March 28:

After yesterday’s hard ride, it was easy to sleep in past 7 am. I did wake up in time to enjoy this sunrise.

Beautiful early morning views of the Lodge and the nearby hills.

We tried to arrange transportation to the Observatory some 13 miles back uphill, but were unsuccessful. So we decided to hike the 1.7 mile Lodge Trail (got to keep my legs active). This is a photo of Helen and Brenda at the start of the trail.

Up we hiked, with great views of the Lodge below.

We crested the ridge at 463 feet with a different view of the Lodge.

Then downhill to the campground area.

I dutifully cleaned my bike and also installed my ‘Texas chip seal bumper pads.’ (Thanks, Don, I hope they work.)

Back at the Lodge, we met up with Luke, who had been our waiter last night, and had taken care of our laundry (facilities in Fort Davis are lacking).

One of the Park employees gave a presentation on the Lodge, original sections built in 1934 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Lodge is all adobe block, each made from local soil, water, and straw.

After dinner in the Black Bear Restaurant, I took a leisurely stroll, hoping to see the elusive javelinas (look like black hogs, in the rodent family). No luck but I did spy this ‘mountain lion’. (Do I need my eyes checked?)

Some exercise, some laundry, lots of relaxation, a good day off!

Here are some extra photos of the Lodge:

<a