Halfway between Houston and San Antonio, along I-10 is a town called Schulenberg in Fayette County. Those traveling through the area may want to stop and check out the painted churches built in the Czech and German settlements about 100 years ago.

I've been to one previously, but finally visited and photographed all four last weekend with my new ultra-wideangle lens. Just posted pictures here:

rkkwan.zenfolio.com/p545447775/

[Right off the I-10 exit for US77, the Oakridge Restaurant serve pretty good BBQ, a la carte or all you can eat, if you're looking are food.]

Thanks for posting these rkkwan! Beautiful churches and photos as well.

Terrific photos. Wish I had known about this when I was going that way. But thanks.

Great photos. And yes, they're well worth visiting if you're in the area.

Nice pics, dude. Great to see the RP's, finally.....

Wow! Your pictures are great! And . . . I'm a native Texan and I've never heard of these churches . . . road trip!

Sandy (in Denton)

rkkwan, did they offer tours of the churches or were they just open when you visited? Was it on a Sunday? Beautiful pictures, thanks for posting.

First, I need to apologize. The correct spelling is with an "U". It's Schulenburg, TX.

More information can be found here:

www.schulenburgchamber.org

or

http://www.texasescapes.com/CentralT...urchesTour.htm

I was using my new Tokina 11-16/2.8 ultra-wideangle lens that I just received. Overall, it's a very nice lens, with just one flaw. You can see it in a couple of pictures. But if you haven't noticed it, that'd be okay.

As for the churches being open, it was a Saturday, and we were there around 11am to 1pm. No services during that time, and three of them had their doors unlocked. We just walked in and looked around. The one in Dubina was locked.

Also, not far away, a little to the SW of Schulenburg is Shiner, home of the Shiner Bock, probably the best beer being brewed in TX right now. [Or at least the best one that's fairly widely available in the state.]

There is brewery tour, but only on weekdays. It's closed on weekends.

www.shiner.com

Beautiful photos rkkwan, I always love the pictures that you take. And your parents look so well and happy which is wonderful. Those churches are very lovely. You always have the most wonderful trips! Thanks for sharing.

Beautiful photos, Ray, the colors are just gorgeous. I think PBS ran a special sometime last year on the painted churches--your photos really capture the light and color inside, better than what I saw on t.v..

I just came across this while looking for other Texas info, beautiful rkkwan!

Hello rkkwan

I'm so sorry I missed this when you originally posted. Your photos were beautiful, as usual!

In the spring, a group of friends and I will be taking the tour to the Schulenberg area to see all the churches. I think there are 10 in all, right? (I'll have to check out the link you posted.) But we plan to do it in one long day from Austin.

After seeing your photos, I can see it will really be a delight!

I read somewhere that you will be moving to Los Angeles. We will certainly miss you here in Texas. Good luck to you.

Great photos as always, Ray! I'm interested not only in your camera, but also your flash. The interior shots look too bright to be with ambient lighting. You must have a great flash!

When are you headed to L.A.?

Enjoyed your pictures very much. Thanks for posting them.

<when are you headed to LA>

rkkwan should be there by now.

Yes, I arrived in L.A. last Sunday night. Started work on Tuesday.

I had been a crazy 3 weeks for me. Including the move and a trip to Hong Kong.

Oh, Ray-- I am SOOOOO bummed! I hadn't read that you were going to be leaving us! No more dim sum.

Best of luck to you. Did your parents come along, or did you leave them behind?

I suppose I have to find a reason to get to LA now!

Beautiful pictures, as always. I love the light and the angles you chose. Just gorgeous.

I'm with Sandy- roadtrip!

Paula

Thanks for the great photos - talk about making a girl homesick!!!