Travelling from Gatesville we were fortunate enough to come across military personnel taking part in an exercise at Ft. Hood. We had seen dust flying as we were coming up the highway but were pleasantly surprised when we found out what was creating it.
We found an rv park on Lake Buchanan which is a reservoir built primarily for water supply and hydroelectric power. The dam completed in 1938 stretches for more than two miles and is the longest multiple-arch dam in the nation. Unfortunately because of the recent drought the lake is 28 feet low. We have seen deer foraging on the lake bottom.
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| lake front property does not always mean water access |
The last day of November found us exploring Longhorn Cavern State Park. We took in a narrated tour which lasted 2 hours. Our tour guide, Cliff was knowledgeable and humorous. Longhorn Cavern was formed by the water action of a river. The interior of the cavern is a constant 68 to 70F.
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| stairs leading down to the cavern entry |
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| part of a stalactite formation shaped like a dog that was repaired and placed here - nickname 'Rocky" |
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| lots of headroom - used during prohibition days as a bar, restaurant and dance hall |
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| crystals |
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| sink hole that leads to entry of cavern |
This State Park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1935 to 1938. Tons and tons of rubble was removed exposing rock formations never before seen by man. Hundreds upon hundreds of man hours saw the completion of pathways and buildings in the park.
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| main building now a CCC Museum |
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| observation tower |
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| a view of the distant castle and hill country |
From the observation tower we could see a privately built castle. Falkenstein Castle was built from plans of a castle in Barvaria. The family lives on the top two floors. If you wish it can be booked for weddings and other events.
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| Falkenstein Castle |
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| note the garage to the right of the castle |
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