Frio In Focus

Summer 2022

F r i o I n Fo c u s

www.frioinfocus.com

Frio River Crossings Notes Concan In Totality’s Path Solar Eclipe 2024

tS

ncan Conce o r C

Summer 2022

Spring Break

2022

Adventures of a Shuttle Driver

Hooked on Corn Hole

c en e

In Focus: Sabinal

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

Total Solar Eclipse Photo Courtesy Rick Fienberg / TravelQuest International; additional processing by Sean Walker, Sky & Telescope.

6-7 Spring Break 2022

4 2024 Path of Totality

12-13 Keeping the Peace

Total Solar Eclipse over Concan and the Hill Country

6 River Shuttle Driver Adventures 17 Ball Moss Blues LeAnn Garrison-Sharp 34 The Healing Power of Summer Dana Furguson

9 Day Hiking Trips

In Focus Interview with UC Sheriff’s Officer Brandon McCutchen

27 Watch out for the Falls 8 Frio River Crossing Notes

20 Frio Upriver

Stacey Morrison

32 Fragrances of the Frio

27 Cart Barn Golfer

8 Frio River Crossings

Michael Robinson

Interview with Brandon McCutchen

25 Summer Stargazing at Nearby State Parks 27 Nine Banded Armadillo

Emily Beard

Cover Photo: Randy Rogers Band Performs at House Pasture Cattle Company Spring Break

to Concan and the Frio River

12-13 Keeping the Peace

24 The Joy of the Find

Alisa Hope Wagner

14-16 Sabinal Gateway

10-11 Hooked on Corn Hole Ernesto Vasquez

by Arnold Gomez

27 A Rock of Stength

Summer 2022

LeAnn Garrison-Sharp

18-19 Artist Lee Winright In Focus Interview

30-31 Maps

Summer 2022

Page 3

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

2024 Totality Path The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse over the Hill Country

On, Monday, April 8th, 2024,

Concan, Texas will be dead-center in shadow’s path of a Total Solar Eclipse and due to being one of the first locations in the United States to see this epic phenomenon, the crowds coming to the area are likely to be massive.

Even years before this upcoming event, vacation rental companies and resort owners were and are already getting calls and messages asking to make reservations.

According to Main Street Manager Meghan Cole of the City of Carbondale, Illinois. an eclipse path town for Typical April (2000-2020) cloud cover measured from the Aqua spacecraft at approximately 1:30 p.m. local time from 2000 to 2020. The path of totality on April 8, 2024, is shown with red lines marking the northern the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse, eclipse and southern limits and a blue line up the center. Note the large number of major cities within the path or only a short drive away. Based on this map, Mexico and southern Texas offer the best prospects for a clear chasers started arriving to the town several days before the event. On the view of totality. Data: NASA. Eclipse track: Fred Espenak. Courtesy Jay Anderson, Eclipsophile.com. from https://eclipse.aas.org/eclipse-america-2024 Used with permission. morning of the eclipse, highways and roadways experienced heavy traffic venir like eclipse T-Shirts, eclipse hats, cups, eclipse glasses as people were trying to head toward the totality path. as well as food, drinks and other items. “T-shirt sales were so In town and around Carbondale, vehicles were parked all strong that a vendor even sold a customer a shirt from right along the sides of the roadways as people stood outside off his back.” Cole said. their cars waiting for a glimpse of the spectacular glintCole spoke as a guest speaker to the Rotary Club of Uvalde ing-diamond moment when the moon perfectly covers the in 2021 about her town’s experience as an eclipse town back disk of the Sun. in 2017 As eclipse chasers started arriving, the town had a central A few days before the event, the City of Carbondale, civic market area set up where vendors set up tents selling souclubs and other organizations organized concerts and events

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See Eclipse: Continued on Page 24

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Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

Pictures from Spring Break 2022

by Michael Robinson

Spring Break Weekend, occurring on the third weekend in March is when one is likely to see tubes and kayaks return to the Frio River although not as many as the summer season.

Just about a week before Spring Break week, temperatures around Concan and in Mountain Valley were hovering near freezing.

What a difference a week makes!

Frio Valley Ranch Golf course had busy days on Friday and Saturday of Spring Break Weekend. The golf course and House Pasture offered a special Spring Break weekend package that included golf and concert tickets to the Reagan Park and friends pose just outside of Frio Valley Ranch Golf music shows on Thursday, Friday and Course. The guys had just finished a round of golf that Friday.

Saturday nights.

The Randy Rogers Band comes on the House Pasture stage following the opening artist, William Beckmann at the Spring Break weekend Saturday Night show playing to a crowd of hundreds of concert goers.

Couples in the crowd could be seen dancing to the live music.

Picture by: Michael Robinson

Frio In Focus Magazine

Three ladies pose for a photo Saturday night at House Pasture Cattle Company’s show featuring the Randy Rogers Band. Photo by Michael Robinson

Summer 2022

Night Out: Samantha Reyes pauses for a photo with her date at the Randy Rogers Band Concert Saturday Night at House Pasture Cattle Company.

(left) Del Rio Native William Beckmann opens for the Randy Rogers Band at Saturday night’s concert.

When asked on Instagram if he had any comments he’d like to share, he said, “It’s always a pleasure to come back to Concan, TX. I’m glad I was able to share the stage once again with the Randy Rogers Band. I hope to continue the tradition.”

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

Frio River Crossing Notes • • • • • •

First Frio River Crossing

Also called: Neal’s Crossing Located on CR 127 in Concan Parking: Paid Parking and Access at Concan Swimming Hole only River Shuttle Pick-up for Tubers floating from the Second Crossing No floating beyond this crossing as there are no public exits from the river beyond this location Primarily used as a pick-up point for tubers. No parking signs have recently been added east of the

Concan Swimming Hole fills up fast so get there early.

A great place to swim, relax in the water and dive off big boulders

crossing.

• • • •

• • • • •

Third Frio River Crossing

Also called 7 Bluff Crossing Located on River Road between House Pasture and Seven Bluff Cabins Parking: paid parking at the Gravel Bar and Casa Rio. No roadside parking closeby Start of Float to Second Crossing

Second Frio River Crossing

Also called Frio Country or Kenneth Arthur Crossing Located on River Road Parking: Parking along the side of the road past the Frio Country entrance. No parking along side the road on the Concan side of the bridge River Shuttle Drop off to float to First Crossing; River Shuttle Pick-up and Exit from Third Crossing float trips.

No Stopping or Parking on any Bridges!

Third Frio River Crossing • • •

Page 8 Summer 2022

(continued)

Shuttle Drop off location for float trips to Second Crossing Lots of people and traffic at this location during the summer season Drive very cautiously through this crossing.

See Crossing Notes: Continued on Page 21

Frio In Focus Magazine

Day Hiking Trips

by Arnoldo Gomez

E

xploring nature is a great way to unwind and release your anxieties of the work week, and nothing is better than a good day hike. You can do this with family and friends or by yourself. There are many places to do this close to home such as state or national parks. Nature has a great cast to go and mingle in, such as forest, brush, canyons, creeks, springs, songbirds, mammals, reptiles and insects, and let’s not forget the ever-changing weather. That said here are some basics you will need to ensure a safe and Arnoldo Gomez enjoyable day hike.

First let’s think about what the weather forecast is and then what type of terrain and distance you will be hiking. The longer, more remote hike and extreme weather, all requires more clothing, gear, food and water.

Here is a suggested list:

Comfortable backpack Hiking boots or shoes Weather appropriate clothing (example:moisture-wicking and or base layers) Hat or Cap Food and Water (Plenty) First Aid Kit Knife or multi-tool Whistle Navigation – Map and compass or Phone App (example: AllTrails) Choose a Hike. Make reservations ahead of time and let someone know where you’re going and when you will be back.

Find a hiking partner, if you choose Fido make sure your pet can and will enjoy the hike. I’ve seen many hikers with older and or smaller pets that just didn’t fit the terrain.

GET OUT AND HIKE!

Picture taken on the Blinn Trail at Garner State Park

Summer 2022 Page 9

Summer 2022

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2021

Getting Hooked on Corn Hole

During the summer, you will find families and friend’s playing Corn Hole all over Concan and the Texs Hill Country River Region. You can find corn hole boards with families and friends playing corn hole at vacation homes, resorts, at bars, clubs and basically anywhere.

The popularity of Corn Hole extends way beyond the Frio River area, the Uvalde County area and even the Texas Hill Country.

Ernesto Vasquez playing All over Texas there are Cornhole{Picture submitted Corn Hole teams and and by Ernesto Vasquez leagues that play competitively for trophies and cash

Setting up for the toss. Cornhole can be played by individuals or teams.

(Picture submitted by Ernesto Vasquez)

Uvalde County Cornhole Tournament Schedule June 11th, 2022 July 4th, 2022 September 3rd 2022 December 10th 2022

“Hooked. It is in fact very addictive because when you start playing you don’t want to stop. The sport is not hard to learn very easy you just need to keep practicing to get your bags right down the middle.”

- Ernesto Vasquez prizes and also charity tournaments are held.

Frio in Focus reached out to a Ernesto Vasquez an avid Corn Hole player who resides in the Uvalde area and is a member of a group called Uvalde County Cornhole

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Frio In Focus Magazine

Getting Hooked on Corn Hole

“I personally have been playing since 2014 so about 8 years I love every bit of it. I got introduced to it at a company event and was instantly.”

“To play cornhole, set up the cornhole boards 27 feet apart facing each other. One or two players per cornhole board will take turns tossing a bean bag in an attempt to score points. Teams earn points by landing a bean bag on the cornhole board or by landing a bean bag in the circle cut-out of the board. On the board is 1 point per bag and in the hole is 3 points per bag. First team to get to 21 wins Players can request custom boards to be made by different board makers our main board maker is a company named Wreck-It Boards they are based in the Houston

Summer 2022

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Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

Keeping the Peace in Concan

In Focus Interview with UC Sheriff’s Officer Brandon McCutchen What are some frequent issues you and your department have to deal with in the Concan area during the summer season?

“The Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office responds to a variety of calls during the ‘tourist season’ of Concan. These calls range from parking in a no parking zone, loud music, lost tubers to verbal and physical disturbances on a normal call basis.”

2. What is your role with the UC Sheriff's Department and how long have you been working up in the Concan area?

“I serve as the Chief Deputy for Sheriff Ruben Nolasco. As the Chief Deputy I am responsible for all operations of the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office. In 2010 when I came to work for Uvalde County I was assigned the Concan, Utopia and Sabinal, as my patrol area. Even still today, on most holidays, spring break and summer weekends you will find me working in the Concan area. I normally try to help direct traffic at many of our crossings which become congested and stop traffic while people try to load their belongings and tubes on the middle of our bridges. “ 3. For those coming up to the Frio River and Concan this summer, what are some general tips you would give to keep people safe and have an enjoyable time?

“Generally, if you wouldn’t do it at home, don’t do it here. At home for those who live in populated areas, you lock up your valuables while you are not around. The same applies when coming to Concan, lock up your belongings such as radios and ice chest every night, or when you’re not around to watch your belongings. Thieves have always and will continue to prey on the naïve.

Also it’s important to remember, Concan is a town and not a large resort such as Disney World. You are driving on County Roads and State Highways. Wear your seatbelts, don’t drink alcoholic beverages and drive, DO NOT stop on the bridges to load up your tubes and belongings. County Road 348 (River Road) and County Road 350 are wide enough for two cars to drive by. When you stop on the bridge to load up your belongings you stop the flow of traffic. More than just annoying everyone behind you, you also block the way for emergency vehicles to respond to active calls. While everyone says it only takes a minute, it’s one more minute to respond to a life and death emergency when seconds count.

It's also important to know what resort you are staying at and your cabin name. Many times people call 911 and tell us they are staying in a green cabin, and as you know there may be 100 green cabins. Take a moment to write a note in your phone of the resort name and a cabin number or name.

Page 12

Summer 2022

I would suggest not allowing your young children to tube alone without adult supervision. This happens every year, and we are called about lost tubers (adults and children sometimes). Every camp owner and outfitter is more than willing to give you an estimated float time from one crossing to the next.

On the topic of tubing the Frio River, every year we are asked by several visitors how long does it take to make the circle while floating? We kindly explain it is a river and not an attraction made to float in a circle. Our visitors have to ensure they get out at the crossings otherwise you will float past the last crossing and end up on someone’s private property. Which signifies the importance of not letting our children float the river alone. “ 4. Can you talk a bit about the law about riding in the back of trucks and hauling tubes? What are the dangers there?

Texas Transportation Code Section 545.414 states a person commits an offense if the person operates an open-bed pickup truck or an open flatbed truck or draws an open flatbed trailer when a child younger than 18 years of age is occupying the bed of the truck or trailer.

“We see this every year where people will load the cab of the pickup truck with adults and allow the children to ride in the open bed. Many times on the traffic stop the violator will state they thought Concan was a resort and didn’t know they were on a County Road. Accidents happen every day and even at 30 mph a wreck has the possibility to severely injure or even kill a child or an adult in the open bed of a pickup. Riding in the open bed is dangerous and I would always suggest, even if you have to make two or three trips to get all of your party to the river, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

We have all seen a pickup truck full of tubes and one person laying on top of the tubes holding them down. It’s a horrible idea and extremely dangerous for the person holding the tubes.

No matter how strong you think you are, you still have the chance of falling out of the back of the truck and being seriously injured or killed.

In both scenarios the driver of the vehicle could be criminally responsible for more than a traffic citation if someone was injured or killed in the process.”

5. What advice would you give river goers on property lines and avoiding trespassing issues?

Some people come thinking Concan is like a big state park.

How is it different?

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

Keeping the Peace : UC Sheriff’s Officer Brandon McCutchen “First, this is always a topic of debate regarding where the gradient boundary is, when a gradient boundary survey has not been completed. “

“I will say it is always the best practice, if a land owner asks you to leave their property is to just leave. It’s one of those scenarios if you are wrong you are subject to be arrested and prosecuted for criminal trespass. “ - UCO Sheriff’s Officer Brandon McCutchen “Sometimes our visitors have the misconception the land is public land and they can go exploring as if it were a state park.

With the exception of Garner State Park, Concan is owned by numerous land owners. Every year, we receive calls for people possibly trespassing and there are times we determine they are trespassing. Many of the land owners understand people’s misconceptions about what is public versus what is private and work with our visitors to help them understand they may be trespassing. Unfortunately every year there is always someone who is determined they are right and refuse to leave only to find out they were trespassing and have violated the law. “ 6. Parking is an issue for many and there are a lot of no parking areas close to the river crossings. Any advice regarding parking and accessing the river?

“Our County Roads in the Concan area are meant to be County Roads and do not include the parking of thousands of cars everywhere. Many of the land owners around the Concan area open their land up to allow parking and access to the river through their land. In my opinion, it is always safer to park in the parking lots from the standpoint of parking and unloading on the side of the road puts yourself and family in danger. “

9. What do you like most about your job? What have you learned over the years?

“I truly love public service and helping those in their time of need. We think of law enforcement as a whole as the person who pulls us over when we’re speeding, but our job consists of so much more. Sometimes it’s introducing yourself to the child who is scared of you, or showing children everything your patrol car does and how to turn on the red and blue lights, creating a bond of when they need help they can always find a police officer to help them. Other times it's being the voice of reason when someone doesn’t know who to turn to for help. Often I see people at their worst times, and if I can provide some guidance or help see them through their particular crisis, then I am glad to do so. “

About Brandon McCutchen Brandon McCutchen is currently the Chief Deputy for the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office, overseeing 70 employees and is responsible for the operations of the Sheriff’s Office.

Brandon McCutchen started his law enforcement career in 2002 by attending the Odessa College Police Academy. Shortly after graduating he began working at the Hondo Police Department.

Brandon came to work at the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office in April, 2010, and would be promoted to the position of Patrol Sergeant and promoted again to the position of Chief Deputy. Brandon would hold the title of Chief Deputy until September, 2019 when Brandon accepted a position at another law enforcement agency.

On January 1, 2021, Sheriff Ruben Nolasco hired Brandon to come back to Uvalde County and be the Chief Deputy and assume command of Sheriff Nolasco’s operations.

Brandon holds a Master Texas Peace Officer License along with a TCOLE County Corrections License, TCOLE instructors License and TCOLE Mental Health Peace Officer License.

7. Can you talk a little about how your department tries to resolve issues when possible?

“Sheriff Nolasco and I are proud to call ourselves Texas Peace Officers and we take the title very literally. It is always our goal for the deputies to resolve conflict as peacefully as possible. “

- UCO Sheriff’s Officer Brandon McCutchen

“We are often tasked with solving problems which at times have nothing to do with criminal law. We are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice to anyone, but oftentimes we are able to find a peaceful resolution to all parties involved.”

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Summer 2022

Page 13

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

Sabinal: Gateway to the Hill Country

A lot of vacationers and hunters know Sabinal as “the

stop light where you turn north” off US Highway 90 to get to the parks and resorts located in Concan, Frio River area, Garner State Park, and Lost Maples State Natural Area.

This perspective has allowed Sabinal to slowly grow while keeping the integrity of a country town. Sabinal has a lot to offer visitors during a stop through town and during special weekend events. The town has also recently received some celebrity attention.

Every three years, Sabinal welcomes The famous bull crease hat by Cenizo everyone home for Hatworks.Credit: @christinaalexana huge homecoming dravoros, Instagram celebration. There are the usual annual events of a bonfire, pep rally, football, and the announcement of the homecoming court.

The triennial event includes an hour long, music, candy, and joy-filled parade with over 60 entries that is followed by a bbq lunch to gather old friends and hear presentations about hometown and school plans.

A growing favorite event for residents and visitors, Light

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the Park, is hosted by Keep Sabinal Beautiful, a civic group. At dusk on an early December Saturday evening, Live Oak Park on the north end of town on FM 187 is lit up from the canopy of the numerous oak trees to displays of seasonal images. The high school band leads a sparkling parade of children on their bikes, trikes, and wagons while playing Christmas tunes. Upon arriving at the park, the switch is thrown and children gleefully line up in a twinkling lights tunnel for their chance to visit with Santa. The nightly display is lit up through early January.

Every March, the Sabinal Lions Club brings visitors from across The Old Sabinal Biergarten Texas for the chase of big buckles sausage and cheese plate inand cash prizes at the Wild Hog cludes ½ lb of cold summer Festival. Two person teams work sausage (Cattlemen’s Beef together to bag their hog and Company’s regular and get it across the finish line faster jalapeno cheese sausages), than other teams in their division. ½ lb cheese (swiss and chedThose less inclined to pig catchdar), German pickles, fruit, ing, come to watch the hijinks, peruse arts and craft booths, par- and crackers. ticipate in games and challenges, enjoy fair foods, and dance under the stars at the Saturday night dance with a live band.

Sabinal has recently received attention at a national level.

Christina Voros, director of theTV series Yellowstone and 1883, wears the bull crease hat made by Sabinal resident Cassandra Coronado-Everett. Additional celebrities and Yellowstone and 1883 cast and crew members have sought out her hats and jewelry to inspire their work too.

Coronado-Everett is the owner, lead designer and artist of her two Sabinal-based companies, Cenizo Hatworks and Cenizo West. Cenizo Hatworks creates commissioned, ready-to-wear, and custom hats.

Cenizo West is described as jewelry for living legends, with designs inspired from Coronado-Everett’s times in Texas and Spain.

A young visitor from San Yellowstone turned to Two Bar Antonio delights at the West, another Sabinal-based com- mass of candy throws she pany, to outfit show character Mon- collected during the 2021 ica Dutton with a leather messenger homecoming parade. bag featuring turquoise stones.

Credit: Diane Tucker Every December, Two Bar West owners/sisters, Stacy and Laurie McFadin hold a tent sale with racks of handmade, western-inPage 14

Summer 2022

Frio In Focus Magazine

Savor the Flavors and Shop

spired handbags and luggage accompanied by wall photos of celebrities carrying the bags.

This Texas Hill Country town has also gained notice for their showpigs and bulldogs.

Watch the Rihn family on the Discovery Plus show, Pig Royalty, as it chronicles their lives while raising and showing pigs.

Another Sabinal family making national waves are Jonnathan and Anahy The Pit Stop serves Cazares. The Cazares are the owners of up cool treats like Cazares Royal Lineage Bulldogs and their mangodilly Cazares Incubators. Their shared love from their bright of bulldogs has blossomed into a small red building on business built around loving care and the north side of science. The Cazares do not breed until Sabinal. Credit: they have a sizable wait list. Once born, @ThePitStopSathey follow a puppy curriculum that binal, Facebook includes temperament testing to support matching puppies to future owners on their wait list. They are also one of the top breeders for their use of Orthopedic Foundation for Animals DNA health testing.

Whether you stop in Sabinal to catch parade candy, sack a wild hog, marvel at the lights and playground equipment at Live Oak Park, or pick up a hat, jewelry, handbag, or a long awaited bulldog puppy, visit some of the wonderful hometown businesses:

Where to Eat Marty’s Food to Go: barbacoa on Sundays Nora’s Tacos: homemade Mexican & American dishes Old Sabinal Biergarten and Brewery: German/Bavarian pub eats, beer, wine The Pit Stop: fun food to-go or eat outside R-BBQ: daily breakfast and lunch BBQ and diner meals Where to Shop Auntie A’s: antique and vintage items Prickly Cactus Boutique: tops,accessories, custom t-shirts and koozies Rustic Charm: Home decor, gifts, fashion, featuring Lynda’s Pride soaps Texas Ranch House: rustic home decor and furnishings Live Music Nora’s Tacos: Kay O’Neil, local singer/songwriter performs Fridays, 6-8pm Old Sabinal Biergarten: a rotation of regional singers/ bands on Saturday nights Where to Board your Dogs Pa’Paw’s Groom and Board: located on US Highway 90,

Summer 2022

east of Sabinal Where to Pickup Supplies Bottle ‘n Bag: drive-thru wine, beer, and spirits Cattlemen’s Beef: Wagyu steaks, roasts, specialty cuts and side dishes Center Food Mart: convenience items, fresh vegetables J&M Sausage: sausage (smoked, Italian, summer), sticks & jerky Connell’s Hardware: hardware, garden, home improvement Sabinal General Supply: auto parts, hardware, Wranglers, lumber, plumbing, fencing Sabinal Grain Company: feed (domestic, livestock, game), grain storage, hunting supplies Vehicle Services Esquivel and Son Auto Services: state inspections, tire sales/repair/balance, oil changes, brake replacements, car detailing Garcia Bros Tires: tire sales, repair, balance Gills Garage: vehicle towing

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Summer 2022

Page 15

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

Nine-Banded Armadillo

by LeAnn Garrison- Sharp / Hill Country Adventures and Nature Center (Dasypus novemcinctus Linnaeus) About the size of a small dog, armadillos live throughout Texas, except in the Trans-Pecos. Their bony shell acts like armor and provides protection from predators.

Armadillos have powerful claws for digging up meals, mostly insects and their larvae.

They also dig burrows in which to den. The softer the ground, the better they dig. You may even find evidence in your yard or garden! Although considered pests by some, armadillo eats grubs, which are particularly harmful to crops. Plus, they eat fire ants!

Because they have almost no hair to help regulate their body temperature, armadillos forage for food in summer evenings and on warm winter afternoons. They make noise while foraging and are easy to sneak up on because they don’t hear well. When surprised, they leap straight up in the air, to startle any attacker while they scurry off to a safe den. Female armadillos give birth in spring and produce 4 identical quadruplets, (4 all-male or 4 all-female) born fully formed with their eyes open.

The armadillo has an interesting method for crossing water, because its heavy shell causes it to sink. When faced with narrow streams or water-filled ditches, the armadillo will simply walk across the bottom, under

water! In wider water bodies, armadillos swallow air to inflate their stomachs to twice its normal size, increasing buoyancy and allowing them to swim across.

Afterward, it takes them hours to release the excess air. Armadillos are among the only animals known to contract and carry leprosy. For this reason it is illegal to sell them live in Texas.

The armadillo is also the state’s official small mammal.

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

Ball Moss Blues

by LeAnn Garrison- Sharp / Hill Country Adventures and Nature Center

Have you ever

driven down a lane of magnificent, majestic, looking oak trees?

However, a few of the trees might look like a disease Ball Moss on a twig of some sort is attacking them as they have balls of grey-green moss growing all over them.

Tillandsia Recurvata, commonly known as Ball Moss, is a flowering plant in the family Bromeliaceae that grows upon larger host plants. It grows well in areas with low light on undergrowth limbs, with little airflow, and high humidity, which is commonly provided by Texas shade trees, often the Texas Live Oak. It is not a parasite like mistletoe, but an epiphyte like its relative Spanish Moss.

Ball Moss does not hurt the trees, and only takes over on already sick or dying limbs.

Ball Moss is commonly known as an epiphyte, which is a non-parasitic plant living on other plants. It is not actually a fungus, or even moss, but rather a plant that flowers and seeds, much like orchids, ferns, and even lichen.

Many different birds build nests in the Ball Moss using it as camouflage (as in photos of a Vermilion flycatcher nest, eggs & babies) other birds take the Moss pieces to build nests elsewhere. Many varieties of birds also live off the insects in the Ball Moss. Ball Moss is beneficial in many ways.

So really, it is just a matter of convenience that ball moss favors growth on sick trees. The trees aren’t sick because of the Ball Moss. In fact, when ball moss dies, it drops to the ground and decomposes, actually providing fertilizer for plants surrounding the tree. While Ball Moss isn’t bad for the tree, it can look unsightly to some people.

Natural Remedies To Remove Ball Moss From Oak Trees. · Don’t do this in the spring/summer bird nesting season as you might be killing baby birds in nests. · Baking soda. Mix ½ pound of baking soda to 1 gallon of water. Pour into a spray bottle and spray over the ball moss. If you can, avoid spraying onto your grass & other plants. If that is unavoidable, just spray water on the grass & plants to wash it off them. · Use a high-pressure nozzle attached to a

garden hose or a pressure washer. Spray the water at the ball moss and knock off as many as you can. · Scrape off the Ball Moss using a long pole. Or climb a ladder & pick it off. · Or wait for it to die & the wind will blow it off eventually.· Trim lower dead limbs that are covered with Ball Moss.

Photos & Article courtesy of LeAnn Garrison-Sharp of Hill Country Adventures & Nature Center www.hillcountryadventures.com Vermillion Flycatcher Nest with eggs waiting to hatch (right) Photo by LeAnn GarrisonSharp

3 Baby Vermillion Flycatchers in their nest photo by LeAnn Garrison-Sharp

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Located at Garner Field Airport: 249 Airport Blvd., Uvalde, TX 78801

Summer 2022

Page 17

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

In Focus Interview with Artist Lee Winright about his new song and video shoot of: “Broken Down” Being no stranger to the

Texas Hill Country, Bandera native Lee Winright’s music often has a story to tell capturing some of the essence of Texas and real life struggles with the light of hope all mixed together.

When asked to describe his own music Winright answers, “People ask me that Lee Winright and Heaven all the time, “How would pause for a photo on location you describe your music of his new music video shoot: and I say, ‘really good.’”

“Broken Down” According to Winright, his musical influences include Robert Earl Keen, Charlie Robison, and Billy Joe Shaver. He went on to say another big influence is the music of Tom Petty. In talking about Petty, Winright says, “(It’s) his story telling kind of songwriting…that Americana kind of story country.”

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Page 18 Summer 2022

Over the last 25 years, Winright has performed all over Texas and his music has taken him to Colorado, California, New York and beyond.

Lately after the pandemic, his Winright’s music video “Broken Down” performances have beiug filmed on location near Terlingua been closer to out in remote West Texas. home, in Austin, Fredericksburg, and Concan. “ A few months ago, Winright went to Terlingua located deep in West Texas and filmed a new music video on his new song, “Broken Down.”

“Man, there’s nothing out here. There is nothing left.” he said in describing the location as it goes with the message of the song. “ But there at the end (of the video)...Broken Down, broken down, but I’m still moving on.” He said.

He also said you’ve got to add hope in the music.

“You’ve got to.” He said.

“I wrote’’ Broken Down ``for a friend of mine in Bandera. We went out to dinner, he spilled the beans saying he was going through a major divorce.

I felt for him as I’ve been down that road myself. After that, I went to the studio and 15 minutes later I had Broken Down. I cut the demo.

The glimmer of hope in the song is why I wanted Heaven to sing on it; such an angelic voice in the background, kind of like A couple of dogs view the an angel hanging over you.” stark Chihauhuan Desert Heaven is Wright’s partner landscape through the who accompanies him on his windshield on location for gigs. When asked more about the video shoot.

Heaven, He said, “She’s my everything, my angel, my soulmate- we are one.”

Winright explained how he and Heaven met.

“It’s a pretty funny story and I don’t mind sharing it. I was playing in Fredericksburg in a place I won’t name because I was having a terrible night and they were really rude to me and they were not nice people.

Small crowd of high brow, ritzy-ditsy people and they were screaming at me to play Garth Brooks. I had a few

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

In Focus Interview with Artist Lee Winright Pictures included in article from Lee Winright

whiskeys and I told them they could take their Garth Brooks songs and keep them.”

Winright explained that during his time on stage the crowd got meaner and he got meaner.

“Rule number one: You’re not supposed to do that. I was at my wit’s end and I was in a dark place.”

At that point in time, he Heaven looks on a scene from the “Broken Down” music video is still had an hour left to being shot. play and the manager of the place brought him his check and told him he could go home.

“At 45 minutes left, around the corner walked Heaven.

I never saw her before in my life. My jaw dropped and I think I messed up the guitar and forgot the lyric and ended the song and berating somebody in the crowd.

And she was sitting there to my left and she said, ‘What’s your name?’

“My name is Lee Winright (answering in a comedic tone) And what’s your name?”

“My name is Heaven.” She said.

“After that everything stopped. My heart stopped and heart stopped and she told me, ‘ Sit up straight, snap out of it and play her a song,’ It was like a lightning bolt hit me.” He said.

After that she said, “That was really good and everybody is clapping. Now do it again.”

“And I did. I finished out the Video shoot for the song, night and we’ve been together “Broken Down out in West ever since. I’ve been waiting Texas. for her my whole life. She saved me.” He said.

When asked if he will be playing in the Texas Hill Country Winright said he would be playing in the area and in Concan this summer.

Due to the Coronavirus, he lost his booking agent and months and months worth of gigs in California, New York and Colorado and he was in the process of finding a new booking agent to book those places again.

When asked what advice he might give younger up and

coming artists in their teens and 20’s he said, “ It’s the same advice Billy Gibbons told me and it’s the same thing I tell young artists.

“Hey man, you know, no matter what anybody tells you, you’ve gotta keep playing,” Lee Winright said quoting Gibbons.

Looking back over his life playing guitar and singing he said,

“I’ve had a great time and I’ve seen the world because of it. I’ve got to travel all over the place and help other entertainers entertain other

Windmill at Sunset Photo by Irene Stone

Frio In Focus Magazine

F r i o b y

Summer 2022

U p r i v e r

S t a c e y

M o r r i s o n

STAY

National Day of Prayer in Uvalde, TX for location and time visit or call/text

SHOP PLAY

www.thepeaceministries.com 830-900-7056

Page 20

Summer 2022

Frio In Focus Magazine

F r i o • • • • • • •

R i v e r

C r o s s i n g

Summer 2022

N o t e s

f r o m

Pa g e

8

Fourth River Crossing

Also called: Mager’s Crossing Located on CR 350 in Concan Parking: Paid Parking at Camp Mager’s Crossing.

No free parking on the roadside close to the River Popular crossing for kayaking Floating from this location with nearest exits only at private resorts and campgrounds nearby for paid guest only.

Next public exit from this crossing is at 7 Bluff Crossing approximately a 12 hour float. (Tubing not advised unless exiting

at a nearby private property for paid guests only)

• • • • • • •

Fifth River Crossing

• • • • • • •

Also called: 1050 Bridge Crossing Located near Garner State Park Entrance on CR 1050 Parking: Free Parking near the bridge on the side of the road Good place to sit in the river and splash around Next exit from the river at Garner State Park River may be shallow making tube floating a problem Danger: Currents may be strong in a depression in the river

•

under the bridge.

Check with Garner State Park before attempting to float to its location.

RIO FRIO CROSSING

Also called Blazek’s Crossing Located on FM 1120 Parking: Roadside Clearly Marked Popular for tubing Floating from this location nearest exit is Happy Hollow (paid). Get armbands @ Happy Hollow before you start your float Next exit after Happy Hollow is 1050 Bridge : de-pending on the conditions could be 3 - 5 hours to next exit (1050 Bridge) — best to ask crew @ Happy Hollow current conditions.

•

• • •

Rock Island Parking nearby day use with food trucks

Parking and Shuttle available @ Happy Hollow. (Paid) Lots of people and traffic during summer-Drive cautiously No parking @dropoff point or on bridge.

See Crossings, Continued on Page 30

Country Serenity minutes from small town shopping and dining The Rooms Treehouse Poolside Cabana Lodge Mustang Big Lazy

Uvalde, Texas 78801

w w w. L i v e O a k s B B . c o m

830-591-2340

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

The Joy of the Find

Mining Sluice A Popular New Activity at Frio’s Dry Fifty

The Frio’s Dry Fifty Mining Sluice

Page 22 Summer 2022

A Frio Tradition!

Our 38th Summer on the Frio!

Frio’s Dry Fifty

Bluebell Ice Cream Hawaiian Shaved Ice T-Shirts Souvenirs Gift Shop Rock Mining And More!

gS nin lu

@friosdryfifty

/friosdryfifty www.friosdryfifty.com

21239 Tx Hwy 127, Concan, Tx 78838

(830) 232-6300

ice

by Emily Korbell Gayle Korbell and Jody Farr opened the Frio’s Dry Fifty in 1985. They started with hand painted T Shirts, Bluebell Ice Cream by the dip, and a rock shop.

Families vacationing to the Frio have enjoyed visiting the shop and finding their perfect souvenir to take home.

Fast forward to 38 summers later, we are still selling T shirts, Bluebell Ice Cream, rocks, and so much more! We thought it would be fun for our guests of all ages to be able to mine for their own treasure as their souvenir.

2021 panned out just wonderfully for this new activity in Concan and we are hoping for a great second summer of mining on the Frio.

We were able to have a few school field trips to mine real gemstones.

We have seen groups visit the Mining Co. more than once during their trip.

Many visitors have planned their trip around visiting the shop, treating themselves to something cold from our snack shack, and mining for real gemstones!

It is always neat to see where some of these treasures end up.

Some may use them for decorations, some upcycle the stones into jewelry, and some may just keep them in a box. Whatever they do we hope it gives them a step back in time and reminds them of their trip to the country.

This area of the Texas Hill Country is rich in Native American history. We love offering an arrowhead package for those wanting to feel the excitement of finding an arrowhead in the wild. Although they are not authentic arrowheads, they are

something many love to collect.

This activity is similar to how real mining is done today, but with great selections of packaged gemstones in each bag.

First you will need to purchase the mining rough bag from inside the store. There are five different types of mining rough to choose from. There are varieties of gemstones, fossils, and arrowheads inside each bag of sand.

Once outside the shop you will take your bags to our mining sluice right below the Concan water tower out front. Choose a spot with an empty mining box and place the box over the running water. While having your box resting above the running water you can pour all or some of your mining bag into the mesh bottom box.

Once you are ready you may dunk your wooden sluice box and after a few seconds you will start to see your gems appear!

Repeat the process of pouring more sand into the mining box and dunking until all of your treasure is found!

We provide you with clear bags to place your treasure in once they have all been found.

Mi

Forward by Michael Robinson

Mining and prospecting in Uvalde County goes back well over a hundred years. According to Helen Burgin, the Dry Frio Crossing just south of Concan on Highway 83 was referred to as Silver Mine Crossing.

Near Concan,is located an historic silver mine. During the 1800’s, old newspaper had reports of placer mines being dug. There is a historic site sign about the Silver Mine located near the intersection of Hwy 83 and FM 127 in Concan.

The geology around the Uvalde is remarkable with ancient volcanic plugs scattered throughout the area.

Many children and adults alike have visited Frio’s Dry 50 for years. Last year,, a new mining activity provided an opportunity for a hands- on mining style experience.

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

Frio River Ranch featuring

Two Riverfront Campgrounds

Main Campground 3196 US HWY 83 S Leakey Tx 78873 West

How many tubes can you stack in the back of a pickup truck? Picture taken near Andys on River Road Summer 2021

50 Large RV Spots Full Hookups 3 Custom Built CabinsBathhouse & Laundry Room Coming Soon

2000+ Ft. of River Frontage to enjoy 140 Acres to explore with walking trails Lots of Wildlife A perfect spot for large parties, groups and family reunions.

West Frio River Ranch Boutique Campground 1876 FM 1120 Leakey Tx 78873 13 Large RV spots with Full Hookups and Pavillion Pavillion with full Kitchen & bathroom 400+ ft of Private River with Waterfall

www.westfrioriverranch.com 830-834-5021

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

Totality’s Path: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse (Continued from Page 4)

to keep the tourists entertained. The town even had a place where children could go and have something to do.

When asked what advice she might offer other towns getting ready for a total solar eclipse event, she said, “ Make lots of T-Shirts and when you think you have enough, make some more. “People like shirts that have the location or business’ name on the shirt with the words Total Solar Eclipse and the date printed on the shirts.

Additionally, Cole went on to recommend towns in the path will want to set up lots of port-a-potties around the area and also bank ATM’s so tourists can access cash.

Once the eclipse finally ends, expect a mass exodus with heavy traffic on the roadways as most people will want to head for home soon after the event.

Tips for Planning to See the 2024 Eclipse •

•

Book accomodations early: Book lodging early. Reservations for motels, vacation homes, cabins and camping sights will likely be sold out months in advance. Make arrangements now or about one year ahead of time.

Plan to arrive before the day of the eclipse: According to Cole, there were many on highways stuck in traffic

headed to the eclipse path that didn’t make it in time to reach the totality path, • Purchase approved solar eclipse glasses: During the brief moments of totality, it should be safe to view Eclipse Picture (above) submitted by the fully darkened face Arnoldo Gomez of the sun. However, in the time where the Moon is in progress of moving over the sun when the sun’s face is partially eclipsed one MUST wear proper solar glasses to protect one’s eyes. Viewing the sun with the naked eye or with regular sunglasses can cause permenent damage or blindness to the eyes.

• Avoid photographing the sun or the sun in a partial eclipse phase unless you KNOW what you are doing.

Even a 99% eclipsed sun can cause eye damage or damage to camera or video equipment damage unless using a proper solar filter.

• Bring adequate food and water: Restaurants may run out of food at times due to the demand.

• Plan for higher prices: Due to the crowds coming for the event and increased demand for goods and services, prices may be more than regular prices.

• Be patient and have fun! Eclipse chasers and tourists will likely travel from around the United States and the world to see this event. Seeing a total solar exclipse is Eclipse Picture (above) submitted

by Arnoldo Gomez for most, is a once in a lifetime event. Prepare to meet new people and to share the adventure with others.

Plan for alternate viewing locations along the totality path if the weather or other factors interfere with or interfere with your original plans.

Amateur astronomer Arnoldo Gomez from Uvalde traveled to Glendo, Wyoming for the 2017 Great American Eclipse over the Central United States Region.

“Around me I saw darkness with light all around in the distance, people crying other with open mouths, speechless. We were all experincing the touch of the Universe.” he said.

Page 24 Summer 2022

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

Totality’s Path: 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

No filter was used during the exposures, as totality is about as bright as the full Moon and just as safe to look at. At all other times, though, a safe solar filter is required to observe or photograph the Sun. Courtesy Rick Fienberg / TravelQuest International; additional processing by Sean Walker, Sky & Telescope. From https://eclipse.aas.org/eclipse-america-2024 used with permission.

San Antonio Astronomical Association 2022 Summer Stargazing Dates at Nearby State Parks The San Antonio Astronomical Association offers public stargazing events throughout the year at nearby State Parks and State Natural Areas.

At these events, SAAA members set up their telescopes and invite the public to come look at the season’s planets, star clusters, galaxies and nebulae.

Some favorite objects include the moon’s craters, Saturn’s Rings, and the Galilean Moons orbiting Jupiter.

Some members will laser the stars pointing out the constellations overhead in the night sky.

These events are free but State Park entrance fees apply.

Stargazing events are weather permitting and depend upon clear skies being available.

Hill Country State Natural Area 5.21.22.

Guadalupe River State Park 6.11.22 Lost Maples State Natural Area 6.25.22 Guadalupe River State Park 7.9.22 Kickapoo Caverns 7.23.22.

Garner State Park 7.30.22.

Guadalupe River State Park 8.6.22.

Government Canyon State Natural Area 8.13.22

Summer 2022

Page 25

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

UMH Offering Emergency and Urgent Care A question that many don’t consider asking is where to

go for care if a fall on the river or state park trails result in a sprained ankle or broken bone.

Other potential dangers in the outdoors include a snake bites, spider bites, animal bites, burns, sunburns or heat exhaustion or dehydration.

In additions to those hazards, sometimes people just get sick from food borne illness’ plus there’s other medical conditions.

In the Texas Hill Country adventures can also bring cuts, bruises and burns. Falls are commonplace on the river as the river rocks can be very slippery.

So in case of a serious or life threatening emergency, dialing 911 is one’s first course of action.

That said, it’s good to prepare to plan ahead especially if you find your phone may not have a cell signal.

AT&T has pretty good coverage but some other carriers such as Verizon and T-Moble may not.

What facilities are nearby if an acute injury or medical condition crops up?

In Uvalde, the a brand new hospital with state-of the

Diamond Z Rentals Come Stay with Us, Relax and Float the Frio River La Paloma

La Vista

This 2 bedroom/2 bathroom rental is great for a family getaway; This large house is great for multiple people to enjoy each others company on the large deck, campfire ring or a short walk down the trail to the river

Texas Cabin and River Cabin

Relax inside or outside Float the Frio from the crossing right back onto the property

Rentals also available in Port O’Connor, TX

www.diamondzrentals.com

art facilities and equipment held its grand opening on March 26th 2022.

In addition to Emergency care, the new hospital features an urgent care Uvalde Memorial Hospital CEO Tom Nordwick gives a tour tof the new hospital to the Uvalde clinic in County Commissioners Court members a few house. weeks before the new hospital’s grand opening on Addition- March 26th,2022 ally, UMH also has a medical clinic located in on 517 North Center Street, Sabinal, Texas 78881

About Uvalde Memorial Hospital Uvalde Memorial Hospital (UMH) is a 501(C)3 notfor-profit county hospital serving Edwards, Kinney, Real, Uvalde, and Zavala counties.

With a brand new 153,000 square-foot facility opened in the spring of 2022, the hospital features state-of-theart equipment and a highly trained, highly skilled care team.

The hospital strives to ensure each patient receives excellent care every visit. Top of the line equipment provides our service region with access to medical technology that rivals what is found in a big city.

Emergency medical care is available 24/7 through the hospital’s emergency room that has a Level IV trauma center designation.

For non-emergency visits, primary care services are accessible Monday- Friday at the hospital’s UMH Sabinal Clinic located in Sabinal, Texas.

UMH is a Joint Commission Accredited hospital, recognized both nationally and internationally for both patient quality and employee engagement successes and a CMS overall 4-Star rated hospital, with multiple areas of 5-Star recognition in quality and patient care.

Page 26

Summer 2022

Frio In Focus Magazine

A Rock of Strength

by Alisa Hope Wagner

The adults lounged in knee-deep cool water with littles, while the bigger kids jumped the Concan rock of the Frio River. What a sight to behold. Strong youth enjoying the adrenaline rush of climbing the rock-face while onlookers gazed at their acrobatics into the deep water.

The youth would climb the rope up the incline of stone.

Then, they’d bask in the vast views at the rocky top. Finally, they’d take the 2-second leap down into the calm current below. Three of my kids were jumping: a 16-year-old, a 14-year-old, and a 12-year-old. I could see their smiles and hear their laughter from the lazy shores of the river.

My sister’s kids were also with us. Her son (14 years old) and her daughter (12 years old) were watching my kids, mustering up their enthusiastic courage, so they too could join the Frio fun. My nephew finally triumphed in the exciting trio experience: climb, bask, jump; climb, bask, jump. What a bonding experience for cousins, and a memory that will be fitted into their memory of achievements.

I moved my attention back to my immediate surroundings and chatted with my husband, his parents and my brother and sister-in-law for a bit. That was until I heard a scream. I looked back to the jumping rock and saw my niece frozen with fear at the top. She was surrounded by friendly voices, trying to help ease her fears. However, I could tell she needed parental assistance.

I waded to the rock and held onto the bottom of the rope. Her face was caught up in an expression of fright.

I explained to her that she could jump into the water, and I would be there to bring her back to shore. But she vigorously shook her head. She wouldn’t jump.

A bigger kid tried to help her up, but she cried out.

Finally, I realized that I would have to climb up there to get her. When I scaled up the rock, I hovered off the side, holding my weight with the rope. I knew she would be too weak to climb back down the rope on her own. I looked at her face-to-face as she gripped the top of the rock with her entire body and explained what she would have to do.

See A Rock of Strength Continued on Page 29

Summer 2022

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

The Life of a Frio River Shuttle Driver In Focus Interview with: James Diaz with Josh’s River Outfitters

We start our day at 8:45-8:50 am. We open up the

store and take out the open signs. We then move downstairs to get the tube barn ready.

Every morning we start by opening everything up including the tube barn and lower parking lot. We then make sure all vehicles are ready for the day and that the tube barn is clean and stocked with everything we may need.

Float times vary depending on the flow rate of the river. The Frio River is spring fed, so the level of the water depends directly on how much rain we receive in the area. When the river level is good Seven Bluffs crossing to Kenneth Arthur crossing takes about 2 1/2-3 hours, Kenneth Arthur crossing to Neal’s crossing takes about 3- 3 1/2 and Seven Bluffs crossing to Neal’s crossing takes about 6-7 hours. This also depends on how many stops a group takes along their trip. When water levels get low the floats are significantly longer due to less current and more sections you would have to walk.

At Josh’s our shuttle service drops you off at your starting point and picks you up at your ending point. We will then bring you back to our store where your vehiBeer

Wine

CBD

House Rental

cles will be parked. Because of this, it makes it easy to keep track of our groups out on the water. We can also exchange numbers with groups so if they have any questions or concerns while on the river they can contact us.

I enjoy working at Josh’s Frio River Outfitters because we get to meet and talk to so many different people from different places. I love getting to see people come and enjoy James Diaz stays busy during the area I grew up in. the Summer months shuttling Most days we have 4 shuttle tubers to and from the river crossings. drivers running constantly.

By the time they get back to the store there are already groups ready to be taken out.

I feel that summers are generally so busy that everything goes by so fast. The best memories I have are closing down after long busy work days and getting to

Cabin Rentals

RV Site Rentals

Tent Camping

Frio River Access down the

Sunglasses

Water shoes

Street

Snorkels

Ice

Goggles

Firewood

Sodas

Tubes

First Store On TX Hwy 127 Coming From Sabinal To Concan

Metal Art

Charcoal

G e t Yo u r F r i o O n . c o m

Page 28 Summer 2022

Lighter Fluid

Candy

20142 TX HWY 127

Chips

T-Shirts

Sabinal, TX

Tank Tops

Koozies

830-988-2109 to book

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

A Rock of Strength

Frio River Shuttle Driver

I told her to put her feet on my knee, and I would hold her weight with mine. Then I would shimmy us both down the rock-face and back into the water. My sister-inlaw was now at the bottom of the rope, ready to get my niece when we came close. I could see my niece thinking. She could either jump or trust me back down. She finally made the decision and scooted her torso around, so she could put her feet on my knee.

Her full weight came on me, and I held tightly onto the rope while I moved us inch by inch back toward the water below. When I got to my sister-in-law, she took my niece from me and held her in a secure hug. My niece was safe, and the crowd around us began to cheer.

I hadn’t realized that everyone had stopped to watch the saga come to a happy conclusion. I’m sure prayers and thoughts were directed our way.

What I learned from that incident is that we all have people in our lives who are weaker than us; stronger than us; and who are equal to us. We have the people who we help and encourage. We have the people who help and encourage us. And we have our peers where there is mutual help and encouragement. And we need all three because life is lined with the continuous triangle of difficult climbs, exciting views and leaps of faith.

However, when life’s climbs become too heavy and we have lost all strength to carry on, we can trust that we have a God in Heaven Who loves and cares for us. When all human help falls short, God will be there, hovering over our situation with His grace and mercy. He is the Rock of Strength we can always rely on, and we can tuck our life into Him, as He carries us in His goodness.

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

– Psalm 18:2 (NIV)

talk about the day the with fellow coworkers.

Teamwork and communication is very important when it comes to this job. Not only between other shuttle drivers but the indoor staff as well. It is important to keep other drivers updated on how many groups are waiting to go out and where each driver is heading considering we have 3 different drop off locations. It is also helpful when the indoor staff communicates with the drivers to let us know when there large groups coming down so we can accommodate them and get them all to the river at the same time.

We also like to communicate with the indoor staff to let them know about how long of a wait it will be on busier days. We like to keep out guests as informed as possible, so communication between staff is key to being able to answer any question a guest may have.

Here at Josh’s you check out upstairs before you head down to our shuttle area. Upstairs the staff will go over everything with you and answer any questions you may have. We have tube rental forms which will require a credit card and an ID. We will take down that information from one person in the group and store it until you guys get back from your trip.

When you arrive back at the store you will come back inside and ask for your deposit form and we will give your information back to you. If tubes come back damaged or they don’t show up we will charge 40 dollars per missing or damaged tube.

To be a good shuttle driver you need to be able to work as a team and communicate with other employees and guests as well. Being personable, friendly, and well spoken are also good characteristics of a good shuttle driver. “

(Continued from Page 27)

About Alisa Hope Wagner Alisa Hope Wagner is aggressive about leading a simple life. She enjoys working out, reading and communicating God’s love and truth. She married her high school sweetheart, and together they raise their three children in a Christ-centered home. Though an introvert by nature, Alisa easily expresses herself on social media, especially on her blog, www.alisahopewagner.com. Alisa has earned her B.A. Degree in English and her M.S. Degree in Applied English Linguistics. She writes both fiction and nonfiction books that can be found on Amazon.

(Continued from Page 28)

What do you wish tuber shuttle riders knew in advance?

“I wish tubers knew that on busy summer days getting to the store early is best to avoid wait times and ensuring we have enough tubes and cooler tubes to accommodate your group.

I feel that being a shuttle driver differs from other jobs because we encounter so much good everyday. Whether it be a family coming to the Frio River for the first time and being so excited or groups who come every year and always have blast. We also get to visit and have so many interesting conversations with groups from all over the world.”

Summer 2022

Page 29

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

Map is a rough approximation of the area and not exactly to scale.

Please follow local signage and rules. Check with local river outfitters for river conditions and up to date info.

(Continued from page 21) • • • • • •

Alto Frio Crossing (Fulgham’s Crossing)

Located on FM 1120 in Rio Frio Parking: Roadside, but not very close (follow signage) Popular for kayaking (all years are different best to ask an outfitter before going) Tubing from this location nearest exits only at private resortsL West Frio River Ranch, Rio Bella or River Haven.

Next public exit is Blazeks/Rio Frio approx 8 - 12 hours depending on year. Not conducive for tubing on last half of the route. (Tubing not advised unless exiting a a nearby The kayak trip down to lower 1120 is 4-5 hrs in good water

Summer 2022

Page 30

Pecan Crossing: (2nd Crossing-Leakey) • • • • • •

Located near the Frio Pecan Farm on West RR 337 Parking on paved apron near the State road Good for getting wet, splashing around and swimming Not for tubing or kayaking No Parking on Bridge River access limited to a certain point. Follow posted signage.

The Latest News, Pictures and Videos from the Frio River: www.frioinfocus.com

Frio In Focus Magazine

Summer 2022

Map of Concan

Map is a rough approximation of the area and not exactly to scale.

Summer 2022 Page 31

Frio In Focus Magazine

Fragrances of the Frio: Leakey Native Business All About Scents.

We create unique fragrances for

any moment, whether it be for ceremonies, events, brand identity, home fragrance and more.

Natalie Boucard and her team work with perfumers to create a unique fragrance based on our clients’ olfactory preferences.

Additionally, they source all of the materials and packaging, and we do all of the blending, filling, and prodNatalie Boucard uct development on-site so that we Owner can deliver a finished product.

Their clients include brands, influencers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to create a fragrance. We create unique fragrances for any moment, whether it be for ceremonies, events, brand identity, home fragrance and more.

Growing up in Leakey Natalie’s family essential oil distillation business, Texarome, a third-generation family business began with my grandfather, Victor Boucard.

Victor began distilling Lemongrass, Neroli, Petit Grain, Basil, and Lime for American and European flavor & fragrance markets and introduced both Amyris and Vetiver distillation to Haiti.

Later, he brought his expertise to Texas and Natilie’s father and two uncles, Gueric, Victor, and Henri, they began distilling Texas Cedarwood Oil. Her older brother, Rick Boucard, now leads the business, and today we are one of the largest producers of Cedarwood Oil in the world.

Natalie joined Texarome in 2019 after completing my bachelor’s degree in International Business and Economics from Trinity University and postgraduate studies in perfumery and fine

fragrance formulation in Paris, France at ISIPCA. Her education and experience at Texarome provided the foundation to develop and implement Project Fragrance in 2020, a fragrance development company that she now operates and manages. Project Fragrance is designed to guide clients through the challenging process of creating a fragrance.

Natalie and her staff works with perfumers to create a unique fragrance based on our clients’ Chelsea Barragan olfactory preferences.

Additionally, Project Fragrance sources all of the materials and packaging, and we do all of the blending, filling, and product development on-site so that we can deliver a finished product. The company’s clients include brands, influencers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to create a fragrance.

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Frio In Focus Magazine

The Cart Barn Golfer

by Michael Robinson

I never imagined that I would find myself working at a golf

course, especially Frio Valley Ranch Golf Course. Back in 2020, the year Covid-19 proverbially drove a Mac Truck though everyone’s plans, I found myself, for a time, being unemployed.

Having ambitions to becoming an entrepreneur starting my own businesses, I still needed a part time job at least to keep a steady income coming in.

2020 was the year, Stacey Young purchased the golf course and changed its name to Frio Valley Ranch. I remember seeing help wanted ads on Indeed for the golf course. Although at the time, I knew nothing about golf, I loved being up in Concan and neat the Frio River So I applied for a job advertised on the range crew and was hired. I remember telling my wife, soon after I started work. “I’m working at a golf course.” I guess I had to hear the words come out of my month. I likely said it to myself also several times to see if it was real or a dream of sorts.

So I could write about what I do at the course and that would be another story. I wanted to write about becoming a golfer and learning the game.

It was a few months after I started work and the idea dawned on me. “I work at a golf course: a nice golf course.” When I’m not working I hit the driving range and play golf here.

I found myself going to the thrift shop and looking for a set of used golf clubs. I found some that would suit the bill, so I spend about $45 total. The next words coming out of my mouth were, “I bought some golf clubs.” Yes, I know it was like I was sliding a little deeper into the twilight zone.

Pretty soon the golf clubs would stay in the back seat of my car as I didn’t want miss an opportunity to hit the driving range if nothing else.

If I was going to be more than a range rat, I needed to learn some basics about the game and get better drive swing, as well learn how do use the various clubs and irons and get good at the short game: 100 or less to the pin and mastering the chipping and putting.

For months I would go out to play a few holes each day and felt like the game of golf was busting my chops like Mike Tyson in the boxing ring, I started reading and watching YouTube videos and listening to advice Bert had. Bert is the course manager.

One big tip I learned was the swing has to be the whole body not just in the arms.

Chipping was a bit more challenging but I part of my job at the course was whacking those balls out of the sides of the driving range onto the range so the picker can pick them up and that’s chipping.

I stopped over thinking my swings.

See Golf: Continued on Page 35

Frio In Focus Magazine

The Healing Power of Summer Even though we know it’s

by Dana Ferguson

coming every year, summertime always seems to catch us off guard. It’s not so much the warmer temperatures, but rather the nature of it, the unexpected changes summer stirs within us.

Life is always throwing its curve balls at us, and for some of us, we’re lucky enough to catch a break. It’s easy to get wrapped up in setbacks, so we usually don’t look too far into the future, if at all. We get caught up in events that have turned us upside down Dana Ferguson, Storyteller quicker than we thought possible. and Copywriter at Herself But unlike how we humans get Writing Co. caught up in the storms of life, summer arrives through them. After many rainy months of spring, summer brings transformation during a time when many may feel endlessly uprooted. We never asked nature to pull such a magic trick, but somehow the seasons change us just as much as they change the earth. Right as we begin to feel swallowed up by the hard days of the past season, summer comes around the corner just at the right time. The sun starts to shine a little brighter, and

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the warmer days are almost like a healing gesture to our inner selves. It’s as if we’re being ‘warmed up’, and revived from a long, cold, and possibly tiring season.

These new days offer a clean slate, a chance to let nature cleanse us from the inside out. It’s the time to be a kid again, to jump off the riverbank into sparkling waters. It’s the time to let summer breathe life back into us, just as it does to everything else. To let it turn the gray parts of us into color again, just like the landscape around us.

Some of us may pretend we don’t want the change, declaring winter as the sole winner of the seasons. But since we’re imperfect creatures, we hold onto the moment, unaware of how the change could be good for us. We don’t notice how much we need summer until it greets us sweetly on a calm sunny day, after a long cold season we’re ready to leave behind. We don’t even understand how we’re surprised by it either, how it somehow seems to ease our lives into a new stage we were eagerly waiting for.

And as the cooler temperatures begin to thaw, the warmer days bring forth summer’s best features. Porch swings become witness to more conversations, or maybe just a little more contemplation on slow afternoons. We breathe in the fresh air, and kick off our shoes more often to feel the cool touch of grass between our toes.

Fireflies find their way into jars, and the nights brim over with music, dancing, and a sense of opportunity lingering in the air. It’s almost as if there’s more room in life for living. More laughter, stories, and wild adventures.

And after all, we’re probably ready for that fresh start. After what we’ve all been through the past few years, it’s safe to say we could all use the refreshment that nature is eager, and willing to provide.

So why not enjoy it? Give yourself a moment to take it in. Give yourself the grace to start something new. And as you set forth into this new phase of life, let summer give you something new to look forward to.

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Frio In Focus Magazine

Watch Out for the Falls Having floated the Frio River twice from the Frio Country Crossing to Neal’s Crossing in 2021, I’ve learned a bit about the Falls and the Mini-Falls.

I first encountered the Falls in the Summer of 2007 shortly after my wife and I moved to the area. That year, the Frio River was flowing swiftly and the water levels were ideal. I seem to recall the float trip from the 2nd Crossing (Frio Country) to the 1st Crossing (Neals) taking around 2 hours. Compare that to the roughly 4 plus hours it takes at the present time.

It was sometime in September and we went tubing with youth and adults from our church.

While most of us were floating down the river in tubes, our guide was following us in a kayak.

Along the way, we encountered two ladies in their early 30’s from Dallas who had quite a bit of alcohol to drink. As we approached the Falls, our guide strongly advised us all to get out of our tubes and walk around the Falls. There is a sign posted on a tree just before the Falls today warning tubers of the danger of the Falls.

Although we all got out and carried our tubes, the two drunk ladies from Dallas decided to brave the falls. One of the ladies ended up breaking her ankle and our guide called ahead to arrange for an ambulance to meet up with the woman at a location nearest to our location.

The Falls Today While the water levels are lower, the Falls is an obstacle one must prepare for. It is not advisable to float over the Falls especially down the center of the river. The area closest to the right near the bank is the best place to make the drop. On one of my float trips, there were two volunteers on the walkway nearest the righthand drop who assisted tubers down the Falls.

The other safer option is to get out of the river near on the right and take the path along the righthand bank to the bottom of the falls and then get back into the river.

On the same stretch of river before the falls, tubers will encounter what is called, The Mini-Falls. While not as menacing, the Mini Falls can be hard on tubes and can cause tubers to overturn and perhaps lose items such as sunglasses, smartphones, money, etc.

As a matter of fact, some like to hang around near the bottom of the Falls and Mini Falls and look for lost treasure at the bottom of the river.

The Cart Barn Golfer (Continued from Page 33)

Golf is a strange game of contradictions: For example: You’ve got to relax when you play golf but you also have to think and plan your game, Planning a strategy from the green all the way back is important. So I’m like, “How am I supposed to relax and do all of this thinking and planning?”

A few of helpful golf YouTube channels I enjoy watching are Golf Sidekick specifically his videos on How to Break 100.

He offers down to earth advice for beginners on how to approach the game.

When I think of the Golf Sidekick guy, I can hear his voice in my head saying, “Get the ball on the green. Get the ball on the green, Get the ball on the damn green!”

Another favorite golf YouTube channel is Golf Mates. Based in the UK, it a joy to watch. If features a middle aged guy and two elderly golfers who could perhaps star in the golf version of Second Hand Lions.

Then there is the YouTube channel called Stacked Golf. This young husband and wife team go to flea markets and garage sales and thrift shops looking for great golf clubs and they find them. Oh, to be young, in love and share the joy of playing golf and looking bargain basement prices on Titlist and Taylor Made golf clubs!

After about a year of regular practice and showing slow and humbling, baby steps of progress, I noticed my scores are getting lower and now on track to break 100.

The Frio Valley Ranch golf course has amazing scenery and I often say I have the best office view of anyone. The axis deer are my coworkers!

When I’m working I am usually busy taking care of the driving range, or shuttling golf carts back and forth. Myself and Big Mike spend a fair amount of time cleaning and restocking the carts and putting them away.

While I know I still have a lot of improvement on my golf game (Who doesn’t?) I tell people I practice regularly if only for 15 minutes a day.

I’ve been told that golf is one of the most challenging games one can play. It’s kind of like the arcade game Donkey Kong which is brutal.

Yet being the glutton for punishment that I am, I still go out and hit the links hoping my envisioned mental game approximates my actual game. Watch enough of the professional golfers on the Golf Channel and you will see even they hit bad shots into the pond and miss easy putts. That gives me hope.

So if your visiting Concan this Summer and decide to play a round, you’ll probably see me around. The advice I tell all golfers : The greens run fast.

Summer 2022 Page 35

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