New Braunfels

The shortest drive between cities was from Austin to New Braunfels, only about 30 miles.  We spent the morning tubing down the Comal River.  The Comal is a much calmer river than we are used to.  That day the water was crystal clear and the kids spent more time snorkeling from their tubes rather than riding any rapids. We enjoyed the leisurely 2 hour ride but would have preferred more action. Maybe next time we will try the Guadalupe River instead.



After tubing we headed to historic Gruene for lunch. 



We ate at the Gristmill River Restaurant which used to be a cotton gin.



It is situated on a bluff that overlooks the Guadalupe River so you get a view of the river and other tubers. It felt like we were eating in our very own treehouse.  It was one of my favorite meals of the entire trip.



While in the New Braunfels the kids were starting to feel a little homesick.  We had been gone for almost two weeks and had covered a lot of miles.  Little did we know that our last stop, San Antonio, would spark their interest to the point where they weren't ready to go home just yet.

Next post: Remembering the Alamo