We Took an Enchanted Excursion

(2018 Alaska Ep 7)

Camper repairs behind us (hopefully), we set up camp in Blanco State Park for a four-night stay.  The campground is centrally located between Fredericksburg, Austin, San Antonio  and my brother’s home in Boerne.

We were also close to Enchanted Rock and enchanted BBQ.

The Rock

Enchanted Rock is a pink granite mountain about 17 miles north of Fredericksburg.  According to Trails.com, a hike to the summit of Enchanted Rock has been a right of passage for every teenaged Texan since the 1960s.  Although we are neither Texans nor teenagers, we decided to tackle the short (.4 mile) and steep trail (332 ft elevation gain) to the top.

From a distance Enchanted Rock somewhat resembles Ayers Rock in Australia and Stone Mountain in Georgia.  Up close, it is rather daunting – a steep hike up the side of the mountain looks challenging.  From the top, what a view!  Long vistas of the stunning Texas Hill Country.

Why Enchanted Rock is enchanted (and more)

The BBQ

Having successfully ascended and descended the rock, it was lunchtime and we HAD to experience the enchanted BBQ of Cooper’s BBQ in Llano, about 15 miles north.

Smokey ribs, fork-tender brisket, cowboy pinto beans, white bread and MUCH more –  there’s no better BBQ on the planet!

We saved a little room and finished our lunch with some pecan cobbler.

On the way back to Blanco we stopped at Fredericksburg, a town with many interesting shops along a wide main street through the center of town.  Fredericksburg is surrounded by many  bed and breakfasts and wineries.  It’s a great place to visit for a special occasion or stop-off during a trip like ours.