Polka Party -- Polkin' Around in West, TX...

Am I really dancing out here in the middle of nowhere? No, but I am moving really, REALLY slow. This month, I walked a whopping 35 miles. This trip is going to take longer than I estimated. This brings my total mileage to 105 miles. Just 1,842 more to go. Boy, am I feeling a little out of shape!

Facts about West, TX:

Population: approx. 2,695

History: Located just north of Waco, West was founded in 1882 after the completion of the Katy Railroad and became a successful railroad town. The surrounding farms still produce an abundance of wheat, maize, corn and cotton. Along with settlers from the East came Czech and German immigrants who found the surrounding fertile land to be similar to what they were familiar with back home. The town was named after Mr. Thomas West. West served as postmaster while opening the first general store and who later became a successful businessman.

Unofficial Nicknames from the History Book:
"Czech Heritage Capital of Texas",
"Home of the Official Kolache of the Texas Legislature"
"Home of Scott Podsednik of the Chicago White Sox"
"Home of Westfest"

West Today: Downtown West is most known for its Czech bakeries, gift shops and antique stores. Some of the oldtimers still can be heard speaking Czech. There's not much more to tell you about West.

Attractions in West and the Waco Area:
Westfest Polka Festival
Baylor University
Armstrong Browning Library
Bosque River Stage
Cameron Park
Cameron Park Zoo
Dr. Pepper Museum
The Earle-Harrison House and Gardens on Fifth Street
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
Texas Sports Hall of Fame

I hope you've enjoyed hearing about my virtual visit to West. See you next month in who knows where!

P.S. Happy Birthday, Kelly! I hope you had a wonderful day. :)

The Long Haul -- Truckin' Through Temple, TX!

I loved this snapshot of my first pit stop along my route from Austin to Boston. How much more Texas can you get than a Ford Truck, a barn painted with the likeness of the Lone Star flag, and a pasture full of bluebonnets?! The only thing I can think of is that the photographer forgot to include a half-gallon of Blue Bell ice cream in the picture. It would have looked rather nice sitting right there on the hood of that truck, and only then would it have been a more accurate representation of Texas pride at its best. At least I can enjoy a big bowl full of Blue Bell ice cream while I'm sitting here typing about it. My flavors of the day are Chocolate Brownie Overload and Banana Pudding. Yummy!



Facts about Temple, TX:

Population: approx. 120,000

History: Began as a railroad town. Temple Junction was created on 6/29/1881. Temple was named after Bernard Moore Temple, the chief engineer of the Santa Fe Railway, who never actually lived in the town that bore his name.

Nicknames from the History Book: Mudville, Tanglefoot, Ratsville (ewwww!), Progressive Temple, Prairie Queen, City of Trees

Temple Today: Temple is one of the leading medical centers in the Southwest. The city has grown steadily because of its diverse economy--agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, and medicine. The historic downtown neighborhood is a collection of fine mansions and middle-class bungalows.

Attractions:

Railroad & Heritage Museum
Czech Heritage Museum
Miller Springs Nature Center
Mother Neff State Park

Temple, on the shores of Lake Belton, is home to many city parks that would be great for picnicking, camping, and water recreation.

If I'm not mistaken, Temple, TX is also the birthplace of my very own dad. Yay, Dad!

This month I walked a total of 70 miles, so I am actually halfway between Temple and Waco, TX. By this time next month, I'll be well beyond Waco, so stay tuned to see where I end up next. It will be as much a surprise to me as it will be to you!

Only 1,877 more miles to go...