Day 245. April 8, 2014. Exploring San Angelo

LOCATION:  last full day at San Angelo State Park, in west central Texas

WEATHER:  very nice.  Highs in 70s

We took another hike along the trails in the park, and then went into town.  It is a very nice little city.  They have  a Riverwalk with museums and walking paths.  We visited an international water lily collection.  

Texas has seasons, too, and it seems like spring now with flowers and trees blooming.  These were very pretty.

We had lunch (chicken tacos) in a nice pub.  Then we walked around downtown.  We went through this old hotel which was Hilton's fourth in the world.  

It is called the Cactus Hotel now. Someone told us about this boot shop.  It is very famous.  Supposedly the Bush family get their boots here.  

They do everything by hand.  Customers get measured and select the type of leather (cow, alligator, ostrich, crocodile) and design.

There is a 15-month waiting list right now.  We asked the price.  We learned that prices start at about $995 for the least expensive leather, and go up.  The most expensive was a pair of alligator boots with elaborate stitching for Richard Petty at $15,000. 

We also visited a jewelry store where they have pearls  from oysters in the river that flows through town.  The jewelry store is in a famous former bordello building.  

We came back to the campground to relax and for dinner.

DINNER:  leftovers.....smoked brisket to which I added BBQ sauce and onions and peppers.  My brother sent me a recipe to use the leftover beans from last night.  Also used the leftover broccoli.