Beverly, June, LindaBW, Gloria and I drove over to Luling to “pedal” the Pump Jack Tour. It consists of 16 art-decorated pump jacks around the town. Typically the up and down movement of the pump jack contributes to the theme of the art (see the fish photos).
The traffic was heavy on highways 183 and 80, and crossing them was exhilarating to say the least, we focused our attention on the pump jacks along smaller city streets. Some were pumping, others not; but they were all a “treat” to see — especially the DQ Dude, visible from the drive-thru window lane!
My mother’s family lived in Luling, and I spent some time there each summer with my grandmother, who had a love of nature and a knack for teaching. The ladies were kindly attentive as I related some of my memories and pointed out landmarks along our pedal.
We then rode to Zedler’s Mill Museum and Park, located where the San Marcos River crosses Highway 80. It’s the site of a grist mill (1874), cotton gin (1883) and saw mill (1885), which used a water wheel at the dam to produce power. The land on both sides of the river sloped elegantly downward; the grass was green and lush, with wildflowers already making an appearance; and the river was flowing nicely and a beautiful blue-green. The mill is quite large and in the midst of a beautiful restoration. FYI: It’s the take-out point for the six-mile Luling Zedler Mill Paddling Trail.
We then made our way over to Uncle Wiggly’s Weiners — an adorably-restored gas station run as a cafe by a family of women — and tagged up to more TOWNies for some frito pies and chili dogs.
Thanks, SandyB