THE DEVIL'S BACKBONE Traditional Cache
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Summary of Devils Backbone Legend from Central Texas Ghost Trackers
One of the most scenic drives in Texas is also one of the most haunted. The Devil's Backbone is a line of large hills that stretches along southeast of Austin in and around Wimberley, Texas. Although very beautiful, there have been many horrific deeds here to Native Americans and settlers alike. There have been apparitions seen at many different ranch homes ranging from 16th century Spanish monks, native spirits, and even an entire company of Confederate soldiers traveling on horseback. The hooves were said to sound like thunder and shook the walls of a bunkhouse. Campers report smelling campfires (in places where fires are not allowed) and being followed by people unseen while hiking. Hunters talk about hearing footsteps at the bottom of their deer stands. The strangest reports come from a few that say they were possessed by the spirit of a wolf. The wolf spirit is said to set the person in a trance for hours. A strange baritone voice comes from the possessed talking about how the Natives where robbed of their homes.
Ghosts of monks and Native Americans have been seen. At one time, a large group of riders who looked liked Civil War soldiers rode by a group of men. Their cabin shook from the force of the horses' hooves hitting the ground. When they had passed not one plant had been damaged.
An occasional visitor has spotted a ghostly re-enactment of the battle where R.N. Wall died, including Wall's great-grandson.
An American Indian called Drago has been seen by ranchers herding cattle through the backbone.
A woman and child have been seen wandering in search of a Christian burial for her miner husband who was killed when the shaft collapsed.
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Devil's Backbone Can Send Chills Up Your Spine
By Greg Fieg
They are the dirtiest, tiredest and lostest half dozen Confederate soldiers you'll ever want to meet, or, preferably not meet. Their domain is called "The Devil's Backbone," a remote, narrow, treacherous and curling piece of Texas roadway that is arguably among the most beautiful in the Hill Country by day, but at night, perhaps the spookiest.
The few locals that live in the area say they don't know why they repeatedly see this lost patrol of ghostly Confederate soldiers, wandering in their worn out gray uniforms and with a few weeks of whiskers as they seek sustenance and respite in the dead of night. The ragtail Rebels look real enough as apparitions, but turn away from them for just an instant and then vanish into the night air.
The road is designated as Farm Road 32, a minion of the 1400-foot Lone Man Mountain which holds court to the north. The route traces its way through a cedar forest along a spinelike summit transversing a succession of limestone bluffs and fall-away grades. At its highest point, the drop to the valleys on either side is the better part of a 1,000 feet, and affords travelers 100-mile views at several locations.
But don't take your eyes off the road because it's a long way down, and it may be awhile before you're found if your vehicle leaves the pavement. From many points, all that can be seen are sprawling vistas, with no sign of homes, roads or civilization.
The road connects RR 12 south of Wimberley west for 30 miles to U.S. 281 near Blanco and the general vicinity of the ranch of the late President Lyndon B. Johnson. A picnic area with parking has been created near the western end for those who want to make a day of it. But to make a night of it, well, it's not advised.
Small pill bottle.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Whavcrehf nfurv