DAY 5 - LEXINGTON, TX TO WARDA, TX

Mileage - 32.6; Total Mileage - 196.6 miles

Margarita Count - 4! plus 2 shots of Tequila in camp

Today was our last day of this tour. We are all finally in the daily routine. It takes a few days before the setting up and packing up of camp are normal and you know where everything belongs. It is quite the sight when we roll into camp and start unpacking the bags. It is amazing to see two tables, four chairs and the tents all set up with sleeping bags, pads, pillows and clothes. 

Everyone sat in camp a little longer this morning, savoring an extra cup of coffee while packing up. We finally rolled out about 10am, just far enough to get to Herk's Store and Grill a few blocks from camp. They made a great breakfast that got us ready for the road. We finally left town about 11am - not an early start but we knew we had a shorter day and were not too worried about time.

Most of the ride today was on small county roads, which varied in condition from mostly patches with intermittent smooth road, to pretty good road. What they all had in common was beautiful country, very few cars, and great scenery. We had more wildflowers today, mostly Indian paintbrush and primrose. I also saw one small area with this pretty blue wildflower that I don't remember ever seeing before. I had to look it up - I think it is the Blue Mealy Cup Sage. We've also seen patches of the purple Drummond Phlox all through the trip.

Here is some scenery rolling down CR 216 this morning.

We came across a ranch that had this display of statues of all types of wild animals. They were very life-like and so well done.

Dave found the first patch of wild blackberries that were ripe today on the side of the road. Of course, he had to stop and pick some for a quick snack.

Here are some more scenery pics from the last part of the ride. 

Right outside of Giddings there was a pasture with these two donkeys and this beautiful longhorn. One of the donkeys came charging from the back of the pasture when I stopped by the fence, braying all the way!

We rolled into Giddings about 2pm and stopped for our last meal "on the road". We ate a great lunch at the Santa Fe Steakhouse and then it was time to ride the last 12 miles of the tour. We arrived back at Bluff Creek Ranch (Warda) about 4pm. There were a few shots of tequila to celebrate a great tour and I managed to get my last two margaritas in celebration. Then it was time for showers and everyone to load up and head back to reality.

I'll follow up with stats and other thoughts tomorrow.