Presidential Museums Trip Day 4 -- September 11, 2009

The George H. W. Bush Presidential Museum and Library was our first stop of the day. We arrived just before the museum opened and entered a small theater to view a video about former President Bush’s life before, during, and after his presidency. Many of the exhibits detailed his careers beginning with his first as a very young pilot.

We learned about his diplomatic service, his political life, his love for Barbara, and his accomplishments as President of the United States. We also saw full-sized replicas of the Oval Office and a room based on the Camp David Retreat. President Bush’s limousine and Barbara Bush’s wedding dress were among other significant items on display.

One of the docents told us that George and Barbara Bush have decided to be buried near the library in a beautiful, peaceful garden, which has a large pond. Their first daughter died from leukemia at the age of three, and she is already buried in the family plot. In November of 2007, the library, which sits on the campus of Texas A & M, was re-opened after renovation, and former President Bush parachuted onto the grounds to celebrate.

After learning about our 41st president, we made a short drive to Rudy’s BBQ, today's lunch stop. From a menu full of things like brisket, ribs, and other barbecue fare, we ate some very tasty casual food and then settled in for a rainy, stormy drive to Austin. We had a little time to rest after we checked into our hotel and then drove to downtown Austin in search of B. D. Riley’s Pub for an authentic Irish dinner. Many of our group chose the recommended specialty - fish and chips. Owner John Erwin delighted the group with a brief history of the building and some additional dinner suggestions. We ended the evening fairly early and returned to the hotel for a good night's sleep. Tomorrow we'll visit the Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Museum and Johnson City, the location of LBJ's ranch.