Riverhill Living Summer 2021

Living

RIVERHILL |

Summer 2021 Vol. 5, Issue 2

Recognizing neighbors who have served See Page 8

RIVERHILL MARKET UPDATE RIVERHILL MARKET UPDATE Summary

Summary

98 98

2222

Homes Sold

Days On Market

Homes Sold

Days On Market

$491,945 $491,945 Average List Price Average List Price

Sold Homes By Price Range Sold Homes By Price Range $100k - 300k $100k - 300k

$300k $300k-- 400k 400k

4 4

$400- -500k 500k $400

$500k - 600k $500k - 600k

$600k $600k-- 800k 800k

$1MM+ $1MM+

55

44

2 2

66 11

CALLYOUR YOURNEIGHBORHOOD NEIGHBORHOOD PROFESSIONAL CALL PROFESSIONAL a personalized analysisofofyour yourproperty’s property’s current current position CallCall meme forfor a personalized analysis positionininour ourmarket. market.

ANDREA ONEAL ANDREA ONEAL REALTOR®

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830.285.7001 830.285.7001

2020 Company Top Producer

2020 Top Producer 2020Company Quality Service Pinnacle Award 2020 Pinnacle Award 2020Quality MastersService Ruby Award 2020 Masters Ruby Award

Data taken from Kerrville Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service Single Family Home transactions in Riverhill 10/20/20 - 04/20/21.

04/20/21.

Information deemed reliable but should be verified. ©2021 CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. CENTURY 21® and the Data taken from21Kerrville of Realtors Listing Single Family Home in Riverhill 10/20/20 - 04/20/21.

04/20/21.

CENTURY Logo areBoard registered serviceMultiple marks owned byService CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC.transactions CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles the Fairbut Housing Act the Equal Housing Opportunity EachLLC. office independently owned and operated.

Information deemedofreliable should beand verified. ©2021 CENTURY 21 RealAct. Estate AllisRights Right s Reserved.

CENTURY 21® and the

CENTURY 21 Logo are registered service marks owned by CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC. CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC fully supports

2 Summer the 2021 principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Housing Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.

RIVERHILL

Living

The Kerrville Daily Times Staff Carlina Villalpando: Publisher Jillian Smith: Managing Editor Jeanette Eastwood Nash: Assistant Managing Editor

Nicole Crapps: Creative Services Courtney Cox: Advertising Director Tom Holden: Photographer

Contributors

Nancy Foster, Rhonda Wiley-Jones, Niel Powers, Bill White

Contact Riverhill

www.riverhillpoa.com Send story ideas to composing@dailytimes.com

Contact KDT

429 Jefferson St., Kerrville www.dailytimes.com 830-896-7000

Message from the President In this issue, we pause, remember and recognize many of our members who have unselfishly served to protect our country, in war and peace, and ensure our precious freedoms. In Riverhill, we are blessed to have many such men and women among us and they are most deserving of our heartfelt thanks and gratitude.

Over the past months, the board has addressed challenges in several key areas that have produced modifications and changes aimed at better serving our members. Secretary Niel Powers has made numerous enhancements to the website, and I encourage all to visit and utilize it. More upgrades are in process.

One key area is in our email communications. Mailing lists have been consolidated, updated and now all communications sent via the “Contact Us” link on the website are viewed by every board member, thereby ensuring action is promptly taken.

A new area added is Member Services. Vice President Hut Smith oversees current, upcoming and new activities and events. The Poker Chip Run (Page 9) is a primary example of a new member event.

In the area of architectural control, Committee Chairman Doug Holmes, assisted by Board Member Jill Giesecke and APOR volunteer Bethany Mikeska, have reorganized its processes to better fulfill its key role. The past quarter has seen a major increase in activity and action.

Finally, I am overseeing the bylaw rewrite that is targeted for submission to the members at the annual meeting.

On behalf of all our board members, we wish you a safe and rewarding summer. We encourage your comments, suggestions and participation as we strive to best serve our members.

Bill White, APOR Board President

Riverhill Living 3

4 Summer 2021

ADVERTORIAL

Table of Contents

Resident Spotlight A former fighter pilot reminisces about his years in the U.S. Air Force .............. 6 A list of Riverhill residents who have served in the military .................... 8

Upcoming Event Neighborhood Poker Chip Run planned as charitable fundraiser ................. 9

Community photos Cold Snap: February’s icy blast results in awe-inspiring pictures ................ 10

Technology With streaming services on the rise, now may be an ideal time to cut cable ...... 16

Travel & Leisure Learn how to safely explore the world amid pandemic-related changes ................ 18

Kerrville Funeral KFH Home Gene and Katie Allen, his family and the staff take great pride in being a part of the Kerrville community.

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Spring is a great time for new beginnings, although we are thankful for the experiences that have shaped our lives to this point. 2021 has been a fantastic year so far, our vendors are getting back to (almost) normal production and shipping times, for the most part. We are thrilled to be out and meeting our clients, either in their homes, or our showrooms.

Automated window coverings Teresa Carosella • Owner are, without a doubt, the product our Kerrville Window Fashion clients ask for the most. With the emphasis on child safe (no cords) window coverings, cordless and automated are the answer in many situations. More economical alternatives are available, and in some cases, to automate your shade is only $100-200 more than the standard corded lift system.

Custom drapery and soft furnishings are the basis of our business, and where we started out. Owner Teresa once did all the designing and fabricating of the drapery, bedroom ensembles, decorative pillows and more. We now have programs in place to make it a smooth and fun process to put finishing touches on your home.

Kerrville Window Fashions also offers many economical alternatives, from builder grade mini blinds, or faux wood blinds, to vertical solutions to cover those sliding glass doors. Our sales team takes the time to help our clients make the right choice, the first time. We don’t want to just “make the sale.” As I tell clients, I will recommend the best solution to your project, but it is up to you to make the choice of what is right for you. With 20+ years of experience in window coverings, we try to make suggestions based on the client’s budget, light control and privacy needs, and decor.

Our installer, Larry, has many years of experience, and is able to ensure a successful installation and followup. Clients remark how much they enjoy dealing with him. We are blessed in that regard.

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Riverhill Living 5

EyE Sky on the

Decorated pilot reflects on decades of service Story by Nancy Foster Photos by Tom Holden

“I

always wanted to fly an airplane,” said Col. James C. Posgate Jr. (Ret), reflecting on his early years.

That dream was realized with a storied and much-esteemed 24-year career in the Air Force, where he logged 3,600 hours, 958 of which were combat missions. His life path ultimately led him and wife Barbara to become Riverhill residents in 2007.

Early

yEarS

Col. Posgate was born in Victoria, Texas, in 1939, where his father was employed in the oil business, an occupation that caused many moves. The family spent many years in New Orleans, where the Colonel basically grew up. He later graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. During the summers and right after graduation, he worked with various offshore oil rig companies, but the timing was right, and he felt the call to enlist. Here was his

6 Summer 2021

“F

lying the F-15 for the first time was ... (a) great thrill for me.”

– COL. JAMES C. POSGATE, JR. retired U.S. Air Force

chance, at long last, to fulfill his dream to become a pilot.

Military CarEEr He first entered the service in 1963 as a commissioned second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force through the USAF Officer Training School. He completed pilot training at Laredo AFB, Texas, received his wings and was assigned to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, for combat crew training in the F-4C “Phantom.”

In the spring of 1965, he was assigned to the 391st Tactical Fighter Squadron at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, and his squadron was deployed to Cam Rahn Bay Air Base in Vietnam.

In the ensuing months, he flew 235 combat missions in the F-4C, including 40 missions over North Vietnam.

After further training at George AFB, California, in the new F-4D, he returned for his second tour, assigned to the 555th Squadron, to Ubon Thailand in December of 1966. While there, he flew 157 combat missions in the F-4D, including 100 over North Vietnam.

“Flying missions over Hanoi were truly memorable moments in my career,” Posgate said.

He returned stateside in June of

1968 and was assigned to the 16th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Eglin AFB in Florida. While there, he served as Instructor Pilot in the F-4E. He graduated from Fighter Weapons Instructor School at Nellis AFB, Nevada, in 1969.

F-15 DEvElopMEnt MEnt In 1971, Col. Posgate was assigned to Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio and began work as a test project officer. He was actively involved in developing and testing the F-15 “Eagle.”

In November 1974 at Edwards AFB in California, he qualified as an F-15 pilot. In 1976, he was assigned to Luke AFB, Arizona, as a project pilot for the follow-on operational testing and evaluation of the aircraft and its weapons and support systems.

He was next assigned to the 433rd Fighter Weapons Squadron at Nellis AFB, Nevada, in 1976, where he served as an F-15 instructor pilot and squadron operations officer developing the first F-15 Fighter Weapons Instructor Course.

He went on to be involved with numerous test and evaluation projects for the F-15 and was one of the first pilots to fly it.

“Flying the F-15 for the first time was another great thrill for me,” he said.

His last assignment at Nellis AFB was as Commander of the 422nd Fighter Weapons Squadron.

In February 1980, Col. Posgate was assigned to the Caribbean Command, Atlantic Command, Key West, Florida, where he served as Chief, Joint Service Air Operations. In 1980-1982, the Command played a key role in maintaining air and naval defenses during Fidel Castro's huge “Muriel Boat Lift” from Cuba across the Florida Straits to Key West.

Promoted to Colonel in 1983, he attended the Air War College and, upon completion, in 1984 was assigned to the 343rd Tactical Fighter Wing, Eielson AFB, Alaska. He served as Deputy Commander for Operations, flying the A-10 Thunderbolt, and as Vice Wing Commander. In 1987, he retired from military service after having served 24 years.

Riverhill Living 7

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Numerous military honors have been bestowed on Col. Posgate, including the Legion of Merit, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and 27 Air Medals. His military decorations and photos are displayed throughout his home, providing a glimpse of his many achievements.

The colonel keeps in touch with fellow veterans and belongs to several military and flying organizations, including The Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, Men of World Wars and Quiet Birdmen.

rivErhill liFE Col. Posgate is a reserved man and a steadfast patriot. He enjoys spending time with his wife Barbara, herself a Department of Defense retiree; son, Keith, who recently retired as principal educator for the Department of Defense; and Keith’s wife Yumi, a Department of Defense educator. Grandson James is totally adored.

The Posgates love their Riverhill home. “We enjoy beautiful, panoramic views and watching the wildlife.

The people are so friendly, and the living is easy.”

On Memorial Day, as we give thanks to all who have served, Riverhill residents can be proud of their neighbor, Col. James C. Posgate Jr., and thankful that a young boy once had a dream to be a pilot.

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8 Summer 2021

Jim Bartlett ......................................................... U.S. Army Sheridan Berthiaume ..................................U.S. Air Force Roy Boudreaux ............................................U.S. Air Force Karen Bammel ................................................... U.S. Army Alex Bscheid....................................................... U.S. Army Gary Clark .....................................................U.S. Air Force Cliff Cunningham .............................................. U.S. Army James H. Coulter ................................................U.S. Navy Michael Edwards .........................................U.S. Air Force Dan Ehrenreich ............................................U.S. Air Force Robert Fairchild ................................................. U.S. Army Milton Gabriel ..............................................U.S. Air Force T. Beck Gipson ................................................... U.S. Army Jeff Harris .............................................U.S. Marine Corps M. Doug Lambert .............................................. U.S. Army Jimmy McCrae ....................................................U.S. Navy Hank Ortega....................................................... U.S. Army Ron Peterson ................................................U.S. Air Force Larry Petty ........................................................... U.S. Army James C. Posgate, Jr. . .................................U.S. Air Force Clement F. Proud ................................................U.S. Navy Chuck Smith .................................................U.S. Air Force Van Wells .............................................................U.S. Navy Jack Westover .....................................................U.S. Navy Bill White ..............................................U.S. Marine Corps Paul J. Woodul ................................................... U.S. Army Wayne Yoeman ............................................U.S. Air Force Bob Young .......................................................... U.S. Army Paul Zohlen ................................U.S. Marine Corps/Army

Chipping in

Riverhill Poker Chip Run to promote community, benefit HC Crisis Council

By Nicole Crapps Riverhill Country Club wants its members to bet on black. And red. And even blue!

This year’s charity fundraiser will be a Poker Chip Run, which, despite its name, requires neither card skills nor exertion.

Instead, August 21 will bring a fun social outing — an opportunity for members of the Club to meet their neighbors, enjoy refreshments and entertainment, give to a good cause and possibly win fantastic prizes.

Participants will visit seven designated locations throughout the neighborhood, noting on their score cards the colors of the three poker chips they draw at each stop. Points will be assigned to each color chip at the end of the night, and the guests with the highest and lowest tallies will win a cash prize. Chips must be drawn at all seven houses to qualify for a prize.

Score cards and a map to each location will be distributed during registration at Riverhill Mansion. Tickets cost $40 each or three for $100 and will be pre-sold. Multiple cards can’t be shared or combined with others.

A portion of proceeds will go to the Poker Chip Run winners, but the majority will benefit this year’s chosen charity — the Hill Country Crisis Council.

Members of this organization will be on hand to answer questions and raise awareness.

After enjoying snacks and good conversation throughout the neighborhood, participants will meet back at the Clubhouse for live entertainment and prize announcements. Never fear if your card doesn’t stack up; a variety of door prizes donated

by Riverhill groups and clubs will also be up for grabs.

This event is for Riverhill members only, but there’s plenty of time to obtain a membership before the fun kicks off. Visit the Clubhouse to learn more about the various levels available.

IF YOU GO

n Registration will be at the Riverhill Mansion from 2 to 3 p.m. n Playing cards cost $40 each and can’t be combined for extra points. n Visit the designated locations in any order from 3 to 5:30 p.m. n Return to the Clubhouse at 5:30 p.m. for live entertainments and prize drawings to wrap up the event.

Riverhill Living 9

COLD

READER-CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

SNAP

By Cary Burgess

A historical winter storm aimed for the Texas Hill Country between Feb. 10 and Feb. 18. The storm was actually a series of separate low pressure systems.

Cold air first arrived on Feb. 10, with temperatures falling into the 20s and 30s during the day.

Precipitation began on the morning of Feb. 11. The first storm system created a thick ice layer, heavier than most of the computer models had predicted.

Cold air remained in place ahead of our next storm system and the coldest air we have seen in decades.

See COLD SNAP, page 12

Residents of Riverhill neighborhood who submitted photographs for this feature include: ❆ Barbara Paul ❆ Brady Lehmann ❆ Brenda Williams ❆ Carol Brinkman ❆ Carolyn Northcutt ❆ Chuckie Crabtree ❆ Craig Foster ❆ Dana-JT Iman ❆ Diane McMahon ❆ Elizabeth Sepgassi ❆ Ford Smith ❆ Frank Dunlap ❆ Hut Smith

10 Summer 2021

❆ Janet True ❆ J’cil Horn ❆ Jill Giesecke ❆ Jim Whetsell ❆ Jo Alice Hancock ❆ Lynda Ables ❆ Lynette Wedig ❆ Meredith Braaten ❆ Michelle Gray ❆ Paul Stafford ❆ Pearl Carolyn ❆ Phyllis Young ❆ Punkie Junko ❆ Randy Buhidar ❆ Rick Perry ❆ Shari Vahadi ❆ Sharon Smith ❆ Stockton Williams ❆ Wanda Kemp-Maxon

Riverhill Living 11

COLD SNAP Continued from Page 10 The coldest air invaded the region on Valentines Day, Feb. 14. Snow began to accumulate with this system, and temperatures plunged into the single digits by the morning of Feb. 15. Wind chill values dropped to between -10 and -20 degrees across most of the area.

We briefly reached temperatures above freezing on Feb. 17, but the final storm system moved across the area on Feb. 18, keeping highs barely in the 20s.

Ice accumulated again on Feb. 16 and 17 before the final snowfall on Feb. 18 with 2.3 inches of additional accumulation reported.

The historic storm system dumped a total 5.1 inches of snow over the course of eight days. Two separate ice events combined with two separate snow events, resulted in a devastating freeze for the Hill Country.

12 Summer 2021

Riverhill Living 13

14 Summer 2021

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Riverhill Living 15

Cutting the Streaming service view time spiked

44% with the onset of the pandemic Conviva 2020 State of Streaming

M

y father spent his whole career in television broadcasting, working as an engineer from early TV to satellite TV. My career was spent with computer technology: software, hardware and networking.

As television became more computerized and computers became more focused on video, our paths started to overlap. Today, they are totally intertwined. My TV is also a computer, and all of my television signals come in over the internet. I’ve “ditched the dish.” Should you do the same? Let’s explore your options.

CORD Switch from cable to streaming services can save you cash and expand your viewing options

By Niel Powers What Is streaming TV?

Streaming is simply using your existing inhouse computer network to watch TV shows, movies and other videos. Think Netflix or YouTube, but now for everything you watch.

With streaming, you can watch TV shows as they are being broadcast as well as ondemand. Movies, documentaries and series are all available, as are local stations. There is no connection to the cable company (other than, perhaps, your internet connection) and no dish on your roof. The movies and programs are

all provided through subscription services that you pay monthly (and some are free!).

Once subscribed, you can watch on your computer, your tablet or your smartphone. You can subscribe to any number of streaming services based on your viewing habit.

But what about my TV set?

Almost all sets made in the last five years are “smart TVs.” They already have the ability to connect to your in-house WiFi network, and they already have (or can easily access) the applications for all major subscription services.

For older TVs, you can buy small adapters for a one-time fee that will “cast” the signal from your network to the TV. They plug in to the TV set, and either come with a small remote, or use your tablet or smartphone as a remote.

Adapters are available from Google (Chromecast), Amazon (Firestick) or Roku. In our house, we have two smart TVs and three that we use with Chromecast devices.

Can I still get local channels?

Yes, if you subscribe to a multichannel service. The two best for local channels are Hulu Live TV and YouTube TV. Both carry all the local broadcast networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and The CW) based on your ZIP code.

In Kerrville, those are the San Antonio stations. For PBS fans, if you are a PBS Passport member there’s a free streaming service for you as well.

How much does streaming cost?

Streaming services generally come in two flavors — channel listings similar to cable, and specific services from a single production house. Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube TV are the best known general services, and they offer most of the usual entertainment, information and sports channels that you are already familiar with. Both offer live and on-demand viewing. In addition, there are dozens of services that offer movies, specials and series

from their own production library.

These include Disney, HBO, Netflix, Paramount (CBS/Viacom), Peacock (NBC), Hallmark and many others.

Most people subscribe to one of the general services, then add in a small number of the specific services that cater to their entertainment tastes.

Costs vary, obviously, but for most people, cutting the cord also cuts their entertainment costs by one-third to half. Add-on specialty services are generally in the $10 per month range, with some offering free or lower cost if you want to put up with advertisements! There are also a host of free streaming services offering everything from documentaries to old movies to classic TV shows.

What are the advantages?

While the cost advantages catch everyone’s attention, the real advantage of streaming is in determining when, where and how you watch. With streaming, you can watch programs live or on-demand. You can record an almost unlimited number of series or shows and watch them anytime, anywhere (they are stored in the cloud). And you can watch them on almost any device in your house, wherever that device is located.

There’s no cable to attach, so you can put the TV anywhere you want.

We even have a projector on our back patio where we can stream movies and football games from my laptop computer.

Another advantage is in how these services are billed. Streaming services bill by the user, not by the device. We have five TVs, but only two of us in the house (remember, son of a TV engineer). I was tired of paying for all five when we could, at most, only be watching two at any one time. With our twouser subscription, we can watch wherever we want and not pay for the devices not in use.

There is also an advantage if you travel (remember traveling?). Most major hotel chains now allow you to log in to your subscriptions and watch on the TV in your room.

We’ve even used our streaming

services in campgrounds with the motorhome.

What are the disadvantages?

Yes, there are some. It starts with bandwidth and setup. It takes a bit of network savvy and decent equipment to get going. Fortunately, the major internet providers have anticipated this and all their current equipment and internet offerings are robust enough to handle video streaming. All WiFi routers offered over the last few years are up to the task as well. But you will have to connect any smart TVs to the network and/or add the plug-in adapters and connect them to the internet. You may also need to add the apps for the streaming services you want for your tablet or smartphone.

The other major disadvantage is “subscription creep.” Cable and dish offerings tend to be heavily bundled — pick your bundle and go. Streaming subscriptions are more pick-and-choose. This works well if you are careful, but it is also easy to load up on too many services and see your monthly costs go up. Fortunately, most streaming services offer free trial periods, and none have contracts or annual requirements.

The other obvious disadvantage is this: If your internet is down, so is your entertainment! But if you use cable internet and cable TV, the same is probably true.

Should I switch to streaming?

It just may be time for you to do exactly that. But fortunately, you don’t have to make the decision all at once. It is easy to add subscription streaming services without dropping cable or satellite TV. The two co-exist very nicely.

My usual recommendation is to sign up for one or more “free trials” and try it out. If you can get everything you want and like it, then you can continue the subscription and drop your current provide whenever you want. As for me, I ditched the dish, and I’ll never go back. And there’s no flying saucer on my roof anymore!

going again How to stay safe while resuming vacation plans

By Rhonda Wiley-Jones COVID-19 stopped us in our tracks in March 2020. When the world went into lockdown, scientists believed they could hear the background hum of the universe, more specifically a resonating echo caused by gravitational waves. The silence created by the lack of human activity allowed nature to be heard and healed to some extent.

Now, during this spring of 2021, we hear the hum of people going places again. But things are uncertain and changing daily. An online travel magazine, “Hidden Compass,” published their recent issue with its themed title, “Shifting Currents,” certainly a nod toward what’s happening.

Some European countries are only allowing others from the EU, because of increased COVID-19 cases. That will continue to change over time. Rick Steves, in his March 12, 2021, blog post wrote, “For one nation to be truly safe, all nations must be immune,” encouraging anyone who wants to travel to get vaccinated.

18 Summer 2021

MorE aBoUt thE aUthor Rhonda Wiley-Jones, author of her memoir, “At Home in the World: Travel Stories of Growing Up and Growing Away,” currently blogs about writing, travel, and travel writing at RhondaWiley-Jones.com. Wiley-Jones teaches workshops for the national Story Circle Network on the craft of travel writing.

In your home with your friends, she can also conduct a fun group-centered activity, “Chardonnay & Hemingway,” a journal writing exercise to enhance your travels. The emphasis is on drinking wine and then finding ways to capture a sense of place in your adventures and journeys here and abroad. Contact her at rwileyjones@gmail.com or 830-992-1717.

• If you are not already aware of and using the U.S. State Department’s website to check travel advisories when travel planning, visit travel.state.gov for the latest updates.

• Check your passport to make sure it is valid and start the renewal process on the State Department website if it is not.

You may be eligible to renew by mail, depending on the state of your current documents. Routine passport renewal can take up to six months and expedited passports will cost you an additional $60. Plan ahead.

• As for COVID-19 updates, investigate any requirements for returning to the United States, especially if you have college students studying abroad.

Recent travel trends include:

StatE

parkS

Folks are driving more often to state and national parks. You can find countless opportunities at national parks on their site, www.nps.gov/index.htm. You’ll learn about our Texas state parks at www.tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks.

It’s a great way to get outdoors, stay safely 6 feet apart, and explore landscapes you might not have before.

SlowEr

paCE

This, of course, ties to traveling closer to home. Taking our time to explore close to home things we’ve been putting off for years.

Some people I know have rented an RV to travel more safely.

Traveling slower may include various means of transportation we don’t often use, like rail, bus, biking, even hiking and walking.

SUpport

loCal EConoMiES

When traveling abroad, more travelers are making the effort to stay in locally owned lodging, shop locally and eat locally instead of in chains we find so comforting when we are away, whether McDonalds, Comfort Inn or The Four Seasons. This keeps our tourist dollars in the hands of community people, assisting the area economy.

EthiCal

travEl

Communities abroad have become more aware of tourist dollars and the impact of our feet on their soil and traveling their transportation routes. In response, travel agencies are changing their ways. Ethics are good business. A taste of travel tips for more ethical travel includes to buy fair trade souvenirs, book tours with family-owned operators, travel light, choose a hotel that supports refugees, engage with local communities, and immerse yourself in local culture.

intEntionality The previous four trends indicate that folks are seeking to live and travel more purposefully than in the past.

Some people seek travel that’s thoughtful and meaningful.

There’s even a website, intentionaltravel.com, that explores the concept. It states, “For people passionate about travel — and we know there are many — our site is for people who intentionally pursue meaningful, transformation experiences around the world.”

lESSon lEarnED Savvy travelers check the State Department website before traveling. Take it from an experienced, though sometimes not-so-savvy traveler, like me, who failed to search the site.

Case in point: Girlfriends and I neglected to search the State Department website to learn if there was anything going on at our destination. We arrived at the Tuxtla airport, an hour away, without planned transportation to San Cristóbal, Mexico, on the day Pope Francis visited.

We found a non-English speaking driver who would take us without the certainty we could even get into San Cristóbal. The interstate became surprisingly less crowded the closer we came to the city.

The driver detoured from the interstate onto a lesser paved highway and then onto a dirt road. He stopped in a canyon — blocked by a utility truck, and no place for us to run. A canyon wall on one side and dense, gnarly brush on the other.

Unable to communicate with him because we didn’t speak enough Spanish, we spent 40 tense minutes thinking we had been kidnapped and wondering about an untimely outcome.

The unusual circumstance was, fortunately for us, due to Pope Francis visiting at the same time. The interstate had been shut down for the Pope’s safety, not ours.

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Riverhill Living 19

Our Club Members Are Our Passion Our remarkable golf club started with a friendship between golf legend Byron Nelson and renowned course designer Joe Finger. That tradition continues today with the friendships still formed and strengthened on the rolling hills of Riverhill Country Club just as Byron Nelson had hoped.

You are invited to be a part of that tradition and the present celebration of the game of golf, fabulous dining and events, world-class tennis, swim and fun for your entire family.

Many families have taken part in what Riverhill has become over the past 112 years when it began as the mansion at Cedarcrest. Many families return generation after generation to enjoy the important history of this estate and the wonderful part the club continues to play in their lives.

Summer Fun for the Entire Family!

Riverhill Country Club • RiverhillCC.com • 896-1400 •100 Riverhill Club Lane • Kerrville Please contact Membership Director Bryan Hargrove at (830) 896-1400 x2230 for more information about memberships and initiation fees.