The dude ranch/cowboy capital of the world

We got up early and went into Bandera to look around. We were too early and not much was open. We drove around town and parked. We found a couple of stores just opening and found some things I thought we would eventually buy. We wanted to go to the library to use a San Antonio telephone book. We found the telephone number for Bible Study Fellowship, and I called them. The volunteer coordinator said we could volunteer for the next three days but could not stay on the grounds in our motor home. We decided to stay at a Wal-Mart near US 281, which is not far from headquarters. As the stores opened, we started shopping, finding little that we wanted. The stores had some interesting things but nothing we wanted. We went to a back street and found a beer garden, mostly outdoors. The floor was concrete but had been dirt until 3 months ago. We have a picture of us in front of the stage where bands some times play. By then we were getting hungry, and went to the Ole Spanish Trail restaurant, featuring a Mexican food buffet for $6.50. The restaurant has a bar (but serves no alcohol) that has several saddles used as bar stools. We have pictures of us sitting on them. We enjoyed it very much. We had left the motor home at the RV park, so we had to go back to get it. While I unhooked the water, etc., Evelyn laid down to rest and fell asleep. I wanted to give her more time and went to the park hall to read the newspaper. I also watched a but of TV and learned that a propane storage facility had exploded. The site was on the highway we planned to use in traveling to SA. I found a different route. I drove the motor home, and Evelyn drove the Jeep. We parked in the public parking lot and got into the Jeep. Bandera is known as the dude ranch capital of the world. Therefore, I wanted to see some. We went to one called Mayan Ranch that was very rustic, set in the rocks of the Hill Country. The price is $125 per person per night but everything is included in the price: three meals, two horseback rides, and complimentary beer and wine. Evelyn was impressed with the surroundings. We returned to Bandera and I got a map of the dude ranches in the area. We then went to visit four that were very close to each other. We found another one that appealed to Evelyn, and we might come back during the winter and stay at one. We can do that during the week for three days and make it back for Sunday services. We came back, hooked up the car and prepared to leave. I noticed that one of the wires had again separated from the plug connecting the tow lights to the motor home. After making the repair, we left for San Antonio and arrived without incident. We were able to find a Wal-Mart near the headquarters. We set up and got a battery for the small alarm clock we use to get up. We hope it works tomorrow morning.