I visited quite a few other places on this trip. Some were small. Others were not so small. For some, I spent a day or two. For others, I spent just a few hours. But I enjoyed all of them. I put them all a single page. You can pick and choose your favorites.
Barton Creek Greenbelt in Austin
On this large-for-an-urban-environment trail system, it can be hard to believe you’re in a city. Because I went in winter, the river was almost entirely dry. I’m used to that, but this was a good size river.
I don’t think it’s swimming season nowAll that remains of the river here (for now) is this little pond. I’m sure when the rains come, it will look entirely different.Continuing my journey up the riverbed, a completely normal river seems appears suddenly.
Padre Island
I’m cheating here. I’m combining three nearby areas:
South Padre Island
Padre Island National Seashore
Mustang Island State Park
The cold and very windy weather was quite discouraging to human vistors, but the seagulls seemed to treat it like any other.This is the view from the visitor center. What must usually be a hotbed of activity was almost deserted due to cold temperatures and high winds.Mustang Island State Park
This area is where I started encoutering many interesting shells. Few people seemed to want to walk this far down the beach. Hmmm.
One of the more interesting mobile homes I’ve ever seen. Yes, it’s real wood.
Big Bend Ranch State Park
Trip-related complications prevented me from visiting very much of this large park. I limited my trip to the southeast portion, which is accessible by ordinary highway vehicles. But am I am planning a return visit so I can see much more. See Spring 2021.
Did some ancient civilization carve out huge dwellings in this mountain? Perhaps aliens did it! Naw, it’s just erosion – but of an interesting kind.These little white flowers could be seen all over some hillsidesThere is plenty of variety in this scene if you look for itOne of many good reasons to go camping is to savor some great views.The Fresno Divide Trail begins
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
My visit to this park was very brief, but I now know I want to come back when I can spend several days.
Although my visit to Guadalupe Mountains National Park was very brief, I know that I want to come back some time.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Astute visitors to this site will note that Carlsbad Caverns is not located in Texas. OK; you’ve got me. But I still enjoyed it.
The Hall of the GiantsThese stagmites remind me of Jabba the HutThe stalactites on the left were presumably broken off by careless visitors long ago, but we can still enjoy the scene on the right.
Palo Duro State Park
Palo Duro Canyon claims to be the second largest canyon in the country. It is called the Grand Canyon of Texas.
Palo Duro Canyon claims to be the second largest canyon in the country. It is called the Grand Canyon of Texas.The hoodos in this part of Texas differ from those I have seen in Utah and elsewhere by being stubbier and having slanted caprocks.I guess Texas can claim to be part of red rock country.
Adventure After 60 