Texas Vacation (April 6-30, 2009)
| BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK Click on any photo to enlarge |
Big Bend is located in southwest
Texas along the Rio Grande River.
I didn't see any bears or Mountain
needed to check in with the park
ranger, as it states on the sign.
Texas along the Rio Grande River.
I didn't see any bears or Mountain
needed to check in with the park
ranger, as it states on the sign.
I stayed at the Big Bend Motor Inn. Not very appealing to
look at, but they have cable TV and no rules against sitting
outside and drinking a glass of wine. My kinda place.
look at, but they have cable TV and no rules against sitting
outside and drinking a glass of wine. My kinda place.
I don't know what kind of bird this is, but since it was
inclined to sit still long enough for me to take it's picture,
that's good enough for me.
inclined to sit still long enough for me to take it's picture,
that's good enough for me.
This tunnel was kinda neat, but I thought the picture was
even neater. It's actually three different mountains/hills.
The one in the back, the one that the tunnel goes
through and one in between. Looking through the tunnel
you get the impression you'll be driving into a rock wall.
even neater. It's actually three different mountains/hills.
The one in the back, the one that the tunnel goes
through and one in between. Looking through the tunnel
you get the impression you'll be driving into a rock wall.
...and more flowers
...Flowers...
Flowers...
This is the Rio Grande River, but, as you can see, it's not
very GRANDE at this location.
very GRANDE at this location.
Towards the back of this picture there's a canyon that I really
wanted to visit, but the terrain wasn't compatible with my
shoes, so I opted out of going back in there. From what I'm
told, it's a neat place, especially at sunset. I really wanted to
get some of those great pictures, but I opted to be safe
instead.
wanted to visit, but the terrain wasn't compatible with my
shoes, so I opted out of going back in there. From what I'm
told, it's a neat place, especially at sunset. I really wanted to
get some of those great pictures, but I opted to be safe
instead.
Yet another look at the river before it enters the canyon in the
above picture. At least in this shot it looks more like a river
should look.... Kinda.
above picture. At least in this shot it looks more like a river
should look.... Kinda.
Although not legal, the Mexican nationals make handmade
souvenirs and transport them across the river for visitors to
the park to purchase. As you can see, crossing the river is
not an issue. This young Mexican lad was able to cross on
his horse without getting his feet wet.
souvenirs and transport them across the river for visitors to
the park to purchase. As you can see, crossing the river is
not an issue. This young Mexican lad was able to cross on
his horse without getting his feet wet.
Although the mountains are pretty, this picture would be
pretty boring if not for the beautiful truck in the foreground.
This was the first big trip for the Suburban and it did quite
well. It has a smaller engine than the pick-up truck had, but it
doesn't seem to matter with the trailer I have.
pretty boring if not for the beautiful truck in the foreground.
This was the first big trip for the Suburban and it did quite
well. It has a smaller engine than the pick-up truck had, but it
doesn't seem to matter with the trailer I have.
One more look at Big Bend before moving on.
This is the County Courthouse in Alpine, Texas. I got
pictures of several of these courthouses, but this is one of
the neatest that I found. On the side of the building is the
Gazebo. You'll be seeing a couple more courthouses as
the journey continues, but this is one of my favorites. My
absolute favorite from this trip is the Courthouse in New
Braunfels, Texas. When you see it, I think you'll agree.
pictures of several of these courthouses, but this is one of
the neatest that I found. On the side of the building is the
Gazebo. You'll be seeing a couple more courthouses as
the journey continues, but this is one of my favorites. My
absolute favorite from this trip is the Courthouse in New
Braunfels, Texas. When you see it, I think you'll agree.
Along with the really neat courthouses, I found a few old
theaters and opera houses. It's really nice to see these old
buildings still standing, and still in use. I found this one in
Alpine, Texas, but it's not a theater anymore, Yoga anyone?
theaters and opera houses. It's really nice to see these old
buildings still standing, and still in use. I found this one in
Alpine, Texas, but it's not a theater anymore, Yoga anyone?
Since I"m taking pictures of neat old buildings, I can't
overlook the First Christian Church in Alpine, Texas. Of the
several churches in town, this was one of the most
impressive, but then I'm a real sucker for stone buildings.
overlook the First Christian Church in Alpine, Texas. Of the
several churches in town, this was one of the most
impressive, but then I'm a real sucker for stone buildings.
When I first saw this building, I thought it was a government
building of some sort, but it's actually the First Baptist
Church in Alpine, Texas. I think it's a very unique design for
a church.
building of some sort, but it's actually the First Baptist
Church in Alpine, Texas. I think it's a very unique design for
a church.
| ALPINE, TEXAS Click on any photo to enlarge |
Welcome to Marfa, Texas. This is another of the towns built
around the County Courthouse The Courthouse square is
surrounded by homes, churches and a few businesses,
not to mention the big courtyard itself. This seems to be a
typical design for many of the older towns in Texas.
around the County Courthouse The Courthouse square is
surrounded by homes, churches and a few businesses,
not to mention the big courtyard itself. This seems to be a
typical design for many of the older towns in Texas.
This courthouse, in Marfa, Texas is probably one of the
most ornate courthouses that I came across. Although I'm
not all that fond of the color, it was worth seeing.
most ornate courthouses that I came across. Although I'm
not all that fond of the color, it was worth seeing.
This is the Marfa Opera House.
Although it's no longer an opera
house or theater, it's still a neat old
building with a real history behind
it.
Although it's no longer an opera
house or theater, it's still a neat old
building with a real history behind
it.
This is a neat old stone church. It really isn't leaning to one
side, it's just poor Photoshop editing. OOPS!
side, it's just poor Photoshop editing. OOPS!
The Central Fire Station in Marfa, Texas is really pink (that
wasn't a Photoshop snafu). It appears that they have added
on a couple of times over the years. Personally, I think the tin
apparatus bays have ruined the antique station. Like the
courthouse, which sits across the street, the pink color
leaves a lot to be desired.
wasn't a Photoshop snafu). It appears that they have added
on a couple of times over the years. Personally, I think the tin
apparatus bays have ruined the antique station. Like the
courthouse, which sits across the street, the pink color
leaves a lot to be desired.
| SEMINOLE CANYON STATE PARK Click on any photo to enlarge |
| BLANCO, TEXAS, near San Antonio Click on any photo to enlarge |
Apparently Seminole Canyon is known for its many rock
paintings. They no longer allow visitors to take self-guided
tours, and the tours for that day were already over, so just
stayed at camp, opened a bottle of wine and enjoyed the
sunset.
paintings. They no longer allow visitors to take self-guided
tours, and the tours for that day were already over, so just
stayed at camp, opened a bottle of wine and enjoyed the
sunset.
The first two stops on the trip were desert, and Big Bend
was hot (temperatures in the 90's), so it was a real treat to
finally be someplace that had big GREEN trees and lots of
shade. Blanco State Park is right on the outskirts of
Blanco, Texas, along the Blanco River. I was there on the
weekend and it was busy, but by Sunday afternoon, I
practically had the whole park to myself.
was hot (temperatures in the 90's), so it was a real treat to
finally be someplace that had big GREEN trees and lots of
shade. Blanco State Park is right on the outskirts of
Blanco, Texas, along the Blanco River. I was there on the
weekend and it was busy, but by Sunday afternoon, I
practically had the whole park to myself.
The Blanco River runs right through the park. It seemed to
be a popular place for anglers and an ideal place to have a
picnic. I kinda wish I had brought my fishing tackle with me,
but then I might have missed out on some of the other sights
in the area, and there were some that I really would rather not
have missed. I can buy my fish at the store.
be a popular place for anglers and an ideal place to have a
picnic. I kinda wish I had brought my fishing tackle with me,
but then I might have missed out on some of the other sights
in the area, and there were some that I really would rather not
have missed. I can buy my fish at the store.
| MARFA, TEXAS Click on any photo to enlarge |
| FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS Click on any photo to enlarge |
Fredericksburg, Texas is one of several towns found by
German immigrants who moved to Texas from the Civil
War States. The most promoted, and perhaps the most
popular of these towns, is New Braunfels.
German immigrants who moved to Texas from the Civil
War States. The most promoted, and perhaps the most
popular of these towns, is New Braunfels.
Although New Braunfels is a neat old town, I was more
impressed with Fredericksburg and how they
memorialized many of their buildings by including the
original name of the buildings and the date it was built.
impressed with Fredericksburg and how they
memorialized many of their buildings by including the
original name of the buildings and the date it was built.
This was a very interesting building. It was once the local
hospital, but now it serves the community in a different
way. The front section, closest to the street, houses a
bakery, and the entrance to the back of the courtyard is a
tasting room. A far cry from being a hospital, but probably
helps people nearly as much today.
hospital, but now it serves the community in a different
way. The front section, closest to the street, houses a
bakery, and the entrance to the back of the courtyard is a
tasting room. A far cry from being a hospital, but probably
helps people nearly as much today.
Although the current occupants of these building didn't
appeal all that much to me, the architecture did. These are
a couple fine examples of German architecture meets
Texas Hill Country.
appeal all that much to me, the architecture did. These are
a couple fine examples of German architecture meets
Texas Hill Country.
was there on Easter Sunday meant most of the shops
were closed, causing there to be very few visitors. When I
had passed through Fredericksburg the day prior, the
town was very busy and the streets were crowded with
cars as well as pedestrians. From a photographic
standpoint, being less busy was a good thing. From a
tourist's standpoint, it was disappointing because many of
the businesses were closed.
were closed, causing there to be very few visitors. When I
had passed through Fredericksburg the day prior, the
town was very busy and the streets were crowded with
cars as well as pedestrians. From a photographic
standpoint, being less busy was a good thing. From a
tourist's standpoint, it was disappointing because many of
the businesses were closed.
Yet another interesting building in Fredericksburg is the
Library, which is situated right across the street from the
Fire Station. I wonder if sirens and air horns have any
affect on the patrons, and do the librarians try to ssshhh
the fire trucks?
Library, which is situated right across the street from the
Fire Station. I wonder if sirens and air horns have any
affect on the patrons, and do the librarians try to ssshhh
the fire trucks?
Yet another stone building, this one a little less German in
appearance. The date on the building is 1897 and appears to
have originally been a hotel.
appearance. The date on the building is 1897 and appears to
have originally been a hotel.
Here are a couple homes in Fredericksburg. I just thought
they were neat and took pictures of them. To the best of my
knowledge, there is nothing significant about these homes.
they were neat and took pictures of them. To the best of my
knowledge, there is nothing significant about these homes.
I saw the Buick sign from across the street. As I approached
the building along the sidewalk, I decided to take a picture of
the sign. As I walked past the building, I happened to look
inside. What a pleasant surprise. I didn't expect to see what I
did. I don't know if this is a museum or just an old dealer
showroom or what. There were no new cars around, so it's
obviously not currently a dealership. There were no other
signs that indicated it was anything but an old dealership.
My guess is that it's all for show.
the building along the sidewalk, I decided to take a picture of
the sign. As I walked past the building, I happened to look
inside. What a pleasant surprise. I didn't expect to see what I
did. I don't know if this is a museum or just an old dealer
showroom or what. There were no new cars around, so it's
obviously not currently a dealership. There were no other
signs that indicated it was anything but an old dealership.
My guess is that it's all for show.
much interest in the Pacific war, the building was certainly
something different. I had seen a show on this building on
TV about a year ago, but I don't remember the whole story.
I'll try to remember to do some research and I'll post it here
if/when I find it.
something different. I had seen a show on this building on
TV about a year ago, but I don't remember the whole story.
I'll try to remember to do some research and I'll post it here
if/when I find it.
| NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS Click on any photo to enlarge |
This is the Brauntex Theater in New Braunfels. It was built
in 1942 as a movie theater. In the late 1990's it was
renovated and is currently a performing arts theater. It is in
beautiful condition and brings back so many memories of
what theaters used to be before the huge multi-screen
theaters took over from coast to coast.
in 1942 as a movie theater. In the late 1990's it was
renovated and is currently a performing arts theater. It is in
beautiful condition and brings back so many memories of
what theaters used to be before the huge multi-screen
theaters took over from coast to coast.
Formerly the New Braunfels Train Station, this is now the
Train Museum. The station is right next to the Brauntex
Theater and across the street from the New Braunfels
Fire Museum.
Train Museum. The station is right next to the Brauntex
Theater and across the street from the New Braunfels
Fire Museum.
The Prince Solm's Inn was founded in 1898. Today it's a
Bed & Breakfast.
Bed & Breakfast.
The center of town in New Braunfels is a round-about
(rotary). I think round-abouts should be illegal, but that's a
topic for another day. Besides many big trees, the courtyard
is home to a Gazebo, but not a courthouse. The courthouse
actually sits on one of the corners outside the round-about.
(rotary). I think round-abouts should be illegal, but that's a
topic for another day. Besides many big trees, the courtyard
is home to a Gazebo, but not a courthouse. The courthouse
actually sits on one of the corners outside the round-about.
This is the courthouse in New Braunfels. Of all the old
courthouses I saw and photographed on this trip, this one
was by far my favorite. First of all, I'm partial towards the
stone buildings, and when they added the round entry with
the big doors, they really caught my attention. This is
certainly a building I might have designed if I had been
around back then.
courthouses I saw and photographed on this trip, this one
was by far my favorite. First of all, I'm partial towards the
stone buildings, and when they added the round entry with
the big doors, they really caught my attention. This is
certainly a building I might have designed if I had been
around back then.
| SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS Click on any photo to enlarge |
| AUSTIN, TEXAS Click on any photo to enlarge |
The three photos on the left are of the Alamo, San
Antonio's most famous landmark. Although it was
crowded, there were a few seconds when there was
nobody in sight, so I was able to take a couple shots with
nobody in front of the Alamo. You can rest assured I would
probably have never had the same opportunity again.
Antonio's most famous landmark. Although it was
crowded, there were a few seconds when there was
nobody in sight, so I was able to take a couple shots with
nobody in front of the Alamo. You can rest assured I would
probably have never had the same opportunity again.
San Antonio's River Walk is probably the second-biggest
attraction, and it's right across the street from San Antonio's
biggest attraction, The Alamo. I took one of the river tour
boats and learned a little bit about the River Walk and some
of the surrounding buildings and a bunch of history. I highly
recommend the tour to anyone who goes to the River Walk.
attraction, and it's right across the street from San Antonio's
biggest attraction, The Alamo. I took one of the river tour
boats and learned a little bit about the River Walk and some
of the surrounding buildings and a bunch of history. I highly
recommend the tour to anyone who goes to the River Walk.
Here is San Antonio's Central Fire Headquarters. I took a
picture of this station 20 years ago and I don't think it's
changed a bit. Although the building says it's Fire
Headquarters, I don't know that it really is.
picture of this station 20 years ago and I don't think it's
changed a bit. Although the building says it's Fire
Headquarters, I don't know that it really is.
| GULF COAST OF TEXAS Click on any photo to enlarge |
two photos are from outside. There were several
interesting statues on the lawn, but because of the time of
day, and my lack of photography skills, the pictures didn't
turn out so well.
interesting statues on the lawn, but because of the time of
day, and my lack of photography skills, the pictures didn't
turn out so well.
The woodwork inside the building is just awesome. Big
columns at the stairwells and doorways, with tall solid
wood doors, but most of all, I was impressed by the view
up into the dome. Enlarge the bottom picture and you can
see the spiral staircase inside the dome. I think I'll pass on
that climbing that one...
columns at the stairwells and doorways, with tall solid
wood doors, but most of all, I was impressed by the view
up into the dome. Enlarge the bottom picture and you can
see the spiral staircase inside the dome. I think I'll pass on
that climbing that one...
Just down the street from the Capitol is St. Mary's Church. The
stark contrast of the modern hi-rise in the background makes this
church stand out even more. In front of the church is a glass
building. The reflection of the church in the glass made for some
interesting photos, but a truly great photo would have been one
taken without any other buildings in the picture.
stark contrast of the modern hi-rise in the background makes this
church stand out even more. In front of the church is a glass
building. The reflection of the church in the glass made for some
interesting photos, but a truly great photo would have been one
taken without any other buildings in the picture.
destination, the place I was looking forward to visiting.
Although I achieved my goal, it later turned out to be the
worst stop due to thunderstorm and tornado watches
every day, along with misty rain and blowing sand. It all
contributed to some pretty miserable days.
Although I achieved my goal, it later turned out to be the
worst stop due to thunderstorm and tornado watches
every day, along with misty rain and blowing sand. It all
contributed to some pretty miserable days.
As you can see, this is a pretty basic campground with
water and electricity. The sand dunes, which are a couple
hundred feet behind the trailer, are all that separate the
campground from the Gulf. They don't like you walking
over the vegetation to get to the beach, so it's just best to
drive down.
water and electricity. The sand dunes, which are a couple
hundred feet behind the trailer, are all that separate the
campground from the Gulf. They don't like you walking
over the vegetation to get to the beach, so it's just best to
drive down.
I know I mentioned the bad weather, but I didn't mention the
wind. The wind was blowing hard every day. On the second
day, it brought misty rain, so not only was I getting
sand-blasted, it was just miserable enough to keep me
inside, either the trailer or the truck. When my stay here was
up, I was actually happy to move on.
wind. The wind was blowing hard every day. On the second
day, it brought misty rain, so not only was I getting
sand-blasted, it was just miserable enough to keep me
inside, either the trailer or the truck. When my stay here was
up, I was actually happy to move on.
Although not close to Mustang Island or Port Aransas, you
could see the oil and gas wells sticking up on the horizon.
Port Aransas is a small community who's primary means of
income is tourism and there are some cute cottages and a
beach you can drive your car on, which was kinda fun.
could see the oil and gas wells sticking up on the horizon.
Port Aransas is a small community who's primary means of
income is tourism and there are some cute cottages and a
beach you can drive your car on, which was kinda fun.
| USS LEXINGTON MUSEUM, CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS Click on any photo to enlarge |
| STEPHEN F. AUSTIN STATE PARK NEAR HOUSTON, TEXAS Click on any photo to enlarge |
| HOUSTON FIRE MUSEUM, HOUSTON, TEXAS Click on any photo to enlarge |
Yet another rainy day on the coast. I didn't have anything
planned for today, so I decided to plan some indoor
activities. Having seen the USS Lexington from across the
bay the night before, I decided that's what I'd do to stay out
of the rain. When you enter, they tell you to allow four
hours to tour the ship, but I spent the entire day, leaving at
closing time. I had just walked onto the ship when the
power went out. Since much of the tour is below deck,
they weren't allowing people to take the tour in the dark.
Many of the visitors opted to leave and were given refunds,
but I decided to stick it out, and I'm glad I did. Here are only
a small percentage of the photos I took. I picked out a few
of the best, and ones that don't require much explanation.
Don't hesitate to contact me if you're bored and want to
see the other 428 pictures from the USS Lexington.
planned for today, so I decided to plan some indoor
activities. Having seen the USS Lexington from across the
bay the night before, I decided that's what I'd do to stay out
of the rain. When you enter, they tell you to allow four
hours to tour the ship, but I spent the entire day, leaving at
closing time. I had just walked onto the ship when the
power went out. Since much of the tour is below deck,
they weren't allowing people to take the tour in the dark.
Many of the visitors opted to leave and were given refunds,
but I decided to stick it out, and I'm glad I did. Here are only
a small percentage of the photos I took. I picked out a few
of the best, and ones that don't require much explanation.
Don't hesitate to contact me if you're bored and want to
see the other 428 pictures from the USS Lexington.
After a disappointing stay at Mustang Island, I drove up
from Corpus Christi in the rain, dodging tornadoes and
severe thunderstorms most of the way. I arrived at
Stephen F. Austin State Park in the rain and, initially, left
the truck hooked to the trailer. When the rain stopped, I
went out to unhitch and set up, which is when I found out
that the tongue jack on the trailer wouldn't lift the weight. I
left it hitched up until the next morning and drove, with
trailer in tow, to Camping World, which was only a dozen
miles away, to pick up a new tongue jack. I returned to the
campground and made the necessary repairs and then
took a drive to explore some of the area.
from Corpus Christi in the rain, dodging tornadoes and
severe thunderstorms most of the way. I arrived at
Stephen F. Austin State Park in the rain and, initially, left
the truck hooked to the trailer. When the rain stopped, I
went out to unhitch and set up, which is when I found out
that the tongue jack on the trailer wouldn't lift the weight. I
left it hitched up until the next morning and drove, with
trailer in tow, to Camping World, which was only a dozen
miles away, to pick up a new tongue jack. I returned to the
campground and made the necessary repairs and then
took a drive to explore some of the area.
As you can see, Big Thicket is lush and green, but what
you can't see are all of the bugs. I was there the day after
the big rains, so the trails were a bit flooded in places. I
walked one of the trails a short distance but turned around
after being attacked by bugs and trying to sidestep the
flooded spots along the trail. When I make it back, I'll
certainly remember waterproof shoes and insect repellent.
The trails are well kept and I would have loved to have
gone farther back into the bayous.
you can't see are all of the bugs. I was there the day after
the big rains, so the trails were a bit flooded in places. I
walked one of the trails a short distance but turned around
after being attacked by bugs and trying to sidestep the
flooded spots along the trail. When I make it back, I'll
certainly remember waterproof shoes and insect repellent.
The trails are well kept and I would have loved to have
gone farther back into the bayous.
| FORT WORTH, TEXAS Click on any photo to enlarge |
| ABILENE STATE PARK, ABILENE, TEXAS Click on any photo to enlarge |
| CARLSBAD, NEW MEXICO AREA Click on any photo to enlarge |
Here is the Fort Wroth Fire Headquarters. When I arrived, the
Squad was getting a call and I still had my camera set for
low-light indoor conditions, so I ruined all the shots of the
truck rolling out. I did get a couple pictures when it returned
and backed into the station.
Squad was getting a call and I still had my camera set for
low-light indoor conditions, so I ruined all the shots of the
truck rolling out. I did get a couple pictures when it returned
and backed into the station.
Old Fire Station 1 in Fort Worth is now part of the "150 Years
of Fort Worth" museum. Access to the old station is through
the attached glass high rise building. There is some
interesting Fire Department history inside but much of the
museum is dedicated to Fort Worth's history in general, not
just the Fire Department.
of Fort Worth" museum. Access to the old station is through
the attached glass high rise building. There is some
interesting Fire Department history inside but much of the
museum is dedicated to Fort Worth's history in general, not
just the Fire Department.
Abilene State Park was originally intended to be an overnight
stop, but once I saw the shady campgrounds and the green
trees, I decided the New Mexico desert could wait another
day, and I added an extra night to my stay here. While I was
here I saw deer each day. When I shot the photo of the deer I
was only about 20-30 feet away. I also saw a horned toad,
but by time I got my camera, he was gone. I was also visited
by a cardinal who didn't sit still long enough for me to get
any good pictures, and I didn't even attempt to step outside
when the skunk was there. I know what being sprayed is
like, and I also know tomato juice doesn't work. I'm not as
dumb as I look, so I didn't get any pictures of the skunk..
stop, but once I saw the shady campgrounds and the green
trees, I decided the New Mexico desert could wait another
day, and I added an extra night to my stay here. While I was
here I saw deer each day. When I shot the photo of the deer I
was only about 20-30 feet away. I also saw a horned toad,
but by time I got my camera, he was gone. I was also visited
by a cardinal who didn't sit still long enough for me to get
any good pictures, and I didn't even attempt to step outside
when the skunk was there. I know what being sprayed is
like, and I also know tomato juice doesn't work. I'm not as
dumb as I look, so I didn't get any pictures of the skunk..
I really wasn't ready to leave Texas when I did, but I wasn't
able to stay any longer. The last stop on my trip was
Carlsbad, New Mexico. I stayed at Brantley State Park. This
is a typical desert campground, not very far from a desert
lake, with boring desert campsites. As a matter of fact,
when you make your reservations, the description of the
sites also tells you how many trees there are at each
campsite.
able to stay any longer. The last stop on my trip was
Carlsbad, New Mexico. I stayed at Brantley State Park. This
is a typical desert campground, not very far from a desert
lake, with boring desert campsites. As a matter of fact,
when you make your reservations, the description of the
sites also tells you how many trees there are at each
campsite.
The Pecos River crosses the entrance road to Brantley State
Park. It's almost like an oasis in the desert. There's no
indication that it's there until you see it, and if you don't look
around, you'd never know it was in the middle of the desert.
Park. It's almost like an oasis in the desert. There's no
indication that it's there until you see it, and if you don't look
around, you'd never know it was in the middle of the desert.
This is Sitting Bull Falls near Carlsbad, NM. I didn't know
what to expect, but what I found was not a 1000-foot drop,
nor was it a big river feeding a massive waterfall. I did find a
small waterfall dropping about 130 feet, and it was more of a
moderate trickle than anything else. This is touted as one of
the biggest waterfalls in the state of New Mexico. It was neat,
and for us desert rats, this is a truly beautiful waterfall. Not to
mention that at the bottom, on a hot day, it was pretty cool.
what to expect, but what I found was not a 1000-foot drop,
nor was it a big river feeding a massive waterfall. I did find a
small waterfall dropping about 130 feet, and it was more of a
moderate trickle than anything else. This is touted as one of
the biggest waterfalls in the state of New Mexico. It was neat,
and for us desert rats, this is a truly beautiful waterfall. Not to
mention that at the bottom, on a hot day, it was pretty cool.
As you can see, the sunset was enjoyable. There are no
towns near this park, but if you follow the river northeast
from Big Bend, Seminole Canyon is just as the river turns
south again.
towns near this park, but if you follow the river northeast
from Big Bend, Seminole Canyon is just as the river turns
south again.
In July of 2009, someone broke into my car and stole my laptop computer. I had kept a journal of my travels on my laptop, and I had not yet backed it
up to my desktop computer, so that is lost, most likely gone forever. I've been having trouble with text disappearing from this page and I no longer
have the journal to refer back to, so I have to rely exclusively on my memory, so I'm sure something will get screwed up. The bottom line is that I had
a great time in Texas. It was, for the most part, a relaxing trip, visiting some places I'd been to previously, and seeing some new places and things. I
enjoyed being at the coast at Padre Island, but the weather created some problems. I especially enjoyed staying at the Texas State Parks. They
were all very well maintained and the price was also right. It was nice that most were within a reasonable distance to big cities and the many sights I
wanted to see. I highly recommend Texas State Parks to anyone who loves camping.
up to my desktop computer, so that is lost, most likely gone forever. I've been having trouble with text disappearing from this page and I no longer
have the journal to refer back to, so I have to rely exclusively on my memory, so I'm sure something will get screwed up. The bottom line is that I had
a great time in Texas. It was, for the most part, a relaxing trip, visiting some places I'd been to previously, and seeing some new places and things. I
enjoyed being at the coast at Padre Island, but the weather created some problems. I especially enjoyed staying at the Texas State Parks. They
were all very well maintained and the price was also right. It was nice that most were within a reasonable distance to big cities and the many sights I
wanted to see. I highly recommend Texas State Parks to anyone who loves camping.
Craving seafood, I went to a restaurant in Port Aransas.
Expecting seafood to be plentiful, I was shocked to find that
Ribeye steak was the daily special, and that there was no
seafood on the list of daily specials. What kind of seafood
restaurant could this be? Cowfish? Well, I ordered the
stuffed crab and some Mahi Mahi, and it was just great.
Expecting seafood to be plentiful, I was shocked to find that
Ribeye steak was the daily special, and that there was no
seafood on the list of daily specials. What kind of seafood
restaurant could this be? Cowfish? Well, I ordered the
stuffed crab and some Mahi Mahi, and it was just great.
After arriving home that afternoon, I had some visitors to my
campsite. As you can see, the raccoon was being a bit
mischievous, as you'd expect, and had found a way into the
neighbor's screen room and was stealing something (I
couldn't tell what). The deer were there every afternoon and
evening.
campsite. As you can see, the raccoon was being a bit
mischievous, as you'd expect, and had found a way into the
neighbor's screen room and was stealing something (I
couldn't tell what). The deer were there every afternoon and
evening.
| BIG THICKET NATIONAL PRESERVE, TEXAS Click on any photo to enlarge |
Here we have the Houston Fire Museum in historic fire
station 7. Although crowded, like most firehouse
museums, this one had something I'd never seen before,
but was really impressed by. On the second floor where
the dorms and locker room are, they had the lockers set up
with glass doors, and each locker represented a different
era of firefighting by displaying items from that era. They
did a really good job of it. Besides the locker room they
had the usual array of fire apparatus, equipment, patches,
pictures and, of course, souvenirs for sale.
station 7. Although crowded, like most firehouse
museums, this one had something I'd never seen before,
but was really impressed by. On the second floor where
the dorms and locker room are, they had the lockers set up
with glass doors, and each locker represented a different
era of firefighting by displaying items from that era. They
did a really good job of it. Besides the locker room they
had the usual array of fire apparatus, equipment, patches,
pictures and, of course, souvenirs for sale.
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| Revised 12/14/2009 |