Castle Avalon Tour - August 20, 2000
New Braunfels, Texas, USA - What a great tour "Lady Ruth" put on for us to the Castle Avalon. It might be a great location for some future party. We were even granted a Proclamation.
Twenty two members met at Adams Extract to start the day. Two guests joined us at the castle. There’s one thing you need to know about Ruth. If she’s going to lead the tour, you’d better be ready to go. She starts the car, drops it into gear, and mashes the gas in one fluid motion. As luck would have it, that little cool snap chilled the air right down to around 98 degrees for the tour by the afternoon.
The castle was a fantastic piece of architecture in the model of medieval times but done with modern building technology. The owners live there. They run a small bed and breakfast operation. Plus they cater and host events ranging from small dinner parties to formal receptions. They have sleeping rooms, libraries, dining room, and banquet hall.
It’s quite a show place. After a gourmet lunch, we drove to New Braunfels to visit the M. I. Hummel museum. We all learned some pleasant history that emerged from the
Nazi war years. We saw Hummel figurines that could easily be valued in the millions. That place might be worth a revisit also. As we got ready to leave the Hummel museum, Ruth asked if I would lead us back to Austin. I looked at Charles Shierlow, who was riding with us, and said, "You navigate." After we got about five miles out of our way, driving down River Road toward Canyon Lake, Charles was heard to mutter something like, "I know where I’m at now, I’ve been lost here before." That’s a very scenic drive and everyone enjoyed it. I told Charles that I wouldn’t reveal his secret. Shhh.
When we got back to Adams Extract we got yet another treat. John Adams emerged from the building and came out to greet us. We chatted for a little while and learned a little about big business. Those of you who didn’t go missed another great tour day.
Ruthie Burks having fun, again. Not everybody tries to steal a candle holder by wearing it out as a crown!
Ye, of the Band of Road Relics, from the land of Austin, let it be known that you have taken part in the trek of chariots of various sizes and shapes on a pilgrimage in search of the Castle Avalon, guide only by the rays of the sun and Lady Ruth.
To the valiant travelers, the Castle Avalon seemed beyond their imagination and was known only to be halfway between the land of Austin and the land of San Antonio, as the black crow flies. After many, many minutes of searching, yon Castle Avalon appeared before their very eyes. The weary travelers departed their chariots to partake of the royal and sumptuous feast.
Perchance, there were ye of little faith doubting the presence of a true castle in the virgin forest, let it be known that having viewed the Castle Avalon, all have passionately proclaimed and acknowledged the presence of said castle, guarded by the Knights in Shining Armor.
This proclamation is bestowed to the Lords and Ladies of the Band of Road Relics completing the pilgrimage to the Castle Avalon on this the twentieth day of August in the year of our Lord 2000.