooked partway down. Thankfully, Ralph was there to help me realign the rig and get safely on the ground – shinny side up.

My intention while in the area was to take pictures of both the Presidio County Courthouse in Marfa, and the Brewster County Courthouse in Alpine. Keep in mind that things out here are not close together. From our camp to Marfa is 130 miles, and from camp to Alpine is about 100 miles. From Marfa to Alpine is only 30 miles, so for picture day I would plan a loop ride from camp to Presidio via the River Road, RM 170, from Presidio to Marfa taking US Hwy 67, Marfa to Alpine on US Hwy 90, and Alpine to camp on Texas Hwy 118 to Study Butte and RM 170 to camp. This is all paved, very scenic, and good sidecar riding.

Jump ahead to October 28^th, Monday. Me and the folks in camp went into Terlingua for dinner at the Starlight. Monday is half-price hamburgers and the burgers are excellent. After dinner we stopped to visit some friends that have a place in the Ghost Town. They are all from Huntsville (Texas that is). Setting around their campfire the discussion turned to courthouse pictures. I invited Johnny and Robert to ride with me to Marfa and Alpine, and we decided to meet on Wednesday morning, October 31st  for the 230 mile (+/-) ride.

October 31^st is a very special day for me. Ten years ago today I had a heart attack, got restarted a couple of time and now can laugh that this date is my new birthday.

Johnny and Robert showed up at our camp at exactly 8:00 AM. They were riding Honda 250s that Robert had set up very well. Pretty impressive compared to the 250s I grew up with. You can ride all day at 70 MPH, not be exhausted at the end of the day, and get 60 MPG. They let me lead and set the pace; 55 or 60 is a comfortable speed with a sidecar. The River Road keeps your speed about 10 MPH less.

Got to Marfa and I did not remember so many trees in front of the courthouse. But behind the trees is one of the finest looking Texas courthouses you’ll see. Getting a picture of it; however, was a bit of a challenge.

Presidio County Courthouse, Marfa, Texas

That’s Robert and Johnny posing with my sidecar rig in front of the courthouse. Sometimes it is nice to have company on these courthouse adventures.

This picture was taken by Robert; it really shows the beauty of this old Texas courthouse. Thanks for sharing Robert.

Here’s the history of the Presidio County seat for justice.

Now on to Alpine and the Brewster County Courthouse.

I have been pretty much all over the city of Alpine in past years, but did not remember seeing the courthouse. Probably because it is so well hidden by all the trees around it. I made a comment (jokingly), “that the only trees in Brewster County were all right there around the courthouse.” See for yourself.

Yesterday I rode the BMW from Coldspring to Temple. Very boring ride, but better than driving in a car or truck. Spent the evening in Temple, and today got an early start and rode to Gatesville. It’s only 32 miles from Temple to Gatesville. Just take Hwy 36 west. I went there to have lunch with a group of riders that follow the Two Wheel Texan forum. Some of these folks get together each month just to visit, have lunch and a group ride after lunch. It’s called a “Meet-and-Greet). I had been wanting to do one of these for quite some time, so today was the day. Here’s the link to TWT.com for those that might be interested.

I got to Gatesville about an hour before the planned event. Had my camera in the saddlebag and headed for the courthouse. Very impressive, and here’s the pictures.

Coryell County Courthouse – Gatesville, Texas

I was limited where I could stand to get a good shot and include the bike. Trying to get the dome and Lady Justice all in the same frame proved to be a challenge, but I got-er-done.  Don’t know way the courthouse appears to be tilting?  (Still learning how to use my camera.)

Here’s the marque with a bit of history about the courthouse.

I walked around the building and decided I could get a better picture from the side. This makes for a much better picture, and Lady Justice has someone else on the roof with her, and I did not know at the time. I did some more research and discovered a photo from another article. Apparently, in my photo the courthouse had some prior renovations and the words Liberty and Justice were painted to match their backgrounds. So, they did not show up in my picture, but if you blow it up real big you can make it out.

It was getting close to lunch time and meeting the other riders. Went back up Main Street to J&M Bar-B-Q. Visited in the parking lot with a few folks than went inside to meet some more. Wow! 32 bikes, and I thing two bikes were 2-up. The waitress was better than the food, but the visit was well worth the ride. I’ll probably do the next “meet-n-greet”.

I didn’t go on the group ride. Anything over 4 bikes is too many for me. So, back to Temple, and tomorrow to Coldspring.

Later, Bud…