Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, 2/9/14

8. Part 2 of Ginsie's birthday weekend - we hiked up, then bouldered down the side, walked around to Moss Lake and the primitive camping areas, and back out to the tent camping area.  Enchanted Rock is a giant pink granite dome 425 feet tall.  The park is a great place to try out backpacking, as the sites are about a mile away from the parking area.  The tent area is in a beautiful meadow.  If visiting for the day, it's recommended that you arrive pretty early because there are limited numbers of parking spaces and this is a very popular park.

Fredericksburg is a wonderful touristy town, with tons of shops, cafes, hotels, the Admiral Nimitz Museum and 2 interesting courthouses. During the winter holidays, Fredericksburg lights up its central park area.  Highway 290 east of Fredericksburg is known for its ever-increasing number of wineries and vineyards.  Texas wine was recently called "the best wine you'll never drink" by the New York Times because we Texans drink it all here in state and there's nothing left to ship out!  The county airport operates a wonderful diner and hotel and there are 2 breweries in town as well.

Enchanted Rock is also close to Llano, another county seat.  The courthouse is beautiful, the old jail is still nearby, it's a Main Street City that has several restaurants and antique shops on and around its square.  There are also at least 2 wineries outside of town and great barbecue too.

"The Rock" 

Looking back up the side we skittered down.