Name: Miles Hegg
Favorite place/Experience: You can't beat the live music, and a cold drink after a long day of hiking around. From Enchanted Rock, we landed in Luckenbach at the General Store to find ourselves engulfed by the Hill Country's own entourage. It was a collaboration of being surround by good friends watching the quiet eccentricities unravel--a time I will never cease to escape to.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to Eat: To be completely honest, I don't think I had a bad meal on the trip. Even the complementary breakfast was pretty darn good. I do believe that The Salt Lick fulfilled something that I had been searching for the whole trip, maybe even months prior... possibly my entire life.
Funniest Moment: There wasn't a dull moment on the trip. Our adventures in the vans seemed to gather the most laughs though.
Perception in a Phrase: "Welcome Home"
Advise to Future Travelers: Be in the place that you are with the people you are with.
Favorite place/Experience: You can't beat the live music, and a cold drink after a long day of hiking around. From Enchanted Rock, we landed in Luckenbach at the General Store to find ourselves engulfed by the Hill Country's own entourage. It was a collaboration of being surround by good friends watching the quiet eccentricities unravel--a time I will never cease to escape to.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to Eat: To be completely honest, I don't think I had a bad meal on the trip. Even the complementary breakfast was pretty darn good. I do believe that The Salt Lick fulfilled something that I had been searching for the whole trip, maybe even months prior... possibly my entire life.
Funniest Moment: There wasn't a dull moment on the trip. Our adventures in the vans seemed to gather the most laughs though.
Perception in a Phrase: "Welcome Home"
Advise to Future Travelers: Be in the place that you are with the people you are with.
Name: Andrew Baudhuin
Favorite place/Experience: Sewell Park was a great place to relax and throw the disk around. The evening at Andrew and Amanda's was also an awesome time.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: Rudy's, The Salt Lick, Ronnie's and the Houston Hilton's $20 breakfast buffet. I also had a couple good pork chops in Luckenbach.
Funniest Moment: Singing "Here's to brother Texas" with Jear Bear and watching him get denied entry at Nephew's.
Perception in a Phrase: I love Texas! Nuff said.
Advice to Future Travelers: Talk to those you are with, it really enriches the experience.
Favorite place/Experience: Sewell Park was a great place to relax and throw the disk around. The evening at Andrew and Amanda's was also an awesome time.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: Rudy's, The Salt Lick, Ronnie's and the Houston Hilton's $20 breakfast buffet. I also had a couple good pork chops in Luckenbach.
Funniest Moment: Singing "Here's to brother Texas" with Jear Bear and watching him get denied entry at Nephew's.
Perception in a Phrase: I love Texas! Nuff said.
Advice to Future Travelers: Talk to those you are with, it really enriches the experience.
Name: Jeremy Huhnstock
Favorite Place/Experience: Pedernales Falls
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: My favorite meal of the trip was by far,
The Salt Lick. I got 'The Rancher' which consisted of brisket, pork ribs,
sausage, and turkey. Soooooo Good!!! If you ever want to check it out: http://www.saltlickbbq.com
Funniest Moment: Was just the time spent with the whole group. There was
never a dull moment. If I had to pick one though it would have been when
we had to say nice things to Ryan.
Perception in a Phrase: A place you should visit and learn about because of all the
history and natural features in the area.
Advice to Future Travelers: Go in the Spring when the weather is getting
nice out and go late enough to see the wildflowers bloom. I know we missed
it by a few weeks, but the pictures are amazing!
Favorite Place/Experience: Pedernales Falls
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: My favorite meal of the trip was by far,
The Salt Lick. I got 'The Rancher' which consisted of brisket, pork ribs,
sausage, and turkey. Soooooo Good!!! If you ever want to check it out: http://www.saltlickbbq.com
Funniest Moment: Was just the time spent with the whole group. There was
never a dull moment. If I had to pick one though it would have been when
we had to say nice things to Ryan.
Perception in a Phrase: A place you should visit and learn about because of all the
history and natural features in the area.
Advice to Future Travelers: Go in the Spring when the weather is getting
nice out and go late enough to see the wildflowers bloom. I know we missed
it by a few weeks, but the pictures are amazing!
Name: Nick Topper
Favorite Place/Experience: Hands down, the best part of the trip was the trying all the different barbeque restaurants.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: Pork steak at Ronnie’s Ice House Barbeque
Funniest Moment: Wondering who the shirtless guy with a t-shirt tied on his head that was
walking toward us on top of Enchanted Rock was before realizing that it was Andrew
Perception in a phrase: “Original” *in a Texas State Capitol tour guide tone*
Advice to Future Travelers: Bring along Vitamin C supplements to delay the effects of developing scurvy during your stay in the Hill Country because you’ll be eating nothing but barbequed meats.
Favorite Place/Experience: Hands down, the best part of the trip was the trying all the different barbeque restaurants.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: Pork steak at Ronnie’s Ice House Barbeque
Funniest Moment: Wondering who the shirtless guy with a t-shirt tied on his head that was
walking toward us on top of Enchanted Rock was before realizing that it was Andrew
Perception in a phrase: “Original” *in a Texas State Capitol tour guide tone*
Advice to Future Travelers: Bring along Vitamin C supplements to delay the effects of developing scurvy during your stay in the Hill Country because you’ll be eating nothing but barbequed meats.
Name: Hannah Bristol
Favorite Place/Experience: Enchanted Rock—this was a great place to ground myself
and realize the beauty and power of nature.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: The Salt Lick—it had amazing barbecue ribs, turkey, and brisket—so good it was painful.
Funniest Moment: I laughed throughout the entire trip. If I had to pick one moment, though, I would choose the improvisational skits that we used to entertain ourselves on
one of many car rides.
Perception in a Phrase: The Hill Country is gritty, down-to-earth, and has a strong sense of place.
Advice to Future Travelers: Don’t get caught up in the major cities of the Hill Country—some of the most rewarding experiences can be found in the small, hole-in-the-wall, back-country places. Also, be sure to check out some of the natural sites—it is a beautiful place!
Favorite Place/Experience: Enchanted Rock—this was a great place to ground myself
and realize the beauty and power of nature.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: The Salt Lick—it had amazing barbecue ribs, turkey, and brisket—so good it was painful.
Funniest Moment: I laughed throughout the entire trip. If I had to pick one moment, though, I would choose the improvisational skits that we used to entertain ourselves on
one of many car rides.
Perception in a Phrase: The Hill Country is gritty, down-to-earth, and has a strong sense of place.
Advice to Future Travelers: Don’t get caught up in the major cities of the Hill Country—some of the most rewarding experiences can be found in the small, hole-in-the-wall, back-country places. Also, be sure to check out some of the natural sites—it is a beautiful place!
Name: Alex Handeland
Favorite Place/Experience: Cheatham St. Warehouse in San Marcos was a memorable experience. With greats like George Strait and Stevie Ray Vaughn playing there in the past, the history alone was worth the visit. I'll always remember hanging out, listening to some good ol' Texas music with friends, while a train speeds by shaking the venue.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: BEAVER NUGGETS! BEAVER NUGS BEAVER NUGS!!
Funniest Moment: The car trips between locations were all hilarious. Perception in a Phrase: Warm, Inviting, and Majestic.
Advice to Future Travelers: Bring some water. You might end up needing it more than you know...
Favorite Place/Experience: Cheatham St. Warehouse in San Marcos was a memorable experience. With greats like George Strait and Stevie Ray Vaughn playing there in the past, the history alone was worth the visit. I'll always remember hanging out, listening to some good ol' Texas music with friends, while a train speeds by shaking the venue.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: BEAVER NUGGETS! BEAVER NUGS BEAVER NUGS!!
Funniest Moment: The car trips between locations were all hilarious. Perception in a Phrase: Warm, Inviting, and Majestic.
Advice to Future Travelers: Bring some water. You might end up needing it more than you know...
Name: Aaron Schroeder
Favorite Place/Experience: Talking with Gene Robinson and learning about the UAVs he builds, programs, and flies on search and rescue missions. It was very informative and interesting hearing about what he is able to accomplish by using drones and how they can be utilized in multiple fields in the future.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: Eating Barbeque at The Salt Lick.
Funniest Moment: Watching some of my crazy classmates “swim” in the Hamilton pool and hear the unearthly sounds that came out of them when they dove into the icy water.
Perception in a Phrase: Big place, big problems, good food, good people.
Advice to Future Travelers: Try and meet as many of the locals as possible and definitely take in the natural wonders such as Enchanted rock and Hamilton pool. Eating as much barbeque as possible is also a must.
Favorite Place/Experience: Talking with Gene Robinson and learning about the UAVs he builds, programs, and flies on search and rescue missions. It was very informative and interesting hearing about what he is able to accomplish by using drones and how they can be utilized in multiple fields in the future.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: Eating Barbeque at The Salt Lick.
Funniest Moment: Watching some of my crazy classmates “swim” in the Hamilton pool and hear the unearthly sounds that came out of them when they dove into the icy water.
Perception in a Phrase: Big place, big problems, good food, good people.
Advice to Future Travelers: Try and meet as many of the locals as possible and definitely take in the natural wonders such as Enchanted rock and Hamilton pool. Eating as much barbeque as possible is also a must.
Name: Phil Glodowski
Favorite Place/Experience: Exploring Enchanted Rock.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: I really liked The Salt Lick. It was very impressive to see all the meat being cooked on the pit in the middle of the restaurant. My favorite food was the smoked sausage, it was delicious!
Funniest Moment: Chatting with a shuttle driver named Marvin after a late night shuttle ride in Houston.
Perception in a Phrase: "Welcome Home" - Everyone was very kind and inviting.
Advice to Future Travelers: Investigate and explore everything you can, there’s a lot of great stuff out there that can be easy to miss!
Favorite Place/Experience: Exploring Enchanted Rock.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: I really liked The Salt Lick. It was very impressive to see all the meat being cooked on the pit in the middle of the restaurant. My favorite food was the smoked sausage, it was delicious!
Funniest Moment: Chatting with a shuttle driver named Marvin after a late night shuttle ride in Houston.
Perception in a Phrase: "Welcome Home" - Everyone was very kind and inviting.
Advice to Future Travelers: Investigate and explore everything you can, there’s a lot of great stuff out there that can be easy to miss!
Name: Amelia Fitzpatrick
Favorite Place/Experience: Visiting Amanda and Andrew’s house! I enjoyed seeing all the different sustainable technologies they had in their house, their hospitality and food. It was lovely for me to feel so welcomed into an American home.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: Central Market (at the posh grocery store) or Garcia’s. Both these places restored my faith in American food, as everything at Central Market was fresh and the food at Garcia’s was spicy! Simply delicious!
Funniest Moment: The others trying to impersonate my British accent, and half of them failing miserably (often turned into an Australian accent).
Perception in a Phrase: Think America is big, everything in Texas is bigger!!!
Advice to Future Travelers: Central Texas has lots of lovely little places to hangout such as Luckenbach and The Friendly Spot, try and visit one. Try and visit a music venue playing traditional Texan music e.g. Cheatham St. Warehouse. Embrace everything Texan for the time you’re there!
Favorite Place/Experience: Visiting Amanda and Andrew’s house! I enjoyed seeing all the different sustainable technologies they had in their house, their hospitality and food. It was lovely for me to feel so welcomed into an American home.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: Central Market (at the posh grocery store) or Garcia’s. Both these places restored my faith in American food, as everything at Central Market was fresh and the food at Garcia’s was spicy! Simply delicious!
Funniest Moment: The others trying to impersonate my British accent, and half of them failing miserably (often turned into an Australian accent).
Perception in a Phrase: Think America is big, everything in Texas is bigger!!!
Advice to Future Travelers: Central Texas has lots of lovely little places to hangout such as Luckenbach and The Friendly Spot, try and visit one. Try and visit a music venue playing traditional Texan music e.g. Cheatham St. Warehouse. Embrace everything Texan for the time you’re there!
Name: Corrin Turkowitch
Favorite Place/Experience: Enchanted Rock! What truly set up the experience was the thought provoking discussion on the car ride to the granite peak. While climbing up the massive entity, it all clicked! Up on top I was able to envision the ancestors who walked the same path before me, seeking mystical experiences through vision quests. At that moment I was in a state of bliss, meditating barefoot upon a rock rightfully called 'Enchanted' and I intentionally took that peace with me through the entire trip.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: The sides at Ronnie'st...not the meat, but the coelslaw, the beans and of course the homemade banana pudding.
Funniest Moment: Our improv comedy skits while riding around Austin. Haven't laughed that hard in quite some time...
Perception in a Phrase: Contested. There are various 'geographies' that exist in the Hill Country, and each hold their own visions of what the people and places of the Hill Country should look and act like. It is a great reminder that all realities are indeed subjective.
Advice to Future Travelers: Use more than just your eyes when traveling! Too often we depend on what we see, but there is so much more to experience through not only smelling, tasting and touching but through feeling - emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.
Favorite Place/Experience: Enchanted Rock! What truly set up the experience was the thought provoking discussion on the car ride to the granite peak. While climbing up the massive entity, it all clicked! Up on top I was able to envision the ancestors who walked the same path before me, seeking mystical experiences through vision quests. At that moment I was in a state of bliss, meditating barefoot upon a rock rightfully called 'Enchanted' and I intentionally took that peace with me through the entire trip.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: The sides at Ronnie'st...not the meat, but the coelslaw, the beans and of course the homemade banana pudding.
Funniest Moment: Our improv comedy skits while riding around Austin. Haven't laughed that hard in quite some time...
Perception in a Phrase: Contested. There are various 'geographies' that exist in the Hill Country, and each hold their own visions of what the people and places of the Hill Country should look and act like. It is a great reminder that all realities are indeed subjective.
Advice to Future Travelers: Use more than just your eyes when traveling! Too often we depend on what we see, but there is so much more to experience through not only smelling, tasting and touching but through feeling - emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.
Name: Deanna Kainz
Favorite Place/Experience: Swimming at Sewell Park. It was nice to cool down and relax after stuffing ourselves with BBQ at Salt Lick.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: Amanda's Fajitas were amazingly delicious and it was nice to have a meal that didn't result in us getting the meat sweats.
Funniest Moment: Hearing Amelia's American accents; they all have that British flare.
Perception in a Phrase: Happy, friendly and proud. It was nice seeing so many people that were proud of what they do, who they are, and where they come from.
Advice to Future Travelers: Save room for dessert! I regret not being able to try the banana pudding!
Favorite Place/Experience: Swimming at Sewell Park. It was nice to cool down and relax after stuffing ourselves with BBQ at Salt Lick.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: Amanda's Fajitas were amazingly delicious and it was nice to have a meal that didn't result in us getting the meat sweats.
Funniest Moment: Hearing Amelia's American accents; they all have that British flare.
Perception in a Phrase: Happy, friendly and proud. It was nice seeing so many people that were proud of what they do, who they are, and where they come from.
Advice to Future Travelers: Save room for dessert! I regret not being able to try the banana pudding!
Name: Lauren Weiler
Favorite Place/Experience: Incredibly hard to choose, each day seemed unbeatable but the next day always proved me wrong! The experiences that will stick with me the most would probably be the tour and dinner at Amanda and Andrew's house, their hospitality and beautiful home were inspirational. And the day we swam in Barton Springs in Sewell Park, it was SO refreshing flowing down and swimming in crystal blue water on a sunny day, a nice break from the brutal Wisconsin winter... Now I want to write about five more things but I should stop!
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: Craft Pride and the Detroit Style Food Truck, the atmosphere here was incomparable!
Funniest Moment: The five of us girls had to share a room, and the first night there Hannah and I woke up in the middle of the night with me holding her arm straight in the air with both of my hands, no idea why. One of those "had to be there" moments but we laughed for about 10 minutes before falling back asleep!
Perception in a phrase: Kind people, beautiful landscape, and amazing food!
Advice to future travelers: This trip has taught me to experience and appreciate even the littlest of things while traveling. Dive into every place you go and don't just be a tourist, aim to explore and thrive off the people you're with and the people you meet. It will be so much more rewarding.
Favorite Place/Experience: Incredibly hard to choose, each day seemed unbeatable but the next day always proved me wrong! The experiences that will stick with me the most would probably be the tour and dinner at Amanda and Andrew's house, their hospitality and beautiful home were inspirational. And the day we swam in Barton Springs in Sewell Park, it was SO refreshing flowing down and swimming in crystal blue water on a sunny day, a nice break from the brutal Wisconsin winter... Now I want to write about five more things but I should stop!
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: Craft Pride and the Detroit Style Food Truck, the atmosphere here was incomparable!
Funniest Moment: The five of us girls had to share a room, and the first night there Hannah and I woke up in the middle of the night with me holding her arm straight in the air with both of my hands, no idea why. One of those "had to be there" moments but we laughed for about 10 minutes before falling back asleep!
Perception in a phrase: Kind people, beautiful landscape, and amazing food!
Advice to future travelers: This trip has taught me to experience and appreciate even the littlest of things while traveling. Dive into every place you go and don't just be a tourist, aim to explore and thrive off the people you're with and the people you meet. It will be so much more rewarding.
Name: Ryan Weichelt
Favorite Place/Experience: Our first true day in Texas, meaning Sunday, meeting with Gene and later at Pedernales Falls State Park. Gene provided the students with an amazing first experience in Texas. As the professor, it was wonderful seeing the students so engaged and asking thoughtful questions based on their spatial and geospatial backgrounds. The continued fieldwork in the park showed the students were not just having fun, but also taking advantage of this course and learning. Simply put, it set the tone for a great week!
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: Salt Lick, hands down, but Ronnies banana pudding was some of the best I ever had.
Funniest Moment: Role playing in the car with students. Wow, that was funny!
Perception in a phrase: Conflicted. As a professor that teaches students about consumerism, the never ending sprawl and conspicuous consumption left me very conflicted about the future of the area. The clear lack of water clouded our entire trip, but my general perception is that most Texans had little concern. Clearly these patterns cannot continue without major changes in consumption patterns and education.
Advice to future travelers: Take advantage of these trips. These are experiences tourists rarely take advantage of. Plus at the end of the day take time, soak in the atmosphere, and don't forget your diet coke.
Favorite Place/Experience: Our first true day in Texas, meaning Sunday, meeting with Gene and later at Pedernales Falls State Park. Gene provided the students with an amazing first experience in Texas. As the professor, it was wonderful seeing the students so engaged and asking thoughtful questions based on their spatial and geospatial backgrounds. The continued fieldwork in the park showed the students were not just having fun, but also taking advantage of this course and learning. Simply put, it set the tone for a great week!
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: Salt Lick, hands down, but Ronnies banana pudding was some of the best I ever had.
Funniest Moment: Role playing in the car with students. Wow, that was funny!
Perception in a phrase: Conflicted. As a professor that teaches students about consumerism, the never ending sprawl and conspicuous consumption left me very conflicted about the future of the area. The clear lack of water clouded our entire trip, but my general perception is that most Texans had little concern. Clearly these patterns cannot continue without major changes in consumption patterns and education.
Advice to future travelers: Take advantage of these trips. These are experiences tourists rarely take advantage of. Plus at the end of the day take time, soak in the atmosphere, and don't forget your diet coke.
Name: Ezra Zeitler
Favorite Place/Experience: Luckenbach in the late afternoon.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: Food: the meat I'm enjoying in the adjacent photo was the best BBQ I've ever had (surpassed the Rendezvous in Memphis). Places to eat: Craft Pride's backyard and The Friendly Spot.
Funniest Moment: Nick's reaction to the toy coral snake.
Perception in a phrase: Comeuppance. Climate change in this century will force dramatic changes in the way people live in Austin-San Marcos-San Antonio corridor. As the era of cheap gas and pick-up trucks as status symbols comes to a close, Texans will come to the realization that the oil and gas-friendly politicians they elected in the 20th century leveraged the future of the planet for corporate profit and comfortable nest eggs. Everything, including the greed, is bigger in Texas.
Advice to future travelers: Travel is more enjoyable with other geographers.
Favorite Place/Experience: Luckenbach in the late afternoon.
Favorite Food/Meal/Place to eat: Food: the meat I'm enjoying in the adjacent photo was the best BBQ I've ever had (surpassed the Rendezvous in Memphis). Places to eat: Craft Pride's backyard and The Friendly Spot.
Funniest Moment: Nick's reaction to the toy coral snake.
Perception in a phrase: Comeuppance. Climate change in this century will force dramatic changes in the way people live in Austin-San Marcos-San Antonio corridor. As the era of cheap gas and pick-up trucks as status symbols comes to a close, Texans will come to the realization that the oil and gas-friendly politicians they elected in the 20th century leveraged the future of the planet for corporate profit and comfortable nest eggs. Everything, including the greed, is bigger in Texas.
Advice to future travelers: Travel is more enjoyable with other geographers.