What do you do if you hold a race and no one comes? Well, if you're a proud Texan, you hold with your bargain and forge forward.

That's what happened at the Amazing Race held at the Don Strange Ranch on Saturday.

There were only a handful of takers to the challenge to scavenge for the most numbered balls hidden on the front forty, spy the hidden gnome, compete in a roping

contest, jog your noggin in a Strange trivia contest and be eliminated at a cow-patty toss. Sounds like a great way to spend a sunny fall afternoon...and it was. Alicia

spied the gnome buried up to the tip of his cap in sand - thus assuring her a place in the finals - while others foraged to find 100 hidden balls. Of course participants

were warned to put a stick in a hole before putting your hand in there. The more balls you find, the better your chances for winning a cash prize. "I found one," Mike calls out to an opponent. "How many have you found?" Trying unsuccessfully not to dampen his spirit, Vicki calls back a bit sheepishly, "20."

In the end, it was Arren who spilled 26 balls from under her red t-shirt into a trough. Then she eagerly swung a lasso over her head and captured a 'steer,' winning

her a margarita.  In the background, musicians tuned up for their performance in the rustic dining/dance hall gussied up with string lights, woody grape vines and iron candelabras.

These scavenger hunters weren't the only ones chillin' at the ranch located right past Boerne on Waring Welfare Road. Adventure seekers were queuing up to strap up for the the 50-foot alpine climb challenge (there are 36 ways to the top) and zipline ride - Of course, you have to climb up the 42-foot cargo net to get to the tree-house platform. Most had purchased the deal on LivingSocial.com or Groupon at a bargain price that included  'best in town' burgers and all the fixin's. But say you wanted to wander further afoot. Right up the road a piece are two old timey eateries worthy of a closer inspection: the charming Welfare Cafe, and the Waring

General Store. The latter has both indoor and outdoor seating and a stage for live music.

The Don Strange name has been known since birth for many South Texans. It was the site chosen for the nuptials and reception of Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton this past spring. But San Antonio newcomers are less familiar with the tradition that began with a Bandera Road grocery store and barbeque in San Antonio in 1952. If you don't know them...well, it's high time you introduce yourself.