Devil's Backbone

Beautiful area. I was quite surprised how big everything seemed. Pictures don't do this place justice. It's definitely worth the trip. It was only a 1.5 hour trip from Austin with traffic. Beautiful scenery along the way. Wish I had more time to explore. The little picnic area is nice but the views aren't so great with the fence and all.

Stopped here to checkout the view. I found the fencing very interesting. Don't know why the things were there but I'm sure they were sentimental to the people that put them there. Not much for parking it's just to drive through rest area and it's for both directions. The parking is on the drive-thru area. But if you're just stopping for a quick walk around and to stretch your legs it's perfect and the view is amazing.

Disappointing and not worth the drive. The majority of the views are blocked by a very tall chain link fence and overgrown vegetation. It would be nice if someone would trim back the trees a bit to greatly improve the view. The memorials left for loved ones is very nice, but not much to see here other than that. Much nicer views on most of your Texas Hill Country back roads. Drive towards San Marcos a little further and stop on the side of the road for a much better view of the Canyon. If your in the area stop by, but don't go out of your way to see it!

This is a really fun ride. There is some challenging corners due to poor road conditions, so pay attention to the signage stating that it's a 50 mph curve. Just go ahead and do the 50 and enjoy the ride instead of the possible alternative. The scenery is beautiful, I just love all the green and the views of the valleys. This is a fun ride, beginners can ride it if you're comfortable with your bike. Just take it slowly and enjoy. It's geared more towards a intermediate rider in my opinion. Whatever it's geared towards just ride it, say you've rode it and just have fun. After all that's really what it's all about. Keep the shiney side up brothers and sisters, peace..

We were 2 days into our 3-day trek through the Texas Hill Country. Both of us camping with congestion wrapped around our chests, not wanting to leave Lost Maples State Natural Area. We knew it'd be a long 2-hour drive snaking our way to Pedernales in my brown F-150. Then at Pedernales Falls State Park, we'd just rinse and repeat what we did at Lost Maples: lugging our packs two miles to the primitive campsite with our cough- & snot-ridden bodies writhing to the bone. But Eva was more hardcore at this camping stuff than I was. If she wasn't going to give up, then neither would I. For our 2nd night, we'd slowly hike the trails, take in the dry winter air, and soak in the stars as much as possible. Sometimes we'd talk. Sometimes the silence together was better. This weekend was our last hurrah. She'd be headed toward the South Pacific in two weeks' time, leaving on a research vessel, sailing there in the warm suns and winds. She was going to leave me behind in Texas. And that was okay. At least I'd be in Texas. I loved spending time with her but knew when it started that it'd end just as quickly. I had to come to peace that Eva came right at the right time, disabusing me of what I thought of myself, made me want more of myself. Not for her specifically but for someone. She was a warm glow on a cold January weekend. Everything was something to laugh at when we were together. Maybe a tune we could hum. Another story to tell. She made me feel like I deserved more of that. So, twisting and turning our way toward Wimberly down RM 32, cutting over Canyon Lake, we were hungry for our favorite dishes from Kate's Place. With stomachs full of an assortment of bananas, granola, apples, instant coffees, and sterno-heated package foods, our sick bodies craved something more. That's why we each independently hoped the other would want something from Kate's Place (and not mind the detour). Eva's big smile made light of our clip, going 15 over the speed limit. The curl of her lips made me forget my fatigue long enough to notice a road sign alerting me of an oncoming overlook spot. With all the curves of the two-lane country road coiling us north and south as we went eastward, I had had split-second glances at almost-great views. So, I almost immediately knew a designated overlook would be paradise. I made the quick decision to stop. It'd be an extra 15 minutes, but what the hell. I pulled into the curved drive, getting lucky with the traffic in front of me and behind. Opening the doors, we noted we were overdressed for the temperature that had warmed up since we started driving. So, we sloughed off a layer of our clothes. I took off the thermal under my shirt and she removed her extra layer of pants. I stretched my arms up and out as I walk over to the picnic table. Sitting down, I took a decongestant while removing a 2nd one to give to Eva. A westerly wind was snaking itself over and through the trees and their leaves. Cars humming by on the other side of my truck. I looked at Eva cutely squirming out of her pants in the passenger seat, but then my attention turned toward the grand vista through the opening in the shrub-line. The wind was hissing. Looking north toward where we'd be heading, I realized that she'd just become a memory once we left this place. Not tomorrow. Not the following week or month. But someday. Eva slammed the door close and sauntered over with our last Red Delicious, her long arms swinging. She took a bite out of it as I saw her actually taking in the beautiful sight. She swallowed the decongestant I hand her. Eva then swung her leg over the bench to sit on my side, her back facing me. She scooted her butt back. I slowly wrapped my arms around her to bring her closer. I smelled her hair as we intertwined fingers with one hand. We stared in silence, out toward where we'd be heading. As the westerly wind picked up, the hiss turned into a hum. Eva took a 2nd bite. Her congested chest humming. Pressed against her back, I inhaled deeply. Eva moved the apple toward my face and asked, "Want some?"

Beautiful area. I was quite surprised how big everything seemed. Pictures don't do this place justice. It's definitely worth the trip. It was only a 1.5 hour trip from Austin with traffic. Beautiful scenery along the way. Wish I had more time to explore. The little picnic area is nice but the views aren't so great with the fence and all.

Stopped here to checkout the view. I found the fencing very interesting. Don't know why the things were there but I'm sure they were sentimental to the people that put them there. Not much for parking it's just to drive through rest area and it's for both directions. The parking is on the drive-thru area. But if you're just stopping for a quick walk around and to stretch your legs it's perfect and the view is amazing.