Pedernales River Day

The Pedernales River is one of Texas’ primer Hill Country destinations. You are not a real Texan unless you have stuck your feet into its clear blue limestone filtered mineral waters on a hot summers day. The Pedernales has its beginning deep underground in the limestone springs around Harper, Texas and winds its way past the home of President Lyndon Baines Johnson and First Lady, Ladybird Johnson, on its way to becoming the sparking clear waters of Lake Travis. Between Johnson City and Stonewall, is the National and State Parks and Historic Sites at their ranch and his boyhood home in Johnson City. Pedernales Falls State Park is about 30 miles west of Austin, and about 25 miles from Johnson City. I spent a week camping at the park, to paint and hike along the limestone cliffs of the incredibly beautiful river bottom as it meanders and cuts along the hills of Texas. This area is also noted for its many vineyards and wineries. It is also home to the elusive and endangered species of bird, the Golden Cheeked Warbler. It’s the stomping ground of singer/songwriter Willie Nelson. Aside from the wondrous stonework of the 1930’s era Civilian Conservation Core, the Falls are a must see. Although it would be a wonderful and exciting adventure to tube or Kayak the Falls, it is not permitted to protect the delicate ecosystems of the River. When the song is sung about being “Deep in the Heart of Texas”, well, when you’re at Pedernales Falls, you are. - Bartké