Texans! Best way to Thunder Ranch?

[ThreadKiller]

I'm headed to TR in a few weeks and am driving down. Let's start southbound on I-35 out of OKC. I've thought about just staying on I-35 down through Dallas and then cutting over back west at about Temple. I've also given thought to just takin' I-40 out of OKC and headin' south through Texas and seeing the sights a little. (I know there has to be some out there somewhere!)

The I-35 route would undoubtedly be quicker, but the "backroads" would be more scenic and I have the time to spare, though I'm not sure how muich more time this route would cost me.

Thanks!

Tim

 

[El Tejon]

Hey, Tim, have a great time at TR.

IME, I chose to stay off the backroads especially at night. Deer like to hold meetings out in the middle of state roads then. As well, speed limits are not mere suggestions on the "backroads".

IMO, stick to the Is and be quicker and safer.

 

[DDGator]

How do you get to Thunder Ranch?


Practice... practice... practice...



Sorry --- old joke -- couldn't resist.

 

[ThreadKiller]

Yeah, the wildlife issue did cross my mind. It's amazing how much damage even a little 90 lb whitetail can do to a vehicle nowadays.

I guess I'll stick to the interstate system and fight boredom. I hope my timing is good going through OKC and the Big "D". Herding the truck and the camper through bumper-to-bumper rush hour traffic ain't my idea of fun.

Thanks El T!

Tim

 

[TXatty]

If you want a little "Hill Country" flavor, take I35 to Austin, then cut west on 290 to Fredricksburg. From Fredricksburg, take 18 south to Kerrville. From there, you can take I10 out to 41 (the road TR is on). Good advice above on watching out for critters (small and large) during the nighttime hours. Have fun!

 

[R-Tex12]

Hi, ThreadKiller -

I live in East Texas and usually pick up a friend in Fort Worth on my way to TR. The route I like best is to pick up 377 from the west side of Fort Worth, go south to Commanche (Custer's horse's name, btw!) and then turn onto 16, which will take you all the way to Kerrville.

You could also cut over to Goldthwaite (not Goldwaithe) on 84 from Waco and then pick up Highway 16.

You'll pass through numerous small towns which will have some pretty good local diners as opposed to the franchise joints you'll encounter on the Interstate.

Yes, they are "back roads". At night, as has been suggested, I'd prefer the Interstate. Every time I've used them, I have found them to be lightly travelled and scenic. (Baby Head Cemetery springs to mind ) I'll drive MILES out of my way in order to avoid the portion of I-35 between Waco and San Antonio.

You're going to have a ball! Be sure to tell Clint & Heidi that El T said you shouldn't try anything new - just stick with what you've always done and are comfortable with. (That's not really true; El T would NEVER end a sentence with a preposition! )

HTH,

R-Tex

 

[Smoke]

Take I-35 South, be sure to take I-35W at the split.
Pickup 67 just south of Fort Worth and run it all the way to 281 at Hico.
Follow 281 to Johnson City then head west to Kerrville there you can pickup 41 which will take you to the ranch.

281 is a very good road, scenic ,4 lane in many places. One of the prettier drives in TX. And off that danged interstate. I'll risk the deer over the idiots on I-35 anyday.

Have fun

Smoke

 

[cxm]

At Denton (just N. of Dallas-Ft. Worth) take I35W... traffic is generally much lighter through Ft. Worth than Dallas.

Go South to Hillsboro where I34 E and W merge back into one.... I35 gets BUSY there... and lots of construction all the way to Austin.

I'd recommend the advice about 377/281.... much more fun to drive, better scenery, nicer people (still pull onto the verges to let you pass) and lots of good eaterys. LOTS of good German food in Fredriksburg.

FWIW

Chuck

 

[saltydog452]

Thunder Ranch..?

Last I heard, Clint moved Thunder Ranch to Oregon..Maybe he left some instructors in Texas, but he and Heide moved to Oregon..I dunno..

salty.

 

[El Tejon]

Not until '05, salty. The move is is progress, but classes are still being held in Texas.

Going to miss Tejas, but on to Oreygun!